Riju holds her finger to the sky, trying to test the wind direction. "He'll definitely be coming through this way. I'm one hundred percent positive... okay maybe more like ninety nine... actually ninety five percent sounds better."
You were still unclear as to what she was going on about. It was typical for Riju to be exclaiming random nonsense, but she seemed hard pressed on this specific issue.
"Ninety, eighty, seventy... fifty percent, final offer."
• You query her senseless ramblings.
"I'm weighing the possibility of a molduga encounter. If we can snag a ride on its back, I assure you that we'll be home before fatigue sets in. Although, it definitely wouldn't be our safest option."
Riju cradles a handmade whistle in her palm, staring blankly at the instrument. She lets out a deep breath and presses the wooden device against her chest.
"Mother... I seek your guidance," Riju whispers softly. An empty silence fills the atmosphere, as you and Riju wait patiently for an answer. After a while, you put your hand on her shoulder, attempting to comfort Riju in her time of need.
"Wait... did you just hear that," Riju says twitching her ears.
A flurry of instruments crowds the air. That unmistakable violin, the indistinguishable cello, and last but not least the distinctive French horn. A Molduga boss battle was already underway, and all you could do now is await in anticipation. The large beast emerges from the depths, shooting across the skyline. A set of sharp spikes protrude out of the varmit's back, and its skin is coated in a thick layer of gravel. This was unlike any creature you ever encountered.
"It's the Emperor Molduga in the flesh," Riju gulps. "If it can devour a horde of sand seals in one fell swoop, then I'm sure it doesn't mind gobbling up some human meat."
You gesture Riju to adorn her golden bow. She quickly adheres to your orders, clumsily opening her supply bag. The Molduga burrows beneath the surface, wildly rampaging through the sand. You take this opportunity to prepare your secret weapon, the sheikah clawshot. A set of blue symbols seap out of the base, while an assortment of dusty gears interlock your wrist. Meanwhile, Riju launches multiple arrows towards the monster, with each one nearly missing its target. "We just need one arrow to stick," Riju says, continuously firing at the enemy. She seems noticeably distressed, struggling to hold her body still.
• You shout out to Riju, pleading her to relax and regain her composure.
Riju closes her eyes and loosens her tight grip. She quietly mutters under her breath, "Thank you, mother," before releasing her draw. The arrow directly punctures the top of the molduga's hide. You follow by unleashing the sheikah claw, precisely gripping onto Riju's lodged in arrow. You and Riju are whisked away instantly, flying onto the back of the savage. The two of you pin the monster to the floor, wrapping the clawshot's chain around the creature's spiky neck. The clawshot almost mimics a horse bridle, controlling the behemoth's ferocious movement. You and Riju both grab one end of the leash, riding the behemoth towards the desert sun.
• You make a joking remark about Riju's frantic actions resembling those of a bumbling ostrich.
Her raw enthusiasm slowly drains into a small lifeless frown.
"I'm not talking to you anymore," Riju says noticeably irked. "I hate both you and Daruk," Riju adds as she firmly grips the harness. You question her sudden change in attitude. "Nope, not talking," Riju says zipping her mouth shut.
• You accidentally call her Zelda trying to get through to her.
Riju snaps, "Okay that's it, I'm turning this thing around." Riju furiously whips the chain, concentrating her frustration into the beast. It isn't long before the two of you begin bickering like an old married couple. "I'm mad because you guys don't take anything seriously," Riju claims boldly. In a fit of desperation, Riju finally reveals her true emotions.
"I thought you were gone okay, I.. I.. care about you... a lot," Riju nervously admits.
Your left absolutely dumbfounded, confused as to what length she cares for you. The molduga is progressively getting more and more rambunctious, vigorously bouncing up and down.
"Now that I'm getting things off my chest... can I ask you something," Riju says, seeking to avoid eye contact. "Why did you say Zelda's name while you were sleeping... is it because you like her or something."
Your entirely stumped on Riju's odd proposal, pondering the reason behind her statement. You find yourself lost in thought, struggling to find any words to say to her.
"Arggh.. ugh... fine here's a simple question," Riju suggests.
The molduga is drastically picking up speed, splitting the earth like a giant knife. The behemoth aims its body in the direction of a sizable sand dune, preparing itself for a swift takeoff.
"Do you... like like Zelda?" Riju mumbles.
The Molduga launches off the inclined slope, vaulting its body far into the sky.
• Almost instinctively, you shake your head in disagreement.
At first Riju freezes, but before long is enveloped by a wave of pure happiness.
The molduga smashes into the ground, sending a large shock wave through the whole desert. The two of you pick yourselves up from the wreckage, evading mentioning the previous conversation. It's considerably evident that the both of you feel a great sense of embarrassment. The monstrous molduga remains motionless, seemingly knocked unconscious from the plunge.
Riju eventually breaks the awkward silence, realizing a delightful surprise. "Wait... I recognize that racetrack anywhere, Gerudo town must be located just over this hill." The two of rush up the slippery sandy ridge, carried by your insatiable excitement. As the two of you make your way up the hillside, you spot an abandoned campsite lying at the edge of the cliff. Riju notices a wanted poster pinned to the front of the tent. After carefully examining the document, she urgently crumples the paper and shoves it between her breasts. "Looks like Gerudo journalism isn't doing so hot nowadays." In an effort to change the subject, Riju comments on the delightful weather. You don't buy into her dubious scheme, prompting her to hand over the parchment. She struggles to comply with your demands, reluctant in sharing the poster's details.
After you pry the sheet from her fingertips, your stunned by the note's contents...
Reward for Link - 1,000,000 Rupees
Crimes include - Kidnaping and Treason
Wanted...
Dead or Alive