The instructions were given to the Zora, and with Amphritus at the helm they all felt relatively confident. The new pilot was a bit out of his depth, but he was adapting as quickly as he could. There were many things he knew, but due to an interface confusion, or flat out error it would hinder the progress. The first item to compete was the transport pad so they could get parts quicker.
Zelda stayed there for a few months, traveling back and forth from the castle a few times to keep up with all of her royal duties.
She found out Link had been successful, with the help of the Guardians, destroying that horde of monsters. He was unharmed as well, which was always good to hear. He'd been aided by a Goron, who came to the castle on his instruction.
It turned out none of Impa's instructions and lists had been 'translated' before being sent to the other races of Hyrule, and an emergency message was sent to rectify it. Zelda had also been informed Darlas had been chosen as the Goron pilot of the Divine Beast Vah Rudania. Zelda was a little disappointed she hadn't been there, but Impa hadn't been there for Vah Ruta's naming, so it was only fair. Impa unfortunately was quite busy at the moment, and probably wouldn't be able to join Zelda on her journey until she got to Rito Village. While Zelda traveled to the Gerudo desert, Impa would work on Death Mountain. Zelda was fine with giving that duty, as she didn't care for the extreme temperatures. Gerudo desert also had pretty extreme temperature, but it wasn't 'literally burn to death in minutes' if you didn't keep on enchanted clothes or jewelry.
Impa was actually looking forward to it due to the hot springs. She may have only been in her thirties, but her love for hot springs was that of someone much older, in Zelda's opinion at least.
Her tour from the Zora Domain to the Gerudo Desert went the long way around Hyrule, so she could make a royal tour of sorts. She couldn't go to Kakariko unfortunately, but that was to be expected. It was a secret city after all. She would hopefully never find out exactly where it was, as only the king and queen were allowed such knowledge. Still, Paya joined up with her at a point between Zora Domain and Lonlon ranch where they refreshed their horses.
Having Paya join her was nice, but the journey still was work and felt very much like it. She smiled when she paraded through towns with her small party, but it was a work smile. When she got to the beginning of the canyon, they met up with the terminal for the Gerudo Divine Beast and its escort of guards. The Guardians couldn't go into the desert though, and they had to rely on purely organic guards.
It turned out the terminal guard had been attacked by a horde of monsters on their way from central Hyrule to the rendezvous point. The Guardians had made short work of the threat, though the moblins had been an issue. There had been one blue moblin in the group and a few blue bokoblins as well. There were no casualties thankfully, only a few injuries. The towers kept track of monster developments, but in more rural areas it was simply the logistics of getting the Guardians and army to the problem.
Two hordes, larger than anything spotted in the previous two centuries, within the span of two years. It really was all ramping up. Zelda wondered why she wasn't being attacked especially, but maybe the attacks weren't that intelligent, maybe they never would be, not without something more intelligent leading them.
Their trip through the canyon was hard, but nothing went wrong. The closest to danger Zelda came was when a pack of wolves approached their party one night, but they were more curious than malicious. Finally to the desert, Zelda started to miss the shadows the canyon walls could provide. The sun beat down, and her parasol did very little to compensate. Her hair was tied out of her way as much as it could, and covered, but it still was better suited for cold weather.
On the bright side, she mused, the sun would give her hair a fine color, as even as much as she tried to stay covered, the lapses would be more than enough.
She wore the looser fitting clothing of the Gerudo, though modified to cover more skin and protect from sun burn. Unlike the Gerudo, and some of the Hylians from the southern regions, Zelda burned quite easily. Even knowing that, it didn't stop Reba from teasing.
The desert night was cold, and the sky was vast. She felt as if she were adrift on a sea of sand.
They only had to be out in the open for two days before they reached the capital city. It was at the lower city that the men and women separated, as only women were allowed in the upper city. Outer and inner were perhaps the more accurate terms, as though the upper city was slightly higher, it wasn't built on a mountain by any means.
A few of the men were clearly curious about what the city was like, but respected the Gerudo traditions, be they combat or cultural. The lower city was just a less glamorous version of the upper parts in Zelda's opinion. There was very little missing except perhaps slightly clearer water in the aqueducts. The same brightly dyed fabrics, low square buildings, and striking jewelry.
Even though men were allowed in the lower city, there were very few of them, and the men of Zelda's guard were given a healthy amount of attention. She suspected this was another reason they had no real drive to want to see the upper city.
Reba met her at the gate to the upper city, a broad smile on her face.
"It's been far too long my friend!" she exclaimed. Zelda smiled back, hugging her friend. It was still a bit strange to hug her friend, as Zelda was used to being the near same height. Reba's growth spurt had hit her around 15 and since then they'd only seen each other in person a handful of times.
Zelda thought briefly about other pilots. Amphritus was much taller than her, and any Gerudo or Goron would be taller as well. Ritos also tended to be taller than Hylians… leaving just Link and her. Had he hit a growth spurt on his time away? Either way, Zelda supposed it didn't matter.
"I agree," Zelda said as they parted, "Though in the next few weeks you may get sick of me."
"Impossible," Reba said, "Well," She twisted a lock of hair, "If you only want to talk about your work I may. I tolerate it, but there are much more interesting things, yes?"
Zelda could only smile wider. "This is no vacation, but fatigue can be just as bad a sloth."
"I will take that as agreement. Come, my grandmother is waiting."
Zelda and her smaller party of only female guards and Arwana the researcher, followed Reba into the upper city.
While the Gerudo were relatively well off due to their trade of jewels mined from the canyons and highlands, there was still a clear difference between the upper and lower city. The stone was all kept bright white, mosaics more intricate depicting Gerudo heroes and kings of the past. They had yet to have another king since the last one died nearly 40 years ago, so Zelda supposed they weren't due for another one any time soon.
It was much cooler in the city as well, not just from the canopies and shade, but the cool water that ran in the aqueducts through the city. The city was built on an ancient spring that provided water in the harsh environment.
The party was given a room to set up their equipment, and a barrack to sleep. Zelda was given the special privilege of her own room, which she did appreciate. While their things were being settled, Zelda and Arwana went to meet the current Gerudo Chief, Reba's grandmother.
Chief Viina was a powerful presence. She was older, yes, but probably as strong, or stronger than many of her soldiers in their prime. Her hair was streaked, white lightning bolts through dark auburn hair, and her skin was weather beaten from a lifetime in the desert.
"Princess Zelda," the chief greeted, "you had a safe journey I presume."
"Quite so. Your guides were a great help."
"I would expect nothing less of them. I was thankful when the updated list came through, as we were able to prepare for you and your workshop."
Thank the goddesses that they had sorted that out. Zelda was relieved they could start right away.
"How long do you expect the selection process to take?" she continued.
"The Zora pilot was chosen within the first few hours, and the Goron pilot was also found quite quickly. However, I can't attribute that to anything but luck. How the Divine Beast makes its choice is very much a mystery."
Chief Viina nodded thoughtfully, and tapped her schminter at her side with a manicured nail. "There are many worthy in the ranks of the Gerudo people. I'm sure it won't take long."
Zelda was unsure how to respond. She didn't want to set them up for disappointment, but she also didn't want to offend a queen. She finally said, "Perhaps that's where the trouble will be, too many good choices. But all will go as it is meant to, I believe that truly."
Chief Viina laughed loud and strong, very reminiscent of Reba's own laugh. "Wise words Princess. Go rest now, I'm sure you must want to wash the desert off."
Zelda smiled in thanks and bid her leave. A servant led her to the bath house, and Zelda was very glad to rid herself of the sweat and sand. After washing herself, she waded into the bath. It wasn't hot like she was used to, but warm like the shower water. It was better for it, in her opinion, as a hot bath could cause heat stroke if not careful.
She changed into the sleep clothes left out for her, and set to work on her hair. She had kept her hair up and covered while out in the desert, but now that she had a bathroom and amenities, she could condition it in a way that let her wear it loose. The Gerudo styles did look a bit funny in her hair, but they were fun all the same. And nearly required so the back of her neck didn't melt. Zelda didn't understand how Reba sometimes could wear only a braid.
As she was changing into her pajamas, she realized she hadn't eaten yet, and knew Reba would bother her if she tried to just have something brought to her room. She made it back to her room to see another change of clothes on her bed. Ah yes, the Gerudo nightlife.
Zelda liked the night market, but at the moment she was quite tired. If Reba tried to pull her along to one, she'd have to rain check… so to speak.
She changed again and walked to Reba's room. Reba was writing something at her low table and highly focused. She was so focused she didn't notice Zelda's approach, and jumped when she asked, "What are you writing?"
"You're faster than I thought you would be. If I were you I'd have spent an hour to soak."
"I just want to eat and sleep," she answered honestly. She entered the room more fully, and when she tried to look over Reba's shoulder to read whatever it was she was writing, she moved to obscure the view. "Is that a love letter?"
Reba laughed awkwardly. "What? No. That would be ridiculous."
"Oh, you're right, my mistake. Is it the codes to secret Gerudo compounds?"
"Shut up," she said with no bite. As soon as the ink dried she put it in a drawer. "Now, time for dinner. I hope you're ready for lamb and voltfruit."
Dropping the letter from her mind, Zelda smiled. "Am I ever."
They walked to where the research team was eating and joined them at the low table. They spoke of trivialities, avoiding topics like the return of Ganon. Surprisingly they went to bed at a reasonable time, something Zelda was highly suspect of.
The next morning they set up the terminal, buzzing to life once connected to a power source. It's quiet murmur was a constant bother in the back of her head. They started the pilot tests by noon, but to everyone's disappointment, no one had been chosen by the time the sun skimmed the horizon. They had gone through a good 79 people, and Zelda would be lying if she wasn't a bit disheartened.
Dinner that night was also subdued, but due to worry as well as fatigue. Zelda almost made a speech, but decided it was only the first day. Just because they were lucky the first two times didn't mean they would be this time around as well.
Reba sat down between Zelda and Paya, wrapping her arms around them to pull them into a conspiratorial huddle.
"So, rest up from the desert yet?" she asked.
"It's not just the desert that's wiping me out," Zelda muttered.
"All the more reason to stretch our legs, don't you think, Paya?"
Paya remained stoic, probably not wanting to get caught up in whatever Reba was thinking. Zelda normally was very much into her antics, but due to the amount of responsibility her family had entrusted to her, she was reluctant. "We can go to the night market tomorrow night, you do always say that Thursdays are the best days for it."
"Night market?" Reba laughed, "Good plan for tomorrow, but I was thinking something more… fast for tonight."
"Fast…?" Zelda asked, looking to Paya.
Reba grinned and motioned with her head. She stood and waited for Zelda and Paya to get up too. Reluctantly, Zelda stood, Paya even more reluctantly following suit. Reba led them out to a balcony.
"Look down there, you see those lanterns?" Reba pointed to some lights out in the distance of the desert. "Those are the sandseal races."
Zelda frowned. "I've gone sand seal racing before. Why are you acting like it's some special thing?"
"Because, this goes through Molduga pass. It's the most dangerous, high stakes, sand seal race this side of the Gerudo Highlands."
Zelda was about to shake her head and let Reba down gentle. She was pretty fair at sand seal racing, but potentially fighting a Molduga? Why in Hyrule would she do such a thing?
"A Molduga?" Paya asked. Zelda thought she was going to do the hard part, but to her surprise, Paya looked almost determined. She turned to Zelda and quickly said, "Princess, I wouldn't expect you to go, but I was actually looking to hunt a Molduga."
Zelda furrowed her brow. "You can, but why?"
Paya shifted on her feet. "My mother… she needs a potion made from Mulduga, which are understandably hard to come by."
"Why didn't you tell me! That's more important than guarding me when I hardly need it!"
"Duty always comes first," Paya answered.
Zelda thought hard. On one hand, it was a bit reckless to go Molduga hunting at night, and she was a bit tired. On the other she wanted to help her friend… and it did sound pretty fun.
"Let's go then," Zelda said, "Let me get a Sheikah Slate, it might be of some help."
"You can bring that fancy toy out and about?" Reba asked.
"Of course I can," she said, "If I can get safe out of something, so can it. The real question is how we're going to get around your mom."
"We won't have to worry about that," Reba said, "she's visiting my dad."
She made a face, and Zelda smiled. "What, you didn't want to see him?"
"Considering my mom left with the comment, 'You've always wanted a younger sister, right Reba?' I think I would be intruding."
Reba's mom had married a lesser Hylian lord, the younger son of a younger son. That was how Zelda and Reba had first met, being two young girls around the same age in Castletown. As she'd grown older, her responsibilities to her Gerudo culture grew, and she needed to return so she could be trained to be a proper Gerudo woman. That being said, Zelda couldn't tell how much she really missed her parents, as they were both busy.
Zelda could relate quite a bit, as even though she loved her parents, and she knew they loved her, there was very little time that a normal family could have. That was something she hoped in her family she could provide. Her being the second child, she had some hope. After she sealed Ganon, perhaps she could just rest on her laurels for the rest of her life. For some reason she doubted she would be let off so easy, even all things considered.
"It is unfortunate men can't be brought into the city…" Zelda said.
With a huff, Reba said, "Then my parents would just act love-y dove-y in front of me all the time."
"You don't think they would get tired of each other?"
"Oh, no. I don't think anything could."
They made their way to Zelda's room so she could change into more appropriate racing clothes.
"Still, I feel it would be strange to live without men. I understand the lower city allows them, but that rule gets turned around so often its just not practical."
Reba nodded. "The real traditionalists insist the entire city should only have women, but the more modern minded can see the benefit of having at least some of them. It allows us to entertain foreign diplomats… and besides, it wasn't always an actual rule, it was just what would happen. I guess, considering how history has treated us, tradition is important to keep the culture alive."
"I suppose so, and there's nothing stopping Gerudo from leaving and living somewhere else, or returning."
"Leaving and returning is an important aspect of Gerudo culture! There will always be a home here."
At the room, Zelda changed and braided her hair back before covering it with a wrap. She was pretty sure no one would stop her, but there was a small chance someone might take issue with their guest, a Hylian princess, going into so much danger. With some stealth, they crept to the royal sand seal stables to get their mounts.
Reba practically tackled hers, a large seal she'd raised since it was a pup. They had a little trouble with the noise the seals started to make, but Paya was quick to sooth them. They took the quickest ones, and set out to the desert.
Once on the open sand, Zelda let herself feel the fun. She liked the feeling of the wind in her hair, but it also got in her way, so practicality demanded she keep it back. Still, she smiled widely as they raced in the moonlit desert. She didn't even need to manifest a light orb to see. Reba and Paya also were reveling in the freedom, zig-zagging in race. Zelda didn't feel a need to race.
If they wanted to hunt a Molduga they needed proper weapons. Reba normally wielded a two handed broadsword, but now she held a spear more suited for mounted combat. It was a bit tricky to ride one handed, but it was doable.
Zelda wasn't sure how many weapons Paya had on her, but it was more than enough to kill a Moduga. Zelda was more for moral support, as she was only versed in archery, which required two arms, and she wasn't as skilled as the Gerudo mounted archers, who trained to be able to sand seal surf using their shoulders or legs.
No one stopped them, and they made it to where Reba said the Molduga pass started. The rocks ascended up like the rib cage of a giant snake. It wasn't in the canyon or the highlands, but a channel formed of the raised rocks through the desert. As they raced along, Reba eventually called out, "We're getting close to where we should start the hunt."
The pass would widen into an area they could move more freely. Zelda would also serve as the spotter and bomb thrower.
Sure enough, the pass opened to a large round area. Zelda tapped the preselected bomb rune and dropped it on the sand. After the group was a safe distance away, she hit the detonate switch. It went off magnificently and they only had to wait a few minutes before a large rumbling shook the sand and spooked the seals.
With a grand leap, a Molduga jumped out of the sand, just nearly clipping Paya. Paya had been prepared and poofed onto the back of the creature. She drew a short sword and stabbed deeply into its back. It roared and flipped onto its back before diving back under the sand. Paya poofed back near her sand seals, grabbing a hold of its reins and getting it back to a faster speed.
Reba let out a hollar, and skimmed her spear on the sand. She yelled to Zelda, "Another bomb if you could!"
Zelda summoned another bomb and let it drop.
The Molduga breached again, Reba being the one who was ready for it this time. She circled it, striking with her spear. Paya threw a few shuriken, one hitting the Molduga in the eye. It let out a bellow and Reba threw her spear at the eye on the other side. At that, it started a blind rampage.
Rebe ran out of the way, while Paya drew her short sword again. Zelda was paying too close attention to the death throes, and missed the sand moving behind her.
In an eruption of sand, a Molduga jumped into the air, spooking her sand seal. The sudden change in direction and speed broke Zelda's grip on the reins and she fell to the ground. She just had time to look up and see the Molduga staring down at her, while the dying one flopped its way towards her. She dashed out of the way of the rampaging one, hearing distantly Paya and Reba calling for her.
Acting more on instinct she drew her bow, only later she would realize it was a manifested one, along with the arrow, and fired nearly point blank on the two Moldugas. It lit up the night like a second moon.
But as the light grew, Zelda found her consciousness slipping away.