Meanwhile, Link wandered his way out of the forest and in to the field of Termina. His gaze settled on the Clock Tower in the distance with giant walls surrounding the settlement. For a moment, he wondered if he was remembered.

The moon climbed the darkened sky, casting a glow upon the land. Brilliant blue eyes stared, transfixed, upon the tower. Some years ago, Link remembered appearing on the land through a door that led from the border from Hyrule to Termina. The people of this land wore faces similar to those in the forgotten land, but the roles each individual played were different. At first, he wondered if he had fallen in to another dimension, and that thought remained true to him this day. However, not everyone wore the faces of his friends. There was no Kokiri, and there was no castle, kings or queens or even...

A memory of radiant golden hair shimmered in the moonlight, and blue eyes instilled within him a compassion which he had never known. Her cheeks flushed prettily, and a glow resonated from her fair skin. Though a smile graced her lips, her teary eyes betrayed her sadness; she didn't want him to go.

"I believe a day will come when we will meet again."

Link grasped his head, closing his eyes tightly at the memory. The image of the princess burned in his mind yet again. Why? Why did those thoughts return? He tried to push the memory away, but he only delved deep in to lost times.

"I knew you were the boy from my dream!" Zelda clasped her hands together as she leaned toward the boy in front of her. Somehow or other, he snuck past the castle guards and in to the royal gardens, yet the princess felt no fear. Just by looking at him, she knew he was the one she was waiting for. "So, will you help me save Hyrule from Ganondorf?" When she received a nod, she jumped for joy. "Great! I need for you to gather the Goron Ruby and the Zora's Sapphire! Once you've collected them, return to me. We must not let Ganon get his hands on those items. They are part of the key to opening the Sacred Realm. I hold the other one, but he does not know."

Thunder and lightning lit the sky, and rain fell upon the land. Over a week's time, Link had embarked on a mission to collect the remaining Spiritual Stones; there was one on Death Mountain, and the other at Zora Domain. Retrieving these items was not a simple task. After defeating a giant Dodongo, and a massive jellyfish, Link made his way back to the castle, but on his way to the drawbridge leading in to the market, the clouds darkened and thunder boomed in the distance. As soon as he neared the bridge, he stopped. Baffled why the drawbridge was still up, he tried to find another way in, but the attempt proved futile. Beyond the walls, he heard shouts and screams and a horrid thought struck him.

A moment after, the drawbridge fell, and on instinct, Link leaped out of harm's way. When that happened, he smelled smoke, and when he looked upon the small settlement just ahead, his eyes widened. The townspeople were fleeing from strange creatures he had yet to encounter. Women and children suffered at the edge of several blades, and although the boy could do nothing, he let his gaze settle on a familiar structure resting above the town. Doing so, he found the castle caught up in flames.

Realizing that he could save some victims from the terrorizing beasts, Link unsheathed his Kokiri Sword. His hands trembled, and just before he could charge in to the massacre, the sound of hooves met his ears. As he squinted past the inferno, a white horse galloped in his direction, fashioned with the emblem of the Royal Family. At the last possible moment, he rolled out of the way, watching as the beast made past him and in to the open field.

In those quick seconds while the horse galloped past, two familiar figures were seen upon the white stead. A blonde and blue-eyed child met his gaze, before throwing a blue object in to the moat; the object was the ocarina treasured dearly by the Royal Family. As she and her servant rode away, Link stood there watching until they vanished from view.

He opened his eyes, remembering the last words said to him that day.

"I'm praying that whatever you're searching for, you'll be safe."

What was he searching for? At first, his journey was to save Hyrule, but afterwards, he went on a new journey in search of his lost fairy friend. Even after his descent in to Termina, there were no signs of his lost companion. He wondered if she had somehow suffered the same fate as the others. There were times he missed her advice, her words of encouragement, and the subtle sound of her laughter. In addition, he missed her calls of warnings. Without her, he felt alone.

Not long after his coming in to Termina, he met a new friend named Tatl. This fairy differed from Navi, and she did her best to help him on his mission to put an end to Majora. In the end, she left him, just like Navi, just like the rest of the world…

So now he pondered. What was he searching for? In his opinion, everything was just fine with the land. Termina was safe, but for how long? For four years he's secluded himself in the forest, away from Terminan eyes, fighting off the monsters dwelling there. Now that he left the sanctuary of his supposed home, he felt a stirring inside him.

"What's wrong Link?"

Perhaps he was scared. Going so long without human contact would do that to someone. Maybe he felt nervous about what would happen if he so much as set foot inside the town. Would he be remembered or forgotten? After his departure, did things change? Or was everything the way he left it?

Unaware of her partner's silence, the small fairy continued on. "I have to wonder, what made you want to leave the forest, Link?"

Why? That was something he was unsure of. Perhaps it was the strange happenings that occurred in the forest? Was it the kindness the young woman showed him? Link was puzzled by this. The kindness she displayed reminded him so much of a certain female in Clock Town. Maybe he would pay her a visit, a quick one. He knew she was probably busy attending to other people, but something wanted him to go there. Whatever it was, it did not feel bad, but he hesitated with taking the first step forward.

Feeling the stress and nervousness radiating off her partner, the small fairy sat on his shoulder, her light brightening. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine. How long ago has it been since you last visited?" she pondered. "Four years? That's a long time." Seeing how he continued to stare off in to the distance, she gave the boy a pat on the shoulder. "Come on! Let's get those feet moving! I'm sure you'll be welcomed happily! There's nothing to fear when I'm around!"

Nodding at her comforting words, he took his first step toward the town. As he did, a sudden rumble stopped him in his tracks. Turning his gaze upward, he noticed the darkening clouds overhead. A flash of lightening lit the sky, and a sudden downpour fell upon the land, abruptly drenching both Link and his fairy.

"Ah! Hurry, Link!" She whined as she sought cover in his hat.

"Looks like we'll be here for a while," Kagome muttered with dismay. "What luck, huh?" She fingered her wet locks before sighing.

The child nestled beside her and nodded. "Kagome."

"Hm?"

Somberly, he glanced behind the tree to look at his friends, whom at the moment were trying to dry themselves with their backs against the same bark. "Do you think we'll get back to our own land?" His emerald eyes returned to the woman beside him.

Kagome smiled. "Yeah, but it may be awhile. It's strange. I wonder where we are…" A small growl did not go unnoticed by the priestess. "I guess we're all getting hungry." She searched through her bag, sorting through it before pulling out a small bag of potato chips. "Here. It's not much, but it should tide you over for a while until we find food," she explained as she handed the bag to the child's outstretched hands.

Feeling horrible, he glanced at her. "What about you and everyone else?" Shippo didn't feel right eating right in front of them, and he couldn't bear taking the first bite.

In response to his question, her smile brightened. "It's okay. You're a growing boy, and you need to eat in order to stay strong." She ruffled his hair gently, earning a toothy smile in return. "We'll be fine. Just don't let Inuyasha know about the chips." Kagome knew how jealous the half demon would be if he was not given anything from her era to munch on, and that included his favorite, ramen.

As the exchange ended, and while Shippo happily munched on his chips, another conversation began behind them. And it was enough to earn Kagome's utmost attention.

"I hope we get back soon," Sango voiced as she stroked Kirara's fur gently.

Beside her, Miroku rested his head on the bark, his attention shifted to the young woman next to him. "There's no doubt what Naraku's up to. Who knows how much harm he's caused by now?"

A chill of disgust crawled through Sango's veins at the very mentioning of that half demon's name. Naraku, the nemeses, the man behind all their misfortune, destroyed her clan. It was because of him she lost her brother, her father, and all of her family. An image of her younger brother came to mind, and her eyes watered. "I hope he's okay."

Noticing the stress radiating off his companion, Miroku gave her shoulder a slight squeeze. He knew what was on her mind without her having to explain to him. "Kohaku is just fine."

"How do you know that, Miroku?" She asked. Her worried eyes turned toward the monk. All the time, she was the told, 'he's okay,' or 'we'll get him back, we promise,' but Sango knew it would not be easy. The reason behind this was that Kohaku was already dead. What kept him alive was a fragment of the Sacred Jewel imbedded in to his back. That jewel, no matter what, would put an end to Kohaku's suffering.

Why was that?

Simple. Right now, she knew Kagome had the jewel almost completed, and all that was left was the last shard. Once it was removed, Kohaku would die. No matter how many times, she told herself, she couldn't help but weep. Naraku could put an end to the child's life and take what was left of the jewel, but she knew he would only prolong her suffering by keeping him alive and at his command. Sango didn't want her little brother to leave her. After all, he was all that was left of her deceased family.

"Sango. We'll destroy Naraku. Kohaku will be safe in your arms again, and my curse will forever be lost. All will be right again." His eyes met hers, and Sango could not help but smile.

"Miroku I…" Sango felt the tears fall, and she tried so hard to hold on to her emotions. Out of all her friends, Miroku was always there to comfort her when she was feeling down. Without him, as well as the others, she would have lost her faith and would eventually fall apart, or succumb to Naraku's evil intentions.

His hands grasped hers, and she noticed his face nearing. "Sango, I hope that when our quest ends…" Though it might seem rushed, he only hoped to change her thoughts.

By this point, Kagome could not help but smile madly on the other side of the tree. In her mind, she had always pictured those two together. Other times he had consoled her, yet that was always followed by his perversion and always ruining the auspicious moment. This time, it seemed different. She knew better than to look, so she busied herself with brushing the knots from Shippo's hair.

Miroku continued. "you'll have a place in your heart for me. I may be a monk in service to Buddha, but I have always…"

"Oh Miroku," she gasped. All the while, her face turned a lovely shade of scarlet. Tears of joy slipped from her honey color irises, and she wished for her heart to cease its irregular beating. Her recent thoughts of Naraku and Kohaku vanished, and she now found herself lost in his eyes.

"I care for you, Sango, so much that it hurts. I love you."

Touched by his sentiments, the young woman wrapped her arms around his neck. "I've longed to hear you say those words!" she cried.

An ecstatic expression passed over the monk. "Then you will bear my children? Ten or even twenty of them?"

"Yes!"

Miroku pulled her closer to his chest, feeling the warmth of the one woman he loved. His hand, wrapped by the beads that kept his cursed wind tunnel at bay, stroked her chestnut hair, which calmed her. While on his journey in search of Naraku, he never dreamed of meeting such a female. He often asked himself why he fell for her.

Sure, he had flirted with several beautiful women, but none compared to Sango. She held a determined spirit, a loving nature, and a leadership of which he never knew to be true in such specimens. All his life, he was so used to women running to him, but with her, it was different. Sango never fell for his tricks of perversion, nor did she succumb as easily as many on their travels. Rather than enjoy his mischievous assaults, she would retaliate with much bolder attacks.

While gazing upon the lovely woman gathered in his embrace, he held her tighter, relishing the moment of pure bliss. One day, after defeating Naraku, he vowed to make her his wife. Every evening and in the early sunrise, he would make love to her in the home that they would share. He could only imagine their children who would not have to suffer the same fate as their father; they'd be frolicking around, singing, and playing.

In a daring motion, he allowed his hands to travel down the back of her soft pink fabric kimono, with his fingers rubbing against the cloth which kept his skin from mingling with her own. While he knew it was foolish of him to attempt such actions, he found he could not help himself, or the times before. He imagined her lying beneath him, with her hair strayed all around her in disarray. The rise and fall of her ample breast would taunt him. Long slender legs would wrap around his hips as he would…

A smack resonated through the woods, startling Kagome from her rhythmic brushing. While she had not been expecting it so soon, she could not help but sigh. There went her imaginings as a lady-in-waiting. "Guess I was wrong," she sighed. Why couldn't Miroku be the least bit serious without lechery?

Not surprised, Shippo shook his head. He knew Miroku was bound to pull his stunt. "He'll never learn!" Shippo muttered as he chomped on a chip.

Beyond infuriated, Sango stood upright, her expression telling all that she was ready to kill, but she held herself back. "The only thing you love more is my butt! Screw you, Miroku!" With that said, she marched herself to the other side of the camp, away from lecherous intentions. "And here I thought you changed!" She settled herself across from Kagome, with Kirara seated in her lap.

Now sporting a red mark, Miroku sighed. Sometimes he just wished she would let him touch her without getting a smack or a whack in the face, but she was making things difficult. That was what he loved about Sango, what with her timid nature, her fiery temper, or that she was jealous; they were all attractive attributions that he loved. Of course, he wouldn't give up. He would have her swooning in his arms, and his hand grasping what belonged to him… well, he could dream.

After several long, awkward minutes seated in silence, everyone distracted themselves by their own devices. While Kagome busied herself to skimming the text in her reading assignment for school, Shippo messed around with his toys. Sango ignored the others, her mind elsewhere, while a certain monk ambled around the camp. All the while, Inuyasha had yet to show; he'd gone out a while before gathering firewood, but because it had suddenly poured, firewood was no longer needed.

While everyone had been so fixed in their own musings, Miroku shouted, throwing everyone off guard. In a mad frenzy, Kagome had put her book away and shot to her feet, ready to assist the monk. In doing so, Shippo scurried behind the priestess's legs.

"What's wrong, Miroku?" Kagome asked.

The monk broke out in to a smile. "A village!" He exclaimed with joy. His staff pointed toward a lighted structure that towered over the trees a short distance away. "It doesn't look too far!"

Following his gaze, she leaped with excitement. Just the thought of sitting back in a warm room by a fire and a delicious meal lifted her spirits. Not only that, but a nice warm bath could also do the trick. She'd forgotten when she and Sango had last gone out together to relax while they had been on their travels. "I can't wait!"

Appearing from the underbrush, carrying several loads of lumber, Inuyasha turned his body to look at his companions, who were strange enough, smiling. Of course, it wasn't surprising that Kagome was smiling, but everyone, well, something was up. They'd been conversing amongst themselves before he arrived, and he only caught part of it. "What're you all going on about?" he asked.

With much jubilance, Kagome flung herself at the half demon, but she held back. "No need for firewood Inuyasha! Look!" She pointed past the line of trees. "We've found shelter for the night." The wind ruffled her skirt, and she held it down in place in front of her as her hair fell over her shoulders.

Somewhat surprised by the sudden light appearing above the trees, Sango also nodded in agreement. While it was strange to see such a phenomenon, she didn't question it. Besides, Kagome and Miroku didn't seem the least bit troubled by the flashing light, but there were buildings ahead, or from what she could perceive through the darkness. "Yes. I'm sure someone there will give us information about our whereabouts." She looked at her furry partner snuggled against her shoulder. "Let's go Kirara."

Grunting from annoyance, Inuyasha threw the wood aside, and chased after his fleeing friends toward an unknown light in the distance. "Damn it! Every time!"

Lightning lit the sky as heavy rain pelted the boy garbed in green. A powerful gust of wind blew by, and Link shivered. As he hurried toward the town, whose lights guided him, something felt odd. The field, normally filled with beasts, was now barren. No other soul was seen through the darkness. Usually there were several creatures near the town, but on this night, there were none.

The trees swayed toward the boy, who kept his distance. This odd wind was carried by a foreboding moan. As the thunder clashed, the gale picked up. Even as he neared the town, the wind slowed his movements, pushing him back toward the forest.

"Link! It's a storm! We have to seek shelter!" His companion cried from inside his hat. She held onto his hat, sometimes pulling at his hair for support.

But just as soon as it had begun, the wind ceased, and Link stumbled forward. A cry erupted, and he turned to look over his shoulder. His hat had fallen from his head a foot or two away, and his partner lay sprawled on the ground.

"Sheesh! What's going on?" She said as she fluttered toward the boy. She tugged on his fallen hat, but it would not budge.

Glancing toward the sky one last time, Link relieved her from the burden and ran in to the entrance leading to Clock Town. Once behind the safety of the walls, he stood and watched several familiar individuals run back and forth, trying to shield themselves from the heavy rain.

The town had changed little, except perhaps a few new buildings. Standing tall and firm stood the Clock Tower, which could be seen from the far regions of Termina. The hands pointed at ten, a time that most slumbered.

The neighborhood dog continued its daily routine, running around the central square, barking at nothing like usual. The carpenters, done for the day of harsh labor, jogged toward the local bar just east of town, a habit they indulged in when their boss wasn't around.

"Mama, where's daddy?" a child asked, as he and an elderly woman sauntered by.

"He'll be home soon. Now we have to hurry."

"So where to now?" His companion asked beside his ear.

Not forgetting the reason he came, he ventured across the pavement, east up a few stairs. The streets were empty there. In this part of town stood a couple of shops such as the Shooting Gallery, the Honey and Darling shop, and the Treasure Chest. These were places where kids or adults would pass the time with entertainment. Also on this street was the Stock Pot Inn, where wary travelers could make reservations for a night or two, and then there was the Milk Bar, known as Latte, which was only for members only. Those that did not show proof of membership wouldn't receive any service. Link, however, was a member, but that's another story meant to be told later on.

As he stumbled his way toward the Inn, he heard a ruckus at the bar next door. No doubt a fight was taking place. Shaking his head, he hurried over to the door, only to stop. The sign read:

Open from 8am to 8pm

"Looks like it's closed. Was there a specific reason you wanted to come here?"

In fact, there was a reason, but not an important one. Link only wished to see how Anju and Kafei were holding up. He never attended the wedding four years ago, and he never knew if Kafei regained his original form or not.

He placed his hand on the knob, knowing that the door would not open. The occupants inside were likely asleep, since it was well after ten. He could always sneak inside from above, but thought better of it. Living in the forest his whole life, he was used to the outdoors and a little rain hurt no one.

"Link, I'm getting soaked!"

Sighing, he relinquished his hold from the knob and looked toward the bar. Since he had proof of membership, he supposed it couldn't hurt to crash there until morning. Yet, terrible memories made him hesitate. The last time he had tried to go there, well, let's just say they weren't fond memories.

"There's no way we're going in there, Link. I know what people they are, and you will not become one of them, at least not while I'm around." She warned.

The only other place he could think of was the Laundry House, where Kafei used to hide out long ago; that was a back entrance to the Curiosity Shop. The owner did not seem to mind when Link took refuge there several times in the past.

"Oh, what are you doing out so late and in this weather?" a gentle voice from behind asked.

Turning around, Link and his companion's eyes fell upon a young woman with short brown hair and blue eyes. Elaborated gold designs decorated the edge of her ivy green dress. She wore a maroon vest over top of her gown with white sleeves. In her hand, she held an umbrella, and her expression seemed worried.

Taking a step forward, she bent at eye level. "Oh my, you're the little boy I used to know, aren't you?" Her countenance brightened. "But a little boy, you are no longer!" By the looks of it, he had grown up into a fine young man.

Link could only nod. Before he could react, she touched him.

"My, you must be cold! And you're soaked to the bone!" she explained as she hung her umbrella up on a hook. "You go sit next to that fire while I let Kafei know we have an unexpected guest." She winked before disappearing down the hall.

The fairy just stared after her for a moment. "Who was that?" When she received no reply, she sweat dropped. "Oh yeah. I forgot. So you know how her, huh? Well, at least we're out of that storm."

A newly installed fireplace greeted Link, and he sat in front of it to dry. The heat of the flames comforted him. He had not realized he was so cold until now. Removing his hat, he rang out the water and set it near the hearth. With eyes closed, he relaxed.

While the fire danced, voices caught his attention from somewhere in the Inn. Link didn't have to think twice. He knew there were other people staying the night.

"Give that back!" a loud voice vociferated.

A cry followed soon after. "That was mine!"

"Sounds like the people who own this place have their hands full. I pity the owners," The pink fairy stated as she sat on his shoulder, resting her head upon his ear. She was almost half asleep when light footsteps traveled in their direction.

"Come on in and join us for dinner, dear," Anju called from the hall.

"Dinner? Now that you mention it, I am kind of hungry." Now awake, his friend fluttered toward the woman. "Thank you for letting us stay for a while. We promise to be on our best behavior."

Anju giggled at this. "Oh, it's no trouble at all. You're both welcome anytime. Follow me."

Following close behind the young woman, Link examined the interior. So much had changed since his last visit. The entire house was remodeled and painted a dark shade of maroon. There were two extra rooms added, as well as two fireplaces. One fireplace sat against the furthest wall closest to the door and there was one in the next room, the kitchen, and upstairs.

"We've been booked solid with many reservations. Good thing there's plenty of food and wood to keep the fire going!" she muttered before stopping before a door.

The noise on the other side was much louder than from the entryway. When she opened the door, she ushered him inside. As soon as he stood before the entrance, all noise evaporated, and all eyes fell on him.

"Don't be shy, go on," Anju pushed him to a seat next to a young woman with long hair as dark as the night sky. "Now, then I'll go see about some more food, you enjoy yourself. I'll be back soon." With that, she left the room, closing the door behind her.

"Oh no…" his fairy companion muttered in his ear. "This doesn't look good."

As he sat at a long table filled with a bountiful feast, he could not help but stare in to the eyes of an irate man with his strange friends.