Ponyville Shadow

by Son Of Mu

Chapters

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three

Chapter One

It is natures cruel irony that those who appear nice are often ugly and those who appear ugly often nice.

Dark Link mind was a haze. Through blurry eyes, he watched as his opponent raised his sword high over his head. He closed his eyes, not wanting to see it come down. Maybe, if he didn't see it happen, he wouldn't feel the pain that would follow penetration. He heard the high, deafening whistling of the blade cutting the heavily fogged air. He heard the familiar sound of metal plunging through organic matter, a sound he hated. But the shoe was now on the other foot now, and it made him sick to his stomach to hear it.

Silence hung heavy throughout the flooded room and a breeze of unknown origin blew softly around his face, chilling it like it always did. He opened an eye, wanting to see what part of himself had been run-through. He felt no pain, however, which confused him. He turned his head and saw the sword embedded in the soft sand beside his head. He looked up and saw his opponent staring at him with such bitterness and hate. Dark Link watched as his opponent pulled out the sword, sheathed it and began to walk over to the unlocked door, his footsteps echoing throughout the now empty room.

He heard the door click as it raised off the ground. He saw his opponent look back at him for one last time, then walked through allowing the door to slam shut. Dark Link sat up, his muscles sore from overexertion. He looked around at his room. It was dark, no longer giving off the strange glow it had moments ago. The island and tree had vanished, along with the strange rock formations in the distance. He wrapped his arms around his knees and hung his head low.

"Why didn't you kill me?" Dark Link questioned out loud.

He knew he was trapped; he couldn't escape. That door was the only exit, and it had relocked itself. He felt the hot tears rolling down his face, something that never happened to him before. He clenched his eyes shut and screamed as loudly as he could. The echo of his outburst vibrated off the walls, making feel more separated from the outside. He sighed as he wiped away the tears.

"What will I do? I'll go crazy if I stay in here..." He whispered.

He stared at the door, noting the intricate details the creators of this temple had painstakingly put into it. His adversary, long gone, was probably fighting the boss of the temple as he sat there, thinking about what could have been if he had won that fight. The shadowy core that was his heart ached for companionship.

"Even if it means we would fight again. I would rather fight you again then stay here alone until time itself stopped dead in its tracks....I don't want to be alone!" He shouted again, louder than before, hoping, praying for someone to hear him.

But it was not to be.

He stood up and walked over to where his sword had fallen, what seemed like hours ago. He picked it up and stared into the black sheen of the blade, and saw his reflection. He growled and threw the sword across the room. He hated his appearance; the evil gleam that was always in his crimson eyes, hair that was cut of pure darkness, the ghost white paleness of his skin. Every detail made him appear like a demon that would keep killing till none remained in his wake.

He walked over towards the door, that cursed door that kept him from tasting freedom. He looked at with hatred as if it was the cause of his misery. He clenched his hand into a fist, then struck the door as hard as he could. Over and over, the banging breaking the silence of the room. When he finally stopped his hand was bleeding heavily, his knuckles crushed in. He let his arm fall to his side. He knew it was a futile attempt at freedom.

He leaned against the door. knowing he would never see the outside. All he could think about were the descriptions of it his master had told him. The rolling plains, the deep lakes, and oceans, the vast desert, all these things he would never see. He felt the tears coming again; he felt so hopeless. He sank to his knees, his hands never leaving the cold stone surface of the door.

It was getting very cold and without the surface of the small island that had disappeared, he would die from hyperthermia. He shivered, trying to keep himself warm, yet the cold seeped through his wet clothes, chilling him to the bone. His eyes began to close, and he welcomed the death that would surely follow.

"Anywhere is better than being trapped here...." He whispered to himself as his eyes shut closed though it didn't stop the tears from pouring down his face.

He felt like he was sinking through the floor as his hands slid off the only escape he had. He didn't fight the force that was pulling on him. It was an almost welcoming feeling. It was warm against his chilled skin. He could hear a feminine voice whisper into his ears with a motherly tone in it that he would be alright. Dark Link felt as if a pair arms wrapped around him though they felt more like wing covered in feathers. Whatever the case it was, Dark Link leaned against it while tears poured down his face. Trying to get more of the warmth it offered along with the love it seemed to shine. Dark Link thought for sure he finally lost his mind as he felt whatever it was kissed his forehead as if he was a child. It felt like a mother comforting their child. Dark Link sighed as felt the warmth leave him while he stayed on the grass..........grass?

Dark Link opened his eyes only to close them as his eyes were filled with sunlight. Raising an arm to cover his eyes until he adjusted to the light he only had one thought on his mind. 'What happened?'

Dark Link stayed there with his arm covering his eyes. Finally thinking it was safe, he lowered his arm while opening his crimson eyes. His eyes widened when he saw he was no longer in the temple. All around him, he was tree's least that's what he thought they were the way his master describe them. The tree's were tall as they completely towered over him while also blocking off some of the sun? Yes, that was what the giant flaming ball was called. Dark Link glanced around everywhere then he saw something reflecting the light back over at him. Walking over towards the object, he saw it was his sword along with the shield. Dark Link continued to stare down at the two dark items before reaching down and strapping them back on his back.

'What forest is this?' Dark Link wondered. He heard his master telling him of the many forests. That was he said. He never told him what the trees of the forest looked like.

Dark Link thoughts were cut off as he heard a loud scream that echoed all throughout the forest with the sound seeming to bounce off the trees making it echo longer. Dark Link was simply about to ignore the scream but stopped and stared towards the sound of where it came from. All he could see were more and more trees. He didn't know why he was even bothering with the sound. More than likely whoever it was dead.

Do you know that, though?

Dark Link blinked a couple of times when he heard a voice spoke to him. Glancing all around he saw nothing. No monster or person. Where did that voice come from? Maybe he was already dead and he didn't know........or perhaps he had finally lost himself to madness and this was all a delusional vision conjured up by it. His master would have tortured him for even thinking of helping someone.

You master is not here.

That voice again. SO maybe he wasn't crazy. 'Who are you?'

You are your own person. Your master has no control over you.

'You still didn't answer my question.'

You can choose who you want to be. Be the person your heart wanted to be. Not what someone else wanted.

'I am made of shadows. I don't even have a heart.' Dark Link countered.

Silence.

'Hey answer me!'

Dark Link received no answer from the voice as he simply stood there only to glance towards the direction the scream came from as another one was heard. Dark Link stood there just staring towards the direction. 'I guess.....it couldn't hurt.'

As soon as the thought left his mind, he sprinted through the forest zigzagging through the trees towards whatever made that sound. The only problem was he had no idea where they were. He knew their screams came from this way, but that was all there was! Even if he did find them they would be dead.

Go right.

Oh so the voice now comes back. He didn't really trust the voice but the way it sounded......motherly? Yes, that was the word. It sounded gentle, kind, and serene. What was irritating him was the fact the voice was nowhere to be seen! His master.....was Ganondorf even his master anymore? Your master has no control ver you anymore. 'Who are you exactly?'

The voice once again didn't answer him.

Fine then. He would just find the dead bodies of these people or whatever their race was. Though what he saw kind of surprised him but not shock him. 'Interesting.'

Dark Link stared at three small horses.....no too small to be horses. What were they called? Ponies. He saw three little fillies. Was that the right word? Yes. That or colt. Looking at them, he could tell they were females.....why did they have such weird colors? Was one of them wearing a ribbon? Better yet, where was their master? Didn't the Hyrulians take care of their pet? Glancing over at what surrounded them, he saw wolves.......made of wood. What kind of monster would be made of wood? They would just break too easy. He saw probably about five of the wolfs though one was inching closer to the three while they huddled in fear. Wondering why they didn't just run Dark Link glanced behind them and saw the reason. A very long drop that would kill them.

Save them.

'They are just animals.' Dark Link countered as he turned to simply walk away.

They are scared......just like you were.

That caused him to stop in his place.

Look closer at them.

Dark Link turned and glanced down at the three again. His eyes narrowed, but he didn't see anything of what the strange voice was talking about. He was about to yell when he saw something. Not knowing how he could, he saw despair in their eyes along with tears.....the same feeling he felt in the water temple. He stared more and more.

Save them.

That broke Dark Link out of his trance. He still stared for a little bit before eventually unsheathing his sword and sprinted down the hill. 'Funny. A monster saving ponies from monsters.' Dark Link chuckled dryly. He wasn't sure, but he swore a pair of eyes were watching him with sadness......and love. That was just ridiculous. He was an abomination.

Reaching the first wolf he slammed into it with his shield sending knocking it away a few feet on its side. The wolves were surprised by what happened that one of the wolves didn't dodge the blade swung at its head completely separating from its body. The wolves shook off their surprise and started growling at the strange thing that kept them from their dinner. Dark Link stood in front of the ponies with his shield held out in front of him with his sword pointed at the wolves beside his shield. The timberwolves just stared at him not sure to make of this thing. Just looking at it was making them slightly uneasily. The timberwolves backed away before finally turning and running off. Dark Link waited until they were gone for sure before strapping his shield and sword back on his back. 'That's taken care of.'

Dark Link turned towards the three ponies only to see they were shaking even in more fear. Dark Link let out a big sigh. 'Congrats. I saved the ponies only for them to be scared more of me than the wolves.'

Silence.

Dark Link turned to walk off so he wouldn't have to look at the scared ponies with the two having a horn or wings......wait......what? He turned and faced them. Sure, enough they did. 'Ponies can have those?' Curiosity getting the better of him, Dark Link walked closer to the three causing them to shake more in fear while their eyes widened. Standing a few feet away and taking a closer look while crouching down. 'They do.'

Raising a hand towards them, he saw them tense up even more. "I'm not going to hurt you." Dark Link spoke hoping to calm them down. The opposite happened when the one with wings reared its legs up and before Dark Link could react brought them down.......right between his knees. His eyes widened considerably than finally registered the pain as he grabbed......jr with both his hands and falling down on both knees groaning in pain.

"RUN FOR IT!!" A voice yelled.

Dark Link glanced up but didn't see anyone but did see the three ponies running off while he continued to crouch down holding himself. 'I am not surprised at their reaction........but why did one of them have to kick me in the dick!'

”CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS POTION BREWERS, YAY!”

By this point in time, the village of Ponyville was used to the deafening trio of screams that suddenly burst out from the CMC-clubhouse. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo had seemingly thought up yet another plan to discover their talents and thus earn their cutie marks. Their ongoing quest was common knowledge among the villagers. The majority of them had already fallen prey to their different attempts to help them with their jobs and professions. More often than not, the results were disastrous. The young fillies always meant well, though, so the villagers took it in stride.

The crusaders’ plans were mostly harmless, usually taking place within the safe borders of Ponyville. But the fillies' plan today was anything but safe. Today, their quest led them to one of the most dangerous areas in Equestria. The great forest that was located just outside the borders of Ponyville: The Everfree Forest.

“Are you sure about this, Scootaloo?” Sweetie Belle asked somewhat nervously. The excitement that had filled her voice during her and her friends’ shout from before was gone without a trace.

“Oh come on! Don’t tell me you’re having second thoughts,” the purple-maned pegasus replied, skipping several steps ahead of her two friends. “Potion brewing just HAS to be our talent. We made that love potion during Hearts and Hooves Day perfectly on our first try!”

“First of all, it was a love POISON that almost ruined Miss Cheerliee’s and Big McIntosh’s life!” Apple Bloom replied, the memories of the two ponies’ gross flirting making her gag. “Secondly, while I think potion brewing could be our special talent too, I’m not so sure about searching for ingredients inside the Everfree Forest.”

By this point, the crusaders had arrived near the borders of the forest. None of them could recall how many times the adults have told them to stay away from it by now. Judging by the many nightmarish creatures that dwelled within, their warnings were undoubtedly well-founded. Scootaloo just gave her friends a mock laugh and continued on.

“Hah! We’ve been inside there by ourselves before while visiting Zecora. Besides, it’s not like we’re planning to go that far in. We're just going to get a few pieces of bark, some flowers, and whatever else we find.”

“And how will we ever be able to make potions out of those kinds of things?” Sweetie Belle asked. Scootaloo gave the young unicorn a deadpan look.

“If we could make a love potion out of clouds, rainbows, and pegasus feathers, I’m sure we could make something out of flowers and bark. Especially considering that pretty much anything that comes from Everfree Forest must be special or magical in some way.”

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom looked over their shoulders towards Ponyville. Both of them were thinking the same thing: the huge scolding they would receive from their families once they found out where they had been. Apple Bloom’s sister Applejack and Sweetie Belle’s sister Rarity would be especially angry. Still, it wasn't like they were planning on looking for dangerous animals or anything.

The three soon heard growling coming from behind them causing the three to pause in fear. "Please tell e that was one of your stomachs." Sweetie spoke. None of them replied and slowly turned to see timberwolves staring at them.

One of the timberwolves pounced at them causing the three to let out screams as they turned and ran. The timberwolves gave chase after them. The three zig-zagged through the trees trying everything to lose them. Though nothing was working as the timberwolves slowly gained on them. "Hurry!"

The three fillies ran only to stop as they almost fell off an edge. They quickly turned around only for the timberwolves to block off their only escape. The three huddled close to each other while tears began forming in their eyes as they knew that this was most likely the last time they would ever see their sisters ever again. One of the timberwolves jumped towards its pray only for something to slam into causing the three fillies mouths to open wide at what they saw. A tall creature standing on its back hoofs with dark clothing and skin. They watched how it easily drove off the timberwolves. When it turned the three shook in fear as red crimson eyes stared at them. The thing just stared at them before turning and seemed to walk away than it stopped and walked back towards them. 'Its going to eat us.' Was all they were thinking.

The creature crouched down by them while raising a hand towards them causing the three to tense up. "I'm not going to hurt you." It spoke while bringing its appendage closer to them.

Scootaloo having a small bust of courage raised up her hoofs and slammed them down right between the creature where she saw it fell down in pain. Turning to her friends she shouted. "RUN FOR IT!" Her friends broke out of their shock and ran past the creature. The three ran to Ponyville. They knew they were going to get in trouble. But they had to tell everypony about that thing.

Chapter Two

A sweet milkshake was gently placed on the wooden table before a cyan hoof claimed it for herself. Following this, four more drinks landed on the surface before they too were taken by hooves of various colors. A fifth drink, larger than the rest, never made it to the table as it was already in the grasp of its owner, who had a pink hoof.

The Elements of Harmony were gathered inside a sweets cafe enjoying each others company whilst they discussed personal matters that had transpired recently. The topic would be on whoever spoke first, and this time, the pony of benevolent arrogance opened her mouth first.

“Nothing has really happened recently around here, Ponyville is starting to look dull again!”

Pinkie squiggled her hoof in a teasing yet forewarning fashion, “Famous last words!” She snickered before her eyes shot wide open and smiled formed on her face. “Oh yeah, I’m working on a new pastry!” Pinkie slammed her drink on the table her voice traveling faster than her thoughts. “Its gonna be a cupcake with a cream filling! I’m still trying to work out the filling though, it has to be just right! Not too thick, but not runny either, and it’s also not supposed to be sour, but I’ll…”

Shutting Pinkie out of her thoughts, AppleJack’s ears rose up when a memory clicked in her head, “Speaking of food,” She said drawing the attention of the others, “Ah for one am excited for Apple Bucking Day!” her expression softened in her state of reminiscing, “Oh that is one of my favorite times of the year, plenty of goods ta bake and sell!” Applejack sipped at her apple soda-vanilla float, concluding her announcement.

Rainbow Dash, who sat across from AJ, raised an eyebrow. “Yeah... okay then.” With no comment to build on the topic, she turned her attention towards Rarity as she was placing down her strawberry shake.

Rarity twirled her straw around the cup in mirthful thoughts, “I finally finished restoring some of those chicly decorations from the old castle,” She poked the straw at the air to make her point. “And I do believe it’s high time we really work to spruce that place up a bit!” The straw had a thick shake inside it from which she proceeded to suck clean before sticking it back into the cup.

A quiet voice made itself known, partly hidden behind a banana frosty. “That would be nice, it’s a quiet nearby getaway...”

“But Flutters dear, you already live on the edge of town.” Inquired Rarity repeating the tube cleaning action again.

Fluttershy shrank back into her seat a bit, “I know, but Angel says I need to take a break from the animals every once and a while... They have been getting restless lately, but I can't figure out why…” Fluttershy had barely touched her drink which was beginning to melt.

An empty glass covered in a lavender glow made impact on the wood harder than necessary, startling the few around her. Its owner had wolfed the drink down to the last drop, “Ahhhh…” Twilight leaned back for a moment to let herself breathe before building on the topic, “That sounds like an excellent idea Rarity! The princesses’ diary advocated that there were many secrets built into the castle, so I’m sure we might discover something interesting in the process!” She stood up straight in her chair in an attempt to overlook her companions, but suddenly the downed shake came back to bite her in the flank with a brainfreeze. “Gah! Owww…” With a quick spell, the freeze vanished. But not without her friends chuckling and giggling at the display of gluttony's price. “That said we should probably gather our cleaning supplies and get over there ASAP!”

“Yay!” Pinkie exclaimed with her fourth drink in hoof held up high. “Field Trip!”

The rest of her friends examined the slice of the table which belonged to their pink friend, where three extra large milkshake glasses (each being a different flavor) stood empty and dry.

“Pinkie,” Rainbow proclaimed with her face expressing wonder. “You must teach me your ways of eating...”

“My young cupcake,” She began to bounce out the room with a martial arts bandana on her head. “You are not ready.”

Rainbow pleaded her case. “But I can eat a whole meal in ten seconds flat as is!”

“But, my young grasshopper, that is why you fail!” Pinkie giggled as if something funny was said then disappeared through the door, leaving a disgruntled Dash behind while the others laughed at her.

"Wonder what those three are up to?" Applejack asked while pointing her hoof at the Cutie Mark Crusaders who looked out of breath leaned against the building. The three fillies looked like they just got done running a hundred miles based on how deep their breaths were.

Twilight had her eyes squinted at the three. She took note that they were showing signs of fright. Their eyes were wide with terror and their faces had a look of haunt on them. She was proven right when they kept glancing back over their shoulders towards.....the Everfree? "Twilight?"

"I think those three went into the Everfree forest." Twilight stated.

"WHAT!?"

"I am going to tan her hide!" Applejack shouted as she got up and went outside with Rarity and Rainbow following after her.

Twilight sighed as she and Fluttershy went after them. Pinkie reappeared from the ceiling. "Did I miss something?"

"You....*pant* think....*pant*...lost it?" Sweetie Belle managed to speak out.

"I...*pant*.....doubt.....*pant*....it would come to Ponyville."

"What would?" A voice asked causing the three to jump in fright. Turning around the three fillies saw the mane six minus Pinkie staring at them with each of them having a different look on their faces. Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow were giving them stern look that said they were in trouble. Fluttershy was straing at them with a nervous look while Twilight were giving them a curious look. Probably about what they said.

"Umm nothing." The three quickly replied with an innocent look on their face while smiling and halos appeared on their heads giving them the appearance of sweet little innocent angels. The group didn't but it didn't fool anypony, though.

"What were you three doing in the Everfree forest?" Applejack asked.

The three fillies glanced at each other nervously knowing they were caught. "Well....we....uh.." Applebloom looked for her friends for help.

"We decided to try to see if our talents were really potion brewers." Scootaloo spoke.

"Like the same thing you three used that almost ruined Miss Cheerliee’s and Big McIntosh?" The question caused the three to gag at the memories of two ponies gross flirting.

"Sort of." Sweetie Belle smiled sheepishly.

The group didn't find their answer funny at all. "I'm back!" Pinkie shouted as she appeared while setting down three milkshakes in front of the three fillies.

"Pinkie this is not the time for playing around!"

"Of course not sillies, after all, the three got chased deeper into the forest by timberwolves, almost became their dinner only for a strange new being to show up and saved them where Scootaloo realizing it was male kicked it where it hurts the most!" Pinkie explained quickly but slow enough where her friends understood her.

"How did you....."

"I stole the chapter from the author." Pinkie spoke casually cutting off Scootallo while the ponies glanced at her with looks of confusion but didn't question her about it.

"Right....anyway.......you kicked a thing that you thought was male right where it hurts?" Rainbow asked looking at Scootaloo with a neutral expression on her face. Scootaloo nervously shook her head yes. "AWESOME! Way to take care of that thing!"

"What was it by the way?" Twilight asked the three.

"We don't know. It was a tall creature standing on its back hoofs with dark clothing and skin. It had glowing red eyes!"

"Any idea what it might be Sugarcube?" Applejack asked while glancing over at Twilight who had a thoughtful look on her face.

"I don't recall anything that says about that.....though it does sound like it is made of something.......dark magic." Twilight spoke with seriousness in her voice.

"Dark magic?"

"Its like how all unicorns use magic. While magic is used by emotions, dark magic uses anger, hate, and fear."

"So you think this thing might be evil? Like Nightmare Moon and Discord?"

"Possibly..." Twilight trailed off while glancing towards the forest.

"You want to go after it don't you?"

"Why not!? Rainbow asked as she did a flip with her wings while swinging her hooves like a boxer. "If we beat Discord and Nightmare Moon than we can handle this being." Rainbow spoke with her usual cockiness as always causing ponies to roll their eyes at her beside Scootaloo who had stars in them. Fluttershy just glanced over at her friend and Pinkie was smiling.

"Well?"

Twilight turned towards her friends who were smiling at her. Taking that a yes the group began walking towards the forest after telling the three fillies that they were grounded causing them to whine hoping they were forgotten.

Dark Link had no idea how long he stayed on the ground. The pain he felt was over so all he did was roll over to his back after taking his equipment off his back. So he stayed there looking up at the sky. It was beautiful. He saw the deep color blue mixed with a white puffy thing that floated through the sky. Sometimes they would block the sunlight before eventually floating away letting the sunlight shine through the area again. He also felt like invisible hands blow through him, pushing his clothes, making them go in one direction along with his hair. He didn't know why these things did this. Perhaps they also pushed those white puffy things as well?

'No point in staying here any longer.' Though where would he go? It seemed there was no place to go. Everywhere there were trees that seemed to stretch on. Also, where was that voice? It had not spoken to him in awhile. He could worry about it later.

Sitting he rose to his feet while strapping his shield and sword back on. Glancing around, he didn't really see a way to go besides just running into more trees. Sighing he just walked in one direction. Why should he go into town? Just for the town populace to chase him with fire and pitchfork or just to hide. He might as well stab himself. He sighed. Mopping wasn't going to do anything for him. Continuing he walked but to his surprise, he saw a house of some kind. In the middle of a forest? He was broken from his train of thought as heard the door opening. Reacting quickly, he jumped into the shadow where he seemingly blended in. He watched as the occupant.....pony? He a pony that had white fur with black stripes and wearing jewelry of some kind.

Staying still, he watched the pony gathering stuff. 'Why would she?'

"The pony folks stay away from this area a lot, for this forest is no place for a leisure trot." Said a voice causing him to jump slightly as he looked around for the owner of the voice but saw nothing. Glancing back at the pony he saw she was smiling at him.....ponies can smile? It also seemed like she knew he was there.

'Impossible.' Dark Link thought as he stared the pony turquoise eyes.

"Come out, I won't hurt you."

Dark Link remained still. Hopefully she would just go away.

Trust her.

'Last time I listened to you I got kicked.'

They were scared of your appearance.

'Right. She might be as well.' Dark Link countered back.

She sees you anyway so why not meet her face to face?

Dark Link was silent as he contemplated the voice question. There was no way the pony knew she was here. Sure enough, the pony continued to stare towards him, her smile never leaving her face. Sighing he began to move out of the shadows getting ready for pain or the scream to follow. If ponies can talk than that might of been one of the small ones yelling.

"…Um…hey there…" Dark Link said since he didn't really know what to do.

"You seemed to be confused to say the least, maybe I can help you oh mighty shadow being." She asked in an African style voice.

Dark Link blinked a couple of times. "I am a bit confused; you're like the first pony that hasn't run away from me. Why is that?"

"First and foremost I am not any type of pony kind; I'm actually a zebra so please keep that in mind."

"Noted…..so got a name?"

"My name is Zecora and it's a pleasure to meet you, may I have your name too?" Zecora asked.

Dark Link was silent at her asking him for a name. He didn't really have a name. He was just Link.....Dark Link. Did that even count as a name.

You can be whoever you want to be.

He stood there before finally answering. "You can call me Dark."

Greetings and welcome to the Everfree Forest, as you can plainly see it's not meant for the local tourist."

"I figured, so you said that none of the ponies in that town come here?"

"Yes, for those in Ponyville have great fear of this place, for they believe those who enter are gone without a trace."

"I see….say why do you do the whole rhyming thing Zecora?"

"It's just something I do, does it bother you?"

"No. So you live out here too? Why not live with the other ponies?"

"Though I have many friends in the town, I have everything here that I need, the forest here has many of the ingredients for my herbs and potions I use I even make use of the seed. So I stay here to not only practice my traditions, I also warn ponies of all dangers of the forest that could cause them many a serious conditions. So you see Dark, I stay here for more than just one reason, it is my duty to help them understand all I know no matter the season."

"So I would assume these ponies won't do well in meeting me right?" Dark asked already knowing the answer.

"Around these parts the ponies have great fear for things unknown such as you, so it would be wise to stay away from them for being near them will cause trouble times two."

"I thought so…but back to my previous question on why you aren't afraid of me?"

"You are more than what meets the eye, from the way you speak and walk. I can tell that you aren't hostel or mean, but a creature that has a good heart and somepony trustworthy to lean. It may not seem like it at the time but a while ago I knew the feeling of being misjudged and being alone for the way I look, it didn't last long as a little filly wanted to know more about me and that was all it took. For after her bravery to know me better had set off a chain reaction, so now I have many friends well above a small fraction. But now that I think about it the brown cloak I wore may have played its part, for when I wear it, it does make me look different so that may have been part of the problem from the start."

Dark just nodded his head.

"I could ask a few questions to answer for me?" Zecora asked.

"Go ahead."

"Why have you traveled to the land of Ponyville?"

"Well, I'm actually new around here so I don't know a lot about this land or where a pony town or city is." Dark spoke not wanting to tell her how he came to be here. Not just he didn't really trust her fully, but because he wasn't sure how he got here either.

"Is that so?"

"Yeah I mean…wait a minute, you're not rhyming anymore? I thought you always do that?"

"Correction my dear dragon friend, I said it's what I do but that doesn't mean I always do it. I normally rhyme to help me with making chants and it's a great way to make a friend smile." she said.

"…wait, did you call me your…friend?"

"Why yes I did. I consider you as a friend now Dark." This took him back. What was a friend? Was that a spell of some kind or a creature named?

"But…why?"

"Like you stated before, it's not the looks that determine the quality of a pony’s character but their actions. You show me that you are not a beast despite your appearance."

Dark was surprised again at her words.

Not everything would fear you. There are those who come to call you friend.

Dark began to feel uneasy. This was all new to him. What was a friend? Why this....zebra would be nice to him. Why? "Zecora I have to go." Without even waiting for her words he ran off into the forest.

He ran. He ran trying to get away from that zebra. He ran away from his cowardice. He ran from the kind voice that kept speaking to him. He ran from being called a friend. Running which he thought was far away, he leaned against a tree. He stayed there taking in breathes. He could feel tears pouring down his face. Why? He was a shadow! He shouldn't even feel these things! Ganondorf had made him from simply hate and shadows. Why did he feel these things? Why? WHY WAS HE EVEN ALIVE!? He stayed there with tears dripping on the ground as he slowly closed his eyes from exhaustion. He felt himself being wrapped in wings again by the same being. He wanted to scream at it to go away or pull away from it but didn't have the strength as he slowly passed out just as lips kissed his forehead.

Chapter Three

Dark Link opened his eyes as he felt the sunlight causing him to slowly open his eyes. So it all wasn't a mad dream. He was out of the water temple. Does that really mean that his master........no Ganondorf had no control over him anymore? He was really free to do what he wanted? He didn't have to kill when told to do so anymore? The ponies.........Zecora.....If he really was free what should he do now? His one purpose was to kill his counterpart Link......What would he have done if he did? He wanted freedom and he has it now but......what?

'What would have happened had I won our fight?' He wondered.

Dark Link heard voices coming towards him. He couldn't make out what was being said, but he didn't plan on finding out. Quickly rising to his feet he walked, quickly so not as to make noises away from the voices. He suddenly remembered Zecora causing him to pause slightly. He quickly shook it off and began walking faster. It seemed he had no luck when he stepped on a twig causing it to snap. He froze hoping whoever the owners of the voices didn't hear it.

"Did you all hear that?"

Shit.

Dark Link deciding that sneak was no longer an option bolted as fast as he could. "Whatever it is, it's getting away!"

That's the plan. Dark Link actually had an advantage due to the low sunlight in the forest. His skin and clothes actually made him blend in really well. The problem was that they seemed to have good hearing judging by how they were following right behind him. Dark Link zig-zagged through the lines as he quickly ran. He could hear the noises getting farther away from him so his plan was working.

"Gotcha ya!"

He felt something slammed into his back causing him and whatever was on him to land on the ground. Not relaxing as he hit the ground he rolled causing who was on him to let out a whoa when he rolled over and was on top of them. Looking down, he stared at a pair of dark strong pink eyes. He saw the eyes widened at him. No doubt scared of him. He had to admit her eyes were beautiful.

"Rainbow Dash!" A few voices shouted causing him to glance over just in time to see an orange pony bull charging him.

He quickly moved out of the way causing the mare to collide with her friend where the two lay crumbled in a heap. Turning he saw other ponies as well. One of them was giving him a fearful and hid behind the others when he glanced at her. Turning his gaze, he saw a purple pony with a horn that was giving him a scrutinizing stare. The white pony was.....just staring at him.......his clothes?

"HI!" Dark Link jumped back slightly when he heard a voice shout next to him. Glancing down, he saw a pink pony giving him a big smile that should be impossible due to the size of her face but sure enough, she was.

"DoyoulikepartieswhatareyouyoulookreallyscarylookingthoughIbetyouarerallynicedoyoulikecakescupcakeswahtflavordoyou."

Dark Link just watched as this pony talked and talked without even taking a breath. She was talking so fast that he couldn't even understand what she was saying. 'What manner of magic allows this?' Dark Link thought as he stared at the mare.

"I got you this time!" A voice shouted causing Dark Link to step to the side while the blue pony flew over his head.

Dark Link saw the orange pony charging towards him casuing his eyes to narrow and his hand to reach for his sword.

DON'T.

Dark Link stopped as his eyes blinked when he heard the voice shouted causing him to lose focus of the pony allowing her to run straight into him sending him flying where he slammed against a tree and let out a grunt of pain. Glancing at them with narrow eyes he saw the orange and blue pony looked happy about it. 'They are dead.' Dark Link thought in anger as he rose to his feet while reaching for his sword once again.

Please don't.

'Every time I listened to you it has always been bad for me! I'm going my way now!' Dark Link thought in anger as his hand grasped his sword.

If you hurt the innocent then you really are a monster.

'How many times must I tell you!? I am! It was what I was created for!'

You could have killed those three fillies but didn't. You neven made friends with Zecora. Would you count that as bad?

Dark Link stopped at that. Yeah, he saved those three fillies even he was put in pain by one of them. Though he did feel something in his chest that he couldn't explain. It was also nice that he was able to talk to Zeocra. Goddesses damn it! What are these things he is feeling!? What was that damn voice doing to him?

I have not done anything. You have always had these things.

Dark Link was silent as he stared at the ponies who continued to stare at him before sighing and letting go of his sword. 'I swear if one of them kicks me in the dick I will kill you.'

Dark Link couldn't see it but, he was positive the voice was laughing at him.

"You want some more!? Put them up! Put them up!" Rainbow asked while she went through a few jabs with her hooves like a boxer.

"Really? You attacked me first." Dark Link spoke causing them to gasp.

"You can talk!?"

"No. I am part of your mind. Of course I can talk." Dark Link deadpanned.

"Humph! How rude."

Dark Link ignored the stuck up one and turned towards the purple unicorn who was still staring at him.

"You can talk..." Twilight spoke in amazement though more to herself.

"You scared our sisters!" Applejack accused while pointing her hoof at him.

Dark Link blinked a few times staring at them. 'Those three from earlier?'

"Yeah! Not so tough when picking on someone your own size!" Rainbow yelled while getting in Dark Link face glaring at him.

"Uh....the three that I saved from wolfs made out of wood? Then one of them paid me back by kicking me?" Dark Link asked.

"Well....uh."

"I thought so."

"What are you?"

Dark Link opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by Twilight. "He is a shade. A being made of dark magic that is supposed to be evil." Twilight answered while having her eyes narrowed at him.

'Uh oh.' Was all Dark Link could think as the others grew tense. 'Not good.'

"So you are a spy for some evil lord!?"

'Well technically I was made by one but I was not a spy.'

"Twilight?"

"You coming with us. Princess Celestia can decide what to do with you."

Dark Link eyes narrowed at the word princess. "I am not doing anything with you all. I don't take orders from either of you anyway."

"You think you can take us on? We are the element's of harmony!" Rainbow boasted while Dark Link just cocked his head to the side.

'Element's of harmony?' He quickly shook his head while reaching for his sword.

"Like I said I am not going."