Chapter Text
Given the route Urbosa said they would have to take, Link opted to meet Revali and Daruk near Kara Kara. Since they were taking a road and then going into a more secluded part of the desert, Link chose to keep the Gerudo vai clothing on; he could change later in a shrine if necessary.
“I make no promises about this first one,” Urbosa warned, glancing down at him. “Zelda shared a few stories about shrines you’d completed in the past, and it sounds of a kind, but…”
She trailed off, and Link gave an absent nod of acknowledgement, still distant and distracted. Urbosa huffed softly, leaving the topic alone.
They had to skirt far around Naboris, avoiding the lightning that crackled in the sandstorm around it. Link pretended not to see the wistful looks Urbosa shot the enormous machine, and instead checked on Daruk and Revali.
Neither of them appeared particularly bothered by the several days of separation, which was a relief; Daruk had asked after Link’s health when they first met back up, and Revali had postured a little without looking at him, but neither seemed… well, angry.
Link didn’t deserve them.
“This makes over a dozen in total, doesn’t it?” Revali was saying, arms crossed as he frowned contemplatively. “And we’ve covered less than a quarter of Hyrule. How many of these blasted things is he expected to complete? It seems… excessive.”
“Careful, Revali, you’re startin’ to sound concerned,” Daruk teased, grinning down at the other. Revali scoffed.
“Not hardly. But the more there are, the longer it will take to find them all, never mind complete them.”
Link had to stop himself from apologizing, but Mipha must have caught something in his expression anyway, and she gave him a small, comforting smile. “You always liked to say that the goddess expected much of you. Perhaps this is a part of that.”
Some of the tension drained from Link’s shoulders, and he nodded, slow and still unsure. He tried not to wonder if he was a disappointment to Hylia as well.
They only ran into a few monsters out in the desert, mostly just stray lizalfos; a few times Urbosa didn’t even break in her relaying of the story of the seven swordswomen, taking her time with the narrative like a well-loved story. It was an old Gerudo legend, from back when they were still a nomadic people, and Link didn’t realize until the thought crossed his mind that that was even something he’d known of their history. But seven swordswomen, each with their own unique gifts, protecting their people through sandstorm and horde…
Urbosa finished the story before they reached the monument she was leading them too, but Link stayed quiet, attention drifting as he mulled the tale over in his mind. He played with the veil across his mouth, something like familiarity starting to itch inside his head.
He’d heard this legend before, walking this route, in different company.
Zelda, maybe? Something in his heart told him she had been enthusiastic about old legends. But did-
And then his concentration slipped, and he felt the wisps of memory slide through his fingers like so much water and dust. His shoulders slumped in defeat, his hands dropping from the veil.
Link kept his eyes on their surroundings instead, monitoring the dust clouds and camouflaged lumps that betrayed the lizalfos of the desert. Patches of hydromelons and voltfruit-bearing cacti peppered the landscape, and he stopped to pick some as he went, a little at a time.
It was still morning when they reached the monument, but only just. It was a grand construction, each figure towering far over their heads, a single stone foot larger than all of them put together. Link spent a few minutes just marveling at them, head tilted back to take them in, the worn carvings and the signs of age and the wooden scaffolds where repairs had been intended.
“Ain’t no one know beauty like a Gerudo,” Daruk said quietly, and Urbosa made a soft sound of satisfaction. Link exhaled, listening to the wind whistle over their heads and the sand shift and lizalfos squawk in the distance.
Only when he’d seen his fill did Link spend the better part of twenty minutes poking around and exploring; eventually he nodded to himself and started to move with purpose. All other worries seemed to fall away; there was just Link and his puzzle and his friends around him, waiting patiently.
Revali and Daruk were comparing notes behind him, just within Link’s hearing range; it sounded like they and the other champions had had, for the most part, very similar trials, at least outside their respective shrines. But of course, Link’s tasks were even older than theirs had been.
All told, it took an hour and a half for Link to finish putting all of the symbols in their place, and he needed Revali’s help to find some of the plates and one or two orbs. It left him sweaty and tired, but after a bit he realized he was smiling too, a pleased curl of his mouth. He rolled the last orb into place, and turned to watch the shrine rumble out of the ground.
“Well done, little brother,” Daruk laughed aloud, and Link let his smile widen into a grin that crinkled his eyes.
“Not bad,” Urbosa agreed quietly, surveying the monument with fresh, thoughtful eyes. “Go on in. We’ll be waiting for you when you finish. There’s still another shrine to visit today.”
Link nodded cheerfully, slid off the pedestal, and disappeared into the shrine without a word.
The problem came with the next shrine.
“I just need a minute,” Pokki insisted for the third time in an hour, stubbornly staying seated and leaning exhaustedly back against the shrine.
Link didn’t bother hiding his exasperation this time, and leaned back for a moment to consider her and the situation. He tapped through his Sheikah Slate and said, “Do you need help?”
Stop laughing at me, he signed to Mipha, as understated as he could. She just giggled harder.
Pokki moaned softly, leaning her head back against the sealed shrine door. “I just need a drink…” Before Link could do anything, she took a waterskin, drank from it, and pouted. “Water is simply not enough… I need… a Noble Pursuit…”
“Oh sa’oten, she’s that Pokki,” Urbosa muttered, and then, to Link, “As an adolescent she would sneak into the Noble Canteen to wheedle alcohol out of the weaker-willed patrons, since she knew Furosa wouldn’t give her any. I must have steered her out of there by the scruff of her neck a thousand times.”
Link gave in enough to release a put-upon sigh, and then stood up, shook the sand off himself, and gave Pokki a short nod before turning and walking away.
“He’s actually doing it, isn’t he,” Revali muttered to Daruk, who just laughed loudly.
Wait here and let me know if she leaves on her own? Link requested of Revali, who snorted even as he settled on the roof.
“You would like to hope, wouldn’t you, you pushover?” he groused, crossing his legs atop the shrine. Link grunted at him, unimpressed, and looked at Urbosa.
I’m not going to be blocked at the door, am I? he asked. Urbosa’s eyes glittered.
“No, but you might have some trouble getting your hands on a Noble Pursuit,” she said. “Furosa doesn’t serve alcohol to minors, and Noble Pursuits are particularly strong. It’s not like either Mipha or I can help you.”
Link fumbled, stomach flipping like he was going to vomit. He looked away quickly, took a deep breath, and struggled for a few seconds before signing, Yes, right, I know, yes. Stop.
He knew they couldn’t help him.
He knew they couldn’t help him.
He knew he was-
(There was something, in the back of his mind where he thought memories might live, that echoed with terror-)
“If we hurry we’ll make it back to Gerudo Town in the early evening,” Mipha broke into his shattered thoughts, forcing him to look up. Her small smile didn’t hide the startled worry pinching the corners of her eyes. “Perhaps we’ll even beat the night crowd, wouldn’t that be nice, Link?” She paused. “Link?”
“It’s alright, little buddy,” Daruk added gently. “Let’s just focus on now.”
Link nodded, quick and jerky, and then forcibly straightened his back. He shook his hands out, shook his head, and huffed quietly. Scrubbed his hands over his arms, and then signed, The bar isn’t far from the barracks. Is it?
“…No,” Urbosa said, with just a touch of remorse in her voice. “I’ll show you the way.”
He nodded again without looking at her, his breath slowly evening out. He needed to get a drink for Pokki. Pokki liked Noble Pursuits, and if he got one for her she would let him into the shrine. So he needed to go to the Gerudo Town bar, and talk to Furosa, and then work from there.
“Urbosa once gave you a fruit juice recipe that imitated a Noble Pursuit,” Mipha offered, drawing his attention. “I’m sure she could teach it to you again if you wanted. It was one of your favorites too.”
“What Link needs is some good solid rocks to help him get strong!” Daruk interrupted, clapping his hands deafening loud. “Ain’t any good rock roasts this far from the mountains, but you can find some decent snacks, brother.” Link cocked his head quizzically, and Daruk grinned at him, baring all of his chunky teeth. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you leaving those out of your diet! Trust me, you loved a good well-marbled rock back in the day.”
“I really think the fruit juice is a better idea,” Mipha insisted, voice pitching up, but as Link bent down, she let out a soft, resigned sigh. “Oh, not this again…”
Link came up with a few reasonably sized chunks of rock and held them out to Daruk, who grinned at him. “Perfect! Eat up, little brother, we’re not yet done with the day.”
Urbosa started muttering under her breath, and then laughing, rich and loud.
Link popped the first rock in his mouth and crunched, grinding his teeth against the hard stone. Could be worse.
“Oh, honey, this isn’t Hyrule,” Furosa said, as soon as Link walked in the door. “Best I can offer you is a glass of milk.”
Yes please, Link signed, letting a little bit of amusement color his face. He could still taste sand in his mouth.
Furosa raised an eyebrow, but turned away to go pour one while Link hopped up to sit at the bar, swinging his feet gently against the stool legs. Mipha sat beside him, and Urbosa leaned against the wall, watching.
Link paid ten rupees for the glass of milk, dropped the veil from his face, and allowed himself two sips before he looked up at Furosa again. I heard you can get a Noble Pursuit here.
Furosa snorted, leaning on the bar. Don’t make me take that back and kick you outta here. That’s three shots all on its own, and I don’t make virgin cocktails. You come all this way for a drink?
Link shook his head. I wanted to investigate the shrine out east, past Vah Naboris, but P-o-k-k-i is sitting on it and refusing to move without a Noble Pursuit. I thought I’d bring her one and speed things along.
Furosa paused, frowning at him.
I do believe that was the sign the champion herself used for the divine beast, she said, eyes narrow. Link’s breath hitched, and he took a deep drink of the milk, fingers clasped tightly around the glass as if for support.
“One thing at a time, Link,” Mipha murmured, soft and comforting.
Pokki, he repeated, trying to stay on topic. Furosa raised an eyebrow, but nodded.
The lengths she’ll go to for her favorite drink are amusing, Furosa remarked dryly. I haven’t been able to make Noble Pursuits for several weeks, since they require a large amount of ice, and the path to the icehouse up north is clogged with monsters. Since ice is a luxury, to clear it isn’t exactly a priority.
Link hummed, taking out his Sheikah Slate to open his map. Urbosa leaned over his shoulder and located the icehouse for him, tapping it.
“There’s a very old ruin between here and the icehouse, and a considerable stretch of desert,” she murmured. “Not a bad location, all told, if you mean to hunt monsters while you’re here. Well within your ability to handle.”
Link nodded thoughtfully and put it away, looking back up at Furosa. I could clear the way, if you liked.
Furosa’s gaze flicked to his shoulder, where the hilt of a scimitar he’d found on the way was just visible. I see you’re a swordswoman. That eliminates half the problem, yes, but I’m old and in no shape to carry a block of ice all that way. You’d need to find someone willing on such short notice.
I can do that too, Link said without hesitation. Furosa’s expression softened.
You’re a sweet girl. Finish your milk. The icehouse guard tends to go to bed shortly after dinner, so you have until then to retrieve the ice if you intend to do so today.
Link hummed and kept drinking, listening with half an ear to the conversation in the other room, more of a lounge than anything, from what he could see. The milk itself was sweet, if slightly warm, and tasted fresh; it was probably goat’s milk, he thought. Could use a little honey.
Do you like old legends? he asked Furosa on a whim. She snorted quietly.
Are you asking for a story or offering to tell one?
Asking.
“Hm.” My sign is fluent but not enough to tell a story. Can you hear? Link nodded. “Very well. Do you know the story of Nabooru?” Link shook his head. “Then let me tell it to you, little vin. It’s one of our best, out in the desert.”
He listened quietly, accepting a second glass of milk when Furosa offered it to him, and let the tale wash over him. Mipha was listening too, her eyes more on him than on Furosa, a small and warm smile making her face glow prettily. It was a good story, defiance and determination and redemption.
“Those were dark days, when Ganondorf held his iron fist over the Gerudo,” Furosa said heavily. “But they’re long past now, and a voe will never rule us again.”
Link nodded, signed thank you, and set another yellow rupee on the counter before standing up and stretching. He’d been sitting far too long.
Furosa’s gaze darted down to his stomach, and he felt his face heat in discomfort. But Furosa didn’t comment.
“Oh, sa’oten,” Furosa sighed instead, and gave Link a wry smile. “I can’t ask a little Hylian vai to bring that ice all the way back here all by yourself. You bring it just to the near end of the ruins, I’ll wait there for you and take it the rest of the way back.”
Link granted Furosa a small smile of his own. Would you like me to let you know when I’ve cleared the ruins, then?
Please, Furosa agreed, and turned back to her bar as if it was settled.
There wasn’t any time to change; Link downed an elixir for toughness instead, wincing at the taste, and then took off towards the front gate. With night falling, the sapphire circlet went into his slate; he wouldn’t need it this time of day.
“Are you sure you can clear the area?” Urbosa asked archly as soon as they were out, keeping pace with him. “Bokoblin are one thing, but lizalfos are quite another, and the ruins sometimes has Nabooru vipers as well.”
Link made a mental note to keep an eye on them. I’ll be careful, he promised. Watch my back?
“Of course,” Urbosa promised instantly, echoed a moment later by Mipha with just as much resolve.
He would have to work quickly; he didn’t want to miss his window and have the icehouse guard fall asleep before he arrived. Butchering lizalfos was simple enough that he could probably get away without skipping it, but he couldn’t linger.
Urbosa caught Daruk up on the plan when he found them, and when he finished laughing he offered to watch the icehouse and let Link know if the guard went to sleep. Mipha took one side, and Urbosa took the other, and Link ran one sword drill with the scimitar before he went in.
He felt- he felt confident. Like he had going to find Sesami’s friends.
“On your left, Link!”
“One behind the pillar!”
“There’s three that set up an ambush on ahead, Link.”
“Watch yourself, the next few are electric.”
For a few minutes, everything seemed to fall in line, the Gerudo clothes smooth on Link’s skin and his feet moving under him exactly as he wanted them to and the air cooling down from the blazing desert heat. Mipha and Urbosa wove in and out of the battle just as easily, keeping an eye on things from every angle, their sharp instincts missing nothing. Link parried lizalfos blades with next to no effort, and spun around to slice through them, and it was easy.
This was what he was born for.
All told it took less than an hour to clear the ruins, leaving him sweaty and sore, stomach burning, but more than loosely satisfied with himself. Even Urbosa was smirking broadly, eyes glimmering with something like pride.
“Well done, Link,” she said quietly. “Go ahead and harvest the spoils. It looks like you have time.” She nodded at the sky, only just beginning to dim properly with the falling sun.
He grinned at her, a flash of teeth and pleasure, and set to work, kneeling beside the nearest lizalfos to start the dirtiest part of the work. He’d have to wash before he went to get the ice, but it would be worth it.
He could almost hear, in Revali’s voice, If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were trying to show off those sword skills you used to be so well known for.
Link had to keep himself from laughing in the rush of relief and unfamiliar pride.