"Princess Celestia?" Link began to ask. "If it is all the same to you, I'd like to know where my assignment places me, before we actually get to the castle."

Celestia, Link, and Navi were on their way from Cloudsdale after a stunning performance by Rainbow Dash. Her Sonic Rainboom had lit the sky like he'd never seen before. Certainly a memorable moment for them all. He had received orders to accompany Celestia to the castle to determine his next mission.

"In due time. More important matters are upon us. Such as the choice of color for your armor. Royal Gold does look good on you. Now you look like a true royal guard, worthy of serving at my side." The princess looked at her young man and smiled a bit. "I trust you still have the silver set?"

"Well, no... Not really. That one got ripped. So I handed it off to Rarity the designer for the dimensions to make this one. It got ripped 12 days ago, when an Ursa Minor came into town. I tried to drive it back to the forest, but ultimately, Twilight handled that for me." Link decided not to mention the need for a new water tower, as that was the mayor's job.

"And how is Twilight Sparkle? I'm not getting many reports from her."

"About that... It's been really hectic since we got there. One of them didn't even count, since it was on the findings of the ocarina, not friendship. She is learning, but... in a round-about way, I guess." Link looked onward toward the castle.

"And one more thing: what do you want for your 13th birthday?"

Link hung his head, fearing this question. "I haven't asked for anything in 5 years... Honestly, I stopped wanting things."

"Well, I got you something anyway. But you'll have to wait until you're ready to leave to open it." Celestia also looked at the fast-approaching castle. "On that topic, you and Ruby are scheduled to depart in the morning after you rest."

"Thank you again for agreeing to send for her. Getting her out in the world might do wonders for her."

"This is no vacation, Link. This mission is serious." The chariot landed as she continued. "You must carry it out with the utmost care."

"I understand," he replied, stepping down. The two of them began making their way to the throne room. Both pegasi escorted them. Once there, Celestia took her seat on the solar throne. Link, in respect and by duty, knelt before her. Navi, however, just sat on his head in the open.

"It was really windy up there," she commented. She then flew to his shoulder and looked at the princess. "I heard we leave in the morning with Ruby."

"You heard right, young fairy. Now, the letter. Have you any parchment?" Link took out a scroll and material to write with. Celestia took them from him and levitated them at her side. "Is there anything you wish to add to it?"

"No, but one more request: do not mention me. I wish to surprise her."

"Very well." She cleared her throat and began dictating, watching the quill match her talking speed in writing.

My Loyal Subject, Ruby Inferno:

You are hereby summoned to Canterlot Castle. Prepare yourself for a journey into the northern tundra. You will be provided with transportation, and funds for your return trip. You must bring with you the following: spare writing supplies, at least two scarves, provisions that can handle the cold, and yourself. You are to depart in the morning. As such, a room will be provided for you upon your arrival. You also will want to eat something before departing for Canterlot Castle.

-Princess Celestia

"How does that sound?" she asked him.

"Perfect," Link replied. He stood up and looked at the princess.

Celestia coiled it up and hoofed it to one of the guards. "Present this to Miss Ruby Inferno at the old castle in the woods. Depart in ten with your partner."

"Yes, milady," he replied. He took the scroll under his wing armor and left for the landing area with his flight partner.

"Princess... The northern tundra?"

"Yes. Second Commander Prism's location is vital. As such, you will make the journey to her, retrieve what you need, and make the journey back. With Ruby's assistance, of course."

"May I have my writing material back? I wish to write to Twilight about this." She gave the ink and quill back to him, as he produced another scroll.

"One more thing for you." She waved to the door on the side, as a dull white - almost gray - unicorn with silver guard armor entered the room carrying a tray with something on it. "It will be cold up there, so you will wear this to keep warm."

He set the letter down, held it up to himself and examined it. First thing he noticed was its white color. It wasn't too thick, so he expected it to be enchanted with a warming spell. "I'll need to wear this under this outfit, so I still retain the defensive attributes of this gear."

"I agree. It is made to control your body heat so you don't freeze. However, it doesn't keep you from over-heating. Also, you should avoid prolonged direct contact with snow and ice. It may affect the cloth's ability. There is a matching pair of pants as well."

"This is cool, I admit. How long have you known about this mission?"

"Since you asked me about a unicorn with Sapphire in her name," she replied. "My sister and I came up with your mission, believing that Second Commander Prism holds one of the three keys you need. Remember: you need the Sword of Masters. That is your true mission." Link nodded his head and stowed the garments in his pocket.

"Princess, is there one for me?" Navi asked.

"I'm afraid not, little one. However, there is a pocket in the coat for you if you desire."

"Thank you," she replied.

Link glanced at the mare who brought it to him. "Is... something wrong?" the princess asked him.

"Nothing," he replied. "Do you mind if I get a meal in the dining hall? I'm a bit hungry."

"I don't mind at all," the princess accepted. "I trust you remember where it is?"

Link nodded, then added, "Can she join me? I could use a meal companion. Eating alone isn't something I like doing."

Celestia looked to her guard, who showed signs of weariness. "Are you hungry? Would you like to accompany him?"

"I am. I would," the mare replied. "But, do not worry for my well-being. I am fine."

"I insist, then. Accompany him to the dining hall, and join him in eating a meal. Have whatever you like. Oh, and feel free to talk to each other. Communication between royal guards is critical to any success."

"As you order it, your highness." She walked over to him and looked down. "We shall leave when you are ready."

"First thing's first." Link finished the letter, and gave it to the princess. "Can you send this to Twilight? I don't expect her to send my supplies until tomorrow morning. She'll be a little busy, I'm sure."

As asked, Celestia sent the letter on its way to Twilight through Spike. "On its way, now, on your way." She watched as the three left the room for the dining hall.

Along the way, Link took note of the hoofscrapes following behind him. He turned his head and asked, "What is your name?"

"You don't remember it?" she replied, tilting her head to the side. "Surprise, surprise. Wonderboy doesn't remember everything."

Confused, Link fell silent in thought as he turned forward. Navi stayed looking at her from his shoulder. "I might remember you. You do look different in that armor though."

"At least one of you knows me." The sound of her being upset was plain to hear. "After all, I couldn't expect you to remember everypony you fight against."

"I'm sorry?" He replied, turning once more. "We have met, and fought?"

"Yes. But enough of that for now. More when we eat."

"Good, because I want to pick your brain about some stuff." The three continued in silence for the remainder of the walk. In the dining hall, lined with tables, Link and his "escort" sat opposite each other, as another mare entered through a pair of side doors. In moments, she came into their table.

She wore an apron, which covered her cutie mark, with holes in it for her wings, and a chef's hat. "Welcome home, Master Link! It's so good to see you again!"

"Hm?" he questioned, looking at her. On closer inspection, he saw a small, star-shaped patch under her right eye. "Aren't you... Night Sky?"

"Ding ding! Winner! You do remember me!" Quickly, she took him in a hug, while the other mare looked on in discomfort. Upon release, she stepped back and looked him over. "Goodness, you've grown. 5 years, has it been? I was told to expect an old friend, but this?"

"Do you remember my favorite food?" Link asked as Navi got down to the table.

"Of course I do. You know, thanks to you, a few of the guards and staff have started including it in their diets, but only in sparse quantities. We are herbivores, primarily, but once in a while, one sneaks up on ya who actually likes it and is okay with it."

"And what would you like?" he asked the other mare.

"Whatever you are having. I want to eat what you eat, if only to see what it is." Silence.

"You... know what it is, right?"

"I don't really care. I have placed my order, now fill it with haste."

"As you wish, ma'am." Night Sky returned to the kitchen and began.

"What was that about?" Navi asked.

She let out a sigh and lowered her head, closing her eyes. "Us 'Royal Guards' are a branch of military that work under the princesses of Equestria. The staff working in the castle, are less important than the military, so legally, the guardsponies are of higher rank than staff. Therefore, it was an order, and she had to follow it."

"Well, you just ordered cooked meat. Are you still going to eat it?"

"I am. I am one of the guards that have done as she described. And, since this is an occasion, I am allowed to eat it. So long as there are vegetables included." She looked up at him and continued, "It is an acquired taste, to be sure, but one I have done so."

"Okay..." he said. "Anyway, about your brain. First off, I want to know your name, and if possible, your rank. You say you fought me, and I should know you. Well, I don't."

"You really don't remember me? After 5 years, you remember her, but not me after one month? Since you can't, I guess I will remind you. My name is Steel Saber, and I graduated from the guard's academy the same day as you."

"Steel Saber... Steel Saber..." Link repeated, trying to remember the day he got his first mission. "Not ringing a bell. When were you called up?"

"Just before your friend, Silver General. I'm actually surprised he passed the tests. He was always so..."

"Reclusive?"

"Timid, is what I would say."

The three talked until the chef returned with a chunk of cooked meat for each. On the side of it, was a small pile each of carrots, potatoes and broccoli. Night stayed there and joined their conversation about how Steel Saber came to like meat, and how life has been for Link after he left for the guard 5 years ago. 6:30 came faster than he hoped, and a stallion of the guard entered the room.

"Master Link! You are being recalled to the throne room. Graduate Saber, you have a new order to fulfill," he relayed.

"I'm going to ignore the fact both of them called you master." Saber, Link, and Navi made their way to their destination.

One of the guards outside the door to the room stopped Saber from entering. "You have different orders, graduate. You are to go into the bedroom on the third floor with 'Twilight and Link' on the nameplate. Clean it, and make it livable once more. Once finished, wait for him there to deliver your new orders."

"Yes Sir!" she replied, and away she went, leaving Link and Navi by the doors.

As they swung open, he saw Ruby sitting on the floor with one of her bags open and holding a book. "Good to see you again, Ruby."

Ruby Inferno sat behind her book restoration table humming to herself. She's been alone since the incident with the fireball; the wolves didn't come back to her. Sure, she felt sad, but angry at the ... thing that invaded her lifestyle. What even was he? Not a pony, that's for sure. These and a few other thoughts and questions went through her head. "If I ever see him again, it'll be too soon."

"Miss Ruby Inferno!?" a booming voice called from the castle's entrance. One that was unfamiliar to her.

"J-just a moment, I'll be right down." She shut her current project, tied her mane in a ponytail behind her head and proceeded down the stairs to the main hall. on first glance, she noticed they wore the gold colored armor of the royal guard. Oh no... what- no... did he report me to the princess?! he wouldn't. would he? Oh this is bad! "C-can I help you?" she asked carefully as she approached the two of them.

"Miss Ruby Inferno?" one asked in a deep voice, unwavering in its stoic property.

"That's ... me." She looked at the other one, who was looking around the interior of the room. "What is this about?"

"You are summoned to Canterlot Castle by Princess Celestia. There is a letter addressed to you." He took the scroll from under his wing and presented it to Ruby as instructed.

She took the letter, looked cautiously at the guardspony, and opened it. "'My Loyal Subject, Ruby Inferno, you are hereby summoned to Canterlot Castle. Prepare yourself for a journey into the northern tundra. You will be provided with transportation, and funds for your return trip.' What is this?" she asked the guard who didn't respond. She continued, "'You must bring with you the following: spare writing supplies, at least two scarves, provisions that can handle the cold, and yourself.'" Ruby gave a light chuckle that the princess would list "herself" as part of things to bring. "'You are to depart in the morning. As such, a room will be provided for you upon your arrival. You also will want to eat something before departing for Canterlot Castle. Princess Celestia.' A mission?" she asked the guard.

"My partner and I will wait outside. Please make haste. This is important." He and his partner exited the castle and hooked themselves to the transport.

"Oh. ok then." Ruby looked again at the letter and read it to herself. Why so far north? It's freezing up there. What could be so important? And why me?

She withdrew to her room at the top of the stairs and looked around her room. "Let's see... 'spare writing supplies, at least two scarves, provisions that can handle the cold.'" Ruby set her bags on the bed and began gathering the writing supplies: an inkwell, a set of quills, and several coils of scrolls. One look in her closet revealed no trace of scarves, so that was out of the question. She also didn't have the provisions that could handle cold. Most of what she had would freeze over. Failure isn't an option. With that, she grabbed a couple of her favorite books, a bit pouch, an apple for on the way, and put them in her saddlebags. Except the apple. She ate the apple on her way to the guards outside.

"Sirs, it seems I cannot bring all of the required items. If I may ask, can you take me to Ponyville? I'll buy what I need there. Is that acceptable?" she asked the two. They nodded as Ruby climbed aboard. In less than a minute, they arrived at town square of Ponyville. Ruby stepped off, thanked the two, and looked around for shops. "Let's see... It's a bit late at night so the food stalls are gonna close up soon. Still, there's plenty of daylight left."

Ruby went to one food stall with a rather big stallion behind its counter. "Eeyup?" he asked.

"Can apples survive the cold?"

"Eeyup." he said once more.

"Good, then I'll take 10."

"All that for yerself?" a mare asked as she approached the stall. "Mighty hungry to eat ten of 'em. Not that Ah'm complainin'. More money for mah family."

"Hm?" Ruby looked and saw an orange mare with a brown hat leaning on the stall. "Oh, uh... are you the owner?"

"Technically. Mah brother watches it while Ah'm gone. 15 bits for ten apples, please."

"Right." She pulled out her pouch, counted out her 15, and put the rest away. "There you are." Ruby placed the ten in her opposite bag, so they wouldn't squish themselves. "Don't suppose there's a place to get scarves?"

"Carousel Boutique's yer stop fer that one. Over yonder." The orange mare pointed to a "building" in town. "The owner should be home by now too. Ah'm sure she'll cut ya a deal. Just say 'Aj' sent ya."

"Will do. Thanks again." Ruby turned and passed the guards on her way to the boutique. Once indoors, the bells rang to alert the owner of customers.

"Hold, for just a moment, dear. Just getting my little sister her dinner," a voice called from another room. Patiently, Ruby waited. A minute or so later, a white unicorn came into view. "Apologies for my delay. Siblings are as important to me as my work. What can I do for you?"

"I need to buy 2 scarves. Preferably thick ones to keep me very warm."

"Look no further than Carousel Boutique. This way please." The mare led the way to an alcove by the dresses. Inside, there was an assortment of multicolored scarves: long, short, thin, thick, frayed, neat, every type. "Take your pick."

Ruby looked through them and picked out a thick red one, and a thin blue one. "These are fine. And I was told you'd give me a deal for them if I said, 'Aj sent me'."

"I... see... Hmm... Ah, I tell you what: I usually price my scarves at ten bits apiece, but since Aj referred you to this place, The price for the both will gladly be 8 total. Consider it a gift."

"Really? That's really generous of you. Thanks." Ruby bowed a bit and hoofed over the amount, which the unicorn took in her magic.

"Thank you for your purchase. Will that be all?" Ruby nodded. "I hope you have a wonderful evening." She left as the mare watched her leave.

She was nice to do that for me. With her scarves in the apple bag, she returned to the guards. "Sorry for the wait, sirs. We can go now."

The ride was silent and smooth. Ruby had no fear of heights, or falling. In fact, she loved the view of the sinking sun, though sunset wasn't for another couple hours. They reached Canterlot Castle shortly, and landed in the presence of the princess, who was waiting for them.

"Ruby Inferno. Welcome." Celestia turned to her guards. "Recall him from the dining hall, and inform Graduate Saber that she has new orders to fill. The other, follow us." She watched as one of the guards departed. "Ruby, how are you?"

"I'm a bit ... uneasy. A trip to the north? Why so sudden?"

Ruby walked behind the princess toward the throne room. "There is a mission of great importance. And you have been requested to accomplish it."

"I'm requested? By who?" she asked.

"By a trustworthy Royal Guard. He asked to remain anonymous."

What are the odds of it being that jerk... Ruby shook the thought from her head. "Very well." The silence continued until they reached the throne room, where Celestia ushered Ruby inside.

"Tell Graduate Saber to make Link's old room livable again. Clean it. It's the room on the third floor that has his and Twilight's name on the nameplate." That guard stayed outside the door while Celestia went to sit on her throne. The doors shut behind her as she walked. "Now Ruby, I must ask: How's the restoration project coming along?"

"Uhh... It could be going better. I've been distracted lately. But, it'll be done as you asked, I guarantee you."

"That's great news. I see you've brought some with you. Light reading to pass the time?"

Ruby nodded and took one out. Princess Celestia sat atop her throne while Ruby occupied a vacant spot on the carpet. "This one's my favorite so far. It's about this stallion with two souls, each fighting for control of his body. It's a great read. I've gone through it at least a dozen times. Then there's the other one," she pulled out the other book and held it beside her. "'The Never-Ending Trail'. I like this one too. It's actually 5 books long so far."

"I've read them too. You only brought those?"

"Well, yes. Any more and I wouldn't have room for anything else." She carefully placed them in her bags beside the sealed inkwell and set of quills.

"You are going to the frozen north, I don't think there will be time for reading. But, it's your choice. You will leave in the morning. You and one other will make this journey, retrieve an item, and come back."

"One other? The anonymous pony right?"

Just then, the doors opened, and an all-too-familiar voice called out, "Good to see you again, Ruby."

H-him?! Don't tell me... Ruby turned to see Link walking toward them, Navi in plain sight on his shoulder.

"As you requested, Ruby is here. And, as you may have concluded, you and she will be going up north, meeting Second Commander Prism and retrieving the key you need, and coming back here."

Why him!? Ruby looked down to her barely shaking hooves. A-am I afraid of him? Link stood by Ruby and listened.

"Link, after receiving your letter, my sister and I thought it best to send you out to retrieve what you will need. Ruby will accompany you on this mission to see it accomplished. Surely her skills can be put to good use.

"Ruby, Link requested you be his companion on this mission, so he must think very highly of you to do so.

"There is no dead-line for the mission, however, finishing it has the highest priority until notified otherwise. Ruby, send a mail to me when you get there, and another when you get the key. Link, if there is anything you wish to tell Twilight, have Ruby send them to me and I will forward them."

"Thank you," they said in unison.

"Further, the base you are looking for is hidden. But, I have a map prepared for you." Celestia levitated a scroll to him. "The way is lit by distant torches, but use this if you get lost. It also shows the torch locations."

"Thank you, Princess Celestia." He bowed in respect. "May we retire for the night?"

"Yes. Your old room is prepared for your stay. Graduate Saber is standing guard outside your room. Order her to do as you like. Ruby, you may join him. Good night."

"Princess," he replied, "Could you send somepony to replace her sometime during the night? I have a feeling she's tired."

"Of course, Link."

With another bow, he turned and left for the door. Noticing Ruby's lack of following hooves, he turned back. "Well, come on, Ruby. There's stuff I want to talk to you about."

"O-oh... O-of course. Coming, Link." Ruby hesitantly followed him out of the room. The entire walk went by in silence. Once there, he saw Saber standing outside his door.

Is it a good idea to let him give her such vague orders? Ruby thought.

"Greetings, Link. Your room is prepared." Saber stood at attention facing him. "I am also told you'd relay my new orders. What are they?"

Link paused and thought for a moment. Hmm. It would be bad if somepony came in here while we were going over our mission plans... "You are to stand guard at this door and let nopony enter. The only exceptions are the princesses, or those designated as personal guard. That is all."

"Thank you," she said as she watched them enter the room.

He turned around, poked his head out of the doorway and added, "Oh, and somepony will be by to replace your position sometime in the night. At that time, feel free to do just that. Then that's the end of your service to me."

"Oh, ok. Thanks, again." She watched as the door closed behind him, and took note that the door was more or less soundproofing.

Link walked and looked around the room he grew fond of as a younger boy. Noticeably things were changed: the curtains and bed covers were a different color, the map over the dresser was updated, and the closet where his clothes were has been emptied. I wonder if it's still there... He walked over to the dresser and pulled out the bottom drawer.

"Something wrong?"

"No, just... I left a picture under this drawer." He flipped it over and saw it. "And it's still here. I put it there 5 years ago, before I left for the royal guard." The picture showed him, Twilight, Navi and Spike all smiling big in the gardens of Canterlot. A couple stone statues were behind them next to a hedge. "wow... 5 years passed by in the blink of an eye," he said, remembering how he was before the royal guard changed him.

"That used to be you?" Ruby asked, looking over his shoulder. "You look happy."

"Yeah... Well, me 7 years ago. Back then, things were great. Every day was an adventure. I could go out, play with the animals in the gardens, play hide and seek in the scattered hedges, look at the clouds. It was those days, I really miss." Link smiled a genuine smile, one he hadn't shown in the time they'd been together.

"Sounds like the life to me." Ruby set her stuff down beside the dresser and came back to him. "Why did you join the guard, anyway? If your life was so great, why'd you abandon it for one of hardships?"

His smile faded and his eyes noticeably closed a little. "I joined the guard, because of my brother. He taught me a spell, only one, and it's the barrier spell I used against you. It's not perfect, but I thought that if I joined the guard, I'd learn more, useful spells. And that... hasn't happened."

"I see," she replied. "On another note, why'd you request me to join you? If we clashed like that, twice, how'd you think this was a good idea?"

"So I could apologize. I made you mad on purpose. I thought that, since I use magic without a horn, same as you, that you might be connected to my home world. If you got mad, you'd attack and use that special fire on me. That last attack, I wanted to catch it, and bring it with me, since it seemed to be self sustaining after it left your hooves. But, it proved to be too much."

"I can't tell if your smart or stupid. I guess I'll see for myself. Either way, I accept. And don't ever, ever, make me mad on purpose, ever again. Bad things can happen..." Ruby looked away from him and fell silent.

"Is... there a story there? Because I kind of want to hear it."

"It's none of your business. My past is mine. I want to keep it that way."

Link simply replied, "I guess that's fair."

Ruby, Link and Navi talked themselves to sleep at around 10 at night. A few hours later, a guard came by to relieve Saber from her post. The night went peacefully, neither sound nor dreams caused him to stir. Ruby, however, couldn't stay asleep. Every couple hours, she'd roll awake, and see Link still asleep in the opposite bed.

This whole thing sounds like a bad idea, she thought as her head hit the pillow once more.

"Tell me, dear pony. What troubles thy slumber so?" a voice asked calmly.

Ruby sat up and quick looked around the room. "Who's there?" she asked. "Where are you?"

"Fear not, for we do not wish you harm." Princess Luna teleported into the room and stood beside her bed. "We simply wish to know thy troubles."

"Y-you are... Princess Luna. Sorry for my outburst. !!" Ruby looked to Link, who had disappeared, as well as his gear and fairy companion.

"There are none but us in this space. Thy words shall fall on our ears alone," the shadowed Princess assured. "Speak to us thy woes."

Ruby looked at the princess's concerned expression and sighed. "If you really want to know, I'll tell you. It's Link. I ... I don't exactly feel safe around him. I know he asked me to come along on this mission and all, but something about it feels wrong. Like, his attitude changes to fit his situation. When he needs to grovel, he does so shamelessly, and when he stands to fight, he does so with unwavering fortitude. I guess it's that kind of personality that frightens me. So much so that I'm losing sleep over it."

"Thine feelings are those of fear?" she asked. "Such emotion is common. As is your reasoning to have it. But confess, if he were thy enemy, t'would be an easy task to send you to the hereafter. The fact that he refrains from said action convinces me he places thy life high on his priority list. We assure you, he wishes not to deliver you any harm. Have trust in your newfound ally, and things will become clearer. Now, the time to wake is nigh, and as such, We bid thee farewell." Luna wrapped herself in a black cloud and disappeared inside it. The cloud itself also dissipated.

"I've been dreaming?" she asked to nopony in particular.

Suddenly, the world she knew turned black as she sat up in her bed once more, in a bit of a breathing fit this time. "What is it, what happened?" Navi asked, flying over to her.

"Y-you..." Ruby hesitated, and looked around the room. "You didn't see anything?"

"Just you waking up. We were wondering when you were going to. I saw you have been tossing and turning all night. Bad dream?"

Ruby sat up in silence and thought about what Luna had said to her. "Not... exactly. Where's Link?"

"He's over there, beside the bed on the floor." Navi pointed to an out of sight Link doing his morning exercise.

"Odd. I didn't think he'd be up this early," Ruby admitted. "Guess that's what I get for thinking."

"It's not odd, it's regimented. 5 years in service, you're bound to follow a set of rules. When the sun rises, so do you. If you don't, you're wasting time," Link said, as he stood up and put his Dragon Cloth Tunic back on. Though brief, Ruby saw his abdominals were clearly defined, though Link is so young.

"Well, aren't you just a little tough guy. Do that every day, do ya?"

"Exercise, yes. This routine, no. Every day is different. I've only been up for half an hour. And it's now..." He looked at the wall clock and continued, "6:10. We should return to the throne room so we can be under way."

"Before that, I want to ask you something... If I may." Ruby got out of bed and walked over to him. "Are part of your orders to keep me safe?"

"No," he replied. Then, he waited to see her reaction, which fell to the floor. "But that doesn't mean I'm gonna let you die, either. Your life is important. Both to me and this mission. To let you die is akin to failure. I will not allow it."

"I ... see."

"Anyway," he said, putting his hat on and strapping his sheath to his back, "the princess of the day must be met. I believe she has a letter for me."

"Right. Lead the way, Mr. Hero."

Ruby, Link and Navi atop his shoulder entered the throne room after a few minutes walking. The Sun Princess sat atop her throne with a sleepy expression on her face.

"Link, Navi, and Ruby. Good morning. Did you sleep soundly in your old room?"

"I did, Princess. It was just as I remember it to be. Have you a letter addressed to me?" he asked in reply.

"I do, but this one is from last night. I did not read it, as it is yours to read." Celestia levitated a letter over to him and watched as he opened it.

'Dear Link, Your letter was received, and I will gather your supplies by the end of the night. However, there is something I must tell you. There is a pony here, and I saw it fit to lend her your bed. She's a traveler in search of somepony, and she needed a temporary place to stay until she restocks her own supplies. I don't know who she's looking for, but she says it's very important that she finds them soon. And get this, she doesn't have her cutie mark. And she's bigger than Applejack! There's something odd about her. Something she's not telling me. Well at any rate, it's almost dinner time. Spike's offering to make the two of us dinner. Your Big Sister, Twilight Sparkle.' Link coiled the scroll and looked at the princess once more. "Why did this letter not get sent to my room?"

"I thought it best to let you sleep. Further, you are expecting another one soon, yes?"

"Heh, not really. Twilight is likely still asleep. I'd give her until 7 to-"

A coiled scroll poofed in from a cloud of green smoke. Celestia took it in her magic. "'To My Brother, Link.' You were saying?"

"I've been known to be wrong on occasion." He took it as it floated to him. "Now, let's see here..." He opened it close to the floor as a myriad of items flowed out. 2 books, 4 boxes of juice, 5 more apples, a container of milk, his sword sharpening stone, a thick blanket, and a deck of playing cards. Each one found its rightful place in his pocket pouch. "And that's all. Now let's see... 'Dear Link, I've asked Spike to send them when he woke up. As I'm sure you know, I likely won't be awake until mid-morning. Anyway, all that you've requested is here. Be safe, and come back triumphant. I have a cake for you. Your Big Sister, Twilight Sparkle.'"

"I've been meaning to ask, how do you do that? That pouch thing." Ruby pointed at his side pockets.

"Uhh... Long story short, they take whatever I give them, and it gets put in another 3 dimensional space."

"Simple enough."

"Now, for my gift to you. I had said I've got something for you, and here it is." The princess levitated a wrapped box over to him and placed it on the floor at his feet. "Happy preliminary 13th birthday, Link."

The present itself was wrapped in a green paper, and tied with a red ribbon which formed a bow. There was a card that had his name on it, but only to define who it belonged to, nothing more. With zero haste, he began unwrapping it, tossing the paper aside and opened the box within. Inside it, sat a curved length of wood. It had two bands of yellow around each end and a red gem at its angle on each side of the flat piece of wood.

"And this is..." he began to ask.

"That, dear boy, is a boomerang. It is said to return to the thrower after being released. The only way I could think of was a return spell, so I imbued it with one. Now, when it is thrown, it'll return to the one who threw it. No matter where they are. There are restrictions, of course. Its distance is determined by how far you can throw it. If it hits something, it won't lose rotation, but it will change direction depending on what you hit. Also, you can force it to return by pulling your hand back. That will immediately return it to you."

"So many rules. I'll field test it later. Thank you for the gift, Princess Celestia." He put it in his pocket and picked up his mess.

"Allow me, Link," Princess Celestia offered. She picked it up in her magic and dissolved it into nothing.

"How ... did you do that?"

"I'm an alicorn. It should come as no surprise that I can break down matter." Celestia smiled. "I'm joking. I teleported it away. Piece by piece."

"That's way too believable, princess," Link pointed out. "Breaking down matter on an atomic level isn't easy, by unicorn standards. And impossible, otherwise."

"Even so, Alicorns are all-powerful, provided they act within their talent."

"... wait. Within their talent... Ruby. What is your talent again?"

Ruby was zoning out, and barely heard that last part. "Huh? Oh, making fires. That's about it."

"So if what the princess said holds true, then you could make an entire city burn, right?"

"Ruby is no alicorn, agreed, but there is still much power in her. I believe something like that is within her ability." The princess looked at Ruby and smiled. "But, I have faith that she can keep her ability in check, right?"

Link had noticed that Ruby turned away. The silence between them hung in the air for a few brief seconds. "That's... true. I can. To both. Burn a city, and keep myself from burning a city."

"And that's where I leave it. Sounds like a touchy subject, so let me just drop it off there." Link shrugged and folded his arms, clanking the shield on his back with the sheath there as well. "I think it's time to be off, don't you agree?"

"Y-yeah... The sooner we get what you're looking for, the better."

Princess Celestia walked with Ruby, Link and Navi to their transport. "You have your map?" A quick nod. "Your body heat regulating gear?" Another nod. "How about your funds?" Link looked at her in slight confusion. "Did I not mention? I would provide money for your mission." Celestia teleported in a bag of bits and gave it to Link. "100 pieces. Spend it wisely. That should last your entire journey. And to ensure you do so, whatever's left, you can split between you two."

"I'll leave that to you," Ruby told him. "I wouldn't trust me with money."

"Alright then." Link pocketed his money bag and stepped on to the transport. "I recall you said you couldn't get us the whole way there. Where are we dropping?"

"A little town just on the outskirts of the tundra. It's cold there, but nothing too serious." Celestia gave Link a hug and stepped back. "In a few more years, you'll be as tall as me."

"Not likely. I'm average sized. I wouldn't be surprised if I stopped growing now."

Ruby, too, stepped in beside him. "Farewell Princess Celestia. I will keep you updated on the situation." She bowed before her ruler, as did Link.

"Farewell, young ones."

The three departed the castle and had arrived at a little town just at the edge of their destination. They used this town to buy a few small things and prepare for their journey into the frozen wasteland. Ruby had spent some time away from Link, and didn't tell him why. He was fine with that, so long as she was ready when he was. Once both of them were as ready as could be, they made their way to the edge of the town, looking out into the wasteland of snow.

"Celestia said there'd be torches lit, but I don't see any flames out there, do you?"

"No, but... I do see a stick out of the ground. Perhaps the first one isn't lit?" Ruby said hopefully.

Link had put on his warming outfit under his armor. It formed to his body quickly, and instantly, he felt he could stand in the snow for days on end. His gear and pockets had to be adjusted slightly, to accommodate for the extra layer. The leather gauntlets he wore felt the same, as did his padded shoes. Unfortunately, the hat he was provided with didn't match his gold, so he kept his own one on. Navi found comfort in his hair, as the pocket in the under-gear was covered by his outer layer.

"For both our sakes, I hope you're right..."

The two of them started walking into the cold winter weather, unaware of the disaster that would befall them.

You were expecting Link to meet Epona?! Blasphemy! He doesn't do that until after he gets his first spiritual stone.

And if nothing went wrong, there wouldn't be a sequel chapter.

And, also, if you haven't been keeping track of what (in story) day it is, the end of this chapter is Monday, July 11th. 9 more days until his birthday. Twilight still needs to give him a gift. If you've played ocarina of time, let me know in the comments what child item you want him to get next.