Prologue
Zelda despised him. Absolutely despised him. With his blue champion tunic, Master Sword in hand and silent demeanor that felt like he was judging her with every step, Zelda couldn't stand him. She couldn't be near him.
Let him handle the bothersome hagglers as they tried to offer him anything but sand seals which is what they needed to get to Gerudo Town.
She had better things to do. Like get away from him.
Looking at the map, there was supposed to be a shrine near the oasis. But exactly how far?
Didn't matter. He was occupied. Zelda had time.
She walked in the general direction it showed, unnoticing of the traveler who suddenly stood from the side of the community oasis pool, following her indiscriminately.
Footsteps didn't sound in sand.
So by the time Zelda realized the presence behind her, she was trapped.
This was no mere traveler.
She took off running, hair flying behind her, occasionally glancing back to see if the assassin was still pursuing her.
Turning back around, she skidded to a halt.
Two more Yiga blocked her exit. Three in total.
And her. Alone.
Dead. Soon to be anyway.
They slunk towards her, enclosing her in. Zelda fell to the ground, waiting, waiting for the awful end, the blade raising above her head, the sun blindingly bright and the whistle of the metal as it swept towards Zelda.
The last moments before everything changed. And from then on, everything did change.
Chapter 1: Gerudo Town
"Link," Zelda began.
Link turned around. The dust from the infamous winds of Gerudo Valley swept hair and sand across his face, masking his expression.
She paused, unsure of what she was wanting to ask him. The sand beneath her hands still felt warm from the recent transition of afternoon sun to evening sun.
The three bodies of the Yiga clan lay around them, fatal wounds cut into their ribbon-bound flesh by the Master Sword. The Sword that seals away the Darkness. The sword that Zelda thought of as Link's sword.
"We should continue to Gerudo Town. I must meet with the Gerudian chief. I doubt she will be pleased to know the Yiga clan was sighted around the Kara Kara Bazaar."
What a bland, factual statement. Nothing of importance. But Zelda wasn't sure what else she could say to Link. What else she would be allowed to say to him.
Link merely nodded and sheathed his sword. He held out a gloved hand to Zelda. She placed her hand in his as he pulled her up. As soon as she was upright, he let go, but Zelda still felt the warmth from his palm in her bare fingers.
The trek from the Kara Kara Bazaar to Gerudo Town was only about 5 miles, but during the time it took between the two places, the change in temperature dropped significantly. Despite the unbearable heat during the day, the desert became as chilly as Hyrule in the winter, except without the snow. The wind kept beating against their face as they walked into the gusts, sand still flying in their faces.
Unlike a few hours ago, when Link had lagged a ways behind, making sure they weren't being followed, he now hung closer around Zelda, hugging the static circumference between them. His close presence was a constant alert for her to stay sharp despite the weather. Alert for physical dangers. But maybe something else too.
She shivered as a particular gust of wind swept from the Karuko valley. The Yiga clan were rumored to be hiding out somewhere in the canyons of those red rock mountains, but anytime the Gerudo or anyone else attempted to infiltrate their encampment, they found it barren and empty. It was near impossible to surprise them. They were notorious for their stealth and cleverness, making no sounds as they stole goods from the surrounding towns and secreting away all knowledge of what really went on in the Yiga clan realm. They were a ghostly shadow of the Gerudo valley and a blight on the kingdom of Hyrule that kept the locals persisting that the King take extended measures to exterminate them.
The moon was rising along the horizon as they drew nearer the walls of Gerudo Town. By the time they reached the guards outside the city gate, the moon was high in the sky, casting a blue glow across the dunes.
"Halt!" In sync, the Gerudians lowered their spears towards the visitors. Zelda saw Link's hand hovering over the hilt of his sword out of the corner of her eye. "Who goes there?"
The Gerudians were a fierce and proud people. Entirely made up of women, except for extremely rare cases, they were the perfect protective force for Gerudo valley. And so proud were they of their heritage, that only females were allowed into their city.
Zelda hadn't minded this one bit when Link had been following her around simply because of her father's orders. But since today, she felt like something had changed between them. She wasn't sure what yet.
"Princess Zelda of Hyrule accompanied by the Hylian champion, Link." Her response caused glances exchanged between the guards. They quickly lowered their weapons and bowed their heads towards her. It was the greatest sign of respect they could give an outsider of high rank besides the chief. They never knelt. To them, it was the greatest sign of weakness. This used to be a problem between the past rulers of Hyrule and the Gerudians. But when Zelda's mother had reached out between the division, understanding was met and this is where Hyrule was now.
"Princess." No apologies. Only acknowledgement of her power. "You are allowed to pass."
Link's hand dropped from his hilt, and the guards parted to allow them to enter. Zelda stepped forward past the two warriors. Immediately after, a clanging sound rang behind her. She turned.
Gerudian spears locked together separated her from Link. In the moonlight, his face showed no surprise, no anger. In fact, it was difficult to tell most of the time what Link felt. But when she looked at him, his eyes flickered to hers. Her breath caught slightly. Why she had never noticed this, but with the pale, white light dipping into the pools of his eyes, his irises flushed a clear underwater blue. They were startling to look at. They were beautiful to look at.
"Despite being the Princess's escort, men are not allowed in this city. You shall have to wait for her out here." The guard's voices were firm, and the response was to be expected.
"He can't come in here at all?"
Her question, though thought purely in her mind, must have slipped out. The guards glanced at her, tilting their heads in acknowledgement once more of her position. "No, your highness. Just as before, it will always be this way."
That's right. When Zelda had met with Urbosa before, Urbosa had met them at the city gates, explaining the situation. Zelda hadn't minded one bit that her father's shadow had to stay on the perimeter of the city. In fact, Zelda had been rather grateful for it. How dare her father think her incapable of handling things on her own. She was sick of trying to prove herself
capable.
Yet. Here she was now. Asking why he couldn't join her.
It was strange. And it made her blood race.
Those eyes grew more focused on her.
Zelda nodded her head, tearing her gaze away. "Of course. I understand." I don't really.
To Link, the Gerudians said, "We are more than capable of protecting the Princess within the city. To think differently is an insult. She will be returned safely to you." With that, the Gerudians resumed their original positions, certain Link understood.
He did. He always did as he was asked.
But when Zelda glanced once more at him, there was a hardened set to his mouth.
He's only concerned about following my father's orders, Zelda thought as she made her way to Urbosa's throne. That's all.
The shops along the main pathway to the Chief's palace had closed down already, lamps alight in the residential section. Through open windows, Zelda made out many Gerudians preparing themselves for bed, smiling and conversing with fellow Gerudians. They were, for the most part, a happy people. They were serious about becoming warriors, most of them, but they all had a confidence about themselves that added to their happiness. Together, they knew they couldn't be defeated. They relied on each other in this town to keep them safe and prosperous. And indeed they did prosper. Gerudo Town, despite not allowing any men to enter, had become the most famous city for trading. All merchants, if they wanted a big opportunity to sell, must come here.
Climbing the steps to the palace, Zelda knew that having the Gerudians as allies was one of the most important ways to defeat Calamity Ganon. Urbosa, their head chief, was the most powerful Gerudian of all and Zelda also thought the Champion that was the most deadly. Well, that is what she had thought before today's circumstances at least.
Despite being the head chief, Urbosa's palace wasn't filled with grandeur in the sense that you immediately knew where you were entering. The palace sat right next to the civilian's homes, pressed up against its walls, as if entering from one to the next was no big deal. Gerudians respected their superiors and treated them as such, but there was an air of royalty-ness that was missing in their interactions. Back in Hyrule, no one dared to approach the King of Hyrule without express permission from the dozens of guards that led the way into the heart of the palace. Always in interactions with the commoners, the King treated the commoners with respect, but demanded much more in return. Zelda assumed her father loved his people, else why try so hard to please them by allowing free trade and settlements with their own rulings within them.
But with the Gerudians, with Urbosa, it was as if Zelda felt more in the presence of a judge than a queen. A judge with deadly fighting skills.
Zelda's footsteps echoed on the short walkway to the judgment seat. She was surprised to find it empty.
"Princess." Zelda turned in surprise as a guard appeared from behind a pillar. The better to attack anyone who attempted to sneak in. Ever the warriors. "Urbosa is to be found in her chambers. I shall have an escort take you there."
Zelda nodded her head in thanks. "That is thoughtful of you. However, I am familiar with the way."
The guard nodded, stepping back into position. Urbosa had told her guards to treat Zelda with the authority as if Urbosa herself commanded it. It definitely gave Zelda a warm feeling to know Urbosa thought of her so highly. But she guessed not highly enough to allow a man to enter the city. That was the line.
The artwork of the Gerudos was colorful yet simple. They had the texture of more like hieroglyphs from Hyrule's ancient days, preserved on the walls of the palace. No hung paintings of past rulers. Only handprints proving that they did exist at all. Some would think it barbaric, a people content on staying linked so long to the past. But tradition kept the Gerudians alive. It also had created the mess that Hyrule now found themselves in.
A male Gerudian was extremely rare, only one birthed every 100 years. Because of this, whoever was the only living male Gerudian, was immediately declared ruler and king over the Gerudians. Most males hadn't lived long lives, allowing the females to rule as they liked. However, one male, centuries ago, had refused to die, finding secret potions and magicks to stay immortal. One myth told of this male making a deal with the living darkness, allowing it to consume him and take over, continually perpetuating his life.
Zelda paused before one ancient depiction of this male heir, sorrow and anger filling her at once.
His name, whatever it once had been before, was now known to all as Ganandorf.
Calamity Ganon.
Darkness and power itself.
Completely intent on the annihilation of the Kingdom of Hyrule.
Zelda's breath caught as her mother's smile flashed before her eyes. No tears. No sorrow. Forcing her eyes away, Zelda climbed the stairs to Urbosa's chambers.
There was no door, seeing that no one would have even made it alive to this part of the palace if they attempted to sneak in. Though unseen, Zelda knew the guards were close. Urbosa however was enough of a diswayment to cause anyone pause before trying anything.
Sitting at her vanity, removing her earrings, fierce green eyes met Zelda's own in the mirror. A smile immediately crossed Urbosa's face.
"My little bird!" Twirling elegantly to her feet, she held out her arms as she crossed to Zelda. Zelda embraced her warmly. Urbosa was all toned, lean muscle, shown through the metal armor she had sparsely covering her body. However, her hugs were the most soft and comforting than anyone else's. The Gerudian leader's scent enveloped Zelda, calming her worries and anxieties instantly with the sharp, tangy scent of chile and cinnamon, a distinct Gerudian spice.
"Urbosa, it is good to see you," Zelda said, pulling out of the hug. Urbosa held Zelda at arm's length meeting her eyes.
The smile faded slightly. "I sense something wrong with you." The green eyes nitpicked at Zelda's appearance. Zelda was never good at hiding anything from Urbosa.
"There was...an incident. At the oasis." Zelda stepped back, showing Urbosa her full frame. "I am unharmed though."
Urbosa's eyes narrowed, face hardening. "Yiga clan."
Zelda nodded.
Urbosa turned her head to glare menacingly out into the night through the windows that lined one whole wall of her room. As if she could pierce those shadows that crawled through the night with one look. "They have become bolder."
Indeed. They used to only be a threat every full moon and only at night. An attack outright in the day signaled nothing positive. In fact, all over Hyrule, signs of the impending darkness that sought to ensnare the kingdom were everywhere. It only made sense that the darkness called to more darkness, gaining strength.
"But this is not all that bothers you."
Zelda flinched in surprise as Urbosa turned her head back to look at Zelda, a knowing look in her eyes. Zelda opened her mouth to respond, but could say nothing.
Urbosa laughed lightly, placing one slender hand on her hip, leaning to one side. Her thick, red hair, pulled up into a high ponytail, swayed with the movement. "I know you too well, little bird. Come, sit, and tell me more." She waved a hand for Zelda to take a seat on one of the plump vibrantly-colored cushions on the floor.
Zelda settled herself, enjoying the feeling of taking the weight off her legs after a long day of walking. Horses were more a hindrance than a help when it came to crossing the sand dunes to reach Gerudo Town and the sand seals had been all rented out when Link and her had reached the trader.
Link.
Outside waiting beyond the gate for her.
"Ah, I am familiar with that look, little bird." Zelda glanced up startled to find Urbosa holding a cup of spiced tea down to her. The green eyes twinkled mischievously.
Zelda took the cup from her, hoping the steam would explain her flushed cheeks.
"So," Urbosa continued, taking a seat on the cushion next to her. "This is what has been bothering you." A smile spread easily across her face. "A boy."
The tea was hot, but the sip Zelda took felt good as warmth flooded her insides. "You know this isn't what I came here to discuss."
Urbosa laughed. "But far more entertaining simply because these are emotions I've had yet to see in you." Leaning back on her hands, she relaxed her head on her bare, sun-kissed shoulder, eyes half-lidded in amusement. "I suspect you won't tell me who."
Zelda met Urbosa's gaze, voice firm. "Absolutely not."
Another laugh escaped the Gerudian warrior. "But I can guess."
Zelda avoided her gaze as she took another sip of her tea.
"Your champion is quite skilled with the Master sword isn't he? Fighting off those Yiga clan members so easily?"
Zelda accidentally sipped too much, burning her tongue. Setting down the cup on the platter next to her, Zelda wiped at her mouth. "That is his job after all."
"And what of yours?" The question, though asked without condemnation or attempting to cause guilt, sobered Zelda.
"To protect Hyrule. At any cost."
Urbosa's response came quick. "And don't you think that safe-guarding the savior of Hyrule to be the most important thing that boy could do? Would want to do?"
"I don't like it when you call me that." Zelda rose, suddenly feeling jittery and anxious with the thoughts that came. She crossed to the windows, breathing in the cold night air. The room suddenly felt too warm, too enclosed. Any trivial thoughts left in Zelda's mind flew away as a familiar weight fell upon her. Looking out into the darkness, light from Gerudian homes puncturing the night, she was reminded of all the people harboring hopes that she, Zelda, would step up and take the place her mother had stood in. The only one who could replace her mother. The only one who could stop Calamity Ganon from rising to power.
She wasn't ready. There was still so much to learn. Her powers still lay dormant within her and no matter how hard Zelda tried, she could not unlock them. Inside, it was crushing her. Her heart began beating faster.
The hand placed on her shoulder startled Zelda. Urbosa's grip tightened firmly on her, calming her racing heart. Zelda let out a shaky breath.
"Princess."
Urbosa hardly ever called her that, preferring to use more familiar terms with Zelda. But the name of her title was meant to reverence and respect her for more than the friendship between them.
Zelda turned to meet Urbosa's solemn expression. Urbosa's other hand came up to grip Zelda's other shoulder. "You are not alone. We all stand with you. To fight, to defend, to win. I promise you, Princess, no matter what happens, we are with you."
It was surprisingly hard to swallow back the sudden tears that came to Zelda's eyes. She could only nod in response.
Urbosa enfolded her into a hug briefly, releasing her with a sudden smile that teased her lips. "Come. Rest. I suspect you have a lot you want to accomplish tomorrow while here, and I can't have our little bird falling apart now, can I?"
Zelda accepted the offer gratefully, allowing the burden of the day to fall away into sleep.
The night brought a chill, but years of living in Gerudo Valley had toughened Urbosa's skin to the point where she hardly felt anything.
Except where Zelda was concerned.
Walking through the silent halls of the palace, Urbosa remembered a woman who looked quite like Zelda, laughing and smiling with her. It was a happy time. Urbosa relished those times. And it hurt more than anything to know that it was in the past and because of the past, her best friend's daughter lay aching and wounded by the current events.
To Zelda, Urbosa must seem like the only mother figure in her life.
It was a burden that weighed on Urbosa, to know that the girl was in such serious circumstances, with burdens that were much too heavy for one much too young.
At least she could alleviate the burdens just a little.
She had left the palace now and could see the guards to the front gate up ahead. She assumed this is probably where he would be.
"Chief!" They exclaimed, nodding their heads in respect. Urbosa nodded back.
"As you were." She waved a hand for them to relax. "I just wanted to see if our friend was still here."
Her words immediately summoned him from the shadows of the city wall where he had been sitting. They met eyes and Urbosa smiled a little at the sternness in his. Some things never changed.
"I expected you to be here. Most escorts would have returned back to the oasis for warm food and shelter. It is a cold night after all."
Link didn't move, merely blinked.
Urbosa laughed. "But you are not like other escorts after all." Her tone grew solemn. "For that, I am grateful."
The wind blowing through the sand dunes was the only sound between them.
Urbosa sighed, placing a hand on her hip and looked off to the side. "Still quiet as ever, I see." Her eyes slid back to him. "My friend, there are times we do our duty and times to relax. The princess is safely inside sleeping, as should you be."
At her words, Link's gaze turned to look at the palace windows, searching them, before turning back to her. His expression seemed less stern.
She scoffed. "As if I can't take care of her. You know how I work. Just today, I was battling some Yiga clan members and sending them running." She pulled up a hand to examine her nails before glancing at him. "As did you, I heard."
Link shrugged. It was the only indication of his feelings that Urbosa had seen since knowing him.
She laughed. "Don't be modest. I know your abilities are the best in Hyrule. After all, Champion, not just anyone is assigned to guard the Princess of Hyrule."
Link looked away, crossing his arms. The wind blew hair into his eyes and face, masking his expression.
"Tomorrow, Zelda and I are planning on surveying the Gerudo region tomorrow for more of those shrines no doubt. I'm here to tell you I need a favor."
Link cocked his head, indicating he was listening.
"I need you to report back to the King that there has been increased movement within the Yiga clan. I'm not sure if it indicates the growth of Calamity Ganon, but it is concerning that many of my people have been attacked, losing their wares along the way from their suppliers. It has caused quite a disturbance among the day-to-day activities."
Urbosa motioned Link to walk the perimeter of the town with her. With one last darting glance at the palace, Link fell into step beside her. His movements were so quiet; it could be as if he wasn't even there.
"My people are trying their best to make a profit to support their living, but with no goods to sell, our resources and hope are quickly becoming depleted. They are becoming discouraged, panicked even, and I fear that this fear will lead to an upheaval before Calamity Ganon can even strike.
"I'm doing the best I can, fending off the Yiga clan around the desert, yet with all the efforts of me and my warriors, they keep finding ways around us. It is disconcerting. Never have they been stirred up to this much commotion." Urbosa's eyebrows furrowed. "This can only be a sign that Calamity Ganon is indeed near if his subjects are becoming bold."
Out of the corner of her eye, Link turned his head, seeming to be searching for something in the desert, his shoulders set tight.
"Yes, even I have become quite paranoid. This is why you must deliver this message to the king for me." Link turned his head to meet her gaze. "I will not leave my people defenseless. For the time being, I shall remain here, quelling the attacks of the Yiga clan and work with the Princess any way I can to help her find her power."
Link hid his face from Urbosa, but she saw his troubled eyes before they were hidden by his hair.
Urbosa sighed, placing her hands on her hips as they rounded a corner of the outside wall. A fresh wind stirred up the sand around them.
"I see you are as worried as I am about the Princess and her power."
There was no response but the silence confirmed her statement.
"Indeed, a heavy burden rests upon the Princess, one I wouldn't place on anyone's shoulders, let alone a mere girl 16 years of age." Thoughts of Zelda's mother serenely praying in the morning glow, came to Urbosa. "Her mother knew this was her daughter's fate, yet wanted to keep it from her for as long as possible."
Urbosa stopped just shy of the west entrance to Gerudo town, still out of earshot of the guards positioned by the opening. Link was watching her carefully.
"I suppose you don't know much about the Princess's mother. And nor does it really matter since she has passed." Urbosa waved one hand aimlessly in the air, a tightness entering her voice. "But...her mother was much like the Princess. She had time to come into her power, and I know the Princess would have well. It's just, with this pressure on her, I'm not sure if the Princess will in time…" Urbosa was surprised to find she had spoken something that had been bothering her out loud. And to the Hylian champion.
"That mustn't be said again," she said sternly. Link's face remained expressionless, but Urbosa saw what must be mirrored on her face in his eyes.
"You've thought about that too, haven't you?" Link looked down and away, mouth tightening. The hand at his side clenched the hilt of his sword. Urbosa let out a long breath. "I'm sure everyone has been wondering that. I just wish though that I could believe with certainty that the Princess-" Urbosa cut herself off. She had said too much. Of course the Princess would pull through. She had to. But if not…
Looking at Link, who had met her gaze once more, understanding passed between them. This was something he had contemplated and also concluded. Yet, here he was, staunchly staying by her side while the Princess continued looking for answers, for help. He hadn't abandoned her, deemed her helpless, for the same reason Urbosa hadn't: if the Princess couldn't find her power in time, then to the end by her side, would they both stand. That was the fate they had chosen for themselves.
Urbosa admired the Hylian champion in that moment. She wasn't sure who would have had the guts such as this one to take on so great a task. He was one of the only ones standing between the Princess and this Great Calamity. Just like Urbosa.
She extended her hand to Link. He glanced at it and back to her, an eyebrow raised.
Urbosa laughed.
"My friend, there has been hard truth spoken tonight, but warmth fills me knowing that the Princess has you by her side along with me. I promise to care for the Princess as you would in your absence. We will be awaiting your return."
There was a pause as Link searched her face, looking for something. A small sigh escaped him, as if some burden had been lightened, and he grasped her hand. Locking eyes with Urbosa, he nodded, his grip firm. Link let go, his eyes traveling one last time to the palace, before turning to go.
Once he was a fair distance away, Urbosa called out, "And for some reason, the Princess is just as devoted to you being her guardian as you are to her."
Link stumbled, the only ungraceful thing Urbosa had ever seen him do, yet he didn't turn around.
Urbosa let out a loud laugh before shaking her head, heading back within the walls of Gerudo Town. What she already knew, they had yet to figure out.