Main Event Calamitous Reprise

[Yun Lee]

"You guys don't have astronauts where you're from?! Think of me as an explorer of the great unknown!" He pointed up to the sky. "The stars, the moon, planets, galaxies...astronauts like me explore them all!! Though y'know...Astro Knight sounds cool!"

Kaito thought a bit, looking at the group around him. "Hey...what DO you guys have where you're from? I've only been to one other new world before this one...I wanna hear what life is like where you live! I'm guessing it's a lot of mideival stuff, huh?"

It seems that he had been too awestruck by Vah Rudania to hear Guy and Shovel Knight earlier.

@Ver @Kaykay @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Lucky @Jeremi @Atomic Knight

---

Peter moved on to another large rock.

Spoiler: hard riddle

The answer I give is yes, but what I mean is no. What was the question?

@Lucky

---

As with others before him, Azel won a serving of Creamy Heart Soup, complete with recipe.

Spoiler

-Voltfruit
-Hydromelon
-Milk
-Hearty Radish

"Please do not take Sand Seals out of the Gerudo Desert," Riju told the three. "They cannot survive outside of it."

@Takumi @Crow

---

Efi picked up the note and read it.

"Hello! : )

If you are reading this, congratulations! The group of people who didn't die have discovered a Traitor amongst themselves. That means some of you have been avenged! Yay!

But there's still work to be done. This orb was the easiest to find and take, and it will only get harder from here. But that's okay! Because...half of you are going to go back to the mainland right now! That's right! When you place this orb on hts pedestal, you'll activate the Shrine on the hill, which will let half of you join them. You might want to decide who goes now, then take this orb over to the pedestal off the shore. If you don't get to leave yet, don't worry! I'll make sure you all get a chance soon : )

Good luck, and may you all work together to defeat Ganon!

Love, your dearest friend, the owner of this island <3"

@Hida Tomonatsu @Jeremi​

 

[Gummi Bunnies]

Ellie stopped for a moment to catch her breath before continuing to mine the medium-sized rock.

Spoiler: riddle answer

Any animal since houses can't actually jump.

@Yun Lee
-----

❝ Faster Mr. Sealy!! ❞ Nadeshiko suddenly cheered out as she got herself into the race, though she was somewhat wobbly in handling her sand seal. She did have that practice run, but she wasn't so good with this type of stuff anyways. Besides... something about this perked up her rather down mood. It ached in her head, but it was best that no one brought that up for now.

Once she was done with her run, Nadeshiko suddenly remembered about something.

❝ H... uh? Where's Kerokero? ❞ She mumbled for a moment, not realizing that the frog hopped onto her head after that run.

@Yun Lee @Minerva @Crow @York @MelodyMeister @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Alex Azure @Gerudo Town​

 

[Crunch]

"You guys don't have astronauts where you're from?! Think of me as an explorer of the great unknown!" He pointed up to the sky. "The stars, the moon, planets, galaxies...astronauts like me explore them all!! Though y'know...Astro Knight sounds cool!"

Kaito thought a bit, looking at the group around him. "Hey...what DO you guys have where you're from? I've only been to one other new world before this one...I wanna hear what life is like where you live! I'm guessing it's a lot of mideival stuff, huh?"

It seems that he had been too awestruck by Vah Rudania to hear Guy and Shovel Knight earlier.

@Ver @Kaykay @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Lucky @Jeremi @Atomic Knight

---

Peter moved on to another large rock.

Spoiler: hard riddle

The answer I give is yes, but what I mean is no. What was the question?

@Lucky

---

As with others before him, Azel won a serving of Creamy Heart Soup, complete with recipe.

Spoiler

-Voltfruit
-Hydromelon
-Milk
-Hearty Radish

"Please do not take Sand Seals out of the Gerudo Desert," Riju told the three. "They cannot survive outside of it."

@Takumi @Crow

---

Efi picked up the note and read it.

"Hello! : )

If you are reading this, congratulations! The group of people who didn't die have discovered a Traitor amongst themselves. That means some of you have been avenged! Yay!

But there's still work to be done. This orb was the easiest to find and take, and it will only get harder from here. But that's okay! Because...half of you are going to go back to the mainland right now! That's right! When you place this orb on hts pedestal, you'll activate the Shrine on the hill, which will let half of you join them. You might want to decide who goes now, then take this orb over to the pedestal off the shore. If you don't get to leave yet, don't worry! I'll make sure you all get a chance soon : )

Good luck, and may you all work together to defeat Ganon!

Love, your dearest friend, the owner of this island <3"

@Hida Tomonatsu @Jeremi

Shovel Knight looked at Guy, and then Kaito. "Well, the land from where I come from isn't quite as complicated as Guy's. It's an untamed land, full of adventurers to fill the gaps between the quiet villages and grand ruins, towers and stages that dot the landscape." Shovel Knight then bowed his head solemnly. "I'm afraid it's going through dark times these days. . .primarily because of my absence."

"I recommended 'Astro Knight' as a name because, truthfully, I am just one of many knights across the land I come from. Some are legitimate, most are not - but there are many powerful knights besides me. . ."

Cue the dramatic flashbacks.

"King Knight,"
"Plague Knight,"
"Mole Knight,"
"Treasure Knight,"
"Polar Knight,"
"Tinker Knight,"
"Propeller Knight,"

". . .Specter Knight!"

"They are the Order of No Quarter!"

A vile plague that chokes the valley's people of their peace and livelihood! All because of the Enchantress - their ultimate master ruling from the accursed Tower of Fate. . .I swore I'd come out of retirement to put a stop to these fiends. And that was exactly what I was doing before being sucked in to this Hyrule debacle."

Shovel Knight clenched his fist righteously. "No matter what happens, even if I must save two worlds at once, I swore I would return to the Tower of Fate and find what I have lost! That is my purpose!"

". . ."

". . ."

". . ."

Shovel Knight looked around at the rest of the hot spring participants, and coughed awkwardly.

"E-eheheh! Aaaalright, Guy, how about you?"

@Ver @Kaykay @Yun Lee @Lucky @Jeremi @Atomic Knight @Hot Spring​

 

[Yun Lee]

Ellie smashed the rock and received a Luminous Stone and Flint!

@Gummi Bunnies

---

Riju gave Nadeshiko a smile. "Though your time wasn't the best, you certainly have potential, if you keep racing. Here, your prize!"

Nadeshiko has received a Hearty Durian! "Don't let its smell fool you, when cooked in a dish, it will completely heal any injury, bar the non-fatal ones."

@Gummi Bunnies​

 

[Jeremi]

Fred was able to crush the rock with ease, and collected a Diamond and a Ruby.

Peter was also able to collect a prize, earning himself a piece of Flint and an Amber.

The medium rocks 47 and Grievous chose looked like those from the caves back on Day One. Surely those stones were valuable...

Spoiler: medium riddle (47)

What question can someone ask all day long, always get completely different answers, and yet all the answers could be correct?

Spoiler: medium riddle (Grievous)

There is a clerk at the butcher shop, he is five feet ten inches tall, and he wears size 13 sneakers. He has a wife and 2 kids. What does he weigh?

@Jeremi @Lucky @Donder172​

That was some really shiny rocks. Fred thought to himself before going to yet another large boulder to see what he could get next.

@Yun Lee

 

[Kaykay]

"I see. Then that's a spectacular dream indeed," Wakaba smiled and nodded as Kaito clarified himself. Training to be an astronaut and travel through space...a dead and fruitless dream where she came from, but it was nice seeing someone so enthusiastic about what they planned to do with their life. "I wish you luck in your endeavors."

Though she was caught off guard by the rest of the group not seeming to know what astronauts were. Visible surprise appeared on her face, at least what of it was still above water, before she rose out a little. "Y-you wouldn't be including me in 'medieval stuff' right? I assure you I was well aware of what an astronaut is!" she asserted, though rather than angry or anything of the sort she just seemed panicked. Especially as the small knight unveiled his world. "Knights" weren't exactly a thing in the twenty-first century, and she didn't want to accidentally be grouped with them.

Quickly regathering herself however, Wakaba cleared her throat and leaned against the edge of the hot spring. "A-ahem...in any case, I could guess my world is a little like yours if we both have schools and astronauts and Japan. We have stuff like video games, phones, department stores; that'd be about where my world is at." Her brow furrowed once more as she looked seriously at whoever wanted to listen. "Though was like yours might be more accurate. Everything outside of Japan has been destroyed. Most of Japan has followed. It doesn't look good for what's left of Japan either, frankly. I was supposed to be a Hero, lead my team of Heroes, and defend everyone, but...I failed. My team passed away, and I couldn't drive away the monsters that attacked mankind. All we could manage was a ceasefire. But we don't have much left to bargain with."

"We'll manage for now, though. Until humanity finds a way to fight against the monsters," Wakaba looked at the others with a downcast smile by the end of it.

@Ver @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Yun Lee @Lucky @Jeremi @Atomic Knight @Hot Spring​

 

[Crow]

Azel had participated in the race, the feeling of wind in his face, no matter how hot it was reminded him of being on horseback at least. It was oddly relaxing.

Silque stayed out of the race, but supported the racers with small cheers. She laughed at Kokkoro and Yuuki, turning to address them. "I believe it wouldn't be right to take one home from it's current environment, it is rather cute however." she commented to the elvan woman.

@Yun Lee @Minerva @Crow @York @MelodyMeister @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Alex Azure @Gerudo Town

As with others before him, Azel won a serving of Creamy Heart Soup, complete with recipe.

Spoiler

-Voltfruit
-Hydromelon
-Milk
-Hearty Radish

"Please do not take Sand Seals out of the Gerudo Desert," Riju told the three. "They cannot survive outside of it."

@Takumi @Crow

"I suppose that is true, it is best to leave the Sand Seal where it is happiest. Maybe we will meet again friend, maybe we will meet again," Kokkoro says.​

 

[Yun Lee]

Fred moved onto the next rock.

Spoiler: hard riddle

Robert and David were preparing to have a water balloon fight. "No Fair" cried Robert, "You have 3 times as many as I do!" David said "Fine!" and gave Robert 10 more balloons. "Still not fair!" argued Robert, "You still have twice as many as I do." How many more balloons must David give Robert for them to have the same number?

@Jeremi

---

"..."

Kaito was silent as he listened to what Shovel Knight and Wakaba had to say. These worlds they came from...they were pretty messed up. No, really messed up. And to think, his life was pretty great! Getting a spot in the astronaut training program, being scouted for Hope's Peak, joining the Coalition and finishing training...you never really know how lucky you are until you realize how much worse someone else has it. For all he knew, he could've ended up in one of those killing games Mister Naegi had been part of...eesh. He could only imagine how that would turn out.

"Well, hey. I've seen you guys in action here, and I've got no doubt neither of you will lose in the end! Your dreams, your goals...nothing is impossible to reach when ya set your mind to it! Just like how we're gonna get out of here. Just three more days..." He sighed. Hopefully this year wasn't enough to give that Fiamma guy enough time to make his mark on the Multiverse...he needed to get home, ASAP.

@Kaykay @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Ver @Lucky @Jeremi @Atomic Knight​

 

[York]

Spoiler: Replies

Zelda watched Akane and Kokkoro with a frown. "I don't think we should force someone into the Vai clothing if they don't want to wear it...I think Gerudo women would sense that discomfort a mile away."

Margreet began handing out Gerudo Vai outfits to anyone who wanted/needed one. They fit like a glove, too.

View attachment 2921

"You all look so lovely!" she exclaimed once they changed. "Remember, just act like you'd normally do, and you'll be fine! Meet Zelda and I at Daqo Chisay Shrine, okay?" And with that, they were off.

---

Though the Shrine was outside, there would be no problems getting inside the town. The desert sun was bearable thanks to the aqueducts around, and the town itself was full of Gerudo women, as well as female visitors from other places.

"Sav'aaq!" One greeted, smiling as she recognized Margreet. "Long time no see, Margreet! Here to sell us more of those jewels from the castle?"

"Oh no, not today! We need to speak with Lady Riju...do you know where she is?"

"Oh, don't you know? The shield surfing race is today! She's presiding over it. You'll find her just West of town." She looked at the group. "Maybe some of these vai could participate? Everyone who does gets a prize, and some are really good this time."

"Ah, maybe! Sarqso! Oh, Sav'orq, too!" She started off to the racing grounds, encouraging others to follow if they so wished.

"Why Margreet, I didn't know you spoke Gerudo!"

"Only a little bit. I actually love staying here most!" She sighed. "I'll sure miss this place...but come on! A race sounds fun!"

@Alex Azure @Minerva @Crow @Takumi @York @GerudoTown

---

"My knowledge of these creatures is limited to what I observe," Lee replied. "They hunt, they eat, they make little camps...and every week they come back to life after I kill them." He stopped to think. "Though...there is an unusual platform over there. Doesn't respond to anything I do to it, though."

@Hida Tomonatsu​

View attachment 2922
"I'm totally down for a race! Where do I sign up?"

View attachment 2923
"And where can I get a shield to surf on? I kinda don't have one of my own handy."

@Alex Azure @Minerva @Crow @Takumi @York @GerudoTown​

cough.

cough.

"Count me in."

An eery, raspy tone echoed from behind the gathering Gerudo Town party, carried on by the whipping desert winds that rushed in and out of the town at the emergence of an elusive Drifter. The Drifter's appearance hadn't changed at all since he'd arrived at the other village, beyond his cloak being freshly washed. The wandering, plagued struggler looked as if he fit the local style like a glove; much of his thin form was wrapped and hidden beneath his signature crimson cloak and a matted formation of scarfs, shawls and small pieces of scavenged armor.

Various particles of sand could be seen stuck to his fabrics. It was as if he had been wandering the desert for days, but that wasn't possible.

The wanderer sauntered up the party, one hand resting on the pommel of his sheathed blade, and the other flipping through various menus on his Sheikah Slate, before he deposited it on his belt and looked up to meet the eyes of the rest of his group. His solid, black eyes were solid walls barring the outside world access to his thoughts and emotions, which were just as nebulous now as they always were.

The sickness didn't grow any worse, but it never did. It only persisted, and returned in force whenever the weary soul of which it has afflicted forgets it's presence there. He didn't know why Gerudo Town called out to him in particular, but he never knew why he went anywhere in the lands of Buried Time.

The force of determination just carried him there, as it always tends to do. Now he has to keep on, until it is done.

@Alex Azure @Minerva @Crow @Takumi @York @Yun Lee @GerudoTown​

"Thank you for helping me out with the makeup, Miss," Kokkoro says to Akane, "we elves... let's just say that elves don't use makeup too often, so it is great to get help."

Right behind them was Yuuki crossdressing. He was really convincing. Not Gran-to-Djeeta levels of convincing, but it worked. He pinched his outfit a bit, wondering what it was.

At least they could an outfit from Saren & her guildmates if they were back home. This... this...

"Leave it to the lancer to be fast. But yes, I believe my Ma- sister and I will require a shield each to participate, unless sword-surfing is permitted?"

@Alex Azure @Minerva @York @Takumi @Crow @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Yun Lee @GerudoTown​

Reimu couldn’t look at the body of Diana. As a shrine maiden, she would be inpure if she touched it, and she personally didn’t like bodies.
She just stared at it, shaking her head. The woman was foolish to be alone for so long.

Suddenly, five memories came to her. She took it all in briefly. Good, this means the pool space for traitors is now a couple of names smaller.
——————
Reimu considered her options, and reluctantly rubbed out Goron City. What was the point of wasting a potion, when she could go to Gerudo Town? She made her option soon after that, and followed and caught up with the group going to Gerudo town.
——————
“Huh, A shield race? As in, you sit on a shield and slide down?”
First, Reimu didn’t have a shield, two, it sounded absolutely stupid. Might be fun though, and that’s all what Reimu wanted.
“Right. I don’t have a shield, is there somewhere I can get one? Or borrow someone’s after they are done?”
@Alex Azure @Minerva @Crow @Takumi @York @Yun Lee @MelodyMeister @GerudoTown​

Azel simply turned his head at being called lovely. Their time her grew odder the longer they stayed. Once they arrived he was actually glad to be out of his normal attire, or else he might of died from the heat alone.

Sheild surfing? How strange, but if it was part of their entertainment and merriment who was Silque to judge? "Did you come here often during our stasis?" Silque asked Margreet.

@Yun Lee @Minerva @Alex Azure @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Crow @York @Gerudo Town

Yuuki briefly looks at Azel, then back in front, then back at Azel.

"..."

Yuuki gave Azel a pat on the back as he looks at him with a meek smile.

It was one of those days.

@Yun Lee @Minerva @Alex Azure @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Crow @York @Takumi @Gerudo Town​

Dell chuckled as he noticed everyone surprised by the rolling. "Don't be alarmed, guys. These guys eat rocks like they're a staple on the four food groups. And Gorons get around by rolling, too They're like weird armadillos in that way...they're just...weird in general, honestly. " He started off after Yunobo, following wherever he may lead.

Kaito started following, too, but stopped as he looked up above them. "Woah! What's that thing?!"

High above them, overlooking the mountain, was a giant mechanical creature. It was shaped like a salamander, and glowed the same blue seen on Shrines they'd passed by.

"Oh yeah," Dell said nonchalantly. "That's Vah Rudania. You guys don't remember it, huh? Maybe at some point, you will...anyways, that was the...third Divine Beast we took on? Yeah, third."

@Ver @Kaykay @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Siege @Donder172 @GoronCity

---

"You can rent a good shield for about 20 Rupees! I'll pay for it, though, if you wanna participate!" Margreet seemed in a very good mood, as if this place in particular agreed with her. "And indeed, Azel. I come here a lot. They have such nice jewelry here...and the women are so friendly!"

The Drifter was hidden enough that he didn't raise eyebrows, despite his strange appearance. Zelda, though, seemed a bit melancholy. "It hasn't changed much, after all this time..."

@CrunchyCHEEZIT @Takumi @MelodyMeister @Alex Azure @Crow @York @Minerva @GerudoTown​

"I chose this path, so I'll be fine." Azel explained, glancing to Yuuki and giving him a brief nod in thanks for the gesture. "If this is what we have to do to keep the numbers from being to low then so be it." he muttered, granted, their numbers weren't too low now, and either way it wasn't an extremely large problem. For him at least. That didn't make it any less embarrassing to some degree.

"How are you holding up?" he asked thr boy with a raised brow, the other being forced into this odd get together yet held up well enough.



"What are the women here ?" Azel asked Margreet. Silque meanwhile turned to Zelda.

"Will you be alright, Zelda?" the Cleric asked in light concern.

@Yun Lee @Minerva @Crow @York @MelodyMeister @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Alex Azure @Gerudo Town

"Three? Try four, man. Vah Ruta, Vah Naboris, Vah Rudania, and Vah Medoh. And piloting those things takes months of practice. We're damn lucky these new Champions have been working on it over this year." Dell stayed staring at the Divine Beast for a good while. "I gotta admit...it was damn impressive of us, getting those things purified in a week. You know we had to actually fight phantoms made of Malice?"

"What? No way! Wouldn't that have gotten us poisoned or something?"

"If it did, Link was quick to help us out." Dell sighed. "I sure hope that kid's doing okay...he tried his hardest to keep morale up, but I don't think anything back then would've done that."

Kaito crossed his arms. "Look. I don't know what we were like back last year. But we got a second chance, and things are going pretty damn well! We already found one Traitor in the first kill, we're working our asses off to fight Ganondorf and his army...we've got this! All we've gotta do is push through these last three days! And I believe in us!"

Dell turned his gaze to Kaito, observing him with a blank expressiom, before finally smiling. "Yeah. I believe in us, too." He started walking again. "Come on, guys. Let's find us a Rock Roast."

@Jeremi @Ver @Kaykay @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Donder172 @Siege @GoronCity

---

Just walking through town, Azel and the others would get a good idea of what Gerudo women were like. Incredibly tall, taller than anyone in their group, these women were all muscular with large noses and bright red hair. Though there were warriors and guards among them, not everyone was the same. There were saleswomen, cooks, sand seal breeders, scholars, even a few little girls running about.

"Did you know that Ganondorf is a male Gerudo?" Margreet said. "They're actually quite rare. The Gerudo race is all female, save for one male every hundred years or so. Since men aren't allowed in, Gerudo girls often set out on their own to find men throughout Hyrule. They actually have a class on how to won a man over, as well as a cooking class in the evening! The special dish taught there is really cute!"

As Silque addressed Zelda, the princess nodded. "Yes...I will be. There's an incredible amount of nostalgia I have for Gerudo Town. You see, the Champion of the Gerudo, the chief named Urbosa...she was probably the closest to me out of all the others...barring Link. After I lost my mother, she became something of a mother to me..." Zelda couldn't say much more for a moment, looking down. "I hope I'm at least making her proud, now."

A pause, then she looked up, smiling as she thought of something. "You know...she would probably love seeing me with this Thunder Rod! She could use lightning to attack with just a snap of her fingers."

@Takumi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Minerva @Crow @Alex Azure @York @MelodyMeister @GerudoTown​

Yuuki simply sheepishly laughed and scratched his head in response to Azel's query.

"Back where I come from, the four different races are able to be marry and be parents, despite differences such as age range, and it isn't out of the question for members of two different races to be confused as siblings," Kokkoro adds, "I suppose that is how most Gerudo are born despite the scarce male populace that appears rarely - having partners from other races?"

The walk around town continues.

"Aren't these lovely, but what are walruses doing in the middle of the desert, hmu hmu..." Kokkoro approaches a sand seal she sees. It had fine tusks and sandy skin. "Hello there, walrus. How are you doing today?"

Kokkoro pets the Sand Seal's head.

@Takumi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Minerva @Crow @Alex Azure @York @MelodyMeister @Yun Lee @GerudoTown​

Reimu liked Gerudo Village, it reminded her of home, where it’s just women. She’s always preferred females as friends.
“So the bad guy is a male Gerudo. Interesting. That means the women that set out marry other men....uggh.”

Reimu always thought of setting down as between the same, human and human, yokai and yokai. To her, marrying others of the different type was strange. It may also be since most of the people she’s met aren’t married, and she herself will likely be arranged with a local human to continue the bloodline.
It’s just not something she understands.
“Anyways, where is the Sheild Sledding thing? I’m more then willing to borrow it off someone.”
@Takumi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Minerva @Crow @Alex Azure @York @MelodyMeister @Yun Lee @GerudoTown​

View attachment 2927
"Aww, thanks Margreet! You didn't have to go do something like that!. Though, if you're supporting me like this, then I better do my best to win! Maybe I can even share a bit of the prize with ya, if that's possible."​

View attachment 2927
"Yeah, Zelds, I'm sure she would! You've done pretty well since waking up after so long. I'm sure you'll be able to impress Riju as well."

View attachment 2928
"At least, I sure hope we do."

@Yun Lee @Takumi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Minerva @Crow @Alex Azure @York @MelodyMeister @GerudoTown​

Zelda smiled at the kind words ot the others. "Yes...I hope so. Perhaps, once this is all over...I'll feel as if I've repaid them all, myself."

"It looks like we're about to find out if we'll impress Riju," Margreet said to Akane. "There's the racing ground!"

A group of Gerudo women had gathered around a shrine, where a young Gerudo girl stood, a warrior beside her.

"It is my great honor to announce the second annual Sand Seal Race will be starting momentarily! With Vah Naboris no longer rampaging in this desert, we are free to continue our beloved Gerudo pastime in peace!" She stopped, as she noticed the group approach. "And here are the courageous vai that made it all possible!"

As the crowd noticed the group arrive, they began cheering loudly, as if everyone was a celebrity.

"Thank you, thank you!" Margreet said, curtsying as she reached the little girl. "It's so good to see you again, Lady Riju."

"Hmhmhm, it's good to see you all, too. After being in stasis for a year, it's nice to get outside, hm?"

"Oh, incredibly so," Zelda replied. "I'm glad to see Sand Seal Racing is back!"

"Oh, yes. If you vai would like to participate, go right on ahead. We'll get shields and seal ready-free of charge. It's the least we can do for you all, after how you helped us."

"Oh! Thank you!"

Within minutes, anyone who wanted to participate was now set up with a seal and a shield. "Take a little time to practice," Riju said. "I'm sure just going out into the race without would be quite troublesome."

Steering was easy to do: just guide the seal in the direction you wanted, and it would follow with no problem. Once everyone was ready to begin, they were all lined up at the starting line. "The rules are simple," Riju said. "Simply race out and steer your seal through the five goalposts out in the desert, then come back here across the finish line. Once you do, and we see your time, you will be rewarded based on how fast you went. All right, is everyone ready?"

"On your mark.."

"Get set..."

"GO!!!!"

(How to Play: Win a prize for racing around the Gerudo Desert! Here is a trivia game for you to play, which you can fill out and submit. You can only play it once, and will be able to play until 12 PM PSt on Tuesday, June 26! ICly, go ahead and make one post of your character(s) racing [only one quiz and prize per rper!]. then feel free to interact with npcs and each other however you like!)

@CrunchyCHEEZIT @Alex Azure @Takumi @Minerva @MelodyMeister @Crow @York @GerudoTown

---

o hot springs in sight just yet, but Yunobo led the group to a mining quarry a short ways down the path from Goron City. Large ore deposits surrounded them, no doubt filled with priceless gems and jewels.

"Welcome to the Southern Mine, goro!" Yunobo unrolled himself, and now faced the group. "I'm still cooking the Rock Roast, but I need more help. See, Bludo likes his roasts spiced..."

"Yeah, sure," Dell said. "We can grab some Goron Spice back in the city. Don't know why you wouldn't mention that before..."

"Oh! No, no. Bludo spices his food with gemstones, goro! I can do it myself, but I need to mine some gems for his meal. You guys can mine too while I do! The gems here sell well at market, goro. I won't take long, I promise!"

And with that, Yunobo rolled off. Dell looked at the others. Now he was at a loss for words. "Uh...I guess we're mining, now? Or you guys can just chill at the hot springs up that nearby path. I really...do not know."

(How to Play: Smash a rock, get a prize! You'll have to solve a riddle in order to successfully smash the rock, and the higher difficulty you choose, the better chance you have of getting something good. You can smash as any as you'd like before 12 Pm PST on Tuesday, June 26th! Happy smashing!)

@Ver @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Kaykay @Jeremi @Siege @Donder172 @GoronCity​

Peter moved on to another small rock.

Spoiler: easy riddle

What can point in every direction but can't reach the destination by itself.

@Lucky

Ellie found herself a medium rock.

Spoiler: medium riddle

What four-legged animal can jump higher than a house?

@Gummi Bunnies

---

Bludo chuckled at Shovel Knight's dilemma. "Come on in, brother! Metal don't rust in these waters! And seperations...we don't get a lot of visitors up here, so there's no need, since us Gorons don't really do that boy girl thing. But there's another spring to your left if ya want privacy!"

"And Dell, huh...oh right, that robot guy! Heh, if only you were all made of metal, then this heat wouldn't mess with you! Wait a sec...how are any of you even able to be up here without burning up?"

"Elixirs, my man!" Kaito didn't hesitate to strip down (to his underwear of course, there were ladies present) and hop right into the water. As he, and anyone else, did, they would feel any aches or pains they had melt away in the blink of an eye.

"Ahhh....no kidding. I mean, my work is never done, being a member of the Coalition and all! Hey, maybe you guys can join up once we get home? There's this new threat out there that I need to stop for the good of the multiv-"

"..."

"...huh. You guys feel like we're being...I dunno, watched?"

@Ver @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Atomic Knight @Kaykay @Jeremi

---

As Asher arrived back into the racing grounds, Riju applauded. "Congratulations! I don't think many people have gotten such a fast speed like that. Although you didn't beat the high score, you still qualify for one of the most elusive of prizes." Riju presented Asher with what looked like a piece of jewelry made of gold and a diamond.

"This Diamond Circlet is yours!"

Asher has obtained the Diamond Circlet! As long as he wears it, his overall defense will increase, and he'll have additional resistance towards Guardian attacks!

@Atomic Knight

As for The Drifter, he received something a little less fancy, but still nice.

"For you, miss, a bowl of a Gerudo specialty: Creamy Heart Soup. Guaranteed to win you the heart of anyone you eat it with."

You also receive the recipe!

Spoiler

-Voltfruit
-Hydromelon
-Hearty Radish
-Milk

@CrunchyCHEEZIT

---

"Of course. They're not anything too fancy, mind you. But they get the job done." Lee retreated to his hut, where he returned with a bow and arrows. "No fancy arrows like we have out there, but these work fine enough."

The fort itself had two red goblins, and one blue. One red was on a lookout post, the others were on the fort itself. Below was a fiery jelly monster.

@Hida Tomonatsu @Jeremi​

Ellie stopped for a moment to catch her breath before continuing to mine the medium-sized rock.

Spoiler: riddle answer

Any animal since houses can't actually jump.

@Yun Lee
-----

❝ Faster Mr. Sealy!! ❞ Nadeshiko suddenly cheered out as she got herself into the race, though she was somewhat wobbly in handling her sand seal. She did have that practice run, but she wasn't so good with this type of stuff anyways. Besides... something about this perked up her rather down mood. It ached in her head, but it was best that no one brought that up for now.

Once she was done with her run, Nadeshiko suddenly remembered about something.

❝ H... uh? Where's Kerokero? ❞ She mumbled for a moment, not realizing that the frog hopped onto her head after that run.

@Yun Lee @Minerva @Crow @York @MelodyMeister @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Alex Azure @Gerudo Town​

Enu
@Yun Lee @Minerva @Crow @Gummi Bunnies @MelodyMeister @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Alex Azure
@Gerudo Town

Although Enu found it a little strange to be regarded as a girl. On the other hand, it wasn't too hard to pretend to be one, given how young he was, and he at least somewhat understood why things were the way they were around Gerudo town.

Nonetheless though, given his adventurous nature, he was quite eager to partake in the Sand Seal racing competition, excited to see that many of his companions had chosen to do the same.

Enu was having quite a whale of a time to say the least, hollering and giggling as he clung onto his sand seal. It wasn't quite like sailing, but it most certainly captured a similar feeling, that's for sure.​

 

[Hida Tomonatsu]

"You guys don't have astronauts where you're from?! Think of me as an explorer of the great unknown!" He pointed up to the sky. "The stars, the moon, planets, galaxies...astronauts like me explore them all!! Though y'know...Astro Knight sounds cool!"

Kaito thought a bit, looking at the group around him. "Hey...what DO you guys have where you're from? I've only been to one other new world before this one...I wanna hear what life is like where you live! I'm guessing it's a lot of mideival stuff, huh?"

It seems that he had been too awestruck by Vah Rudania to hear Guy and Shovel Knight earlier.

@Ver @Kaykay @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Lucky @Jeremi @Atomic Knight

---

Peter moved on to another large rock.

Spoiler: hard riddle

The answer I give is yes, but what I mean is no. What was the question?

@Lucky

---

As with others before him, Azel won a serving of Creamy Heart Soup, complete with recipe.

Spoiler

-Voltfruit
-Hydromelon
-Milk
-Hearty Radish

"Please do not take Sand Seals out of the Gerudo Desert," Riju told the three. "They cannot survive outside of it."

@Takumi @Crow

---

Efi picked up the note and read it.

"Hello! : )

If you are reading this, congratulations! The group of people who didn't die have discovered a Traitor amongst themselves. That means some of you have been avenged! Yay!

But there's still work to be done. This orb was the easiest to find and take, and it will only get harder from here. But that's okay! Because...half of you are going to go back to the mainland right now! That's right! When you place this orb on hts pedestal, you'll activate the Shrine on the hill, which will let half of you join them. You might want to decide who goes now, then take this orb over to the pedestal off the shore. If you don't get to leave yet, don't worry! I'll make sure you all get a chance soon : )

Good luck, and may you all work together to defeat Ganon!

Love, your dearest friend, the owner of this island <3"

@Hida Tomonatsu @Jeremi​

"... Mysterious benefactors aside, who shall we send to the mainland?" Jin's eyes glanced around the group with genuine interest, awaiting an answer from any of them, "As the one who has been here the shortest, it wouldn't be proper if I left before everyone else did."

@Yun Lee @Jeremi ​

 

[Yun Lee]

Riju giggled as Enu completed his run. "My, for such a young vai, you certainly handle a Sand Seal well!"

Her guard came forward and presented Enu with his reward. "This sword is a symbol of our people, used in festivals and ceremonies. I trust you with it, but do treat it well even so."

Enu has received a Moonlight Scimitar! A beautiful one-handed weapon that's his to use!

@York​

 

[Yun Lee]

"No matter what, I'm staying." Lee returned from his hut after dropping off his trophies. "I want to go home as much as the next person, but if those murderers are still going strong, someone needs to keep an eye out on anyone else who gets sent here."

"Oh come on, Lee! I can do that just fine!"

"...I am definitely staying." He looked around the group. "If the criteria for getting off this island will only get harder, we need to get the weakest among us out of here-and by that, I mean those of us who are better off not fighting. Efi and Oichi are definitely on that list."

Brook raised his hand. "Ooh! I could go too! Those beautiful women back in the group...they need a strong skeleton to protect them while we do battle...while we sleep...while they take showers..."

Lee looked at Jin. "Are you sure you don't want to go?"

@Hida Tomonatsu @Jeremi​

 

[Jeremi]

Fred moved onto the next rock.

Spoiler: hard riddle

Robert and David were preparing to have a water balloon fight. "No Fair" cried Robert, "You have 3 times as many as I do!" David said "Fine!" and gave Robert 10 more balloons. "Still not fair!" argued Robert, "You still have twice as many as I do." How many more balloons must David give Robert for them to have the same number?

@Jeremi

---

"..."

Kaito was silent as he listened to what Shovel Knight and Wakaba had to say. These worlds they came from...they were pretty messed up. No, really messed up. And to think, his life was pretty great! Getting a spot in the astronaut training program, being scouted for Hope's Peak, joining the Coalition and finishing training...you never really know how lucky you are until you realize how much worse someone else has it. For all he knew, he could've ended up in one of those killing games Mister Naegi had been part of...eesh. He could only imagine how that would turn out.

"Well, hey. I've seen you guys in action here, and I've got no doubt neither of you will lose in the end! Your dreams, your goals...nothing is impossible to reach when ya set your mind to it! Just like how we're gonna get out of here. Just three more days..." He sighed. Hopefully this year wasn't enough to give that Fiamma guy enough time to make his mark on the Multiverse...he needed to get home, ASAP.

@Kaykay @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Ver @Lucky @Jeremi @Atomic Knight​

This one looked like a doozy. Fred gripped the stone smasher tight in his hands and swung down.

Spoiler: Answer

20

"No matter what, I'm staying." Lee returned from his hut after dropping off his trophies. "I want to go home as much as the next person, but if those murderers are still going strong, someone needs to keep an eye out on anyone else who gets sent here."

"Oh come on, Lee! I can do that just fine!"

"...I am definitely staying." He looked around the group. "If the criteria for getting off this island will only get harder, we need to get the weakest among us out of here-and by that, I mean those of us who are better off not fighting. Efi and Oichi are definitely on that list."

Brook raised his hand. "Ooh! I could go too! Those beautiful women back in the group...they need a strong skeleton to protect them while we do battle...while we sleep...while they take showers..."

Lee looked at Jin. "Are you sure you don't want to go?"

@Hida Tomonatsu @Jeremi​

"Oh...are we going on a trip?" Oichi asked. "It's been so long...what should I bring with me?"

@Hida Tomonatsu @Yun Lee

 

[Hida Tomonatsu]

"No matter what, I'm staying." Lee returned from his hut after dropping off his trophies. "I want to go home as much as the next person, but if those murderers are still going strong, someone needs to keep an eye out on anyone else who gets sent here."

"Oh come on, Lee! I can do that just fine!"

"...I am definitely staying." He looked around the group. "If the criteria for getting off this island will only get harder, we need to get the weakest among us out of here-and by that, I mean those of us who are better off not fighting. Efi and Oichi are definitely on that list."

Brook raised his hand. "Ooh! I could go too! Those beautiful women back in the group...they need a strong skeleton to protect them while we do battle...while we sleep...while they take showers..."

Lee looked at Jin. "Are you sure you don't want to go?"

@Hida Tomonatsu @Jeremi​

For a moment, Jin held a look with Lee, running the circumstances through his mind. It would be nice to rejoin the group... and given what he was hearing from a certain musician, it seemed like the group would need an observer to remain on track. Glancing over at the skeleton man who seemed ready to toss every woman in the group an unappreciated bone, the ronin sighed, "They could use an additional blade along with a wrangler for the cadaver, so I will accompany the group returning to the mainland if you wish."
​

This one looked like a doozy. Fred gripped the stone smasher tight in his hands and swung down.

Spoiler: Answer

20

"Oh...are we going on a trip?" Oichi asked. "It's been so long...what should I bring with me?"

@Hida Tomonatsu @Yun Lee

"A tool to defend yourself from the traitors would be acceptable, Oichi-san," He once again glanced at Brook with a frown, "Along with... other threats."

@Yun Lee @Jeremi​

 

[Ver]

"Medieval? I wouldn't exactly consider my world as I can perceive it any sort of primitive, but I suppose, if you're the one who is able to make a profession out of traveling the stars... Perhaps there really is much to learn from each other, Kaito," Guy lightly chuckled, leaning back against the edge of the hot spring.

He remained silent as Shovel Knight and Wakaba told their stories. He had little he found that he could really say to them, at least anything that Kaito didn't promptly say in order to assuage the mood as a result of their backstories. It seemed that everywhere, one main constant throughout different worlds was that everyone had their own baggage to carry.

And just as everyone else, Guy carried his own weight. But well, no one needed to hear about all that. His was a tale that was far too complicated to easily talk about anyway.

"Indeed. We've all proven to be quite an impressive gang when we can work together, haven't we?" Guy said to reinforce Kaito's point, providing a sincere smile, fragile as it might have looked in that moment, "Whatever baggage we carry with us, whatever hardships we've faced, whatever obstacles remain in our path... All they can do is harden us, shape us into something beyond what we already are. As they say, if it doesn't kill us, it makes us stronger. Or something like that?"

"Fighting for what you believe is right... Something like that couldn't possibly be in vain after all, could it?"

@CrunchyCHEEZIT @Kaykay @Atomic Knight @Jeremi @Yun Lee @Lucky​

 

[Yun Lee]

"Take some weapons from the hut," Lee said. "Then we can get the three of you to that shrine and off the hellhole."

Efi was practically shaking with excitement, rushing into the hut and reemerging with a sword and shield. "Hurry, everyone! I can't wait to see them all again! Margreet, and Enu, and...Drifter! How is he? I've been worried for his health..."

@Hida Tomonatsu @Jeremi​

 

[Yun Lee]

Fred smashed another rock! This time, he received a Topaz and a Sapphire.

@Jeremi​

 

[Hida Tomonatsu]

"Take some weapons from the hut," Lee said. "Then we can get the three of you to that shrine and off the hellhole."

Efi was practically shaking with excitement, rushing into the hut and reemerging with a sword and shield. "Hurry, everyone! I can't wait to see them all again! Margreet, and Enu, and...Drifter! How is he? I've been worried for his health..."

@Hida Tomonatsu @Jeremi​

Jin cocked his brow at Efi's question, his head turning upwards for a moment as he recalled the strange, sorrowful man. Drifter, the man stricken with crippling weakness that leaves him pouring blood needlessly... and the survivor who struggled past the pain no matter what, especially when that strange little warrior with the shovel cheered him on. He was the one who had bonded with Efi over her ability to potentially create a cure for his illness, now he remembered why the girl would be interested in him. After a moment, he then nodded with a soft smile, "From what I recall, Efi-san, he's still alive - ill, but one who might still find salvation with the proper treatment."

@Yun Lee @Jeremi ​

 

[Sleepwalker]

Reimu grabbed hold of the seal, and steadily got on the shield. She wasn’t experienced in these, really, but she hoped that she could win something, or due to her luck, perhaps will win a prize.

And off she went! Controlling the seal shakily, Reimu went off at full speed, and smirked. Minimum control, and full speed, even without a prize or placing overall, this was thrilling and fun, and she laughed out loud in excitement. Not everyday you do something like this.
@Yun Lee​

 

[Donder172]

Both stones shattered easily. 47 collected two Luminous Stones, while Grievous collected one Luminous Stone and a Flint.

Peter, meanwhile, collected another set of Amber and Flint.

@Lucky @Donder172

Both 47 and Grievous picked up their findings and kept them safe. They walked to another medium sized rock and started to smash it.