“Twenty-five pounds?! That’s incredible!”

            “Hah! In your face, Ark!”

“You better be glad I let you get that part of the lake!!” Mimi gave him a smile. She and Ark were at the fishing pond in Lake Hylia, and seemed to be having a good time. For Mimi anyway…

“That’s a new record!” said the man behind the fish tank, removing Ark’s twenty-two pound fish and putting Mimi’s in.

“Stop rubbing it in!” Ark said. Mimi laughed.

“You seem a bit more cheery than usual,” she said. Ark went red.

“So?” he asked.

“Nothing!” Mimi said. “It just makes me happy to see you like this.” She placed her fishing rod on the counter. “We’ll be leaving now.”

“Leaving?!” Ark yelled. “Hang on! I still should get the opportunity to beat your record!!” Mimi pointed to the sky.

“It’s late Ark,” she said. “We should get going. My parents and the others will most likely be wondering when we’re going to get back.” Ark’s shoulders sagged a bit.

“I should be heading back to Tolkein anyway…” he said. Mimi looked at him.

“Why not make your visit a bit longer?” she asked. “You could stay a few days. My parents won’t mind, and we have some extra rooms.” Ark shrugged.

“I guess it could be alright,” he said. Mimi smiled.

 

     *            *         *

“Please?” Mimi gave her parents a ‘puppy-eyed’ look.

“You know that doesn’t work,” Link said. Mimi pouted.

“But why can’t he stay?” she asked. “You let Gabriella and Kimmie stay!”

“Because,” Zelda answered, “he has his own land to rule. His parents might be wondering when he’ll get back. And Gabriella and Kimmie have to stay here. They don’t exactly live anywhere.” Mimi began to think.

“Couldn’t we send a let—?”

“The mail doesn’t arrive to someone until three days after it’s sent,” Link said. Mimi’s head drooped.

“OK,” she said, and left the room. Ark was leaning against the wall, and as soon as Mimi saw him, she shook her head.

“It’s alright,” he said. “My parents would probably say no too. I should probably get going.” He waved, and left the room. The door shut behind him, and as it did, Kimmie, Gabriella, Romani and Karen walked in.

“What’s wrong?” Karen asked. She had a suspicious look on her face. Mimi didn’t like it.

“Ark had to leave,” she said.

“Are you worried that he’ll get back home safely?” asked Romani. Mimi nodded.

“And I hope that he doesn’t run into any trouble,” she said. “After everything we’ve been through, the trouble could be even worse for those that we know.” The others nodded in agreement. Karen stretched.

“Well, I have to go home,” she said, and smiled.

“I do too,” Romani said. “Bye!”

“Bye!” They waved good-bye as Romani and Karen left. Mimi, Gabriella and Kimmie turned around and walked up the steps. They each went into their rooms, changed into their pajamas, and went to bed.

 

 

 

Pitter! Patter!

Mimi was awake in her bed later that night, and was listening to the rain hit her window.

Pitter! Patter!

            She sighed. Tomorrow is going to be gloomy, she thought, so much for meeting the others and playing. Mimi immediately sat up. She had heard footsteps. They didn’t sound like the footsteps of anyone she knew. And it was late at night. Also, the bathroom was on the other side of the hall.

            Something moved on her bed. Mimi looked down and saw her dog, Rose. She was growling softly and staring at the door.

            “Grrrr…” Mimi quietly got out of her bed, and grabbed the Master Sword next to her dresser. She held it at the ready, prepared for anything that would pop out at her. Rose’s hair stood on end, and she was growling angrily than ever. Mimi looked at her pup.

            She usually wouldn’t growl like that unless something sinister was approaching. Hopefully it wouldn’t be that bad. Then, the doorknob on Mimi’s door moved. Mimi began to sweat, and took deep breaths. The door opened faster, and the light from the hall that was used for the guards shined in her face. Mimi covered her eyes. When she opened them she was used to the brightness that was filling her room. Rose was growling softer and had jumped off the bed. Mimi walked to her door and saw nothing there. She breathed a sigh of relief.

            “Do you think those guards could have stopped me?” came a voice. “I’m trained to avoid them.” Mimi couldn’t move. Someone was in her room. The voice sounded relaxed and seemed like a girl’s voice. Rose barked and jumped behind the door like a wild animal. Something or someone came out from behind it, and landed quietly on Mimi’s bed. Mimi slowly turned around.

            On her bed was a female Gerudo. She was wearing mainly black, to camouflage with the night. Mimi’s grip on her sword became tight.

            “Why are you here?” she said to the Gerudo. She smiled.

            “I am here to deliver a message,” she said. “A message for the Princess.” Mimi’s look became a look of anger.

            “I’m not going to listen to you!” she said. “I can’t trust you. Who knows what you’ll do to me after the message is delivered?” She got in ready stance. The Gerudo’s face went serious.

            “Take your best shot,” she said. Rose struck first. She growled loudly, like a wolf in the night, and bit the Gerudo’s leg.  The Gerudo fell on one knee, and used one hand to push Rose off of her. Mimi charged forward, yelling, and swung her sword down on the Gerudo.

            Clink!

            Two swords interlocked. The Gerudo’s and Mimi’s. The Gerudo smiled again.

            “You have as rough tactics as your father,” she said. Mimi growled.

            “Why do you continue to smile?!” she yelled. “I’ll wipe that smirk right off your face!!!” Mimi pulled her weapon back, and sliced downwards. But the Gerudo somehow escaped: the next thing Mimi knew was that Rose was on the floor, panting, and she had accidentally swiped one of her pillows in half. Then she felt someone’s presence by the window, and turned. There was the Gerudo. Her hand was on her side, and the window was open.

            “Before I leave I’ll tell you my message,” she said. Mimi didn’t move; she was listening closely. “My clan is preparing. We are going to avenge the death of Ganondorf. He was the one who let us roam.”

            “Let you roam?” Mimi asked. “What do you mean? The Hylians and Gerudo’s had a war years ago. That time has passed!” The Gerudo smiled.

            “Our attack will be stronger than that of the war,” she said. “Screams will be heard in the streets, homes will be invaded and blood will shed. Your people will be gone… Be ready. We’re being nice enough to warn you.” Mimi was still confused, even as the Gerudo jumped out the window and Mimi looked out, hearing her footsteps and rain mix together.

            Pat! Pat! Pitter! Patter!

 

 

         *          *          *

            The next day was wet. The sun was obscured behind clouds and gloominess seemed to be at the gates. It was early in the morning, and Mimi sighed. She was in her blue dress and tiara, looking out the window that the Gerudo had jumped out the night before.

            What was that? She thought to herself, that person…what did she mean? ‘Prepare yourselves’ for what? The Gerudo already had a war, and we became friends… Or did we? She closed her eyes, still thinking, when something wet tickled her ear. Mimi’s eyes snapped opened in alarm, but it was only Rose.

            “Oh…” Mimi sighed again. Rose whined. “I know. I’m confused too…we should probably tell the others…but I’m not sure…” Rose whined again, and Mimi heard a small groan from the pup’s stomach. “Oh! You’re hungry!”

 

 

 

            Rose ate happily. Mimi stood up, and put the food back on the counter. She kneeled back down, and stroked Rose’s fur, when the pup glanced at the door. There was Link.

            “Mimi?” Link gave her a look of questioning. Mimi looked down, and tried not to make eye contact with her father. Somehow, whenever she looked at him, Link could tell what was on her mind. “Why are you up? It’s early.”

            “I was wondering the same thing,” Mimi said softly. “I guess I couldn’t sleep…” She still didn’t look at Link, although he could almost tell Mimi had something on her mind.

            “What’s wrong?” Link asked. “You’re quieter than usual.” Mimi looked at the clock on the wall: 5:30. Mimi sighed for the third time that morning. She might as well tell him. So Mimi told Link of the Gerudo that had snuck in without the guards noticing. And of the message that had been delivered to her. When she finished, Link was perplexed.

            “I’m confused too,” Mimi said. “Didn’t Hyrule already have a war with the Gerudo? After that we all got along, right?” Link didn’t respond. “Dad?”

            “Go occupy yourself,” he said. “I need to wake up your mother.” Mimi knew what that meant. Whenever there was a problem and the parents had to talk, it meant business. She decided not to ask questions, but put away Rose’s clean bowl, picked her up, and left the room. Link was still deep in thought.

 

 

 

            “Someone snuck in?” Kimmie asked. Mimi nodded. “A message…of preparing ourselves? What does that mean?” Gabriella made herself comfortable in the armchair. Romani and Karen were on the couch, Mimi was kneeling near the table, and Kimmie was across from her. The five were in one of the living rooms of the castle, and Mimi had just told them of the encounter the night before. Mimi moved her hands up and down her braid.           

            “The Gerudo already had a war,” Gabriella said.

            “That’s what I told dad and the Gerudo,” Mimi said to her.

            “S-s-h!” Romani said. She had gotten up and had an ear on the door, listening to someone. Karen got up and went to the door with Romani. She turned around and looked at Mimi.

            “Mimi, I think you should listen to this,” she said. Mimi stood up, and also put her ear on the door. On the other side, she could hear her parents and others talking. She beckoned the others, and they came over. It was Link’s voice…

            “…Could be more dangerous than any battle I’ve ever been in,” he was saying.

            “Of course it could be!” came Zelda’s voice. “Link, this is serious. Why would the Gerudo go to Mimi, and not to us?”

            “Maybe we should go to the Gerudo, and see what the problem is,” came a guard’s voice.

            “That seems like a good idea,” said Zelda.

            “But what of the Princess and her friends?” came Betty’s voice. Everyone seemed to ponder the question, for there was a moment of silence.

            “We’ll leave some guards and maids here, while some of our best fighters go to the Valley, in case any trouble arises,” said Link. There were murmurs of agreement. Mimi felt herself sweat. She moved a bit from the door, but not far enough for the conversation to die away.

            “There’s no time to lose.” Mimi recognized the voice as Sen, the Captain of the Guard. “We should get this sorted out as soon as possible.” Chairs were pushed out, and the girls scurried away from the door. Then a yell came from outside.

            “HELP!!!!!!” Gabriella looked out the window, and motioned for the others. They ran over to her. Outside, running for the center of the market was a man. His clothes were ruined, and he looked like he’d seen a ghost. “HELP ME!!!”

            “What’s wrong with him?” Kimmie asked.

            “Let’s see,” Karen said. She was at the door, and already had it open. The girls all ran at top speed down to the market. They heard the steps of the grownups, and took a different path. This one was shorter, so the girls reached the man first.

            “What’s wrong?” Mimi asked him. He was breathing heavily, and was dripping wet. Mimi kneeled in front of him.

            “Princess!” the man said. “Thank goodness… I was attacked!”

            “By what?” asked Gabriella.

            “By beasts!” the man answered. Although it was still early, people began coming out of their homes.

            “Move! This man needs medical care!” The Marketplace doctor came out of his building next to the Potion Shop. He also had an umbrella by his side. It was then Zelda, Link, Betty and the others arrived.

            “Where is—?” Zelda began, but she spotted Mimi. She ran forward, and looked at the man, and the doctor. “Will he be alright?”

            “With some treatment and rest, he should be,” the doctor answered. Zelda breathed a sigh of relief.

            “Dad!” A little boy came running from his home near an outdoor shop. “Dad! Dad are you OK?” The man nodded.

            “This is your father?” Link asked the little boy. He nodded. “He’s going to be a bit tired, and weak, so give him a chance to—” The boy hugged his father tight.

“—Breathe,” Link finished. The man winced, and his son released him.

“Are you OK?” he asked. His father nodded.

“I’ll be fine,” he said.

“Mind telling us why you’re all hurt?” Kimmie asked. The man coughed.

“I was riding near the river, just to explore for awhile. I had never been outside the market other than to Kakariko you see,” he began.

“The river near the Forest?” asked Mimi. The man nodded.

“I was riding near the river,” he said, again, “ to explore, and it began to rain. I stopped and got off my horse and looked around. I heard a rustling behind me and when I turned around, my horse was gone! I went to look for it and I searched behind a tree. The first thing I saw were bones. I didn’t see my steed taken so apparently my horse was…eaten by something without my noticing. I backed away from the tree, and fell into the river. When I came back out, my eyes were blurry co I couldn’t see much. But what I did manage to see was a girl. She was standing on top of a tree, and right below her were wolves! They were standing on their hind legs like regular people!”

“Wolfos,” Mimi said.

“That’s what they were called?” asked the man. “Well, those Wolfos as you call ‘em, they came forward and all I saw were teeth. Bright red, teeth. I yelled and swam out of that water, and tripped. A Wolfos I think managed to give me a few cuts and bruises here and there, but I kept running here, quick as I could.” The villagers looked at him.

“I told you my story,” he said. “And now, I’d like to…rest…” He collapsed.

“Just tired,” said the doctor. With help, the man was taken to his house.

“Come on, Mimi,” Gabriella said, and she and the others headed back to the castle. But Mimi stayed behind, the rain hitting her head. She looked up at the gray sky.

“Girl…?” she said. “Wolfos…?”

 

 

 

“Where are you going?” asked Mimi. Link mounted his horse, and Zelda mounted hers. Around them, five guards were mounting their horses too.

“To Gerudo Valley,” Zelda answered. “We’re going to see what they want, and if there’s a problem that needs to be solved so that a war doesn’t start. We don’t want to repeat history.”

“When are you getting back?” Mimi asked.

“Probably not until this evening,” Link said. “Take care of yourself.” Without anything else said, he led the others off onto the rainy field of Hyrule. Mimi watched them, and waved.

“Be careful,” she said. She walked back into the castle.

“They’re headed to Gerudo Valley, aren’t they?” Betty asked as Mimi came in. She nodded. “Don’t worry. They’ll be back in one piece and I’m sure they’ll have this all sorted out.”

“I hope you’re right,” Mimi said. Betty gave her a reassuring smile and the two headed upstairs.

 

 

 

“We’re almost there!” Link yelled over the rain. “Just a bit further!” The group was making its way down a steep hill towards the deserts of Gerudo Valley. As they got there, the rain began to slow, although the clouds were still gray.

“Is this it?” Sen asked. Link nodded. The group rode forward, and crossed a bridge to the gate of the entrance to Gerudo Fortress.

“Is there a problem?” asked one of the guards.

“Yes,” Zelda answered. “One of you came to my daughter’s bed last night, and told her that you all wished to start a war. We’ve come to see whatever is wrong so that no battle should start.”

The guards looked at each other.

“This way,” one said. Everyone got off of their horse, and led them to another guard. They all then followed the two Gerudo.

 

 

“Why would we start a war?” The group had entered the Fortress, and was talking to the leader of the Fortress, Sabrina. She was wearing white clothing, and had short red-orange hair.

“That’s what we want to know,” Zelda said. “One of your thieves snuck into my castle, and gave my daughter that message.” Sabrina began to think.

“Was this Gerudo as you say, at a young age?” she asked.

“We don’t know,” Link said. “We weren’t given all the details.” Sabrina gave him a worried look.

“She was, wasn’t she?” Sabrina asked in a trembling voice. “Oh no…” She mumbled under her breath, Megané.

“What?” Sen looked at her.

“Megané!” Sabrina said louder. “Megané, oh no…”

“Could you fill us in here?” Link asked. “We’re kind of clueless.” Sabrina sighed.

“Megané was the youngest out of all of us,” she said. “She was a great Gerudo, and learned quickly… But then, a day came when she felt like she was wasting her energy here. So she left to start something new. She left without us noticing, and a few days later we looked everywhere for her, but nothing.

“That’s when Ganondorf first took over. She joined him, and when you first defeated him she was defeated as well. But, when his second defeat came, she was angrier than ever. We caught wind of mysterious deaths around too. It was most likely her doing out of rage. We then realized that Megané was avenging the death of the Evil King. She sent us a letter after such a long time, and told us everything. She said she’d start a war like no other, worse than the one our lands had ever had. We don’t know what will happen though. She told your daughter to prepare for a war, right? That makes sense. She couldn’t deliver a message like that to the King and Queen, but rather, someone her own age.”

“That explains why she told Mimi about this, and not us,” Zelda said.

“We’ll help,” Sabrina said. “We’ll help in any way we can to fight in this war.”

“So you knew her,” Sen said. Sabrina nodded. “She wants to kill every last one of us. But why?”

“Because,” Sabrina said, “Just in case Ganondorf returns, no one can rise to defeat him. Though we hope he won’t reign again.”

“So there’s no choice?” Link asked. “We have to fight, no matter what?”

“If you turn down Megané’s challenge, she’ll deliver a surprise attack,” Sabrina said.

“Her and what army?” Sen asked. He stifled a laugh.

“Her army of Wolfos,” Sabrina answered. Her look wiped the smile right off Sen’s face. “Let me tell you, those brutes don’t show mercy. If they’re told to kill, they’ll kill without hesitation. Young and old alike will die. It just won’t matter to her.” Zelda headed for the exit of the Fortress.

“Thank you for your help,” she said. “We’ll be prepared for battle by tomorrow morning.”

“You’re going to fight? So soon?” Sabrina asked.

“I will protect my people,” Zelda answered, and left. Sabrina turned to the others.

“Let her know that my Gerudo will come and help in the battle,” she said. They nodded, and also left.

 

 

 

Mimi paced up and down the living room. Where are they? She looked at the clock: 7:oo. They said they’d be back by evening!

“Stop worrying, Mimi,” Gabriella said. “You’re going to give yourself a headache.” Mimi stopped moving, and went to the window.

“They’re here!” she exclaimed happily. Her look turned to fear as she saw the looks on everyone’s faces.

“Sen, get your men ready,” Link said.

“Yes sir!” Sen galloped quickly down the path.

“We have to be ready by sunrise,” Zelda said to him. “Sunrise, when all of this will begin, and hopefully after a short time forgotten.” They rode for the castle.

“What is it?” Romani asked. “Is everything OK?” Mimi moved from the window, trembling.

“Mimi?” Karen took a few steps towards her.

“We’re fighting,” Mimi’s voice almost cracked with the fear in her tone, no matter how hard she tried to hide it. “We’re fighting.” Tears formed in her eyes, and Mimi broke down. Karen tried to comfort her friend.

“Don’t cry,” she said.

“How can I not?!” Mimi yelled. “How can I not cry for whatever my future is going to be! How can I not cry, for a huge war that might destroy everything?” She sniffed. “How?” She began to cry again.

“Let’s all go to sleep,” Kimmie said. “We should rest after today.” Karen and Romani headed for the door. When Karen opened it, Betty was there.

“You aren’t going home tonight,” she said. “You’re to be here at the castle until its safe. After all of this, the streets aren’t safe either, not even with a skilled defender around. Your rooms are the two next to Gabriella and Kimmie’s. Don’t worry though. Your parents have been informed.” Karen was confused, and Romani was nervous. But they nodded, and Betty led the four girls out of the room.

Rose poked Mimi with her snout, and Mimi relaxed. They also went to bed.

 

 

 *              *           *

The castle was quiet the next morning. But Mimi and the girls were all being protected wherever they went. Guards would patrol around them, and make sure they were safe. Mimi could hardly get used to it, even as the clock struck noon in the dining hall.

“Twelve o’ clock,” Gabriella said. “And still no war.”

“Maybe we won’t fight today,” Karen said. “It could be later this week.” But they all knew inside that the war was going to be that day, just not that second.

Mimi was over by the window and was watching the borders of the field. Knights and warriors were all in an even crowd, and positioned to fight. In front of them, Mimi could see her parents.

Over the hill, someone ran towards them. Mimi looked as close as she could from where she was, and saw that it was the messenger. He ran up to her parents, and told them something. They nodded back, and said something to him, and the messenger ran into town, shutting his door behind him. Even from the window, Mimi could hear him lock his door.

Then, from the west, the Gerudo arrived. They weren’t wearing any armor, but were in their fighting outfits, so that they could move easier. Mimi caught the name Sabrina as Zelda spoke to the leader. Obviously that was her name. The groups moved together, making an even bigger army.

Mimi looked out over the hills again, for something had caught her eye. It was a Wolfo. But it was behind a bunch of trees and bushes, and no one noticed it.

Mimi started to panic. What if that Wolfo killed someone? She saw it slink past a guard, and got into town. Still no one noticed it. The Wolfo was at the door of the man from the other day now. And still it wasn’t seen. Mimi couldn’t take it anymore. She opened the window and stood on the sill. She hesitated hoping that the sort of floating spell she learned could save her. But her motivation was given: The Wolfo stretched out a claw to break the door down.

“Mimi!!” Karen ran towards the window, and looked around. “Where’d she go?”

“Look!” A guard from outdoors spotted Mimi in the air. Mimi had completely forgotten her sword, but there was no time to get it. The Wolfo already broke the door down.
            Inside, the man was on the bed, still sleeping from the day before. The boy sat up, and saw the Wolfo in his doorway. He screamed and stood in front of his dad.

“Take this, you pile of fleas!!” BAM!! The Wolfos stood there a while, dazed, and then collapsed. Behind it was Mimi. Her fist was forward from her punch, and she had a serious look on her face. “That’ll teach you…”

“Th-thank you!” the boy stammered. Mimi looked at him.

“Get far away from this room,” she said. She said it so sternly that the boy almost yelped at her anger. Mimi left him and walked towards the army. As she got there, her father was the first to spot her.

“What are you doing here?!” he yelled at her.

“I’ve come to help,” Mimi said strongly.

“You can’t just march into battle!!” Zelda yelled. “It’s too dangerous!!” Mimi pushed her bangs up to reveal her forehead, where a golden Triforce glowed.

“I have Courage, Strength, and Wisdom,” she said. “I can help in this war.” Zelda looked nervous for a moment, and then sighed.

“I guess you can,” she said. Mimi wasn’t looking at her, though. She pointed to the hills.

“Someone approaches,” she said. It was Megané. Behind her were tons of Wolfos growling, snarling, and showing off their teeth.

“It’s her,” Link said.

“Megané,” Sabrina continued. Megané smiled and cupped her hands to her mouth.

“I’ve come for a war, Hylians!” she called. “I hope you’re prepared, because no lives will be spared!!” For a while, no one moved. Zelda whispered to Mimi, “Go back to the castle. I know you posses the power of the Triforce, but it’s still too dangerous. Go back.” Mimi didn’t need telling twice. Her fear had gotten the best of her. She ran away as quick as she could.

Unfortunately, Megané noticed a dress sweep past a guard’s horse. She looked at the Wolfos by her side, and tilted her head toward Mimi. It immediately got the message. It tilted its head back, and let forth a long howl. It ran forward, and pelted through the crowd with incredible speed.

Mimi ran as quickly as she could and didn’t look back, until that moment. The Wolfos behind her was gaining on her. She ran faster and faster, but could still hear its snarling voice. Finally, she stopped and turned. The Wolfos didn’t however, and continued to run. Mimi jumped out of the way, and behind her was a tree. The Wolfos slammed right into it, and fell.

Mimi panted, turned and ran towards the castle again.

Back on Hyrule Field, no one struck first yet. Megané became irritated. She looked at her army of Wolfos.

“Time for them to die,” she said. The Wolfos howled, and ran forward, into a battle that could change Hyrulian history. But Megané kept four back.

“Wait,” she said to them. “There’s a select few that I want you to kill.”

“Let us march into battle!!!” Zelda yelled.

“Protect everyone you care for,” Link said, “and fight!” The army cheered, and charged forward. There was a bunch of confusion throughout the War: Gerudo’s were attacking the Wolfos on the right and would often leave their battle to help someone else. The Hyrulians were slicing with their knives and swords, with Zelda in back firing spells. She turned around and saw Megané and a few Wolfos headed for the castle. She contacted Link, and they followed.

 

 

“You could have killed yourself!!” Karen cried to Mimi.

“I can take care of myself,” Mimi said to her.

“So then why the Hyrule did you jump out the window?” Romani asked. “I don’t call that taking care of yourself!”

“I was saving the man and his son from the other day,” Mimi said. “If I didn’t do anything there would already be two deaths in this land.”

“I think there’s going to be more if we don’t leave,” Gabriella said, looking out. Megané was running towards the castle with Wolfos next to her. Right behind them were Mimi’s parents.

“Why’s she here?” asked Mimi.

Because, Zelda’s voice telepathically entered Mimi’s mind.

Mom?

Yes. That Gerudo wants you all gone. She’s trying to avenge the death of the Evil King, by killing the ones who killed him. Mimi stood stock-still.

  Hurry! Take Gabriella, Romani and Kimmie to the courtyard! Your father and I will meet you there.

What about Karen?

Take her as well. We can’t risk losing her for the sake of your safety. Now go! Before it’s too late!

Mimi nodded, and turned to everyone else.

“My parents are meeting us in the courtyard,” she said to them. “We have to hurry, before that Gerudo and her Wolfos get here. Follow me.” The girls nodded to each other, and left the guards in the room.

Running down flights of steps, the girls moved quickly and headed to the castle courtyard. Once there, they looked around.

“Aren’t they supposed to be here?” asked Karen. Mimi looked up at the sky. It was still gray, and raining. Then she sensed something behind her. She turned and saw her parents. Zelda was on her horse and Link next to her on his.

“You’re all here?” asked Zelda getting off.

“Yes,” answered Mimi.

“Good.” She walked towards them.

“Mom, what’s going on?”

“No time to explain now,” Zelda answered. She waved her hand in front of them and behind them came a white portal. “Wherever this takes you, promise you’ll be safe.”

“You don’t know where it leads?” Romani asked. Zelda shook her head.

“Take good care of yourselves,” Link said. Just then, a Wolfo came and jumped in front of the girls. Sabrina landed right in front of it.

“GO!!” she said to them. “We’ll hold them off!!” Megané jumped from her spot on the wall where she was hiding at that moment.

“No!” she said. “You aren’t going anywhere!” Gabriella, Kimmie and Romani all jumped in the portal.

“Come on Mimi!” Karen said. She jumped in. Megané quickly moved forward, but Mimi moved back a bit. A Wolfo went forward and she received a cut on her leg from it. She landed in front of the portal, and yelled a bit too late though. She gripped her leg, and looked back at the portal. It was starting to shimmer away. For a split second it vanished, and reappeared again.

“GO!!” Zelda said to her, as she fired at a nearby Wolfo. “I’ll bring you back when this is all over, or when we need your help…but for now, stay safe!” Mimi nodded and jumped into the portal.

 

 

 

 *              *           *

A 17-year old Japanese College student sat on her couch watching TV. She had long black hair, brown eyes, and wore a white T-shirt along with jeans with holes at the knees.

“Yeah!” she cried, and punched her fist in the air. “Beat ‘em up, Sasuke!!” She then heard a ripping sound from outside.

“What was that?” She sat up, and put on her shoes. She grabbed her coat and umbrella and ran out the door. The girl went to the side of her house, and saw the dumpster. “I know I heard something…” She moved towards the dumpster and looked around it.

“Is anyone…or anything there?” she asked. No answer. After a while she heard a voice. She couldn’t understand it though, so she could only hear someone speaking. The girl moved towards the voice, and saw another person of about her age.

She wore a blue dress, and had on a small tiara. She also had pointy ears. She seemed kind, but what caught her eye was the girl’s leg had a cut on it, and it was bleeding.

“You’re hurt!” The girl looked up at her, and moved back.

“Who are you?” she asked. The other blinked.

 “I’m Kasumi.” The two spoke two totally different languages, and couldn’t understand each other. But Kasumi had a feeling she was being asked her name.

“Mimi.” Kasumi was confused. The girl, Mimi, couldn’t speak Japanese at all!

“How did you get here?” Kasumi asked. Mimi sat there with a confused look. “Come on.” She motioned for Mimi to follow her, and they went into Kasumi’s house. There, she put a blanket around Mimi, and sat her on the couch.

             “Thank you,” Mimi said. Kasumi was tired of not getting a single word of Mimi’s and tried to speak her language.

            “Here, you say ‘arigato’ which means ‘thank you’,” she said. “Or ‘domo arigato’ meaning ‘thank you very much’.” Mimi nodded.

            “Domo arigato,” she said. Kasumi smiled.

“Now, I’ll teach you the rest of my language, so that we can communicate,” she said, and began to teach her the Japanese language. Mimi was a quick study and mastered it easily. Soon she was telling Kasumi how she had gotten there.

When she finished, she looked at the ‘box’ that had flashing pictures on it. She listened as one of the characters with pink hair ran up and strangled a boy with blonde hair in mainly orange.

“NARUTO!!” the girl yelled. “ARE YOU TRYING TO GET US KILLED?! AAH! THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!!” The boy, Naruto, gagged.

“OK!” he said. “Sorry! Sheesh!”  

            “What is this land?” Mimi asked when she finished.

            “This is Japan,” answered Kasumi. “We’re in a town called Tokyo.”

            “Tokyo,” Mimi repeated the name.

            “So you came here through a portal?” Kasumi asked. Mimi nodded. “And there’s a war going on in your homeland, so you can’t go back until this Queen Zelda person, your mom, makes another to bring you back?”

            “She was trying to keep me safe,” Mimi said. “I came here with four others like I told you, but I think we may have been separated.”

“You can stay here!” Kasumi said. “Until you find your friends and get back home.” Mimi nodded.                    “I guess it could be OK,” she said.

            “You need some new outfits,” Kasumi said to her. “With the time we have left before school’s back tomorrow, we could buy you some clothing so that you fit in.” The girls got up, and Kasumi led the way to the store. On their way there, Mimi had a question.

            “Kasumi?” she asked.

            “Yes?”

“What is ‘school’?” Kasumi stared at her.

“I have much to tell you,” she said.

 

 

 

“You seem like nice kids… Follow me.” The two girls were at the store down the street from Kasumi’s, and searching for outfits that would fit Mimi. The lady they were following seemed like she didn’t care about anything in the world.

            “Here’s the woman’s section,” she said. Kasumi and the lady bowed to each other, and Mimi got the impression she was also supposed to bow.

            “Now, how about we search for a school uniform?” Kasumi said. Mimi gave her a questioning look. “Come on.”

            Mimi stared at the Japanese schoolgirl uniforms. She held one on her to see what it would look like.

            “It seems small,” she said, trying to smooth the skirt down.

            “Try it on,” Kasumi said. “Let’s see how it looks.” Mimi reluctantly nodded, and walked over to an EMPLOYEES ONLY room. Kasumi grabbed her by the shoulders before she opened the door, and led her to the changing rooms.

            Mimi came out a few minutes later, wearing the school outfit, but still had on her tiara. Kasumi looked at her, and took off the tiara. She gave Mimi the thumbs-up.

            Next were regular outfits. Mimi tried on T-shirts, jeans, tang tops etc… She had a few outfits now, so then Kasumi led her to another part of the woman’s section.

            “These are Kimonos,” she said. “We’ll buy you this one”—she picked out a blue Kimono with colored flowers decorated on it—“and this.”—she picked out another Kimono, which was pink and had a wonderful design of colorful dots in the background.

            “They’re beautiful!” Mimi said, and her eyes almost shined.

            “Try them on,” Kasumi said. Mimi went back in the changing room, and when she came back, her hair was in a bun wearing the blue Kimono.

            “I really like it,” she said. She went back into the room and put on the pink Kimono. It looked nice, but not as good as the blue one.

            “They’re for Japanese celebrations,” Kasumi said, after Mimi had changed back into the outfit she arrived in.    

The two left the section and headed for the counter. Kasumi paid with strange coins (“They’re called yen,” she said) and they bowed to the man next to the register, and he bowed back. The two then headed back for Kasumi’s place.

            “We should head to bed,” she said, folding Mimi’s new outfits neatly and putting them in a dresser. “This is your new room.” She turned on the light.

            “It’s wonderful!” Mimi said. The room had a background of pink: the walls and ceilings. In the corner was a bed and next to it the dresser.        

“It’s the guest room,” Kasumi said to her. “I hope you like it.” She walked over to the door. She smiled, and left Mimi to change and slip into the bed. As she did, she grabbed her leg. It was bleeding a bit, even though it was already bandaged. She looked at her tiara that was in front of her.

            “I hope I find the others soon,” she said. “And I hope mom gets us back, and we can go home.” She sniffed, and softly cried herself to sleep.

 

 *                  *             *          “RISE AND SHINE, MIMI!!” CLANG! CLANG! Mimi pulled the covers over her head. Kasumi pulled them off. “Come on! We have school!!” Mimi sat up.

            “School?”

 

Kasumi smoothed her skirt down and hopped on her bike.

            “You sure you don’t want to get on?” she asked, as Mimi ran beside her, toast in her mouth. She shook her head.

            “I’ll run, it’s OK!” she said. Kasumi gave her a reproachful look. Mimi smiled. “So where are we going?”

            “Ino College,” Kasumi said to her. “It’s tons of fun and you’ll make great friends.”

            “Will we be in the same class, Kasumi?” Mimi asked. Kasumi nodded. She then noticed Mimi’s ears.

            “You’re gonna have to hide those,” she said, and pointed to her. Mimi looked at her.

            “Doesn’t everyone have ears like this?” she asked. Kasumi shook her head. She reached in to her school bag and pulled out a cap.

            “ I brought it from home. Wear it on your head,” she said, as Mimi took it. “That way no one will think you’re an alien.” Mimi put it on.

            “What are aliens?” she asked. Kasumi sighed.

            “Never mind.”

 

 

    *            *           *

            Karen and the others walked down the street. A couple of times, she thought she saw long black hair. But when she looked again, it was always a dog or someone else. They had all traveled through the portal, but somehow had gotten separated from Mimi. The four could hardly understand what the people around them were saying, but luckily, while they were wandering, someone gave them a book on how to speak “Japanese”. Apparently the language here. Gabriella had tried to pay him, but he didn’t take it and rather walked away.

            Kimmie flipped through the book’s pages and was saying hi to everyone in their language, and the others read the book too. Karen still couldn’t understand though. So Romani gave her the book, and soon she was talking to the others in Japanese.

            “Where do you think Mimi could be?” Romani asked them, looking at a girl whose hair was also black.

            “I don’t know,” Gabriella answered. “She could be anywhere.”

            “Where do you think she could end up?” Karen asked. She pointed to buildings. “That hotel? That house? That restaurant?” Kimmie sighed, and looked around.

            “She honestly could be anywhere,” she said. “Who knows if we’ll find her within a couple of days?” The others nodded. As they walked forward, Karen’s foot accidentally tripped a boy of about their age.

            “Oh! Sorry! Sorry!” she said, and helped him up.

            “Watch where you’re going!!” the boy yelled. He turned to walk away, and then looked at them again. “Hey, I’ve never seen you guys here before.”

            “We aren’t from here,” Romani said.

            “So where are you from?” the boy asked. The girls couldn’t answer. “I’m waiting.”

            “Uh…we’re from a…um…a big country,” Gabriella said. “Yes, and it’s really far away. You’ll need a more than a horse to get there.” The boy looked at her, non-believing, and said, “We don’t travel by horse. We travel by car, train, plane or boat.” Gabriella turned red. The boy then noticed their ears.

            “Your ears…they’re…” he stared. “…Pointy.”

            “Well, your ears are round,” Kimmie said.

            “Last I checked, everyone’s ears were round,” the boy said back to them. “By the way, I’m Haru.”

            “Romani.”

            “Gabriella.”

            “I’m Kimmie.”

            “And you can call me Karen!”

            “Well, hi,” Haru said. “You guys seemed worried. Are you looking for someone?”

            “Actually we are,” Karen said. “She has ‘pointy ears’ like us, and a long black braid. We last saw her in her tiara and blue dress.”

            “The ears, tiara and blue dress will help,” Haru said. “The hair won’t. Almost everyone here has black hair. I don’t think I’ve seen her.” The girls’ shoulders drooped.

            “So you haven’t?” Romani asked. Haru shook his head. “I see…”

            “Why don’t I show you guys around?” Haru asked them. “While I do, we might bump into your friend… uh, what’s her name?”

            “Mimi,” Gabriella said. “Her name is Mimi.”

            “That’s a nice name,” Haru said.

 

 

     *           *          *

            Kasumi stopped her bike at the bike rack. Mimi looked up at the huge school. It was pretty wide, and looked as if it housed thousands of lessons. Lessons to learn more about where I am, Mimi thought.

            “You ready?” Kasumi asked. She had her bag on her shoulder, and gave Mimi hers. “We can’t be late. The teacher will have us in for detention for sure.” Mimi nodded, and followed her, biting back the question, “What in Hyrule is detention?”

            Kasumi opened the door of class 2A. The whole class was full and all Mimi could see were students talking, laughing and joking. Kasumi led her to a desk a row away from the window. Next to it was an empty desk.

            “This is my seat,” she said. “When the teacher comes in, he’ll want you to introduce yourself to the others. And you’ll need a last name. What’s your last name again?” Mimi tugged on her cap.

“Hyrule,” she said.

“No, that won’t do,” Kasumi said. “Tell him your name is Mimi Trang. After you introduce yourself, don’t forget to bow.”

            “Why?” Mimi asked.

            “It’s showing your respect,” Kasumi answered her. At that moment, the teacher walked in the room.

            “Good morning class,” he said, and walked to his desk.

            “Good morning Mr. Tatsuki,” the class chanted. Mr. Tatsuki looked around the room.

            “Ah, I see we have a new student!” he said, his eyes resting on Mimi. She looked at the floor. “Come introduce yourself.” All eyes were on her as she walked to the center of the front of the room. She looked at the whole class.

            “Hello, I’m Mimi Trang,” she said, and bowed. “This is my first visit here so please accept me!”

            “Where do you come from, Ms. Trang?” Mr. Tatsuki asked. Mimi froze. Kasumi walked up next to her.

            “She’s my sister!” Kasumi said. Mumbling went around. Mimi heard, “I didn’t know Ms. Trang had a sister!” “Is she serious?” “I never knew…” Kasumi continued.

            “She’s my sister, and was gone in Osaka for awhile and went to school there! And now she’s back!” She and Mimi smiled.

            “Welcome, Ms. Trang,” Mr. Tatsuki said. “Glad to see you’ve decided to come back to Tokyo. I will tell you that you’re not allowed to wear hats in my classroom.” Mimi looked at Kasumi. She nodded sadly. Mimi gulped and took off her cap. No one seemed to notice her ears for they were slightly hidden behind her hair.

            Mr. Tatsuki nodded to them, and the two sat down. They then began the lesson. Mimi was sitting in the desk by the window next to Kasumi and was scarcely paying attention. She looked outside, for something red had caught her eye. She looked out, and saw Romani, along with the others. A boy was with them, and looked like he was showing them around Japan. Mimi stood up.

            “…And so as you can see—” Mr. Tatsuki saw Mimi standing. “Ms. Trang please sit down. We’re in the middle of a lesson.” Mimi didn’t look at him, but bolted out of the room. Kasumi stood and followed.

            “Mimi!” The class all went to the window, as they saw Mimi and Kasumi walk out to where Romani was spotted.

            “What are you doing?” Kasumi asked her. Mimi stared at the spot where her friends had just been standing.

            “They left,” she said.

            “What are you talking about? Who left?” Kasumi asked.

            “I saw them right here,” Mimi said. “With a boy… And I couldn’t get to them in time.” Kasumi took her hand and the two went back to their class. Up ahead, around the corner of the street, Romani looked back.

            “What’s wrong, Romani?” Haru asked.

            “I thought I saw Mimi’s braid,” she said.

            “Probably not,” Gabriella said. Romani followed the others, but still looked back.

 

            After class, people began to talk before they went home. Kasumi took Mimi to meet the other students. She was shy at first, but then began to talk to everyone. She and Kasumi then were speaking to another friend of hers, Keiko.

            “Pleased to meet you, Ms. Trang!” Keiko said, bowing to her. Mimi bowed back.

            “Nice to meet you too, Keiko,” she said. “Call me Mimi, though.” Keiko nodded.

            “So, how was Osaka?” Keiko asked.

            “What?” Mimi stared at her.

            “Osaka? Remember? You were there before your return to Tokyo.” Mimi blinked.

            “Oh!” she said. “Oh, it was fun.” Keiko smiled.

            “Glad to hear it!” she said. “I’m moving there soon, and I just want to know someone else’s opinion of Osaka.”

            “Oh, that’s right you’re going there on the next vacation. Right?” Kasumi asked her. Keiko nodded.

            “I hope I get used to the environment that will be around me,” she said. Kasumi gave Mimi a warning look, so she didn’t ask what an “environment” was. So she changed her thought.

            “I hope so too,” she said. She and Kasumi walked back to their seats.

            “So what do you think of Japan so far, Mimi?” Kasumi whispered to her.

            “I think it’s alright,” Mimi answered her. She pushed her braid off of her shoulder. As she did, Keiko got a glimpse of her ears. She ran up to her.

            “Your ears!!” she said. The whole class looked at her, but she kept going. “Your ears!! They’re pointy!!” Mimi covered them and Kasumi gaped at Keiko.

            “So what if I have pointy ears?” Mimi said. She didn’t care if the whole class was staring at her. They can stare all they want. They can’t change how I look, she thought.

            “I knew we weren’t the only ones!!” Everyone looked at Keiko. “They do exist!!” She stood up on Kasumi’s desk. “Aliens!!” Looks turned to awe and disbelief. Keiko paid no attention.

            “We aren’t the only living beings in the universe!!” Keiko said. She pointed to Mimi. “There are aliens…and she’s one of them!!”

            “That’s enough!” A boy stepped out of the crowd. He looked irritated. “Keiko, that’s enough out of you.”

            “But it’s true, Aaron!” Keiko said to him.

            “Would you like it if someone called you an alien?” Aaron asked her. “Look at Ms. Trang!” He pointed to Mimi, whose eyes were trying hard not to cry. “I don’t think she likes the idea of being called an alien.” Keiko looked at Mimi.

            “I guess you’re right,” she said. She jumped off the desk, looked one more time at Mimi, and went to join the other girls.

            “Thanks Aaron,” Kasumi sighed. “You’re a life saver.”

            “I still can’t believe she’s my cousin,” Aaron said, looking at Keiko.

            “Thank you for sticking up for me!” Mimi said. Her hands were in her lap. “I mean it.” Aaron went red.

            “It’s just a reaction,” he said. “Really.” Mimi looked at him, and a vision of Ark came into her head. He blushed like that when he was helping me out from the boys in Kakariko, she thought. When I first met him.

            “You remind me of someone I know,” Mimi said to him. “His name was Ark, and he blushed just like you did after he helped me with other people. Like Keiko.” Aaron turned to her.

            “Really?” he asked. “I remind you of that person? Is he your friend?”

            “I’m engaged to him,” Mimi said. Aaron’s jaw dropped.

            “You’re WHAT?!?” he yelled. Kasumi was also surprised. Aaron looked at her. “Did she tell you this before?!” Kasumi shook her head.

            “Sis, I didn’t know you were engaged!” she said. Mimi nodded. Oh, she’s a princess! Kasumi thought. So this Ark guy must be a prince!

            “Yes,” Mimi said. “I can’t explain though. You wouldn’t believe me.” Keiko heard the conversation and walked over.

            “Do you have a picture of him?” Keiko asked. Mimi nodded.

            “I take it with me a lot,” she said, and looked through her bag. She pulled out a picture of Ark, and blushed. “Here.” She gave the picture to Keiko.

            “Well isn’t that sweet!” she said, giving it back after she looked at the photo. Mimi put it back in her bag.

            “Kasumi, are you sure you’re related to this girl?” Aaron asked her. “She’s like engaged and you’re like…not.” Kasumi nodded.

            “I’m happy for you,” Kasumi said to Mimi. She smiled to her, and Mimi smiled back. Keiko looked at the clock.

            “Is it that time already?” she said, and grabbed her bag. “Sorry guys, but I have to go. Mom wanted me home by supper.” She bowed to them, and ran out.

            “I should get going, too,” Aaron said. He grabbed his bag, and left right after Keiko.

            “We should go home,” Kasumi said. “We don’t want to be here too late.” She and Mimi packed their bags, and left. In the hall, they met up with Mr. Tatsuki.

            “Ah! The Trangs,” he said when he spotted them.

            “Hello Mr. Tatsuki,” they said.

            “I’m glad I found you,” he said. “Do you two mind taking these papers to the office for me?” He held out some papers.

            “Sure,” said Kasumi. She and Mimi took half. “Let’s go, Mimi.” She briskly nodded, bowed to the teacher, and followed Kasumi.

            On the way, Mimi looked at the top of the papers in her hands. She had a hard time understanding each word. Though Kasumi taught Mimi her language, she failed to teach her how to write it.

            “Kasumi?” she asked. “What does this say?” Kasumi looked at her and looked at the papers.

            “Oh, I forgot to teach you how to read and write Japanese,” she said. She looked at the papers again. “This is school Committee stuff. People signed up to different jobs to help out the school. Things like that.” Mimi nodded.

            “So we’re taking the results to the office?” she said. Kasumi nodded.

            “We’re taking it to the principal,” she said. “A principal is like the leader of the school. He makes the rules, and a Vice Principal makes sure that they’re followed.”

            “Did you sign up for anything Kasumi?” Mimi asked.

            “Yes, I did,” Kasumi answered. “I signed up to be President of the Tennis club.” The two walked forward, down more halls, and soon came to the office.

            “We’re here,” Kasumi said, and opened the door. Inside were a bunch of adults on the computer or writing at their desk. It looked pretty busy. Kasumi led Mimi down a hall to their left, and came to a secretary.

            “Oh, hello Ms. Trang,” said the woman behind the desk. Her brown hair was up in a bun, and she wore a pink sweater with light brown pants.

            “Hello, Ms. Kano,” Kasumi said. “This is my sister, Mimi Trang.” Mimi bowed.

            “Hello,” Mimi said. Ms. Kano nodded to her.

            “Pleased to meet you,” she said. “I didn’t know you had a sister.”

            “Well, she came back from school in Osaka the other day,” Kasumi said.

            “But I won’t be here long,” Mimi said.

            “Oh?” Ms. Kano asked. “You’re headed back to Osaka?”

            “I might,” Mimi said.

            “Well I hope you have fun here in Tokyo,” Ms. Kano said. “Ah, are those the papers for the school Committee?” Kasumi nodded. She placed the papers on the desk, and Mimi put hers on top of it.</