"Spike!!" Twilight called from the loft. "Where's that book called, 'Why Matter Matters'?" She began searching through her several stacks of books. Twilight stayed up the night before researching. That's not unlike her those days.

The little dragon moved a rolling ladder across the library portion of the home. He climbed to the top, looked around, and pulled a black, hard-back book from the shelf, almost out of reach. "Here it is," he said, starting to climb down.

Almost immediately, the book was wrapped in Twilight's light purple aura, and was levitated to Twilight. "Thanks," she said from the edge, carrying Spike with the book. "It'll come in handy, if nothing else but for a reference."

Spike had a seat by another stack of books. "I think you're reading too much into this. The tale of Nightmare Moon is just that, an old pony's tale. Nothing more."

"Well, I don't think that's the case, Spike. Something bad will happen, I'm sure of it. I can almost feel it." Twilight began pacing into her own world.

It was quiet, but Spike heard it. Link knocked at the door. Spike got up, climbed down the ladder leading from the loft, and headed to the door. "Odd, we don't get many visitors." He opened the door to find Link's barrier in front himself. "Hey, it's Link!" He turned to Twilight. "Twilight! Link's here!"

Link stepped inside and dropped his barrier. "That almost took an hour. You could have gone for longer," Navi said from atop his shoulder. She then flew down to Spike's level. "And how have you been these long years?"

"I've been growing. More than I could say for you, I don't think you'll ever grow," he replied, almost rudely. "But fairies don't grow like that, so I guess I can write it off. How've you been?"

Link started heading for the ladder, leaving Navi to talk with Spike. He stood in front of Twilight, and waved his hands in front of her to get her attention. To no avail. So, he raised a small barrier in front of her, just to get her attention.

Twilight smacked into it, dropping her book in the process. "Agh!" she exclaimed, looking at him. "Oh, hi-" A long gasp escaped her as she wrapped him in a hug. "I haven't seen you in years!" She backed off. "How was the military?"

Link just raised his thumb, but held it sideways, followed by a small shrug.

"That good, huh? Well, at least you survived. 5 years, you were there. You look much stronger than when you left. Taller too." She looked up at him. "Last I saw you, you were just barely taller. Now, you're a head taller than me. How'd you adapt?" She walked around him to look at him.

Navi flew up to him, with Spike nearby. "It wasn't easy, but he managed. It took some time to get his armor fitted and his gear modified to be used with hands." Link took his sword and shield off to show the handles. "He's left handed, so it took a while for it to work correctly, between forging and balancing."

"Very cool. Now that you're out, what's your plan?" Twilight asked, knocking on the metal shield.

"Our plan is, and we have our orders, to be your personal guard." Link stood proudly, putting his gear on his back. "The princess ordered us directly. I don't know her plan."

"Either way, you're out, and you're here. How'd you rank?" Spike asked.

Navi looked at him. "Almost top marks across the board. Intellect, combat, skill, and endurance. He even took on the Captain and, in my opinion, tied with him."

"Shining Armor? Tied with him? That's amazing!" She jumped up on him.

Link smiled, and laughed a little. "Yeah, but Shining put up a barrier, and Link was forced into checkmate." Navi explained. "Oh, and he says, 'Hi'."

Twilight looks at Navi. "At least he still cares. Speaking of, why didn't you two send letters?"

Navi looked down. "Not much to say. Besides, Link's still new to the whole, writing thing. His quillmanship isn't exactly… legible. But anyway, what were you studying when we came in?"

"While I was coming back from the market, I read something about Elements of Harmony and Nightmare Moon, but I can't remember where I put my copy of Predictions and Prophecies."

Spike went to her bed, and got under it. "You fell asleep with it a few nights ago. So I put it under your bed in case you needed it again. You really should be putting your books away when you're done with them."

She took the book, and started to flip through it. "I'll consider a second re-shelving day per month. E, E, E, … Elements of Harmony. See: Mare in the Moon?" More flipping. Spike shrugged and looked at Link.

"Something got her obsessed with this prophecy, and I still think it's a waste of time." Spike looked again at Twilight, who's still pacing.

"'-powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon.'" Twilight stopped pacing, and sat down. "'Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and bring about nighttime eternal.'! Link, do you know what this means?" She turned to him, worried look on her face.

Link nodded his head, and patted hers. Navi turned to Spike. "Shouldn't you be writing a letter to the princess?"

Twilight looked at Spike as well. "Think I should?" he asked. "The princess is awful busy."

"We just came from there, she wasn't busy," the fairy assured, landing atop Spike's head.

The lavender unicorn thought for a moment, then addressed Link. "Take a letter for me? It'll help you with your writing."

Link took a quill and scroll, and tried to hold it in his hand, like that one book showed him.

Spike looked up at Navi. "I write for her, but I suppose I'll get the next one. Taking turns and all."

"You'll still send it, Spike," Navi assured. "Link doesn't know fire yet. Besides, you'll always be there. He might get another transfer. He is a royal guard now, so who knows?" Navi looked at Link. "Technically, he's not supposed to know any magic. But already, he knows a barrier spell. So fire might be just within reach." After all, Nayru's Love is a barrier spell, so maybe he can learn a form of Din's Fire, and Farore's Wind. It's not entirely impossible. she thought to herself.

"'Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle'," she finished. "Got it all?" Link nodded his head. "Great, send it Spike."

"Uh, now? It takes an hour to get here, so she very well could be busy by now," he argued, taking the scroll and rolling it up.

"Yes, now. This has the utmost urgency. The princess has to know what's happening."

Spike went to the window and opened it. "Okay, if you say so." He inhaled, and blasted it with his fire breath. It dissolved into a green mist that traveled to the castle. "It's on its way. But I wouldn't hold your breath."

"The princess has never doubted me once in all my years as her student," she said. "She trusts me completely."

Within moments, Spike regurgitated a scroll which took form almost instantly. Link looked at it with slight wonder, having not seen it happen in years.

"See?" Twilight boasted. "I told you she'd want to take immediate action."

Spike opened the scroll, cleared his throat, and read aloud, "'My faithful student Twilight: You know that I value your diligence, and that I trust you completely,'-"

"I told you," she said, walking to the ledge of the loft. "She'll want to-"

"'but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books.' Sorry, Twilight." Spike, too, walked around.

Navi looked over Spike's shoulder, and continued, "'My dear Twilight there's more to a young pony's life than studying. So, I'm sending you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year's location: Ponyville.' Huh, that little town south of here? Quite the place."

Spike took over reading. "'Link and Navi will accompany you as you complete this and your personal task: Make some friends. Your Mentor, Princess Celestia. P.S. Link, from this moment, until further notified, you take your orders from your new commanding officer, Twilight Sparkle. Keep her safe.' …"

"Ponyville…" Twilight said, "the small town at the base of the mountain range, several miles away."

"20, if I'm not mistaken," Navi included.

Another knock at the door, followed by a loud, "Miss Twilight Sparkle." Twilight opened the door with her magic. Two guards entered and continued, a bit quieter, "Miss Twilight, we are here to be your escorts to Ponyville by request of Princess Celestia." The other guard looked at all the books. This guard held out a scroll. "This is for you. A checklist of the ponies in charge of each task in the preparations."

Twilight packed a few things into her bags: the scroll, a few other scrolls, some quills, a bottle of ink and some reading material. Since Link, Navi and Spike were easy to pack for, they were ready within minutes, as opposed to Twilight's half hour.

"You get to stay in the library, doesn't that make you happy?" Spike asked, sitting next to Twilight in the chariot. It was going through the air, being pulled by both pegasi.

"Yes, yes it does." Twilight looked over the side. "You know why? Because then I get to do more research after I check the preparations for the celebration. Hopefully with proof, I can convince the princess to take this more seriously."

Navi moved next to Twilight. "But when will you make friends, like the princess said?"

"Navi, the fate of Equestria doesn't rely on me making friends," Twilight said, looking at Navi. Soon, they landed in town square. As the 4 got out, Twilight turned to the pegasi. "Thank you sirs."

They huffed, and flew off toward Canterlot. Spike looked at Twilight. "At least try to make friends while you're here? Here comes one now. Just, say hi."

Twilight sighed. "Fine." She turned to the approaching pony. "Hello, my name is-"

The pony, pink in coat and mane, gasped for a few seconds before disappearing in a cloud of dust.

"Real smooth, Twilight. You scared her off," Navi said, laughing a little.

Twilight growled a little. "Whatever, let's just get on with it." She took her checklist out. "Now, there's supposed to be a pegasus named Rainbow Dash keeping the skies clear."

"Well, they're not doing a very good job," Spike said, looking up from Twilight's back.

Link jumped in front of Twilight, and threw up a small barrier in front of himself. A pegasus with a multicolored mane slammed into his shield, breaking through and crashing into him. Quickly, she backed off of him. Link rose to his feet, and saw the almost scared look on Twilight's face.

"Hey, what gives?" the pegasus asked. She had to move her head to the side to dodge an incoming punch. He's faster than he looks she thought, watching Link's fist return to his side. He followed up with a right kick to her head, which she blocked. Pretty strong, too. Wonder what his training looks like? she thought, moving to her original position. Link continued with another jab. This pegasus dodged to the side, and jabbed at his chest. He quickly back-flipped and landed ahead of Twilight. He leapt forward, and back spin kicked at her. She had to block with both of her forelegs. Even with both, she still stumbled backward. She got her balance in time to collide punches with him. The look on his face was met with a scowl from his opponent. Several ponies heard the sound of collision, and turned to see.

Before they could continue, Twilight wrapped her magic around them both. "Enough!" she yelled, pulling them apart. "Both of you!" She looked at the pegasus. "You must be Rainbow Dash." Twilight released her.

"Yeah, I am. You heard of me?" she asked, glaring at Link. She returned to her four hooves.

"I heard you were supposed to be keeping the skies clear," Twilight continued, "and I apologize for him. He was doing his job as my bodyguard."

"I'm not sure which is more impressive: him keeping up with me, or the other way around. Scratch that, it's impressive he kept up," Rainbow said with a relaxed smile. "I look forward to our next bout. And about the weather, I could clear the sky in ten seconds flat."

Twilight released Link, who struggled to regain his ground. "I'll believe that when I see it," Navi said, coming out of his hat.

"... what are you two? I've never seen anything like either of you. But, if you want proof, here it is." With all the confidence in the world, she took off, zipping across the sky, busting every cloud in her way. Ten seconds later, she lands too hard, making small craters under her hooves. "I've been training to join the Wonderbolts, so this is was real easy."

Twilight looked stunned at Rainbow's hooves. "Okay, okay. Seems like you got the weather under control. And from what I've seen, you could make a great Wonderbolt. You even matched Link almost hit for hit, and he just graduated from the royal guard. Pat yourself on the back for that one."

"I plan to, uh… What's your names?" Rainbow asked.

"I'm Twilight, this is Spike, my dragon assistant, Link, my guard, and Navi, his fairy companion."

"I can't wait to hang out some more, Twilight. But for now, I gotta sleep. Today's been tough already. See ya around." Rainbow bolted off to the skies and out of sight.

"That was interesting…" Navi said. "Were you holding back?" Link nodded his head. "I thought so. She is a civilian."

"Next time you have to protect me from a civilian who means no harm, dial it down to restrain. Next up, decorations." They looked for the sign of town hall, finding it in a few moments as they were already in the square.

Rainbow Dash… A pegasus, certainly faster than the unicorns I trained with. Her reflexes are great, so I'd need to focus on limiting her movements before trying to win he thought to himself.

The outside of town hall looked great, but the inside was a work in progress. Beneath the balcony stood a white unicorn with a purple mane. Spike, atop Twilight's back, looked in awe. "Beautiful," he said.

Yes," Twilight replied, "the inner decorations are coming along nicely."

"Not that. Her." He pointed at the pony, who was trying different colors of ribbon for the pillars.

"Hello there. The decorations look wonderful." Twilight walked to meet the mare.

Without looking, she replied, "Why thank you, darling. Just give me a moment and I'll be right with you." After another minute or so of trying different ribbons, she turned. "Now, what can I help you w-w-Woah!" She stood there, agape. "What, is that?!" she asked, pointing at Link.

"He's my bodyguard. How a-"

"Not that," she interrupted. "His hair, why it's so shiny, and well-kept!" She gasped again when she saw Navi. "And, a fairy?! My, you're certainly fortunate. Fairies are very, I mean, very rare."

"I'm Navi. I'm accompanying Link, who's bodyguarding Twilight." She pointed to the purple unicorn. "This is Twilight."

"Hello, Twilight. I'm Rarity. Local designer and clothing outfitter. A pleasure."

"All mine," Twilight said as she looked around. "Looks like you have things in order, so I'll leave you to it."

"Do stop by Carousel Boutique. I'd like to make an outfit for the both of you."

"Maybe… After things wind down a little." Twilight left with Spike, Link, and Navi.

"Not 2 hours after landing, and half the list is done. What'd be next?" Spike asked, looking at the list.

"Music and Confections. Confections is last, because it's all the way out at Sweet Apple Acres." Twilight walked to the park.

With the sky and decorations out of the way, and confections last, the song birds needed Twilight's attention. Fortunately, they were close by, and being kept company by a butter-colored pegasus with a pink mane.

"Hello!" Twilight blurted, scaring off the birds in the process. Seeing what she'd done, she adds, "Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare your birds away. They sounded lovely."

The pegasus silently landed, looked at the ground, and kicked the dirt. Not sure what to say, she kept her head down.

"My name is Twilight Sparkle. What's your name?" Twilight asked, with an odd look on her face.

Link looked at her with a smile as well, standing taller than her by the same amount he did with Twilight. Navi peeked out from under the hat. Not much of a talker she thought, she and Link could get along.

The yellow pony mumbled something. "Sorry, what was that?" Twilight asked, leaning in a little. Another mumble. "Didn't quite catch that." she said once more. A high pitched squeak emitted from the pony. After a quiet moment, the birds returned to their perches. "Well, your birds are back. So… I guess I'll leave you to it..."

As they turned to leave, Navi flew out and around Link. Seeing her, the shy pegasus sped to his side, stopping before hitting either of them. "Oh! A fairy! This is amazing! This is the first time I've seen one this close to civilization. What's your name little one?"

Navi smiled, and sat on Link's shield. "I'm Navi. This is Link, Twilight, and Spike's over there in a bush. I take it you've seen other fairies?"

"Oh yes, I have. Just, not this close before. I'm Fluttershy by the way. It was many years ago, but I remember much of it. I had just got to Ponyville, and I saw a group of them heading into the Everfree Forest. It's a dangerous place to adventure in alone, so I stayed away. I haven't seen one since."

In this time, Spike came out of the bush and sat on Twilight's back. "What's taking so long?"

Fluttershy looked at him, and gasped. "A dragon, too!? Well, well… I don't suppose there's an Orthros hidden around here?" She began looking around.

"Sign off Music. It's handled by Fluttershy." Twilight looked at Fluttershy. "Thank you for your contribution to the Summer Sun Celebration. Your efforts will not go unre-"

"I don't mean to interrupt, but could I talk with those two? I don't get to learn about mythical creatures like this that often. Oh, this is exciting. What do fairies and dragons talk about?"

Navi was the first to speak up. "Uhm… it's not my place to talk about anything. Not yet anyway. I'll leave that up to him..." She crawled away into Link's hat, earning a sad sigh from the mare.

"What do you want to know?" Spike asked, grinning.

"Everything." Fluttershy started following behind them as they turned again to leave.

Twilight looked back to Fluttershy. "Sorry, Fluttershy, but we're busy today. … How about this: come by Golden Oaks Library tomorrow morning. Link will let you in, and you can ask all the questions you want. We still have to go out to Sweet Apple Acres for Confections, and you need to educate your birds."

"O-oh… tomorrow then…" she replied, looking down. "And if I may, real quick, what is he?"

Navi looked out of the hat, and started to talk. Twilight cut her off. "He's my bodyguard. He's a Hylian from another world. He's human." Twilight eased her demeanor and added, "Strange, but almost 13 years ago, he showed up suddenly. Since then, he's been like my little brother. But, more on that in the morning. I really have to go. It was nice meeting you Fluttershy."

"Yeah, nice meeting you too Twilight, Spike, Link, and Navi." She returned to her birds, who started singing soon after.

Walking toward the Apple farm, a 20 minute walk, Navi caught up Twilight and Spike about the 5 years he'd been away. They talked about the friend he made in Silver General, about his shield spell and its current stage in development, and about what things Twilight has learned in his absence.

Once at the farm, Twilight took a look around. She saw a lot of ponies running around, bucking apple trees. These trees covered several acres, and stretched as far as the mountains. She got closer to the home, where she expected to find the pony in charge. Instead, she saw an orange pony, able to knock every apple from the tree in a single buck. Sweat was dripping from her forelock, and rolling down her chest to her legs as she moved from tree to tree.

It was small, but present. A skipped beat, a tiny spark, a … something that cannot be expressed correctly with proper grammar. But it indeed was small, Twilight shook the thoughts out of her head as quickly as they entered. "Excuse me," she called out to the earth pony, "I'm looking for the confectioner in charge of food for the Summer Sun Celebration."

The orange mare turned, and trotted to her. "Howdy, Ah'm Applejack. What can I do you for?"

Twilight, off-guard about the strange way of talking, replied, "Hello. I'm Twilight Sparkle. I've been put in charge by Princess Celestia to oversee preparations."

"Howdy, Twilight!" she said, vigorously shaking Twilight's hoof. "Yeah, the Summer Sun Celebration is finally being held here in Ponyville, we'll surely do it proud." She stopped shaking and gave her some room. "Ah heard somepony was comin'. Mah brother gets all the mail. Just glad it was on time. It's sometimes not..."

It took Twilight a moment to realize she'd stopped shaking, only stopped by Link, who'd put his hand on her hoof. "Oh, well, that's something to note. Anyway, how's it going? The confections, I mean."

"You might wanna sit fer this one." Applejack held up a triangle, and rang it very loudly. "SOUP'S ON, EVERYPONY!!!" she yelled. The rest of the ponies gathered around the nearest table, bringing out food by the plate-full. Link and Twilight were almost pushed to said table to find a seat before they were all taken.

"Oh that's really not necessary. I am in something of a rush…" she said quietly.

Within moments, the workers gathered around Twilight. Applejack started firing off their names one by one, no stuttering or hesitation in the least. She slowed to introduce her direct family members. "Applebloom, Big Macintosh, and," she paused to take a breath, "Granny Smith. She's the matriarch of the family."

"I'd like to stay, but, again, I am in a rush. Besides, we're not really-" Twilight's stomach grumbled. She blushed and looked away.

"You're not what, now? Face it, Twi. You're stayin' fer brunch. Your stomach says so." She had a seat beside Twilight.

Link took off his gauntlets and was the first to start eating. Navi stayed in his hat until this point. She came to rest on the table beside his plate, earning a collective gasp from the Apples. "Seriously?" she started. "I'm what shocks you? Link is more rare than even I am, and I'm a fairy. Where I come from, horses are much bigger, and less colorful. To me, you all would be strange. But I don't care about strangeness. The more, the better." She smiled at Link, who smiled in return.

The ponies looked at Link, then to Navi. "He's a human, ain't he?" Applejack asked.

Twilight looked at her. "How'd you know that? Nopony knows what he is."

"The library's a good place to buckle down with a good book. They've got one called 'Anthropology'. Told me all about 'em."

"That's the same book we read to take care of him as a baby. It took a lot of effort. Maybe I could lend him out to help you on the farm?" Twilight asked, looking at him.

Link shrugged his shoulders. "If those are your orders, then it's fine." He nodded in agreement to Navi.

Applejack smiled. "How strong are ya? Oh right. Can't talk. How about a test?" She pointed to an apple tree beside the table. The others looked at him. "Hit it however ya like to. Just knock the apples out of the tree. If you can knock 8 apples out, I'll consider ya for employment."

Navi looked at Link worriedly. "8? … That's… Can you do it?" Link nodded his head in confidence. He walked up to the tree, looked for the apples, and counted at least 20. 8 in one shot? he thought, No sweat. Looking at the trunk again, he turned his side to the tree. Turning, he struck the tree with a reverse side kick.

10 apples hit the ground, and so did Link. He was too close on impact, and it threw him backward for being off-balance. He looked around and counted the apples. Then stood proud, after dusting himself off. "Well done kid. Ah might take you up on your help. How's once a week sound to ya?"

Link nodded. "Or, how about this? Since he follows my orders, he can help you whenever he wants to. There's no telling what might happen. So when our schedules permit him, he's free to make the choice." Twilight stood firm with her decision. Applejack only nodded in agreement. "Great, now, I really am busy. It's been… fun."

"You ain't had fun just yet. oop." She had to stop herself from spilling the beans. "Nevermind that, you just run along. Get to your busy schedule."

Twilight nodded and started back for town, walking a bit slower than her trip there. "That was strange. But I'm sure it's nothing. Spike, go ahead and check off confections." He did so, then put the scroll away. "Everything is out of the way now. No more distractions. I have to do research on the coming disaster."

It took at least half an hour to get back to the library. The lights were off, that's expected. "Okay, weather's clear, decorations are nearing completion, music and confections will be ready by the time we need them. That only took most of the day. But, here at the library, I can do my research."

"There's your silver lining." Navi took notice of a gray pegasus who looked their way. Or, tried to at least. "To the dark cloud of today, I mean…" Navi flew around Link's head.

"Speaking of clouds, well done Link. You guarded me as ordered. Even if I didn't actually need it, it is still good to know you protect me when I need it. For that I thank you." Twilight could see the branches of the library.

That pegasus… She's had training, that's for sure. She'd beat me without a problem. Best to get more training in. I'm gonna have to keep my morning exercises, maybe increase them a bit to get stronger Link thought on his way to the library. Gah, listen to me… am I really going to let the fact I lost haunt me for the rest of my life?

Another ten minutes passed as they got to the doors of the library. Link, ever cautious, walked in and listened close. He heard small, but collective breathing. Drawing his equipment, he threw up a barrier, protecting Twilight. A lantern came on in the middle of the room, lighting the area.

The pink pony from earlier peeked up from behind the couch. Quietly, she said, "… Surprise?" Soon, the other guests rise from their own hiding spots, throwing Link into a state of panic.

Twilight looked around. "Woah, Link. Calm down. They don't mean any harm." She looked at the pink pony. "What is all this?"

Pinkie spoke up. "A surprise party. Heheh, 'Welcome to Ponyville'..." She started to leave.

"Wait," Twilight started. "Link, withdraw." He was hesitant, but obeyed. He put his gear away and dropped the barrier. "Okay, let's try that again. This is a surprise party. So you can all stay and throw the party."

Just then, an orange mare came walking in. "Am Ah late? Applebloom threw a hissy when she had to do her chores before it got too dark."

Twilight's heart skipped a beat. Maybe because she was scared by Applejack's sudden appearance, or … no, it couldn't be.

"Nope, we just got started," Pinkie chimed. "But be careful, there's a strange one here too!" She pointed at Link, who pointed at himself with a questioning look. "My 'Welcome to Ponyville' Party could have had a better start, but there's a full night of fun to be had."

The white designer unicorn stepped forward. "I took the liberty of getting some house-warming gifts for you four. For Twilight, an outfit, made last week when I was hitting a rut. It may not be my best work, but it didn't have any use to me sitting in my closet." She pulled from the couch a light blue dress with purple trim. It had a pendant on it the shape of Rarity's cutie mark. "And for Spike, I have an amethyst. I don't know much about dragons, except that they eat gems. So… there you go." She reached into her bags and pulled an amethyst out for him.

Twilight took the dress. "You didn't have to do this…"

Spike interrupted. "But you did, so *crunch* thank you."

"Uh-huh. Now, for the other two. Navi the Fairy, for you, I have a little kit." She pulled out a small box from her bag and levitates it to Navi. Link takes it in his hand and opens it. "A wing care kit. Who knows when you'll need your wings cleaned with care? And for you, Link. I didn't know what to get you, but somepony else did." She took out a comb from her bag with her magic. "A comb… for your hair. Courtesy of Lyra Heartstrings." She nodded to a teal unicorn to Link's right. He looked to see a wide smile on her face. "I hope you all enjoy."

Rainbow landed beside Link, who nearly dropped his new comb. "You kept up pretty well. Who'd you train with to get that good?"

Navi came to his side. "He can't talk. I talk for him. He's trained with the Royal Guard for 5 years. He's highly adaptable."

"Which branch? Unicorn, Pegasus, or Earth?" she asked, looking at his weapons.

Navi looked at Link, who shook his head. "I … don't think he wants you to know that. Sorry."

"Eh, I'd rather find out for myself. I want to spar sometime. Who knows, you might learn something." Rainbow added, "And if ever you're in trouble, I got your back."

Link nodded, smiling. Fluttershy got Navi's attention. She flew over to the butter-colored pegasus. "I'm sorry to bother you, but…" Fluttershy looked with wonder at Navi. "What do fairies eat?"

"Nothing. Our bodies need energy, yes, but we get it through the natural energy around us." She flew to Fluttershy's muzzle, and pointed to her own chest. "Fairies are spirits who lived a life of goodness, and free of sin. The bad, mean beings are reborn as evil spirits called Poes." She paused. "At least, that's what they're called on my world."

Fluttershy sat, looking down. "That's so sad... So are you haunting Link? Because that's-"

"Not 'haunt'," she interrupted, "accompany. Like a service animal. Since he can't talk, it's up to me to translate his body language into words. It's not often I'm wrong."

Fluttershy stood up. "I think that's very nice of you. Helping those who can't help themselves. Kind of like what I do."

Navi flew to in front of her. "And that is?"

"I look after a house full of animals. It's government funded, so I guess it counts as income."

Navi started flying back to Link, who was standing there listening to Rainbow's dreams of becoming a Wonderbolt. "I'd very much like to see them sometime."

On the other side of the room, by the stairs, Applejack had Twilight off to the side. "Now," she started, "be honest with me, Twilight. What'd ya think of mah family?"

Twilight shifted where she stood. "Honestly? I mean this in the nicest way possible, they're... a bit pushy. They seem like nice ponies, but they could've backed off a little."

"Ah figured as much," the earth pony said, looking down. "Mah immediate family's more down to earth than mah secondary family."

"Secondary?" Twilight asked. "Like, branch family?"

"No, like aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Branch families are more... western than central. The desert and some cities might have 'em." She smiled. "You from a branch family?"

"I'm not. I have a brother, and my parents. Technically Spike's my kid, since I raised him from birth." She looked to the purple dragon, who was talking with Rarity.

"So... what's Link to ya?" Applejack asked, sitting on the stairs.

"He's my bodyguard. Get this, he got into it with Rainbow earlier, and they were hit-for-hit. And, when he came in here, he was all sword drawn ready to fight for his life... Speaking of which..." She turned to the party goers. "Because my bodyguard was harsh on you when he first came in, I'll allow the party to continue until the sun rises."

Various cheers came from the partiers. Pinkie practically blew the roof off the place she jumped so high. "Perfect! I have just enough party poppers and prizes and games and jokes to last all night!"

"I only ask that you keep the party down here. I do still have to study." Turning back towards Applejack, she continued. "Feel free to stay the night. And can you tell everyone that as well? I don't want to be a bad host." She turned again, this time, past Applejack and up the stairs with a few books she pulled from the shelves.

Link, finally away from Rainbow, thanks to Navi, saw an interesting pegasus by the punch bowl. Navi got the attention of one of her eyes. Intrigued by the directions they looked, Link looked from one to the other. "You're different from the others. That's not a bad thing. Link's different too. In case you haven't heard it already, he's unable to talk."

The gray pegasus pauses, and focuses one eye on him while the other looked above him. "I remember you. You were in town earlier. And yes, I'm different. I can't see straight. Your friend can't talk like everyone else. But sometimes, you say it best, when you don't say anything at all."

Navi hovered there, slightly shocked by her words. Link was interested in what she had to say, so he sat close to listen.

"The same could be said for me. My name's Derpy, by the way. Derpy Hooves. I can't see straight, but I still see so much more than anypony I know. Funny how that works." The pegasus sat down carefully. "I see the good in ponies, that others seem to miss."

"You're really something else... You're the first pony we met who was unfazed at the sight of a human and fairy," she said, sitting on Link's knee.

"Being different isn't a crime. Your differences make you unique. Rare, special, different, use what word you will." Again, she paused. "And you, Link. You are far more different than anyone else. I can see something in you that can move mountains. I don't know what it is, but something about you feels like it can... oh, how do I explain this... it's like you choose to face hardship. and maybe not always for your own benefit? I... I'm not good at this sort of thing."

"Courage, maybe? That's what it sounds like to me. The ability to stand alone in the face of great danger without fear." Navi looked back at Link, who was shaking slightly.

"Yes, courage. Thank you. That's what you got. It burns in your eyes like an indistinguishable fire. It-" Link thrust his fist out to her with a genuine smile. Derpy stopped, and smiled. "You're welcome," she said, hitting his fist with her hoof. "And Welcome to Ponyville."

The night went on like any party would. Mingling and fun was had. Most ponies left by morning. Applejack took Twilight up on her offer and slept on the couch. Rainbow decided to bring in a cloud to sleep on. Link slept in the bed opposite of Twilight with Navi in his hat on the nightstand. Spike crashed in the small bed Twilight had made for him.

Preparations would last a couple more days. Twilight spent them rechecking her list with Spike, Link, and Navi. She found a quill shop and stocked up. Link and Spike spent the following day talking with Fluttershy about their lives so far. Link didn't get into detail, because military secrets and all that. Navi spoke for him of course.

But in all of this, she only had the nights to do her research. By the time the prophecy came, it'd be too late to prepare.

Holy goodness! This one took for-bloody-ever! Work's got me working 6 days a week and 12 hour days, leaving me little time to write and type.

Also, this was originally 2 chapters, but I smashed them together so you had more to read. If I got anything wrong, let me know so I may fix it.