Reuniting Lovers in Majora’s Mask
The “Anju and Kafei’s Quest” stands out as one of the most poignant and intricate side stories within The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. This multi-day endeavor captures the hearts of players through its narrative of lost love and the desperate measures taken to overcome adversity in the face of impending doom. More than just a series of tasks, this questline offers a deep emotional connection to the characters of Termina, making its successful completion a truly rewarding experience. This guide aims to provide a detailed and chronological walkthrough, ensuring that players can navigate the complexities of Anju and Kafei’s predicament and witness their heartfelt reunion.
The journey to reunite these star-crossed lovers begins on the first day within the bustling atmosphere of Clock Town. Between the hours of 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, Link must venture into the Mayor’s Residence situated in East Clock Town. Upon entering, the player should proceed to the door on the right and engage in conversation with Madame Aroma, Kafei’s concerned mother. By offering assistance in her search for her missing son, Link will receive Kafei’s Mask. This mask is not merely a collectible; it serves as the crucial key to unlocking subsequent interactions and progressing through the intricate steps of this quest. The limited timeframe for initiating the quest on the first day underscores the game’s emphasis on the passage of time and the need for players to be mindful of the in-game schedule.
A cast of memorable characters plays vital roles in the unfolding drama of Anju and Kafei’s quest. Anju, a kind-hearted inn worker at the Stock Pot Inn in East Clock Town, is the central figure waiting for her beloved Kafei. Her daily routine at the inn provides opportunities for interaction and reveals her deep longing for her missing fiancé. Kafei, Anju’s betrothed, has been tragically transformed into a child by the mischievous Skull Kid. Adding to his woes, his ceremonial Sun Mask was stolen by the notorious thief Sakon. This dual misfortune forces Kafei into hiding as he attempts to reclaim his mask and his adult form. Madame Aroma, Kafei’s mother and the proprietor of the Latte Milk Bar, sets the quest in motion by entrusting Link with the task of finding her son. Her concern fuels the initial stages of the search. The ever-diligent Postman of Clock Town becomes an unwitting yet essential participant, faithfully delivering crucial letters between Anju and Kafei, adhering strictly to his rounds. The enigmatic Curiosity Shop Owner, residing in the Laundry Pool area, emerges as a helpful figure later in the quest, providing Link with key items. Sakon the Thief acts as the primary antagonist, his theft of the Sun Mask driving a significant portion of Kafei’s actions. Other characters, such as Anju’s Grandmother, the unnamed Goron with a reservation, Toto (Madame Aroma’s assistant), and Gorman (leader of the traveling troupe), add layers to the narrative, with Gorman’s role being tied to obtaining the Garo Mask, a prerequisite for accessing a later area of the quest. The interconnectedness of these characters and their individual roles contribute to the richness and depth of this memorable side quest.
The unfolding of Anju and Kafei’s story is meticulously tied to the three-day cycle of Termina, demanding precise timing and attention to detail from the player.
Day One: Unraveling the Mystery
The initial step, as previously mentioned, involves obtaining Kafei’s Mask from Madame Aroma between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM at the Mayor’s Residence. This act signifies the official commencement of the quest. Players who wish to delve deeper into the surrounding narrative can optionally witness a conversation between Madame Aroma, Toto, and Gorman within the Mayor’s Residence between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM. Similarly, an optional glimpse into Anju’s life can be seen at the Stock Pot Inn between 12:00 PM and 12:15 PM, where she prepares lunch for her grandmother.
A highly recommended, though technically optional, step occurs between 1:50 PM and 3:50 PM at the Stock Pot Inn. By wearing the Goron Mask and speaking to Anju, Link can obtain the Room Key. While the quest can be completed without it, the Room Key grants easier access to the inn after hours, proving particularly useful for a later nighttime meeting. The requirement of the Goron Mask, especially in the 3DS version of the game, is a specific detail players should note. Around 2:10 PM, players have the option to witness the Postman delivering a letter from Kafei to Anju at the Stock Pot Inn. This event provides narrative context, showing the initial communication between the separated couple.
Crucially, between 2:10 PM and 8:00 PM, after the Postman’s delivery (or anytime within this window), Link must speak with Anju at the Stock Pot Inn while wearing Kafei’s Mask. This interaction, triggered by the mask, prompts Anju to ask Link to meet her later that night in the kitchen, setting the stage for the next significant development in the quest. Players might also optionally observe a Goron with Link’s name arriving at the Stock Pot Inn around 4:10 PM to claim his reservation, leading to a brief moment of confusion.
As night falls on the first day, between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM, Link must meet Anju in the kitchen of the Stock Pot Inn, utilizing the Room Key if he obtained it earlier. During this clandestine meeting, Anju will entrust Link with the Letter to Kafei. It is paramount to heed the warnings provided: players must NOT give any letters to the mysterious figure in the toilet or interfere with Sakon in North Clock Town at 12:00 AM. These actions can disrupt the questline, preventing its successful completion. Finally, either during this first night or before 9:00 AM on the second day, Link must deposit the Letter to Kafei in any mailbox within Clock Town. This ensures the letter will be picked up by the Postman during his morning rounds.
Day Two: Following the Trail
The second day involves tracking Kafei and uncovering the reasons behind his disappearance. At 3:00 PM, Link should head to the Laundry Pool area in Clock Town and patiently wait until 3:10 PM. Precisely at 3:10 PM, the Postman will arrive at the Laundry Pool and ring the bell to deliver the letter to Kafei. While Kafei is occupied collecting his mail, Link must quickly enter the back door of the Curiosity Shop, which serves as Kafei’s current hideout. This requires swift action and capitalizing on the brief window of opportunity.
Between 4:10 PM and 6:00 PM, Link can speak with Kafei inside his house (the back of the Curiosity Shop). During this pivotal conversation, Kafei reveals the unfortunate truth: he was transformed into a child by the Skull Kid, and his precious Sun Mask was stolen by Sakon. As a token of his feelings and a message for Anju, Kafei gives Link the Pendant of Memories, requesting that it be delivered to her.
Following this encounter, either on the second or third day between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM, Link must return to the Stock Pot Inn and present the Pendant of Memories to Anju. This act informs Anju of Kafei’s situation and his continued love for her, leading to her decision to remain in Clock Town and wait for his return. For players who obtained the room reservation and delivered the Pendant on the second day, an optional scene can be witnessed between 9:30 PM and 11:00 PM. By going to their room at the Stock Pot Inn, they can listen to a conversation between Anju and her mother. Additionally, if the player did not prevent Sakon from robbing the Old Lady on the first night, they can optionally visit the Curiosity Shop between 12:30 AM and 1:00 AM to witness Sakon selling the stolen Bomb Bags.
The Final Day: Reunion and Resolution
On the final day, between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM, Link needs to revisit Kafei’s hideout at the Laundry Pool and speak with the Curiosity Shop Owner. From him, Link will receive the Keaton Mask and the Special Delivery to Mama. It is worth noting that in the 3DS version of the game, the door to the hideout is unlocked at dawn on the third day.
As evening approaches, just after 6:00 PM on the final night, Link must travel to Ikana Canyon. Players need to navigate to the lower area before the river, go through the dark passage, and find Kafei hiding behind a rock. To expedite the arrival of Sakon, the Song of Double Time should be used to advance to night. Access to Ikana Canyon requires the Garo Mask and the Hookshot , with the Garo Mask being obtained by defeating the Gorman brothers in a horse race.
Upon Sakon’s arrival at his hideout, Kafei will follow him inside. Link must also enter to assist in retrieving the Sun Mask. Inside Sakon’s Hideout, a series of puzzles awaits, requiring the player to alternate control between Link and Kafei. This involves stepping on yellow switches to slow down conveyor belts, blue switches to open doors, and Link defeating enemies like Deku Babas and Wolfos. Kafei’s role involves pushing blocks onto switches while carefully avoiding red switches that would accelerate the conveyor belt carrying the Sun Mask. Successful navigation of these puzzles culminates in Kafei reclaiming the Sun Mask.
After 6:00 PM on the final night, players have two mutually exclusive options regarding the Special Delivery to Mama. The first option is to go to the Latte Milk Bar in East Clock Town (requiring the Romani Mask for entry). Speaking to Madame Aroma while wearing Kafei’s Mask and giving her the Special Delivery will result in receiving an Empty Bottle. Alternatively, players can take the Special Delivery to Mama to the Post Office in West Clock Town at 6:00 PM. Giving the letter to the Postman and then following him to the Latte Milk Bar will allow Link to speak with him after he exits and receive the Postman’s Hat. This choice between the Empty Bottle and the Postman’s Hat means that players must complete the quest at least twice in different cycles to obtain both rewards.
Finally, at 4:30 AM on the final night, with only an hour and a half remaining before the moon’s descent, Link must return to the Stock Pot Inn and enter the Employee’s Only Room upstairs. If the Pendant of Memories was given to Anju and the Sun Mask was successfully retrieved with Kafei, both Anju and Kafei will be present. In a touching scene, they will combine their respective masks, the Sun Mask and the Moon Mask, to create the Couple’s Mask, the ultimate reward for completing their intertwined quest. At this critical juncture, with the world on the brink of destruction, Anju and Kafei choose to face their fate together. Players who wish to continue their adventure should play the Song of Time after this heartwarming reunion to reset the three-day cycle.
Throughout this intricate quest, players will need to visit several key locations across Termina. Clock Town serves as the central hub, with important stops including the Mayor’s Residence for initiating the quest, the Stock Pot Inn for numerous interactions with Anju, various mailboxes for sending Kafei’s letter, the Laundry Pool which houses Kafei’s hideout in the back of the Curiosity Shop, and the Post Office and Latte Milk Bar for the optional final rewards. Outside Clock Town, the lower area of Ikana Canyon is crucial for the confrontation with Sakon and the retrieval of the Sun Mask within Sakon’s Hideout.
To successfully navigate this quest, players will need to acquire and utilize a specific set of key items. The Kafei’s Mask is essential to begin the quest and interact with Anju appropriately. Access to certain areas requires items obtained earlier in the game, such as Epona’s Song for faster travel, the Hookshot and Garo Mask to reach and navigate Ikana Canyon, and the Romani Mask to enter the Latte Milk Bar. During the quest itself, Link will obtain the Room Key (optional but recommended) , the Letter to Kafei , the Pendant of Memories , the Keaton Mask , the Special Delivery to Mama (also known as the Letter to Mama) , and will ultimately retrieve the Sun Mask. The final reward for completing the quest is the Couple’s Mask. Additionally, players can choose between the Postman’s Hat or an Empty Bottle as an optional reward depending on how they handle the Special Delivery.
The success of the Anju and Kafei’s Quest hinges on adhering to a strict schedule. The following table provides a clear overview of the time-sensitive events:
Anju and Kafei’s Quest – Time-Sensitive Events
| Day | Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Speak to Madame Aroma to get Kafei’s Mask | Mayor’s Residence |
| 1 | 1:50 PM – 3:50 PM | Speak to Anju with Goron Mask to get Room Key (Recommended) | Stock Pot Inn |
| 1 | 2:10 PM – 8:00 PM | Speak to Anju with Kafei’s Mask to arrange kitchen meeting | Stock Pot Inn |
| 1 | 12:00 AM – 6:00 AM | Meet Anju in the kitchen to get Letter to Kafei | Stock Pot Inn |
| 1/2 | 12:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Mail the Letter to Kafei | Any Mailbox |
| 2 | 3:10 PM – 3:50 PM | Enter Curiosity Shop while Postman delivers letter | Laundry Pool |
| 2 | 4:10 PM – 6:00 PM | Speak to Kafei to get Pendant of Memories | Curiosity Shop (back) |
| 2/3 | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Give Pendant of Memories to Anju | Stock Pot Inn |
| 3 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Get Keaton Mask and Special Delivery from Curiosity Shop Owner | Laundry Pool (back) |
| 3 | After 6:00 PM | Meet Kafei in Ikana Canyon and enter Sakon’s Hideout | Ikana Canyon |
| 3 | After 6:00 PM | Deliver Special Delivery to Madame Aroma for Empty Bottle (Option 1) | Latte Milk Bar |
| 3 | 6:00 PM | Deliver Special Delivery to Postman for Postman’s Hat (Option 2) | Post Office |
| 3 | 4:30 AM | Meet Anju and Kafei in Employee’s Only Room for Couple’s Mask | Stock Pot Inn |
Successfully navigating these time constraints is crucial for witnessing the reunion of Anju and Kafei.