While the castle slept, Zelda made her way to the stables once more, saddling Storm and slipping out into the night. She couldn't stand to be cooped up another minute within the castle's walls and under her father's watchful eye. With each passing minute, she was wasting time when she could be out - should be out - learning everything she could about the ancient technology that would aid them in their fight against Ganon. Trying to get into those strange structures had proved to be a waste of time, but at least Zelda could resume her work with the Divine Beasts. There were still two more that she needed to make adjustments to, and she was eager to feel useful once more.
She pointed Storm towards Gerudo Desert where she would find Urbosa and the Divine Beast Vah Naboris. The desert was at the southernmost point of Hyrule and would prove to be the longest journey, but she was determined to make it there as quickly as possible. She couldn't count on time to be on their side for much longer.
The cool air blew her hair around her face as Storm galloped through Hyrule. It was enough to keep her awake as they rode through the night and into the early morning when they finally arrived at the outskirts of the desert. She slowed Storm into a trot as they neared the stables and dismounted. She knew the desert would be too much for the horse to accompany her, so she would have to make the rest of the trip across and to the city on foot.
She patted Storm's neck and offered him an apple from her bag as Link always did. The horse nickered happily and ate the treat out of her palm. She left him in the care of the stable hand and made her way into the desert as the sun's rays crested the horizon. Fortunately, the desert was still cool enough without the full warmth of the sun, and she made it to Gerudo City before the heat became too unbearable.
She followed the Gerudo guards through the city, which was alive with female travelers, merchants, and young Gerudo vai, and up the large steps that brought them to Urbosa. The Gerudo Champion greeted Zelda kindly as she entered.
"Princess," she said with a warm smile. Her eyes scanned the room quickly. "Where is your knight?"
"I'm alone," Zelda said.
Urbosa's smile disappeared. "You came all this way by yourself?"
"Is that so surprising?" Zelda asked.
Urbosa's smile returned as she shook her head. "I don't think it wise to be traveling alone."
"I can take care of myself," Zelda said.
Urbosa's eyes softened. "How has your training been going?" she asked, changing the subject.
Zelda averted her gaze, hesitant.
Again, Urbosa changed the direction of the conversation, reading Zelda all too well. "Have you come to check on Vah Naboris?"
"Yes," Zelda said, meeting Urbosa's gaze once more. "I'd like to make some adjustments to it. Can you take me there?"
Urbosa nodded. "Right to work, then," she said. "I'll meet you outside the city with the sand seals."
She watched as Zelda left, then turned to one of her guards. "Send a messenger to Hyrule Castle," she instructed. "The king will be worried about his daughter. Tell him she is safe with me. I'm sure he will send Link here. I'm certain he'll arrive before tomorrow, so keep an eye out for him, hm?"
Urbosa stayed with Zelda over the course of the day. She worked tirelessly on the Divine Beast, ensuring that it was in working order and that Urbosa had a handle on the controls. By midday, the sun was high and hot, causing the desert to rise to a blistering heat. They retreated off of Vah Naboris, but it wasn't much cooler on the ground.
With Sheikah Slate in hand, Zelda decided to try to continue her research. It was likely there would be many more Guardians buried out there in the desert, and possibly even more mysterious structures and devices that could provide more clues about the Sheikah Slate or reveal hidden details from ten thousand years ago. She wasn't about to waste a moment dedicated to her research.
With Urbosa at her side, she ventured through the desert. Urbosa brought her to various places that she thought might have some significance, like the seven mysterious statues to the east of Gerudo Town. They traveled to the mysterious labyrinth to the east, and even far north west to the Gerudo Ruins, but nothing came about their long day's work, much to Zelda's dismay.
The sun was setting when they returned to Vah Naboris, and Zelda was feeling more defeated than ever. She wanted nothing more than to prove herself - to her father, to herself, to the people of Hyrule who depended on her - but she came up empty at every turn. Not only could she not awaken the sealing power she supposedly possessed, she couldn't even find answers to the Sheikah Slate or the mysterious structures scattered throughout Hyrule. She felt like nothing but a failure to her own destiny.
Urbosa and Zelda stood on Vah Naboris, looking out over the desert as the sun began it's descent. Zelda had been quiet on their way back as she debated what she should do next. She still needed to make her way to Zora's Domain. Perhaps she would find some luck there.
"It's not over," Urbosa said to her, reading the defeat on her face. "It's far from over. Have faith."
"It could be over tomorrow," Zelda said. "The fate of Hyrule rests on my shoulders, and I can't even find the power in me to save it."
"Give yourself time," Urbosa said. "It will come. It's in your destiny."
Zelda sighed. "I wish it were that easy," she said softly. "It was so easy for Link. He doesn't have to do anything. He was just chosen."
"As were you," Urbosa reminded her. "And he has no magic to awaken like you."
"Easy," Zelda repeated.
"I don't think you give him enough credit," she said to the princess. "It's not so easy to be willing to put your life on the line every day like he does."
Zelda said nothing. She supposed she hadn't really considered that. She yawned as a wave of exhaustion hit her body, making her eyes grow heavy. Her legs felt numb, and she allowed herself to sit, dangling her legs over the edge of the Divine Beast.
"You've done enough for today," Urbosa said. "Tomorrow is a new day."
Link walked towards Urbosa. Zelda was leaning against her, presumably sleeping. Urbosa looked up as he approached with a kind smile on her face.
"Ah, well… you certainly got here fast," she said over her shoulder, taking care not to wake the princess. "I should have expected as much, from the princess's own appointed knight." She turned her gaze to the girl sleeping soundly on her shoulder. "She was out on a survey all day today. Still as the sands now." She turned her gaze back to Link. "So? Spill it, boy. Have the two of you been getting along all right?"
Link hesitated, but Urbosa continued.
"It's okay, I know. Your silence speaks volumes." She turned her gaze back to Zelda. "She gets frustrated every time she looks up and sees you carrying that sword on your back. It makes her feel like a failure when it comes to her own destiny." She turned back to Link and smiled in an attempt to reassure him. "Don't worry, it's not like you carry blame in any of this." Urbosa sighed lightly. "Its unfortunate. She's put in more than enough time. Ever since she was a young girl, she's gone through rigorous daily routines to show her dedication." Urbosa looked out over the desert under the silver glow of the moon. "She once passed out in the freezing waters trying to access this sealing power. And she has nothing to show for it."
Link looked down at the sleeping princess as Urbosa spoke.
"That's the motivation driving her research. I'd be doing the same thing. She really is quite… special." She paused and turned to Link. "You be sure to protect her with your life. It's quite the honor." Her eyes drifted to Zelda once more as a cool breeze came in from the night air. "The night brings a chill. It's probably time to take her in." She smiled a sly grin. "Or…"
She snapped her fingers and a strike of lightning split the sky and crashed down onto the desert below them, shaking the ground and causing Zelda to awaken with a startled gasp.
"Urbosa! What was that? Did you feel that?" She looked around them quickly, her eyes darting back and forth until they rested on Link behind her. "Wait, what - how did you - what are you doing here?"
Urbosa threw her head back in laughter as Zelda's gaze moved between her and Link.
"Wh-what's so funny?" she stammered, confused by Urbosa's reaction. She turned her gaze back to Link. "What are you doing here?" she repeated.
"I sent for him," Urbosa said as she got to her feet. "He should be here, with you."
Zelda averted her gaze and attempted to focus her still groggy mind.
"Come," Urbosa said. "It's late. You both need your rest."
