A lot of ponies in Ponyville were out in front of this wooden stage in town square, gazing up to see what was going to happen next. Link made his way to the back of the crowd, barely able to see over everypony, but able nonetheless. Looking at the stage, he saw nopony, nothing save for a broom, a bucket, a vase, and several tubes fixed to the outer frame. He glanced at his feet, hearing rustling paper. Picking it up, he read, "'Come one, come all. The Great and Powerful Trixie performs live today at 3.' Great and powerful? ..."

"Gonna check it out? Might be worth it to see other magic." Navi peered out from under his dirty hat as he nodded. She noticed Twilight's purple horn, unmistakable to her. "There's Twilight. Let's go."

Pushing his way through the crowd, he found himself beside his sister and their friends. "Did I miss anything?"

"Oh, welcome back, darling. How was your trip to the spooky castle?" Rarity asked, clearly ignoring his inquiry. She turned to face him, and paused to look at his nearly torn garb. "More trouble than it was worth, I'd presume..."

The other ponies, mainly Twilight, looked at him. "Not as much as you'd expect, though there were Timberwolves. They were Princess Celestia sized, and there were 5 of them. Shielding was all I could do." Best to leave out the fact there was another pony there, using fire without a horn. "But, I got what I went for, that's what matters." He motioned to the stage. "What do you know of this 'Trixie'?"

"Only what I read on that poster." He again looked at the poster. "It's 3 now, but still no-"

"Come one! Come all! Come and witness the amazing magic, of the Great and Powerful, Trixie!" In a flash of light, trumpets played, and fireworks lit the stage. A dark smoke erupted from center stage, and dissipated to reveal the showmare herself, adorned with a star cape and star hat. "Watch in awe, as the Great and Powerful Trixie, performs the most spectacular feats of magic, ever witnessed by pony eyes!" Grandstanding, she balanced on her hindlegs as more fireworks erupted behind her. When she returned to her hooves, she spotted Link among the ponies. "And whatever he is."

This earned a fair bit of laughter, as the ponies already know about Link. "Such boasting. Unsightly for a lady," Rarity commented.

"Oh, come on! Everypony knows Twilight's magic is the best aro-oh- oh..." Spike turns away from her, and clears his throat. "Oh hey, Rarity. I, uh... Mustache!!" With that, he leapt up on Twilight's back, hoping to hide in her mane.

"What's so bad about showing your skills?" Link asked, saving Twilight the expense of doing it herself. He's known about her fear of rejection since before he could form full sentences.

"Nothin' at all, sugarcube. 'cept when somepony goes 'round showin' off like a school filly with fancy new ribbons." Applejack glared at the mare on stage as she conjured a fresh bouquet of assorted flowers.

"And just because one has the magical talent, doesn't make one better than any of us," Rarity added.

"Yeah," Rainbow Dash interrupted. "Especially when I'm around being better than the rest of us." Aj quickly got in Dash's face and gave her a look. Turning about, Dash looked on stage. "I mean, uh, yeah! Magic, Schmagic. Boo!" She glanced back at Applejack, hoping to see a calmer face.

"What's this? Does the sound of Neigh-saying reach Trixie's ears? Very well, Ponyville. Put forth any challenger, so that Trixie might demonstrate her prowess, in the magical arts." Trixie strutted around on stage, looking out at the crowd, but mainly at Link. What is he? Trixie has never seen one before...

Rainbow Dash was the first to answer the call, arriving on stage in the blink of an eye. "You want a challenge? Look no further than me!"

"The arrogance of some ponies. The Great and Powerful Trixie will to her best to hold back, but she makes no such promises." She turned to the crowd. "Hear Trixie! You all stand before a unicorn, whose magical prowess was enough to vanquish, the dreaded Ursa Major!" More fanfare, and fireworks. This time, it told a short story of how Trixie blasted a bear with magic.

Rainbow Dash stood on the stage, got low and flared her wings. With a few flaps, she was ready. Come Rainbow, you can do this. All you need is 10 seconds. In a burst of speed, she flew off toward a nearby windmill, leaving Trixie windblasted. Rainbow circled around the blades, making them turn, despite there being no natural winds. Then, she broke off toward the sky, punching holes in several clouds. At her apex, she hovered there for a second, then sped through the holes at an increased velocity, creating a vacuum. Around the windmill again, she flew, then again to the stage, stopping on a bit. Both the wind and some rain droplets from the clouds struck against Rainbow, creating her namesake above her head. "They don't call me Rainbow Dash for nothing!"

That was cool, not going to lie. But, how can Trixie respond... Ah, water. "Is that it? Hmph." Her horn glowed her light blue color, and the water from the rainbow evaporated, and condensed into a cloud. This cloud, hastily formed, sent a lightning bolt down, striking Rainbow on the flank, sending her away with a yelp into the crowd. "Who's next to fall under the weight of Trixie's power?"

"Ok, I admit. I didn't expect to see things turn around like that. Very clever..." Navi said to herself.

"Ah reckon it's mah turn." Applejack trotted onstage, and spotted a coil of rope on the side. In a few quick motions, she fashioned herself a lasso faster than Applebloom can get a bow in her mane. In successive movements, she went through one of her usual rodeo routines, spinning it over her head, and at her side, jumping through it at the latter. For the finale, she looped an apple from a nearby tree, and yanked it down, catching it in her mouth. She retrieved it with her hoof and took a bite.

Glad they're not in showbusiness. Trixie spied a vase at stage left that she planned on using later in her act, but that time would be bumped up to now. She reached in with her magic, and pulled out a rope, similar to the one Aj has. Much like a snake is charmed, she manipulated the rope, slithering it across the stage. It perked up in front of Aj, now mesmerized for whatever reason. Applejack bobbed her head with it, not noticing the other end coil itself around her hooves. With a sudden yank, Applejack found herself on her back with an apple shoved in her mouth. Now feeling a bit embarrassed, she hopped off stage, while Trixie and most of the crowd laughed. "Is there any other, who dare challenge The Great and Powerful Trixie?"

Link was among the ones laughing, though it was more of a chuckle, earning a glare from Twilight. She began aiding in untying the bound Applejack. What's so amusing about this, huh?" Halting his laughter, stared off in thought at the pony on stage. "Hm?"

Spike spoke up, from atop Twilight's back. "We need a pony who can use magic. That way, it'll be an even match."

"I get it, Spike, but I don't th-"

"You needn't utter another word." Rarity stepped forth and calmly approached the edge of the stage. "I understand how this might look to you, Trixie, but know that I will not stoop to so low a level as to keel under your pressure."

"... You mean to say you choose not to challenge me? A shame, really. He is right, though. Unicorn magic is bested by other unicorn magic." She then looked to the rest of the crowd. "But to be truthful, Trixie doesn't believe anypony in the audience, is capable of even serving as her warm-up exercise."

"There's cocky, then there's just plain rude," Applejack said, finally freed. "Give it yer best, Rarity." The audience started rooting for her, if ever so slightly at first. Then, it started picking up until they were all saying, "You can do it!" "Give it your best!" and even some nonsensical ones.

Rarity huffed, and hesitantly got on stage. "If I must, then I must." She faced Trixie, then slowly walked around her. "Earlier, you applied 'manipulation' to the rope that bound Applejack. I feel I must forewarn you; my job requires the utmost focus. For I am a designer and a seamstress, my manipulation must be in top form, if I am to do what I do." She reached out with her magic, and retrieved a curtain from one of the houses nearby. "For without my level of magic," she again took hold of a tablecloth, and levitated them to her. There was a flash of light, and when it vanished, a stunning new dress was in its place. "I could not create this level of art!"

Trixie's horn lit again, and flashed a light over Rarity's flowing purple mane. When it then dissipated, what was seen, shocked everypony, even eliciting a laugh heartier than before from Link. "Your mane is so unstylish, it would speak volumes against your skill."

"AAAAHHH!! My mane! What did she do to my mane?!" she cried frantically.

"It's, uh..." Link held back his laughter. "It's a dark green, and not so well-kept, anymore..."

Literally crying, she ran off through town, no doubt to Carousel Boutique to correct her mane. In her hurry, she ran by another green-maned pony. "Well, nothin' wrong with a green mane... right?"

"Anypony else? Trixie grows weary of facing incompetent ponies. How about you." She faced Link, and got into a stance similar to Rainbow's earlier.

"Me? No, I couldn't possibly- Ok!" In a jump, he got on stage beside Trixie. "You want to go against me? Have it your way."

"What are you doing?!" Navi quietly screamed. "Don't do anything stupid..."

"You are no pony, and therefore could provide Trixie with a better challenge. So, what are you best at? Show all of us your skill."

My skill, huh... Hmm... My magic's getting low, that's for sure... I'm not sure I can handle it breaking at full strength. I suppose I could fight physically, but I'm not sure she'd agree to that... Let's try it though. "My skill, is martial arts. If you wish to test my skill," he took a half step back and fell into fighting position. "Then come at me."

"You mean to fight Trixie? No, she refuses to sully her hooves. Do you have any magic?"

He returned to his original standing position and nodded. "Yes, I do. However, It's not offensive, so I do-"

"Excellent. It must be a barrier. Bring it forth, so that Trixie might break it apart." Trixie started gathering magic in her horn. "If you wish to remain standing, then do it."

Link saw she was serious. He started his own build up, careful not to use all of his energy on it, so he won't be wiped out afterward. The familiar blue shield formed in front of him, large enough to cover his chest. Trixie stood in her "brace yourself" stance, lowered her head, and fired. The resulting beam collided with his shield, as a harsh ringing filled the air. Strong as his shield was believed to be, and as surprisingly weak the beam was, he wasn't surprised when he felt very little force against it. This is it? Clearly attacking magic isn't her forte... This is still a stage act, though. Better tone it down. Intentionally, Link withdrew some magic, gradually making it thinner, but still retain its other dimensions.

His ... shield is weakening? Why? Twilight thought as she saw this go on. He took a point blank shot from Nightmare Moon, and he's losing to this showmare? Something else is going on here...

In moments, Trixie's magic blast cracked his shield, and ultimately shattered it, sending Link flying off the stage as it connected with his chest. "Ha! Trixie prevails! Was there ever any doubt?"

Hm. She's too weak to even dent my shield, which means there's no way-

"Link! Are you alright?" Twilight asked as she rushed to his side. As he clambered to his feet, he dusted himself off.

"I'll admit. You're stronger than I thought. It's entirely believable you vanquished an Ursa Major. Sorry I ever doubted you. Right Ponyville?!" With that, the crowd roared and started chanting for more demonstrations from Trixie. That'll make her happy for a while.

"Huh? Did Ah miss somethin'?" Applejack asked, also coming to his side.

Link just smiled and shook his head. "Nothing at all. Come on. There's no place for the defeated here. Let's go back to the library."

In a time-lapse of 20 minutes, Twilight, Aj, Rainbow, Pinkie, Spike, Fluttershy, and of course Link and Navi returned to the library. As they gathered around the couch in the relaxing corner of the room, Link sat between Applejack and Rainbow, both looking at him, while Twilight sat between Applejack and Spike, with Pinkie and Fluttershy sharing the couch. "About this ocarina. You do have it, right?"

"Of course I do." He retrieved it from his pocket and set it on the floor in front of him. The others looked at it with slight intrigue. Navi came down and walked around it, noticing the multiple holes that bore through its surface.

"I heard something about Timberwolves earlier. I'm impressed you survived on your own. Timberwolves can be fierce," Rainbow stated, hovering at his side. "Barrier?"

Link nodded. "Yes. It did hold up, but barely. Though, including this most recent time, it's broken 3 times, mostly in haste of making it. So it didn't put too much strain on me." He looked at the ocarina, and thought about trying to play it again. "I will need to sleep. To replenish."

"3 times? Hmm. Once on stage, I'm guessing the other two from the wolves?" Twilight asked.

"Nope. I fell down that cliffside, put up a shield, but it broke upon impact, thus leaving me with a bruise on my back, and scuffs on my shirt." He returned his look at Twilight. "But still, a weak broken shield doesn't tax too much, it's the second one that got me. The wolves broke through it."

"I see..." she replied. The room fell silent for a moment. "Applejack, I understand you took an interest in what I was studying earlier."

"Yeah, Ah was, an' Spike told me t' ask you 'bout it. What was that, anyway?"

"That, was my research on magical scores. It was an attempt to aid Link. See, I didn't figure the ocarina had instructions, let alone a song list. So I dug. I dug into my books to find, and hopefully compile a list of 'songs', or scores really, that might assist him. Mainly one that can open the door that hides the Sword of Masters. Unfortunately..." She began shuffling her hooves. "I don't have any proof the score I found or created would have the desired effect at first attempt. The books I'm gleaning from don't entirely make sense. And I didn't find any songs at all that would serve as a ...actually, that last one's not true. I think I did find one tune. It was a lullaby way back when the two princesses lived in their old castle. I don't know why I didn't remember it until now."

"Oh? You have an actual song?" Navi asked her, flying to face her.

"Yes." She reached out in her magic and retrieved Starswirl the Bearded’s Autobiography: A Tail in Time. Quickly, she flipped the pages to a bookmarked one. "It says here, 'Below is a melody I used to lull the princess of the day to slumber every few nights. I learned it on one of my trips through time, to meet their parents. Once they understood who I was, they imparted me with this lullaby of sorts.' And then there's a bunch of lines, and notes that I don't know how to read. I do know the last bit though. That part means, 'ad infinitum'. It means 'repeat forever', which I think is until they fell asleep."

Navi flew over to look at it. Not well versed in sheet music, she couldn't tell what it would sound like. "I don't even know what that would sound like." Then she flew back to the ocarina to see what it might say, in terms of labeling.

"ummm..."

"And unless I can find a way to read music, I'm afraid progress in creating the proper sequence of notes will be slow," Twilight added, looking again at the book and its contents. She flipped the page and read on to herself.

"Can you read sheet music, Link?" Aj asked, glancing at him.

"i can r-"

"Never needed to, so that'd be 'no'. Besides, if I were to learn, it'd be as I go, not from a book." He looked at the ocarina, and picked it up. Rotating it, he looked at its detail, and also for some kind of hint as to what to play.

"Don't. You already played it once." Navi scolded him, and flew up to him. He just shrugged and looked away.

"listen..."

Rainbow turned her whole body to look at him. "You played it already?" With a smile, she added, "What happened?"

"Nothing I could tell," he replied, looking her way. "And if something did, then I don't know. Nothing seemed different, and certainly no strange weather. However..." Link looked close at the ocarina mere inches from his face. "Now that I really look at it, there's the Triforce on the mouthpiece. Meaning it's connected to Hyrule somehow."

"More magic from your world? How'd it get here a thousand years ago? Or longer? Who could tell?" Twilight asked, looking up from her book.

"There's multiple holes punched in the shell of it too. Most likely for the sounds. 7 on its top, and 2 on its bottom. One of the 7 on top is a bit smaller than the rest, and one of the 2 on bottom is larger than the other. Maybe pitch?" He was quiet for a moment.

"those are-"

"Having held it once before, I had to hold these two holes: the other on the bottom, and one on the top. I believe there are only 5 notes that can be played. With the added pitches, that would make 15 different tones."

"c-can i ju-"

"Ah can read fiddle music, but it's a bit higher tempo than woodwind stuff. Jus' part o' bein' an 'Apple'." Applejack smiled. "But, Fluttershy might be able to help ya."

"EEP!" she shrieked. The others all looked at her, expecting a response. "i mean... yes?"

"You organized the music for the Summer Sun Celebration. Maybe you can shed some light on th' subject."

"That is true, you did appear to be musically inclined," Twilight ensured. She watched as Fluttershy sank into the couch, in an attempt to hide from the eyes of everypony.

In moments, she started her response, though slow-going at first. "ummm... yes, i can read sheet music for woodwind instruments. and-and the two holes you mentioned are for changing pitch into a sharp tone or a flat tone." She felt the eyes return to looking at Link, Navi, and the ocarina. This let her return to her upright position. "If you need a practice one, I can lend you one of mine. I made it myself, from a root of an Everfree Forest tree. I made it soon after coming to Ponyville. Remember when I said I saw fairies? Well, it was at that time that I made it. It took a while, but I got the shape and sound right. But... fairies have to be in range to hear it, and I don't think they were..."

"You made it, exclusively for fairies?" Navi asked. "... Have you ever tried it again?"

"Of course. I go out to the edge of the woods once every two weeks, hoping to attract them, but it hasn't worked..." she replied, head hung low.

"This is great news! Fluttershy, can you bring it here tomorrow? And any music you have? It'll be a great teacher for me to learn and better understand sheet music. Of course, I'll need a 'translator', so I'll be needing your assistance as well." Twilight found new interest in her research, likely to spur her on toward her goal.

"I suppose I can... I'l just need to set up a pet-sitter. It'll be no problem."

"Great, now... About Trixie." Twilight looked out at her friends with a serious expression.

"Ah tell ya what, she's got one hefty buck comin' her way." Applejack shared the expression, with a furrowed brow.

"Please calm yourself, no need for violence. Yet..." I hope it doesn't come down to it either.

"Easy for you to say. You weren't humiliated on stage 'front of everypony. Even Link laughed at me." Aj glared at him.

Link nodded his head and leaned away from her a little. "Well, it was a stage act. It's meant to be funny, right? She knocked me on my flank, wasn't that funny?"

"... A little. Speakin' o' which, how'd yer shield break against a magicky beam smaller than Nightmare Moon's?" She asked, relaxing her gaze.

"A stage act, that was it. I intentionally weakened my shield for the sake of the performance. I know she's a fraud, but that kind of public humiliation isn't like me. I acted like I got over-powered, and thinned my shield." Link smiled a little. "And I know I shouldn't have done that, but she challenged me. What was I supposed to do?"

"A fraud, you say?" Twilight asked. "Honestly, she very well could have cast a shield breaker spell. If she had, she might have broken yours. Unicorn magic is among the most potent in the world. From levitation to teleportation, space-bending to time-warping. I admit," Twilight continued, "shield spells are up there with mind-tapping. Breaking a shield with a shield break spell isn't all that impressive."

Spike looked at Twilight. "Especially since you could do th-" He was cut off by Twilight putting a hoof over his face, making her blush a little.

"I'm nothing special... Hey Navi," she started, removing her hoof. "Is there magic in your world similar to ours?"

Navi pondered a moment. "Yes, there is. The Goddess of Wisdom, Nayru, was the most adept at spell-casting. Her vast intellect heightened her abilities, and eventually, she graced a select few in the world with her gift. Don't get me wrong, though she chose very few to bear her powers, she treated everyone with unmatched care and devotion. Thus, her shield became known as, 'Nayru's Love'."

"Sounds sappy to me." Rainbow landed, and looked down at Navi. "You said there's three. What does the last one do?"

"Hmm... I think I should hold off on that one. Wait for a better time," she replied, looking toward Link.

Link got up, pocketed the instrument, and stretched. "Hey Twilight, mind if I bring Spike with me into town? I got some stuff I need his help with."

Spike got up and walked to him. "Can I?"

"I suppose... Only if somepony stays here and helps we with my research." Twilight looked around at everypony.

"Egghead stuff. Not it!" In fractions of a second, Rainbow flew out of the library, leaving everypony else in the dust. Fluttershy quietly followed after her, and Pinkie soon after as well, leaving Applejack sitting beside her.

"Ah guess it couldn't hurt." Applejack trotted over to the bookshelves. "Whatcha need?"

"While you two are doing that, I'll be back." Link clambered up the stairs and returned moments later. "Come on, Spike. Things to do." Spike followed wordlessly, with a spring in his step. Navi had stowed away under his cap once more as the trio left the library.

"Since Fluttershy's going to help with the music, there's something that interested me in what Trixie said. She took on an Ursa Major. Since it's a new subject for me, I want to learn more about them." Twilight walked over to the shelves and cast her magic out on a few books, retracting them at the same time. "These will serve for our starting point."

Applejack watched as she worked her magic, pulling the books from the shelves and stacking them neatly beside her. "Start? Ya mean there's more?" She walked over to the stack and read the first one aloud. "Astrology 101. Ah thought you were lookin' up animals?"

"I am, but Ursa Major is a constellation, so if there's anything in that book that could tell me what I don't know, then I won't be missing out. And, with you here, I can have a study-buddy." She smiled at Aj, who sat on the other side of the stack. "I mean, I would bring out my own, but ... it's too embarrassing now." Twilight's cheeks tinted red for a moment. "A-anyway..." She took up a book and started reading, though it could be considered skimming, among professionals.

Link and Spike walked out of the library into town. He looked around, seeing the sun start to hang low in the sky, Rainbow Dash perched high on a cloud, most likely relaxing, and several other pegasi correcting the weather. Then at the town itself; he saw a unicorn sitting like he would, with an earth pony sitting "normal" beside her, some school ponies out playing, and a few other things that weren't noteworthy.

"What did you need my help with?" Spike asked, breaking the silence.

"I need to send some letters to the princess, but it has to be done in secret, away from everypony. That said, I've already brought my writing supplies and money with which to buy the scrolls." He looked around and saw a sign with a scroll on it. "And there it is." The two got inside the store and looked around at the various sized parchment. "Hmm... '1 bit = 3 scrolls', '1 bit = 2 scrolls', '1 bit = 1 scroll', and they only get bigger from there."

"Need help findin' somethin'?" the clerkspony asked, gazing down the aisle with a blank stare.

"Uh, nope, We're good. But, I'll be taking some of ..." Link pointed, then took 15 scrolls for 5 bits. "these," he finished. To the counter they went, and made their purchase. "Also, I was hoping to find a place to sit. Do you have a room for that?"

"In the back, past the jumbo inkwells." The clerk sent them on their way to the back, where another pony, a pegasus, sat and wrote in silence.

Link quietly scribbled away, while Spike went around the room looking at stuff.

Dear Princess Celestia,

This is your loyal knight Link. I’m writing to you with the assistance of Spike. Regarding my earlier exploration, I successfully retrieved the ocarina. However, in my foolishness, I played a tune that came into my head. Fortunately, it did nothing noticeable. It is in my possession, and away from prying eyes.

Twilight instructed me, or rather convinced me, to bring it back without attempting to open the door in the lower floor. Her reasoning: To further study the instrument, and to construct a proper series of notes and tones that would accomplish my goal. She has enlisted the help of Fluttershy, a residential pegasus, the same one in charge of music for your Summer Sun Celebration. This concludes the report on the ocarina.

Your Loyal Knight
-Link

"Ok, send it Spike." He rolled it up, and tied it. Spike blew it away with his breath and watched as the green mist floated away through an open window. "Good. Now we wait."

"You think the princess will reply right away?" he asked Link.

"The princess?!" the pegasus did outburst. When Link and Spike looked at her, she returned to her scroll, and looked to bury her face in it. She had a green coat and a darker green mane, like she belonged in the woods or something. "s-sorry. that came out unexpectedly..."

"No no, it's fine. You ... you didn't see what I wrote, did you?" Link asked, leaning a bit toward her.

"Nothing at all," she replied, looking up at him warily. "Say, are you by chance that human that came to town last week?"

"I am. Why, is there another you could mistake me for?"

She rolled up her scroll, deposited her quill into her well and sat upright to look at him. "Nothing of the sort. It's just... I've heard things about you since I came here a few days ago. Facing Nightmare Moon like that must not have been easy.."

"You heard about that? Yeah... I guess news travels fast in a small town." In moments, Spike regurgitated a scroll bearing Celestia's mark. "Excuse me for a moment. Spike? You too if you would." Spike again turned toward the shelves at the side beneath the window.

"Not at all." She returned to looking at her own scroll.

To My Loyal Knight, Link:

You don’t need so many formal words in your letters. I encourage such vernacular, but not all the time. Loosen up a little. You are like a son to me, and can speak to me freely.

On the topic of the ocarina, I’m glad nothing happened. Though it is from your homeworld, I believe there is knowledge in this one that will assist Twilight Sparkle. Enlisting the aid of this ’Fluttershy’ seems to be a good idea. With her help, I’m sure her research will bear positive fruit.

On a side note, I understand you had a run-in with an earth pony in the castle of old. I do hope she didn’t cause you trouble. With the day I’ve had, I haven’t had the time to notify her of your visit, and therefore saw you as an intruder. I apologize for that. I will preemptively notify her of your next visit, in hopes you’ll be met with a tad bit more hospitality.

Regarding yesterday, the scroll I received contained information that will be your first mission upon acquisition of the Sword of Masters. You’ll be briefed at that time, so expect a summons from me. Until then, remain vigilant.

From
-Princess Celestia

Interesting... The pony in the castle does have permission to be there. He began writing another, while sporadically looking over his shoulder, to see her wave at him. I must ask her some questions when I'm unoccupied.

Dear Princess Celestia,

So she does have permission to be there. On that subject, permaybe you can shed light on this. I learned of her unnatural ability to throw fire, despite not having a horn as a medium. With just her hooves, she threw not only one, but two fireballs in my direction. They weren’t slouches either; I blocked one with my barrier, but its edges started crumbling. You are the only one I’ve made aware of this. I figured if she was there, then she's hiding for good reason. Best not to alert anypony of her being there, save for you and your sister.

Your Loyal Knight
-Link

"Alright Spike. Send it." Again, he breathed fire on it, and out the window it went, following the first. "So tell me, pegasus, why didn't you ask what I was? Everypony else did, why not you?"

She looked at him again and feigned a smile. "W-well, what you are isn't important. Er, at least not as important as who you are. See, what you are doesn't define your actions. Sorry, that was backwards. Your actions don't define what you are, but who you are... I'm not good at explaining things."

"Reminds me of somepony. So when did you come to town? Couldn't have been that long ago, didn't see you at the Summer Sun Celebration."

"That was here?" She looked on with a shocked expression. Then she promptly facehoofed and slammed her head on the table with a groan. "Just once, that's all I ask..."

"I'm... sorry?" Link grew more and more confused as the conversation went on.

Spike walked over to her and saw the scroll. "So whatcha writing?"

The pegasus picked her head up and looked at the dragon. "Me? Hmm... Well, in simplest terms, a journal. See, I'm something of a traveler. I've been almost everywhere in Equestria: the desert, Manehattan, Fillydelphia, and that's just to name a few. I write down a few pages on my travels, and when I finally get home again, I'll see about publishing it into a book. It'll be costly, but sooo worth it."

"That's cool, I'll admit. Where were you before coming here?" Link asked, also walking over to sit at her table.

"Before coming to Ponyville?" Link replied with a nod. "Hmm..." She dug into her saddlebags on the floor and pulled out various scrolls, each with a date on them. Quickly finding her most recent one, she unfurled it and read to herself. "I was at... let's see here... blah blah blaaah... Aha! 'A little remote town called Appleloosa'. Apparently, they're big on apples. Though most of them are earth ponies, they took kindly to my staying there a few days to check out their town. I even got to help build a house."

"Sounds like it was fun. ... Building? Is it a new place or something?" Before she could reply, Spike produced a second scroll, again with the princess' insignia. "What timing, eh?" He took it and went to his own table once more.

"Hey, you do you. I'll be right here with your little buddy."

Link opened it up, away from the others so they couldn't see. What do we have here now...

To My Loyal Knight, Link:

Ruby Inferno is a pony with a unique talent. I don’t fully understand how she does what she does, but she does it extremely well. Yes, she is there with permission. She has full access to whatever she finds. That said, she has never been to the room below. When the time comes for you to open it, do take caution not to let her inside. There’s somepony you are sure to meet there, one who will shed more light than I could ever hope.

You also said you played a tune, correct? And nothing came of it? My dear sister disagrees. I showed her your letters, and she came to a rather interesting conclusion: your tones carried far and wide, so what you played may very well have affected something from as far away as the Griffinlands, perhaps farther. As this is a magical device, she believes it has no limit when it comes to range or ability. As with every great power, there must be a drawback. Such is the way. Should you learn to fully grasp and utilize this instrument, use it with caution.

From
-Princess Celestia

I see, this object is powerful indeed. But, what kind of drawback could it possibly have? Sore vocal cords?

"Everything alright?" the pegasus asked, as he rolled up the scroll. "You look to be in thought."

"Nothing you need concern yourself with. Official business, and all." He tucked the remaining scrolls into his pocket, capped the inkwell, and wiped off the quill for later use, and stored them both as well.

"Ooh, that's neat. Whatcha got there?"

"These?" He stood and pointed to them. "These are super-ultra-top-secret-void-pouches. Only I can use them. Well, me and one other, but she's... hiding right now." Link glanced at his cap, which went unnoticed as she returned to writing on her own scroll.

"Awesome. Mind if I write about you in today's journal entry?" She looked up at him once more.

"I don't mind, but ... Could you just refer to me as 'human'? I don't feel like giving my name out just yet."

She nodded and smiled. "I'm the same way. My name is special, it lets me know I'm important."

"A name does that? Huh... I ... guess it could be looked at that way. Never saw it that way at all, just as something unnecessary." He motioned for Spike to follow him out. "Well, I hate to leave you like this, but we got stuff to do. I suppose I'll see you later?"

"It's quite possible, though I leave in the morning. I got several more stops before I go home. Going to the mountains in the north for a while. I heard there's a dormant volcano up there. It'll make for a great entry." She continued writing.

Link and Spike walked out of the room, and out of the store, as the sun had dipped incredibly low. The two were run into by two unicorns, both appeared to be very young.

"Hey, watch it, will ya?" the rotund one spoke first. "We're on a mission here."

"Yeah, mission." The lanky one beside him was rather tall for his age, but still thin. The first was shorter, and much heavier. "We have to go get a hayshake for The Great and Powerful Trixie."

"Oh, her. You two know she's just a show off right? There's no possible way she could take on a full grown Ursa Major, let alone vanquish, right?" Link crossed his arms and looked at the two.

"Saying and experiencing are two very different things. Now if one were to come waltzing up Stirrup Street and she did so, then I'd believe it. Until then it's just a stage act." Spike finished the thought and looked back up at Link.

"Well said, Spike. We have at least an hour before sunset, what say we go pay Rarity a visit? See how she's doing after... that."

"Sounds great." The two unicorns galloped off down the road, while Link and Spike trudged on toward Carousel Boutique.

"I mean, I would bring out my own, but ... it's too embarrassing now. A-anyway..." Twilight spent a few hours reading through various books by Applejack's side, who did the same, just not as quickly. Nopony could hope to match Twilight's reading speed, except maybe some ponies she went to school with. Beside Twilight, there lay a stack of a good 6 books. And beside Aj, only 2. The sun had dipped just below the horizon.

"So Ah have this right: The Ursa Major is a tower, covered in stars and astral space, much like Princess Luna's mane. Several times taller than any given apple tree, and incredibly old. They reproduce once every hundred years because of their size, and nopony can explain why or how. These baby Ursa are Ursa Minor, and don't have as many stars, and ain't as dark as the parent." Applejack was just about done with her description when Twilight looked over at her and her cup of cider. "And, if Ah'm not mistaken, Trixie said she vanquished one, a big one, but given what we seen, and what we read, that just ain't possible."

"Yeah, Link said it was a stage act, perhaps he put on a performance. He didn't seem too hurt about flying off the stage at all. Like he planned it or something." Twilight turned back to her book on the needs of baby bears. "Hey, this is interesting... 'Many bears, especially young cubs, find a delicacy in fresh milk. It's been known to release L-tryptophan, or in metabolic forms, serotonin and melatonin, into their systems.'" She looked at Applejack, who wore a confused look. "Sleepy chemicals inside your body. Basically, it puts them to sleep. And since an Ursa Minor can sleep for 3 years at a time, they'd need a lot of fresh milk to put them to sleep for that long."

"That was a lot o' fancy talk there, Twilight. Not even sure Ah caught it all." She turned and took a drink of the cider at her side. "Suppose one did come struttin' up the street, how'd you handle it?"

"M-me? Well, I don't know... I-I'm sure it won't happen any time soon. Besides, my magic is nothing special, so I doubt it'd matter too much." Twilight tried to make herself sound like she had no aptitude for magic, but Aj knew better.

"Uh huh. Yer Celestia's star student. Graduated top o' yer class. Ah'm sure yer magic ain't special in the least." Aj smiled because she knew she had got her. "Nothin' much gets past me, ya know. Ah do learn things."

Twilight gasped, and started to turn a bit red in the cheeks. "A-am I that easy of a book to read?" She looked away toward the window and saw Rainbow Dash flying fast toward somewhere. "I tried to hide it, but still you saw it."

"Ah only saw it, 'cause Ah've been around ya more often lately. Ah see what ya study, how ya study, and Ah keep a note of it." Aj again took a drink. "Ain't nothin' easy about it."

"I feel I must apologize. I meant to keep it all hidden, especially because of how you all didn't like Trixie showing off like she did." Twilight looked down and away from Applejack, fearing her response. She felt a hoof on her shoulder and glanced up.

"Your magic is who you are, sugarcube. But there's a huge difference between wantin' to show yer skills, and needin' to. Ah only hope that when ya need to, ya won't hold nothin' back."

Again, Twilight looked down. If you only knew... what you were asking...

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash kicked down the door, literally, causing the two to panic in reaction. "Twilight! Applejack! Come quickly! A big ugly bear just came to town, and he doesn't look too friendly!" In mere moments, she did burst out the doorway and back into town where a large blue bear was making short work of a building.

"Shoot. I was afraid of this." As fast as the two of them were, when they got there, Link was barely standing on his own, with his sword in the ground for support. "What happened to you?!"

"Those two unicorns brought this... thing to town. My sword's not good enough to cut through its astral fur. And my magic is empty, I got nothing." Despite his words, he got to his feet and charged again, his will the only thing keeping him going. He got as close as its paw, but had to tuck and roll to avoid getting walloped. Its other paw came around and slammed against his shield, nearly tearing it off his arm, and sending him tumbling to the side. As it again came crashing down on him, he side-stepped, and started running up its arm, dragging his sword along. I still can't cut it. Just about at the top, he leapt off, turning and trying to cut through its underbelly in his fall. Upon landing, he attempted to drive his blade into its hind paw. He pierced it, but only the tip. The bear stomped, and dislodged the weapon, sending him once again rolling away to avoid being flattened.

Without warning, he was pulled away with Twilight's magic to safety. "Are you ok?" she asked frantically, releasing him from her grip. "Where are you hurt?"

"Just my leg, here..." he replied, pointing at the torn clothing surrounding his left leg. In moments, her horn lit up and began attempting to heal his wounds, having learned a few healing spells just in case.

"Where's Spike? He's ok too, right?" Applejack asked at her side. Then she looked up at the rampaging bear. "That's an Ursa alright."

"An Ursa Major! What were you two thinking?!" Trixie asked Snips and Snails. "You two are out of your simple pony minds!"

"We just wanted you to show us how you vanquished the Ursa Major," the taller one said. The shorter of the two just nodded in agreement.

Trixie stammered out her admittance. "Well... Trixie... Can't. All Trixie knows is stage magic, just to entertain! Trixie is not that kind of unicorn!" She shook her head in emphasis.

Twilight looked between the shaken showmare and the massive bear. Then, she recalled Applejack's comforting words. 'Your magic is who you are, sugarcube. But there's a huge difference between wantin' to show yer skills, and needin' to. Ah only hope that when ya need to, ya won't hold nothin' back.' Slowly, she took a deep breath to calm herself before funneling magic into her horn. Over a short time, a wind picked up, sending a tune of cattails through the night air, lulling the bear into a calm state and ending its anger. With more magic, she picked up the water tower, unscrewed the top, emptied the water and shrank it down. Now smaller in size, she levitated it through Fluttershy's barn, filling it with cow milk. Once full, she enlarged it and screwed the lid back on, causing her to output even more power, and forcing her to dig her hooves into the ground while still maintaining the wind. After one final burst of energy, she lifted the Ursa Minor, and sent it into the Everfree Forest with its brand new milk bottle.

Finally, the wind died down, and Twilight collapsed on the ground, breathing irregularly. "Wow, that was amazin' Twilight!" Aj cheered. Link got to a comfortable sitting position, and started shaking. "You ok Link? You look a might ... uneasy."

Link tried to stand, but his wobbliness prevented him from doing so, and he fell to the ground in a shaking mess. "I-I don't know what's wrong with me... I tried to fight it, b-but ... I couldn't. It was - I had no magic left..." His eyes started welling up, much to Twilight's surprise. She rose to her hooves to get a better look at him, and frowned in sadness. "I-I was... I'm scared, Twilight. If I was alone..." It was at this point when the tears started streaming down his face, as he took his sister in a weak hug. "I very well could have died!"

The town was quiet for at least a minute, while everypony listened to his wailing. His new friends gathered around him, and the town ponies soon after. "Link... May I say something?" The gray mare from before approached him from the crowd. "I admit, that was scary, but you know something?" she asked in a soft tone, careful not to upset him further. He wordlessly turned to look at her through crying eyes. "You may be afraid now, but were you when you were in combat? Because it didn't seem that way. I saw it all: you fought tooth and nail with that bear, with no fear. I may not know exactly how, or for what reason, but you were blessed with a gift." She came to him slowly and sat beside him. "It's this gift that gives you your courage. The courage that I saw when we first met, do you remember what I said?"

Slowly, he released his sister, and thought back, wiping away some tears. "You said you saw something in me, like a great strength. Is this what you meant? This?" He held up his glowing left hand and there shone the Triforce of Courage bright enough to light the area around him.

"Uhm... kinda? Maybe... I don't know what that is, but I bet it's important. If it's the source of your courage, then it's a part of you. That strength can move mountains, yes, but it won't move if you do not make the journey." She paused and looks to the sky a moment. "I guess what I mean is-"

Navi flew out of his hat and interrupted Derpy's talk. "I think I can simplify this one." She turned to face him. "Farore the Courageous imbued you with her unyielding bravery. If anyone on this planet can stand up to beings like that and walk away the victor, it is you."

"That's exactly right. That's what I meant to say." Derpy smiled and stood. "Feel better?"

Link stood, the shaking and tears nearly stopped. "Y-yeah. I do. But... could everypony go back to their houses? it's getting a bit ... cramped out here..." He finished as the ponies went back to their respective homes, save for Trixie who looked at Twilight with scorn.

"You! You may have vanquished the Ursa Major, but-"

Twilight interrupted her with a simple correction. "Minor."

"What?" Trixie replied, surprised.

Twilight walked over to Trixie. "That was just a Minor. A baby bear. And the only reason it came here was because it was woken up prematurely."

Trixie stepped beach and glared at the two unicorns responsible. "And who's fault is that?"

"They learned their lesson, and we learned ours, right girls?"

Applejack spoke up first. "You was just doin' your job, an' we took it personal. That's our bad."

Rainbow was next. "Sure, it was fun to be on stage and all, but maybe don't brag too much next time, or something like this can happen again."

Twilight nodded. "Go on, Trixie. Get better. I'd love to see more stage magic."

Trixie nodded once. "Very well. You may have won the day this time, but Trixie will return!" She slammed a smoke ball on the ground and ran off.

Later that night, Link lay in his bed with Navi on the covers and Twilight at his side. It'd been nearly half an hour since the incident in town, and his wound was healing up nicely. With any luck, there'd be no scar. Link had a book on his nightstand he was interested in, but didn't have the energy to read it.

"Can you tell me something, Twilight?" Link cautioned in asking. She replied with a nod. "... Do you think... Mom and Dad would be proud of me?"

Twilight looked a little worried. "Parents? But Princess Celestia-"

"My parents... in my own world... It's just ..." He sighed, for lack of better expression. "Nevermind. It's not important..."

"Ok..." she replied, as she walked over to her bed. "If you ever wanna talk about it, I'm always here for you."

Thank you, Twilight...

The green pegasus from the store found her bed on a cloud above Golden Oaks Library, as she settled in to sleep. "That's some kid. Facing that bear couldn't have been easy. But, he pulled through alright."

"You act like you know him," Rainbow said from a cloud nearby, but higher elevated.

"Not really, just met him today. He seemed strange, but that's how I've always been, so we kinda connected a bit, I think." She rolled over and gazed up at the moon as it drew nearer and nearer to its zenith.

"When are you coming back here, Emmy?" Rainbow asked the pegasus.

"Who knows? You know I ride the winds. I will say I'm going to the mountains in the north. But... I don't know... This whole, 'traveling' thing might have to be put on hold for a while." Emmy smiled and sighed. "I still have something I have to do. There's always gonna be another adventure. But, where does it end? When will it be enough?"

"You getting sentimental or something? The Emmy I knew wasn't like this." Rainbow shot a smirk.

"Hey, cut me some slack, it's been what, 13 years since I left Cloudsdale?" She glanced up at her old friend. "And besides, I'm still alive, and young, and there's still more secrets in this world to discover."

"Hmmm." Rainbow grunted a little and rolled away to fall asleep.

"Heh. Night, Dashie." Emmy closed her eyes and fell asleep in the comfort of her cloud bed.

Ok! Looong chapter, (by comparison) and I covered some different things here. Like the "perspectives" of both Link and Spike, and Twilight and Aj. Since Twilight said she was studying them after Trixie mentions them, I decided to include what she might find, with confirmation from Aj. And yeah, the whole Snips and Snails thing was kinda rushed, but I hope it still has a decent flow.

On the topic of the whole "fighting the Ursa Minor and getting wrecked" bit, come on, Link is running next to empty here, and besides, he can barely pierce the thick fur with a sword like that anyway. He tried that. Twilight had to step in.

And... I didn't want to do this, but I felt I should give Link a sense of mortality. He's not invincible, He will face opponents that can and will try to kill him. So, fear is put in here.

Again, long chapter, didn't think it would take this long to put out, but here it is! Thank you for your patience, my readers.

P.S. If you want to know, the green pegasus is named Emerald Storm.