Author's Note: I have returned again. There isn't much to explain about the story, but I know you'll all love it. And I give a special thanks to Majora's Mask. It took me a third time playing through it, but now my creative juices feel rejuvenated.


~------------------------------~


It didn't take long for Link to wake up. He could hear the hooting and hollering of the rowdy Moblin gang. After their senseless rampage, they retired for the night and headed out of Clock Town. Link saw each and every one of them file out. Then Link noticed that he wasn't in Clock Town anymore. He was outside in Termina Field again. He must have been tossed out by the Moblins.

Suddenly, Malon started moaning. She was just coming to, as well. "What hit me?" Then she looked around. "Whoa! De ja vu. Weren't we just out here?"

"The Moblins probably threw us out here," Link thought. "Looks like they're done for now."

Malon dusted herself off. "She wasn't kidding when she said they were destructive. Where did they come from?"

Link tried to take a good look at where the Moblins were headed. "They look like they're going to the east. They must be from Ikana Village."

Link dusted himself off and thought about this latest turn of events. This day had started off so simply. He simply wanted to take Malon out to the Lost Woods and uncover the wedding masks he had buried in a box a long time ago. He wanted to propose to Malon. The plan was so simple.

Now he found himself in Termina once more. And it seemed that Clock Town was being threatened again. This time, by a gang of vile Moblins. But how this all began was still a mystery to Link. Then he thought of one way he could find out.

Smiling, he turned to Malon. "Should we take a trip…to a ranch?"


~--------------------~


The Forest Temple was very quiet on this day. The Kokiri were a lot less rambunctious today. Saria couldn't help but notice that everyone's managed to keep things to a dull roar, which was really surprising. Since her 12 friends came to live with her in the Forest Temple, they had never been this quiet. Everyday seemed like something different, which was the one quality of her friends that she loved the most. Saria always loved their unpredictability.

As she wandered through the Forest Temple, Saria suddenly realized why the Forest Temple was so silent. None of the Kokiri were around. They were probably out in the Sacred Forest Meadow. Saria wished she could be there, too. But it couldn't happen. It was against the rules. As the Forest Sage, she couldn't leave her temple.

Instead, Saria waited by the entrance for any signs of life. Finally, someone came climbing up. It was her best friend, Somi. At least there was someone to talk to.

"How's the outside world?" Saria asked dryly.

Somi hesitated. "Um…they didn't leave you alone in there, did they, Saria?"

"I'm pretty much alone over here," Saria answered. "Everyone went outside. But I can't blame you guys. It's hard to stay in this stuffy old temple for the whole day. There's too much to do out there…in the forest…in the sunshine…in the outside world. You have no idea how I wish I could be out there again."

"Why don't you go?" Somi asked curiously. "You've broken the rules before."

"That was different," Saria responded. "That was a life or death situation. I had to leave the temple. Besides, even then I was lucky that nothing happened. You know what happens if I leave the temple for too long."

"Oh yeah," Somi uttered. She knew very well what would happen. If any of the six sages left their temple for too long, then the sages' seal would break. And that meant Ganondorf would be unleashed on the world once more.

"I don't need to be reminded of that," Saria added. "I already got tongue-lashed by Rauru for leaving for too long. He said last time was almost a disaster."

"Well…how were you supposed to know?" Somi said comfortingly. "You were only thinking with your heart. You wanted to help us all. I know he couldn't have been THAT mad."

"You don't know this guy," Saria sighed. "He's been around for a long time, but he wouldn't understand what goes through the mind of a Kokiri. He…doesn't have the kind of spirit like I have."

Somi grinned. "That's what makes you such a good sage."

Saria thought about that…and smiled. "Hey, you're right! I never thought of it that way. I only wish the other sages could see that. They keep thinking the seal's going to break because of me."

"Saria, don't beat yourself up," Somi offered. "You've been here a really long time now. It's been a long time since you left the temple. There's not much else you can do. And if you forget…then we're all here to remind you."

"Thanks. I appreciate that."

Before Saria could get another word out, she heard something inside the temple. Unable to ignore this sudden sound, Saria and Somi ran into the temple. Saria could see a circle of light shining down near the door. The little Forest Sage knew exactly where that light led.

"Hey, how 'bout that?" Saria chuckled. "I guess I'm being called again."

Somi shook her head. "This is still so weird to see. After so long, I guess it still hasn't sunk in. So what should I tell everyone?"

"Tell them I'll be right back," Saria said calmly.

Saria took a deep breath and walked towards the light. She wondered what could possibly be awaiting her in the Sacred Realm. With those thoughts in mind, she stepped in.


~--------------------~


The light faded behind her and Saria immediately recognized where she was. The six medallion platforms were unmistakable. So was the old man standing on the Light Medallion's platform. It was Rauru. Saria was in the Sacred Realm, standing on her own Forest Medallion platform.

"Has this day served you well, young Saria?" the Light Sage asked.

Saria looked around nervously like a scolded child. "Um…am I in trouble?"

"No, Saria," Rauru chuckled, "you're not in trouble. Please don't be afraid. You haven't done anything wrong. However, I have called you here for something important."

"What is it?"

"Are you aware of the world known as Termina?" Rauru asked.

Saria thought hard. "I…remember hearing about it. A friend told me. It's…where Link went shortly after he saved Hyrule."

"Are you aware of the gateway?"

"The gateway? I heard something about a tunnel somewhere out in the Lost Woods. It's all I can remember."

Rauru sighed deeply. "The gateway to the parallel world of Termina has been around for many centuries. No one had ever actually gone through it with only a few exceptions. One of them was a lone Skull Kid who wandered by that area. The other person was Link, the Hero of Time.

"Although the gateway has been around for a long time, I can feel the presence of a powerful magic being induced. I feel that the passage is finally beginning to close…permanently. Saria, there is a dire situation. Link has stumbled into Termina once again. Only this time, there may be no way for him to return."

Saria was shocked. She didn't know what to think. "You mean…he's stuck?"

"I'm afraid he cannot return from the original passageway," Rauru answered. "The only way to bring the Hero of Time back is to have one of the sages manually open a portal from one of the temples. I want that sage to be you, Saria."

Saria placed a hand on her chest. "Me? You want me to bring Link back?"

"The opening to Termina is in the Lost Woods," Rauru continued. "The best place to open a portal would be the temple nearest the gateway, which is your domain. Also…I wish to test you. You have been the Sage of the Forest for many years, Saria. However, you are also one of the most inexperienced. This is something you're going to have to learn. Besides, in your short tenure you've caused quite a bit of trouble."

"Rauru, I promised I wouldn't leave again," Saria said in her defense. "Don't you believe me?"

"I do believe you. But…consider this a way of making amends for your past mistakes."

Saria hung her head down. It seemed that her constant leaving would keep coming back to haunt her. Rauru really meant it when he said 'no sages could leave their temple.'

"Do not be nervous," Rauru added. "I believe in you, Saria. You can do this."

With those final words, Saria saw herself leaving the Sacred Realm. She thought about what the old Light Sage told her. Link was stuck in Termina. And in a strange twist of fate, it was up to her to bring him back. She thought about that as she was taken back to the Forest Temple.


~--------------------~


When Saria got back, the first person she saw was Somi. She was anxiously waiting for Saria to come back. It was nice to see someone was patiently waiting, because the Forest Temple still looked eerily empty.

"Nobody's back?" Saria asked.

"No one's back yet," Somi answered. "What happened, Saria?"

Saria sighed. "I've got some sage work to do. It's a really long story." Then her expression brightened. "Hey! You want to help?"

"Me? What would I know about sage work?" Somi asked curiously.

"There's not much to do," Saria told her. "I just need you to be an apprentice for me. Trust me. I'm going to be very busy for the next few days. I could use some friends by my side."

"In that case, should we wait for Mira and Sodo?"

Saria didn't think of that. "There shouldn't be too many people around me. But three assistants sound good. Just as long as nobody else bugs me."

"So where should we find you?"

"Look for me in your room," Saria answered. "Just be sure to knock."

Saria then made her way to Somi and Mira's room. They had the old chamber that was once inhabited by a Stalfos knight. It really was a miracle that the Kokiri were able to redecorate that room so well.

But Saria had a job to do. She had to bring her friend back. Especially if it was true that the gateway to Termina was being closed for good. But then a thought suddenly jumped out at Saria.

Why was Link even in Termina in the first place? How did he get there?


~--------------------~


It was a long walk, but Link and Malon finally made their way through Milk Road and arrived at Romani Ranch. Link was the first one to set foot on the ranch's soil. Malon, on the other hand, was looking on with awe. She was astonished by what she was seeing in front of her.

"This is it?" she asked. "This place is huge! It's got to be ten times the size of Lon Lon Ranch."

"That's what I thought the first time around," Link thought. "Anyway…let's go introduce ourselves."

As the moon shone down on Romani Ranch, Link and Malon slowly made their way forward. Malon would occasionally stop to admire the cows, which brought back memories for Link. He remembered having to protect those cows against aliens. After Malon looked at nearly every cow, they kept on walking until they reached the house and the barn. Link's first instinct was to walk inside the house, but he could hear someone inside the barn.

Link slowly walked up to the barn, glancing at Malon before he walked in. "You coming?"

Malon followed Link as he creaked the barn door open. Link wandered in and could see a young woman milking one of the cows. Seeing her backside, Link could tell who it was. She looked a lot like Malon, except she was a little older by about seven years.

Link took a guess. "Cremia?"

The woman abruptly turned around, obviously startled at seeing this person in a green tunic just walk in. She apparently didn't recognize Link. That made things even more awkward, since Link chose that moment to give Cremia a huge hug.

Link never forgot Cremia, the innocent farm girl who raised her sister after her parents died. When Link first saw her, she was a splitting image of Malon. Now she looked a little older, but still had that friendly aura from twelve years ago.

"It's great to see you!" Link cried out.

"D-Do I know you?" asked the confused Cremia.

Link released the hug and glanced at Cremia. "It's me. You don't remember me?"

Cremia shook her head.

"Let me help refresh your memory," Link offered. He tried to think of the perfect thing to say. "You mean you forgot…that night. The big delivery we had to make? The one that almost went awry, but…you can't ask me to give away my secrets, can you?"

Cremia gasped. "No…YOU? Link?! Oh my God! I don't believe it!"

Cremia was overtaken by emotion. She embraced Link and started swinging him around. The mood couldn't be any happier. Then, out of the corner of his eye, Link could see Malon standing by the barn door.

"Um…C-Cremia?" Link stuttered. "T-There's s-someone you s-should meet. C-Could you let go for a second?"

Cremia released Link as soon as she saw who was standing by the barn door. "Romani? I thought you were out getting ready. What are you doing in here?"

Link walked over to Malon. "Actually, Cremia…this isn't Romani. She only looks…a lot like her. Ok…exactly like her. This is Malon."

Malon didn't say or do anything. She was caught up by the sight before her. She was obviously overtaken by this woman who looked so much like her…only a little older. Malon was practically looking into her future.

Finally, Malon reached out for a handshake. "Oh, I'm sorry. It's a pleasure to meet you, Cremia. It's just that…you look so…so…much like me."

"And you," Cremia responded, "look so much like my little sister. Link, you remember Romani, don't you?"

"Oh, yeah," Link grinned. "We fought aliens together."

"Oh, yeah," Cremia uttered cynically. "Aliens. Anyway, have you seen Romani? She was supposed to be getting ready to go out, but she'll just die if she finds out you're back. She'll be so happy to see you. In fact…everyone will. Ooh, I can't wait! Let's go! Let's go!"

Cremia was skipping over happily towards the barn door, before Link asked her a quick question.

"Wait, Cremia. Just out of curiosity…who's 'everyone'?"

"Well…there's me, Romani, Anju, and Kafei. Oh, I didn't tell you. Anju and Kafei moved in a few years ago. They felt cramped in the Stock Pot Inn, so Anju asked if she could move in. You should really see them. They're like no couple I've ever seen. I wish I could find a guy like Kafei. But I haven't been too lucky with love. Even my little sister…"

Before Cremia could utter those next words, the barn door creaked open again. Another girl slowly made her way in. Link couldn't believe it. It was another girl who looked like Malon. It was…

"Romani?"

Romani shyly looked at the boy in the green tunic who was addressing her. She apparently didn't recognize Link, either.

So Cremia reintroduced him. "Romani, you don't remember him? It's little Link."

Romani's face brightened with those words. Just like her big sister, she wrapped Link in a huge hug. "Link? I don't believe it! It's been so long!" Then she composed herself. "How many years has it been, Grasshopper?"

Link didn't say anything at first. For one thing, he had almost forgotten that nickname given to him. Of course, he liked the name 'Grasshopper' about as much as he liked the name 'Fairy Boy'. But also, Link didn't remember how many years it's been. It really has been a long time.

Link remembered Romani and the adventure they shared together. When Epona was lost, it was Romani who found her and she willingly gave her back to Link. When Link first met her, Romani was fighting aliens who invaded the ranch and he decided to help her out. The night was unforgettable.

Finally, Link said something. "Too long. I never thought I'd be back."

"But…where have you been?" Romani asked.

Link suddenly thought of something important. Nobody in Termina ever knew the truth about Link. They never found out where he was really from.

Link tried to play it off. "It's a long story. I'll tell you guys some time. But Romani, there's someone you should meet. Um…Malon? Where'd you go?"

Link looked around to see Malon standing behind a bale of hay. This must've been so awkward for her. Of course, it was more awkward for Link. There were three girls in this room and they all looked like Malon. This was confusing.

Link shook it off though and introduced her. "Romani, this is Malon. Malon, this is the girl I fought aliens with a long time ago. This is Romani."

Nothing was said between the two. They were just looking at each other in astonishment. Link still couldn't believe this was happening. It was almost as if he were dreaming.

"I feel like I'm looking into a mirror," Malon finally said. "You look so much like me…exactly like me."

"Why do you look so much like me?" Romani asked. "I've never seen anything like it."

This could have gone on forever. So Link decided to change the subject. "It's a really long story. Maybe if we all go into the house, we can talk about it. I have so much to tell you guys."

"Oh, I'd love to," Romani smiled. "But Romani has to get ready. I…sort of have a date." Things haven't changed too much. It looked like she'd still occasionally refer to herself in the third-person.

"You?" Link asked. "You have a date? It feels like just yesterday you were only ten."

"Well, I've met someone," Romani responded. "And he'll be here in a few minutes. This is a perfect chance for you to meet him."

"Um, Romani?" Cremia suddenly asked. "Just where are you two going?"

Romani looked around nervously. "Just taking a walk down Milk Road. Why do you ask, sister?"

"I don't want you two down in Clock Town," said the concerned Cremia. "You know what's been going on there."

"I know, sister," Romani sighed.

"Actually, I've been meaning to ask about that," Link cut in. "I…"

"You know," Cremia said, ignoring Link, "I think we should go back to the house. It's probably better we talk in there."

Link wanted to ask the questions, but it made sense. So he held Malon's hand and walked out of the barn, with Cremia and Romani leading the way. Besides, it was time for Link to see Anju and Kafei again.


Any comments? Then mail me at HyruleKokiri13@hotmail/aol.com and don't forget to review below.