Mackeral brings up a good point in his review. I wrote this fic originally assuming that perhaps the Gerudo had males but just failed to reveal them. After all, if there were no males then they would have no legacy and it just makes them vulnerable to extinction. I thought this approach was much more sensible.
Link basked in the morning light that shone down brightly through his window. In a few moments his life would end and he could be with his beloved Saria once again. She would be sitting on a log playing her Ocarina in the holy woods enjoying the company of the gods and waiting for Link. Link however couldn't shake his guilt that without him there would be no one left to stop the storms ahead. The Gerudo would plague the land and their masses would spread like a viral pox and infect all the land.
The water was stirring outside. The Gerudo were bathing and drinking no doubt. Link had honestly expected to be escorted out sooner than this. Something either spooked them, or they weren't at all hasty. Splashing reached Link's ears inside his cabin. It echoed through all portions of the lake. What in god's name were they up to? Then cries and running could be made out over the violent crash of the water. It sounded like a battle. But who had come to his rescue?
Footsteps were heard coming closer to the dwelling followed by a knock on the door. The voice of an old friend had come to soothe Link's anxiety. The voice was of none other than…his wife…
"Link, the Zora are here! We've come to save you! Navi gave us a warning in the night!" Princess Ruto called.
"Ruto! The door is locked. You have to find the key!"
"I have a better idea!"
The door was split into pieces and then kicked in. A Zora Warrior stood before Link and offered his hand for help.
"I am Urmine. I am responsible for the protection of the Princess. She has called me to come to your aid."
Link took his hand and stood upon the hill over a small group of Zora Warriors with the same build as Urmine. They turned their gaze to him. He had earned their respect since the defeat of Gannondorf.
"I thank you all for your services!" Link shouted. They cheered in reply.
"Link, many Gerudo escaped us including their new Princess Rain." Ruto stated.
"Our spies tell us that she is leading these evil beings. Her skill with the bow is unparalleled. Without her they would not have escaped alive. However we were able to spare their second-in-command." Urmine added.
The Zora parted to reveal a bloody and unarmed Torso. He swore and cursed them all.
"This is an outrage! My revenge will be exacted! I swear it on the death of my lord!"
"And who might that be?" Link asked.
"We have been seduced by the cult of Gannondorf! He calls to us from the sacred realm! We have our orders! To kill the Hero of Time and wipe Hyrule of all life!" Torso said through a twisted smile.
"I've heard enough!" Urmine said and raised a spear.
Link stopped him by grabbing onto the raised weapon. "NO! Let him go. I will handle this." Link strode down the hill and through the mass of Zora over to the battered Torso who was coughing and breathing heavily.
"Your honor has been stripped of you and you have been left for death by your own followers. This is the nature of your master. He cares not of your well being but of his own wishes. You want revenge for his death? Well consider whether or not he would want revenge for yours?" Link told him. "Now be gone. Go grovel about through the wilderness where you belong."
The Zora swept over the defeated man and ushered him into the Field. Link watched him go and sighed heavily. He turned to Urmine and Ruto. "Where is Navi?"
"She is waiting for you Impa's home in Kakiriko Village. We asked her to stay but unfortunately she gave the message that we had little time and that you should see her as soon as you could muster." Urmine explained.
"Link let the two of us lead you as far as the bridge? It is on the way! Please!" Ruto asked him.
"Very well." Link answered her.
Upon leaving the lake area they found waiting for them a slaughtered group of human soldiers. Their corpses were strewn about the gate and tower that guarded the lake. They had planned to ambush the Gerudo. They had no idea what they were fighting. The Gerudo rained down upon this settlement in a frightened rage. Pure adrenaline must have saved their lives. Of course every now and then they would pass a Gerudo lying dead in the road.
Onward they pressed before reaching the brick that would eventually become Zora's River. They came upon a small stone bridge that led across.
"This is it you two. This is where I must leave you." Link told them.
"I know, I just want you to know that I wish you the best of luck and if you ever need us you know where to find us." Princess Ruto replied and kissed him on the cheek and forehead.
Link nodded and waved once he reached the large stone stairs leading into Kakariko Village. He watched them swim home and once they were out of sight he climbed the staircase into the village. At the gate a Hylian Guard stopped him.
"I have orders from Impa to escort you to her presence immediately. Please follow me Mr. Hero." The guard urged him to follow. Through the old town they went and passed many homes and strange folk. Those who wished to retire and get away from the wide world dwelled here and you were more than welcome if you were a human. They climbed many more flights of stairs and finally reached the home of Princess Zelda's keeper. Impa's home was well guarded and this brought Link a sense of comfort. Those Gerudo were sneaky devils and you never know if an assassin may have been sent forth to follow him here. They wouldn't make it very far if they had however.
Link entered the doorway and before him stood Impa the Sheikan. She had her arms folded across her chest looking at him sternly.
"Welcome Link. It has been a long time since our last meeting and I wish that this had been under less grave of circumstances." Impa explained.
"Good too see you again mistress…" Link bowed slightly.
Navi fluttered over and rested on Link's shoulder.
"I'm glad your ok. I have been so very worried for you." Navi said.
"I can assure you Link that you are safe here…for now…but we have much to discuss…" Impa pointed to a wooden seat in front of a table. Upon the table sat a hot meal. "I'm sure your hungry…" She added.