Story: A Rift in the Gerudo Desert

Ah, Zelda. Do you need something?

I need some info... No, thank you.

Ah, the cactus smoothie! Thank you, Zelda!

All right, everyone, drink up.

Phew! I feel rejuvenated!

Ohhh, I feel sooo much better already.

Thank you. Now we can get back to patrolling!

Thank goodness... I'm so glad you're all feeling refreshed.

I'd better get back to the oasis. See ya, Zelda.

There's nowhere around here for me to create an entrance into the rift.

I'll stay here and keep an eye on them, so please go get a cactus smoothie.

They'll make one for you with two chilly cacti at the Smoothie Shop. It's at the oasis.

So none of the rifts are shrinking yet... I see.

Thank you for your report. Get some rest before you return to patrol the rifts.

Thanks for coming, Zelda. Let's talk over here.

The water here is so beautiful, don't you think? This place holds many memories for me.

The chief—my mother—used to play here with me when I was little.

She would tell me to look at the serene water. To keep my mind and heart calm like the water.

Facette took up my training rather than my mother, because Mother was busy as chief.

Facette trained the others too. Thanks to her and Mother, we are the Gerudo you see today.

I have so much respect for the both of them. But I can't stand by and watch things get worse.

I believe you can fix the rifts, Zelda.

And so I wonder how we can prove to my mother and Facette that you're being honest.

Aside from the big rift at the sanctum, there are also three small rifts elsewhere in the desert.

I'd like for you to see if you can get rid of any of them.

They're in Southern Oasis Ruins, Ancestor's Cave of Rest, and Southern Gerudo Desert.

It's a shame you weren't able to mend the rift there though...

Can you keep looking for one you might be able to get rid of for us?

Want to know more about the rifts?

Oasis Ruins? Ancestor's Cave? Southern Desert? No, thanks.

I received reports about monsters coming out of the rift near the ruins south of here.

Some of my soldiers were dispatched to deal with them.

I heard the good news from my soldiers! They told me you helped them with some monsters.

They were so grateful. Thank you so much for helping them!

There's a small cave on the northern edge of the desert that houses a grave for our ancestors.

But a rift appeared in the cave, and so now we can't even visit the grave...

Ah, I heard you helped out a friend of mine!

Thank you so much!

A rift opened up south of town.

I have some soldiers keeping an eye on it now, as monsters could come pouring out at any time.

Thank you for bringing that cactus smoothie. It was a huge help.

I trust you, Zelda. And if you get rid of a rift, I'm sure the chief will trust you too.

Come talk to me again if you need more info on the rifts, OK?

My friends...they've been pulled in... I have to save them... But how?

You're back!

All of the rifts are gone now! Including the big one that was here! You did it, Zelda!

Everyone in town is awaiting your return.

Come on—let's go together!

Huh?

My friends are nearby...

I can create a rift entrance beneath here. Come on, Zelda.

Oh...

You can't come with me, can you?

So what should we do?

We could try talking to her.

Maybe she knows a way you can get through the sand.

Time to celebrate the rifts going away! C'mon, it's on me!

You're going to come crying to me to help you pay the bill again, aren't you...

Just at that moment, a faint shadow of a warrior arose out of the darkness...

Eeeek!

Looks like everyone's conveniently forgotten that it's time for training.

Oh, come now. This is a time of celebration! The rifts are gone. Training can happen tomorrow.

Everyone is in good spirits.

They really are!

Zelda, allow me to express my deepest gratitude. Thank you for helping us.

Yes, yes! Thank you so much, Zelda!

Because of you, we took decisive action, and our desert is saved.

I must thank you as well, Dohna, my daughter.

Your determination and your love for our people have saved this town.

Aw, Mother...

You've grown so much. In fact, I think you are already capable of being chief.

What! Not yet, right?!

I mean... There's still so much I have to learn!

But thank you, Mother. It feels good to hear you say that.

Zelda, you intend to continue traveling and fixing rifts, yes?

I will pray for your success.

I'm sure there's a rift we can get into somewhere around here...

But this desert seems really big. I wonder where we should start looking.

I guess for now we could check around the area with the biggest rift.

Wow. You're pretty strong, girl!

I can't believe we're the ones being saved...

Well, at least the monsters seem to be mopped up for the time being.

Now if the rift would just go away...

I'm worn out from all the relentless fighting. Let's take a break for a bit.

Thank you for helping us. You're a lifesaver!

I can't create a rift entrance here.

So we won't be able to get into this one...

Ugh...

Hey, are you hanging in there?

Yes! Sort of? Actually... Actually no, I'm not.

We're defeating wave after wave of these things, but they just keep coming...

Hm? When did you get here? It's not safe here. Monsters keep coming after us...

Just like that. Ugh, my muscles are locking up at this point...

Zelda! How has it gone so far? Were you able to get rid of any of the rifts?

Oh... You couldn't get rid of them...

Which means getting you into the sanctum is the only way we'll solve things.

But we don't have any way to do that right now...

Captain Dohna!

We've received a message from Lady Facette. She wants to know whether or not you've been able to see evidence of Zelda's powers yet.

She commands that you bring the Hylian and provide her a status update.

So be it.

We haven't found a way to prove your ability yet, but we'd better go check in, regardless.

I'll go on ahead to the palace. Come and meet me there later, please.

Ughhh...

W...water...

Oh no! What's wrong?!

We've been keeping post here at the rift without any rest...

And we ran out of water while fighting the monsters... We're about ready to collapse...

I'm so thirsty I can't even move anymore...

You've got to drink something right away!

Water won't be enough. You need a drink that can both hydrate you and provide nutrients.

I know! Zelda, can you run to the Smoothie Shop at the oasis and buy a cactus smoothie?

They'll make one for you if you give them two chilly cacti. Here!

I'll stay here and keep an eye on them. So please go get that drink, Zelda!

Zelda!

Ugh... Where... Where am I? Last I remember, I was pulled into a rift...

You're awake! Oh, I'm so relieved everyone is back safely.

She really did it? The rift... It's...

It's gone!

We saw it with our own eyes!

What astonishing powers...

Facette? Where are you going?

We shouldn't leave the palace unguarded... I must hurry back.

Ugh...

What... What happened to me?

Facette?!

There are two of you?!

Chief Seera! Captain Dohna! What has happened?

We're wondering the same... How did you get here?

I was... I was looking into the rifts here in the desert...

And...and then... Oh yes! Then I was pulled into a rift!

I see...

Chief Seera.

I recommend extreme caution. She came out of the rift, after all.

She could be some kind of monster. Yes, that's what she is!

You don't actually think I trust you, do you?

Grah!

You're not going anywhere!

Where did she go?!

She vanished?!

So she was a fraud, after all.

Facette made many questionable remarks ever since the rifts appeared.

She spoke of a legend that promised defeating monsters would eliminate the rifts.

Burying the entrance to the sanctum was also her idea...

And she only suggested it once she heard that the rift in the forest had been eradicated.

Now that I reflect upon it, she must've intended to keep Zelda away from the rift.

But why?

Because she didn't want the rifts to be fixed. All of her deceits were to that end.

Zelda. Although we were deceived by the false Facette, I apologize for how we treated you.

You have my permission to restore the entrance to the sanctum, and you have my blessing.

I know it is selfish for me to ask, but you must use your power to help me and my people.

All right!

Thank you so much, Chief!

The entrance to the sanctum sits at the base of a quicksand flow in the southern desert.

The cave that drained the sand was plugged, causing the flow to submerge the entrance.

Go speak to the guard at the cave, and tell her what has transpired.

Yes, Chief Seera!

We did it!

Once you are ready, please head to the sanctum. We're counting on you, Zelda.

Is she OK?

The monsters just keep coming... I'm completely worn out.

I hear you... But if we keep at it, then that big rift should start shrinking.

We can do this. We'll get rid of that rift and take back Gerudo Sanctum!

You there—Hylian!

Captain Dohna left a message for you on her way out.

She mentioned that she's heading to the oasis, and she'd like you to join her there.

To get to the oasis, head due east when you leave town. You can't miss it.

That's all she shared for you.

Ugh... What happened? The monsters... They're gone?

Did you defeat them for me?

It seems they posed no threat to you... And yet I, a seasoned warrior, couldn't handle them.

Thank you! You saved my life.

Ah, I suppose I should introduce myself.

I'm Dohna, the captain of the Gerudo warriors.

What's your name?

Nice to meet you, Zelda!

So, what brings you out this way?

Mhm, I see, I see.

You're traveling around, fixing rifts... Uh...huh.

You're fixing rifts?!

Pardon my shock. It's just that the rifts have been causing us serious trouble lately.

We heard that taking care of the monsters would also take care of the rifts. But it hasn't...

The rifts haven't gotten any smaller, and the monsters keep coming. Without end, it seems.

If we could rid ourselves of these cursed rifts, then nobody else would end up getting hurt...

Hey, Zelda.

Do you think she might know how to get you under the sand?

Is everything all right, Zelda?

You want to...burrow under the sand? Hmmm. Well, the sanctum is beneath us...

Oh, I understand now. You think you can get rid of the rift if you get into the sanctum!

In order to get rid of the rift, you need to get into the sanctum, right?

Understood.

Well then, it sounds like we need to discuss things with the chief.

You saved my life, so I'll do all I can to help you.

And if you're able to get rid of the rift, that means our warriors won't be injured anymore...

Let's meet up at the palace in Gerudo Town. It's just northwest of here.

Normally only Gerudo are allowed in the palace, but I'll put in a word for you ahead of time.

All right, Zelda! I'll be waiting for you there.

Normally, the entrance to the sanctum is where we're standing.

But, as you've probably noticed, it's flooded with sand now, so nobody can get inside.

The sanctum was pulled into a large rift...

After that, tons of monsters began swarming out of the entrance to the sanctum.

At that point, we blocked up the entrance, trapping the monsters inside.

A soldier is guarding the back entrance. If we go through there, we could clear the sand out.

Of course, doing that would release the monsters as well.

Our chief gave orders to keep it blocked for safety. So I'm not sure how to proceed...

If you want to get into the sanctum, we'd first need to clear out the entrance.

Why is it blocked up? How can we clear it? I see.

Turned out that your father wasn't here, either...

But there's still another rift to check out. It's far to the east in a place with lots of water.

So let's go take care of that rift now.

I've been informed of the situation. The plug stopping the quicksand is just through here.

But the place is swarming with monsters. I haven't been able to get past them.

To think that all that needed to be done was to pull that plug to drain the sand...

So we need to pull that plug so we can get to the rift entrance.

Let's go, Zelda.

Tell us, Captain Dohna. Have you managed to find proof that she can fix the rifts?

No, not yet. But if you would listen to what she has to say, then you'll—

So you have returned to us with nothing, after swearing you would find proof of her capabilities.

Clearly, this is some sort of joke. This stranger has you entirely deceived.

No, she doesn't. For what reason would she be deceiving me? To what end?

She's been working with me to prove that she can get rid of the rifts since we last spoke.

Would she be running all over the desert like that simply to have a laugh at my expense?

I know she's telling the truth. And I'm willing to give her the opportunity to prove it to you too.

I can't stand by while my warriors—my friends— are being wounded on the battlefield!

I trust Zelda, and I know she can get rid of the rifts! We just have to give her the chance.

I'll take full responsibility for whatever happens. Please, Chief Seera, let us enter the sanctum!

Dohna. You are willing to risk your honor as a warrior to place your trust in this person?

I am.

You've grown so strong, my daughter.

I, too, can no longer stand by while my people suffer.

Seeing you put your honor on the line inspires me to place my own trust in this person.

Chief Seera, you cannot be serious!

If we remove the sand from the sanctum, we will once again be overwhelmed by monsters!

Do you forget that I'm a warrior, Facette? I will hold the monsters at bay.

You're being ridiculous! You really think you can hold back waves of monsters on your own?

She won't be on her own!

Huh?

Why are you here?

We overheard your discussion.

Chief Seera, Lady Facette. This young lady has helped all of us.

She helped me at the cave of our ancestors.

And she aided us as well.

If she's able to rid us of these horrible rifts, then we'll do all we can to support her.

Captain Dohna, we stand at your side.

Hm.

Facette. You heard our warriors. Are you now willing to hear this Zelda out?

Of course not! What are you saying? What a wretched excuse for a chief...

She is trying to deceive you—to take advantage of you! Can you not see her true character?!

Guards! This girl has ill intentions and is here to deceive us Gerudo! Throw her in jail at once!

Facette! What are you doing?!

Chief Seera! We've got trouble!

What is it?

A rift at the ruins in the eastern desert grew, and a bunch of our warriors were taken by it!

Take me there at once, soldier!

Yes, Chief Seera!

Onward, warriors!

Of course, Chief Seera!

Chief Seera! Please, you must wait! You can't go rushing into the fray like this, so ill-equipped!

The rift expanded? I might be able to create an entrance there, then.

Let's follow them.

Chief Seera. I have a report concerning the blocked-up entrance to the sanctum.

As predicted, the number of monsters is dwindling.

Ah, Zelda! I've been waiting for you.

Chief, this is the Hylian I was telling you about.

With her help, we may be able to get rid of the giant rift here in our desert.

But in order to do that, she'll need to get into the sanctum.

If she can get rid of the rift as she claims, we'll finally be done with this long battle.

To this end, will you please restore the entrance to the sanctum?

Captain Dohna! Do you comprehend what it is you are asking?

If you recall, after the sanctum was consumed by the rift, the surge in monsters began.

For the town's safety, we blocked the sanctum's entrance to prevent monsters from pouring out.

Since then, we've been eradicating the rest of the monsters, which will fix the rift.

After that, we'll reclaim the sanctum. That was the plan. Or have you forgotten?!

Of course not. Facette, many of my warriors have been injured, and the monsters keep coming.

To top it off, we've defeated countless monsters, yet the rift doesn't appear to be shrinking at all.

We should be acting with urgency to be rid of the rift as soon as possible! And Zelda can help.

You can't expect us to trust this total stranger. We don't even know where she comes from!

You're the chief's daughter—I'm shocked by your severe lack of judgment.

Peace, Facette.

Pardon my words, Chief Seera, but I—

Dohna, I understand the concern you feel for the warriors.

I feel each injury to our warriors as though it was my own.

That said.

Have you seen this Hylian eradicate a rift?

I...

You have only just met this stranger yourself. How can you tell us to trust her?

Well, I...

Chief Seera, it seems further discussion is unnecessary.

Now is not the time to be entertaining strangers and their claims.

I will prove what Zelda says is true!

You will be wasting your time. This Hylian is clearly deceiving you!

She saved my life. How dare you speak of her like that!

I trust Zelda. And I will prove that she can get rid of rifts!

No matter how many monsters they fight, the rift isn't going to go away on its own.

Dohna is correct about this. So why won't they trust us?

Rest in Peace, Brave Warriors

Ah, peace once more.

I don't believe I've seen you before. Well, thank you for lighting the torches.

Please, go tell my descendant that all is well.

I think I can create an entrance here.

Zelda, is that...

You can enter the rift here and get rid of it? And... you'll be able to get my friends out too?

Wow, thank goodness!

Please, do whatever you need to!

...

With the fires burning, we can rest peacefully now.

The torches are lit again?

Ah, they are!

So...you lit them? But how?

You found a secret passageway to the grave? I didn't know one existed...

And a Gerudo over there wanted you to talk to me?

That's so weird. I thought I was the only one here.

Well, anyway, thanks for the help. I really appreciate it.

I'm sure the ancestors are happy too. Thank you.

I'm not seeing anywhere I can create an opening into the rift.

So we won't be able to get in here.

The ancestors must feel at ease now. Thank you.

The torches in here have all gone out... What am I going to do?

With the rift in here, I can't get near the grave, so I can't light the torches.

And without them lit, our ancestors won't be able to rest peacefully...

I want to go see what happened, but I can't leave my post...

So that cry earlier was Captain Dohna!

Thank you for saving her.

Eh? You're not a Gerudo. What do you want?

Get through the sand? Uh, no, you aren't getting past me.

Only those authorized by our chief are allowed entry. Now, go home.

I don't think she's going to move.

What was that?! Is someone hurt?

I...I have to stay at my post, otherwise I'd go see what's going on.

Only those authorized by the Gerudo chief are allowed entry. Now, go on home!

What, you again?

That fraud lied to us! We restored the entrance, and there weren't any monsters.

That said, there will be monsters inside the sanctum itself.

Keep your guard up in there.

So...tired...

A person in a green tunic...

Zelda, wasn't that Link?

Hey, look!

That's got to be Link. But where is he going?

Our warriors are inside this rift?

Don't get too close!

We've got to save them. But how?

Facette. Following your counsel, we have tirelessly worked to defeat the monsters.

Tell me, then: Why has this rift gotten bigger?

Perhaps we have yet to defeat enough monsters.

Chief Seera, it's dangerous here. Let us return to the palace with haste!

Don't be absurd! Our soldiers have been taken! Do you really think I'd leave them behind?!

Well, I...

This is like what happened with Facette and your people at the castle...

Link was taken by the Still World and replaced with an impostor too.

Maybe we can help the real Link by fixing the rift...

It stands quietly in the sanctum. It is blue in color, with large tusks and a long nose.

It rests its wings atop a tower. It bears sharp eyes and a strong beak.

Seek two distinct tributes. Clues to the desired tributes are recorded somewhere on this floor.