Author's Note: Thank you to anyone who's read or reviewed my previous works. Also, a special thanks to Post Rapture, Kokiri Tales 4, Moonfall, and the highly anticipated Majora's Mask, which have each inspired me to begin this new epic. And please READ and REVIEW!!! PLEASE!!! This may be something really special, and I'd really love some feedback.


(Standard message: The chronology goes 'Search for 12', the 'A New Evil' trilogy, and 'An Issue of Truth'. If you haven't read them yet, I encourage you to do so before moving on.)


Part 1

A morning sun shined down on Hyrule that day. It was enough to foreshadow a beautiful day for all. And maybe there would be. The sun shone down everywhere. Everywhere, that is, except the Hyrule Castle dungeon.

It was a long two months, but Knigma was starting to get used to life as a prisoner. Of course, he couldn't help but remember his glory days. He was once on top of the world as the editor of the Hylian Informer. As the source and main reporter of Hyrule's favorite tabloid, he became the most respected and trusted man in Hyrule Castle Town, and even beyond. But then he met Drekkin.

Drekkin was the ambitious sorcerer, who was the king's most loyal and trusted advisor. Or so it seemed. When the king left Hyrule briefly to conduct some business, he left his daughter, Princess Zelda, in charge. That's when Drekkin decided to show his true colors. He would enact a plan that would turn the people of Hyrule against her and lead the wizard to the throne. That led him to Knigma.

Being such a trusted personality, Drekkin believed that Knigma could sway the people to believe anything he said. Even if it wasn't true. That's when Drekkin offered him vast riches to assist in his plan. Knigma didn't want to at first, but then he looked at his situation. While he WAS the editor of a highly popular tabloid, he didn't have much to show for it. He had hardly any rupees and was living off cupboards that were nearly empty. The only thing Knigma had was the trust of the people. He then made his choice. He would gladly sacrifice his trust to get rich. The sorcerer even assured Knigma that no one would find out the truth behind the printed lies, and that the editor would go down in history. So he began writing down personal records in his scrolls.

Knigma went on to write about various disasters. Among were an avalanche caused by Gorons, the Hylian water supply blocked by Zoras, and the Gerudo Valley bridge being destroyed by Gerudo thieves (with casualties even). But they weren't actually committed by Gorons, Zoras, and Gerudo, but by the sorcerer, Drekkin. Knigma smiled. He couldn't think of these 'disasters' without remembering his crown jewel. He supposed he should be happy that the boy, Link, started getting suspicious, for that was the basis of his biggest stroke of genius. Knigma managed to lure out Saria, the Forest Sage, out of her domain and send her to Lon Lon Ranch, thanks to a fake note written by the editor himself. And when she and her friend got there, Drekkin lit the entire ranch on fire. Three passing royal messengers, a coincidence arranged by Drekkin, were all Knigma needed to turn the people against the two Kokiri. And through them, he exposed Link and Princess Zelda as being 'friends' to the hated Kokiri. The outraged Hylians managed to chase them out of the town, leaving the throne for Drekkin. Knigma felt proud. There was a sense of pleasure that came only with playing the Hylians as complete fools.

Then it all went downhill.

Knigma underestimated the cleverness of the boy, Link. The boy in the dress managed to have the two Kokiri infiltrate the castle and steal Knigma's scrolls, which contained every detail of the massive conspiracy. But it wasn't all bad. He managed to get the girl, Saria, before she could escape. If Knigma had his way, he would have traded her for the scrolls on the spot. Or he probably would have killed her. But that's not what Drekkin wanted. He HAD to do things his way.

Drekkin demanded that Princess Zelda meet them the next day to sign over the kingdom to him and return the scrolls in exchange for Saria. Knigma groaned in his mind. It was usually he with the bright displays of charisma, but the sorcerer had quite an ego as well. Drekkin could have claimed the throne in Zelda's absence, but instead he wanted the satisfaction of Zelda GIVING him the throne. The foolish wizard couldn't see that they were being set up.

The next day, Zelda met with Drekkin and Knigma. Knigma got his scrolls back and Drekkin was about to sign for the kingdom, but that's when it all fell apart. The princess had them incriminate themselves, not knowing that there was a huge audience of Hylians behind the curtain. Knowing they were beaten, Drekkin went into a rage and attacked Link. But Link managed to put Drekkin on ice, literally.

Knigma ultimately couldn't take the reality of defeat. When he was threatened by Link's sword, Knigma welcomed it. He even tried to provoke the boy into swinging. But Zelda and Saria chose to spare his life. But Knigma felt it was out of spite, rather than compassion. For Knigma had to endure the worst pain imaginable. He had to REFUND everyone's money, leaving Knigma broke and in the dungeon. Knigma was only left with two things: the regalement of having played everyone for saps, and a thirst for revenge against those who imprisoned him. A thirst for revenge against Saria, Zelda, the farm girl, Malon, and ESPECIALLY Link. A thirst, unfortunately, that will remain unquenched.

Knigma looked over to the large stone cell. A cell created especially for the sorcerer, Drekkin. There were no visible holes. There were only holes for breathing, but not for sight. Iron bars also surrounded the stone cell. No expense was spared to insure that Drekkin would not escape, for he had quite an array of magic powers.

Then…an unusual sound. It came from…within the cell. The sound was followed by chuckling. Sinister chuckling. But more than that, familiar chuckling.

"Drekkin, what are you doing in there?" Knigma asked dryly.

"It is nothing of your concern," the sorcerer replied. "Leave me be. I'm busy."

Knigma's curiosity rose. "Come on, Drekkin. We've known each other for months. You can't keep anything from me. What are you doing? Come on, tell me! Please!"

"Quiet!" the sorcerer said firmly. "The guards will hear you!"

"What guards?" Knigma grinned. "They're outside. They can't hear a thing. Now tell me, what are you doing? Come on, buddy…I thought we were in this together."

A beat.

Drekkin began his elaborate explanation. "When we were first thrust in this cesspool, I vowed that they wouldn't hear the last of me. I vowed revenge. Revenge against all those who foiled my plans and threw in this prison. And there are quite a few who must pay. The forest girl, Saria, Princess Zelda, the farm girl, Malon…"

"And…?"

"I was getting to that!" Drekkin snapped. "And of course I must take revenge against the foolish boy who didn't know when to mind his own business. I will have my revenge against Link. He shall be punished for his insolence."

"I'd love nothing than to believe that," Knigma said doubtingly. "Don't get me wrong, you could wipe them all out if you had the chance. And it'd be great to see them all get what's coming to them. But that raises the obvious question. How are you going to reach them from in here?"

"Do not worry about that," was Drekkin's response. "I have an idea already in mind. An idea, that when all is said and done, will result in them all being much worse off than us. I WILL have my revenge."

"How?"

Drekkin braced himself for the long briefing. "My friend, are you aware of the concept of a 'parallel universe'?"

"Parallel universe," Knigma repeated. "Is that what I think it is?"

"A parallel universe is a universe that exists just like this one. And in the parallel universe exist people and things that exactly resemble the people in this universe, only they're different. The differences can vary from minor contrasts to utter and complete opposites of the people who dwell in this universe."

Knigma scoffed. "Ha! Fairy tales!"

"Oh no, my friend. Do not dismiss them as mere fairy tales. Parallel universes do exist and are very real."

"How do you know that?" Knigma asked mockingly. "Have you ever BEEN to a parallel universe?"

"Being a wizard, I know that not only do parallel universes exist, but they can even be accessed through a series of chants and spells. And I know of one in particular that we can use. Let me ask you something Knigma…"

A beat.

"…Are you familiar with the Legend of Majora's Mask?"

Knigma curled his lip. "I may have heard something about that. But you seem to be the all- knowing sorcerer today. Why don't you tell me?"

Drekkin took a deep breath. "The legend goes that there was once a rogue creature of the forest known only as 'Skullkid'. Through a doorway, he managed to make his way into a parallel universe followed closely by a Kokiri child. The Kokiri child looked around him to see that the universe was exactly like the one he just left, with the exception of the people who were each different from the ones he once knew from his home. The place was called Talmina and the land of Talmina was in danger. Skullkid wore a mask called Majora's Mask. Through the power of the mask, Skullkid managed to send the moon on a collision course with Talmina. The Kokiri boy confronted Skullkid in a valiant effort to save Talmina from the moon. But it was discovered that it was not Skullkid with the dark intentions. He was not the evil one, but rather the evil one was the Mask of Majora itself. To make a long story short, the Kokiri boy prevailed over Majora's Mask and subdued it long enough to return to its rightful owner, the owner of the Happy Mask Shop."

"Balderdash," sneered Knigma. "Just more fairy tales."

"Let me assure you that this is NOT a fairy tale," Drekkin growled. "It is very true. In fact, it may be closer to us than we may think."

"How so?"

"The legend also goes on to say that the Kokiri child may not have been a Kokiri at all. They say it was a Hylian in a Kokiri's clothing. Who do we know that's a Hylian in Kokiri's clothing?"

Knigma knew the answer to that. "You mean…? No. It can't be. You can't mean that kid in the dress? You can't mean that kid, Link, was actually sucked into some parallel universe. It's…crazy. It's impossible. The odds of that happening are…"

"…The same as Link being the Hero of Time?" Drekkin interrupted. "The same as Link saving all of Hyrule from the Gerudo King, Ganondorf?"

That thought made Knigma think. He didn't know much about the Legend of Majora's Mask, but he definitely knew of the Legend of the Hero of Time. And he knew THAT was no fairy tale. "You really think that was him?"

"I KNOW that was him," Drekkin said assuredly. "And if it's true that Link saved Talmina, then the legend is true. And that means that Majora's Mask is real."

"Just what are you saying? What's your point? What's your plan?"

Drekkin began his sinister laughter. "The knowledge of parallel universes will serve us well. Not only do I know of the land of Talmina, but I also know of a THIRD parallel universe. Only this one resembles Hyrule EXACTLY. The only differences are the people."

Knigma was getting irritated with the side talk. "The point?"

"My plan is to enact a series of spells and sorcery from within my cell. When these spells take full effect, they will suck whomever I wish into the portal and into that third universe. The parallel universe of Hyrule. I shall have the portals take in those who have assisted in our imprisonment. I shall create portals in the Forest Temple, the courtyard in Hyrule Castle, and in Lon Lon Ranch. I will have the portals take in the girl Saria, Princess Zelda, the farm girl, Malon, and the Hero of Time, Link.

"When they are sucked in, it will then be time for me to go into the portal. If the Legend of Majora's Mask is true and the theory of parallel universes is accurate, then Majora's Mask should be held by the owner of the Happy Mask shop in the parallel Hyrule. Once I have the mask in my possession, I shall destroy them all."

"But you said the mask is evil," Knigma pointed out.

"So am I!" barked Drekkin. "We'll be a perfect match. I'm not some goofy skull kid without any knowledge of the world. I am a very dangerous sorcerer. And I have magic powers that make even the mightiest wizzrobes cringe with fear. I will possess Majora's Mask and I WILL control it."

"Just one thing," the insane Knigma began. "If you can just go over there and get the mask, then why not just save yourself the trouble. Why even send them over there?"

"Fool!" Drekkin snapped. "Majora's Mask is a very lethal and dangerous thing. Didn't I tell you that it almost destroyed the entire world of Talmina? I can't call upon the moon to crash down into this world. I want to rule this world, not destroy it! But if I can send them to a parallel dimension, then I can destroy that entire world and eradicate them all. And when that happens, I can return to this world, with the Mask of Majora in my possession and rule the world!"

Knigma began to grin widely. "HA! I love it! You're a genius!"

"Thank you," Drekkin said dryly. "You're approval means SO much to me."

"I know it does," Knigma said, completely ignoring the sarcasm in that statement. "So when do we begin?"

"We?" Drekkin said cynically. "Who said 'we' were doing anything? Who said you could come along?"

Knigma remained confident. "Oh, Drekkin, how quickly you forget. As much as you like to go on about your big bad magic and your ugly masks of doom, you forget what an asset I am."

Drekkin cut him off. "Excuse me if I'd forgotten, but just WHAT makes you such a big asset to me? Your trust and respect in the eyes of these people is dead. What use are you to me?"

Knigma was undaunted. "Ah, yes. In the eyes of THESE people. But we aren't going to be around THESE people. We're going to be in a whole NEW civilization. A civilization of trusting people who are going to be looking for a reason why there's a moon falling on their world. In other words, a world of new saps who will be willing to believe anything to be the cause of their impending doom. And face it, you lived a secluded lifestyle inside the castle. You don't know the common folk like I do. You need me, Drekkin. And if you don't need me, then you've got to admit, I'd sure make this a whole lot easier."

Silence.

"Ok, Knigma," Drekkin said. "You can come. Maybe you will serve a purpose. Maybe you CAN be of some use. If anything, I'll need a voice of sanity…"

Knigma gave a wide toothy grin.

"Well, in your case, just barely. But you can be the voice of sanity to those people. I don't think they'll trust a wizard in a mask. There's just one catch, though."

Knigma's grin faded. "What's that?"

"Parallel universes have exact parallels of EVERYONE," Drekkin explained. "Even you. We need to learn of your parallel self's reputation first before charging into this. We don't want to run into confusion."

"I suppose your right," Knigma conceded. "But we'll worry about that later. Remember, we aren't leaving just yet. It's losers first."

"Indeed you're right, Knigma," Drekkin said. "I shall now begin the long process. With this spell begins what shall be a long period of suffering for our enemies. And I'll start with that Kokiri brat, Saria."

Drekkin began chanting his spells. Knigma just looked on attentively. This would be good.

It was a long time since Saria had to climb this high. But she figured this was a good day to climb. Besides, rather than just go the conventional vine route, Saria wanted to have the element of surprise.

"Saria, it's dark in here."

That was Saria's best friend, Somi. It had been a little over a year since Saria's friends had found their way to the Forest Temple after the Kokiri Village had been destroyed by a Hylian army. It made Saria so happy to see them again, after an absence of five years in which she had left to take a life as the Sage of the Forest. Much to her surprise, it was Link who found them all scattered somewhere around Zora's River and led them to the temple. A lot had happened since then. She had been abducted by the evil shape- shifter, Meyson, she and the young boy, Sodo, declared their love for each other, and they had both been victims of a huge slander story. A story that said that she and Sodo burned down Lon Lon Ranch. But when she wasn't in the face of danger, or in the center of controversy, Saria lived a happy life in the temple, something she never thought she would do again.

"Somi, I'm over here. Come this way," the green-haired girl said. Saria had to remember that although they had been here a year, the Forest Temple was a huge place and Somi still didn't know her way around it completely.

Once Somi finally found Saria, they continued through the dark well. Eventually, they both stopped at a ladder…almost. Saria had to stop Somi before she crashed into the wall. They both climbed the ladder quickly until they reached a door. After opening the door and the one after it, Saria saw her target. Up high in the perch, peering over the courtyard, was the young recluse, Mira.

Saria smiled at the fact that her friend didn't see her or Somi coming. She was just going about her day, as usual. But Saria had something in mind this day. After everything she had gone through in the last few months, she wanted to spend a day with her friends without any interruptions.

"Hey, Mira," Saria called out behind her. The sudden call caught Mira by surprise. She nearly lost her footing and slipped off the high ledge, but Saria and Somi managed to catch her in time.

"Saria!" Mira said breathlessly. "You scared me half to death! Where'd you come from?"

"From the bottom of the well," Saria replied cheerfully. "You can't tell me that you've never noticed it."

"Well, I haven't been here as long as you," was Mira's response.

"I guess that's true," Saria conceded. "But it's hard to believe that you've never noticed those doors before. Do you mean that you climb the vines everyday?"

"Not exactly," Mira said. She looked out to the courtyard and smiled. "I haven't been up here everyday. It's one of the things I like best about the temple. Back in the village, I was always standing up in that one ledge. But here, there isn't just one high spot. There are high places all around that I can stand on. It's nice to broaden my horizons once and a while."

"Oh, Mira," Somi sighed. "You and your high places. In all the years we've been friends, Saria and I have never understood that about you. Why do you like being so high up all the time by yourself?"

"I thought we settled that," Mira frowned. "I thought that we'd just leave it at 'personal reasons'."

"I know that, Mira," Saria said. She wore one of her familiar expressions. "We've always respected your privacy and your reasons for wanting to be up here. But in the last few months I realized something. I've been in the face of death more times than I would have liked to and there might be one day when I may not be able to cheat death like I've done in the past."

"Saria, don't say stuff like that," Somi frowned. "It always scares me."

"I'm sorry," Saria responded. "But it's just that how I've managed to survive wolfos attacks, Deku Scrub attacks, going out into the vastness, being kidnapped by an evil shape-shifter, being hunted down by bloodthirsty Hylians, a large fire, and five years of loneliness in this temple…I'll probably never know how, it might just be the way God meant it to be. But I've learned that I have to cherish the time I have."

"You picked that up from Sodo, didn't you?" Mira asked with a twinkle in her eye.

Saria blushed. "Well…maybe. He showed me that there might not be all the time in the world. When he realized that…he was willing to sacrifice himself so that time wouldn't run out. He was willing to save me and tell me exactly how he felt."

"I still think that's so romantic," Somi said. "It's so…unlike ANY of the boys."

"Has Sodo ever been like any of the other boys?" Mira asked.

Silence. There were voices below. It sounded like the boys. Sure enough, down below were the Know-It-All brother, Dila, Sofa, and Dore, along with Sofa's best friend, Miso.

"I can't believe you lost the weapons!" shouted Dore, the eldest of the Know-It-All brothers from below. "I told it was your turn to watch!"

"I thought it was Sofa's turn to watch the weapons," Dila shot back.

"Not me!" Sofa, the youngest of the Know-It-All brothers, retorted. "I knew it was Dila's turn the whole time. Didn't I, Miso?"

"You did," Miso said, agreeing with his best friend. "But then again, how can I hear anything around here? I'm always busy cutting the courtyard grass."

"Hey, this is our complaining time!" Dore snapped. "And I'm complaining about how Dila lost the weapons!"

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

"Ahem…"

The four Kokiri boys turned around to see the stumpy shopkeeper, Domi. Somehow, he had an ear for anything involving business.

"I couldn't help but overhear your dilemma," Domi said with his stone-faced expression. "I have some weapons for sale. A pack of bows, a bag of Deku sticks, and dozens of slingshots. All for a very reasonable price."

"Whatever, Domi," Dore said cynically. "It's all coming out of Dila's pocket anyway."

"What?!"

"You lost them! You pay for them!"

"No way! You can't be serious, Dore!"

"You're not arguing with me on this one, Dila. You're paying!"

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Are not!"

"Are too!"

"Are not!"

"Are too!"

Back up at the high ledge, Saria shook her head. "I guess Sodo IS one-of-a-kind. If only the other boys could learn from him."

Unexpectedly, that brought out laughter. Somi and Mira laughed hysterically at that remark.

"The boys learning from Sodo?" Mira repeated. "That's funny."

"Could you imagine the boys being…mature?! If that happened, then it'd be a perfect world," Somi said, still laughing. "Boys are always going to be immature. They can't learn any better."

Saria thought about what she just suggested to Somi and Mira. She started laughing as well at the thought of the boys acting…mature. "I guess it is funny. You see? This is what I hoped to do today. It's been years since it's just been us three, spending the day together. I really missed having days like this with you two."

"You think we didn't?" Mira asked. "We loved having you around, Saria. The village wasn't the same when you left. You left us…empty."

"Yeah," Somi added. "For five years, we lived our lives wondering if you were really dead or lost. We'd never be able to laugh like we were just now, because the reality that you left us was just too…painful."

"You guys really missed me that much?" Saria asked.

"Of course we did," Somi answered compassionately. "You're our best friend. We've had some good times. And we were always there for each other."

"Like when your house burned down?" Saria asked.

Somi frowned. "Now why did you have to bring THAT up?"

Saria giggled. "Because it was a pivotal moment in our friendship. Don't get me wrong it was a terrible thing…"

"It sure was," Mira sighed.

"…But it was a defining moment in our friendship. I remember everything that went down…"

"Ok, I call this meeting to order!"

As Mido pounded his gavel, Saria took another sip of her Deku juice. Mido didn't seem to learn that no one EVER looked forward to a Kokiri meeting, but he always seemed to call them anyway.

"And I call this meeting to be over!" Miso called out. The remark sent the Kokiri into immediate hysterics…except for Mido.

"I am NOT amused!" Mido shouted.

"That's funny," Rala said. "WE sure are." They all laughed again.

"QUIET!!" Mido shouted. Everyone grew silent. "First order of business…ahem…Sodo, you didn't see anything today on your watch?"

Sodo walked up to Mido. "I saw…nothing."

"Nothing?" Mido asked. "You haven't seen anything in all that time?"

"No, nothing," Sodo repeated. "Sometimes I just think there's nothing out there at all."

"Maybe you'll have better luck tomorrow," Mido said dully. "You may sit down now. Second order of business…we need a stronger plan of defense in case something DID try to get in here."

This sounded familiar. Saria realized that this meeting might have been called as just a way for Mido to reinforce his power as the Kokiri boss.

"But I thought there was nothing out there," Ralo, one of the twins, said.

"Or didn't you hear that?" Fala, the other twin, added.

"I heard everything," Mido said calmly. "But nevertheless, we can never be too sure."

"What's wrong with our current plan of defense?!" Dore shouted. He took offense to Mido's suggestion, since the Know-It-All brothers were the current plan of defense. "We've never failed before, why fix something that's not broken?"

"And I don't deny that you've done a good job," Mido said monotonously. "But I think we can do so much better, though."

Dore looked at Mido sternly. "If I didn't know any better, Mido, I'd say you don't trust us."

"It's not that I don't trust you," Mido shot back, returning the stern gaze. "But I think you may…have lost a step."

"LOST A STEP?!?!" the three Know-It-All brothers exclaimed.

"I'm afraid so," Mido confirmed. "I don't think you've got it anymore."

"They've only been our defense for a few years" Miso called out.

"How could they have lost a step already?" Rala asked.

"I'm just saying is all," Mido said.

Dore was growing angry. "Oh yeah? We'll prove to you we've still got it." With that, Dore, Dila, and Sofa each walked out of the hut.

Saria didn't know what to make of that. She looked at Somi. "What do you think they're going to do?"

"With those three, you can never tell," Somi tried answering.

Soon, all the Kokiri left the crowded hut and went outside to find Dore standing alone in the middle of the village.

"All set?!" Dore called out.

"Ready!"

Saria and the others looked up to see that Dila and Sofa were both standing up near the tunnel to the Lost Woods. They seemed to be holding…

"They aren't holding what I think they're holding, are they?" Somi asked Saria.

Saria almost retched at the sight. "I'm afraid so. They're…dried Deku Scrub chips."

Sodo shook his head. "Where did they get dried Deku Scrub chips?"

Mira sniffed around. "I don't know, but I can smell them all the way over here."

"Get this demonstration over with!" Mido shouted. "It stinks out here!"

"Jeez, Mido, they're just Deku Scrub chips," Dore said calmly. He looked out to see that just about all the other Kokiri were now holding their noses. "Hmm…I guess some people just can't take it."

Dore pulled out his bow and glanced up at his brothers. "Ok, bros. THROW!"

Dila and Sofa each began throwing chips into the air. Dore shot his arrow towards each chip, but couldn't connect with any. The chips each landed on Somi and Mira's hut.

"Great," Somi groaned. "Now I'm going to have to put up with that stench for days."

"HA!" Mido grinned towards Dore. "I knew it. You lost a step, which just proves my point."

"Shut you mouth, Mido," Dore shot back. "It wasn't that I couldn't hit them. It was just that those chips are too dark. I can't see them out here in the dark of the night."

"Oh, Dore," Mido said tauntingly. "You don't have to make excuses for us."

"They're NOT excuses," Dore huffed. "I can hit them, and I will." He glanced at his two brothers again. "Dila, Sofa, go on to Plan B."

"Plan B?" Saria asked Somi.

"If it's anything like Plan A, I may have to have the hut fumigated," Somi said.

Saria looked to see that Dila and Sofa now held in their hands lit Deku sticks. They held the sticks out and lit the Deku Scrub chips on fire.

"There, now I should be able to see," Dore grinned. "THROW!"

As that was said, Deku Scrub chips began flying. With the fire surrounding them, Dore could pick each one off with pinpoint accuracy. The 'oohs' and 'ahhs' were heard with each accurate hit. Dore then turned around to look at Mido.

"What was that about 'losing a step'?" Dore asked with a mischievous grin.

Mido could do nothing but try to cover up his latest defeat. "I suppose it would have been too much work to put together a new defense anyway."

"Wait, Dore!" Sofa shouted from above. "There's one left."

"A good victory target," Dore said to himself. "Ok, THROW!"

The final Deku Scrub chip went flying into the air. But as Dore reached into his quiver, he realized that he had no arrows left. All he could do was look up as the ball of fire flew by…and fell directly on Somi and Mira's hut. Immediately, the lone fire chip ignited the other Deku Scrub chips on the roof, which in turn ignited the entire hut. Soon the hut was consumed in flames.

Mira stood speechless. Somi looked on in horror, but then ran up to Dore. She grabbed his tunic and started shaking him in a panic. "MY HUT'S ON FIRE!! MY HUT'S ON FIRE!! PUT IT OUT!! PUT IT OUT!!"

"S-S-Somi, stop shaking me!" Dore stuttered. "W-We'll get the fire out." Somi let go of Dore's tunic, allowing him to dust himself off. "Dila, Sofa, it's a standard fire drill! Get the buckets!"

As the other two Know-It-All brothers ran to the pond to fill their buckets, Saria tried to comfort her two friends. "Somi, Mira, don't worry. They'll put the fire out." But the emerald girl didn't believe her own words. The fire was beginning to spread. Soon, the other Kokiri boys were also collecting buckets of water to douse the flames.

Yes, the flames were extinguished. The seven Kokiri boys managed to put the fire out with all their buckets of water. But Somi and Mira were nearly left in tears. Their hut, their only home, was left in ashes.

Dore walked up to the two broken girls. "Whoa. I didn't know I was out of arrows. I guess I'll have to chalk that one up to experience. But who knew it could burn down that fast?"

At that comment, Saria did something that was unlike her. She gave Dore a swift kick in the behind.

"Ow!" Dore cried out. "Was it something I said?"

"How can you be so insensitive?" Saria said angrily. "You and your brothers just burned down their only home. They just lost all their belongings and they don't have anywhere to go. And all you can say is 'Who knew it could burn down that fast'? Don't you have anything else to say?"

"Like what?" Dore asked ignorantly.

"How about 'I'm sorry'?" Saria said through clenched teeth.

"Ok, ok," Dore said. He walked over to Somi and Mira. "I'm sorry that we just burned down your hut. I guess you'll be sleeping outside tonight?"

Again, Saria kicked Dore in his posterior, this time a bit harder.

"OW!" Dore cried out again. "You know, I WILL be sore tomorrow morning!"

"Maybe the word 'sensitive' isn't in your limited vocabulary!" Saria shouted. "Don't you have anything else to say?!"

"What?" Dore asked stupidly. "I already said I'm sorry. What else do you want from me?"

"A little more compassion for one thing!" Saria uttered loudly. "Something more than 'You'll be sleeping outside tonight'! I think you should at least offer them some shelter! Open your home to them! You owe them that much!"

"Forget it," Dore said cynically. "Our home's crowded enough as it is. I can't have two more people staying with us. Especially two…girls."

"I can't believe your being this selfish!" Saria said with a stern gaze.

"I'm not being selfish," Dore said calmly. "I'm being sensible. Five people cannot coexist in one hut. They CAN'T stay with us."

"And where are they supposed to go?" Saria asked.

Dore scoffed. "If YOU care so much about them, why don't YOU open up your home to them?"

Saria stood silent. That was an idea that hadn't crossed her mind. She was so busy trying to squeeze some compassion out of Dore, that she missed the obvious solution. Saria was living by herself. She was the only one of the Kokiri to have that luxury, as everyone else had a roommate or two. Why not?

"Ok, then," Saria said. "I may do just that." She walked away from the cynical Know-It-All and walked over to her two friends, Somi and Mira. They looked heartbroken. They were now shedding tears over the terrible loss they just experienced. If anything, Saria could at least be there for them as a friend.

"It's all gone," Somi mumbled to herself. "There's nothing left."

The two girls broke down. Saria couldn't stand to see them cry like this. She offered them each a shoulder to cry and just let them continue weeping bitterly. It really did break Saria's heart to her friends in this kind of pain.

"Somi, Mira, it's ok," Saria tried saying. "It'll all work out."

"How?" Somi asked in between sobs. "Our home is gone. Now where are we supposed to go?"

"I think we both may have missed the obvious solution here," Saria smiled.

"What's that?" Mira asked.

"Why don't you two stay with me?" offered Saria. "I'm the only one living by myself. It wouldn't kill me to share my home. Especially with my two best friends."

"You really mean that, Saria?" Somi asked wide-eyed.

"We wouldn't want to be a burden, Saria," Mira added.

"It's no burden," Saria said assuredly. "I insist. In fact…I kind of want you guys to move in. It'd be a lot of fun to be roommates. In fact, I'm asking you. Will you honor me by moving into my home?"

Somi and Mira looked up at Saria. They dried up their tears and broke into hysterical laughter. Saria couldn't understand it, but they had just burst into all out laughter.

Somi clarified. "Saria, you should listen to yourself. You were talking to us almost like the way you talk to the Deku tree." She fell to one knee amidst the laughter.

Saria smiled. "Well, I'm glad you're feeling a lot better. So what do you say? Will you guys move in with me?"

"Of course we will, Saria," Somi answered. She and Mira ran up and hugged Saria. "And thank you. You really are a good friend."

"Don't mention it," was all Saria could say at that moment. "So shall we go?"

"Let me just get my things," Mira said. Saria and Somi looked at her strangely. "Oh…right." She giggled before joining Somi and Saria on the way to their new life as roommates.

"It may have taken a while to get used to," Saria continued. "But I can't picture how our lives would have been if your house HADN'T burned down."

"I never saw it that way," Mira said thoughtfully. "I guess it was sort of a blessing in disguise."

"But still, it's something I'd rather forget," Somi said. "I still shudder every time I see a Deku Scrub chip."

Mira giggled. "Who doesn't? Those things stink." Saria and Somi joined in the sudden laughter.

Saria let out a huge sigh. "What happened to us? We always used to be able to have days like this, but even before I left the village, we just…stopped. It used to be just the three of us, best of friends. What happened?"

"I think it's obvious what happened," Somi said matter-of-factly.

"Link showed up," Mira clarified. "When he arrived in the village, we just started paying more attention to him than to each other."

Saria thought about that. "I guess I never really thought about that. When Link showed up, I did start spending more of my time with him. But he was so young. And I was really the only one to acknowledge the fact that he was…different."

Somi and Mira stared weirdly at Saria.

"I mean in a positive way," Saria said more clearly. "Actually, I was pretty much the only one to acknowledge him in a positive way."

"Hey, we…tried," Somi tried saying. "He was just too…weird. We never knew about 'babies' and 'growing up'."

"And he WAS kind of irritating," Mira added. "And for a while…so were you."

"What do you mean?" Saria asked, taking offense to that comment.

"I meant when he was a baby," Mira continued. "Being your roommate was the best thing in the world, Saria. But when we first took in Link, our house wasn't exactly the place to be. Link was crying every night and you were crankier than a Mad Deku Scrub."

"I know exactly what you mean," Saria sighed, as she tried straightening out her green hair. "I remember that one night where we almost completely lost it…well, I almost lost it…"

"WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!"

The baby's crying reached unbearable volumes. Saria could only sit down, holding the crying child in her arms. Everything about Saria's features were green, but that night there was a shade of red in the girl. The red was in her eyes, for the green-haired girl hadn't had a good night's sleep in days. Things were definitely shaken up around the forest since this bundle of joy was first discovered. There was only one problem. Most of the Kokiri didn't even know what a baby was, much less how to take care of one. Saria herself even had a hard time understanding what a baby was. It wasn't until she met her Hylian friend, Amanacera, that she realized that there was even such a thing as a baby. But unfortunately, it was Saria who ended up taking care of this infant.

But maybe it wasn't so unfortunate. Saria was starting to get attached to the baby. She even had a name for him. She named the boy Link. It was a cute name and Saria loved it, but she hoped he wouldn't ever have to find out the origin behind his name. She'd hate to see his reaction if he ever found out he was named after a…bodily function.

Nonetheless, having the baby Link around wasn't all joyful. Saria hadn't slept in days and was aching for a night of sleep. She wasn't the only one.

"Saria, isn't he asleep yet?" Somi asked sleepily.

"Not yet," Saria yawned. She looked down at the crying Link. "Please, Link. I want to go to sleep. Please stop crying." Nothing. Link kept on wailing away. "I don't think there's anything I can do. I feel like I've tried everything."

"There has to be something we haven't tried," Mira said, half-asleep. "We can't go on like this. I fell off the ledge today and almost got killed because I fell asleep. If Mido wasn't there to break my fall, I'd hate to think of what might have happened."

"It wasn't that bad, Mira," Somi smiled. "I think Mido got the worst of that collision anyway. You haven't gained weight, have you?"

"Oh, Somi," Mira giggled.

"It's nice to see you two have been having fun," Saria said cynically. "I haven't been able to do anything since this baby arrived. I haven't gone fishing, I haven't gone out to the Lost Woods, I haven't been able to play my ocarina, I…"

"Wait…" Somi interrupted holding out her hands. "Listen."

Silence. Golden silence. Music to Saria's ears.

"He's asleep," Saria whispered. "Sleep…sleep…sounds heavenly right about now." She put the infant Link down in his crib, constructed by Saria, Somi, and Mira themselves. Saria could only be relieved that the wooden crib didn't fall apart. She then lied down in her bed, ready to close her eyes.

"Good night, Saria," both Mira and Somi whispered.

"Good night, Somi," Saria said softly. "Good night, Mira." And she finally closed her eyes, ready to get a good night's sleep at last…

"IT'S ABOUT TIME HE SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Saria slowly rose up, almost zombie-like. She got up to her feet and headed straight for the door.

"Saria, you can't go out," Somi called out, suddenly wide-awake. "You're not dressed."

Pajamas or no pajamas, Saria walked out. She went out slowly until she saw the one who woke up Link. She saw the big-mouthed Mido standing out in front of his house. She s—l—o—w—l—y approached him.

"J-Jeez, Saria," Mido stuttered. "You're a wreck."

Saria didn't say anything. She just reached her arms out, as if she were ready to strangle the loudmouthed Mido. And she was. After all the effort she put into putting Link to sleep, for Mido to shout out and erase a night's work, or even worse, a night's sleep, was too much for Saria to handle at that moment.

"S-S-Saria," Mido gulped. "What are you going to do?"

"AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!" Saria immediately took Mido down by the tunic. She shook him heavily, with his head banging the dirt repeatedly. Then she felt two arms try to restrain her.

It was Sodo. "S-Saria, relax. You're going to hurt somebody."

"THAT'S THE WHOLE POINT!" Saria shouted. "LET ME GO! LET ME GO!"

Sodo lifted Saria off her feet in an obvious adrenaline rush and carried her towards the pond. Saria soon realized what was about to happen. Then it did. Sodo tossed her into the pond.

Saria gasped for air and stuck her head up out of the water. All she saw was Sodo, looking sternly at her.

"What's wrong with you?!" Saria asked angrily. "Are you trying to make me catch a cold?! Look at me! I'm completely drenched! What are you doing?!"

"I'm cooling you off!" Sodo said harshly. "I think the real question is: What's wrong with YOU, Saria?"

"What do you mean?" Saria asked, trying to dry off her pajamas.

"This isn't like you," Sodo said somberly. "I've never seen you like this. You've been so…angry and even violent lately. You've always been so calm and compassionate. What's happened to you?"

Saria thought about what the peaceful boy just said. The reality hit her hard. Everything he said was true. This had been very uncharacteristic of her. She was always the compassionate one. The sensible one. The…mature one. But lately, she was cranky, irritable, and, as she just showed with Mido, even violent. She did the only thing she could do at that moment. She started crying.

She ran up to Sodo and put her head on his shoulder. "You're right, Sodo. I HAVE been a jerk. I haven't been myself. I'm so sorry."

Sodo patted the weeping girl on the head. "It's ok, Saria. I guess you ARE going through a tough period right now. You don't want to talk about it?"

Saria nodded. She and Sodo took a seat near the pond. Seeing as she already didn't have any boots on, Saria just dipped her feet into the water. Sodo took his boots off and dipped his feet in as well. Saria looked up to see the moon was still out. The night was still young.

"I don't know how, I don't know why, but lately…" Saria sighed. "…I've just been frustrated. Night after night of not getting any sleep just took its toll. But I know that's no excuse for the way I've been acting. I'm so sorry. In fact, I might start making up for it right now." She looked over towards Mido. "MIDO!! Could you come here, please?!"

The Kokiri boss nervously stuck his head out of his house and looked towards Saria. "Y-Y-You're not going to hit me, are you?"

Saria hung her head down. "No, Mido. I just want to say something to you."

Mido walked over to Saria and Sodo. "You aren't still mad at me for waking up the brat, are you?"

"Are you kidding? I'm furious!" Saria huffed. A stern gaze from Sodo quickly reminded her of why she called Mido over. "But I shouldn't have let my anger take over like that. Mido, I'm really sorry for hurting you. Can you forgive me?"

Mido cracked a half-smile. "Of course, Saria. Don't worry about it. And I guess I'm sorry for waking up the twerp. I guess I can try and sleep through that. Maybe I'll just use some earplugs." With that, Mido walked away and back into his house.

"It's a good start," Saria said drearily. "But I'm going to making a lot of apologies tomorrow."

"Assuming you have time," Sodo pointed out.

"D'oh, you're right," Saria said, realizing that she would have to take care of the baby. She was almost ready to cry again. "Sodo, this is too hard. I haven't slept in days. I don't have any idea how to take care of a baby. It's too many headaches, too much responsibility, and too much I don't know about. I don't think I can handle it."

"Saria, do you know why the Deku Tree had YOU take care of the baby?" Sodo queried rhetorically.

"I have no idea," Saria answered. "Why would he ever think I could take care of a baby?"

"Because you CAN," Sodo continued. "Out of all of us, the Deku Tree knows that you can do this. You can be a mother to this child. I mean you have so much that we don't. You have that compassion. You have that leadership. And you have that love that only a mother can provide."

Saria lifted her head up. "Do you really think I can do this, Sodo?"

"I know you can," Sodo smiled. "This may be the hardest part about raising a baby, but it won't stay like this forever. Eventually it'll grow up and it'll all be over. You'll even be able to talk to it. He'll even grow to love you."

Saria didn't say anything. She only looked back to her house. It sounded like Link was still crying. She started to see it all differently now. A life was in her hands, and it was a huge responsibility. But eventually this baby would grow to love Saria. As weird as it sounded, Saria was like its 'mother'. She got out of the pond and got to her feet. She started walking back to her house.

"Wait, Saria," Sodo said suddenly. He walked over to the drenched emerald girl. "Is it ok if I help you tonight?"

"You want to help with Link?" Saria asked in surprise.

"It's the least I can do," Sodo said. "After all, I did sort of leave you a little wet."

"A little?"

"Ok, I left you soaked. Just let me make it up to you."

"Actually…" Saria said slowly. She had an idea. "Go get Dore for me."

"Dore?" Sodo asked strangely. "What for?"

"Just do it."

Saria left Sodo and went into her house and saw that the first sight she saw would be cause for another apology. She completely forgot that in the rush to go hurt Mido, she inadvertently left Somi and Mira alone with Link. They were both sitting melancholy on each side of the crib trying desperately to rock the crying child to sleep.

"Oh, Somi, Mira," Saria said sadly. "I'm sorry I left you two alone with him."

"I hope you're happy," Somi said bitingly. "You couldn't take it, so you left him alone with us."

"As if this hasn't been hard enough on us…" Mira added, before suddenly stopping. "…Saria, why are you soaking wet?"

"Never mind," Saria said. She wore one of her compassionate expressions, something the village hadn't seen in days. "Guys, I'm really sorry for the way I've been acting. But I'm going to make up for it right now."

"How?" they both asked. Just then Dore stood at the door.

"Just the guy I wanted to see," Saria grinned. "How much room do you have in your house?"

Dore immediately saw where this was going. "None!" He quickly tried ducking out, but Saria caught him by the arm.

"Get back here!" Saria chided. "Now you listen to me, mister! This has been hard on all of us, but it's been the hardest on us three. But this baby's MY responsibility and Somi and Mira shouldn't have to suffer through this. So just for tonight, could you open up your home to them?"

"No!"

"Maybe I didn't make myself clear," Saria said through clenched teeth. "Now I realize I've been a jerk lately. I've taken out my anger in all the wrong places, including on my friends. So I'm going to make it up to them by opening up your home to them so they can finally get a good night's sleep. And I'm not the only one who should be making up, if you know what I mean."

"Actually, I don't," Dore said cynically. "Why don't you tell me?"

"Ok," Saria took a deep breath. "It all has something to do with an empty quiver, a stack of Deku Scrub chips, and a FIRE! Does that ring a bell?!"

"Aw, come on," Dore whined. "You mean you still remember that?"

"Never mind," Saria said angrily. "The point is, you still owe them. The least you could do is let them stay the night while I get Link to sleep!"

Dore scoffed. "Fine. They can stay with us. JUST FOR TONIGHT."

Saria turned around and smiled to her two friends. "Girls, I just did you a big favor. Go stay with the boys for tonight and I'll stay here with Link."

"Thanks, Saria," Somi said gleefully. She and Mira started to follow Dore outside.

"And get a good night's sleep," Saria added. "You two deserve it."

When Somi and Mira left, the house was now empty. Empty of everyone except for Saria and Link, who was still crying. She could only pick up the baby Link and sit in a chair. Now all alone, she started to rock him again.

"Looking back, those could be considered some of the worst days of my life," Saria continued. "But the feeling I had when I held Link in my arms was like nothing I'd ever known, and probably something I'll never experience again. When I look back now, I wouldn't trade those days for anything."

"You did sort of trade our friendship for them," Somi said sadly. "When Link grew up, we just…started going our separate ways."

"Somi, that's not true," Saria responded. "I know I started spending more and more time with Link, but that doesn't mean our friendship ended."

"I know that," Mira added in a similar sad tone. "It ended when you left the forest."

Saria thought about that. She could only ask one question. "You don't really believe that, do you?"

Somi and Mira didn't say anything. They only nodded.

Saria looked concerned. "But we're all together now. You DO believe our friendship will last forever now, right?"

Somi and Mira were still silent. Saria felt hurt.

"R-Right?"

"I'd like to think that, Saria," Somi said somberly. "But so many things have happened, especially lately. What if something really WERE to happen? What happens if you ever leave us again? Then we'll be back where we started. We couldn't stand the thought of our friendship coming to a sudden halt again."

Saria thought about that. Threats from outside forces like Meyson, Knigma, and Drekkin had made their presence felt in their lives. What happens when Saria isn't able to bounce back?

**CRASH**

The three girls jumped at the sudden bolt of lightning. The unusual thing was that it wasn't raining outside. In fact, there wasn't even a cloud in the sky. It was a sunny day.

"W-W-What was that?" Mira asked fearfully.

Silence. There was only the blowing of a cold wind.

"Do you…feel…cold?" Somi asked.

Then…more silence. The three girls could only hear a rumbling noise…growing increasingly louder…coming from behind them.

**CRASH**

They all turned around abruptly and saw that the wind was all blowing towards the door which Saria and Somi first walked in. The wind began growing stronger. It was unusual in that the wind was all converging into that one area. Then the force of the wind blew the door off its hinges.

"W-What's happening?" Somi squeaked timidly.

Saria couldn't understand what was happening. But then something else happened. The air directly in front of her began to split open. She hadn't seen anything like it…not even when a portal opened to the Sacred Realm. That was exactly what appeared to be happening. A portal was opening. But this portal was different. It wasn't the portal of light that she was used to seeing whenever she went to the Sacred Realm. It was different. It seemed to lead into darkness and limbo.

That's when the nightmare really began. Saria felt herself being moved towards the portal. She tried resisting, but to no avail. When she looked over, she saw that Somi and Mira weren't affected at all by the portal's pull. They each grabbed one of Saria's hands and started pulling.

"Somi, Mira," Saria pleaded. "Whatever you do, don't let go!"

But it was too much. The gravitational pull of the portal was too powerful. Eventually, Saria could feel each of her fingers slipping from the grips of Somi and Mira. Finally, the two girls fell backwards and Saria was sucked in.

Into what? She had no idea.

Somi recovered in time to see Saria get pulled in, screaming, into the mysterious portal. As quickly as it appeared, the portal had disappeared and with it went her friend.

"S-She's gone," was all she could say.

"W-What WAS that?" Mira asked.

"I don't know," Somi responded sadly. "But whatever that was, it's gone now. And so is Saria."


Part 2

Knigma sat silently in his cell, a rarity for the charismatic one. He waited anxiously as Drekkin was audibly heard from his stone cell, continuing his chants and spells. He had been at it for hours now and Knigma was just waiting for the fireworks to begin. Suddenly, though, Drekkin stopped.

"That's not it, is it?" the confused Knigma asked.

"It is done," the sorcerer responded.

"Pretty quiet for such a big bad spell," Knigma said. "I thought there'd be more of a spark than that."

"Do not let the level of silence fool you, Knigma," Drekkin pointed out. "It has begun. As we speak, the Forest Sage is inside the portal awaiting her ultimate destination. I can sense it. But I am far from finished. There's still the princess I must deal with."

"Oh, of course," Knigma said, trying to cover his disbelief. "Never doubted you for a second."

"I bet you didn't," Drekkin replied sarcastically. "Now, silence. I shall now open the next portal for Princess Zelda."

"Just one more question," Knigma said quickly. "We KNEW where that 'Saria' girl was going to be. She can't leave that place. But Zelda's different, she's the Princess of Hyrule. She could be anywhere."

"Oh, Knigma," Drekkin muttered. "You don't spend years and years as the king's closest advisor and not learn a few things about Princess Zelda's daily routine. Judging by the position of the sun…"

"Sun? You can barely see it from here."

"JUDGING BY THE POSITION OF THE SUN…" Drekkin continued, obviously irritated. "I'd venture to guess that the princess is out in the castle courtyard. In fact, on a day like this, I KNOW she's out there. Well, her serene day will soon be replaced by a nightmare of epic proportions."

With those prophetic words, Drekkin resumed his chants. Knigma eagerly awaited a chance to see the dimensional portal in action. And seeing as the dungeon was so close to the courtyard, he would be able to see the whole thing.

Zelda sat serenely on the flowerbed in the middle of the courtyard. It had been a little less than two months since her father had come back. Of course, he was more than disappointed to find out that his most trusted advisor, the sorcerer Drekkin, had concocted an elaborate scheme to take the throne. But now Drekkin and his cohort, Knigma, were both in the dungeon and she couldn't be happier. Especially after they almost managed to turn the entire Hylian population against her.

"Ok, watch this."

Zelda turned to see the three Lizalfos, Kreature, Krash, and Og, collectively known as COMBAT each holding bows and arrows and facing the large statue. She almost couldn't believe her eyes at the next sight. On top of one the statues was an apple. Kreature aimed an arrow straight at the apple and fired, but missed a little to left.

"Ha!" Krash mocked. "You missed. Now watch a master."

Krash aimed his arrow and fired. But his arrow missed to the right.

"Oh I didn't doubt you for a second, 'master'," Kreature snickered.

The three lizards continued their game of one-upmanship. Zelda liked having the three lizards around. It may have been one of Zelda's better decisions to let them stay as her personal guards. Not only did it fill a void left by Impa, who left to guard the Shadow Temple, but also it gave the three reptiles the home that they sorely wanted. And seeing as how COMBAT were rejected by Hylian society, it was in the best interests of both parties that they stay with Zelda.

"Ooh, ooh, let me try!" the overzealous Og said. He quickly took out an arrow and shot it towards the apple. Unfortunately, Og missed the target completely.

"OUCH!!!"

Kreature, Krash, and Og took a few steps back when they saw one of the guards approaching. He had an arrow lodged in his posterior.

The guard painfully pulled out the arrow. "You three blockheads again?! It's always something different with you lizards!!"

Zelda got to her feet and walked to the scene of the conflict. "Is there a problem here?"

The guard looked at the princess. "I'm terribly sorry, your highness. But we just can't keep putting up with these Lizalfos. They've got to go."

"On the count of a stray arrow?" Zelda smiled. "You complain too much."

"No really, princess," the guard persisted. "Don't you think it's time to throw these three lizards out. How long will we have to put up with these buffoons?"

"Buffoons?" Kreature asked. "We aren't buffoons."

"We take offense to the term 'buffoons'," Krash added.

Og nodded. "We've been called dopes, chowderheads, nincompoops, and birdbrains. But never buffoons. No way."

The guard ignored the lizards' unique insights. "Don't you believe it's time to end this experiment, princess?"

"Experiment?" Zelda asked indignantly. "Now I'm sorry if you and the others don't like my choice for personal guards, but they're my friends."

"But aren't Lizalfos an odd choice for guards?" the guard asked.

"About as odd as having a Sheikah for a nanny?" Zelda pointed out.

"N-N-Now your highness, that's different," the guard stuttered.

"Quiet!" Zelda snapped. "Now I'm getting tired of these arguments. I'm sorry if you don't like my taste in guards, but I won't just get rid of them. I'll tell you the same thing I've told everyone else. They're here to stay. GET OVER IT!!" Her expression quickly changed to a calm one. "You may go now."

The guard muttered something as he left, probably because Kreature, Krash, and Og were sticking their tongues out behind his back. Zelda gave them a quick glare.

"You three aren't exactly helping either," Zelda said, holding up the arrow. "Can't you be a little more careful?"

"Sure we can," Kreature said confidently. "Just watch this." He aimed another arrow at the apple and let fly. But again, he missed.

"No, no, no," Krash said, pulling out an arrow. "Watch THIS." Krash released an arrow, but he too missed the apple.

"Ha! Amateurs," Og said. "Watch THIS." He pulled out his own arrow and fired…missing completely. His arrow fell on top of the castle roof.

Zelda shook her head. "Can I see that bow, Kreature?"

Kreature handed the bow to Zelda. The princess took out an arrow and aimed at the apple. She let the arrow fly and hit the apple with pinpoint accuracy. She walked over to the apple, picked it up, plucked the arrow, and took a bite. She walked back to the courtyard to a round of applause from COMBAT.

"That was neat, Zelda," Og said in amazement.

Zelda took a bow. "I guess I've still got it."

"We didn't think you've ever had it to begin with," Kreature said. "Where'd you learn to shoot like that?"

Zelda picked a flower from the ground. "Well, I've never told this story to anyone before…"

"We're listening," Krash said. "We're all ears."

"Ok, then," Zelda said bashfully. "It was a long time ago, back when I was seven…"

"And what's that, Impa?"

The seven-year old Zelda marveled at the sights she had seen on her way to Zora's Domain. She had never been to the domain before. In fact, this was the farthest she had ever been from the castle. But she was already amazed at some of the sights she had seen.

"That's just a boulder, Zelda," Impa said. "But there are stories that there might be a hidden fairy fountain somewhere over there. No one's ever found it."

Zelda looked on wide-eyed. She was always curious about these sorts of things. "And what's that, Impa?"

"That's the tunnel to the fabled Lost Woods," Impa pointed out. "But it's very dangerous in there. There are man-eating creatures behind that tunnel."

"R-Really?"

The Sheikah smiled warmly. "Don't be scared, Zelda. They won't come out here. Their business is in the forest."

"And if they did come out?"

Impa chuckled. "Come on, Zelda. This is me we're talking about."

Zelda giggled. "You'd kick their butts, right Impa?"

"That's right," Impa said confidently. She stopped the horse at what appeared to be a dead end.

Impa jumped off and put Zelda down. As Impa tied up the horse, Zelda looked at the beautiful sight in front of her. It was a streaming waterfall and her face was full of childish glee.

"You like it, Zelda?" Impa asked.

"It's pretty," Zelda said. "But where do we go now, Impa?"

"Just stand right there," Impa instructed. She took out the Ocarina of Time, something that had been kept in the possession of the royal family for generations. She began to play a familiar tune.

"Impa, I can't sleep now," Zelda frowned.

Impa ignored her and continued playing Zelda's Lullaby. When it was over, the waterfall stopped flowing. There was now a cave exposed.

"H-H-How did that happen?" Zelda asked in childish amazement.

"I'll tell you someday," Impa responded as she picked up Zelda. "Now hang on, dear."

Zelda squealed in shock as Impa jumped the waterfall and into the cave.

Zelda looked on in awe of the vastness of the cave. There was water everywhere and the sparkling crystals in the rocks were absolutely dazzling. And there were…people…but they looked different. They looked more like…fish people. And one of them approached her and Impa.

"Greetings, Impa," the fish man said. "It's been a while." He ducked down and looked at Zelda. "And you brought the little princess with you. My, my, aren't you just the prettiest little thing? And what's you name, little lady?"

The princess giggled. "Zelda. Why do you look like a fish, Mr. Fish Man?"

"Zelda," Impa scolded. She looked up at the fish person. "My apologies. It's just that Zelda's never seen one of your people before. She doesn't get out much."

"It's ok, Impa. The child's just curious," the fish man said. He bent down to look at Zelda. "I am a Zora. We are the proud aquatic people who make our home here in Zora's Domain. We're quite different from your people."

Zelda just looked on in awe as Impa broke the silence. "Is King Zora available? We need to talk business."

"He's in the throne room tending to Princess Ruto," the Zora answered. "I'll tell you what, Impa. You go see King Zora and leave Zelda here. I'd be more than happy to show her around."

"Could you do that for me?" Impa asked. "Thank you. I appreciate it." She bent down on one knee to look Zelda in the eye. "Now Zelda. Promise me you'll behave yourself."

"I will, Impa," Zelda said mischievously.

Impa wasn't convinced. "You're not crossing your fingers, are you?"

Zelda revealed her right hand, with fingers crossed. "How'd you know?"

"Zelda, I mean it," Impa said seriously. "Be good and don't cause any trouble."

"Ok, Impa. I promise I'll behave."

"That's a good girl," Impa smiled. She got to her feet and looked at the Zora. "Well, she's all yours."

Impa walked away and the Zora waved to her. But the mischievous Zelda just ran out as the Zora's back was turned.

Zelda wasted no time before jumping in the water. If Impa were around, she'd nag her about getting her dress wet. She'd also complain about this being far from ladylike conduct. But Zelda didn't care at that moment. She just wanted to have fun.

"Ok, fire!"

Suddenly an arrow appeared in the sky above Zelda's head. She looked to see where the arrow came from. She saw a line of what appeared to be young Zora boys and an adult Zora male each holding a bow and arrow. They were aiming for circular targets suspended in mid-air.

The adult Zora addressed what appeared to be his pupils. "That was good. But there's much room for improvement. I'm going to check on the other class. Try again."

As the adult Zora walked away, Zelda's curiosity got the better of her. She walked over to one of the Zora boys.

"What are you doing?" Zelda asked.

The Zora boy held up his bow and aimed for the target. "Target practice. It's a pivotal part of the Zora boy's education."

"Pivo…what?"

"It's really important," the Zora boy clarified. "We have to learn how to use a bow and arrow."

"That looks neat," the princess said in awe. "Can I try?"

"You?" the Zora boy asked. "You wouldn't know the first thing about using a bow and arrow. For one thing you're a girl."

Zelda let that sexist remark slide. She really wanted to try that bow. "Well…that's why I have such a…strong boy like you here to teach me."

The boy blushed. "Come on now. I'm not really that strong, am I?"

Zelda smiled. She was very smart for her age. "Of course you are…and you're handsome too."

"Aw, shucks."

"And I bet you're a really good teacher."

"Well…I guess so. You really want me to teach you?"

Zelda nodded eagerly.

"Ok then." The boy handed Zelda a bow. He tried guiding her arms towards the target. "Now you want to be sure that your eyesight lines up directly with the arrow. That way, you'll be able to control its trajectory. You don't want to pull the arrow too hard. It has to be able to pull back with the bow in perfect synchronization. If not, the result will be shoddy. Ok, now you have the arrow back…you've aimed…now…let go."

The boy let go of Zelda's arms and Zelda let go of the arrow. The arrow flew up and nailed the target with perfect accuracy.

The boy could only look on in shock. "Bulls-eye. You got that on your first try. Are you sure this is your first time?"

Zelda didn't understand. "You mean I did good?"

"Good?" the boy repeated. "It took me days to launch an arrow with that kind of accuracy. You're a natural."

"You really think so?"

Suddenly, the boy shook his head in disbelief. "No. No, it couldn't be. You just got lucky. You couldn't possibly do that again."

Zelda frowned. "I bet you I can."

The boy handed her the bow and arrow. "Show me! Show me you can hit that target by yourself."

Zelda took the bow and aimed it towards the target. She fired and nailed another bulls-eye. She looked back at the boy, who's mouth dropped open in shock, and grinned mischievously. "Told you so."

"I can't believe it," the Zora boy said. "You really ARE a natural. But I bet you can't do THIS."

The boy walked over towards the end of a tunnel. Zelda walked over and peered over the edge. It was a long way down to the water, but hanging in the middle, suspended in mid-air, was another target.

"No one's been able to hit THAT target," the boy said. "And I don't think YOU can either."

Zelda almost felt faint when she saw how far down it was. But she shook that off. "I bet you I can."

"HA! Prove it!"

"I will!" Zelda said boldly. She removed her hat, allowing her long (for a seven-year old) blond hair to flow. She grabbed the bow and made sure to grip it. She looked down and jumped off.

The first thing Zelda did was release the arrow. But after that, Zelda screamed. She was still falling. The only thing she could do was grab a piece of the rocky cliff. She was now hanging on for dear life, with nowhere to go but down. Zelda started sweating nervously. She wished Impa were there.

"Zelda!"

The princess looked down to see that Impa was, in fact, down there standing on a walkway near the water. The Sheikah nanny looked less than pleased.

"Princess Zelda, you come down from there this instant!"

Of course, it wasn't as easy as it looked. "Impa, I'm stuck!"

"Just let go, Zelda," Impa said confidently. "You'll be fine. I promise."

Zelda was afraid, but she also believed in Impa. So she did as she was told. She let go and resumed her long fall. Just as she was about to hit the ground, Impa rushed over and caught her in her arms. Then they both fell into the water. A quick gasp for air later, and Zelda was face-to-face with her nanny again.

But Impa didn't look too happy. "Zelda, you promised me you'd behave yourself. Now look at your dress. It's ruined."

"I'm sorry, Impa," Zelda apologized. "But you should have seen me. It was really neat. I learned how to use a bow and arrow."

Impa wasn't exactly convinced. "Now what have I told you about fibbing? I've been a Sheikah warrior for many years and I know that no one can learn how to use a bow and arrow in mere minutes."

Just as she said that, the little Zora boy came down and swam towards Zelda. His expression was one of awe.

"I can't believe it," the Zora boy said. "No one's ever been able to do it before, but you did it! Your skills are incredible!"

"What do you mean?" Impa asked.

The boy only pointed to the sky. Zelda looked up and she couldn't believe what she saw. There was the target. And somehow, the arrow was lodged in the bulls-eye. Zelda had done it.

"I can't believe it," Impa said in amazement. She shook it off. "Come, princess. It's time to go home."

"Ok, Impa," Zelda said, drying off her hair. She looked at the boy. "Well, I have to go now. But I guess this is something to tell your friends."

"They'd never believe me if I told them," the boy replied. "So this is goodbye…Zelda, was it?"

"That's me," Zelda said proudly. "But I never got your name."

"I'm simply known as Caraton. Just a humble young Zora. Especially in the presence of royalty." He quickly bowed down. "I'm sorry I didn't recognize you before. I've never seen a Hylian princess."

Zelda blushed. "You don't have to do that, Caraton. I may be a princess, but I AM just a kid."

Caraton quickly got to his feet. "Well, will you please do me the honor of keeping that bow?"

"Sure, Caraton," Zelda said. "It's the least I can do for such a good teacher."

"Oh, Zelda. I didn't teach you all that. I can't even do that much myself."

Impa cleared her throat.

Zelda tried to wrap this up. "Well, Caraton. I guess it's time for me to go." She jumped into Impa's arms, and began to leave.

"Goodbye, Zelda," Caraton called out. "I'll be sure to spread the word of your uncanny abilities. You might even be a legend someday."

'Fancy that,' Zelda thought to herself. 'The Legend of Zelda. But what are the odds?'

"Well that explains a whole lot," Kreature said after hearing Zelda's story.

"I thought Zoras were only good for their odor," Krash snickered.

"Or at least for eating," Og added.

Zelda smiled and held the bow proudly in her hand. "It was the first time I'd ever used something like this. Of course it wasn't the last. There would be some more things I'd have to practice before mastering this."

"More?" Kreature asked.

"Wasn't jumping off a cliff while hitting a bulls-eye enough?" Krash added.

"For me?" Zelda grinned. "Nah, no way. There were a few more skills I'd have to learn. But I'd have to wait a little while before I could learn THOSE. I had to wait for another chance to get out of the castle."

"Will you tell us about it?" Og asked.

"I guess so," Zelda said. "I remember that time clearly. If you're like me, you don't forget those rare occasions when you can leave the castle. But it was back when Impa took me into the Gerudo Fortress…"

"Impa, it's hot out here. Couldn't we go somewhere a little cooler?"

Zelda was sweating as a result of the heat bearing down on Gerudo Valley. When Impa left, it was only natural that she ask the seven-year old princess to come along. And Zelda gleefully agreed to go. Of course, she didn't know that the blazing sun would shine down so forcefully on that day.

"Now Zelda, you mean you didn't know that the desert sun would be out?" Impa asked, with a twinkle in her eye.

"No. I've never been here," Zelda answered. "And I already hate it. It's hot and it's boring."

"How can you say that?" Impa asked calmly. "We aren't even there yet. Besides, it'll get a little more exciting right about…now."

The horse stopped at the sight of a huge cliff. All Zelda saw was a giant banner that said 'Bridge Under Construction'.

"It's a dead end," Zelda observed.

"It only LOOKS like a dead end," Impa grinned. "But there's a way to get over there. Just hang on tight."

Zelda didn't ask any questions. She just gripped Impa's waist. Impa whipped the horse and the steed started going faster. Zelda noticed that were quickly approaching the cliff and it was too late to stop. The horse eventually reached the cliff and leapt off. Zelda just closed her eyes and screamed. When she sensed she wasn't falling hundreds of feet, she opened her eyes. She looked back to see that they were now on the other side of the cliff.

"Exciting, wasn't it?" Impa asked.

Zelda only nodded. It was a scary moment, but it was also quite an adrenaline rush. She had to admit that it WAS exciting. Suddenly, Impa stopped the horse. Zelda looked around to what seemed to be…buildings, but they looked different. They didn't look anything like the castle or any of the buildings back in Hyrule Castle Town.

"We're here," Impa announced. "The Gerudo Fortress."

Zelda sat down near the crates outside what appeared to be a place of business. Impa went up to two of the…inhabitants. They didn't look as weird as the Zoras, but they were different. Zelda also made another observation. They were all women. There were no men or boys anywhere.

"I need to talk to someone," Impa told one of the women. "It involves a request of the royal family."

The two women looked at each other before one of them pointed to the left. "You can find someone over there. I'm sure they'll be able to help you."

Impa nodded. "Thank you. But can I ask you two ladies for a favor?"

"What's that?" one of them asked.

"Please keep an eye on the princess," Impa answered, peering over at the young Zelda. "She can be quite a handful sometimes."

"We can do that," the other one said. "I trust you'll be back for her later?"

"Indeed I will. Thank you, ladies." Impa walked over and kneeled to look Zelda in the eye. "Zelda. I don't want this to be a repeat of our last few trips. Promise me you'll behave yourself."

"Ok, Impa."

Impa looked suspiciously at the little girl.

Zelda revealed her hands to show that her fingers were crossed. "How'd you know?"

"Never mind that," Impa said. "Now promise me you'll behave yourself."

"Ok, Impa. I promise."

"That's a good girl." Impa got up to leave, but quickly stopped to say one last thing to the two other women. "Don't let her out of your sight for a second." Having said that, she continued on her way.

Zelda sat bored. She didn't have a single opportunity to make her escape. Those two women, who called themselves 'Gerudo', were very skilled. They reacted with lightning speed every time it Zelda moved even an inch. So she just sat there and waited as they conducted their business as usual, even though it appeared there were no customers. But just then, another Gerudo walked up to them.

The first Gerudo stood attentively. "Welcome to the horseback archery range. Only 20 rupees."

The customer left a red rupee. Then she mounted one of the horses and began riding. What got Zelda's attention was that the Gerudo was riding and shooting arrows at the same time. It looked amazing. The Gerudo made a round trip and leaped off. As she left, Zelda applauded.

The second Gerudo looked at her. "That impress you, princess?"

"Oh yes!" Zelda said brightly. "I'd love to be able to try that."

The two Gerudo started laughing. "You? Doing that? I don't even think a little girl like you can even SHOOT an arrow, much less do that."

Zelda frowned. As they continued laughing, she pulled out the bow given to her by the Zora boy, Caraton. She aimed for a target high in the air, sitting on top of a pole. She let an arrow fly and nailed the bulls-eye with deadly precision. The two Gerudo stopped laughing.

"Did you see that?" the first Gerudo asked the other one.

"I can't believe it," the second one nodded. "A girl of that age, shooting with such accuracy? She's good enough to be one of us."

"That is, if she weren't the Princess of Hyrule," the first one pointed out.

Zelda cleared her throat. "So can I try it?"

"Well, I don't see why not," the first one answered. "I'm sure Impa won't mind. In fact, we'd probably be doing the young girl a favor."

The second one brought over a horse. "Come this way, Zelda."

The two Gerudo lifted Zelda onto the horse. Zelda tried hard to get a good grip on the reins. But that's when her foot slipped and struck the horse. The horse started running.

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Zelda almost flew off, but she had a tight grip on the reins. Yes, it was true that she could shoot an arrow with the utmost precision. Of course, there was another problem. Zelda didn't know how to ride a horse. The good thing was, that it appeared the horse was trained to make its round trip. All Zelda had to do was just hold on for a few minutes. It was an agonizing trip. The wind was blowing extremely quickly and violently. Zelda felt like she was going to be thrown off. At one point, she was flying in mid-air. Only her tight grip on the reins kept her from completely being sent flying backwards. Then after an excruciating few minutes, the horse finally stopped. But of course, physics took effect. When the fast moving horse made its sudden stop, Zelda was sent flying forward. She proceeded to fall flat on her face. The two Gerudo ran up to the dazed little girl.

"Hmm…" the first Gerudo said in thought. "Maybe we shouldn't have just assumed that she knew how to ride a horse."

"Are you all right?" the second one asked Zelda.

Zelda was in pain, but she managed to get to her feet. "I'm ok. I'm just a little shaken. I always thought that riding a horse would be so easy. But I know I can do this. I want to try again."

"Try again?"

Zelda quickly turned around to see that Impa was standing right behind her.

"Zelda, you're lucky you weren't killed just now," Impa said sternly. "I forbid you to ride that horse again…"

"Aw, Impa."

"…Alone," Impa said. A smile crossed the Sheikah's face. "Of course, if I were at the reins, you could get a clear shot without getting yourself hurt."

"You mean it, Impa?"

Impa mounted the horse. "Of course I do. I've seen what you can do with that bow and I'm confident you can do something as simple as this."

The two Gerudo scoffed. "Simple? I think the child will be in for a big disappointment if she thinks this is easy."

"Don't listen to them, dear," Impa said. "You can do it."

Zelda mounted the horse and took out her bow. Impa gripped the reins with one hand and Zelda with the other. Impa then got the horse moving.

The first thing she noticed, was that the targets were at a much higher elevation and much farther away. Zelda also may have been a little handicapped, having Impa directly behind her, but she was still able to get off some good shots. While not with the same accuracy as before (after all, this was MOBILE target practice), Zelda did manage to get a fair number of bulls-eyes before finishing the first pass.

"You're doing great, dear," were Impa's words of encouragement.

Zelda continued firing until her quiver of twenty arrows was empty. Finally, the horse stopped and one of the two Gerudo women went to count the point total.

"How'd she do?" the first Gerudo asked.

The second Gerudo hesitated. "1500 points! A new record!"

"I've never seen anything like it," the first Gerudo said in response. "How did you get so good?"

"She's a natural," Impa answered for her. She looked down at the beaming princess. "I'm proud of you, Zelda." She smiled playfully. "Just don't you forget who the warrior's supposed to be around here."

Zelda giggled. Maybe she could shoot an arrow, but she would never be the warrior that Impa was. For one thing…she didn't even know how to ride a horse.

"Well, I guess we might as well throw in the towel," Kreature said.

"Apparently, a trio of fighting lizards can't shoot an arrow as good as a princess," Krash added.

"We can't even say we shoot like a girl," Og finished.

"Oh, come on guys," Zelda said. "If I were really so good, then I wouldn't need three scaly protectors like you guys. All I can do is shoot an arrow." She shifted into a grin. "Of course, who ever heard of fighting lizards who can't even shoot an arrow?"

"Hey, we can shoot," Krash said.

"Yeah," Og added. "Watch this." Og took out a bow and shot into the air. The arrow went completely out of sight.

**CRASH**

Zelda jumped at the loud crash of what sounded like lightning. The three Lizalfos, COMBAT, exchanged glances.

"Og…?" Kreature asked nervously. "Just which way did you aim that arrow?"

"Uh-uh," Og said, giving a 'don't-look-at-me' expression. "I didn't do it."

"Sounded like lightning to me," Krash observed.

"No, no," Kreature shook his head. "There can't be lightning right now. There isn't a cloud in the sky."

**CRASH**

"Tell that to the lightning," Og said.

Zelda started looking around to see any signs of clouds. There were none. It was strange to say the least.

"Hey Zelda!" Krash shouted. "Behind you!"

Zelda abruptly turned around to see that the wind was blowing fiercely to the place where she was standing. A bolt of lightning struck down on that place and the air started to part. It looked like a path to darkness had just opened up.

"What is that?" Kreature asked.

Zelda knew what it was. It was a portal. Then the wind started blowing more intensely and seemed to be trying to pull anything in. But the only thing affected by the portal's gravitational pull…was Zelda. Nothing else was affected, not even COMBAT. She fell and tried to grip the ground to keep from being sucked in. Kreature and Krash quickly gripped her arms.

Og took out his sword. "I'll get it." He ran to strike the portal, but was promptly given an electroshock. The chunky lizard went flying backwards.

Zelda then felt her grip slipping. Just then, her fingers slipped from Kreature and Krash and she went flying towards the portal. There was nothing that could save her. The last things Zelda saw were the faces of her three reptilian friends, before entering the darkness.

Kreature got to his feet. He immediately noticed the dazed Og to his left. Krash grabbed the groggy lizard and slapped him, hoping to get some reaction. Og shook off the cobwebs and promptly smacked Krash back.

"Well, it's good to see you're ok," Krash said, rubbing his head painfully.

"It was 'shocking' to say the least," responded Og with a pun. "What WAS that?"

"I don't know what it was," Kreature said. "But whatever it was, it took Zelda with it."

"Well what do we do now?" Krash asked.

Kreature shook his scaly head. "There's nothing we can do. All we can do is wait. And hope that the guards around here don't find a way to pin this on us."

"Then we'll just wait here," Krash said boldly.

Kreature only nodded. The three Lizalfos knights just sat down…and waited.


Part 3

Knigma could see the whole thing go down. The bolts of lightning could clearly be heard from the dungeon. And the cold winds gave Knigma the sense that it all went perfectly. Of course, he waited until Drekkin stopped his chanting before opening his mouth again.

"You finished?"

"It is done," Drekkin said. "The princess has now been taken by the dimensional portal. And with two down, you know what's left."

Knigma nodded eagerly. "The farm girl…and Link, that little wretch in a dress."

"That's right," Drekkin said hypnotically. "I've been waiting for a moment like this. And when I get Link and his little friend into my dimensional portal, then it'll be time to initiate my next phase."

Knigma squealed ecstatically. "Can't wait. I've heard parallel dimensions are nice this time of year."

"Never mind that," Drekkin groaned. "We aren't leaving yet. Not before Link and Malon, anyway."

Drekkin continued his chants as Knigma eagerly waited. It would be such a shame if they were to interrupt a precious moment. Who knew? Link and Malon could be sharing a romantic moment, taking a day off, or even be in the outhouse for all he knew. Of course, Knigma didn't care if a precious moment were interrupted. After all, he had no remorse for Link or any of his friends.

As Link finally finished his work for the day at Lon Lon Ranch, he knew exactly where he wanted to go. He made his way to the corral to see that Malon was standing there brushing the mane of Epona, his horse. Of course, it was Malon's horse first, but Link won her in a race against the farmhand, Ingo.

Link was in love with Malon for a while now. Even before Princess Zelda confirmed it, he knew they were meant for each other. The fact that she retained all her memory from the Imprisonment War while everyone else forgot was probably a good clue. It was good news for Link. After the emotional night they spent together, he didn't want to have to go back to his own time if it meant that Malon would forget everything. But she didn't. And that meant Link had another seven years to spend with the farm girl. Seven years he didn't have because of his quest.

Link gave Malon a quick kiss. "What are you doing?"

Malon giggled. "Just brushing Epona. She could use it. I want to her to look beautiful for you."

Link gave the horse a cold stare. "Back-stabber."

Malon gave Link a nagging look. "Oh, Link, really. You can't tell me that after two months you haven't forgiven Epona. She doesn't know any better."

"I spent hours preparing that," Link said, referring to a candlelight dinner he had prepared for Malon before Epona managed to turn it into her personal meal. "How would she like it if I ate HER romantic dinner?"

Malon laughed out loud. "For one thing, Epona doesn't know the first thing about romance. She's a horse. And second, you wouldn't like eating what I give her."

"What do you give her?"

Malon pulled her right hand out from behind her back and stuck something in Link's mouth. "Hay."

Link spewed out the hay. "Ok, maybe I wouldn't like it."

Malon grabbed Link's hand and guided it to Epona's mane. "And think about it, Link. How many years have you known Epona?"

Link thought about that. "I don't know. A lot?"

"A lot?" Malon smiled. "Can't you give me a round number?"

"I have been back and forth through time," Link said, petting the horse. "I don't even know how many years I've known YOU."

Malon frowned. "Let's just leave that number at 'a lot'."

"I guess it has been a long time," Link said thoughtfully. "I remember when I first saw her."

Malon gave a warm smile. "She was so scared of you the first time."

"I know," Link remembered. "It took a while for her to get used to me…"

The ten-year old Link was in awe at the enormous sight. The last time he saw a place this big, was when he went to Hyrule Castle just a few days ago. Indeed, Lon Lon Ranch was a big place. As he walked in, he tried to remember why he was there. He didn't know what it was, but something had drawn him there. Maybe it was out of curiosity. Maybe it was just to visit. That's it. He was there to visit, before going off on his journey.

He walked slowly through the ranch, before he bumped into someone. He looked up to see a tall, mustached man. He was carrying a hayfork, so Link assumed that he was one of the farmhands.

"Can I help you?" he asked.

"I'm kind of lost," Link said. "Do you know where I can find Malon?"

"Ha! You want to see Malon?" the farmhand asked suspiciously. "Just who are you, anyway?"

"Who are YOU?" Link said, returning the question.

"I'm Ingo," he answered in a surly tone. "The hard-working farmhand. Now answer me. Who are you?!"

"L-Link," the young boy stuttered. "Excuse me, sir. But why are you in such a bad mood?"

"Bad mood?!" Ingo repeated, seemingly out of frustration. "Well, you'd be in a bad mood too if you hard to work hard like me! All I do is work! Work, work, work, that's all I do! And what does that lazy Talon do? Sleeps! He sleeps all day! He's so lazy! It should be ME running this ranch, not him!"

"Uh, ok," Link said. "Anyway, do you know where Malon is? I'm…her friend."

"Oh, I see," Ingo said, suspiciously stroking his mustache. "You're her 'friend'."

Link felt irritated. "No, I mean it! I'm her friend. JUST her friend."

"Sure you are," Ingo snickered. "She's in the corral with the horses. Just follow the singing voice."

Link bid the farmhand adieu and continued towards the corral. He looked back once more before walking into the corral.

'Just follow the singing,' Link thought to himself. He looked at the center of the corral and found her. There was Malon, singing the same song she was singing the night he tried to break into Hyrule Castle. And with all the times he was getting kicked out, he had plenty of time to get used to the serene sound. The song even started growing on him after a while.

Link cleared his throat, getting the girl's attention. "Hi, remember me?"

The ten-year old Malon didn't seem to remember at first, but then she saw the fairy. "I remember you. You're the fairy boy."

Link felt a bit peeved. "I have a name, you know."

Malon giggled. "Oh yeah. Was it 'Link'?"

"That's me," Link said proudly. "You weren't kidding when you said this place was big."

"I know," Malon smiled. "It's big, but it's home."

Link saw that Malon was standing next to a young horse. "That your horse?"

Malon nodded. "Yes. Her name's Epona. She's my favorite horse. You can pet her if you'd like."

Link tried slowly moving his hand towards the horse's mane, but Epona quickly ran away to the other side of the corral.

"What's with her?" Link asked.

"Well, you ARE a stranger," Malon tried answering. "She just doesn't like strangers."

"Well, can't you tell her I'm not a stranger?" Link asked ignorantly.

"I can't just tell her," Malon responded. "She just doesn't get along with a lot of people."

"Well how do YOU do it? What makes her so attached to you?"

Malon didn't answer. She just started singing that same song again. Amazingly, Epona started walking towards her, as if the song had enchanted her.

"How'd you do that?" Link asked.

"Epona loves this song," the farm girl replied, as she stroked Epona's mane. "She'll just hear it and immediately recognize it. It's as if she knows it's my personal song."

"That's another thing I wanted to ask you," Link said. "What IS that song? I've heard it so many times from you, and it gets kind of catchy. Where'd you learn it?"

Malon hesitated, before breaking into another smile. "It's a special song. It was passed from my late mother…to me. This song has always been special to me and I really love it. Every time I sing it, I think of my mother. And since I sing it all the time, I guess Epona's gotten used to it."

"I think it's really good," commented Link.

"Maybe I can teach it to you," Malon responded. "Try this." Her melodic voice struck a high pitch, something like a 'La'.

Link tried duplicating the sound…with less than satisfactory results. He abruptly started coughing, for his voice had never reached such a high pitch. Singing wasn't his thing.

"O…k," Malon finally said. "Maybe singing isn't your niche. Isn't there any other way you can learn my song? Do you have some kind of instrument?"

Link's young face brightened. He did have ONE instrument. He took out his Faerie Ocarina, left to him by his childhood friend, Saria.

Malon marveled at the wooden instrument. "Wow! An ocarina. I've never seen one of those before."

"You really like it?" asked a brightened Link. "I haven't really used it that much."

"Relax, I'll teach you. Just hold it and try this."

Malon hit various pitches. It took many minutes of practice, but Link eventually hit the right notes and was starting to get the hang of the song. After a while, Link was ready to play the song in its entirety. As he was playing the whole song on his ocarina, he was interrupted by a friendly nuzzle. Link turned around to see that Epona had come back to him. And she was a lot more…attached to him than before.

Malon looked to be ecstatic. "Hey, fairy boy! I think Epona likes you!"

Link tried stepping back, but the little horse kept on following. It was true. Epona had become attached to Link. And it was all thanks to a new song he had learned. A song that, apparently, held a lot of influence.

"Well," Link stuttered. "I think I have to go now."

Malon giggled. "You'll come back, won't you?"

"S-Sure, whatever," Link muttered nervously. "Just call off your horse. Call her off!"

Link tried running. He ran circles around the corral, but Epona just kept running after him. Of course, the one thing that added to the ongoing embarrassment of this chase, was the echoing laughter of Malon. But of course, if he made her happy, it couldn't be too bad. Link only wished it didn't have to happen at the expense of his dignity. After all, he was supposed to be a hero in the making. And now he was trying to run away from an affectionate horse.

"Well, she got used to you all right," Malon smiled.

Link continued stroking Epona's mane. "It took me forever to get her to stop chasing me. And your laughter didn't help."

"It was funny," Malon said. "I mean, just a few minutes before, Epona wouldn't even come near you. Then she was chasing you like there was no tomorrow. She loves you. If she didn't love you, then she wouldn't have remembered you when you came back after your seven year nap."

"And even after that was all over," Link continued. "We still had some times together. After all, you gave her to me when I came back after the Imprisonment War."

"Well, since everyone had forgotten about that, they didn't remember anything about a race for Epona," Malon reminded him. "But what kind of times did you have together? You hardly ever took her out in your first few years."

Link didn't say anything. He remembered the one time he almost lost Epona, when he was reliving his ten-year old days. Of course, he kept that a secret from Malon. She'd throttle him if she ever knew he almost lost her.

**CRASH**

Link and Malon looked around. At the sound of lightning, Link's first instinct was to look into the sky. But when he looked up, he saw there wasn't a cloud in the sky. It was weird, to say the least.

"Where did THAT come from?" Malon asked.

"Maybe from somewhere else?" Link suggested. "The forest? The mountain? The domain?"

"Then it'd have to be a pretty loud crack of lightning if we could hear it all the way out here," Malon pointed out.

**CRASH**

"Well, I don't know where that came from…" Link began.

"Link, look!"

Link turned around to see the winds blowing towards the door of the corral. Then the bolts of lightning seemed to strike down on the doors, before the air seemed to split open. A giant hole seemed to be opening up in the air around the corral door. But Link recognized that it wasn't just a hole. It was a giant portal.

Then the vacuuming started. It seemed that the winds were being sucked into the portal. Then Link felt that he was being sucked into the portal, along with Malon. Malon clutched Link by his legs, while Link quickly took action. He pulled out his hookshot and tried to aim for one of the posts. He fired the hookshot and tried hanging on for dear life. The portal wasn't letting up and seemed to be growing stronger by the second.

But it wasn't any match. The gravitational pull and Link and Malon's weight were too much and the hookshot snapped. Link and Malon were sucked into the portal.

Link's last thoughts before he entered the portal were probably the obvious ones. What was this portal? How did it get to the ranch? And where was it taking them?


LONG intro. Comments? Feel free to review below or mail me at HyruleKokiri13@hotmail/aol.com.