Mimi looked out of her bedroom window. The sun was about midday and seemed joyous. Mimi felt a bit happy. Her birthday was coming up, and she was turning 18. Ark’s birthday was just last month, she thought. He’s 19 now.

            Mimi sighed. That night there was going to be a banquet. She was meeting with Prince Joseph, the Prince of Aries. Since Mimi was almost of age, her parents had already created a wedding date for the week right after her birthday. She was wedding someone she never met! Mimi went to her bed, and lay down on it. She rubbed Rose’s back. The little puppy sat up, stretched, yawned, and looked at her.

            “Ark…” Mimi whispered. “Ark…why can’t I stop thinking about him? Why can’t I get him out of my mind? Lately that’s the person I’ve been thinking of…” Rose looked at her inquiringly.

            Mimi sat up, and looked at her bedroom. Her closet was still there, her bed, windows and dresser were everywhere they were supposed to be. But Mimi felt as if it was all gone, like she was in a place she had never seen before.

            “Since when did mom and dad get so cruel?” she asked. “They’re forcing me to marry someone I’ve never met, but…I don’t know why, but it’s Ark that I want to wed. I don’t know why though… Aren’t we just friends?”

            Rose jumped off of the bed, and ran to play with her squeaky bone. Mimi watched the pup toss it up, and caught it. And pushed it all around the room. Mimi flopped onto her pillow, suddenly exhausted. Then, there was a knock on the door.

            “Who is it?” Mimi asked.

            “It’s us,” came a voice, “Gabriella and Kimmie.”

            “Come in.” The door opened, and inside stepped Mimi’s two friends.

Gabriella was wearing the outfit that she wore when they had traveled to Tolkein: rainbow sweater with jeans. Kimmie was wearing her blue T-shirt with a heart in the center, and blue jeans.

Gabriella sat on Mimi’s bed, while Kimmie went and sat in the chair next to her desk.

            “You OK?” Gabriella asked. Mimi smiled.

            “Of course I’m OK!” she said. “I’m not sad or anything, why would I be—”

            “You aren’t, are you?” Kimmie interrupted. “About tonight.” Mimi looked away. She might as well let it out…

            “No,” she said. “I’m not OK.”

            “About the Prince coming tonight?” Gabriella asked. Then, Mimi let out her anger.

            “It’s not fair!!” she cried. “I should be the one to choose who I want to wed! Not my parents! I’m the one who will know who I’d be happy with! I don’t even know this Prince Joe-what’s-his-face, and I already hate his guts! He’s probably a butt-head that thinks he can win me over with words of kindness, and when he’s got me, he’ll ask ‘will you marry me’ and expect me to say yes! But I’m not that kind of person! I want someone who likes me for who I am! I already have someone, and no one, not even the stupid Prince can take that one person’s place!!” Ark’s face appeared in her mind. “No one!!” Ark’s smile… “No one!!!!” She stopped to take a breather.

            Gabriella and Kimmie were both staring wide-eyed at Mimi. Even Rose was still, holding her squeaky bone in her mouth, and staring up at her owner. Kimmie looked at Gabriella, and they both stood up.

            “Who’s this person?” Kimmie asked. “You can tell us.” Mimi hesitated.

            “I’d like to keep it a secret,” she said after a long time. Kimmie walked to the door.

            “I think we have a pretty good guess of who it is,” Gabriella said, and followed Kimmie out to the hall. Mimi stood there for a moment.

            “Maybe Romani has some good advice,” she said to herself, and left, heading for Lon Lon Ranch.

 

                        *                                                          *                                              *

            Mimi walked into the entrance of the Ranch. When she opened the door to her house, she saw Talon feeding the chickens. He stopped and wiped his brow, and noticed Mimi.

            “Hello, Princess!” he said, and bowed.

            “Don’t,” Mimi said. “Call me Mimi.” At first Talon was startled, and then smiled. “Is Romani anywhere?”

            “Yes,” Talon answered, and went back to feeding the chickens. “I think she’s out in the field singing her heart out to the horses.” Mimi nodded, and left.

            She ran to the huge round gate, and inside were many horses. Mimi looked around and spotted Romani sitting on the ground, surrounded by horses, and singing to them Epona’s Song. Somewhere in the crowd, Mimi spotted Epona and Ashley. She ran over to Romani. Romani looked up at Mimi, and smiled to her.

            “Hi, Mimi!” she said. “What’s up?”

            “I just wanted to get away from the Castle,” Mimi said. “Have you heard about the Prince?”

            “Who’s the Prince?” Romani asked.

            “He’s Prince Joseph of Aries,” Mimi said. “He’s asked for my hand in marriage, and the week after my birthday is the wedding. I’m supposed to meet him tonight.”

            “That snobby Prince?” Romani asked. “All the girls in the Market are in love with him. I don’t know why they do. But I know a bit about him.”

            “Can you tell me?” Mimi asked, clasping her hands together.

            “He’s pretty strange,” Romani said. “He only likes girls who are beautiful and rich. Once he sees you, you’ll fit that part no sweat. He’ll only want you for your money and riches. He basically only wants others to be jealous of him.”

            “I hate him even more,” Mimi said. “I don’t want to meet him at all. I bet he’ll find another girl right after me.” Romani nodded thoughtfully, and turned to the horses. Mimi sat down in front of her, and listened.

            Romani’s voice was beautiful, and singing Epona’s Song seemed as if it were taking Mimi on a ride to another world where there were no worries. Nothing about unfairness, or pain that Mimi was feeling. After a few minutes, Romani stopped.

            “Do you want to have a horseback race?” she asked. Mimi sat up straighter.

            “That would be great!” she said, and the two grabbed Ashley and Epona.

            “Hey!!” Epona cried.

            “Don’t we have a say in the matter?” Ashley asked. The girls ignored them, and climbed onto their backs. They ran forward, and raced around the gate three times. They had the race about six times, and the girls each one three rounds. By that time, Epona and Ashley were wiped out.

            “So…tired,” Ashley panted.

            “Need…water,” Epona said. They both trotted away and went to the water basin, drinking up all they could.         

            Mimi looked over to the exit, and spotted a guard from the Castle. Mimi froze, rubbed her eyes, and looked again. The guard wasn’t standing there anymore.

            “Hey, Romani…?” she asked, but didn’t finish her sentence. Romani’s arms were being held behind her back, and the guard was standing behind her. He had one hand over her mouth.

            “On the King and Queen’s orders, Princess Mimi is to hereby come back to Hyrule Castle,” the guard said, as Romani struggled for release. “The Prince will soon be arriving, and the banquet has started.” Mimi looked over to the sky, and saw the sun that was sinking behind the hills. Sun set had already come and the day was almost over. She turned to the guard and said, “What if I don’t want to meet the Prince?” The guard tightened his grip on Romani’s mouth. She yelped, and struggled, her breath escaping her. Mimi reached out a hand. The guard pulled Romani back and said “The King and Queen would like it if you came back to the Castle to meet the Prince!”

            “I don’t want to meet the Prince!” Mimi said, standing up. “He’s a butt-head and from what Romani told me he only wants people to be jealous of him, and he only wants the kingdom and my family’s riches!”

            “You can’t believe this ranch rat,” the guard said, and Romani glared at him, still struggling against his tight grip. “These kinds of people come up with all sorts of lies!”

            “That’s not true!” Mimi said. “Let her go!”

            “I will once you come with me to the Castle!!” Mimi froze, and stared at her friend who was staring back with eyes that said ‘don’t worry! You don’t have to go with him. I’ll be fine!’ But Mimi couldn’t accept that, and looked down.

            “Alright,” she said softly. “I’ll go.” The guard shoved Romani to the floor, and grabbed Mimi’s arm. She stared back helplessly as Romani rubbed her neck, and stood, wondering how she could help her friend. Mimi wrenched her arm out of the guard’s hand.

            “I can walk by myself,” she said angrily, and stormed off to the Castle.

 

 

 

            Mimi shoved on her blue dress, braided her hair, and placed her tiara on her head.

            “Stupid guard,” she said. “Stupid Prince. Stupid Mom. Stupid Dad.” She irritably put on her earrings, and stomped out of her room, trying to put on her necklace.

            She went down to the banquet hall, and shoved the doors open. The lords and ladies were all inside, eating, talking and laughing with each other. Mimi ignored all of them and stomped over to her seat. She looked to her left and saw an empty chair, most likely for the Prince.

            Mimi looked around and spotted her parents talking to some old guy and a red suit. (Not Santa) She slumped lower in her seat, and a woman next to her poked her shoulder.

            “What?!” Mimi looked annoyingly at the lady who had just poked her.

            “You are very lucky,” the woman said. “My daughter, Cecilia would give anything to be in your shoes. Mimi gritted her teeth, trying hard to not out of pure delight to smack the woman up-side the head.

            “How am I lucky?” she asked, a fist clenched, ready to hit. The woman smiled.

            “You’re marrying Prince Joseph!” she said. “You’re very humorous, thinking you’re not lucky. The Prince would like that in you.” Mimi grinded her teeth until they hurt, holding her fist in her right hand. Then, she stood up, and went to the door.

            “I don’t care what they say,” she mumbled under her breath. “I’m not meeting that Prince.” She opened the door, and there stood the Prince.

            He had blonde hair, green eyes, and wore a crown. He had a pointy chin and was wearing a blue dress robe with cuffs at the neck and hands. He wore the lamest boots Mimi had ever seen, and he looked very, very ugly to her.

            “I stand corrected,” she said to herself.

            “Pardon?” Joseph asked. He sounded lazy, and looked partly high.

            “Nothing,” Mimi said. The Prince looked at her.

            “Are you, Princess Mimi?” he asked her.

            “What if I am?” Mimi asked.

            “Good, good!” the Prince said. He took her hand. “Glad to meet you. Did you get my request?”

            “What?” Mimi took her hand away and wiped it on her dress.

            “My marriage request?”

            “Oh,” Mimi said. “Sorry, but your application has been rejected.”

            “Well, your parents don’t seem to think so,” Joseph said. “Otherwise they wouldn’t be having this banquet! Oh, I do hope we can love each other and live happily!”

            “Who’re you talking to, me or my riches?” Mimi asked.

            “Pardon?” Joseph said again. Mimi sighed.

            “Nothing…” she said. Music started, and people started dancing together on the dance floor. Mimi spotted her parents in their seats, talking to each other.

            “Oh, I love this song!” Joseph said, clasping his hands together. He looked like a schoolgirl who was just asked out. (Ewwwwwww) “Mimi, come dance with me!” Mimi reluctantly followed. She looked pleadingly at her parents, and mouthed, “Help me!!” They gave a small smile.

            “Have fun,” Zelda called. She and Link went back to their talk. Mimi almost saw a hint of sadness in their eyes, but couldn’t tell if she saw it or not. She then began to dance with the Prince, hoping that something, anything would come in to interfere.

            A Wolfo! Mimi thought. A moblin? A bokoblin? Skeleton? Giant spiders? Anything!!

            “What’s wrong, Mimi?” the Prince asked. “You do look very pale.” Mimi was getting sick of this guy. She stepped away from him, and stormed to the doors. Joseph ran after her. When she was in the hall, he called to her.

            “Mimi!” he said, panting. “Wait!”

            “Why should I?!” Mimi yelled, continuing to walk. “I hate you! You’re just a snobby Prince who’s trying to worm his way into my heart! Why don’t you give up and go tell someone who cares?!” Joseph ran up to her.

            “Wait, Mimi,” he said. “Can we not talk about this?” He took her hand, and kissed it. That was the last straw. Mimi pulled her hand away, and smacked him.

            “Don’t touch me!!” she yelled. “I don’t want to see your face in my presence ever again!!”

            “But Mimi—” Joseph stepped forward, but Mimi smacked him again.

            “Stay away!!!” she screamed. “I don’t want to see you! Get out of my sight!!” Joseph ran away, cowering in fear.

            “This seems to be someone I’ve never met before,” came a voice behind her. Turning, Mimi saw Ark. “How is everything?” Tears filled up in Mimi’s eyes.

            “Ark!!” she ran into his open arms. “Ark! You’re here!!”

            “Well, I can’t stay long,” he said, and led her back to the banquet. “About twenty minutes at the longest. I have a few things to help my parents with back in Tolkein.” The two headed back to the banquet.

            Joseph spotted Ark, and walked over to him.

            “Who are you?” Ark asked. “A clown come to entertain?” Mimi had to laugh at Ark’s comment, but stopped as Joseph pulled her to his side.

            “This is my Princess!” Joseph said angrily. “I already proposed!” Ark stared blankly at the two.

            “Is this true Mimi?” he asked. Mimi pulled herself away from Joseph, and back to Ark’s side.

            “I never accepted,” Mimi said. “My parents did.” Ark looked at her, and back to Joseph as Mimi buried her face in Ark’s suit.

            “So, this is going to be a forced marriage?” Ark asked. Joseph shook his head, and pointed to Mimi.

            “She lies,” he said. “She did accept, but she won’t admit it.”

            “I’m not saying I don’t believe you,” Ark said, and stood at full height in front of Joseph. “But I’ve known Mimi since we were kids, and she always tells the truth. Seeing you, something tells me that you lie and cheat your way into things, just to get your way.”

“Don’t judge a book by its cover!” Joseph said, trying to defend himself. Ark just gave him a cold glare, and Joseph cowered, running away. Mimi watched him, and looked back to her parents. They were still talking but Mimi knew that they had seen what just happened. Was that happiness in their eyes just then, or had Mimi imagined it?

            “Did you accept his offer?” Ark asked her. Mimi looked up at him, startled, and realized that he was serious. “Tell me the truth.”

            “I didn’t,” Mimi said. “I wouldn’t accept an offer from someone that I’d never met.” Ark seemed to let out a sigh. Mimi couldn’t tell if it was a sigh of relief, or a sigh that he was happy for making her own choice.

            “I’m sorry you have to marry him,” Ark said after awhile. “I can’t do anything. It’s your parents’ choice, not mine.”

            “You can’t?” Mimi felt her tears coming again. “You can’t do anything?” Ark shook his head.

            “But I can do this,” he said, and reached for her hand. “A dance?” Mimi smiled, and danced with Ark.

It was the best time of her life, dancing with someone she loved. Her heart hammered whenever the two went close and back away again, but otherwise everything was fine. All the girls were staring at Ark, mostly Cecilia, but Mimi stuck her tongue out at her. Cecilia fumed and stalked away. After the dance, Ark took Mimi to the food. There, they ate and talked about how everything was going over the year that they had been apart. Mimi’s eyes often drifted to look at Ark whenever he wasn’t looking, and she felt herself longing to kiss his cheek…but when he turned, she’d blush and immediately look away: for Ark seeing her, and of her longing.

“I want to give you something,” Ark said. Out of his pocket, he pulled out a small box. “It’s a birthday gift. I won’t be able to see you for awhile, so…” He handed her the box. As Mimi looked at it, Ark gave her a small kiss on the forehead, and left. Mimi felt herself blush as she touched her forehead. She opened the box and inside was a bracelet. It was wonderful; shining gold, and carved into it was the name ‘Mimi’. She put it on her wrist, and beside the annoying Prince, and stuck-up Cecilia who was asking for Ark, Mimi had a great night.

*                                                          *                                              *         

Over the next few days, Mimi had a wonderful time. She wore her bracelet 24.7 and never took it off. Then, it was her birthday.

Ark gave me two gifts that night at the banquet, Mimi thought. One the bracelet, and the other the… She trailed off in her own mind, and blushed. Today’s my birthday! She remembered. I’m eighteen years old!!

She yelled out some Japanese words from her trip there, and shouted, “HAI, HAI, HAI, HAI!!” (yes, yes, yes, yes!!”

            She jumped off of her bed, and picked up Rose, dancing with her all around the room. When she put her down, Rose was jumping all around the room, and barking happily up at her owner. It seemed as if she was saying, “Happy birthday, Mimi!!”

            “I’m in a good mood, today!” Mimi said. She ran down the hall, washed up for a brief 5 minutes and came back changing into a red shirt, a skirt, pink socks and white shoes. She looked at herself.        

            “Man, I look like a Valentine’s Day decoration!” she said, and laughed. “Come on, Rose!” Her little pooch barked, and followed her outside.

            Mimi grabbed a horse, and on it’s side put a small basket. She put Rose in there.  

“We’re headed for the Woods!” Mimi said, and Rose let out a long howl mixed with barks. Mimi rode the horse forward, and they headed for the Forest.

 

 

            “O genki desu ka!” Mimi said to her horse. “How are you?” It neighed to her, and she smiled. “I’m happy, too!” she said. “Today’s wonderful isn’t it?” Rose yipped at the sight of a small Kokiri boy. He looked up at Mimi, and smiled.

            “It’s the Princess!” he called. “One of the Heroines!!” The other Kokiri yelled, and circled around Mimi’s horse. The girls patted Rose on the head, and the boys looked at the horse.

            “How is everything?” asked a small girl.

            “Everything’s great!” Mimi said. “Today’s my birthday, and I was just heading into the Lost Woods!”

            “In that case, I’ll go with you!!” came a voice.

            “Navi?” Mimi asked. “Navi, is that you?”

            “Yes, it is!” Navi flew out from behind a tree. “A fairy has to come with you into the Lost Woods, otherwise you’ll turn into a monster.”

            “So, I guess you’re coming along?” Mimi asked. Navi nodded, but it was more like she flew up and down. She circled around Mimi’s head, and they went up the hill into the Lost Woods.

            “Happy birthday Mimi!!” the Kokiri shouted behind her, as they left.

            “Thank you!” Mimi called to them, and they entered the Lost Woods.

 

            “So, why is it that you’re coming to the Lost Woods?” Navi asked as they were a bit further in the forest.

            “I wanted to visit Saria,” Mimi said. “I’m visiting all the Sages today, just to see how they’re doing.”

            “Saria first?”  Navi asked. Mimi nodded. “Then who?”

            Then it’s Darunia,” Mimi said. “After that, Impa, then Ruto, and last, Nabooru.”

            “That seems like a pretty long schedule,” Navi said. “How was the banquet?” Then, Mimi gazed dreamily into space.

            “Hello?” Navi flew in Mimi’s face. “Love struck, huh? Who was it that kissed you?”

            “It was small, and on the forehead!” Mimi said defensively. Then she added, “Ark.”

            “I heard that you were suddenly sent to be engaged with some guy named Joseph of Aries,” Navi said. “Is it true? Because if it is, you should have your own right to choose who you like, just like Zelda did when she was your age. I mean, she was able to marry Link, and so you should be able to marry your love, too. Doesn’t that just seem fair? It seems fair to me. Don’t you think so too?”

            “It is fair,” Mimi said. “I hate that Joseph. He told Ark that I liked him, but I didn’t. Before Ark left, he gave me this bracelet.” Mimi held up her wrist, and Navi looked at it.

            “It looks hand-made,” she said. “Not at all like it was bought. Nope.”

            “It does?” Mimi asked and looked at her wrist. Then, Rose started to growl, Navi’s wings twittered, and the horse started to neigh. “What is it?” Mimi looked at them all.

            “Someone’s coming,” Navi said fiercely. Then, Mimi heard a laugh. A laugh that she hoped she would never hear again. Then, right in front of them appeared a black portal. Out of it came Ganondorf. He looked the same as if he had just walked right out of the tower once everyone had escaped.

            “Welcome, Mimi,” he said. Mimi sat still, but brought up her courage to speak to him.

            “Why are you here?” she said to him. “I killed you! You should be dead!”

            “You were too kind,” Ganondorf said. “Luckily the Master Sword didn’t pierce through me, and so, secretly I lived.”

            “But how did you survive through the explosion?” Mimi asked.

            “I activated the last of my Power after everyone was gone, and I hid.”

            “What Power?” Mimi asked. “I posses all of the Triforce pieces!”

            “Not for long,” Ganondorf said. “I have a plan. A plan that will make this world, and all others to get under my control!” Mimi whispered under her breath, “Kasumi!”

            “You can’t!” Mimi said louder. “You can’t take over the worlds, because I’m here! And my friends as well!”

            “But you’re the only one who can wield the Master Sword to destroy me,” Ganondorf said to her. “The Sword is in the Temple of Time, behind the Door of Time, and you won’t get to it!”

            “Yes I will!” Mimi said. “What makes you think I can’t if I can run quick?”

            “You won’t be running, walking, or moving for a very long time,” Ganon said, and held up a hand. A blast of energy shot at Mimi, and she fell off of her horse, and she was unconscious.

            “Mimi!” Navi flew down to her. Rose jumped out of the basket. Ganon knocked them both away with a swift kick. He stood over Mimi, and placed a hand on her forehead.

            “Now,” he said. “Give me what I deserve.” The three Triforce pieces flew above the ground, and Ganon looked at it, with a look of hunger in his eyes.

            “Finally!” he said, and walked towards it, and stood in front of it, and placed his left hand on the golden power.

            “GODS!!” he shouted. “HERE THAT WHICH I DESIRE! LET ME RULE OVER THESE PATHETIC CREATURES, AND OVER EVERY WORLD THAT EXISTS!! GIVE HYRULE, THE TRIFORCE, AND EVERY WORLD…TO ME!!!!!”

            The Triforce then formed into Ganon’s left hand, and he laughed as darkness filled the Woods, all of Hyrule, and every land that existed. In the darkness, all that was seen in front of Ganon was Navi, a small pooch, and a sleeping Mimi. Ganon picked up Mimi by the hand, and she was still in sleep. With his left hand he conjured up another dark portal, and tossed Mimi into it.

            “She will not be found,” Ganon said. “But, if anyone gets past my obstacles, and gets to her, Mimi will only be awakened by a gift in her heart from her love. One kiss.” He closed the portal, and put Rose in the basket. He kicked the horse’s side, and it galloped to the only place it knew: Hyrule Castle. Ganondorf laughed again. He turned around to where the portal vanished and said, “Oh, and happy birthday,” before vanishing into thin air. Navi awoke and fluttered around.

            “Mimi?” she called. “Mimi! Where are you?” Then, a voice filled her head, and she remembered what she had heard from Ganon. The only words she paid attention to were the words ‘love’ and ‘one kiss.’

            “I have to tell the others!” Navi said to herself, and flew away.

 

                 *                                                     *                                              *

            Navi flew out of the Forest, quick as she could. She flew all the way to Hyrule Castle to find Link or maybe even Zelda. She flew down corridors, startling maids before she flew into two people.

            “I have to find Link!!!” Navi said to them.

            “Navi?” Gabriella asked. “Is that you?” She picked the fairy out of her blonde hair, and looked at her.

            “It is her!” Kimmie said. “Navi, I can’t believe we’re seeing you again! What’s got you in so much of a hurry?”

            “It’s Mimi!!” Navi said.

            “Mimi?” Kimmie asked. “Man, she’s always getting herself in trouble… Hey, isn’t today her birthday?” Navi nodded.

            “We were going to wish her a happy birthday and give her this gift,” Gabriella said, holding out a necklace. It had a heart in the center. “Inside of it is a picture of all of us on Hyrule Field. Do you know where she is, Navi?”

            “Know where she is??” Navi cried. “I know where Ganondorf sent her, but I don’t know where she is!!”

            “Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down,” Kimmie said. “Shouldn’t Ganondorf be dead?”

            “It’s terrible!!” Navi said, and started to babble.

            “Hold up!!” Gabriella put a finger on her mouth. “Start from the beginning. We know about how the place went into total darkness, but how did it happen?” Navi took a few deep breaths, and then started.

            “Well, Mimi was heading to the Woods, to visit Saria,” she began. “She was going to go visit all of the Sages to see how they were doing. When we got closer to the Sacred Forest Meadow, Ganondorf appeared out of a black portal! He said that Mimi didn’t thrust the Master Sword all the way through him, so he lived. He said that he activated the last of his power and lived secretly. He knocked Mimi off of her horse, and then, he took the Triforce right out of her!!”

            “The Triforce?” Kimmie asked. “OK, what happened then?”

            “I was knocked out, but I heard Ganondorf make a wish. He put the land in total darkness, and all of the other worlds too! He wants to command them all!”

            “Everywhere?” Gabriella asked. “All of the worlds? Not just Hyrule?” Navi flew up and down for a nod. 

            “He made his wish, and then opened up another portal, I heard the sound it made,” Navi said. “I think he threw Mimi in it, because he said, ‘No one will find her.’ But then he said something about if she’s found then only the kiss of her love will awaken her! I have to find the King and Queen!!”

            “That love is most likely Ark,” Kimmie said. “But, we aren’t even sure where the King and Queen are!”

            “They might be up in the study, or the library,” Gabriella said. “But, we’ve checked there. We were asking around where Mimi was.”

            “We have to find them!” Navi said. “We have to find them, and tell them about this! Come on! I think I can find Link, because my fairy senses would know him anywhere!”

            So, following the blue light, the girls followed Navi up steps, and entered the King and Queen’s room. Gabriella knocked on the door, while Navi sat on Kimmie’s head.

            “Hello?” she asked. “This is urgent! It’s about the Princess!” The door opened, and standing in the doorway was Link in his green outfit.

            “You know where she is?” he asked them.

            “No,” Kimmie said. She pointed to the blue light on her head. “But Navi here does.”

            “Navi?” Link looked at her.

            “Yes!” Navi said, and flew up in his face. She yelled something at him, but it was such a high shriek that no one could make out what she said. They caught, “unfair,” and “you married your love why can’t Mimi?” and also, “fathead!”

            “What?” Link rubbed his ear. “I didn’t catch that.”

            “I said Mimi’s gone!!!”  Navi said. “She’s in another realm! A different void, not here!!”

            “What’s going on?” Zelda asked, standing walking next to Link.

            “You, of all people!” Navi said. “You gave permission to Joseph to have Mimi! You were able to get your love, and you make Mimi get some…some…some… AAAAACK!!”

            “It’s not our fault,” Zelda said. “We never accepted. The rules of Aries say that when the Prince makes a proposal, the Princess he asks must accept, or face the consequences. The Prince must always get his way.”

            “Isn’t there a way to make everyone happy?” Gabriella asked. No one had an answer for her, so she stayed quiet.

            “Navi says that Ganondorf is back,” Kimmie said. “We have to talk to you.” So, taking a deep breath again, Navi told Link and Zelda of what happened in the Woods. When Navi finished, Link told Gabriella to go get Romani and to meet them at the Temple of Time. She nodded, and left.

            “Come on,” Link said. “We’re going to the Temple.”

            He led them out of the Castle, and to the Temple of Time. They waited there for a bit, and soon, Gabriella and Romani appeared. She had her bow on her back.

            “What’s going on?” she asked. “On the way, Gabriella told me about Mimi. Where is she?”

            “That’s what we’re going to the Sages for,” Link said to her. He led them up the stone steps into the Temple, and they walked inside.

            “How’re we supposed to get to the Sages?” Kimmie asked. “The last time we got there when the Master Sword was pulled out of the Pedestal of Time.”

            “That’s true,” Link said. “I’m not even entirely sure myself. We don’t have the Ocarina of Time with us, but I think I can—”

            “You can what?” came a voice. Out of thin air, Rauru appeared before them. “You think you can just warp up to the Chamber? Young one, if you could do that then Ganondorf would have no trouble at all overtaking us.”

            He chuckled at their startled faces. Then, he raised his hands up and they were whisked away to the Chamber of the Sages.

            Romani rubbed her eyes, and looked around. They were in the Chamber, and all of the Sages looked worried.

            “You’re here!” Impa said, spotting them and coming out of her trance. “That’s good.”

            “Do you know what happened to the Princess?” Navi asked. They all shook their heads.

            “We have no idea,” Nabooru said to the fairy. “If we did, we’d tell you.”

            “We don’t know where she was taken,” Saria said, “but we know how Ganondorf escaped.” She looked at Ruto, who nodded.

            “We were watching the battle Mimi had,” she said. “After she jumped out, Ganondorf moved a bit. He stood, and vanished into thin air. He appeared above the Castle, and with some of his leftover strength, he destroyed his Evil Castle, to make it seem as if he was dead.”

            “When Ruto sensed Ganondorf coming,” Darunia began, “she looked as if she would faint. We were all worried.”

            “So, where is Mimi now, Ruto?” Gabriella asked. “She’s still out there somewhere, right?” Ruto closed her eyes, and began to concentrate. After a few seconds she looked back at Gabriella.

            “Don’t worry,” she said. “Mimi’s heart is still beating, but I can hardly sense her, she’s so far away.”

            “What about the portal?” Navi asked. “The portal that Mimi was sent into? How can it be opened again?”

            “All of you,” Rauru’s deep voice echoed through the Chamber. “Do you know of the five maidens?”

            “The five maidens?” Kimmie asked. “Who are they?”    

            “Long ago, they were captured by an evil wizard,” Nabooru said. “A hero appeared and found each of them, and they helped him seal away the darkness that had covered the land. They still live on.”

            “Shouldn’t they be dead?” Romani asked. “I’ve heard the story about them before, and the time they were in has long since passed.”

            “They have descendants,” Saria said. “The descendants are scattered not only in this world, but in the land Mimi, Gabriella, Kimmie and Romani were sent to, too.”

            “Japan?” Kimmie asked. Saria nodded.

            “Those descendants are the only ones who can re-open the portal leading to wherever Mimi is,” Darunia said.

            “How will we find them?” Zelda asked. “After all, these descendants could be anybody!”

            “That is true,” Impa said.

            “Can’t you guys make something that can like, lead us to where the descendants are?” Romani asked.

            “I can,” Nabooru said. Her hands and eyes glowed, and in front of her appeared five necklaces. They were silver, and had beads. The necklaces flew forward in a different color of their own: pink, green, blue, red and silver. Nabooru relaxed herself, and looked to them.

            “What was that?” Link asked.

            “Those were special necklaces,” Nabooru said. “They will go around the necks of the descendants, and when they’re on them, the new maidens will be able to use their power.”

            “How will Mimi awake?” Navi asked. “The catch? Remember? Only her love can wake her up!”

            “Then I guess we’ll have to bring Ark along with us,” Gabriella said. She turned to the Sages. “Thank you for your help.”

            “Bring the maidens to the Forest,” Saria said. “That’s where the portal can be re-opened.”

            “Right,” Link said, and the group vanished, reappearing outside the Temple of Time.

            “So, do we head off to Tolkein?” Romani asked.

            “I guess we do, if we have to get Ark,” Kimmie said. They went to the Castle, got their weapons and headed to the ranch, got Epona and Ashley, and another horse for Link and Zelda, and then headed for Ark’s homeland.

 

 

    *                                                      *                                              *

            “EEEEEEEEEEEK!!!! GIANT SPIDER!!!!!” Keiko sat up in her bed, panting.

            “Keiko?” her mom called down the hall. “You alright?”

            “I’m fine, mom!” she called back. “That was scary,” she said to herself. “That spider looked so real!” She looked up, and went over to her window. “Maybe I just need some fresh air…”

            She sighed, and let the wind blow through her brown hair. Then, she heard a tinkling sound, like that of a bell. Keiko looked up, and saw a pink light headed straight for her!”

            “Aaaaaah!!” Keiko tried to jump back, but the light hit her in the neck. “Oomph!” She fell to the ground, and felt a silver necklace on her neck. It glowed pink, and then went normal. “What the heck is this thing?!” She tried to yank it off of her, with no luck.

            “Keiko!” her mother walked to the door. She was wearing a magenta sweater and blue pants, with an apron on her, and her brown hair was up in a ponytail. “Keiko, what are you doing on the floor?”

            “Nothing, mom!” Keiko said, and tried to hide the necklace in her shirt. It still wouldn’t move. It was like a choker necklace. “Just had a bad dream!” She gave a small laugh, and her mother looked at her.

            “I just worry about you, sometimes,” she said. She shut the door, and left the room. Keiko looked at the necklace again.

            “What is this?” she whispered.

 

 

 

            Kasumi walked up to the kitchen with a glass of water, and looked at the TV. The reporter was on it, and everything around him was dark.

            “The town has gone berserk,” he said into his microphone. “Everyone is in panic about the sudden darkness, and people are beginning to worry about the safety of their young ones. Children have spotted strange creatures while they were with their parents. Take this child as an example.” The man held his microphone up to a small boy.

            “I saw a big dog!” the boy said. “And behind it was a skeleton, and they looked like the two monsters that I had in my nightmare!” The kid held up a portrait of a drawing he made. It was more of a scribble and showed a picture of what he said.

            “It looks like a wolf,” the reporter said. “Is it standing on its hind legs?” Kasumi choked on her water, and it splashed on the screen. She coughed and went over to the counter.

            “Those were the monsters Mimi was telling me about!” she said. “The things that were in that war!” Something crashed in her living room.

            Curious, Kasumi went to see what it was. She walked in, and switched the light on. Her window had a huge hole in it, and the apartments below (she moved in an apartment over the year) were outraged by the sudden noise. Kasumi looked out, and saw nothing. She frowned.

            “Did a burglar get in?” she asked herself. She shrugged, and turned back, when a green light flew across her room. “What the?!” Kasumi stared as the green light flew towards her, and looked like a silver necklace. It slammed on her neck, and Kasumi fell over the balcony, and fell from the great height. Am I going to die? Kasumi thought. No!

            Just as she reached the ground she held out her hand in front of her, and a green orb appeared around her. It gently took her to the ground, and she stood up. She dusted herself off, and looked at her hand.

            “Did I do that?” she asked herself. She tugged at the necklace, and it wouldn’t budge. “What is this thing?” She tried prying it off, but the necklace stayed on. Kasumi walked back up to her apartment, and went to her bed, after shutting off the TV.

            Tonight is strange, she thought to herself, I wonder if this sudden darkness will ever lift… She closed her eyes in sleep.

 

 

            Janet looked out the window of her room. She was now ten years old. She was frightened of the darkness that had suddenly appeared, and wondered if someone would destroy it. She looked up at the dark sky, and saw a star fly by.

            “A shooting star!” she said. “Quick, make a wish Janet!” she said to herself, and closed her eyes, clasping her hands together. “I wish— EEP!” A blue light had knocked her down on the floor, and a silver necklace stuck around her neck. Janet looked at herself in the mirror, and spotted the necklace, and tried to rip it off. Then she finished her wish.

            “I wish this thing would get off me!!” she shouted, but she knew the wish wouldn’t come true. She yelled, and from the tip of her fingers poured out a blue light, which shattered her mirror. She gazed at it, and then sighed.

            “I’m just glad this was bought with my own money,” she said. “Tomorrow, I’ll throw it out and tell mom and dad that I don’t want it anymore! But that Chase will try and make them not believe me…”

            “Janet!!” her father’s voice came from the kitchen. “What was that sound? I hope it wasn’t anything expensive!”

            “Don’t worry dad!” she called. “Everything’s fine!”

“I’m coming to see!” her father’s footsteps echoed in the hallway. Janet turned back to the mirror, and glared at it.

“Come on, repair it!” she muttered crossly under her breath and holding out her hands. “I destroyed you, I can repair you! Hurry before dad sees!” Blue light emanated from her hands like they did before, and the mirror’s glass shards put themselves slowly back in place.

“Hurry up!!” Janet whispered. There were four pieces left. “Move!” Three…two… Her father twisted the doorknob.

“Is anything broken?” he asked, and looked around Janet’s room. Nothing was out of place, and everything was normal.

“I told you, dad!” Janet smiled. “Everything’s fine!” Her father smiled at her.

“Alright,” he said. “Go to sleep.” Janet quickly jumped into her bed, and shut her eyes tight. Her father watched her for a few more moments, and then shut the door. Janet sat up in bed, and touched the silver necklace. It glowed a bright blue, and then turned back to itself again.

“I hope this doesn’t stay on me long,” she said, and went back to sleep.

 

 

 

“Just add this…and then add that…no! Kimmie wrote rice! Not mice!” Anju angrily tossed the squeaking animal over her shoulder, rinsed out her bowl, and tried again. “Fish, then salt…”

She mixed the ingredients and cooked it. She put some on a small platter and tried it. Then, something splashed in the small pool of water in the corner. Anju turned, and looked at it. Out of it came a red light. It flew up in the air, shook itself off, and flew towards Anju. She stepped back in time to see a silver necklace, and then it wrapped around her neck. She tugged at it, but the necklace wouldn’t move.

“What is this?” Anju asked, and touched the necklace. “I wonder what it is…” She shook her head. “Time to get back to that recipe!” She got up off the floor, and began again.

 

 

Samantha danced around her room. She didn’t know why, but she just liked dancing. She had moved to Kakariko and was living in a house next to the Windmill. It had driven her crazy at first, just hearing the man in there singing ‘Around’ for the millionth time, but then she got used to it. It wasn’t like a light would hit her and strike her dead like she had hoped it would on her first visit. She danced and danced until she was wiped out, and fell on her bed, her brown hair all over.

Then, there was a knock on her door. Samantha got up, and walked over to her door. As soon as she opened it, all she could let out was a squeal as a silver necklace in a silver light clung to her neck. Sam stood up, and touched the necklace.

“That really hurt,” she said. She tugged at the necklace, and tried to pry it off with her fingers, but the necklace stayed put. “Is this some kind of a joke?!”

She tugged as hard as she could, but nothing worked. She fell on her bed, dazed, and fell asleep. Dancing and trying to tug a necklace off made her sleepy, especially since it was nearly the middle of the night.

“I’ll think more on it later,” she said, and climbed

back into bed.

 

      *                                        *                                              *

            “So, let me get this straight,” Ashley said. “Mimi’s been taken into another realm that can’t open unless we find these five maiden descendants, Ganondorf is back, and Ark has to wake Mimi with a…?”

            “Yes,” Romani said. “You’ve got it.”

            “And we couldn’t go with her?” Epona asked. “That sucks!”

            “You should be glad,” Kimmie said from behind Gabriella. “You aren’t the one lost in another time and place without anyone to talk to, now are you?”

            “That just makes me want to get Mimi out of there more,” Gabriella said. “She’s in trouble, and we should hurry up and get Ark, and start this adventure!”

            “That’s Tolkein right there, right?” Navi asked. She was floating around Link’s head.

            “That’s right,” Romani said. “Ark’s Castle is in the middle of it.”

            “But don’t you think it’s strange for us to suddenly come to Tolkein Castle at this lat hour?” Zelda asked.

            “She’s right,” Navi said. “What if a guard thinks we’re coming on Ganondorf’s command?”

            “They won’t,” Link said. “We’ve been here before.”

            “I hope you’re right about this,” Zelda said. “I wouldn’t want to be locked up in a cage for a said crime made up by some lunatic.”

            “We shouldn’t worry about that now,” Link said to her. “We’re almost to the Castle.”

            The group kept their voices and the horses at a low volume so as to not startle anyone. They rode towards the Castle, and came to the closed drawbridge.

            “This Castle is only open by day,” a guard said. “No one can enter!”

            “What about us?” Gabriella said. “We need to enter!”

            “Not even the Heroines of all the Lands, or the King and Queen of Hyrule!” the other guard said.

            “I’ll handle this,” said Navi, and she flew over each guard, sprinkling fairy dust over them. They looked groggy, as if they just woke from a night of no sleep.

            “The King and Queen!” said the guard who had just spoken. “You all can enter!” He drunkenly stomped his foot, and the drawbridge opened. They left the horses behind, and walked into the Castle.

 

 

            Ark was up in his bedroom. He was wearing the clothing he had worn on the day he met Mimi, (bigger size & read The Past) and kept putting a finger on his mouth, remembering what he had done at the banquet. He kept going red at the thought of it, and so he tried to think of something different. Then, someone knocked on his door.

            “Who is it?” he asked.

            “Pizza delivery for Mr. Prince Ark!” came Kimmie’s voice. “Large, pepperoni and sausage, hold the mushrooms and anchovies!” Ark laughed and opened the door. Standing there was Gabriella, Kimmie, Link, Romani and Zelda.

            “Hi!” Romani said. “Glad to see you awake! We’d have killed ourselves if we snuck up here for no reason.”

            “You snuck up here?” asked Ark, surprised.

            “You wouldn’t believe how angry the guards were when they spotted us,” Link said. “I bet they would’ve locked us behind bars for making two guards drunk, knocking out another three, and then threatening the last four we ran into. Man, Gabriella, you’re a pretty good at threatening!”

            “I know,” Gabriella said, smiling. “Those guards don’t know what hit ‘em! Like I’d actually slit their throats with a Hammer if they told on us! Ha! They’re idiots!”

            “You threatened?” Ark asked her. Gabriella nodded proudly.

            “But anyway,” Romani said, “we need you to come with us.”

            “Why?” Ark asked. So, they explained the problem, and when they were finished Ark already had his sword at his side.

            “You seem excited,” Zelda said to him.

            “Come on!!” Navi said. “We’d better find those descendants, and save Mimi!!” She flew down the hall, and the others followed her.

 

       *                                       *                                              *

 

            “So, he’s coming again, why?!” Epona asked.

            “Because,” Romani said, “we need him for the adventure. We can use his help.”

            “I’m fine with that!!” Epona screamed. “But why is he on my back instead of his horse?!”

            “I couldn’t steal one,” Ark said. “My parents would instantly know, and I’d be busted.”

            “Why me?” Epona asked Ashley, fake tears pouring from her eyes. “Why not you?”

            “Because you’re you,” Ashley said sarcastically, “and I’m me.”

            “That’s a good reason,” Epona said in the same tone. They were all on their horses, and headed for a anywhere their footsteps would take them. They traveled far and in search of the descendants of the maidens.

           

 

 

            Mimi floated aimlessly on a bright pink orb. The area around her was the colors of a sunset, and her eyes were shut in a deep sleep. Though she could still hear her own thoughts.

            What happened? She asked herself. I can…hardly remember a thing… It wasn’t until she was dreaming did she interrupt it, and remember what happened earlier. Ganondorf made a wish on the Triforce, and it went into his hand, she thought. Then, I ended up here. Why can’t I wake up and just leave? It’s almost as if I’m paralyzed. She tried to make a sound.

            “Mom… Dad… Kim—” But her voice came hardly above a whisper.

            Wake up, Mimi! She said in her head. Just wake up, and this will all be a dream… But it isn’t… Some birthday present. I was hoping for a good day, too. But that Ganon had to ruin it. Why me? Of all people in the world who could’ve been chosen for this…why choose me? Was it always… Was it always my destiny? Ever since the day I was born?

            Those questions rang through Mimi’s head, and no solution came. Then, she began to dream again…

 

 

            “…As long as you both shall live?” the priest asked.

            “I do,” Joseph said. A chill ran down Mimi’s spine as the veil was raised in front of her face, then, something touched her forehead. Looking up, Mimi saw that she was reliving the day at the banquet when Ark arrived. She looked at her wrist, and Ark left the dark room.

            It was pitch black, and Mimi was suddenly five again, in her nightgown with her teddy, and running after Ark, still 19.

            “Wait!” she called in her small voice. “Wait up, Ark!” He vanished in a wisp of light, and Mimi was left all alone. She looked around, and then at her hands. She was holding the Master Sword and in front of her stood Ganon. She raised her blade, and something slit her throat. She collapsed and looked around.

            She was in a sunlit field. In the center of it was a tree, and under the tree was Ark. He was wearing a blue suit, and smiled at her.

            “Sit next to me, Princess,” he called to her. Mimi stood up in a white dress, and ran to him. As she drew closer, Ark vanished and in his place was Joseph. He patted the grown beside him.

            “Sit down,” he said to her. Mimi started to run away, but the tree and Joseph never got any further away. Joseph stood and walked towards her.

Mimi clenched her fist as her nightmare raged on. And, because she was asleep, the dream would never end.    

 

   *                                           *                                              *

“Where should we head to first?” Kimmie asked. “The descendants could be anywhere.”

“That’s true,” Gabriella said. “But did that stop us when we searched for the orbs of light?”

“No!” Romani cheered.

“Did we get depressed?” Gabriella asked.

“No!”

“Did we continue?!”

“Yes!”

“We continued on!!”

“That’s enough of your preaching, Gabriella, we have work to do,” Epona said. Gabriella’s face went red.

“Sorry,” she said, crestfallen.

“But, Kimmie is right,” Ark said. “The maidens could be anywhere. How will we know where to look?”

“We’ll journey to each land we visited,” Romani said.

“That would include the lands over seas,” Kimmie said. “It would take ages for us to get there and back.”

“How about Termina?” Romani then suggested. “We haven’t been there in a while, and after that we can go to Japan!”

“It seems like a more logical ordeal,” Zelda said.

“What the Hyrule’s logic?” Link asked her. She shook her head.

“Let’s head for Termina then,” she said, and they galloped off for the far off land.

 

The next day, the group reached Termina, but not without running into some stray monsters every now and then. Even though it was morning, the sky was as dark as it could be, and light never showed. They rode into town, and looked at the empty streets.

“It makes sense,” Ark said.

“Sure does,” Navi said. “Who would walk the streets with monsters appearing so often?”

They headed for East Clock town, and went into the Inn.

(“It seems that something’s calling us in here,” Zelda had said. “We might have found someone to aid us in this epic quest.”

“Will you stop talking like that?!” Link said, obviously irritated. “I can’t stand it!”)

            They walked in, and looked around the deserted place. No one was in the waiting room, and it seemed like everyone had vanished off the planet. The only noise to be heard, was sounds coming from the kitchen along with a voice.

            “Stupid sauce!” the voice said. “Why’d it have to fall on the recipe sheet? Now I’ll never figure this out!” A few more sounds of clambering and clatters came. “That doesn’t go in there!!” the voice said. “It’s supposed to go in the fish! I already tried adding flour, and accidentally put in a real flower! That obviously won’t work! Oh man! Why can’t this soup for grandma just be as easy as one, two three?!”

            “Anju?” Romani went to the desk. “Is that you, Anju?” The voice and noise stopped, and Anju’s head poked out of the kitchen doorway.

            “Romani!!” she said happily. “You’re here!”

            “I’m not the only one here,” Romani said. Anju came to the desk, and looked at everyone. She nodded to the King and Queen, and her eyes rested on Ark.

            “Who’s that?” Anju asked. “A friend of yours?”

            “Yes,” Gabriella said. “He’s Prince Ark of Tolkein. He’s here to help us on a journey.” Ark bowed to her.

            “What is this journey about?” Anju asked.

            “We have to find five maiden descendants!” Navi said. She started to explain the situation. “And then, the necklaces spread across. They’re supposed to attach to the descendants, and if we find them then that person has to come with us back to the Forest in Hyrule. We haven’t found anyone wearing a necklace yet.”

            “Is that so?” Anju asked. She put her hand around her neck, and her fingers touched the silver of the necklace. She immediately drew her hand back, and smiled to them. “Well, I hope that you find a descendant quickly,” she said. “This Ganondorf guy has put us all in danger!”

            “Are you OK?” Kimmie asked. “You sound nervous.”

            “I’m not nervous!” Anju said. What I’m nervous about is that I’m a descendant of a maiden from years ago, Anju thought. Is this necklace sure it hasn’t got the wrong person?

            “What were you doing back there?” Ark asked, pointing to the kitchen. “We heard you talking to yourself.”

            “Well,” Anju said, “Kimmie and the others left me a note for all the recipes that they made while they were here. Grandma fell ill, so I’m trying out the soup that they wrote how to make.”

            “You need help?” Romani asked. Anju nodded.

            “That would be great!” she said, and led Romani to the kitchen. The others went up into the rooms, and there had a talk on what they should do. Downstairs, Romani was busy warming water for the soup. She looked at Anju, who seemed to be in a rush with what she was doing.

            “Slow down,” Romani said to her. “Otherwise, the soup won’t come out as it’s supposed to.” Anju nodded, and turned away. But, Romani had already seen something silver on her neck.

            “Well, we’re almost done!” Anju said, covering her neck.