Southern Oasis, unknown timeline

There was a brief flash… And just outside a small oasis camp, two huge figures appeared. The early morning darkness hid their sudden appearance from the merchant tents nearby…

“Given your instructions, my Lord… I believe one of the fragments of your power must be nearby.”

Link closed his eyes and extended his senses. “Indeed. I can sense it.” He turned, looking at a town in the distance surrounded by a wall. “It appears to be in that town over there.” He crossed his arms. “There’s a small problem, though. I can sense one of this timeline’s Triforce pieces near it. No good will come of it if they can somehow manage to use my power for themselves.”

“...I suppose I could ask around if you like, my Lord?” Cia tilted her head. “I… Think I’d cause less of a stir in the camp than you…”

He crossed his arms. “Perhaps. Be sure to fix your clothes up first. I believe my gift messed them up a little.” He glanced down at himself, and a green toga appeared on him. “Usually my counterparts wear a complete tunic, but given my abnormal size I find them to be… uncomfortable. This will do for now.”

“...Ah, yes, of course…” Was it in her power to do so? It seemed to be… A couple gestures restored her outfit to its former condition, which honestly would probably allow her to blend in with this desert outpost. “I shall return…” Cia nodded, and walked to the tents, where the various merchants were opening their flaps and laying out their blankets of product: jewelry, fruits, and the like. Humorously, one merchant in green silks was holding up a pair of melons in a somewhat compromising way, which they dropped when they saw Cia’s chest.

Link chuckled from his vantage point. With his powers, he could see the entire scene as though he were standing right next to her. “Do try not to cause a scene,” he said, his voice entering her mind. “We don’t need any guards showing up.”

The merchant stuttered for a moment, unable to properly form any words. The woman before him was built like one of the Gerudo women, but she was somehow even more beautiful than they were.

"Hello, ah… do you know who rules the city beyond the desert?" Cia leaned down to somewhat make eye contact… And, intentionally or not, gave a hell of a view of her generous chest.

The merchant’s face turned bright red. “The, uh, Gerudo rule it, ma’am. They also don’t allow men to their city unless they’re important people like diplomats.” He looked at her chest. “N-Not that you’d have any trouble going in.”

“Mm… I’d assumed as much. I’d rather meant… Has there been a change in leadership lately? Or perhaps anyone making overt moves to leave the desert?”

The merchant managed a shrug. “As far as I know, the ruler is still Queen Gana. They say she has some sort of magic artifact that she uses to make sure none can challenge her, but they also say she’s somewhat benevolent to her people.” He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “I’ve never even gotten into the city, let alone actually seen her, but some others who’ve seen her claim she’s the most powerful Gerudo in all of Hyrule.”

...Gana. That name, and belonging to a Gerudo, couldn’t be a coincidence. Artifact of power, too… That could have been the Triforce, but that could have also been one of the pieces of power Link had mentioned. “Thank you.” Cia bowed, maybe a little deeper than she really should have, before heading back to where she came.

Link was crossing his arms in thought. “I heard everything,” he said. “This queen of theirs… She must be this era’s incarnation of Demise’s curse.” He chuckled a little at that. “Funny… I was able to slay Demise before he could try to curse me, yet I’m always running into these incarnations in other eras. I guess sometimes you simply can’t fight destiny.” He looked back at the town. “Even with my power, I won’t be able to simply waltz in there. It’d cause too much of a scene, and she would surely use her Triforce against me if she discovered my presence.”

“It’s a Gerudo settlement… I could probably enter without much issue. But… I don’t know if I could take her on myself.” Cia shuddered.

Link patted her shoulder. “Don’t fret. I have an idea. My powers may be weakened somewhat, but I can still warp to the side of any of my servants.” He pointed at the Triforce marking on her hand. “If you can get close enough to her, we can deal with her together.”

“Ah… Yes, that should work nicely.” Cia nodded. “Then… I’ll begin the trek.”

And so, she headed towards the large, walled village. Thankfully her… sparse outfit kept her well ventilated in the early morning heat. What was bizarre, however… was the fact that she was at eye-level with the Gerudo guards she passed by, as she entered…

“Stay on your guard,” Link said in her mind. “You may be able to blend in almost perfectly, but anyone who can sense magic will be suspicious of you. Spellcasters aren’t known for being as large as the Gerudo, after all.”

Of course… She’d have to keep some distance from the guards. But… She’d still have to figure out how to get into the palace, that’s where Gana had to be. Perhaps...Yes. She slipped into the shadows along the walls… Then slipped into the palace chamber.

Seated on the throne was the most imposing Gerudo in the entire town. She had to have been over eight feet tall, and she was easily the most muscular Gerudo in all of Hyrule, rivalling even Link’s godly body. Fiery red hair spilled from her scalp, draping over her wide shoulders. She was dressed in black armor with gold highlights, no doubt custom-made to fit her unique build. On the back of her right hand, the mark of the Triforce was visible, with the part that represented Power glowing faintly. She had a bored expression on her face, which seemed to be her default look, as none of her servants and guards seemed to notice.

...Cia lurked, trying to determine how difficult it would be to isolate her from her guards… She glanced towards the entrance, and gestured. A massive, shadowy figure thus darted across the doorway, in front of the guards.

One of the guards gripped her spear. “Who goes there?” she commanded. When no answer came, she nodded to her other guard, and they chased after the shadowy figure, unaware it was nothing more than an illusion.

...That was her chance. Cia stepped out of the shadows as the gate guards rushed away…

Gana smirked to herself, having sensed the brief burst of magic, but said nothing. After all, she was bored. Perhaps this intruder might be worth dealing with. She drummed her fingers on the arm of her throne, waiting patiently, her enhanced senses extending through the palace. Within moments, she sensed Cia, and was mildly impressed by the magical power she could sense from the sorceress, who quickly entered the throne room.

“You are… The Queen of the Gerudo, Gana…” Cia cleared her throat. “I know someone who wishes to speak with you…”

Gana continued drumming her fingers. “Is that so? And who might you be? You certainly look like you’re a part of the Gerudo tribe at a glance, but last I checked, we have red hair.” She stopped drumming her fingers. “And don’t bother trying to lie. My magic allows me to detect deception.”

“I’m not a Gerudo, you’re correct. I am a sorceress of some ability myself… And I represent an almighty being.”

Gana frowned. Her magic said that the woman was indeed telling the truth. “And who is this ‘almighty’ being? Are they one of the goddesses?”

“Not… Exactly. Someone wielding incredible power, perhaps even surpassing the Gods.” Who would, hopefully, show up soon… Before the guards came back.

Gana narrowed her eyes. “My magic says you’re being truthful. Still, I want proof.”

As if on cue, Link appeared by Cia, his arms crossed. “Ask, and ye shall receive.”

Gana stared, dumbfounded. She couldn’t believe how much power this man was giving off. The sorceress’s magic was impressive, but that was nothing compared to this so-called deity. “Impossible…”

Link smirked. “What? Jealous?”

The Gerudo queen growled. “State your purpose, or begone!”

Link looked around. “I am searching for an artifact that belongs to me, a Piece of Power. I can sense it nearby.”

Gana smirked. “I thought I could sense divine power coming from it. However, do you really think I’d give something like that up so easily?”

“...You know, you could probably get much more in return if you offered it up peacefully.” Cia leaned against Link’s side, brushing her fingers along his muscled arm. “Where do you think my capabilities all came from…?”

Gana laughed, and the back of her hand glowed briefly. “I have the Triforce of Power! I don’t need a god’s gift to become stronger!”

Link smirked. “The Triforce was *made* by the gods, though.”

The guards came back into the room, but before they could say anything, Gana held a hand out to them, demanding silence. “Tell you what. Let’s have a little wager.” Her Triforce glowed again. “If one of you can defeat me, I’ll give it back.”

Link raised an eyebrow. “Is that it?”

Gana nodded. “I’ll also allow you two to leave without incident, but you should know that I am the strongest Gerudo in the entire world. It won’t be easy.”

“Something you should be aware of… We aren’t of this world.” Cia fired back. “You ought not underestimate us…~”