A/N: Hello! Probably nobody here knows me because I proceeded to abandon two stories. I realized that school would go in the way of serial productions, and I am prioritizing my studies over fanfictions. I also felt dissatisfied with my story direction, and these two reasons led to my decision to delete both of my stories. So, why am I posting one-shots? I am posting this because it is easier to maintain (I won't have to), I can produce these quickly, and it is simpler to create a plotline for a one-off than one for a novel-length story, wherein the author in me would like to weave little plots in one big story. I may reconsider once summer vacation starts again, but this is how I'll do it as of this moment. Anyway, happy reading!
A Special Sand Seal Rally
(a One-Shot by CST)
Travelers knew that the Gerudo Desert was infamous for its fluctuating temperatures. The arid days, caused by the blazing sun shining on the scorching sand, were complemented by the chilly nights when frosty air iced any sliver of water one had remained in his or her container. Only two sets of people could ever tolerate these unforgiving conditions. Overprepared travelers, who would either brew special elixirs or wear specialized clothes to protect them from the elements, composed one of those sets.
The Gerudo, the natives, comprised the other.
The palace decided to conduct a sand seal rally right then and there. There wasn't a pre-existing tradition as to when they would hold the race. That day wasn't notable in any other way, nor was there any regularity to the event.
The official reason the chief gave? "I just felt like it."
The chief, named Urbosa, was the strong leader of the city. People knew her for upholding traditions such as the embargo on men and the routine punishment of those who sympathized with the Gerudo's worst rivals, the Yiga Clan.
She wasn't only well-known in the wastelands, either. She disclosed her identity to nearly every citizen in Hyrule because she had been invited by Princess Zelda herself to join her multicultural and multiracial group of warriors dubbed "Champions" to parry the threat of Hyrule's archnemesis, Ganon.
The Princess of Hyrule spent extra time with her, for her mother had perished many years ago. Urbosa had devoted the little time she had with her to give her love and care, taking the position of a surrogate mother. Being friends with the late queen, she knew what she needed to do to take care of the young lady.
Their close relationship was what prompted Zelda to grant her the privilege to pilot the Divine Beast Vah Naboris. The camel-like machine, named after the Gerudo sage Nabooru, was a Sheikah marvel, filled with intricacies that most people couldn't comprehend. However, the chief could decipher the complicated device, and she forged a relationship with it, something all the other Champions had likewise done.
The audience applauded as their beloved chief strolled out onto the rally grounds. Urbosa was the defending champion, after all; she had won the last 35 events held here, and her familiarity with the layout only further safeguarded her winning streak.
The Gerudo Champion's dominance caused multiple would-be challengers to withdraw from the match. After all, they knew that history only remembered the winners. Since Urbosa was always the victor, what's the point of essentially humiliating yourself?
Well, one brave soul did not withdraw.
"You sure have some nerve coming here."
It was very clear from her words that the defending dominator did not expect any serious challenge.
"So you're Shalu, I suppose. Why do you need the afro and sunglasses? Going to a party with a Noble Pursuit?"
The challenger stayed as silent as ever, even as the Gerudo Champion sneered and snickered. This one seemed to neither be feisty nor wordy, in stark contrast to the defending champion.
Shalu wanted to compete to establish a legacy. She knew that all victory runs end, one way or the other, and the end of one run would be the start of another.
Both competitors rode their seals to the start line. One was brimming high in confidence; the other was carefree, knowing that no expectations were weighing her down.
Urbosa's signature Daybreaker touched the sand. It had been dominating the competition for so long now, yet it was no worse for the wear. The shorter and plumper Gerudo put down her best Radiant Shield.
"On your marks!"
Both bent down, ready to take off at a moment's notice.
"Get set!"
The sand seals felt the trademark Gerudo grip.
"GO!"
And they were off, and as per usual, the taller competitor took the lead. She moved through the sands gracefully, almost artistically, as if she were playing with her adversary. She zigzagged more than ever before, seeming to challenge herself, but not so much that she would be at a disadvantage.
Shalu, on the other hand, remained focused. She made it seem more competitive than it should have been, as Urbosa's horseplay mitigated her faster speed. They were neck and neck throughout the first few obstacles.
The penultimate checkpoint was one where competitors often went astray. Urbosa gained notoriety for never going wide at this checkpoint, allowing her to run away with the victory.
At least, that was true—until today, because that was what happened.
The defending champion went wide, colliding with the gate and knocking her off her feet. She almost got disqualified entirely, but she was still gripping the seal, and her feet were still on the shield. She was lucky enough to have a position wherein she could recover and get back in the race.
Unfortunately, at this point, Shalu had already passed her.
Urbosa rallied, and her sand seal went at full speed. She slowly recuperated the ground she had lost, and Shalu felt the pressure as the chief started approaching her.
The end was near, and both racers let out a final dash. Both crossed the finish line, almost simultaneously, and all but one of the nearby judges did not catch who made it first.
That judge was a purple Rito, heralded for his keen eyesight and his archery skills, but he was more notorious for his arrogance and his big mouth.
He caught the winner, and he was taken aback by her identity.
The bird announced that Shalu had just "barely scraped the win," and the crowds went wild as the two former adversaries embraced each other and gave each other their regards.
Later that night, after they crowned the new champion, everyone went to the canteen and ordered up some Noble Pursuits in honor of her.
It had been 100 years since then. Everybody at that event: Urbosa, Shalu, the purple bird, the princess, had been lost, mostly due to Calamity Ganon. Vah Naboris was no longer ours, and it had laid waste to what was the racetrack, whose ruins were not visible under the sandstorm the upheaval had caused. Shabonne had said it would clear soon, although young chief Riju had commanded other people to never draw near just in case.
I, Tali, granddaughter of Shalu, stayed behind, for I was the defending champion. I was itching for another race, and I hoped that the day when I could ride my sand seal again would soon come.
A/N: Phew, I finally finished this. Any reviews are very well appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read this!
