The 2 mile walk came to an end at the outpost in the blizzard. Commander Sapphire Prism was successfully rescued, as well as her three companions. Several stallions from earlier had decided to welcome their commander back to camp by standing in wait.

"Commander!" one called out. "How 'bout that? Rescue team from big fancy Canterlot actually came through."

"It was a team effort. Ruby was there to provide support, and Aurora guided us. Without them, I'd have been unable to come back at all." He turned his gaze toward the commander, who started leading Aurora to an unlit torch near the middle of camp.

A bright light shone through the falling snow as a spark leapt from Aurora's horn. It lit the torch with ease, while the commander cast a small barrier around it, to protect it from the cold. Both spells relayed to the next in line. Then, Sapphire put up a larger barrier, protecting the camp from the same thing.

I admit, that's impressive, Link thought, returning his attention to Ruby. "Can you take a letter for me? For the princess, of course."

"Sure." She retrieved her writing supplies, found a crate, and set them down. "Ready when you are."

Dear Princess Celestia,

I am happy to inform you that Second Commander Sapphire Prism and her crew have been successfully rescued from the ice caverns. The outpost is now in working order, with the help of Aurora. Please pass the news of this accomplishment to my sister. I'm sure she'll be glad to hear I'm safe.

Your Loyal Knight

~Link

"Send it please." Ruby coiled it and did so. "Now, Commander. Rescuing you and your crew only delayed my purpose in coming out here. I believe you are in possession of a rare item. One that only you can give, because you’re the only one that has it.” He approached the commander, getting her attention, as the other guards gathered around them. "I was sent here, by orders of Princess Celestia, to obtain said item.”

"How do you know about my most precious possession?!" Prism asked loudly, forgetting herself. "True as you say, there is one... Come." The commander began walking Link and Navi to a tent near the edge of camp. "Miss Ruby, can you wait out here for our return? It won't be long."

"Of course," she replied, waiting by the crate. "Take your time."

The commander nodded, and continued. Once inside her tent, she cast a sound-proof barrier on the tent. No one would be able to hear what goes on inside. To aid in her secrecy, she cast a second layer, this one preventing outside influence from opening the tent flaps. Layered barrier spells.

Commander Prism stood by a table on the far side of the tent and looked around. "You know, very few know of its existence." She removed her helm and placed it on the table facing him. Prism turned around and faced him herself, undoing the straps connecting the chest and back pieces. "Fewer still, know why I carry it with me." She placed the chest piece at the base of the table, and unstrapped the flank plates from the back piece. Link stood in silence, with the straightest face he could muster. "My mother," she turned to her table with a picture in a frame as she continued, "gave it to me before she passed. My father..." She paused, selecting her words wisely. “My father was overjoyed to know I was inheriting the family heirloom. And, being the first[/]born, it came to me, instead of my sister.” The remaining pieces were placed beside those already removed.

"Mother made me swear, to give this stone to the one who would be my husband. An engagement ring, you could call it." She turned back to him and approached with half closed eyes and a small smile. "And here you stand, after rescuing me from certain death. There are few in this world that have impressed me as you have. Yet you stand out more than everypony else." Prism walked to the side of him to a bag on the ground. She began going through the large pocket in the middle and pulled out a shining blue gem with a gold border. "It may have been your mission, but that's not why I'm giving it to you." She levitated the stone over to him and watched as it fell into his hands. Link looked down at it and noticed it was as big as his head, with some heft to it, too.

"Link, to you, I present the Spiritual Stone of Water.” She sat own in front of him and leaned in a little. "It may be unneccessary, but if there's any way I can return the favor..." She leaned in more and kissed his cheek, "you need only ask. Though... Now that I really look at you, you look a little young to marry." She backed up and smiled more. "Maybe in 7 years, when you're older, hm?"

Link stood still and watched this unfold. I'm not sure that counts as a first kiss for me, but I got what I came for, there's no more reason to be here. I don't want to be rude, though. She could help me out in the future, she said she would. Respond, or she'll change her mind! "Thank you for your support. And, if you ever want to move up the ranks, Princess Celestia holds my opinion in high regard. I'd me more than honored to recommend you." He waited to see her reaction.

"I will consider it. You'd best be off now, I've taken enough of your time." Piece by piece, she levitated her armor and strapped it down, keeping her helm on the table. "Tell none of what transpired here, or I'll deny everything." The faintest of red tints spread across her blue cheeks.

"As you order it." Link bowed, pocketed the stone and walked out of the tent to Ruby sitting on the crate talking to Aurora. "Ruby, has the princess replied?"

"Indeed she has. It's right here." Ruby pointed to the scroll on the crate beside her. "I've already read it, so you can read it to yourself." She turned back to Aurora and continued her conversation.

Link walked over, picked up the letter and opened it.

To My Loyal Knight Link and Ruby Inferno:

To hear of the swift completion of your objectives, I am relieved. The commander is safe, the outpost functional, and no casualties on our side. I don't know how you did it, but you have certainly proven yourself worthy. I trust you were able to obtain the key you needed. It has gotten late, but I am willing to send a transport to retrieve you from the little town you were dropped. Unless you'd rather stay the night at the outpost. Let me know of your decision as soon as you can.

Regarding that key you hopefully obtained, the remaining two will prove more difficult than this. I have no doubt you will prevail in your endeavor. Remember, the sooner the better, but on the reverse side, haste makes waste. Do not rush blindly into danger when your goal is on the other side. Remain calm, and you have nothing to fear.

~Princess Celestia

Interesting, he thought, she's being very careful not to call it a gem. Maybe she knows Ruby has another one? Maybe it's just, and I shudder to call it, ignorance that she doesn't know what form the keys have taken. "Ruby, what say you? Sleep here for the night? Or go back to the castle?"

"I'd rather sleep in a proper bed," she replied as Aurora had walked away. She noticed the commander approach them. "No offense, but I'm not good with sleeping out in the cold."

"None taken. We'll be here a while. Don't be a stranger, you're welcome out here any time." The commander glanced to Link, which did not escape Ruby's attention. "Your choice is yours."

"Then I bid you farewell. Ruby, we must be off." He led Navi and Ruby out of the camp toward the little town.

"Want to tell me what that look was for?" Ruby asked, 20 minutes and almost one waymarker into their return trip.

"I would, but you owe me an attempt. Remember you said you'd try to teach me how to use that fire spell?" Link replied, quickly changing the subject. "Try, being the operative word."

"Right, I did say that, huh. Well, a deal's a deal. Hold out your hooves, er... hands." Link stopped and did so. Ruby stood on her hind legs and placed her forehooves around his and closed her eyes. "This shouldn't hurt."

'Shouldn't'? He did the same and waited. Soon, he felt a warm glow in his hands. It didn't last. Soon after, several sparks leapt from his hands as the rebound forced them to separate. Ruby was flung back from the force as well as Link. "That was unexpected."

"Yeah, but that was my attempt."

"What did you try?" he asked her, getting to his feet and brushing the snow off him.

Ruby did the same and returned to him. "I built up some magic and tried to transfer it to you. But for some reason, it rejected you. I thought that if you had some of that magic running through your system, your body would be able to break it down, and rebuild it as your own, giving you the ability that I do. But I guess that's not how magic works."

"Well, you tried. That's all I wanted. See, where I come from, there's a magic spell like yours that Hylians like myself can learn. I'm just trying to narrow down how to go about doing just that." Link continued walking, passing the first lit torch. "Take a letter for me? I'd rather not wait to get that ride back to the castle." He handed her a scroll and knelt to use his shield as a surface. He took this time to use the snow to wipe the blood off his face. It was dried on, however, and some remained.

Dear Princess Celestia:

We have decided to return to the castle. Please send transport. There are things I want to talk with you about, before retiring for the night.

Your Loyal Knight
~Link

"That was awful short," Ruby commented, but sent it all the same. "Now we hurry."

The two returned to the town with little to no conversation between them. Their transport to the castle was waiting for them on arrival, aided by Steel Saber by request. She asked little of what happened, as it didn't pertain to her mission. When they returned to the castle, Princess Luna awaited them on the landing pad.

"Pray forgive our dear sister, she lowers the sun in preparation for the coming night. Ruby Inferno, would thou retire to thy room for the evening? Steel Saber, escort her there, and return to the throne room post-haste." The two nodded and set off. Link followed the night princess to the throne room where Celestia sat. "How fares thee tonight?"

"I fare well. Aside from my head, I'll be fine." Luna looked back at him and saw traces of blood on his face, with a cut on his forehead. "Nothing to worry about, I assure you."

"Nothing? It seems to us that your mission was not without sacrifice." Luna turned and pointed her horn at his cut, applying magic to heal his wound.

"I planned on injury, so it didn't hurt as much. I knew I couldn't make it out without a scratch, that much was obvious. Still, I don't think it'll scar." Link waited for her to finish, and soon, she did.

Luna returned to her walk. "True as you say, a place as treacherous as the northern ice caves are no laughing matter."

"How do you know about them, anyway? Weren't you on the moon for the last thousand years?" he asked, looking up at her.

She hesitated, but continued. "Indeed, we were imprisoned on the moon. But before that, there were ... problems in that area. We dare not speak of that which does not exist anymore. Lest it return in full power. What we know of now, is only what our sister has spoken of."

Link left her explanation at that, but wondered, What happened a thousand years ago? Why is she hesitant to bring it up? The three of them entered the throne room at last, and Luna took her place at Celestia's side.

"Link, I want to formally congratulate you on your success," Celestia commended.

"It wasn't easy." Navi came out of his hat and landed on his shoulder. "Oh, there you are Navi. Have a nice nap?"

She yawned and stretched a bit. "Yeah. It took a while to warm back up, but I'm ok now. How's your head?" Link turned to her and waited. "Oh, it's healed up quick."

"Thanks to Princess Luna. She healed my wound in no time." He turned back to the princesses and continued, "Thank you for that, by the way."

"It was the least we could do." Silence for a moment.

Celestia turned to her sister and asked, "Can you raise the moon? It's about that time now."

"Of course." Princess Luna left the room up the stairs to a balcony, leaving Link with Celestia.

"Can you show me?" Link pulled the stone from his pocket and held it up. "It's larger than I anticipated. To think there are two others. How did you get it?"

"I asked her for it at the outpost, she gave it to me, we left. That's all. I didn't tell her why, but I did say it was a mission requirement." Navi listened, oblivious to what happened between him and the commander. "I'm here now, and with one of three I need. But there is a question I must ask: Do you believe Ruby's power is natural?"

"Natural? I would think not. Earth ponies do have magic for sure, but elemental magic is only accessible to unicorns. And fairly high level at that. What brought this up?"

"Earlier, I asked Ruby to try and teach me how. She tried to transfer her built up magic to me, but there was a rebound and it ended up failing. I asked you, because I want to know if it would have succeeded if it were an unnaturally obtained ability." Link chose his words carefully. "If she can do it because of her cutie mark, then it makes sense why it didn't transfer, but if there's another way, then there's a chance I can learn it the same way she did."

"You must have given this a fair bit of thought," Celestia noted. "However, I know of no such being that can impart power like that. I'm sorry."

Link pocketed the stone. "It's alright. It was worth a shot at least." He cast his gaze out the stain glass window. "Why do I need the Sword of Masters? Why am I the only one that can use it for your purpose?"

"Link, I-"

"Forgive me, but couldn't you blast the door down, draw the sword yourself and use it as you need? If it does as you say, what use could it be in the hands of a child? What could I do, that you could not?" Link looked back at the princess, who wore a shocked look on her face. "I'm sorry. It's just... I don't know what I'm doing aside from what I'm ordered to do. It would just help to have a little context."

"I get your frustration, believe me." Celestia fell silent a moment. "I cannot draw on the full potential of the Sword of Masters. That ability falls squarely on the shoulders of the bearer of the Triforce of Courage. It always has. Allow me to tell you of another, who asked what you have."

Link sat down and listened. "Many centuries ago, the sword claimed an owner. A pegasus by the name of Regulus. He held the sword on his back in its sheath, and was an expert in its use. He asked me that which you have. 'Why me? Why not you with more power and ability?' He questioned his worth. I assured him his was a righteous cause, and he should fight for it with every breath. He fought valiantly, as I had advised. It was thanks to him, that peace was established in our land. Years later, he fell to an illness, that all pegasi fear. It sapped his magic away, ounce by ounce, until he could no longer fly. After his fall, I returned the sword to the stone, and waited for the next hero to rise and take his place, but nopony came to claim it. Over the next few centuries, there have been many who could have earned it, but could not draw the blade from its stone."

"That doesn't answer any of my questions," Link commented.

"I'm not done. In his time before being the hero I described him as, he was a farm pony, working on the weather. A storm, unscheduled, came over his farm and threatened his livelihood. All weather pegasi knew to stay out of the way of a level 6 thunder storm, but that never stopped him. As if guided by some unseen force, he flew into the thunderhead and broke it away, piece by piece. Once gone completely, I called him in to the castle and praised his bravery. I offered him a position in my guard and he took it, leaving his farm to his family. His reasoning was, 'There are things to protect in this world, and if I'm the only one who can, who am I to refuse?' As the years went on, he displayed the courage I was hoping for, and led the way to the sword. He drew it with ease, and it wasn't until later, that he thought his ability to fight was wrongly placed."

"He thought to protect, but it sounds like you had him take point. That'll do that to a pony. Change their ideals, and their outlook follows suit. I'm sorry, that sounded judgmental."

"No worries, It's been centuries. I must ask you, this future you are after, are you sure it is one you want? Am I forcing it on you in a way you are not okay with?"

Link thought a moment, then shook his head. "No, I want this. I'll protect those who cannot protect themselves. If I have to end a war before it starts, then it'll save that much more time. I am devoted to my cause, and none can sway me easily." Link bowed as Luna returned.

"Did we miss anything?" She looked at her sister, who had tears in her eyes. "Dear sister, are you alright?"

Celestia turned to her, and replied, "I'm fine, Luna. Just... just mixed emotions. I'm alright." She turned back to Link and smiled. "Now, I believe it is time for you to retire. There will be a transport waiting for you. They will take you and Ruby home."

Link stood up and bowed once more before leaving. He walked out as Saber walked in. "Oh, Link. Ruby is waiting for you in your old room."

"Thanks," he said, walking away. In silence, he made his way to the room. Once he opened the door, he saw Ruby on her bed reading a book. "How's the read?"

"It's a great book. I'm just glad I kept it in my bags. Otherwise it'd be a pile of ash right now." Ruby bookmarked her place and closed it. "How'd your meeting go?"

"Well enough. I'm too tired to talk about it though. I will say that the princess has offered another transport to us. To take you home before me."

"Good. I kind of need to return to my restoration project." She covered herself with blankets and lay down on the bed. Link did the same in his own bed after removing his gear and setting up Navi's bed.

"I don't expect you to get much sleep, Navi, but get what you can. I have a feeling we'll need our energy for the coming week." She nodded and flew into his hat on the shelf. "Ruby, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"I can't actually do it, but once I can, I want to know how to send letters with fire."

She looked over at him. "Isn't that something you figure out yourself?"

"I could get it all wrong, and bad things can happen. I don't want that." He looked at her. "It's ... about my sister. She worries for me. I want to be able to tell her I'm alright without going through the princess."

Ruby's expression softened to a weak smile. "Your sister... She's right to worry. I would too if I had a brother as reckless as you are." She looked at the ceiling. "Come to me once you've learned it. Or better yet, ask your sister, I'm sure she'd appreciate your reason." Ruby closed her eyes and tried to fall asleep.

"Here." He tossed her one of his apples and took one out for himself. "Eat first. I know we haven't since we got back."

Ruby finished hers quickly, and discarded the core. "Now, good night."

Yeah... it won't be for a long while yet...

Link walked down the stone steps leading to the lower floor of the castle. The red carpet leading to a pedestal of raised stone. He took out the blue gem and set it in the only open slot. "Easy."

"No getting complacent just because you think it's safe," Ruby warned at his side. The large door opened and revealed a large room inside.

Link, alone, approached the center of the room, as a sword rose up from the floor. He stepped up, placed his hands on the handle and pulled with all his might. The sword would not free itself. "You claim the Triforce of Courage, yet you cower in fear. You are not worthy to carry the mythical blade." The room around him began to spin. "You, who let your friend fight your battles while you hid."

He found himself back in the ice caves. On the outside of the last room with Ruby. "I wasn't hiding, I was following orders."

"Like a good little dog," Ruby said. Link looked at her, covered in blood and opened wounds. "Too bad your orders are what killed me!" She lunged at him and disappeared inside him as the room spun once more. Link hit the ground on his knees and braced himself with his hands.

A magic field pulled him back to avoid getting squished by a large bear paw. "Are you alright?" Twilight asked.

"I'm fine," he replied, getting to his feet. He looked at her wounded body. Patches of fur missing, and several cuts along her form. It was clear she was losing blood, and fast. "Twilight, what-" He turned his gaze to the massive Ursa Major in Ponyville's plaza.

"Good. I can die in peace knowing you still live..." Twilight fell to the ground in her own blood as her body fell still. Link backed away in fear, his legs shaking.

The room spun one more time, and Link found himself at the mercy of a darker version of himself. His arms were chained to a wall behind him, and he was on his knees. "You rush in blind and call it 'Courage'. You abandon your friend and call it 'Duty'. You are no more fit to bear the Triforce of Courage, than a foal is fit to call itself 'God'." The dark one drew his blade and placed it over Link's left arm. "Now, I will take from you that which you do not deserve." He raised his sword high and brought it down. Before the cut was made, he exploded in a blinding light.

"So, this is what you dream of," Luna said, coming into view and releasing him from his chains. Link collapsed to the floor.

"He's right. I have a power I'm unfit to wield." He stayed on his knees. "I don't deserve it..."

"'It' seems to believe otherwise." She looked at his shining left hand. "You stood your ground against an Ursa Minor, and more impressively, you stood your ground against me. It was your choice to stand and fight. To defend those who could not defend themselves."

The room spun again to the ice cavern. "Ruby lived, she did not die." Again to Ponyville. "The Ursa was a threat, but was lulled to a peaceful slumber and sent back to its cave. Twilight was uninjured, and came out stronger for it." Then once more to the room in the temple. "Try again. I have every confidence, you alone hold the right to wield the Triforce of Courage."

Link approached the pedestal as his hand glowed bright. With ease, the sword freed itself as a bright flash filled the room.

Link sat upright in his bed, sweat covering most of his body. He looked toward Ruby, who was still asleep. then to the ball of light by his head. "Morning Link. Sleep well?" He shrugged, then got off the bed. "Not so much, huh..."

"Not really. I don't remember much of my dream, but I know Princess Luna was there." Link looked at Ruby, who stirred, then woke. "Morning, you. We head out soon as you're ready. I hope it's ok if we drop you off at the castle first."

Ruby got out of bed and stretched herself out. Several quiet cracks came from her body as she limbered up. "Mmmm, morning. And yeahhh... it's fine. I love those nights when I sleep like a rock. Morning to you two." She looked at him and blinked a few times. "You look different. Almost, relaxed. It's not like you."

"I feel different, but it's not important." He heard knocks on the door. "It's still early. Who could that be?"

"Sir and Ma'am. It's urgent. You have summons from the Princess of the Day." The voice was recognized as Saber.

"On our way," he replied, then turned to Ruby. "Guess it'll have to wait." Link strapped on his gear, put on his hat, and walked out, Ruby followed with her bags on.

In the throne room, the princesses sat side by side. "Good morning, Link. Ruby. I trust you slept well?" Celestia asked.

"Well enough. What is this about?" Link asked her. "What's important enough to warrant a meeting this early in the morning?"

"Hold your tongue, knight. Do not forget you are in the presence of royalty," Luna said curtly.

"Sister, he is as a son to me. He is free to speak how he pleases at times like this. I encourage it," Celestia lectured. "Now, Link. I've called you here to discuss your position in the royal guard. What do you know of our ranking system?"

"I know that it goes from enlistee ranks straight to petty officers of the Sergeant rank, then up to the Officers where lieutenants and the Captain are. I also know that there are other ranks for certain skill sets, like Specialist, Tactician and Assassin, but those aren't as plentiful." Link stood still while Ruby sat. "Is this about ..."

"Indeed. When you graduated, you and the others achieved the rank of Private First Class. Those who remained to lead their teams received ranks of Private Second Class. The rest of them, stayed Private Third Class. Your actions in the ice cavern, your successful rescue, and skill in battle, has qualified you for a promotion. One to Corporal. Do you accept?"

"I ... I'm qualified?"

"My sister and I discussed it earlier this morning, and we agree that you are ready to undertake this extra responsibility. but at the same time, you will be representing your nation with that title. If you decide to take this, then no matter how well you do in missions, exceptions apply, you will not be able to advance for 6 months. If you perform exceptionally, then you may be eligible in 3 months, but nothing is guaranteed. This title comes with great responsibility, including being on call to us when we need your services. I will not lie. Military life can get dangerous, moreso the higher up you are." Celestia finally had a chance to take a breath.

Link thought this over, for a few minutes. He looked to the Moon Princess, then to the Sun Princess. "I will undertake this promotion and make you proud, Mom."

Shocked to hear this, Luna looked at her sister, who lowered herself as Link ran up to her. Luna looked at the pair as they hugged and smiled. "Link, my son, you've already made me proud." A few tears escaped Celestia's attention, as she released him. "Now go on, your sister awaits you in Ponyville."

"Right," he said, backing up. "I have a birthday party to get ready for." He glanced at Luna, who sat with a stunned look on her face. "Bye Aunt Luna." He turned and left with Ruby and Navi.

Before the doors shut, he heard Princess Luna ask rather loudly, "Tia, when did you birth him?" This incited quiet laughter from him as he walked with Ruby.

"Please, allow me to explain," Link said. "See, I was teleported here when I was 8 months old. Celestia took me in, and raised me as her own. Technically, my sister took me in, but since our ages were so close, we called her my 'sister', and Celestia, my 'mother'. This also makes Princess Luna my 'Aunt'. Follow?"

"Yeah, but you could have warned Princess Luna about it. You gave her such a shock, I thought she might feint." Ruby looked at him in surprise.

"Maybe, but it was still funny." Link continued to the landing pad and was transported to Ruby's "home". Soon after the goodbyes were said, Link and Navi were taken to Ponyville plaza.

His attention was won over by the damaged lamp post, and several downed branches from the surrounding trees. He quickly rushed to the library and found a big one outside the balcony on the second floor. "What kind of storm rolled through here?" he asked. "And should I stay away from it?"

He carefully opened the door to the library and saw Twilight cleaning with Spike, Applejack, and ... somepony else. "Oh, Link. You're back. ... Everything alright?"

Link nodded and pointed to the only mare he didn't recognize. "Yeah... Who's she?"

Not that anyone reads this story, but before you ask, Ruto (Ocarina of Time) gave the Spiritual Stone of Water to Link as a "Zora's engagement ring". Passed down from her mother. I used that idea here.

Next chapter, we'll switch back to what happened with Epona at the library.
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Edit: Instead of using a branch of existing military as the royal gurd, I'll be using the ranks from Final Fantasy XIV.