Chapter 17: To Gerudo Desert
"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another." -Charles Dickens
Data log entry SA38416.20X7: Further investigation has led us to discover that there is a Space Pirate in Hyrule, having arrived about two months ago. Our search has led us to the Akkala and Eldin regions, where Elite Pirates have been produced with the captured Space Pirates DNA. Even more unsettling, the administrator for the enslavement of Gorons and the mining of black phazon crystals was none other than Ghor, who should be deceased. Despite a new array of abilities, we were able to defeat him once again and make our way to Death Mountain, where divine beast Vah Rudania resides. After defeating the Omega Pirate guarding the divine beast, the vaccine was administered successfully, purging the phazon from the volcano and surrounding lava. Returning to Hateno village with the refugees from Tarrey Town, the ship was shot down by Dark Samus, forcing us to engage her. Unfortunately, even though we managed to repel Dark Samus, Link was exposed to phazon which resulted in partial corruption (as well as altering his suits appearance). Thankfully, Zelda and I managed to purge the phazon from his body before complete corruption could take hold of him. Now, as it stands, only two divine beasts remain and afterwards the Leviathan seed should be able to be located.
Samus Aran signing out.
Additional Reports
Phazon: A highly mutagenic compound that causes severe changes in an organism's structure, as well as control of certain machinery.
Project Helix: A Space Pirate program with the goal of creating super soldiers, resulting in the abominations called Elite Pirates. The Yiga have found a way to "cultivate" them without the aid of machinery, making the threat of them all the more prominent.
Ridley: Former commander of the Space Pirates, inexplicably on this planet. What's more is that he is wearing his armorskin once again, thought to have been discarded long ago. More information is needed on his reappearance.
Yunobo: Grandson of the previous champion, Daruk, and the new champion of the Gorons. Although friendly by nature, he will not hesitate to protect his people or allies from harm, disregarding his own safety in the process. It is these traits that make him worthy to walk among the champions. As the champion of the Gorons, he is charged with piloting divine beast Vah Rudania.
Ghor: Formerly contracted by the Galactic Federation along with two others to stop Dark Samus, Ghor succumbed to the corruption and now fought for her. Usually a calm and collected individual, phazon exposure has turned him into an unrelenting combatant. Further augmentation has allowed him to assimilate other machines onto himself and produce new battle forms.
Samus deactivates her logbook (within her helmet, which also deactivates) and steps out of the inn. It was 9am and she had decided to sleep in today after the events of yesterday, smiling at the townspeople greeting her as they continue with their day. Soon, her attention is drawn to a familiar avian shadow close to the entrance of the village. Rushing to the entrance, Samus excitedly calls out to the shadow. "Old Bird?"
The person turns around and is revealed to be a parrot like Rito with blue and white feathers, a brown belt with scrolls of music notes, a white scarf and red feather clip on the left of his head. "Well, I'm no young fledgling, but I wouldn't consider myself an old bird."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were someone I knew." Samus says, the smile disappearing from her face.
"I take it from your expression that I am not who you were expecting. I do apologize, but that doesn't mean we cannot be acquainted. I'm Kass, Rito minstrel." Kass says in a friendly tone with his wing extended.
"I'm Samus, bounty hunter." Samus smiles and shakes his hand/wing.
"Samus? Oh I see; you're the one who is traveling with the princess and her knight. The word is that the Yiga are after the three of you for interfering with their operations. They're none too happy about it, ho ho."
"Well, too bad for them; we need to stop what they're doing before it gets worse." Samus replies, unaffected by the Yiga's animosity towards her and the others.
"I couldn't agree more. Now, I have one question for you; where is Link?"
Hateno ancient tech lab
Link and Zelda, after the events from last night with Dark Samus and the Corrupted, headed off to the Hateno ancient tech lab to talk with Purah over their next course of action. Having put their issues aside, the two had promised to protect each other; no longer would Link be the only one with the obligation. Ironically, Dark Samus's efforts to sever their bonds have only strengthened them.
"And...done." Purah says before putting down a pair of scissors on the table and then gets off the bench. Grabbing a mirror, she puts it up to face Zelda, who is seated. "Well Zellie, what do you think?"
Zelda looks at her reflection and sees Purah's work; her hair is now shoulder length with a braid going from ear to ear and a blue clip on each side of it. "Oh Purah, it's perfect!" Zelda ecstatically answers while running a hand through her hair.
"Did you expect any less from me?" Purah proudly says after putting down the mirror. "What do you think, Linky?"
"Wow, she looks great." Link says, putting down the book he was reading to see Zelda's new hairstyle. "I should've guessed you'd be able to do a good job; you used to cut my hair back in the day after all."
"Hu hu, I'm just really good at everything. Now then, what's your plan?"
"Well, we haven't discussed it yet, but I would like to head to Gerudo Desert. The obvious reason is because of Vah Naboris, but I also want to see Gerudo Town; it was Urbosa's home after all." Zelda says with a faintly sad tone. "Of course, I need to hear from the others first before making a decision."
"You know what? I think I'd like to go there too." Link says before standing up. "The old Yiga hideout is there, we might find some clues as to where they are now."
"Of course, I forgot that's where they were hiding." Zelda says in realization.
"Well, wherever you plan on going, just watch out for those guys." Purah cuts in. "Imps told me that they're redoubling their efforts. I think they're a little sore over your recent activities."
"I agree. Very well, our next destination is Gerudo Desert. First, we should check on Samus's arm. Where's Symin?" Link asks.
"He should be with the refugees along with Imps. You should go see him to check out Sammy's arm."
"Alright, thank you Purah. We'll be going now." Zelda and Link bid Purah goodbye and head off back to the village. After leaving, Purah sweeps up the discarded hair but stops in her tracks after remembering Link's comment about how she cut his hair in the past.
"I don't think I reminded him of that…"
On the way down the road, Link slows down and loses breath.
"Link, are you alright?" Zelda stops and holds Link.
"Yeah, I think I'm just tired from yesterday.
"Are you sure?" Zelda puts her palms on his face to check his eyes; confirming that they're the same blue color she's used to.
Link calmly moves her hands from his face. "I'm alright Zelda. I don't feel any discomfort."
"Ok, but if you feel anything, anything at all, you must tell me. Understood?"
"I promise. Thank you, Zelda." Link tenderly rubs her hands before letting go. "Come on, Samus is probably waiting for us."
Link goes off ahead with Zelda walking behind him, shaking off any negative thoughts she has.
The refugee camp
Having arrived much earlier, Impa, accompanied by Paya and Dorian (with his children), oversees the treatment of the refugees and the surviving soldiers.
"There, that should be fine now." Paya says, removing the cast from Fyson's wing and inspecting it. "Just don't fly too far for about 3 days to let heal properly. Understand?"
"Got it. Thanks Paya." Fyson gives his gratitude before walking away to attend other matters. Sighing, she gets up, picks up her materials and heads off to attend the other injured refugees. In her haste, she trips slightly and drops a bottle of ointment, which is then grabbed by Granté before it hits the ground.
"Easy there, Paya. You alright?"
"Hi Granté." Paya greets before straightening herself out. "I'm fine. Anyway, what are you doing here?"
"My dad let me off for a bit while he works with Bolson, so I came by to help out. There are a lot of injured people from Tarrey Town."
"Yes, it's terrible. So, we must help however we can."
"I know- Paya, your hand!" Granté says in alarm.
"What?" Paya looks at her left palm and notices a cut across it. "Oh, I guess I didn't notice it with all the people I've been helping. It's starting to hurt a little now."
"Typical healer; always worrying about others and neglecting themselves. Come on, give me that." Granté takes the basket from Paya's arm and takes several things from it; he applies a disinfectant before wrapping her hand in bandages. After finishing, Paya looks at her hand in surprise. "There you go, good as new. Try to be careful now; you can't help anyone if you neglect yourself."
"Granté...thank you." Paya says, genuinely moved by Granté's kindness. Before anymore can be said, Robbie calls him back.
"Alright, I'm coming! Sorry Paya, I've got to get back to work. I'll come by later, bye." Granté runs off, leaving Paya to her business. Picking up her basket, she walks off back to the camp, but not before looking back at the direction that Granté ran towards and smiles slightly.
Moments later, Link and Zelda arrive and are greeted by Impa and Dorian.
"Ah, there you are. I was wondering when you were going to show up." Impa says.
"Impa, sorry for getting here late. We had to speak with Purah." Zelda comments. "We needed to give her an update on the mission."
"Oh don't fret, dear. I understand." Impa says with a smile. "As long as the three of you are alright, then that's all that matters."
"Also, here's your tunic Link." Dorian hands Link his restored champions tunic. "It's back to its original state."
"Thanks Dorian, that means a lot." Link happily comments.
"Try to keep it pristine for more than a day now. How often must I re-stitch it?" Impa comments, causing Link to hang his head in embarrassment. After explaining to them that they plan to head to Gerudo Desert, Samus arrives with Kass, who greets Link with open arms (Samus goes off to find Symin to check.
"Kass! What a surprise!" Link walks up to his friend and pats his shoulders. "What brings you here?"
"Good to see you again, old friend." Kass warmly greets Link. "I'd like to tell you, but would it be appropriate given that you're in the middle trying to resolve this crisis?"
"Kass, it's alright. What's on your mind?"
Kass sits down on a log and Link joins him. What Kass tells Link hits him hard; Rito Village was attacked and taken over by an armored flying monster and its forces of Yiga and beasts during the first day of the barriers appearance. The warriors did their best to fight them off, but the flying monster, who Link confirms as Ridley, shot them out of the sky. The remaining survivors were forced to retreat, but Kass and his family were separated from the others during the skirmish. What he last saw before disappearing into the forest was Ridley roaring from the top of Rito Village, claiming it as his lair.
"Did you see Teba, Hearth, and Chief Kaneli?" Link asked with dread.
"I've been trying to look for them, but I haven't been able to find anyone." Kass sadly says.
"I'm sorry Kass, if only I had known sooner."
"This was no one's fault, Link." Kass calmly dismisses Link's guilt. "I have been searching for you though; can you help me find the others?"
"Kass, I would want nothing more than to help you. But the princess and I have decided to head for Gerudo Desert, there's something we need to do there."
"What's going on?" Zelda says, having walked up after having finished talking to Impa. "Hello, I am Zelda, princess of Hyrule."
"Ah, hello princess. It is an honor to finally meet you." Kass says before bowing. "I hear you are heading to Gerudo Desert?"
"Yes. The sources of this barrier are the divine beasts. Vah Naboris is in Gerudo Desert, so that's our destination."
"Wait. Zelda, there's something you should know." Link says, bringing a confused Zelda up to speed with the situation in Tabantha, saddening her.
"Please, your highness, I understand that you have your own business to attend to. Don't feel that you have to deviate from it for me."
"No, we must at least aid you in other ways." Zelda firmly states. "I want you to go to Hyrule castle and tell them everything you saw and plan a course of action."
"But, how will they believe me?"
"I will prepare you a letter detailing your predicament which you will show to the guards. In addition, you and your family are to be offered shelter there for the time being."
"We will?" Kass asks in surprise.
"It is the least I can offer for not knowing of your predicament sooner." Zelda says in a remorseful tone. "Please, allow us to offer you this."
Kass then looks at Link, who reassuringly nods. "Princess, I thank you on behalf of my family. You honor us with your kindness."
"Kass, as soon as we complete our business in the desert, we will head for Tabantha. You have my word on it." Link says with his fist up to his chest, to which Kass nods in acceptance. Before anymore can be said, a high pitched voice calls out to Link, who turns his head to the right and a small purple flash knocks him off his feet. After recomposing himself, he sees a small Rito girl with purple feathers and a white underbelly, a dark red sleeveless dress with tribal designs and pale blue eyes staring at him.
"Kheel!" Link says in recognition while patting Kheel's head. "I haven't seen you in months! But where are your sisters- oof!" As if on cue, he is bombarded by four more Rito children; Cree (light blue feathers with a white underbelly), Genli (green feathers with a white underbelly), Kotts (yellow feathers with a white underbelly) and Notts (reddish pink feathers with a white underbelly), all of them with matching dresses.
"Girls, calm yourselves! This is not how you greet others!" Kass says, trying to calm his daughters amidst their laughter (Link included).
"Come now, let him back up, you little song birds." A female Rito (green and white feathers with yellow crests on the back of her head along with two braids on each side and a form fitting sleeveless red, green and brown vest) calls out to the children and they scamper off of Link. This is Amali, Kass's wife and mother of the five girls. "I'm sorry about this Link. We heard that you were here and the girls came rushing to see you again."
"Hi Amali." Link walks up and offers his hand to her, which she accepts. "It's good to see you all again, all things considered."
"Wow! Is she the princess?" Kheel speaks up after running to Zelda.
"The one father always talked about?" Kotts adds.
"You know about me?" Zelda says before kneeling down to be at eye level with kids.
"Yeah! He talked about his teacher and you!" Cree excitedly adds. The five children begin explaining to Zelda about Kass's teacher; he used to be a Shiekah poet over a century ago. People from all over the land would come to listen to him and a young Kass play his accordion in tune with his teacher's verses. This all came to its highest point when he came under the employ as court poet of Hyrule castle, where all the nobles and dignitaries were engrossed by his phrases, never once repeating the same poem each day. But what became a highlight in his new career as court poet was that he met the love of his life; Princess Zelda. This revelation had Zelda's face turn bright red upon hearing it, given the fact that there were other people listening to this story.
"He was...in love...with me?" Zelda asks, breathing in between words, clearly embarrassed.
"Yeah! He even had a song written about you and passed it on to father." Notts adds. "But the best part is the end; who the princess actually loved!"
"Actually loved? Who?!" Zelda, now completely mortified, loudly asks.
"Aw, you already know who princess!" Genli says.
"But, I don't know who that is; the thought of that never crossed my mind." Zelda answers, trying to keep her composure. "Link, do you know anything about this supposed love of mine?"
"I-I wouldn't know." Link says in a fairly uncomfortable tone, one which doesn't go unnoticed by Kass.
"Huh, I guess father will just have to sing the song for you!" Kheel excitedly says, much to Link's wide eyed surprise.
"Actually, little ones, that will have to be for another time. The princess and her knight have other matters to attend to." Kass quickly cuts in, leaving his daughters disappointed. "Isn't that right Link?"
"Yes. We've got lots to do." Link answers in relief. "Besides Genli, we've got salmon in the castle and you know what that means." Genli immediately perks up on hearing this and becomes enamored by the prospect of her favorite dish; Salmon Muenière. Delighted, the children bid Link and Zelda farewell and run off to prepare with their mother following behind (bidding the two farewell and wishing them luck). After they've left, Symin calls out to Link and Zelda, having removed Samus's cast and giving her the all clear. Zelda walks off to speak to them, thankful that the shade of red has faded from her face, while Link decides to talk to Kass for a while longer. Link thanks Kass for bailing him out of that conversation, pointing out specifically the song. Kass gives him a pat on the shoulder, telling him not to worry about it. Though, he does wonder what Link feels about who Zelda only has eyes for, according to his teacher. Link, for his part, decided not to give it any importance. Given the fact that Zelda hadn't said anything on the subject and only just confirmed that she doesn't have any deep affection for this person; him. Kass wonders aloud if this disappoints Link in some way, to which Link answers as to why it should; he's her friend, appointed knight and nothing more.
"Nothing more…" Link begins to trail off as his thoughts wander to the Sheikah Slate, specifically the "captured memories" on it.
"Link, what's the matter?" Kass pats Link's back in concern after addressing his silence.
"Huh?" Link snaps back to reality and faces Kass. "Sorry, I got distracted. Anyway, I'm sure your teacher misinterpreted what he saw, what you see now is all there is."
Roughly an hour and half later, the trio had prepared for their flight to Gerudo Desert; Link was equipped in his suit once again, Zelda was given Link's ancient bow to replace the one she'd lost (Link was given one of the bows from the surviving soldiers to compensate and as thanks for getting them this far), Samus was back in her zero suit and had the ship fly back to the village. After talking with Stannis, they agreed that five of the soldiers would escort Kass and his family over to Hyrule castle to explain the situation at Tabantha and to confirm the deaths of the soldiers at the Akkala Citadel. Now, with all their affairs in order, they bid everyone farewell and take off for Gerudo Desert.
"So, I just head southwest and we should reach the desert?" Samus asks while steering the ship.
"Yes. Near the entrance is Kara Kara Bazaar, from there Gerudo Town is not far off." Zelda answers while looking at the map on the ship's console. "Amazing that I haven't been there in 100 years."
"Well, it was one of the few places that survived the Calamity. It thankfully didn't change much, aside from a new chief and different guards." Link adds.
"Hmm, I guess I'll meet this new chief soon. I wonder what she's like?" Zelda says before realizing that Link remembered that there were different guards in the past, making her wonder if his memories are beginning to return. This is quite peculiar, as he had shown no signs of remembering specific points even with visual aids, only fragments of important moments.
Seven weeks ago, at the ruined park to the east of Hyrule castle.
"No, I don't recognize that either." Link says to Zelda, who holds up a picture of his old training camp. Dejected, Zelda sits down next Link on the bench and sighs heavily, putting down a stack of pictures. "I'm sorry princess, but I just can't recall anything else."
"No, don't apologize Link." Zelda warmly said while patting his hand. "If anything, it's a bit of a blessing bringing you out her; the noisy construction back at the castle would've driven us crazy, heheh."
Link nods in amusement over Zelda's declaration, but he frowns once again. "So, why do you think I can't remember anything else?"
"Hmm, it's hard to say; the effects of the shrine of resurrection are still largely unknown to us. Perhaps memory loss is a small side effect from its usage. However, given the fact that you were near death when we placed you there, the process took longer and by extension your memory loss is grander. Ancient Sheikah technology is truly mysterious."
"Still, now that Ganon is gone, my mind just keeps wandering; I try to recall memories, anything at all. But, I keep drawing blanks. What was I like? Who were my friends? Did I have a family?"
Signing once again, Zelda sits before facing Link. "I wish I could tell you, but whenever we weren't out in the field, I'd be holed up in the castle, so I wouldn't know about your personal life. Also, it didn't help that you kept a lot of things to yourself when we were together."
"I guess I probably should've been chattier back in the day." Link quips before leaning back on the bench.
"If you were, you probably would've been unbearable." Zelda says while playfully covering her ears.
"Hmph, well excuse me princess." Link says in a haughty tone with his eyes closed. A few seconds later, the pair look at each other before laughing. Soon however, the bell rings in one of the castles towers, indicating that it is noon.
"Oh, is it that late already? Well, we should return to the castle." Zelda declares, standing up and gesturing Link to follow her. Link stretches his arms up begins walking behind her, stopping midway after noticing a memorial plaque that was placed on the grass for the fallen soldiers of the Calamity. Link reads several names on it and comes to a startling conclusion; he remembers them. Recalling how all of these soldiers fell to the Calamity while he had to escape to keep the princess safe instead of fighting alongside them, Link was filled with remorse over his fallen comrades. Being brought out of his thoughts by Zelda's calls, Link hurriedly joins her. Taking one final look at the plaque, Link decides to look at what remains of the records later tonight after Zelda falls asleep, in hopes that he can remember more about his compatriots.
Reaching the entrance to Gerudo Canyon, Samus unexpectedly brings the ship down.
"Samus, what's going on?" Link says in surprise. "We haven't reached the desert yet."
"The sensors indicate that there is a sandstorm in the area, if I take the ship there it'll scramble the radar and we could end up flying over the Town, or right into it." Samus says, showing a map of the area with the desert being a static haze. "I'm afraid we're hoofing it from here."
"It's a shame we couldn't bring our horses, we could've made great time from here." Zelda says in a sour tone.
"Hmm." Link stares at the Slate on Zelda's hip and comes up with an idea. "Samus, you've got something that lets you run very fast, right?"
"Yeah, the speed booster. Why?"
"Let's go." Link immediately exits the ship and the confused ladies follow him. Upon exiting, Link asks Zelda for the Slate and he picks out a rune that he hasn't used in quite a while. "This will be fun."
Activating the rune, the Slate conjures up a most peculiar machine; a brown horse like body with orange glyphs along it, the head facing inward with blade like horn jutting outward and three blue lights on each side where the eyes would be and instead of legs it has two wheels, one below each side of its body. This is the Master Cycle Zero, bestowed to Link by the monk Maz Koshia in recognition of him as the hero of Hyrule.
"Link, what in the world?!" Zelda asks in bewilderment.
"You can fit an entire motorcycle in that?" Samus asks in astonishment as she inspects the Master Cycle Zero.
"I'll give you an explanation for it later, we should keep moving." Link sits on the Cycle and lowers the prongs behind him for Zelda. "Get on." Slowly, Zelda sits behind Link and wraps her arms around his waist. "Alright, hang on tight."
The lights on the Cycle glow bright blue and it speeds off into the canyon with Zelda screaming in a mix of fear and excitement. Smiling in amusement, Samus starts running and building up speed before activating her booster. Catching up, Link and Samus wave at each other (Samus gauges her speed so that they're moving at the same rate). Zelda notices that there's a rockslide several kilometers away and Samus increases speed, clearing away the rocks with the sheer force of the speed booster and allowing them safe passage. Finally reaching the entrance to the desert, they see just how heavy the storm actually is.
"Ok, we just have to keep going southwest and we should reach the town." Link comments while looking at the map on the Sheikah Slate. "We may have to bypass the Bazaar though."
"Pardon the interruption, but there are several phazon signatures close to the area that Link is describing." Virginia reports. "I believe that the town may already be under attack."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Zelda pulls out her rapier and Link revs the motor in anticipation. Link and Samus share a glance with the latter nodding and running towards the indicated path with the others follow close behind. Charging up the dark beam, Samus closes the distance to an unsuspecting blade master and clotheslines him into the wall of Gerudo Town, killing him instantly.
"What was that?!" Teake, the second in command of the guard, shouts in surprise.
"Captain Teake, there's something approaching us!" A guard shouts amidst her fight with a corrupted bokoblin. Upon stopping, Samus launches a darkburst up in the sky, sucking in much of the sand and restoring partial visibility. Only then do they see the magnitude of the situation; a large squadron of Yiga and corrupted monsters fighting the Town Guard. Reaching the battlefield, Zelda launches herself off of the cycle with Din's Fire and impales a bokoblin after landing and Link trips up several others before dispelling the Cycle, jumping upward and slamming down the AKEB charged master sword on the sand, dispersing the enemy forces.
"It's the champion and the princess!" Reeza, one of the entrance guards, shouts in relief.
"Everyone, form up!" Link shouts before imbuing his sword with fire. Zelda rushes to his left side and Samus jumps to his right side. The Gerudo guards do as instructed and gather next to them. "The enemies' weapons can destroy yours; do not allow them to make contact!"
"Understood!" The guards shout in acknowledgment as the archers ready themselves from behind the fighters. A Yiga footsoldier shouts to the others and monsters to charge at their opponents. Zelda fires several bomb arrows to scatter the monster, while Samus snipes the archers her nova beam. Link leads the charge with the guards, using flaming sword to slash through 3 electric lizalfos. The darkburst eventually dissipates and the sandstorm returns in full, hindering progress from both sides. This proves to be a misplaced concern as Link and Zelda see the Gerudo fighting flawlessly in the storm, only guarding from stray attacks.
"How are they doing that?" Samus asks in confusion before returning fire to the archers, dodging all the phazite arrows shot at her. Too late to warn Zelda of the incoming arrows, Samus watches in shock as she dodges the arrows without having to look at them. Link, on the other hand, waits for the enemies to approach him before attacking. Roughly ten minutes into the fight, the ground begins to shake as Link is launched into the air with a massive creature (resembling a four-legged fish, with bony dorsal and caudal fins, whitish blue underbelly, pale brown scales with blue pulsating veins, a shield like frill on its head, a wide many toothed mouth, a long widened chin and piercing blue eyes). As it lands, Link grabs onto its fin as it barrels towards the others.
"Molduga!" Teake shouts in alarm, drawing everyone's attention. The Yiga back away as the molduga opens its mouth, revealing writhing blue tentacles from within. As it moves in to devour them, Samus screw attacks it on its right side, deviating the beast away. Angered, the molduga begins chasing Samus, exactly what she wanted.
"We'll handle it! Zelda, you help those guards!" Samus shouts from a distance.
"Alright, be careful!" Zelda answers before slashing at another Yiga and bokoblin.
The molduga continues its chase while Link finds his footing and stabs the sword into its hide. It responds by thrashing violently and Samus shoots a charged plasma beam at it, doing almost no damage.
"The hide is too thick! The phazon made it stronger!" Link shouts, once again trying to stay on the molduga.
"Let me try something else!" Samus catches the moldugas attention again, continuing its chase. Samus jumps up into the air and fires a super missile into its waiting mouth. As the dust clears, the unscathed molduga rams into Samus, flipping her over and behind it. The molduga dives down into the sand, leaving Link behind who rushes over to help Samus up to her feet. "Damn it, how do we kill this thing?!"
"I bet its interior isn't as strong, but those tentacles in its mouth won't let us throw anything down its gullet." Link says while trying to pinpoint the molduga. "What should we do?"
Thinking through their options, Samus concocts a pretty crazy plan. Letting Link know about it, the two prepare for the molduga to reemerge. As it jumps from the sand, Link grabs the molduga from its dorsal fin and, imbuing the sword with fire once again, starts hacking away at its hide. Samus offers cover fire to distract the monster, but with each passing moment, the hide begins to whittle away and the moldugas frustration increases. "It's working Samus!"
"Good! When you reach its soft tissue, let me know!" Samus answers while shooting a salvo of missile at the moldugas face. Link continues his attack amidst the monsters thrashing, finally cutting a hole on its back.
"Ready!"
"Then hang on!" Samus moves in front of the molduga, causing it to chase her right into the midst of the fight. "Zelda, get everyone out of the way! Now!"
Hearing this, Zelda wastes no time abandoning the fight and ordering the guards to retreat. Samus kicks up sand in the moldugas face and jumps in the air and Link catches her hand.
"You know this is insane, right?" Link asks while Samus dangles from his hand.
"Yeah, I do." Samus answers nonchalantly.
"Good. Let's do it!" Link brings her up and she turns into her morph ball, sticking to his hand via spider ball function and he drives it into the wound, causing the molduga to howl in pain. A moment later, Link rips the morph ball out and jumps off of the rampaging molduga, running off with it still in his arms. "Everyone, get back!" Link shouts as the molduga swims back towards the monsters and it suddenly has its entire left side explode, catching several monsters and Yiga in the impact. As the molduga finally dies, the sandstorm finally dissipates, revealing that the beast was the cause of it. Unfurling from her ball, Samus scans the area.
"No more monsters detected as well as Yiga presence." Virginia reports.
"Did we get them all?" Samus asks with her arm cannon pointed out.
"That is a possibility. But it is most likely that some of them retreated."
"Forget them, we should check on the others." Link says as he and Samus turn to head towards Gerudo Town. Reuniting with Zelda, the guards reach the group and the children and elderly exit the town.
"Vasaaq, Link." Ploka, second entrance guard, greets Link with some familiarity. "Thank the gods you've come."
"It's good to see you all again, when did the Yiga arrive?" Link asks after retracting his helmet.
"A few hours ago, they've been approaching almost daily." Muava, an elderly Gerudo who was acquainted with Link when he first snuck into Town, speaks up. "I swear, even I hadn't had this much attention when I was younger. Heheheh."
"They shouldn't bother us for a while, not with us around." Zelda speaks up, earning murmurs from everyone present, all of which pointing her out as the princess of Hyrule and "Urbosa's little bird". Wanting to stop the chatter, Zelda announces that she must speak with the chief about the events. Gladly, they move to escort Zelda and Samus inside. Link, however, does not receive the same treatment.
"Halt!" Teake shouts before pointing her spear at Link (who puts his hands up), the other Gerudo follow her lead and do the same. "What do you think you're doing?" She angrily asks and Samus swiftly turns around to witness this.
"I could ask you the same thing." Samus points her cannon at Teake's head (who looks at her without turning her head) with an angered expression. "You have a very peculiar way of showing your gratitude. I don't think I like it."
"Everyone, please calm down!" Zelda frantically tries to diffuse the situation, asking everyone to lower their weapons. "Captain Teake, please call them off."
"I'm afraid that won't happen, your highness; Voe are not allowed in Gerudo Town. We cannot make any exceptions, not even for him." Teake then looks back at Link, who has an uncertain expression. "That is our law. Now, leave immediately or there will be consequences."
"Drop your spears, now!" Samus shouts as she moves her cannon closer.
"That. Is. Enough." Everyone turns to see the entrance and out comes a young girl (black skirt and top with white trim that reveals her midriff, a golden belt with a broach bearing the Gerudo symbol and a string of green jewels hanging from it, black and gold armlets and anklets, golden bracelets and necklace, green and gold accessory on below her neck, tanned skin, long red hair in a braided ponytail, green eyes and an intricate head piece denoting authority) accompanied by an imposing Gerudo guard wearing the typical garb adorned with golden armor covering her calves, hips, arms, shoulders and upper chest, along with a headdress resembling a grinning face with green wing like protrusions and her red hair in a high ponytail. This is Makeela Riju, chief of the Gerudo and accompanying her is Buliara, captain of the guard and personal protector to Riju.
"Chief Riju, you should not be out here until it is safe." Teake lowers her spear to face Riju before speaking.
"It looks plenty safe to me; I don't see the Yiga or that crazed Molduga." Riju says before looking at the others. "Lower your weapons. Now." The Gerudo comply and hold their spears upright. The young Gerudo chief walks up to Link and simply looks at him with a serious face. Zelda and Samus look on in worry over the tense meeting.
Sighing, Link loosens up before addressing her. "Hi Riju."
"Link, it has been quite some time since you last came to the desert; more than two months at that. First, it was Vah Naboris and now, the treacherous Yiga and their army of beasts. It seems that you only show up when the need arises, not out of respect for the Gerudo champion you walked with." Riju says in a semi serious tone.
"Riju, it's not that I don't care, it's just-"
"You have duties elsewhere; I am aware." Riju cuts in before, to Links surprise, she takes his hands and smiles kindly. "But, you could still make time to visit your friends. I have missed you, Link."
Link begins to smile before speaking. "Let me guess, you still want that sand seal race?"
"Correction; I still want to beat you at that race."
They both begin laughing and crush each other in a hug while speaking like old friends, stunning all the Gerudo present, except for Buliara, who only chuckles. Zelda and Samus look at each other in stunned silence before looking back at the scene. Separating, the two continue their discussion.
"I take it your here because of that, yes?" Riju points up at the barrier covering the sky.
"Yeah, it's most likely being caused by Vah Naboris." Link answers with his arms crossed.
"Not likely; definitely." Buliara walks up and adds to the discussion. "I sent a few scouts three days ago, they reported that Vah Naboris sent up a blue beam of light up into the sky and caused the barrier. It was at the same time in which the Yiga become more active, as you can see by the attack on our town."
"They are the real cause behind this, I assure you." Zelda walks up next to Link and confirms their suspicions. "We are here to purify the divine beast, only then will the barrier disappear."
"You must be Princess Zelda." Riju assesses. "The then chief Urbosa spoke highly of you; it's a pleasure to finally meet you." The two young ladies shake hands and smile amiably. "Now, before we continue, why did the guards hold Link as if he were a criminal?"
"Chief Riju, he attempted to enter the Town." Teake cuts in to explain the situation. "Needless to say, Voe are not allowed within our walls, no exceptions." The other Gerudo grunt in agreement.
"Hmm, yes. I'm afraid this is true, Link. Voe are strictly forbidden from entering our town, as it has been for centuries." Riju confirms.
"I understand, Riju." Link answer in compliance.
"But chief Riju-"
Riju holds up her hand before Zelda can continue. "However, if I recall correctly, we owe him a huge debt. It was he after all that appeased Vah Naboris and freed chief Urbosa's spirit. It was also him who retrieved the Thunder Helm from the Yiga hideout at great personal risk, this will not be forgotten by any of us, I assume." The other Gerudo begin to agree and even look at Link with respect.
"But chief-"
"Silence Teake, your chief speaks." Buliara taps her golden claymore on the sand and speaks in a severe tone, to which Teake obeys.
"Apart from that, Link has done a great many things for our citizens as well." Riju looks at Malena, a young Gerudo with a turquoise top, white knee length pants and short red hair with a tiara, before speaking. "Malena, wasn't it he who got the molduga guts needed for the medicine to save your beloved husband, with no regard for his own safety to accomplish this?"
"Yes." Malena answers while looking at Link, with her hands up to her chest and holding back tears. "And I'll never forget it. Sarqso, my friend." Link nods at Malena's words before Riju continues.
"And Dalia, didn't Link help you with your wildberry orchard by cleaning up the fountain that you needed for it?"
"Yeah, he did!" Dalia, a little Gerudo girl with her short red head in a top knot, ecstatically answers. "He was really nice too. He went to find the one throwing hydromelon rinds and he stopped it!" Dalia looks at the culprit; Calyban (A young Gerudo with lighter skin and red hair in a bob cut), who confirms this by eating a slice of hydromelon and a whole one under her left arm (Calyban: …what?).
"Barta, Link was also the one who saved you from the Yiga's hideout and then brought you back to us?
"That is true." Barta, one of the guards, speaks up. "He even went to the Gerudo Great Skeleton to help me once again. Sarqso." Barta thanks Link and the others mutter to themselves as to how she got lost twice.
"So, there you have it. It would seem that Link has done so much for us." Riju says and gives Link a smile. "Therefore, I think it's only fitting that Link be allowed to walk within our walls." Riju's words cause Zelda's face to beam in happiness and Samus to smile in respect for one so young to command such respect. Link turns around to face everyone and after a few seconds of silence, the Gerudo tap their spears on the ground, as a sign of agreement. "The majority rules; Link, you are henceforth one of us. You will always be welcome here." Everyone (sans Teake) erupts in applause and group around Link and welcome him as one of their own. Zelda and Samus look on in pride over this occasion, until Samus asks Zelda the obvious.
"Wait, how exactly did Link accomplish this? How did he sneak in without anyone noticing him?"
"I asked him that once, he said; 'never ask me that again, princess.' To this day, I still have no idea how he did that." Zelda says, the curiosity present in her voice. Unbothered, Samus deactivates her suit and accompanies Zelda towards the town while Link and Riju enter at the same time.
"I completely forgot about your friend, Link. Who is she? Where did she come from? What have you three been doing all this time?" Riju asks after seeing Samus without her suit and seeing Link in his.
Link calmly pats her shoulder before answering. "Riju, we have a lot to talk about, don't we?" The two enter the town, followed by Zelda and Samus. The rest of the Gerudo follow and close the gates to their town, excited to be the hosts of the princess, her knight and their new comrade.
To be continued.
Author's note: Before anything else, I would like to apologize for the loooooooong gap in between chapter releases. Life caught up with me as well as college, but I'd like to thank everyone who has been patient thus far. Now, I should mention that this was arguably my favorite chapter to write as I've got plenty of ideas for the journey. Again, I have no schedule for releases, so just keep an eye out for your notifications. See you soon and everyone stay healthy during these trying times. :)
P.S. For those that don't know, here's an aid for Gerudo dialect.
Sarqso = Thank You
Sav'otta = Good morning
Sav'aaq = Good day
Sav'orq = farewell
Sav'orr = Good Night
Sav'saaba = Good Evening
Vasaaq = Hello
Vaba = Grandmother
Vai = Woman
Voe = Man
Vure = Bird
Vehvi = Child
Sa'oten = Good heavens
