Here's chapter six, up and ready for your reading pleasure. Read and review if you like. Otherwise, enjoy.

As the two cross the wide open space toward the Cuccoo Shack, Link hums his favorite theme song. He isn't sure, but he remembers hearing it each time as he was crossing Hyrule Field. He thought he was being crazy because he was listening to made up background music, but he got to like the song. This seems like a little mini adventure to him, so he decided the song is appropriate. Romani also decides that she likes it.

"Where'd you learn that song?" she asks him curiously.

"From back home. It was always playing when I was the field." To any other person, that confession would sound very strange, but she only thinks about how she enjoys the tune.

"Romani likes that song.'
"Yeah, it's my favorite. I also liked this one that reminded me of a Wild West adventure. But I guess it makes sense since I was in a ranch and all."
"A ranch?"

"A girl named Malon lived there with her dad Talon and the ranch hand Ingo." He pauses like he is thinking. "Come to think of it, you remind of Malon. You look a lot like her."

"Romani does not," she protests.

"How would you know? You've never seen her." To that, she does not have a good comeback or even one at all. He stops and sticks his face in hers. "Yep, you do look like her."

"Get away!" She shoves him back and keeps walking. He jogs to catch up after a second of realizing she just basically hit him.

"I'm sorry. It's just really weird. This guy Grog we're about to visit looks like someone back home, too."

"It's okay. Romani got over it five feet ago. Besides, we're here."

He looks up and realizes that indeed they have made it to their destination. He holds the door open for her before following suit and coming inside, Cuccoos are running around pica-ing, and Grog sits against his tree like normal. Romani friendlily greets him, and he looks up sporting a very small smile of his own.

"Hi, Romani." It is know that he notices the young one in green beside her. "And you're name was Link, right?" The Hero of Time nods. "Thank you again for helping my chicks to become full grown Cuccoos. I was so sure the world was going to end, and that helped a lot. Now that everything is okay again, I get to watch them all the time."

"You're welcome. I'm kind of hero business. It's what I do."

"Grasshopper saved the cows and Romani from the aliens, too. He was very brave." Kind of embarrassed at her compliment, he blushes and looks down. Romani giggles to herself.

"So what are you two doing here?"

"Bringing the food Sister made for you, and Grasshopper is helping."

"How sweet," he teases, knowing full well how it will affect the green one.

"We're just friends," he stammers, even though he truly does not have a crush on the girl with red hair. His heart belongs to the ranch girl from home who doesn't even remember their teenage times spent together. The one beside him may bear a resemblance to his true crush, but he barely knows her. Giggling again, Romani hands out the basket with his meal.

"Here you go. Romani and Grasshopper still have to visit Lady Mamau."

"Alright. Tell your sister thank you for me. And thank you both also."

"You're welcome," she answers with her smile. "Come on, Grasshopper." She starts toward the first with him behind, and the pair exits for the race track.

Embarrassed still, Link stays behind her on the short walk there. She pays no real attention to him and skips happily along now that her hands are free. He holds the meal for the older lady and only hopes along the way that she does not make any comments like Grog. They're too young anyway to worry about that. Then again, he did hear of some things about the couple he helped reunite. They had known each other since childhood along with Cremia, and according to Anju's mom, there were some feelings between the eldest ranch sister and her future son-in-law. But then again, that could just as easily have been gossip from a mother who did not approve of her daughter's fiancé, especially when he disappeared right before their wedding.

Just as quickly as before do they reach their destination. She holds the door this time since his hands are full, and she follows him inside. Dogs yap in the background, and the place is quiet like usual. Link tried his hand at betting here, but he was not any good at it. Despite amassing a large sum of rupees due to his constant repetition in three day cycles here, he decided not to waste too much trying to improve his skills. With Grog's comments still in his mind, he decides to make sure the woman here has nothing similar to say, he decides to present himself as someone of little manners.

"Hey, lady, here's your food."

"Don't be so rude, Grasshopper," she whispers not too quietly. Lady Mamau comes over to the pair, apparently not even angered by his comment.

"Hello, Romani. How is everything?"

"Sister is fine, and Romani is good, too."

"That's good to hear. And as for you young man…" She turns to him now, an emotionless expression on her face as he cowers away. "It's so nice of you to help out around the ranch. It's also good to see a new face here." In relief, he sighs.

"Thank you. Cremia and Romani have been very nice, and I'll try hard to be a good ranch hand."

"Oh, how cute." She messes up his hair, and he scowls, unable to do anything else because of his hands being full and his kind nature winning out this time. She then takes from him the basket and inspects it closely. "Thank you both for bringing this over, and let your sister know I'll make dinner tomorrow. Now why don't you two run along?"

"Bye," Romani bids farewell happily, which Link is beginning to notice she quite often is.

Having left the dog track, the two young ones head back toward the ranch house for their turn at dinner. This time they do not really talk about anything. Since they did just meet, it seems all conversation has been exhausted until they know each other better. Link, though, is used to awkward pauses, many of those with the ranch girl at home. For the first time it hits him mow much he misses all of his friends, especially the one he set off on this journey to find. He honestly lost track of how many three day cycles he went through before he beat Majora and saved this land. It feels like forever, but he also realizes that by thinking too much of them, he will only yearn to leave even more.

In the mean time, he tells himself to try and think of a good conversation topic. They have a few minutes left of walking to get to know each other a little bit better. Besides, he dislikes there silences as much as he is used to them. She seems content enough skipping along and humming his favorite song, which apparently is now hers, too. Not being able to think of anything good enough to say, especially with what Cremia told him about their lives and growing up. He decides he is content enough listening to her hum the song he taught her, and he even has to keep himself from skipping also. To do so is unbecoming of the Hero of Time, even if he is ten and no one but Zelda knows his real destiny.

Soon enough they are back at the original start point, and he holds the door open again for her. She giggles and thanks him as she goes him. He shakes his head and hopes she doesn't find everything he does to be amusing this way. She kind of reminds him of Malon when she does so, and he wants to reminded of that place as much as he wants to face Ganon again. He has to make the most of this place for now, and he also does not want to let himself be reminded too much of his ranch friend. Romani can just be way too weird for him sometimes, and he has only been acquainted with them seriously for about three hours.

Inside Cremia has set up the table for their meal, and the smell of dinner fills the room. Link takes one sniff and practically jumps into his seat. He picks up the napkin, puts it in his shirt, and folds his hands in his lap to wait patiently. Cremia goes about getting the food and drinks ready to be served. Romani now stares at him, no longer impressed or thinking he is funny. He stares back innocently before defending himself.

"What? I'm hungry. I haven't eaten in forever." Because it isn't important anyway, she just takes her normal seat across from her sister's end and perpendicular to Link's position. In the meantime, she plays with her silver while he sits there trying to be good about waiting.

A few minutes later, Cremia finally finishes everything and brings the pot over. She sets it down, and Link looks really eager to dig in. Usually his manners are better, but the last time he had real food was at the castle a few days before he left to find Navi. All that is left is for her to get the drinks, which he is hoping is Chateau Romani. She sits down with them and stays silent like she is waiting for something. Link does not know this, but the family used to pray to this land's god, whom many believe to watch them from his place as the moon. No one spoke of this, but when it got close enough to destroy everything, this town began to fear their beliefs were wrong. Her hesitation is partly that and the fact it is still hard for her sister to go on with activities that can remind her of when they were a family. Eventually his impatience gets the better of him along with his appetite.

"Can we eat now?" he blurts out suddenly. Both sisters look at him strangely, but quickly the eldest realizes his reason for being so blunt like that.

"I'm sorry, Link. Of course we can eat. I hope you enjoy it." Without wasting any more time thinking or talking, the young hero begins to dig in, trying to retain his manners as best he can. Romani starts to eat as well, and Cremia watches both of them for a few seconds before shaking off memories of the past and dining as well.

Meanwhile, as the Hero of Time sits down to a home cooked dinner, his best friend from Kokiri Forest is taking her anger out on her other friends. He left without so much as an actual goodbye, just a short explanation in some note looking like it was scribbled last second. All anyone can tell her is that he left the forest and has yet to be back. The first time he left he wasn't going to say farewell, even though she doesn't remember experiencing that. She caught him as he was crossing the bridge to the field. She told him then of some of her truest feelings and gave him her prized possession. She knew how important it would be without really knowing why. He was always special, especially to her. She watched him grow up and played with him as best friends do. And the he was gone, off on an adventure. Now he has gone again, leaving her alone in this time as well to feel the sadness again but for the first time.

She angrily paces around the forest floor, and Mido sees this as his chance to get on her good side. He had a change of heart in the other future so there is some good in him somewhere. All he ever really wanted was her to see him the way she sees Link. Quietly he tries to approach her as he knows she is mad, and she takes no notice as he nears her by the pond. She stopped pacing and began staring into the water at her reflection, perhaps trying to calm herself. His sudden presence and voice startle her, though, and her reaction is to scream and shove the intruder. Poor Mido falls into the water, and she pales as she realizes what she did.

"Mido, I'm so sorry," she apologizes as she extends her hand to help him up. He takes it and crawls out now soaking wet. All he does, though, is grin at her.

"Don't worry. It's a warm day today. I was just coming over to see if you were okay."

"Yeah, I'm fine," she lies through her teeth. He sees right through this.

"Come on, Saria. I know you miss him."

"Miss who?" she asks indignantly as she crosses her arms and turns around. She must really be angry to not even acknowledge his absence, he realizes. "What else do you want, Mido?"

"Nothing. Sorry." He goes to head to his house, but she feels bad. He is only trying to be a friend, and despite some of the things he has done to Link, he is a good guy.

"Wait." He turns back around now hopeful. "Do you want to talk or something?"

"Yeah, sure. That would be nice." He comes back over, and they decide to take a stroll through the forest while they chat.

As two of Link's friends begin to talk and go on with their day as normal without him, the young princess of the land is just as worried about the young hero. He promised to keep in touch, but so far she has not heard a word from him. It may only have been a week their time since the two parted ways, but he is not prone to breaking his promise, even if he is on a new adventure. She only hopes that everything is alright. There had been reports coming in to the court that an imp of sorts was terrorizing travelers on the outskirts of Hyrule. She thought nothing of it in relation to Link because he had saved the whole land and defeated the King of Evil. Surely he could handle a nuisance like that. She also convinced her father not send anyone out to take care of the problem because she was so sure Link would do so on his way out of the country. Those reports stopped coming in about the sane time that Link left, which only makes her worry more.

With a sigh, she looks away from the window where Link first peeked a glance at the one he was to ultimately destroy. Her father is on his throne being counseled by his lead guard about something of mild importance. She has been toying with asking her father to send some men out in search of the hero or the imp, but they do not see Link as a hero. He has his childhood back, but it was at the expense of only she and Link having memories of that future. He never said anything to her, but he was somewhat reluctant if only for a certain ranch girl. Zelda, in the future, watched him from afar get close to Malon before she revealed herself to be Sheik. As for looking for the trouble-maker, she would only be laughed at. There have been no reports in six days, and even the ones who did confront him only complained of minor offenses. If it wasn't' serious enough for them to ask for investigation, the ten year old princess would have no grounds. The guards already think she is cute and clever for sending "Mr. Hero" on a journey for her (a small errand not to be confused with his original climb up Death Mountain). The man watching Death Mountain Trail sure has a big mouth. Besides, she already made a case not to send anyone.

Still, she has been regretting her decision the whole time because of a nagging feeling. Something else seems afoot, even if there are no signs yet. What makes it worse even to her is that she has not had any dreams to go on. Impa assures her nothing is wrong. After all, wouldn't the other Sages also sense it coming even if they are not conscious of their true selves? Their journey and relationship to each other and to Ganondorf changed when Zelda reset things, but they are still close. What they have is deeper than school friends or those you meet on your travels, but that deepness is only a stronger bond. It is this thought along with how she has convinced herself that she is right that she approaches her father.

"Father, may I speak with you?" The king looks over at his only child and sees how important she thinks what she has to say is. He dismisses Sigurd for a moment to allow his princess discourse with him.

"What is it, my daughter?"

"I know earlier this week I made the case not to send anyone out to see what was going on in the outskirts of our kingdom, but I feel that was a mistake."

"You were not the only one to protest sending men out that way. The ones attacked assured me it was no trouble and that it would be a waste of time. It was an imp child who would tire of his antics and go back from whence he had come."

"Don't you find it odd that the man from the west appeared around the same time? I feel his presence holds something negative for Hyrule."

"Not this again, Zelda." He sounds exasperated, and she gets angry that he is not taking her seriously. No one did last time, and they couldn't even learn from their mistake. "You are always paranoid, and I think the only reason you wish to send men out that way is to look for your friend, that boy in green." Having been caught, she says nothing and looks down. "I will not investigate an event that is over, and I will not waste manpower on a child who is of no significance to this court."

"He's important to me."

"He is an orphan child not worthy of my resources. We are done discussing this. I must get back to the more important business at hand." Reluctant to interrupt, Sigurd starts again slowly.

A little bit in surprise, she watches for a few seconds before turning and leaving. That did not at all sound like her father. Usually he is caring and willing to help, especially at his daughter's urging. Something else must be going on, something they do not want her to know. That man who appeared a week ago and who looks strikingly similar to Ganondorf has a hand in things, of that she is sure. She doesn't need a premonition to tell her that this time. Hopefully Impa will believe in her as well. After she speaks with Impa, she will try to contact Link herself. He made her promise not to call just to check up on him, but this is too important. Besides, he was mostly joking and likely would not mind talking to her. All she wants is to make sure he is okay. Then she can get to investigating that man herself more thoroughly than her father seems interested in doing.

Back in his new land, night comes and goes the same as anywhere else. The sleeping arrangements were decent enough as he got a mat to sleep on downstairs. It was not the most comfortable place he has ever been, but it certainly was not the least, either. He was warm and got a good night's rest, and that is all that matters to him as he wakes up slowly and looks around the calm ranch house. Earlier he was half awake when he heard Cremia get up and take the cows out to pasture. He didn't hear her little sis, so he figures she is probably still asleep upstairs. He didn't peg her for an early riser, so he kind of finds humor in the fact he is apparently right. That was a couple of hours ago, so hopefully Cremia will be back soon. Then they can all have some breakfast. After last night's meal, he is anxious to again have a dish prepared by the oldest ranch girl. She is quite talented.

A sound from upstairs then catches his attention. Apparently the younger one has decided to get up and join the world now. It takes a few minutes, likely because she is freshening up, for her to come down the stairs, but he is the first to greet her when she does. He says good morning, only to be met with a yawn and a small wave. He finds this to be a little funny and laughs to show this. It irritates the one who is still drowsy, though.

"What's funny, Grasshopper?"

"Nothing much." Still annoyed but more so hungry, she walks toward one of the cupboards and pulls out a box of something. She also grabs some milk and asks if he would like any as she goes for spoons and bowls. Curious as to what she is planning on eating, he agrees. He also goes to take a closer look at the box by picking it up. "Froot Squares? What are those?"

"It's cereal. You know, sugar, oats, and grain."

"I've never heard of cereal before."

"Well, now you have. Here." She hands out a bowl and spoon to him, and both take the same seats at the table they had last night. She has no hesitation about digging into her bowl, but he examines it a little bit more. He is used to different things, mostly this warm mushy concoction that Saria made. It was actually pretty good despite its description and appearance. There was this one kind of plant that could be ground and made a very sweet paste, which helped the taste immensely. He decides that it does look good and digs in as well.

They stay quiet for most of the meal, but he feels something is off with her. Granted she doesn't seem to be a morning person, but it is more than that. Since conversation had him stumped yesterday, he decides to try and figure it out. Maybe it will also help them be friends.

"Is something wrong this morning? You don't seem like yourself."

"Sister is going into town and won't let Romani come. She always gets to go by herself since no one else can watch the ranch." He takes that in quietly. Since their parents passed on, she probably hasn't had much of a chance to get out. Then he realizes something. He is here to help around the ranch.

"Hey, how about I watch the ranch so you can go with your sister?" She stops eating and looks up at him. He caught her in between bites and thus she has no problem answering right away.

"Really?

"Yeah. I mean, that is part of the deal. I help out around this place, which includes watching it while other people might have to run errands." His offer makes her very happy, and she nearly jumps out of her seat and runs over to hug the one she named after a bug.

"Thank you, Grasshopper!" she says excitedly. In shock for a couple of seconds, he quickly gets over it and returns the embrace, just not as fiercely.

"You're welcome. But can we finish breakfast now?" His hint does the trick, and she moves back away, now feeling a little self-conscious. That being uncharacteristic of her, he finds this also to be funny. He doesn't laugh, though, and they finish the rest of their meal in a lighter atmosphere.

Once they are done with breakfast, they clean up after themselves and head on out to greet the morning sun. Cremia appears in the distance and is in front of them not more than a minute later. She puts him to work right away, his first duty to clean up the cows' mess after eating. He frowns while Romani laughs, glad that the duty does not fall on her today. She has had more than her share of shoveling cow manure, or at least she thinks so. She points to the shed and shows him where they keep the shovel and bucket. He inquires about possibly using some gloves, and after a laugh herself, Cremia assures him they should be by the bucket. He gets busy doing that, Romani heads for her dog, and the oldest of the trio heads inside for her turn at breakfast.

After he has been at it about twenty minutes, Cremia comes back out of the ranch house, probably ready to head on out to town. Link has pretty much cleaned up the whole mess, which impresses her very much when she comes to check on him. He wants to wipe the sweat off of his brow but refrains because his hands aren't exactly clean.

"Well, Link, you're doing a great job on your first task. I think I made the right decision when asking you stay with us."

"Thanks," he says, breathing only through his mouth. He has yet to get used to the smell. She laughs again.

"Don't worry. You'll get used to it. Besides, you and Romani will share this particular duty. No pun intended, of course." It takes a second, but then he gets the joke. He isn't in the mood to laugh, however.

"Why don't you help us and share, too?"

"Because that's one of the perks of being the oldest." He frowns at that but realizes it's fair.

"Sister, sister," someone calls from a short distance. They both look, only to see Romani, of course. "When are you going to town?"

"Right now. I was just checking on Link first. I want you to stay here with him, Romani. He's still new and might need help."

"But sister, Grasshopper said he would look after the ranch so I could come with you." She looks at Link, apparently not pleased he volunteered to do that.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea."

"Just let her come. You can trust me. I know I don't look like much, but I've done a lot of things in my life that qualify me for watching a ranch for a couple or hours."

"Please, sister?" the little one begs. She stares at the longing expression before she can't stand it anymore. She sighs.

"All right. You can come." Right away she perks up. "But we're leaving in five minutes. You better hurry up and get ready." She takes off faster than Link has seen anyone run save for the running bunny man. Cremia only shakes her hand at the spunky one.

"Sometimes I wonder how we're actually related. Well, besides the fact that we look alike." Link laughs.

Exactly five minutes later Romani is done. She comes out of the house just as Link finished putting everything away and cleaning up. Cremia assures Link they will not be gone more than a couple of hours and that he can ask Grog for anything if he needs it. Romani waves vigorously as she climbs into their wagon. Her sister bids him a simple goodbye, which is returned. With the reins in hand, Cremia signals the horses to start moving. He watches the two head off into the distance, thinking about how happy Romani looked. This seemed like genuine joy, something he hasn't seen from her yet save for when he made his offer. It makes him feel good then that he has been helpful after being here less than a day. To pass the time, he calls Epona with her song so they can ride around. The expanse is nice, and he can enjoy feeling free with no real worries. Taking care of a ranch for two hours will be cake. He may miss his home and is eager to once again set off on his journey, but he has a feeling he will like it here in the meantime. The sisters will be a big part in that, he thinks with a small smile at both of them.

In the hero's homeland of Hyrule, the friends who have not forgotten him have indeed been getting on with their lives. With no sign or word from him in more than twelve months, most have just assumed he has yet to find what he went looking for and will eventually be back when his quest is complete. Princess Zelda is the one exception to this. When she gave him the Ocarina of Time to take with him, she thought it would help them keep in touch. If anything happened to him, he would hopefully get in contact with her. Likewise, if something was happening here in Hyrule, she could contact him. That man she showed him before he left, the one who looks so much like the former Gerudo prince, has been cozying up quite nicely to her father. Because she sent everyone back into the past, they lost their memories aside from her, Link, and the Sages. He doesn't realize he is making the same mistake that cost him his kingdom in the future that was saved. The one hailing from the desert may not have the same powers or even the intentions of taking over Hyrule and then the world, but he is planning something malevolent nonetheless, of that Zelda is sure.

A very tall man with bright orange hair, sickly looking gray skin, and eyes that look mischievous and yet malevolent at the same time walks into a room. A stove is lined against one wall, and hanging high above the floor are two animal skulls, both adorned with feathers. A table sits in the middle with stools for those who are eating, and two ramps lead up to different hallways, both ending with an exit outside. With a sigh, the man takes a seat on one of the stools, still towering over the table. The Gerudo, who was stationed at the stove when he came, in tries not to look at him and just focuses on her stirring. It should be ready any time now. Hopefully that will be pleasing enough.

"Aiah, you don't need to be so tense," he starts. The opposite of what he wanted, she gets more stiff. "I have no intention of hurting any of you. It isn't you I am after. The boy I want never even came here to have ties with your tribe." She doesn't answer still, and he gets up and walks over to her. His shadow eclipses the stove, but he leaves his hands behind his back. "I am not like my father. He was selfish and blinded by what he desired. He even forsook my mother and let those witches do as they wanted with her despite the fact she was his second in command." Aiah tries to hide her shock at what he just said. The day he came here to Gerduo Fortress he revealed his paternal heritage with a display of power. He kept quiet until just now about his mother, though and just where in the world he came from. "When the Princess of Destiny attempted to send the Hero back in time, her plan did not go as she wished. She simply erased everything that had happened and reset things. It was the Goddesses who ensured my father remained trapped. They created a bubble around certain people that would protect them when things shifted back seven years. As far as I can tell, only the Hero, the Princess, and that fairy partner of his remember. I am here still because my father passed on part of the Triforce of Power to me. Having a Sage for a mother probably helped. It is strange they would interfere, however. It isn't like them. Once they left this world, they were going to let it progress on its own. But they kept my father sealed up in the Sacred Realm."

"They left him there because of his crimes," she practically spits. "He deserved it."

"I am not defending him. Do not mistake my intentions, my dear Aiah. However, because they left him sealed, I will not be born into this world."

"I can't believe you were ever born into any world." He looks thoughtful.

"I was kept a secret there or so they tell me. A year before the hero awoke I was born, but it was too late for my father to care. Despite being brainwashed by that monster Twinrova, my mother still plotted against him when she wasn't under their spell, especially after she had me. It angered him more than anything, and he finally stopped allowing her to ever be free of the spell. The witches turned her into a formidable enemy to stop the Hero of Time, but he prevailed and freed her. When it looked like he might win against my father, the sect that was still loyal to him sent me 1,000 years into the future. I grew up with him for he had escaped and left the land ravaged since there was no one to protect it. The Hero had been trapped in another land and never returned, leaving Hyrule open to attack. I hated what my father was and what he did. There was no point in ruling over a land that was desolate and barren of life save for the few he left alive just so they could procreate and give him more people to toy with. I found myself longing for more. And then I discovered why the Hero had been trapped. My father worked with someone just as sinister as he to create that shadow land. I came back to change that future, maybe even get to know my mother since I was stolen from her." Despite being the prince of darkness, he finds himself choking up a bit. She notices but stays quiet. "So you see then why I am not like him." He backs away from her. "And please do not tell anyone of what I just told you. It would be better if my mother didn't know anything about me quite yet, if ever."

"For what purpose do you want to form an alliance with the king of Hyrule then if you're not like him?"

"I'm simply playing the part of the new ruler of the Gerudo people. How would it look it if never went to see the king? They'd think it rude in the very least." She snorts, and he frowns. She treats him like he is his father, something he has tried to distance himself from.

"You expect me to believe that you, the son of Ganondorf, want to help the Hero of Time save Hyrule from becoming what your father so eagerly wanted? I don't buy it." He clenches both of his fists and tries to keep his anger in check. She is the last person he would take it out on. In his time spent here, he has come to appreciate how hard she works and how honest and brazen she is. In some ways, he wishes he could be more like that. He never told the one he cared for just how deep those feelings were. His father denied him happiness with her and stole her life before he could ever tell her of his feelings. For a second his anger wins out, and he lifts his hand and blasts a whole in the side of the kitchen. She covers her face to protect it from the smoke and debris, and when all is cleared, some of the girls are peeking in to see what happened. He says nothing and leaves up one of the ramps, his appetite gone.