I stared out into the desert from the palace's top floor, watching as the soldiers marched towards the valley. They grew progressively smaller until they were nothing but a speck, barely recognizable. Eventually they disappeared completely. I sighed disheartened. Waiting for their return was slowly killing me, the anxiety inside of me building up. I needed something to do, something to distract me, for simply sitting in Urbosa's room worrying would drive me insane.

Suddenly I wished Link was with me. His presence always seemed to calm me. I folded my hands, wondering how he was doing, how far along in his trials he was. It was then I realized I missed Link; I missed his cooking, his reassuring smile, his calm demeanor, his support... I just missed him.

I let out a laugh and shook my head. How had I gone from abhorring that knight to missing him? It truly was a conundrum. Then again I had been very prickly in the beginning of our journey. Closed-off and withering in my own isolation. But slowly... things had changed. And although I knew I had those close to me I could rely on before, I never truly believed it. But now... Now for the first time in years I felt close to others again.

And it felt nice.

Standing up, I grabbed my bow, deciding some archery practice might quiet my worrying mind. I made my way to the training grounds, which were oddly deserted. Gerudo Town seemed eerily quiet, a somber tone over the town while their warriors were battling. My guards that remained were positioned at the entrance to the palace, sitting down on the steps, but still alert.

I quickly informed them that I would be at the training grounds and then continued on my way. Grabbing some practice arrows, I fired several rounds, feeling better as my body worked. As I pulled the bowstring back, ready to fire another arrow, a Gerudo guard entered the training area, out of breath and a frightened look on her face. I lowered my bow. "What is it, Fosaku?" My thoughts instantly going to Impa, Urbosa, and Revali. What if one of them was injured, or worse? In an instant, fear gripped my body.

Fosaku met my gaze, "Princess, I need you to come with me. There's something..." Fosaku shook her head. "Just come with me. Quickly!"

I needed no more prompting and quickly followed the Gerudo, wondering what was so serious. Fosaku was normally very collected in dire situations. I had never seen her this rattled. We jogged out of the palace and up a staircase that led to the top of the walls surrounding Gerudo Town. Water ran through the center of the walls, transporting fresh, cool water throughout the town. Carefully Fosaku and I made out way along the edge of the water trough. Fosaku stopped and pointed to the southwest.

I squinted in that direction, not sure what I was looking for. The desert looked normal, sandy and flat with a crisp blue sky overhead. "I don't understand." I stated, confused. Just as I said it, my eyes caught movement. But it wasn't typical movement made by an animal or even the wind blowing sand. This was something else... something terrifying.

As I watched the desert ground, I saw the sand shift, going from flat ground to a mound of sand in seconds. The mound remained motionless for some time, but then moved, inching closer and closer to Gerudo Town.

I swallowed, recalling all the stories I had heard when I was a child staying in Gerudo Town. Urbosa and the others would tell me stories about ferocious beasts that lived beneath the sand, hunting prey down by listening their footsteps, and then gulping them up in one bite.

"It can't be." I breathed. "That's impossible."

Fosaku turned to me, her eyes firm but there was a glimmer of fear in them. "All those stories come from somewhere Zelda."

"A sand menace." I whispered.

Fosaku's lips pinched into a thin line. "Yes. A Molduga. Nothing else could move the sand like that."

"What do we do?" I bit my lip, trying to recall the stories I had heard about Moldugas and how the heroes had defeated them.

Forsaku brought a hand to her head, trying to think. "Most of our warriors are gone. If that thing is headed for Gerudo, we are in trouble. We don't have the forces to protect the town."

I watched the mound of sand creeping closer and closer to the town, sometimes moving slow, other times moving painfully fast. Quickly I made up my mind, knowing the safety of Gerudo Town was in my hands. Urbosa had left me in charge; I couldn't let her down. "It's coming here." I stated. "The sound of people moving are drawing it to us. We need to act quickly if we are to defend the town."

Fosaku nodded, but looked hesitant. "I know we can't just sit around and do nothing, but what can we do?"

"It's virtually invulnerable when it's beneath the sand." I recalled, "Thus we need to lure it out. And once it's out we need to hit it with our strongest attacks." My brain quickly devised a plan, trying to think of everything we had at our disposal. "We need to gather all those left who can fight. Civilians should remain inside and off the ground. Have them rest on beds and upper levels of buildings. We need to inform everyone now. Once done, meet me at the front of the palace."

Fosaku nodded, appearing wary, but she left to fill out my orders. Making my way down to the ground level, I ran through the streets of Gerudo, knowing we didn't have much time. I raced back to my room and grabbed my quiver of arrows, my bow already with me from when I had been training. Once done, I collected as many warriors as I could find, including my guards.

We waited for Fosaku to return, watching as more guards trickled in to join our growing circle. Despite this our numbers were lacking. The guards all looked at me, confusion and worry on their faces, uncertain as to why they were being called here. Not to mention the civilians were all retreating indoors.

Finally Fosaku returned, stepping next to me. "It is done, Princess."

I nodded, "Good." My eyes scanned the warriors in front of me, knowing I'd have to plan carefully with the numbers we had. "Danger approaches Gerudo Town." I started, earning intense stares from the Gerudo. "A beast many have only heard of in stories is headed our way. If we want to save the town and the people here, we need to act swiftly and carefully."

I watched them nod their heads, all ready to defend their town, no questions asked. "This beast, Princess. What is it?" One called, curious.

"A Molduga." I uttered, earning startled looks from everyone. "We don't have much time before it's here, so listen carefully." The Gerudo huddled around me, intently listening. "Our only chance of defeating it is to draw it out of the sand. To do that, we need bait." I bit my lip, knowing no one would like it, but it had to be done. "A party of warriors will be sent out on sand seals to lure the Molduga out. While this is happening, those in the city need to mount an attack. We need something that packs a strong punch in one blow." I pointed towards the training grounds. "I know we don't have many, but we need to position the canons towards the southwest. Place them at the entrances and on top of the walls. Hopefully we can buy enough time for those positioned in Gerudo Town to get the canons in place."

Fosaku arched an eyebrow. "We?"

I nodded, "Urbosa left me in charge. I plan to lead the unit going out into the field. I know its dangerous, but I've read about Moldugas and their behavior and weaknesses. With that knowledge I can lead our warriors effectively."

Fosaku looked hesitant, along with several other Gerudo warriors. "I'm also the best shot around here, and although I'm not sure if this plan will work, I'm the one that can most likely pull it off." I held up the rope I had grabbed earlier. "I can make several tethers with this rope by attaching it to my arrows. If I can impale the monster with several arrows, we can anchor it in place so it can't escape... at least in theory."

A Gerudo warrior stepped forwards, her blue-green eyes staring down at me. "If you want to pierce the hide of a Molduga, you'll need Thunderspears." She turned to Fosaku, "Give them to her. If there is ever an exception, it is now."

Several other Gerudo spoke up in agreement. I looked between the two Gerudo, "What are Thunderspears?" I asked.

Without breaking eye contact from the other Gerudo, Fosaku responded, "They are a weapon Gerudo used long ago to slay Molduga. They are long arrows with extremely hardy and pointed ends. But ordinary bows cannot use them. In order to use them, you need the Lightning Bow, which is a prized possession of the Gerudo along with the Thunderhelm. It is a treasure not used for battle anymore. However I believe today is an exception. Just know it is a lot harder to use than normal bows."

I arched an eyebrow and looked at the Bow of Light on my back. "I've grown used to finicky bows. Besides, its the best option we have."

"Understood. Rilin, retrieve the bow and Thunderspears for Zelda." Fosaku told the other Gerudo how instantly obeyed.

Taking over, I divided the Gerudo into two groups, one to stay and defend the town, while the other would accompany me to lure out the Molduga. Two Gerudo quickly ran off to prepare several sand seals, while I made my way with my three guards and twelve warriors to the Western entrance. My eyes instantly caught sight of the unnatural mound of sand, too close for my liking.

Rilin appeared seconds later, a giant bow in her hands as well as several arrows that were half the size of me, the arrowheads longer than my forearms. I stared at the bow and arrows wide eyed, not expecting them to be so large. This may have been more difficult than I expected. Regardless, I took the bow and arrows and began to tie ropes onto the ends, several Gerudo coming to help me. Once this was done, I gave my normal bow and quiver to Rilin and strapped the large quiver to my waist, and the giant bow to my back, which was almost as tall as me.

By now the sand seals were ready and I mounted one, trails of rope spilling out onto the shield. I glanced down at the Thunderspears, counting them. There were 13 in all, a decent number but I feared not enough. At least two of them would be wasted as I acclimated to the bow, perhaps more.

"Are we ready?" I yelled so everyone could hear me. Cheers rose around me, everyone ready to set out. I turned to Rilin and said, "Please inform the others to aim for the belly and the snout. It is weakest there. I am leaving Fosaku in charge. If the worst should happen, everyone should remain still inside the Town. The Molduga shouldn't be attracted to the town if all is quiet."

Rilin looked at me sternly, "Very well." She replied, no emotion on her face. "Be careful, Princess."

I gave a stiff nod in response, my eyes focused on the moving sand in the distance. "Let's go!" I exclaimed and with a flick of our wrists all of us were set in motion, racing towards the monstrosity before us. I took a deep breath, my jaw firmly set and eyes intensely focused on the target. "When we get closer, divide into groups. We can confuse it; it won't know for sure who to attack. When it is about to surface, you'll have several seconds to evade it. So stay on full alert!"

The others cried out in agreement as we road. Closer and closer we drew to the Molduga and I signaled for the group to split apart. Three groups of Gerudo branched off from, my guards staying with me. I swerved to the left while the others headed straight for the buried creature, knowing I had to get shots in while the monster was above ground.

As the three groups closed in, they went to surround the creature. As they did this, the ground began to tremble and a flurry of sand flew into the air as a massive fish-like behemoth erupted from the ground, flying high into the air for all to gaze upon its dark brown and tan form. My eyes widened in shock, knowing they were large monsters, yet I hadn't expected this. Still, it would make my job much easier since my target was ginormous.

Tugging on my reins, I headed straight for the Molduga, who was crashing back onto the land. A wave of sand flew into the air as it landed with a loud thud, and I blinked sand particles from my eyes, tears forming from the sting. The Molduga laid still on the ground, like a beached fish. I lifted the giant bow, a Thunderspear already notched. My arm pulled the bowstring back, my muscles straining in the process. Releasing the arrow, it twirled in the air as it arched through the sky, a long rope trailing behind it. The arch wasn't clean, but it hardly mattered with a target that big. The arrow sunk into the creature's side, the Thunderspear piercing though the monster's thick skin, causing dark red blood to stream from the wound.

The Molduga flailed in pain as I began to circle it, readying another Thunderspear. As I did this, one of my guards stayed behind to stake the rope down. The other two followed me. Aiming another Thunderspear, I released it as canon fire sounded. Several canon balls came crashing down, two landing in the sand while the third hit the monster in the dorsal fin, resulting in an unnerving crack.

Quickly my guard tied the second rope down. I made to fire another arrow, but before I could get into position, the Molduga whipped it's tail around, ripping the stakes that held the ropes down clean out of the sand. Then the creature burrowed underneath the sand within a blink of an eye.

I bit my lip. "Try to lure it out again!" I cried to the Gerudo. They quickly began to circled the mound of sand, taunting the injured beast. Turning to my guards, I said, "I need two of you to find the two ropes and stake them down again. Another one needs to come with me. I need to get two more shots in. Then we'll have a chance at immobilizing it."

The guards nodded, agreeing who would do what without even speaking a word. Then we were off, charging towards the Molduga, who had appeared once more, flying into the air and landing clumsily on the ground. A wave of sand assaulted me, but I covered my eyes this time, trying to prevent them from burning more than they already did. Nearing the beast, two of my guards raced off, while the other followed me. Taking careful aim, I released another Thunderspear, which hit the beast below the head.

Before I could land the second Thunderspear, canons fired once more, this time two hit the Molduga. The monster let out a grotesque moan, it's dorsal fine broken and body bloody. Still, it would take more to kill this beast. We needed to immobilize it. Determined, I grabbed another Thunderspear and, taking a deep breath, watched as the giant arrow lodged itself deep into the Molduga's flesh. My guard quickly tied it down.

The creature tried to whip it's tail around again, however the ropes prevented it from doing so, holding it in place. More cannonballs crashed into the sand and Molduga. I retreated, rejoining with the other warriors on sand seals as we watched the cannonball assault. One cannon hit the large chin bone of the Molduga, breaking it. Again the Molduga gave an unsettling moan, its body besieged and broken.

Only a few more shots and the monster would be taken care of. Yet as the next volley of cannon balls came down, the best began to slither into the sand, shaking its body back and forth so it would sink into the sand. As the cannons landed, the Molduga disappeared beneath the ground, the ropes finally snapping from the strain of holding such a large being. The canons collided with the sand, sending up a spray of the tiny particles.

We stared at the empty space before us, uncertain. I tightened my grip around the bow, knowing we had to act quickly. I turned back to the soldiers with me. "We need to lure it out once more. A few more injuries and it will be done for." The Gerudo nodded in agreement, all too willing to risk it all in battle.

"Princess! Look!" One soldier cried and pointed a finger behind me. I whipped my head around to see the mound of sand reappear. In a flash it darted closer to Gerudo Town, its trajectory obvious.

"Go!" I shouted, "We cannot allow it to reach the town!" Before I even finished speaking, we were all racing to catch up to the beast as it swam through the sand, its sights set on Gerudo Town. Approaching Gerudo Town, the monster suddenly stopped, sensing movement behind it. Then I watched as the mound of sand turned and started towards us.

"Scatter!" I screamed as the large body of the Molduga shot up into the air. Terror filled me as I saw it's giant form high above me, knowing I'd be easily squished beneath it. My sand seal fled, dragging my shield and me along with it. As it did this, I tied the reins to my arm and turned around, taking aim with a Thunderspear. The Thunderspear punctured the Molduga's abdomen, blood gushing out and showering the sand red below it. The monster hit the sand in a shower of sand. Canon fire once more sounded and I redirected my sand seal to head back to the Molduga.

Once more, I grabbed a Thunderspear and took aim. The Thunderspear hit the Molduga's snout, causing me to frown. I had been aiming for the eye. The Thunderspears were long enough that if I could fire them with enough power, I could probably pierce the creature's brain, thus I was aiming for the soft tissue of the eyes.

I took another tTunderspear, and halted my sand seal as it was easier to aim while standing still. The spear landed between the creature's eyes, closer, but still not good enough. More cannons fired. By now the Molduga was battered and more red than brown, sand sticking to its bloodied skin. Still, it had the energy to retreat once more underground, and I feared before long it would disappear completely to recover and strike again. We had to finish it now as this was likely our last chance.

"Once more!" I shouted. "We need to get it to surface once more. This will be our last shot!"

Cheers went up and the Gerudo instantly went into action, racing across the sand, towards where the Molduga had disappeared. I followed, staying further back so I could adjust depending on where the Molduga appeared. Up ahead was Gerudo Town; the Molduga had come quite close to the town. I could make out several warriors on top of the walls standing next to cannons. Fosaku was at the center, directing them.

Focusing on the desert ahead of me, I waited for the creature to reappear, my hand holding tightly to the Lightning Bow. I didn't have to wait long; however, despite my precautions and planning, I had not anticipated the Molduga appearing right below me.

The ground began to shake and my sand seal started to panic, making startled barks. Then the sand exploded in a wave. I road the wave, however my sand seal jerked hard to the right as I road down, causing me to be wrenched from my shield. I was tossed to the side and slammed into the sandy desert ground.

My eyes instantly shot up to look at the towering giant floating momentarily in the sky. Stumbling to my feet, I grabbed the nearest Thunderspear and fired it, where it landed deep in the monster's belly. Then the beast plummeted to the earth while I darted to the side and grabbed two Thunderspears. The shockwave sent off from the monster's impact with the ground sent me flying into the sand. Still I held on tight to my weapons.

"Princess!" I heard someone cry and looked up to see my guards nearing me.

"I'm fine." I said and spit out sand. I turned around and took aim at the molduga, its giant bloodied head pointed in my direction, its beady eyes surrounded by bone white eyelashes staring straight at me.

Inhaling, I focused my mind, staring the beast dead in the eye. And then I let the Thunderspear go. It twirled through the air, creating a short arch and then dug its way clean through the soft tissue of the Molduga's eye. The beast let out a tremulous groan and thrashed upon the sand. The force of the beast flailing caused the ground to shake, making me lose my balance. I fell into the sand once again, my hands clawing at the sand as I tried to get away from the beast. Thankfully one of my guards came to my rescue, plucking me up from the sand as she glided upon her shield, the sand seal pulling it barking in alarm.

As this occurred, I watched as several more cannonballs descended upon the Molduga, some missing, some colliding with a resounding crack against the Molduga's skull and back. Blood sprayed from the wounds, and with one final attack, the last cannon ball hit the Molduga's skull, right between the eyes. The bone cracked, the noise making me shudder. The Molduga let out a bone-chilling moan and then fell limp, its broken and gory body just a mass of mutilated flesh.

I let out a long exhale, relief sweeping through me. I had done it. I was able to defend Gerudo Town.

My guard, along with the others road back to the western entrance of Gerudo Town. Somehow we had managed to keep the Molduga from attacking the town as well as destroying the Hylian and Sheikah encampments, which were deserted currently. Still the Molduga's corpse rested all to close to the southern end of the encampment and southwest of Gerudo Town.

Stepping of the shield, I found Fosaku waiting for me, a smile on her face. "We did it." She stated and bowed her head, "Thanks to you, Princess."

I nodded at her praise, "I didn't want to let Urbosa down." I answered honestly.

"Urbosa knows you are capable." She pointed to the Molduga, "This is evidence enough."

My eyes shifted back to the dead creature, making me frown. "We were able to defeat it without any casualties or damage... but it is still unnerving that it's' here. How do we know more won't appear?"

"You're right." Another Gerudo spoke up. "When Natuma returns we'll discuss with her about setting up patrols throughout the desert. We need to be ready if more appear."

"You probably want to retrieve the Thunderspears." I said, recalling I had dropped the remaining Thunderspears and Lightning Bow. "You may need them again."

"I will organize a party to retrieve the weapons as well as the cannonballs. We may need them again too... sooner than we'd like in fact."

I nodded, relieved that this threat had been taken care of, yet there was a nagging uneasiness inside me that wouldn't go away. Probably because we all knew this was just the beginning. Still, I tried to reason, at least now we were prepared for anymore Moldugas.

As the Gerudo dispersed, I returned to the courtyard in front of the palace and made an announcement to the people there. They looked scared but reassured that the threat was over. Still the hint of worry had not left their faces as most of their warriors and chief were still locked in battle.

Now that the battle with the Molduga was over, my initial worry had resurfaced. I sent a silent prayer to Hylia once more that Impa, Revali, and Urbosa would return safely. Then I withdrew to the palace, feeling anxious. I paced the palace throne room, back and forth, back and forth... Lost in thoughts that went nowhere.

Eventually Fosaku and another Gerudo, whose name I recalled was Ukimo, entered the palace. "The bow, Thunderspears, and cannonballs have all been retrieved. We've left the canons up on the wall in case another instance such as this occurs." Fosuko informed.

"And the Molduga?" I asked, wondering what exactly to do with it.

Fosaku shrugged, "I'm not sure, Princess. It seems too large to move, but we can't leave it to decay so close to the city."

"I know." I rubbed my temple, trying to think of a solution. "If we tied enough sand seals to it, do you think we'd be able to drag it away? I'm not sure what else we could use, especially in the desert where horses can't go."

"Perhaps." Ukimo responded, "With its tough hide and strong bones, I don't think dismembering it and transporting it would be much easier."

I grimaced, "And far less appealing." I sighed, "Let's try dragging it away. Do you have a topological map of the desert? We can try to find a route that is mostly downhill to aid in the transport." I wished I still had the Sheikah Slate for such a purpose, however Purah was using it for her research.

"If we do, Natuma would have one in her quarters or there would be one in the library." Forsaku answered.

I nodded, "Very well. You two make preparations to move the Molduga. It's too late to start today, so organize a team to set out tomorrow morning. I'll be in the library. Please let me know if there is any word about how the battle is going."

"Understood, Princess." The Gerudo chimed in unison, bowed, then left. As they vanished below the stairs, I hurried to the library. The Gerudo library was much smaller than the one back at the castle, yet it was crammed with books and scrolls. Dust was beginning to accumulate from lack of us. Although the Gerudo respected scholars, being a warrior was the utmost honor, thus most pursued that route. The library was more of a storage room for important documents in case anyone needed them.

Shuffling through the room, being careful to not trip over the stacks of books on the floor, I began to make my way through the maze of books and shelves, trying to figure out where a map might be. There wasn't much of an organization system in this makeshift library, which made finding anything extremely vexing.

I began to pillage through books, finding several that had to do with the geology of the Gerudo Desert. Finally I managed to find a book with a fold out map of the desert, relieved to see it was a topological map. Finding a place to sit, I analyzed the map, trying to find the best route to drag the Molduga.

As I did this, the door suddenly burst open, making me jump. I looked at the intruder, eyes wide. It was a young Gerudo guard. Her eyes were serious but there was a look of relief in them. "The soldiers have been spotted." She uttered, breathless. "Chief Urbosa and the others are on their way back!"

I slammed the book shut and raced out the door, following the Gerudo. I stopped when I exited the town, the sun sinking towards the west. Yet in the distance was the outline of a group of soldiers.

I let out a deep sigh and watched as they returned, my feet rooted in place. I wasn't the only one though. The entire town had left, all watching and waiting for everyone to return. Some of the children had climbed up onto the wall and pointed and cheered as the soldiers came closer.

Finally I was able to make out three figures in the front: Impa, Revali, and Urbosa. They had all made it back.

"You ok to make it out?" Urbosa looked over at the Rito, his wings singed and blood dripping onto the ground.

"Of course I'm fine." Revali brushed off Urbosa's concern. "Minor injuries. I'd be more concerned about yourself."

Urbosa arched an eyebrow. Besides a nick or two, she was fine. "Come on then. The leader has been defeated. We need to quickly claim their hideout and capture any remaining Yiga."

Revali nodded, "Shouldn't be hard to do."

The two set out, but before they could make much headway, the ground beneath them gave a groan. Seconds later, an earthquake shook the ground, making the two champions stagger and fall to their knees. Rocks fell from the cliffs above and a loud crack sounded as the cliff cracked down the side.

Urbosa and Revali shared a quick look and then bolted towards the exit. Revali leapt into the air, while Urbosa did her best to run along the shaking ground. Rubble continues to plummet from the cliffs above falling onto the wooden buildings. Before them, the door that Revali and Urbosa came out of was filled with fire, already starting to collapse. As the ground continued to shake the wooden entrance toppled to the ground, followed by the rest of the building.

Knowing there was no other way to escape, Revali dipped down and grabbed Urbosa by the shoulders with his taloned feet, then swooped skywards. He used his power to thrust him and Urbosa upwards as there was little air currents where they were. He weaved his way around falling rocks while Urbosa held on to his ankles, her grip strong.

A minute later they soared above the cliffs, the valley below to the south and the highlands to the north. Revali lowered himself and Urbosa down onto the top of the cliffs. Running to the edge, they gazed down, their view obscured somewhat by smoke as the Yiga hideout was consumed by flames. Revali and Urbosa watched as Gerudo and Hylians fled from the Yiga hidout, some dragging along captured Yiga. Further down there was still fighting between the clans and the Yiga. Bodies were scattered across the valley, some enemies, some allies. The archers were still positioned along the ledges, although they had were more spread out now and running low on arrows.

"We need to inform everyone of our victory." Urbosa said. "We've defeated their leader. It's over." Urbosa met Revali's gaze. "Can you fly me down there?" Urbosa pointed to the smoldering Yiga entrance, where soldiers were still running from. "Then I need you to fly down the valley and announce to everyone that Kogha is dead. They can follow you back to Gerudo Town."

"Understood." Revali said, his eyes scanning the battle below for one particular Sheikah. He knew how sad Zelda would be if anything happened to her friend. "Keep your eye out for Impa."

Urbosa arched an eyebrow, then smirked. "Grown fond of her?"

Revali scowled, "Don't be absurd. Zelda would simply be off put if anything happened to her."

Urbosa's smirk grew. "I will watch for her."

With that Revali lunged into the sky and took off. Once he had some momentum he circled back and grabbed hold of Ubrosa. The two descended quickly and once close to the ground Urbosa let go and landed on the stone ground of the valley. Instantly she was in command of the situation, directing everyone on what to do and to begin moving out.

Knowing Urbosa would handle things, Revali flew south, shouting as he went that the Yiga leader had been defeated and the battle was won. As the news spread the Yiga began to retreat, disappearing into plumes of smoke. Where they were going, Revali had no idea as their hideout was being reduced to ash and buried underneath boulders. He wished he knew, though he doubted they would pose as much of a threat without their leader and second in command. Not to mention, from the bodies littered below, the Yiga had taken quite a hit in numbers.

Once he got to the end of Karusa Valley, he landed. Behind him were soldiers ready to retreat, mostly injured who had fled to the rear for safety. Revali instructed those that were mostly uninjured to pair up with someone that was injured and help them back to Gerudo Town. It would be a slow trek back with some of these injuries. Still Revali took to the skies and began to lead them home.

"The battle has been won!" Urbosa shouted as she landed. "The Yiga leader is dead!" Her words were a catalyst, instantly halting the Yiga in their tracks. In seconds, more than half the Yiga remaining disappeared, leaving nothing but a small smoke cloud behind. Still, some fought onwards, deciding to die here along with their leader.

Behind her, her Gerudo warriors bustled out of the Yiga Hideout, singed and smelling of smoke. Urbosa spotted Natuma running from the hideout and made her way over to her second in command. "How many are left?" Urbosa asked her.

Natuma shook her head. "Only a few. We lost some warriors in there. I tried to retriever their bodies, but I was unable to between the fire and collapse."

Urbosa put a hand on the hardened warrior, "You did what you could." Urbosa said, "Now we must get the living home." Natuma nodded, here eyes sparking with resolution. "Start leading our soldiers out. Revali has spread word that the enemies leader has been defeated. If we come across any injured, we can carry them out. As for the prisoners," Urbosa's gaze flickered to the eight Yiga who were being restrained by her Gerudo warriors. "Bind them and pull them along. We can question them once we return."

"Understood." Natuma replied and hurried off to do as she was instructed. Urbosa herself looked around, waiting as the last of the Gerudo exited the Yiga hideout, making it out just before the entire thing collapsed. Urbosa stared at the remains, not sure how she felt at the moment.

Shaking herself, she focused back on the task at hand: getting the rest of the troops out alive. Shouting orders, the soldiers around her - Gerudo, Sheikah, and Hylian alike - began to funnel out. Urbosa whipped out her scimitar, helping to finish off the few Yiga who had stayed behind. As Urbosa traveled along at the rear, she spotted a Sheikah locked in battle with two Yiga.

It was Impa. Urbosa ran to the girl and struck down one of the Yiga before they even realized Urbosa was coming. A large red slash appeared across the Yiga's back as they fell to the ground. The Yiga gave a few ragged breaths then fell still. As this occurred, Impa dashed forward and plunged her wakizahi into the other Yiga's gut, who had been distracted by Urbosa's sudden approach. The Yiga grunted then plummeted to the ground, groaning as he clutched his gut. Ending his misery, Urbosa stepped forwards and drew a thin slash across the Yiga's throat, killing him.

Impa looked up at Urbosa, her face splotched with blood and eyes wild. Urbosa knew those eyes. They were the eyes most displayed upon their first battle, eyes filled with rage and dismay. Urbosa rested a hand on Impa's shoulder, "You did well today." She said, "I can not tell you that it gets easier, but it does get easier to handle."

Impa nodded and let out a shaky breath, her eyes finally settling, as if she finally realized the battle was over. "Urbosa." She whispered.

Urbosa squeezed the girls shoulder. "Let's go back, Impa. The battle is over now."

Impa swallowed and nodded, her eyes determined yet there was a glint of sorrow in them. It was hard to get used to taking life for most. Yet it was something all soldiers had to come to terms with in their own way. Urbosa would make sure to talk to Impa once things had calmed down.

With that, Urbosa and Impa continued onwards, taking up the rear to make sure everyone got out safely. Finally they reached the end of Karusa Valley, which had turned into a bloodstained valley of death. Urbosa looked behind her before she left the valley, taking in the piles of bodies that littered the ground. She would make sure her warriors would come back in the coming days to give them all a proper burial. Even the Yiga, for at the end of the day, Urbosa could not think of them as completely evil, more misguided and fueled by centuries of festering hatred.

Leaving the valley, Impa and Urbosa joined Revali at the head of the army. Their pace was slow, but as the sun began to descend towards the West, Gerudo Town and the Sheikah and Hylian encampments came into view. But that wasn't the only thing that the three noticed. Just south of the encampments was an odd mound. From a distance the three weren't sure what it was - a mound of sand perhaps? But where did all the sand come from?

Yet as they approached, Urbosa began to realize what it was. Other Gerudo realized this too, sending whispers through the ranks. Curious, Impa walked over to Urbosa and asked, "What is it, Urbosa?" Overhearing the question, Revali landed on the other side of Urbosa.

Urbosa's lips pressed into a thin line. "It's a Molduga. Or what's left of it." She explained.

"A what?" Impa asked, scrunching her eyebrows.

"It's a monster that burrows beneath the sand. They used to terrorize the desert, but the Gerudo drove them off long ago." Urbosa frowned. "Although it appears even beasts thought long gone are resurfacing."

"They don't look pleasant to deal with." Revali observed, his eyes focused on the mound of dead flesh in the distance.

"They're not." Urbosa answered, "Or at least so the stories say."

"Well it looks like Zelda was able to handle it." Impa said.

Despite the circumstances, Urbosa smiled, "I knew I left Gerudo Town in good hands."

So this chapter finishes up the battle with the Yiga. For anyone wondering about Link, don't worry. The next chapter is all about Link and what he's been up to. And for those of you wondering when he and Zelda will be reunited, that will be the following chapter: chapter 38. The wait is almost over!

As always, thanks again for reading :)