A/N Hello everyone. Welcome to another chapter.
Thank you for the continued support, it's most appreciated.
By the end of this chapter we will see Link gently warming up to Zelda. It will be a long road, but they'll get there...eventually.
CHAPTER WARNING: GRAPHIC VIOLENCE, BLOOD, INJURY, MINOR CHARACTER DEATH.
Chapter Nine
The weight of his conflicted loyalty pressed heavily on his shoulders.
Link's thoughts drifted involuntarily to the Hylian princess. Her delicate features, once so radiant and full of life, now seemed to hold a haunting, ethereal beauty that stirred something deep within him, a primal emotion he struggled to comprehend.
The air turned heavy with tension as Ganondorf's cold, calculating gaze pierced into his soul and his voice echoed through him like a funeral bell. He could almost feel his master's fingers digging into his tender flesh with a cruel grip.
"You will bring the princess to me," his voice rasped, each word laced with venom and dark intent. " Our wedding day draws near and I will not be kept waiting."
The king paused, allowing his words to sink in. "I will be watching your progress closely from now on. Any disobedience or failure will be met with severe consequences. You know the price of disappointing me."
Link's resolve wavered, torn asunder by the opposing forces of duty and desire, right and wrong. He knew the price to be paid for his disobedience.
Ganondorf's sinister chuckle echoed through his thoughts. "Use whatever force is necessary to accomplish this goal, however, she must be delivered to me unharmed."
"Yes, master."
Link stood tall, staring out at the breathtaking vista—the vast expanse of the Gerudo Desert before him. Calm, peaceful, yet unforgiving. He squinted slightly against the harsh sunlight that reflected off the endless dunes of sand. He secured his sword and bow, ensuring they were easily accessible should the need for them arise.
His companions stood nearby, already prepared for the arduous journey that lay ahead. Due to the many hidden dangers, they had no choice but to traverse the barren and inhospitable wasteland on foot.
Nabooru and Aveil strode purposefully towards the Hylian. "Are you quite sure about this, Link?" Nabooru questioned with a parody of concern. "You know how harsh and treacherous the desert can be. We could always wait a few more days to ensure you are at full strength," she lastly proposed with a degree of rationality.
A flash of impatience flickered across his face before being supplanted by a mask of cold, calculating calm. "I am healed enough," he replied, tracing the outline of his wound which had somehow healed at an alarmingly rapid rate. "The throbs of pain have also greatly diminished, therefore we are just wasting time with further delay."
Nabooru gave him an exasperated look. "But, Link. You have only been resting for a week," she deftly reminded him. "Wouldn't it be rather foolhardy to leave right now?"
His gaze hardened as he locked eyes with hers. "Master demands that I complete my task. Therefore, I will not be stayed by petty concerns like health or fatigue. Princess Zelda must be delivered to Lord Ganondorf, and I will see that it is done, by any means necessary."
Aveil crossed her arms and sent him a sharp glare, before scolding him. "Look here, you insolent little upstart. You shouldn't even be out of bed! Your wounds may have healed, however that does not mean you are fully recovered. The desert is full of peril—bandits, scorpions, sandstorms...not to mention the added threat of the fearsome, Molduga."
Link ran a hand through his hair in frustration. Only she could make him feel annoyed and guilty at the same time. "Look, Aveil. There really is no need to fret. I am still the most competent and skilled swordsman here. As you may also recall, I happen to be the only one among us who has battled one of the monstrous beasts and survived to tell the tale."
"Too bad that's true," Aveil grumbled.
"Except that one ugly bastard prowling near the Arbitor's Grounds almost tore a chunk out of your leg," Hilo reminded him, shuddering at the unpleasant thought.
Link jerked his gaze at the Yiga and let out a snarl. "Pfft! it was just a scratch."
Zelda, who had been observing the skirmish, interrupted sharply. "Um, may I ask. What exactly is the Molduga?"
"Monsters," Sofretti replied.
"Giant sand monsters," Larisu elaborated.
"My fellow Gerudo speak truly," Nabooru confirmed. "The Molduga are not only dangerous and formidable foe, but they are extremely territorial. There are four areas of the desert where they reside and our journey involves venturing close to at least one of their domains. They are subterranean, lurking deep beneath the sand. They can detect the subtlest of vibrations and then strike without warning, crushing anything in its path. Many unwary travelers have fallen prey to these vile beasts."
Zelda's skin went cold, her arms prickling with goose-flesh.
"On this occasion, princess. I must insist you stay close to me," Link said, motioning for her to fall into position. He then turned to the others. "Alright, let's get moving. It is at least a days journey across the desert, and we don't want to be caught in the middle of it when night falls upon us."
As the group made their move, Link wasn't thrilled to see Zelda's feet still firmly planted next to Nabooru. In fact, he was frustrated. She was always so defiant. He took a tentative step forward, his narrowed eyes focused on her steely resolve. Part of him wanted to force her to walk with him, but he stayed his hand for now. "Very well, if you insist on remaining in the company of the Gerudo, then so be it."
As they finally set off, the sun was high above, beating down relentlessly. Sweat ran down Link's back, making his tunic stick to his skin. In contrast, the Yiga and Gerudo seemed to barely notice the heat, their natural tanned skin and attire allowing them to remain cool in the scorching temperatures.
Zelda, on the other had was also beginning to show distress. As she trudged behind, her usual blonde hair hung limp and sweaty around her face, and she constantly needed to wipe her brow with her sleeve. It wasn't surprising that she was suffering, seeing as that she'd had a rather sheltered upbringing in Hyrule Castle, shielded from the outside world. It made perfect sense that she wouldn't be accustomed to the harsh conditions of the desert unlike the Yiga or the Gerudo.
Even being partially raised in the desert, the extreme temperatures were taking their toll—suffocating and choking him. His throat felt parched and the sweat dripping down his face seemed to sting his skin. But he couldn't show weakness, especially in front of the princess. He took a deep breath, focusing on the sensation of filling his lungs, before exhaling slowly.
Suddenly, Hilo spun on his heels, looking rather perturbed. "Wait! I hear something. Shhh! Nobody move..."
Link's elf-like ears perked up at Hilo's sudden exclamation, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword, ready for any upcoming fight.
Keeping her voice low, Larisu questioned, "Do you think it's the Molduga?"
Sooga took a breath, steadying his nerves. "Everyone just stay perfectly still and avoid making any sudden movements."
Zelda, ever the strategist, swept her eyes over the terrain for any landmark or feature that might aid their escape should the Molduga decide to attack. Yet, she could see nothing but endless sand, bleak and uninviting to her eyes.
Link dropped into a crouch, his muscles tight and hard. His gaze locked onto the sand ahead, searching for any sign of movement.
The ground beneath their feet suddenly quaked violently, throwing the party off balance as the massive form of the Molduga burst forth from the sandy depths. Its enormous body careened through the air with incredible speed and force. Before anyone could react the creature slammed into the group, sending them flying in all directions.
Link's body crashed to the ground, the wind knocked out of him. As he struggled to catch his breath, he watched in horror as the others were similarly tossed aside, their weapons scattered across the sand. When the dust finally settled, he slowly pushed himself to his feet, his heart pounding in his chest.
The Molduga was nowhere to be seen, having retreated back into the depths.
Zelda panted in labored breaths as she lay a short distance away, tangled in the sand, a trickle of blood oozing from a cut on her forehead. As she tried to stand, pain shot through her ankle and calf, right into her leg and streaking up her entire body. With a cry, she fell back down onto the sand, her body quivering at the heat and agony as she sought to tamp it down.
Nearby, Nabooru groaned, one arm twisted at an odd angle beneath her. Her fellow Gerudo were also struggling to rise, their faces etched with pain and confusion.
Sooga and Hilo's bodies lay half buried in the sand, battered and bruised, their masks askew.
Discounting his fear, Link raced to the princess's side, curling his hand around her wrist and yanking her roughly away from any further danger.
Despite her injured arm, Nabooru managed to stand, whilst Larisu and Sofretti quickly rushed to the aid of their leader and comrade.
Link knew it wasn't safe for them to remain out in the open like this, exposed to any further threats the desert might offer. Sooga went about surveying their immediate surroundings, finally pointing to an outcropping of rocks in the near distance.
Link gave the Yiga General an affirmed nod, then barked his orders. "Alright everyone. Let's move quickly but quietly to that set of rocks over there. They should at least be able to provide us some form of temporary shelter."
As they carefully headed for the refuge of the rocks, Link remained on high alert, looking out for any signs of the Molduga, whilst attempting to formulate a plan of attack. They had almost closed the distance when out of nowhere, the Molduga launched another surprise attack. The huge beast lurched forward, its gaping maw wide open and ready to devour its fleeing prey.
Link let out a desperate cry as he spun around, preparing to take a swing at the creature. "RUN!" he shouted. "I'll try to hold it off."
"Link! back away!" Sooga warned. "You're not going to be able to take it down in your current condition."
"Don't worry about me. Just get everyone else to safety," the Hylian ordered.
Panic surged through the group as they raced towards solid ground. Zelda's clumsiness had her stumbling, the impact sending her sprawling to her knees. Larisu was quick to react and scooted to the princess's side, helping her to her feet.
The Molduga swam furiously through the sand, its sight now set on the two women. With a single swish of its tail it effortlessly knocked Link to the ground before clamping its powerful jaws around Larisu's legs. The warrior let out a strangled cry as the monster's grip tightened.
Without hesitation, Zelda lunged forward, her fingers closing around Larisu's hand in a desperate bid to save her. But the Molduga's relentless tugging proved too strong, and with a sickening rip, the Gerudo's hand tore free from her grasp. "LARISU! NO!"
The warrior's screams pierced the air, followed by a blood curdling wail that reverberated through the barren landscape. All the others could do was look on helplessly.
Zelda, still on the ground, scrambled to her feet, hot tears streaming down her face. "We can't let it take her," she whispered, her voice shaking.
Despite the danger, Link's instincts screamed at him to act, to somehow rescue the young Gerudo from the creature's deadly grip. Wasting no time, he raced towards the beast pulling out his bow and loosing arrow after arrow at the creature's thick, scaly hide. Arrows rained down on the Molduga with deadly precision, the steel tips striking true. Although the beast's skin couldn't be penetrated, it was enough for it to release Larisu—however any chance at escape was short-lived.
She hit the ground hard, dazed and disorientated from the Molduga's brutal toss. She tried to crawl, her hands desperately clawing at the scorching sand. She had only managed to move an inch when the beast lunged back down, its wide mouth engulfing the terrified young woman.
Aveil could no longer stand back and do nothing. She rushed forward, her scimitar raised. However, Sofretti promptly held her back. "There is nothing you can do to help her."
"LET ME GO!"
"She's already dead," Nabooru confirmed with a heavy look of resignation. The truth hurt, yet it needed to be said.
Those words however were like a knife to Aveil's heart. "Don't say that! We can still save her!"
As Zelda looked on, she felt like she had to do something to try and help. She clenched her eyes shut in concentration, as she attempted to channel the sacred power that seemingly flowed through her veins. She waited for an influx of power, yet it never came. "Damn it, Zelda! Focus!" she cursed under her breath. However, try as she might, the familiar rush of energy failed to respond, leaving her feeling helpless and utterly powerless. She opened her eyes blinking back tears of frustration and grief as she realized the futility of her efforts.
The sound of Larisu's suffering gradually gave way to a wet, sickening crunch as the Molduga's powerful, mucus-covered jaws clamped down, its thick teeth biting deep into her flesh. Bones crunched and splintered, the sound adding to the young Gerudo's chokes and gurgles as the creature shook her violently. Finally, her anguished screams were abruptly silenced as her body was torn asunder. Blood sprayed like a fountain, staining the golden sand forever crimson.
The gruesome noise echoed through the wasteland, sending shivers down everyone's spines. In that very moment, Larisu's brutal demise was seared into every single one of their memories. But even then it wasn't over. The colossal beast's muscular throat gaped open and the warrior's lifeless, bloody body tumbled headfirst into the dark abyss, The Molduga's body rippling and contracting as it swallowed Larisu's tattered remains.
An eerie silence was cast over the desert.
Aveil averted her fiery gaze, anger now boiling just beneath the surface, a simmering cauldron of rage. Her fists clenched at her sides.
Zelda's stomach churned with revulsion. She doubled over and violently retched, her body expelling the contents of her stomach in a dry-heaving fit. Her vision blurred, her senses overwhelmed by the sheer brutality of the scene before her. She felt tears streaming down her face, a mix of grief, nausea and horror welling up within her.
Nabooru, her features etched with concern, gently gathered the young princess into her arms and escorted her away from the grisly scene. "I really wish you hadn't of had to witness that, princess," she murmured softly. Zelda's body continued to shake with silent sobs as she clung to the Gerudo, finding solace in her embrace.
"I...I tried to use my magic to save her, Nabooru. Really I tried," Zelda choked out, her words heavy with self-recrimination. "But it wouldn't come. I'm not even sure if I ever had any power in the first place. Maybe it was something else that saved Link that day."
Nabooru's grip on Zelda tightened, her own eyes brimming with empathy. "You seem to be full of self doubt and lacking confidence, Your Highness," she said firmly. "You tried and that is all you could do. This isn't a failure, it's just a challenge. One that we'll face together."
Zelda continued to lean into Nabooru's muscular frame, her sobs gradually subsiding into ragged breathing.
Aveil's eyes glittered with rage. With nothing now to hold her back, the warrior charged towards the foul beast, followed closely by Sofretti. The two warriors swung their curved blades, aiming for the monster's soft underside, trying to find a weakness. But for all their bravery, they were still no match for the creature's sheer size and strength.
Link with fierce determination in his eyes, and a thirst for vengeance, rushed forward and leapt onto the Molduga's back, just behind its head. He drew his sword and began to slash at the monster's vulnerable neck, the razor-sharp blade biting deep into the thick flesh. The beast howled in pain and rage, thrashing wildly as it attempted to dislodge the pesky Hylian from its back. Luckily, Link's trusty boots found purchase on its scaly hide.
He continued to cling on for dear life, his sword arm aching with the effort, but he refused to give up. With a swift, precise thrust, he drove the blade deep into the Molduga's brain, the point of his sword piercing the vulnerable organ. The creature's body convulsed in a final, furious spasm before crashing to the ground with a deafening thud.
As Link returned to the group covered in a mixture of blood, sweat and brain matter, his gaze immediately drifted to the princess who was huddled close to Nabooru. Despite the heat, she was shivering and looking extremely pale, almost to the point of looking ill. Gone was the regal, elegant face, replaced instead with a haunted gaze. "Are you okay, princess?" he asked breathlessly, his face a veil of concern.
Zelda felt her cheeks burning, her eyes turning downward not daring to look at Link. "I...I" She wiped her eyes, swallowing. "I'm fine," she insisted, yet still trembling despite herself.
"Of course you are," he replied with a frown, knowing that she was lying. He helped her to her feet, keeping a supporting arm around her. He then inspected the wound to her head, wiping the dried blood with the sleeve of his tunic, causing her to involuntarily wince. "It doesn't look too bad," he reassured her.
She nodded in agreement. However, as she stood upright, her head spun sickeningly as the hellish memories of what had transpired were dragged forth. It all seemed so surreal. She squeezed her eyes tightly closed, against the appalling images that repeatedly flashed in her mind. Her breaths were coming in short pants, her vision going dark around the edges. She found herself wobbling, even as Link supported her.
Aveil watched coldly as Link interacted with the princess. Her grip tightened around the hilt of her scimitar as she recalled the sight of Larisu's lifeless body, her bright eyes forever frozen in a silent scream. Grief morphed into hatred towards the young princess. It was she who was inadvertently responsible for her comrade's untimely death. To make matters worse, she had to witness Link fraternizing with the enemy. This just wouldn't do. Her boots kicked up plumes of sand as she marched towards the pair, interrupting their brief reunion. The warrior's face twisted into a sneer of utter contempt, her features a harsh lineament of fury.
As Aveil approached, Zelda turned, her green orbs widening in alarm as she took in the imposing figure and the glint of anger in her gaze. "I-Is everything okay?" the princess asked shakily.
The Gerudo's crazed and wild eyes remained fixed upon Zelda. "No, princess, everything is not okay. Larisu is dead...DEAD! all because of your clumsiness." She jabbed a finger into Zelda's chest, her anger boiling over. "If you hadn't of been so careless, she would still be alive." Aveil whipped out her scimitar, raising it towards her in a curving arc. Link, like some gallant hero, stepped protectively in front of the princess, immediately unsheathing his own blade.
Nabooru, startled by how quickly the situation had escalated, decided to intervene. "ENOUGH! Lower your weapon, Aveil. Whatever would Lord Ganondorf say if he knew you had raised your blade against his soon-to-be wife and our future queen. Now, no-one is more sorry than I am for what happened to Larisu. She was a young and promising warrior, and she will be sadly missed, but we cannot change what has happened. The sooner you realize that the better."
Though Aveil lowered her blade, her posture remained rigid, her eyes never leaving Zelda's face. It wasn't a sign of weakness, but rather a demonstration of loyalty—loyalty to Lord Ganondorf. "Make no mistake, princess," she growled, her voice low and menacing. "If not for the sacred oath I swore to my king. I would have ended your existence without a second thought."
Zelda's eyes widened in shock and horror at her venomous words, her hand flying to her mouth as if to silence the terrible pronouncement.
With her amber eyes never wavering, Aveil then turned to Link, studying him suspiciously. "As for you, Link. Mask your emotions all you want, but I see the truth plain as day. You harbor feelings for the princess, don't you?"
Link would have burst out laughing if the implication wasn't so ludicrous. "I can assure you, I have no feelings for the princess. I am simply monitoring her to ensure she reaches our master... unharmed, as requested."
"Oh save your noble speech. I see the truth in your eyes—the way they soften when looking at the princess, the way your actions are driven to protect her above all else." Aveil's voice then took on a more sinister tone. "Let me remind you, Link, that this little budding friendship, alliance or whatever you want to call it, borders on treason. Go ahead though, play the hero all you want. You just better be prepared to pay the price."