Gerudo Desert – Gerudo Town

One year before the Four Swords Tournament

"Your Highness? Chief Urbosa will meet with you," a Gerudo guard said.

Zelda nodded and stood up. She checked to see if her appearance was satisfactory, that her dress was immaculate, and if her tiara was being worn properly. It was early evening, so temperature wasn't a problem, thankfully. She quickly glanced at the two handmaidens that were assigned to accompany her, and they voiced their agreements that she appeared radiant. Preparations complete, Zelda and her entourage followed the guard through the familiar structure of the modest Gerudo palace until she stood before Chief Urbosa.

"Your Highness, Princess Zelda," Urbosa said kindly. "It has been too long."

"It has, not since we revived Vah Naboris some six years ago," Zelda said.

Urbosa's smile turned teasing. "I remember how young you were. It was rather adorable how you were so enamored with the promise of adventure that the desert sands might provide."

Zelda blinked, and before she knew it, she was blushing and could not do anything to stop it. "Chief Urbosa!"

Urbosa laughed, loud and true. "My apologies, Princess Zelda. The memories are still pleasant for me. And speaking of which, I also remember how Vah Naboris caused quite a stir. To see such a thing so enormous move so well in the desert… May I ask what other Divine Beasts are functional?"

"To the north, in Tabantha, Vah Medoh has awakened," Zelda answered. "Recently, the Sheikah research team successfully activated Vah Ruta in the Lanayru Province. Their last task will be Vah Rudania, which slumbers in the Eldin Province."

"I see," Urbosa murmured. "His Majesty has been quite interested in the ancient technology that slumbers beneath us… He claims that he does it under a banner of peace, but one can't help but worry. Why is he stockpiling so many weapons? What is his aim?"

"I have been authorized to inform you of the broad scope of our preparations, Chief Urbosa," Zelda said. She knew Urbosa was playing her role as Chief of the Gerudo, and so Zelda had to play her role as Princess of Hyrule. "We have kept this a secret from the general populace for many years, to avoid a panic, but we believe a grave threat looms on the horizon."

"Oh? Go on," Urbosa said, paying rapt attention.

"An ancient threat, one that has plagued Hyrule many times in the past, will reawaken," Zelda said. "We believe it to be soon, though we cannot say when specifically. The last time Hyrule saw this threat was 10,000 years ago. It was the reason the Divine Beasts and the Guardians were constructed in the first place. They were created to fight an entity called Calamity Ganon."

Urbosa narrowed her eyes. The Gerudo guards around them murmured angrily.

"Calamity Ganon… that is a name we've heard," Urbosa said darkly.

Zelda was shocked. "What? How?"

"Some annoyances in the desert," Urbosa replied. "According to our sources, the Yiga Clan appear to worship this… Calamity Ganon."

"The Yiga Clan," Zelda whispered. She was not familiar with the name.

"For now, they remain our concern," Urbosa said. "I believe you wished to ask something of me?"

"Yes. The Divine Beasts require pilots," Zelda said. "Those chosen must be worthy to bear the responsibility of harnessing their power, without corruption, without greed, and without malicious intent. When my father and I spoke of who should be the candidate for Vah Naboris, we were in agreement that you should be the pilot."

"Not a Hylian?"

"No," Zelda said at once. "It is as my father said. We approach the coming war under the banner of unity. He determined that each of the Divine Beasts will be championed by each of the races of origin."

Urbosa leaned back in her throne and crossed her legs. "You believe me to be worthy?"

"I do, without question," Zelda promptly replied.

"You honor me with your confidence, Princess of Hyrule," Urbosa said. "I accept your proposition without hesitation. Not only are they planning to resurrect Calamity Ganon, it seems the Yiga Clan is also after our treasured heirloom."

Zelda glanced at the golden helmet resting atop its pedestal near Urbosa's right hand. The Thunder Helm was a powerful artifact, though its origins remained a mystery. Made of gold and adorned with emeralds and rubies, it somehow protected the wearer against the power of lightning. It was worn by the Chief of the Gerudo when learning to harness their innate talents of lightning manipulation, as a form of protection against their own power, until such a time that they were able to control their abilities without harming themselves. Without that helmet to train with, it would have been impossible for Urbosa to become the lightning fury she was known for being.

"You have my word," Urbosa said steadfastly. "I won't rest until the Calamity falls."

Zelda felt a surge of affection in her heart, even as she maintained decorum as befitting her position. "Gerudo Chief Urbosa… On behalf of Hyrule and its king, I thank you."

~o~O~o~

Zelda sighed in relief as she put on her travel clothes. Her handmaidens were carefully packing her formal garments and jewelry in preparation for the trip home.

"Do not preoccupy yourselves overly much," Zelda said. "We leave on the morrow. If you wish to go shopping in the bazaar, you have my leave to do so."

Both women smiled widely in gratitude. They curtsied and thanked her before taking their leave.

Smiling faintly, Zelda opened her diary and was about to pen her thoughts on the day's events when a knock on her door drew her attention. "Yes? Come in."

The door opened a crack, and Urbosa stuck her head through playfully. "Fancy a walk, little bird?"

Zelda smiled and closed her diary. "I would, thank you."

"Then let us go. The evening calls us."

"Just the two of us?" Zelda asked. She could feel the excitement bubbling up in her chest.

Urbosa winked. "Just the two of us. No pomp and circumstance, and no airs to put on. Just a pair of vai enjoying the desert night."

"That sounds lovely," Zelda said.

Grinning widely, Urbosa took Zelda's arm and led her out of the palace. They explored Gerudo Town and the nightlife it offered. They browsed the wares at the bazaar, petted some of the land seals, and at one point, Urbosa took Zelda to the Noble Canteen, where the young princess got to sample a Noble Pursuit.

"And that's all for you," Urbosa said as she took the drink back.

Zelda pouted. "Just one sip?"

"Just one." Urbosa drained the rest of the glass. "You're too young."

Zelda rolled her eyes. "Oh, really?"

"Really," Urbosa said. "Let's go. We'll take a walk outside of town, hmm?"

Unable to keep up with Urbosa's flippant nature, Zelda scoffed, but she failed to suppress her smile. She finished her glass of water and took Urbosa's arm. "Very well. Lead on."

Once they were outside, Zelda took a deep breath and smiled. The full Moon was out, providing ample light to see by and making the desert sands shine ethereally.

"Away from prying eyes at last," Urbosa said. "Those meetings are always so stuffy. I can't imagine how you handle it day in and day out at the castle."

Zelda laughed. "I've never seen you so serious, Urbosa."

"Oh, my. I can't say the same," Urbosa said with an ironic smile. "Six years ago, you rarely smiled, my little bird."

The title was one Urbosa had been calling Zelda ever since she was a little girl, though it was used rarely. The reason why always tickled at the edge of her memories but refused to be coaxed.

"Urbosa, I feel like you've called me little bird before," Zelda said. "I was wondering where you got that name from."

When Urbosa didn't answer, Zelda looked to her right, only to realize that Urbosa had stopped walking. She turned around and was a bit surprised at the look of anger that flashed across the Gerudo Chief's features.

Urbosa rested her hand on the hilt of her sword, the Scimitar of the Seven. Her head was tilted at two travelers that had walked by them earlier, both male.

"Halt," Urbosa said dangerously. "And face me."

The travelers stopped walking and did as they were told, though their expressions were of confusion.

"Unlike you traitors, I prefer to fight my enemies head-on," Urbosa said challengingly. Her hand was now gripping her scimitar, though she had yet to turn to face them directly.

Zelda was about to ask what was going on when Urbosa drew her weapon, turned around, and glared at the two men.

"Do your worst," Urbosa growled.

Both men shared a look. Suddenly, in a puff of smoke eerily similar to Impa's brand of trickery, the two travelers almost seemed to change entirely from rugged traveler's clothing to red form-fitting outfits. What shocked Zelda the most was the Sheikah Eye emblazoned on their facemasks.

Wait, it's not quite the same.

Zelda backed away when the two men rushed at Urbosa.

The quicker of the two men attacked with a curved blade of some kind. Urbosa easily blocked the attack, her steps light and sure. In a flash, she had her shield, Daybreaker, comfortably settled on her left arm. They traded a few more blows before Urbosa used her shield to smash the attacker's face. Using the pommel of her scimitar, she rammed it into the man's abdomen and dropped him.

Urbosa danced away from the prone man and put her shield away. She raised her left arm into the air, fingers poised to snap.

The other attacker saw his chance and leapt at Urbosa's unprotected back.

"Urbosa!" Zelda screamed.

Urbosa smirked and snapped her fingers. Lightning struck the man in mid-leap. He screamed and fell to the ground, spasming and groaning.

Urbosa flicked her long red hair and contemptuously glared over her shoulder at the convulsing man. "Out of respect for our princess, you may keep your lives. Now go."

Both assassins staggered away, eventually disappearing in a plume of smoke.

Zelda let out the breath she didn't know she was holding.

"You asked me why I call you little bird," Urbosa said, cutting through Zelda's tumultuous thoughts. She spoke as if nothing had happened.

"Huh?" Zelda asked, unable to articulate anything more and abandoning years of etiquette classes.

"When you were but a small child… my dear friend called you that, with the sweetest smile that has ever graced our land of Hyrule," Urbosa said gently.

Their two attackers were momentarily forgotten. Emotions that Zelda had long since kept in check welled up within her chest. "You mean Mother?"

"It was six long years ago," Urbosa said sadly. "Your mother had just left this world, yet her little bird still spread her wings and became the beacon of light Hyrule needed."

Zelda swallowed the lump in her throat. When she closed her eyes, she could feel one tear trickle down her cheek. She wiped it away.

"Sometimes I forget myself… and get lost in the past," Urbosa said.

"I wonder… if Father thinks of her, too…" Zelda said.

Urbosa stepped closer and embraced her. "I know he does. He would rather put his focus on what he has over what he lost."

Zelda hugged Urbosa back. "You really believe so?"

"I do," Urbosa answered. "We all grieve in our own ways. No one way is right. Let Rhoam have his. If he wishes to share it with you, he will when he is ready."

Zelda took one shuddering breath and nodded. After a few minutes, they pulled apart and Urbosa wiped away another tear. "Feeling better?"

"Yes," Zelda said, looking at the one woman who was as much family as anyone could ask for.

Urbosa took Zelda's arm, and they continued their walk. It was made in silence for a time as they processed what had happened, what they shared, and to simply enjoy the peace and quiet.

As they walked back to the main gate, though, Urbosa asked, "Who else is piloting the Divine Beasts?"

"We are still considering candidates," Zelda said. "You are the first we asked simply because my father and I have known you the longest and can trust you."

Urbosa nodded. "Your selection process must be rigorous."

"Purah has reported the projected power of the Divine Beasts," Zelda said. "If you knew… it is frightening. If there was any other choice…"

"But you feel there isn't," Urbosa said.

Zelda looked away. "There might be, but we must believe there was a reason our ancestors created the Divine Beasts to start with."

"Well, I meant what I said. I am honored that you thought of me," Urbosa said fondly.

Zelda smiled. "I am sure Mother would have agreed as well."

Urbosa smiled back, though it was tinged with sadness. "I miss her, too."

Zelda tried to smile back but found she lacked the strength to do so. Still, she clutched Urbosa's arm more tightly.

"Now, tell me the truth. What is it about Calamity Ganon that troubles you so?" Urbosa asked.

Zelda looked up at Urbosa and took a deep breath. "It regards a prophecy, a cycle of a persistent evil, a princess of wisdom, and a hero chosen by the Goddesses…"

~o~O~o~

Eldin Province – Foothills of Death Mountain

One month after the Four Swords Tournament

"Ah, Your Highness, I believe I see him coming," one of the guardsmen said.

Zelda looked up from her book and saw a Goron rolling down the path towards them. She nodded, placed her book into a bag, and stood up.

Daruk unfurled himself and waddled down to her. "Good morning! I hope I didn't make you wait too long, Little Princess?"

"Not at all, Daruk," Zelda said pleasantly. "I'm sorry to have you come all the way down here to meet with us."

"Ah, that's okay," Daruk said. "In fact, it's probably better this way. There've been a lot of monsters patrolling the paths lately. Getting to Goron City isn't as easy as it used to be."

At that bit of information, Zelda's guards, only two of them, became even more attentive and started scanning the area more vigorously.

Zelda had never been to Goron City, or even to Death Mountain proper—her father had forbidden her from doing so—but she had spoken to a knight that had spent all of Farore's season on Death Mountain amongst the Gorons for training, after speaking on behalf of her father regarding Vah Rudania. Dame Serlut had vehemently discouraged any 'short' meetings, citing that there was a great deal of preparation required just to reach to Goron City safely and that the danger was very real. Death Mountain was not merely a scary name but a real concern for the unsuspecting.

"Don't worry too much about it," Daruk said. "I took care of any monsters on the way down here."

"That certainly makes us feel better," Zelda said.

"So! Your message to the boss said you wanted to talk to me about something?" Daruk asked.

Zelda nodded. "It is a matter of grave importance, Daruk. I ask that you keep what we speak about in confidence."

"Sounds secretive, but if you're the one asking, I can't refuse," Daruk said.

Zelda started walking to stretch her legs. Daruk's large strides easily kept pace with her.

"My father and I believe that you are uniquely qualified to be of assistance against a looming threat that places all of Hyrule in peril," Zelda said with as much gravitas as she could convey.

Daruk stopped smiling and looked down at her with a serious visage. "What is it?"

"It is difficult to explain," Zelda said quietly. "Some have described it as the manifestation of evil. Others have described it as the harbinger of the end times. It is called Calamity Ganon."

"Calamity Ganon?" Daruk repeated. "Never heard of it."

"It is an ancient legend, known mainly by the royal family and the Sheikah," Zelda said. "The last recorded appearance was 10,000 years ago."

"And now it's coming back?" Daruk asked.

Zelda nodded. "We believe so. This is what we have been preparing for."

Daruk smirked and flexed one of his massive arms. "And you need my help to wallop it, eh?"

"Ah, not quite," Zelda said. "That task will fall upon the hero of legend."

"The hero of legend?" Daruk repeated.

"Another aspect of the legend," Zelda replied. "While your physical prowess is uncontested, we are more interested in your character."

"My character? What about it?" Daruk asked.

Zelda stopped walking to face Daruk. "Our inquiries spoke of your might, Daruk, as the finest warrior among the Gorons. The Mighty Daruk, correct?"

"Aww… you're making me blush, Little Princess," Daruk bashfully said.

Zelda giggled when an image of a blushing Daruk popped into her imagination. "We wondered why you weren't in the Four Swords as a Goron representative. One of our knights provided the explanation."

Daruk's face lit up. "Ah, you mean Liena!"

"Liena?" Zelda repeated to herself. The knight she had spoken to prior to her journey to Death Mountain was Dame Serlut… "Oh, Sortiliena Serlut. Liena. I see now. Yes, Liena told me of you."

"How is she doing?" Daruk asked. "Tough as nails, that one!"

"Quite well, and she remembers you fondly," Zelda said. "She told me that you decided not to join the tournament to allow your fellows to take part instead."

"Well, yeah," Daruk said. "They deserve to have some fun of their own, you know? Like I told her, it wouldn't seem fun if I was the only one going and they would just sit and watch."

"A noble choice," Zelda said.

"Ah, it's nothing," Daruk said.

"Some would see it like that, but I do not," Zelda replied. "I see a selfless act born from a good heart. This is why I wanted to speak to you."

Daruk nodded. "Okay… but I don't understand why. I'm pretty good in a fight, but if that's not what I'm doing, what else could I do?"

"Vah Rudania," Zelda said. "The Sheikah research team is there now, reactivating it."

"Oh, I heard rumors about that," Daruk rumbled. "Hard to think something so big could move."

"The Divine Beasts require pilots," Zelda said. She started walking again. "You are universally respected among your people, which caught our attention. However, the power of the Divine Beasts cannot be understated, so we require individuals worthy to wield it. Should you choose to accept, we would have you become the pilot of Vah Rudania and aid us in the fight against Calamity Ganon."

"Ah! Count me in, tiny princess," Daruk said. He clenched his hand confidently. "I'm the fearless Daruk, after all! And if Hyrule needs my help, I'll gladly lay down my life."

"Thank you, Daruk!" Zelda said happily.

"Not sure if it's Calamity Ganon's fault or what, but I hear monsters have been attacking people more than ever lately," Daruk said. He looked down at her with concern. "Times like these… you shouldn't leave the castle without a horde of mighty Gorons to watch your back."

Out of the corner of Zelda's eyes, she could see her escorts straighten up and pay more attention to their surroundings.

Zelda sighed. "You sound like Father. He's assigning a knight to watch over me wherever I go. I hear the top contender is the most accomplished swordsman in all of Hyrule."

That got Daruk's attention. He looked down at Zelda with wide yet pleased eyes. "Huh, that could only be—"

Whatever he was about to say was interrupted when he abruptly narrowed his eyes at something in the distance. "Hmm? What the…"

Zelda looked to see some Bokoblins running toward something away from them.

"They really are all over the place these days," Daruk angrily said.

Zelda took a hesitant step back. Her escorts readied their weapons and flanked her, but the Bokoblins weren't interested in their group. Instead, they were making their chattering noises around a formation on the path ahead of them.

"Hmm? Is someone being attacked?" Daruk asked. He rolled his shoulders and scowled. "Cowards! Wait here, Princess."

With a mighty roar, Daruk rushed at the Bokoblins. He drew his massive sword and, with a spin, sent two Bokoblins flying towards the sky. He raised his weapon above his head and, with a mighty swing, smashed the ground with enough force that one could assume a bomb had been detonated. The Bokoblins unfortunate enough to be close by were launched from the blast.

Seeing the massive Goron walk out of the dust cloud spurred the remaining Bokoblins to run for their lives.

"Hmph! Spineless little Cuccos!" Daruk shouted. He rested his sword on his shoulder and let out a laugh. "No monster stands a chance when fighting me, the Mighty Daruk!"

With the threat gone, Zelda rushed up to the rock the Bokoblins had surrounded. Peering around, she couldn't help but smile. She got down on her knees and spread out her arms. "You're safe."

The Hylian Retriever that had been cowering slowly got up on all fours and, upon seeing her, barked happily and ran up to her, licking her face.

Zelda laughed as she accepted the dog's affections. She started rubbing the retriever cheerfully. "It seems our friend here was the one being attacked. Precious boy. You saved his life!"

When Daruk didn't answer, Zelda turned around and blinked. "Hm?"

What she saw was the exact opposite of the bravado Daruk had displayed only moments earlier. His eyes were locked on the dog, and he was shaking like a leaf. He looked as if he was torn between running away or finding a place to hide.

The dog barked once, happy and loving.

Daruk let out a scream, dropped his sword, and curled into a ball. A curious red field appeared around him.

Zelda held the dog back from approaching Daruk. "Well…"

The dog obediently sat down and tilted his head at Daruk's actions.

"I recall seeing you at the Foothill Stable," Zelda said. "Why don't you go home now?"

She ushered the dog in the right direction, and he was all too happy to begin running back home.

Once the dog was on his way, Daruk unfurled himself and shouted, "Good riddance… and stay safe!"

Zelda giggled.

Daruk sheathed his sword and rubbed his head. "I'm sorry ya had to see that side o' me. As a kid, dogs always chased me. I still panic when I see one o' those critters."

Zelda leaned forward to catch Daruk's eyes. He was doing what he could to avoid eye contact with her. "I never imagined the Mighty Daruk would have a weakness."

Daruk was still avoiding looking at her. "So tell me… Princess…"

Zelda tried not to laugh. Or judge. "Yes?"

"Calamity Ganon isn't, uh…" Daruk swallowed and managed to face her, "some kind of a dog monster, is he?"

The question was so random, so unexpected, not to mention the image that the manifestation of malice was nothing more than a cute little dog that appeared in her mind, it caused Zelda to burst out laughing.

Daruk found it infectious, and he ended up laughing as well.

After they finished laughing, Zelda wiped a tear from her eye. She had to take a few breaths before she could speak again. "I do not believe that is the case. The descriptions we have of Calamity Ganon are… how should I…? Let us say that it is not so flattering."

Daruk heaved a sigh. "Oh, good."

"Also, rest assured, I would never think less of you, Daruk," Zelda kindly added.

"Thanks, Little Princess," Daruk bashfully said. He scratched the side of his face. "Also… about Link? Could you not tell him about this, too?"

"Of course," Zelda said. "Do you know him?"

"Oh yeah, he's like a brother to me," Daruk said. "And he also looks up to me, and I don't want to let him down, you know?"

"Your secret is safe with me," Zelda said. She looked at her escorts and arched an eyebrow. "Is that clear?"

"Yes, Your Highness," the solders dutifully said in tandem.