The Legend Of Zelda: Equestrian Nightmare

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1. Part 1
Chapter 1. Part 2
Chapter 1. Part 3
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12

Prologue

In the land of Hyrule, there echoes a legend. A legend held dearly by the Royal Family that tells of a boy... A boy who, after battling evil and saving Hyrule, crept away from the land that had made him a legend... Done with the battles he once waged across time, he embarked on a journey. A secret and personal journey... A journey in search of a beloved and invaluable friend... A friend with whom he parted ways when he finally fulfilled his heroic destiny and took his place among legends...

During his search, he came across a new land not unlike the one he came from. A mysterious land full of familiar faces and new dangers… It was in this land that an item of his was stolen… A very precious item that was a gift from a dear friend… After facing many hard ships and trials he managed to retrieve the item that was stolen from him and save the new land, making many new friends in the process… His task complete he parted ways with his new friends and continued his search…

A young boy clothed in green rode through a misty forest on a small, dark orange horse with a white mane. Every once in a while he would look up and listen to the sounds of the forest, hoping to hear the distinct sound of fluttering fairy wings.

“Is it me or is the fog getting thicker?” he thought to himself as he looked around.

Without warning his horse suddenly started galloping full speed almost causing him to fall off.

“Wow, Epona! Wow!” The boy said trying to get his horse to stop. “Easy girl. What’s the matter, were you scared by two fairies again?” he asked, petting her mane when she finally stopped. All he got in response was a whiny as Epona reared up a little. “Huh?” he said, seeing the air in front of them was distorted.

Getting down off his horse he put out his left hand and found that there was an invisible barrier in front of them. Just as he was about to pull his hand back, there was a flash of golden light as the Triforce of Courage appeared on his hand.

“Oh chosen hero of the ancient goddesses… Please come to our aid… A great evil threatens our land and we are in need of your courage…” A voice said in his head.

When the Light faded he found the barrier had disappeared and the way forward was clear. He then got back on his horse and continued in the direction the barrier once blocked.

Chapter 1. Part 1

The land of Equestria was enshrouded in the blanket of night. Yet, various multi-colored ponies ran and screamed from a notable building within their village. Out of these ponies, six mares ran towards a tall oak tree outfitted with windows and a door. The one leading the charge, a purple unicorn known as Twilight Sparkle, turned the knob on the door using her magic. On her back was a purple dragon with emerald eyes and green spines known as Spike. As soon as all the ponies entered the tree, Twilight Sparkle closed the door.

"Uhhh, we gotta stop Nightmare!" Spike shouted said.

"You've been up all night Spike. You are a baby dragon after all." As she said this, she shuffled through all the shelves of books and took each one out. "Elements, elements, elements... Ugh! How can I stop Nightmare Moon without the Elements of Harmony?" she shouted in frustration. The blue pegasus among the group, known as Rainbow Dash, stared down on Twilight with condensing eyes.

"And just what are the Elements of Harmony? And how did you know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you a spy?" she asked threateningly. However, an Amber-orange earth pony known as Applejack rotated her lasso before launching the noose over to the airborne Rainbow Dash, knocking her down.

"Simmer down, Sally. She ain't no spy. But she sure knows what's going on. Don't you, Twilight?" she defended.

"I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but I don't know what they are, where to find them; I don't even know what they do!" Twilight exclaimed. As she said this, the butter-yellow pegasus known as Fluttershy, a white unicorn known as Rarity, and a pink earth pony known as Pinkie Pie rummaged through the books.

"The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide." Pinkie Pie stated as she found a brown, hard-covered book in the shelves. Twilight ran over to Pinkie Pie with wide eyes.

"Where did you find this?" she impatiently asked.

"It was under E!" Pinkie Pie replied in a singsong voice. Twilight took the book and placed it on the floor. She bent down and read the pages. The more she read, the more her face twisted in puzzlement.

"Well, this is unusual. It says here that the Elements of Harmony were created by six different wiseponies, and they were all done under the power of a mystic, golden triangle that enriched the souls of everypony. I don't know what this means, but it does mention that there are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. The book even mentions that it may not even be an Element at all! It is said, the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. It is located in what is now the Everfree Forest." Twilight read off from her book. She closed the book and turned around. She saw that every other pony quivered in fear.

"Ummm, do we really have to go into the Everfree Forest at this time?" Fluttershy asked.

"We have to Fluttershy. Otherwise, we won't be able to save Equestria from the eternal night." Twilight responded. Fluttershy shakingly nodded. All six ponies in the Library ran outside.

Author's Note

Chapter written by ZeroChill

Chapter 1. Part 2

It was night by the time the boy reached the edge of the forest. A short distance away he spotted a village and decided to check it out. He dismounted Epona and asked her to stay put.

“Alright Link.” Epona said as he began to walk away.

“Did you just? Nah.” Link said turning to face his horse, before shrugging it off and continuing his way to the village.

As he walked into the town he noticed that the lights were off in all the buildings except for one big one.

“What the?” he said, walking up to the building and looking through a window seeing it was filled with multi coloured horses no bigger than Epona. He then noticed they were all looking up at a bigger darker one that had a long horn as well as wings and was wearing dark coloured armor.

“Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth THE NIGHT WILL LAST FOREVER!” The dark coloured horse said with an evil laugh before turning into a purple mist and flying out the door.

“Come Back Here!” A blue Pegasus mare with a rainbow mane yelled chasing after it too late. “Night time, for ever?” The Pegasus said sadly when it lost sight of the mist.

Seeing another pony coming Link quickly equipped the Stone Mask so he wouldn’t cause more of a disturbance. This time a purple unicorn ran out with what looked like a small dragon on its back, shortly followed by four other ponies, who began to follow her in addition to the blue Pegasus. Seeing as they seemed to have an idea on what was happening Link decided to follow them.

Link had followed the ponies to a library inside of a tree where he heard the purple one explain what was going on with Nightmare Moon and about the Elements of Harmony. They then made their way to the forest he had come from with Epona still sitting by the entrance.

“Who are you and what are you doing here?” Twilight asked Epona as they arrived at the forest.

“My name’s Epona, me and my partner Link just arrived here.” Epona said introducing herself.

“I'm Twilight Sparkle and it’s nice to meet you Epona, but you shouldn't be out here right now, this forest is very dangerous. Where is this Link fellow now?” Twilight asked.

“He’s right behind you silly, he’s just wearing one of his funny masks.” she said pointing with a hoof at Link.

“You can talk?!” Link asked surprised, taking off the mask.

“Wow! What are you and where did you just come from?” The rainbow manned Pegasus asked getting in his face.

“Silly Dashie. He’s been following us ever since we left Town Hall.” A pink pony with an out of control pink mane said giggling.

“There can be time for proper introductions later.” Twilight said before anyone else could say anything. “And as much as I would like to know who and what you are, right now we need to stop Nightmare Moon. Come on girls,” she said before she and the five other mares walked into the forest.

“So you can talk now.” Link said, turning to Epona after the others had left.

“Yeah,” Epona said nervously. “Shouldn’t you go after them? If that forest is as dangerous as they say it is then they may need your help.”

“You’re probably right.” He said before running after them. Epona’s sudden ability to talk didn’t bother him that much after having cows talk to him after playing Epona’s Song for them.

Chapter 1. Part 3

Link followed the tracks the ponies left through the forest. After a few minutes he finally caught up to them as they were entering a slowly decaying castle.

“Why do the bad guys always have creepy looking lairs?” he asked as he walk up to them.

“Who knows?” The pink one said as they entered the old castle.

“Whoa.” The pony with a southern accent said, as they approached a large pedestal with five orbs on it. “Come on, Twilight. Isn't this what you've been waiting' for?”

“The Elements of Harmony, we've found them!” The Purple one said excitedly. “Careful, careful!” she said as her Pegasi friends took the orbs off the pedestal and put them on the ground.

“One, two, three, four... Hey there's only five!” The Pink one said counting them.

“Where's the sixth?” The blue Pegasus asked.

“I'm not sure, but I have an idea. Stand back. I don't know what will happen.” Twilight said laying down in front of the elements.

“Come on now, y'all. She needs to concentrate.” The orange pony said as they took a couple of steps back.

“Wait what’s that!” Link said as a dark mist began to surrounded the Elements.

“Aah!” Twilight yelled as Link put on the bunny hood and quickly pushed her away from the mist.

“Twilight!” The five mares said running to their friend.

“The Elements!” The purple mare shouted as the Elements floated into the air.

As the Elements floated into the air an evil laugh filled the room as the mist materialised into Nightmare Moon. Acting on instinct, Link quickly drew his sword and shield.

“You're kidding. You're kidding, right? What are you anyway?” Nightmare Moon asked looking at the young swordsman. “No mater, say goodbye to your precious Elements!” she said before they disappeared.

“NO!” Twilight screamed.

“Now no one can stop me!” The dark mare declared, not noticing Link had begun to charge at her.

“EYAH!” Link shouted as he jumped at her bring his sword down in a wide vertical ark.

“Why you insolent foal!” Nightmare said staggering back a bit as the sword bounced harmlessly off her helmet. “You'll pay for that, but first,” she said turning to the mane six and charging her horn.

Just before she fired her attack Link quickly stepped between Nightmare Moon and the six frightened mares. When the attack was released Link throw up his mirror shield blocking the attack. However Nightmare’s magic proved to be too strong as the shield shatter as the spell rebounded, causing Link and the mares to be thrown out of the castle and in to the forest by the resulting explosion.

Chapter 2

Link got up from the ground and looked around. He saw that all of the equine beings were on the nearby ground. He sighed as he saw that they were all okay. He lifted his gilded blade from the ground and ran towards the castle. Yet, as he attempted to approach the castle, a clear purple barrier appeared and caused him to bounce back. He lifted his sword and brought his sword down, but the barrier knocked the sword out of his hand. He grunted in anger as he slashed away at the barrier. Finally, as he saw that the slashing effects did nothing whatsoever, he stopped. Twilight ran up to him and noticed that he had a stare of anger on his face.

“Ummm, Link? Are you alright?” she asked.

“I’m fine, but I’m afraid I couldn’t help you defeat Nightmare Moon right now. I lost most of my Items in that explosion.” Link said. Twilight smiled.

“Well, it’s true that we couldn’t stop Nightmare Moon and you lost your shield in the process, but I’m glad that you saved us from the face of death.” she said.

“Every day, it feels like I am always fighting a force of evil. My arrival may have had a positive consequence of saving your lives, but I know for sure that my appearance at this time isn’t just a coincidence.” Link said. The rest of the ponies walked up to him. While most had confused expressions, Pinkie Pie had a large grin on her face.

“I had that same feeling since you pulled that sword on Nightmare Moon. But, we’ll have to reconvene back at the Library to form our next plan of action.” Twilight said. Link looked back towards each pony before he nodded.

Back at the Library, Twilight re-read the Guide to the Elements, and a look of frustration was apparent on her face.

“There must be something in this book that I am just not getting!” she shouted. Link walked over to her before he knelt down to see the book. His eyes opened in surprise when he saw the familiar image of the Triforce in the background of the page alongside the creation of the Elements of Harmony.

“Why is there a picture of the Triforce in a book that talks about completely different artifacts?” Link asked. Everypony in the library shot their heads into the air as they heard this sliver of information. Twilight in particular shot up in anger.

“You know about this golden triangle?! Why didn’t you say anything about it before?” she screamed.

“You never asked if I knew anything about it.” Link responded. Twilight sighed as she calmed down. “The Triforce is an almighty instrument created by the departure of three golden goddesses.” Link placed his finger onto the top-most triangle. All the ponies in the library gathered around the book as Link discussed the parts of the Triforce. “This triangle is known as the Triforce of Power. This piece of the Triforce is associated with Din, the goddess of power. It is said that those who possess this piece of the Triforce wield unbelievable power that can change the landscape of the world itself.” Applejack smiled as she heard this.

“With the Triforce of Power, farming sounds like it would be as easy as planting seeds in the garden.” Link then moved his finger to the bottom-left triangle.

“This triangle is known as the Triforce of Wisdom. This piece of the Triforce is associated with Nayru, the goddess of wisdom. With the Triforce of Wisdom, one can gain the understanding of everything and even change the laws of reality itself.” Twilight looked at the triangle with gleaming eyes.

“That sounds like something that all unicorns would want to have! Casting high-level magic would be very easy to do with that power, and being able to change the laws of reality would benefit Equestria’s magic control.” Link finally moved his finger to the bottom-right triangle.

“This final piece of the Triforce is known as the Triforce of Courage. This piece of the Triforce is associated with Farore, the goddess of courage. With this piece of the Triforce, the spirit of the wielder becomes full of life and has an indomitable will. With this piece, nothing can get in the way of the bearer, as they will always succeed in their endeavors.”

“Wait… by always, you really mean always succeed?” Rainbow Dash questioned hopefully.

“That’s right. In fact, I know this from first-hand experience.” Link said.

“Wait, you’ve been in contact with the Triforce? Tell me everything about it!” Twilight happily said.

“Now how can I tell you everything if we didn’t introduce ourselves yet? Maybe along the way, I can tell you about how I was caught in this crazy mess.” Link said slightly nervously. “However, I can tell you that if all three pieces of the Triforce are put together, then the bearer of all three is granted any wish they desire.” Link said. Each pony practically drooled at the sound of ‘any wish they desire.’ “Again, I’ll tell you more about it later. I feel that introductions are more important first.” He said.

“Oh, right. I almost forgot. Well, my name is Twilight Sparkle.” she said introducing herself.

“Howdy, my name is Applejack.” Applejack said with a cross of her foreleg.

“My name is Pinkie Pie! It’s so nice to meet you!” Pinkie Pie enthusiastically said.

“The name’s Rainbow Dash, fastest flyer in all of Equestria.” Rainbow Dash stated proudly.

“Ummm, my name is Fluttershy. Thanks for saving me earlier.” Fluttershy whispered at an audible level.

“The name’s Rarity. Maybe when this is all over, I could make you some new clothes to wear?” Rarity asked. Epona walked nearby Link.

“You know Epona, and my name is Link. From where I came from, I’m known as the Hero of Time.” Link stated.

“Well Link, that’s fine and all, but a title isn’t going to help us with dealing with Nightmare Moon now, will it?” Twilight questioned anxiously.

“Maybe not, but if the Elements are related to the Triforce as the book says, then I do know of a way to find them again.” As Link said this, each pony in the room besides Epona gawked at him as if he had two heads.

“Perhaps you got knocked a bit too hard in the head by that fall. The Elements were destroyed by Nightmare Moon, meaning that they can’t be found because they don’t exist anymore. You still believe you can still find them?” Twilight said in a panic. Link smiled.

“I do, in fact, believe that I can help you find the elements. The book mentions six sages of Harmony, whose souls led to the creation of the Elements of Harmony. If I am right, then the sages should have descendants, which can be tracked down with a fragment of the Triforce. From there, we can find the locations where the Elements are located.” he said.

“Do we even have a piece of the Triforce?” Twilight asked. “This is the first time I’ve even heard of it!” In all of a sudden, the back of Link’s left hand flashed in a golden glow. Three triangles were revealed. While the top and left triangles were dark in color, the triangle on the right shined in a golden light. Twilight looked absolutely stupefied when she saw the glow. “I’m guessing that this is the Triforce of Courage you spoke about?” she asked and Link nodded. “Well, I guess we have one major piece of the equation, but where will we even find the descendants?”

“Well, we should let the Triforce of Courage find that out.” As he said this, Link lifted his left hand in the air in fist form. A radiant light enveloped the entire library.

Author's Note

Chapter written by ZeroChill

Chapter 3

Within an old tree in the Everfree Forest a Zebra meditated upside down, balanced on a stick. Suddenly she opened her eyes in surprise almost losing balance.

“This power that I sense, could it be time for one’s destiny to commence?” She said before dawning her cloak and racing towards Ponyville.

As the Light died down everyone looked around the liberty to see if anything changed.

“Impressive light show but did it do anything?” Twilight asked, blinking to remove the spots from her vision.

“I don’t know.” Link said looking around. “I don’t know what I expected but it doesn’t look like it did anything.”

“Um, somepony’s here.” Fluttershy said quietly.

“I guess the Elements really are gone.” Twilight said sadly.

“The Elements of Harmony can never truly be destroyed.” A hooded figure said from the doorway.

“Who are you and what are you doing here?” Link asked drawing his sword.

“When evil rules all, an awakening voice will call those destined to wield them to the five temples.

“One in a deep forest...

“One on a high mountain...

“One above the clouds...

“One within eternal twilight...

“One in a forgotten wasteland...
“Together with the Hero of another land, the awakened ones will bind the evil and return the light of peace to the world.” The hood figure said walking into the library. “This is the legend of the temples passed down by my people, the Kivuli. I am Zecora. The last of the Kivuli... As I see you standing there, holding the Triforce of Courage, you really do look like the legendary Hero... If you believe the legend, you have no choice. You must look for the five temples and awaken the five Elements.” She said introducing herself, pulling back her hood.

“I don’t know. How do we know you're not in league with Nightmare Moon?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I trust her.” Link said sheathing his sword.

“Why?” Twilight asked.

“We have a similar legend back home. And, well, my life, my job is to vanquish evil. I can... I can sense evil. And when I look at her I do not sense it.” He explained.

“I trust her too.” Applejack said. “I can tell she’s being honest with what she’s saying.”

“You five can hear the call can’t you?” Zecora said looking at Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack, who all seemed sort of distracted. “The closest is the Temple of Kindness located within the Everfree Forest... Unfortunately, equipped as you currently are, you may not be able to get to the temple... Take this.” Zecora said pulling a shield out from under her cloak and handing it to link.

“Thanks!” Link said looking it over. The shield was fairly simple, it was made of iron and was imprinted with a picture of two Alicorns in a sort of yin-yang pose.

“I guess I’ll just stay here so I don’t get in your way.” Twilight said sadly.

“You mustn’t stay here. For you have an important part to play my dear.” The Zebra said trying to cheer her up. “I can guide you to my home in the Everfree. From there your quest shall begin but you will be on your own. Listen to your heart and the call shall guide you to where you need to go.” she said as they all walking outside, after Twilight wrote a note for spike.

“Hope on my back Link, it will be a lot fast than walking.” Epona said crouching a bit to make it easier for him to get on.

“Wait you let him ride you?” Applejack asked curiously.

“Of course. How else is he going to get anywhere on time?” Epona said as Link climbed onto her back.

“Makes senses I guess.” The orange Earth Pony said as they headed off to the Everfree Forest.

“We have arrived at my home. From here you begin to roam.” Zecora said as they stopped in front of an old tree with a door and windows on it. “If you are in a lot of Pain, feel free to stop by again.” With that she entered her house.

“Alright girls, do any of you hear the ‘call’ that Zecora was talking about?” Twilight asked.

“No,” Rainbow Dash said looking around.

“Nope,” Applejack said doing the same.

“Um, maybe,” Fluttershy said timidly.

“What do you hear?” Link asked getting down from Epona.

“Well I’m not sure but it seems to be coming from this direction.” She said as she began to walk deeper into the forest.

Deep within the Everfree Forest, even beyond the Palace, there lies a grove hidden from everypony's eyes. In there is a place where the light spirits and animals gather as they guard the Temple of Kindness, or as it’s more comely known, the Forest Temple. It is in this misty grove that Twilight and company find themselves.

“I think this is it. The temple should be somewhere around here.” Fluttershy said as they came to a clearing.

“Good work Fluttershy. Now we just need to find the entrance.” Link said looking around.

“Hey is it me or are those bushes getting closer?” Rarity said, as some of them rustled.

“Uh oh.” Link said looking around to see that the red and orange bushes where indeed getting closer. “GET DOWN!” he yelled, throwing up his new shield as one of the bushes jumped up to revel a stubby wooden creature, which then shot a large seed out of its snout. The seed then bounced off his shield and back at the creature which exploded in a cloud of levees when the seed hit it.

“What are these things?” Rainbow Dash asked as she dove at one only for it to hide under its grassy head.

“Mad Scrubs. They hide under their grassy heads which can repeal any direct attack. You got to get them when they jump out to attack or from a far with a projectile.” Link said taking out another one.

“You mean like this?” Twilight asked firing a spell at one causing it to burst in a cloud of levees.

“Nice shot.” Link said impressed.

“For weaklings they sure like to fight!” Rainbow Dash said picking up some nearby rocks and throwing them at the Mad Scrubs.

“There are too many of them! We may need to take a tactical retreat.” Link said getting hit by a flying nut.

Suddenly there was a huge roar and all the Mad Scrubs stopped shooting as a large Lion like creature came running towards them.

“Manticore!” Twilight yelled jumping out of it’s way.

“Wait, look!” Fluttershy said as the Manticore began to take out the Mad Scrubs.

“Hey that’s the Manticore from before!” Applejack said surprised.

“What?” Link asked.

“When we first entered the forest to stop Nightmare Moon we encountered a Manticore with a thorn stuck in its paw and Fluttershy pulled it out for him.” Twilight explained.

“He must be repaying your kindness Fluttershy.” Rarity said as they watched the Manticore make short work of the Mad Scrubs.

“Thank you so much Mr. Manticore.” Fluttershy said petting it on the head. The Manticore purred in response before walking away.

“Look!” Pinkie Pie said as some of the mist cleared to reveal an old stone archway with stairs leading down into the darkness.

“This must be it.” Twilight said looking down into it.

“Ok,” Fluttershy said taking a deep breath before descending down the stairs and into the Temple.

Author's Note

I didn't make Zecora rhyme a lot in this chapter because it's hard and I see her only doing it as a form of meditation.

Also Kivuli means Shadow in Swahili. :twilightsmile:

Chapter 4

Link and Fluttershy both descended down the stairs. The walls were lined with dirt and green ivy. As they walked down the corridor, the atmosphere of the temple gradually darkened. Soon, it seemed as if there was no light whatsoever. Fluttershy nervously tilted her head around while Link kept his left hand on the plant-hardened wall. Very soon, the wall that Link was feeling became empty space as the two of them moved into a large, square-shaped room. At the center of the room, there was a very large pedestal surrounded by six torches that burned a blazing orange. The torches caused the room to be dimly lit, but Link’s perceptive eyes picked up various landmarks inside the room: There were three different circular slots on a brown, altar-like mound in front of the large pedestal. On the platform of the pedestal, a pattern of three pink-tinted animals was etched onto it. Fluttershy smiled as she saw the imagery of the image.

“Wow, these creatures look absolutely stunning! Those fangs, those claws and that overall volume look so beautiful. It even appears that though they are full of bulk!” Fluttershy said in awe. A shiver went down Link’s spine as Fluttershy noted each individual detail in morbid fascination.

“I heard that she was an animal enthusiast, but it almost sounds like she’s praising monster-like creatures… If my adventures taught me anything, then this is clear foreshadowing of what’s to come in the dungeon." Link thought to himself. As he looked on top of the mound, he found a brown, intricately-carved stick inside of it. He walked over to the mound and pulled the stick towards the right. As he did, the entire room shook fiercely. Fluttershy looked up for a bit and momentarily in fear. While the shaking occurred, a round plate of stone against the wall moved towards its right, which revealed a square hole the size of the main passage in the wall.

“Wow Link, you found a secret corridor!” Fluttershy said in amazement. As Link looked towards Fluttershy, he saw that she was strangely very happy. “I know that what we are doing here is serious and life-threatening, but this place seems like it would be a great place to explore.” She said. As the duo dropped down the pedestal, giant arachnid-like creatures dropped from the ceiling on threads. Their carapaces resembled human skulls, and they looked as hard as what their image would represent. “Ummm, Link, what are these creatures? I don’t think I have ever seen spiders this large or scary before.” Fluttershy said in worry.

“These are giant skulltulas. Normally, they block passageways. Fortunately for us, we can go around these spiders as they aren’t really guarding anything. As long as we don’t approach them, then they’ll do nothing, which means we don’t have to kill them.” Link said. Fluttershy sighed in relief.

“Thank goodness. I really didn’t want to stomp on these… cute spiders.” Fluttershy hesitantly said as she tried to find the right words to describe the skulltulas. In truth, each of these spiders caused Fluttershy’s nerves to wrack in anxiety. She suppressed whimpers of fear as both she and Link navigated through the spider-infested hallway. “These spiders look so unnatural. I know that they are natives of this part of the forest, but my instinctive reactions towards these animals aren’t responding. They look as if they had no sort of soul or any form of will! It looks as if they want me to be hurt real bad, and they wouldn’t even look sorry if they did so. Why is my mind drift-"

“Hey Fluttershy! Are you there?” Link called out. Fluttershy lifted her head back into reality in response to the call. “Are you all right?” Link asked.

“I think I’ll be fine.” Fluttershy reassured. As the two of them walked into the corridor, Fluttershy nervously shuffled her hooves around. “Errr, Link? Exactly what are skulltulas? They don’t give off the same vibe as most other animals do…” Fluttershy nervously asked.

“I know what you are probably thinking, and I’m going to say that they are not naturally made animals by any means.” Link said. Fluttershy’s ears stood up.

“Is that even possible?” She asked.

“It’s very possible Fluttershy. These creatures were created through dark magic, so they don’t act on their own will. They act only on the will of their creator, which is usually some high-leveled dark mage.” Link said. “So don’t feel bad if they are different from other creatures you’ve seen before. Nightmare Moon probably put them here to have them get in our way.” Fluttershy lowered her shoulders in tranquility.

“So that is why I only see hatred and anguish inside of them. At least I know that they aren’t really animals, so I don’t have to exactly feel bad for their deaths.” She said in an unusually cheery voice. As the two of them continued down the corridor, a ray of light shone from the end of the passage. Underneath the brilliant ray, there was a set of stone stairs that led outside. Both Fluttershy and Link ran towards the stairs. As they reached the top of the stairs, the both of them stepped into a familiar setting of light-imbued trees and shrubbery. Link walked towards a plant and held it by its leaf.

“I think that we went the wrong way. Is this area trying to play tricks on our minds?” Link asked.

“I know for a fact that this place isn’t playing tricks on our minds. Actually, I feel that if we keep heading this way, then we should be able to get closer to the Element.” Fluttershy replied. She closed her eyes and smiled. “I hear the spirits of the forest. They are speaking to me.” She said as she walked past the grass and vines. She reached a three-path intersection. Link followed her nearby with a sword gripped in his hand.

“This portion feels very familiar.” Link said. He smiled as he slowly walked over the middle path.

“Wait! Don’t go in there!” Fluttershy shouted in worry. Link looked back with a confused expression on his face. “Oh thank goodness you didn’t take the middle path. The spirits here warned me that if you take the wrong path-“
“Then I wind up back at the set of stairs.” Link finished for Fluttershy. “This isn’t exactly the first time I encountered something like this.”

“Ummm, Link, the spirits warned me about something else worse. You see, by taking the wrong path, you are purposefully going to let vicious creatures of the forest chase after you. These creatures are very ravenous and cannot be stopped. When one of these creatures captures somepony, then all the other creatures jump out and rip apart their victim’s flesh and feed it to themselves and their young.” Fluttershy concluded on a happy note. Her words sent shivers down Link’s spine as he gulped on air.

“So if that’s the case, then which path leads deeper into the temple?” He asked. Fluttershy pointed towards the left path.

“This path is safe to go towards. It should lead closer to where we need to go.” As she said this, Link gripped his sword in preparations for what lies on the other side of the path. As the duo crossed entered the next area, a group of stems with blue heads popped up from the ground. Each plant leaned towards Link and Fluttershy with voracious intent. Link unsheathed his blade and spun his body around with his blade. The result was a dense, orange shockwave that hit all the nearby plants. The plants reared back and hissed. However, Link held the sword with both hands and jumped into the air and sliced each individual plant, sending them back into the earth where they came from. “What were those plants? They looked like they wanted to hurt us.” Fluttershy asked.

“Back from where I came from, these plants are known as Deku Babas. They’re another enemy created through dark magic. Despite this, they do have some service to my land.” As Link said this, he walked over to an empty patch of grass where a Deku Baba was. Within the grass, there were three brown seeds with golden interiors. “Depending on how a Deku Baba is defeated, they can either drop a cluster of seeds or a stick for combat use.” Link said. Fluttershy looked at the seeds with a frown.

“I don’t think we should plant these seeds. They’ll sprout into more of those bad plants.” Fluttershy requested in concern.

“Don’t worry about it Fluttershy. I’m just holding onto them because they have a secondary use that makes them popular for the sake of defense in our world.” Link said. He tossed one of the seeds onto the ground, which caused a bright flash and an ear-piercing noise. Fluttershy’s vision became distorted and all she heard was a high-pitched noise. “…ttershy? C…you hear me now?” Link asked. Fluttershy shook her head and looked at the seeds.

“My, that was a strange feeling.” She responded.

“The seeds blind and deafen nearby creatures temporarily if thrown onto the ground. They become distorted, but it doesn’t hurt them.” Link walked around the grasses and picked up the leftover seeds from the ground. He placed each seed in a brown sachet on him and then handed it over to Fluttershy. “You give off the vibe that you really try to avoid fights whenever possible, but these can be very useful to you in a defensive situation as well as being able to assist me in fighting off more creatures.” Fluttershy grabbed the sachet by the string and brought it into hammerspace.

“I’ll be fine Link, but I do appreciate your concern for me.” She said. The both of them walked along the forest ground. The path was littered in grass and roots along with tall trees. As the two of them walked down the forest, two black wolves with ghastly glowing eyes appeared from the ground and made a shrill howl. They wasted no time as they charged towards Link and circled around him. Link pulled out his sword and shield and entered into a defensive stance. Fluttershy strayed from the area and was barely noticed. As the wolves came towards Link, they both swiped their front claws in unison towards Link. Link pulled up his shield and blocked the first wolf’s attack, but was flanked by the second wolf and struck his back. Link was launched forward as he screamed. Fluttershy gasped as the wolves proceeded to run towards Link as they kept swiping their claws against his back, not giving him time to move. Fluttershy whimpered slightly and pulled the sachet of seeds out. She reached inside of the seeds with her hoof and threw them at the two wolves. The wolves stopped what they were doing, stunned in their tracks. Link looked back and smiled at the fate of the wolves. He brought out his sword and slashed each wolf apart. The wolves howled in sharp pain as they vanished in blue flames. Fluttershy rushed by Link’s side with an expression of concern on her face. “Are you alright Link?” She asked.

“I’m alright thanks to you. It’s strange, but the wolfos in this forest are much smarter than other wolfos I’ve encountered in the past.” Link said. As he said this, he kept walking along the maze-like woods with Fluttershy, stopping only when he sees large patches of grass. When he does, he slashes them apart. Some of the grass he cut gave him shiny bits and red hearts, which covered him in a red haze. Afterwards, the duo encountered another intersection with three paths. Fluttershy closed her eyes and perked her ears. She pointed towards the right with her hoof. Link nodded as the both of them took the path. As they reached the other side of the pathway, the duo saw a stone staircase that led underground. Fluttershy smiled.

“This area looks wonderful. The staircase must lead to something important.” Fluttershy said. Link nodded as the both of them descended down the stairs and into another lengthy corridor. Surprisingly enough, the corridor maintained a bright atmosphere. As the two of them walked down, a skulltula jumped down from the ceiling. Fluttershy shrieked in surprise as she backed away from it. The skulltula menacingly twitched its legs. Link ran up to the skulltula. Before he came within striking distance, the skulltula spun on its thread and knocked Link back. Link got up from the ground and stared into the skulltula’s face. He looked towards Fluttershy with a frown on his face.

“Fluttershy, I want you to cover your ears with your hooves as best as you could and look away. I really don’t want you to see what I do next.” Link warned. Fluttershy nodded as she closed her eyes and covered her ears with her hooves. Link pulled out a mask that resembled the face of a wooden creature with hollow eyes and a round mouth. He moved it towards his face before the curse of the mask attached itself onto him. Link grunted as the mask became one with him and finally screamed in pain as the mask transfigured his entire body. After the transformation, Link shrunk down half his size. While he retained his signature green hat, Link’s body was more round and nothing but wood. His visage changed to that of the mask’s appearance. He became a Deku Scrub. He tapped Fluttershy with his finger, which caused her to open her eyes and release her hooves from her ears. She looked around with a puzzled look on her face.

“Where did Link go?” She asked herself. The Deku Scrub spoke.

“I am Link. I used a certain power to turn myself into a Deku Scrub.” He said. Fluttershy looked upon the plant in front of her with a confused expression.

“Wow, you look like a tree.” Fluttershy commented. Link looked towards the skulltula that blocked the path. Link held his head out and blew a green bubble from his trunk. He fired it towards the skulltula, which caused it to fall down in pain before it succumbed to the blue fires. Link then put his hands over to where the mask would be attached to his face. His physical form retreated back into the mask in the form of a black fog. He was once again human.

“Sorry I had to surprise you like that, but you do not want to know how it is like wearing one of these masks.” Link said. The two of them walked down the corridor until they reached a very tall, spire-shaped room. There were wide platforms along the walls of the room, each of which ascended up to a door at the very top of the room. In addition, there were patches of thick, graspable vines between them. Most of the floor was eaten away by a strange purple liquid that steamed. Seeing no other way, Link ran towards the nearest platform and jumped towards it. His footing slipped, but he managed to stay on the platform. Fluttershy jumped with Link. As the two of them jumped towards each platform, there was a platform that was out of jumping reach, and a patch of vines was towards the wall. Link jumped towards the vines and gripped them with the best of his ability. Fluttershy flapped her wings and hovered around Link with a look of concern on her face. As he traversed the vines, a hidden compartment in the wall opened up adjacent from Link, which revealed three mad scrubs. They aimed their cursors towards Link and began to shoot at him. Link looked behind him and opened his eyes in vulnerability. As the seeds rained down, Fluttershy came between Link and the seeds and took the brunt of the force. With this distraction, Link was able to go onto the next platform. The hidden compartment closed. He turned towards Fluttershy, who had a few pelt marks on her body. “Thanks for protecting me Fluttershy. If a seed hit me, then I would’ve tumbled into that liquid down there.” Link happily said.

“It’s not a problem at all. I don’t want you to fall into there. It looks absolutely dangerous.” She said. When Link turned back, he noticed that the previous platforms he was on collapsed and fell into the liquid. The debris burned and disintegrated in the acid. Fluttershy gulped. “I think we need to hurry, that is if you don’t mind.”

“Duly noted.” Link said as he began to jump across each platform. The platforms crumbled as he jumped off of them. He climbed onto the vines and moved as fast as he possibly could. Another hidden compartment full of mad scrubs opened and began to shoot pelting seeds at Link, which were blocked by Fluttershy’s body as she willingly flew into the line of fire. As Link crossed over onto the next set of platforms, the hidden compartment shut down. This process repeated five more times before the both of them made it towards the door on the top. Fluttershy weakly fluttered over to the top with notable bruises all over her back. Link ran towards her with a look of concern plastered on his face. “Are you alright Fluttershy?” He asked.

“I’m fine Link. I was more worried about you getting hurt or else you’d fall.” Fluttershy said. Link noticed two patches of grass near the door and sliced them apart with his sword. Hearts rained down on Fluttershy, allowing her to stand up.

“Are you ready for what lies beyond the door?” Link asked. Fluttershy nodded with more strength. Link smiled as he faced the door. The door lifted up, which revealed a large, cream-colored greenhouse. In the center of the room, a pink, ferocious feline-like creature looked upon Link and Fluttershy with vicious eyes. Link’s eyes opened widely as he saw the features of the beast. “Those claws, those fangs, those pink tinges… Oh no!” He thought to himself. Link quickly took out his sword and shield and approached the beast in a combative stance. As the beast rushed towards Link, Link held his shield up and parried the blow. This caused the beast’s forelimbs to flail back unguarded. Link performed a jump slash against the beast, which caused it staggering pain. Fluttershy gasped in horror as she saw the beast’s eyes react. The beast shook off the blow and swiped at Link. Though Link was knocked into the air, he flipped back onto his feet and ran towards the beast. He thrust his sword towards the beast, but the bulky forelimb took the blow. The sword made a clash noise against it, as if the beast’s forelimbs were made of some very dense metal. The beast lifted its left forelimb and launched it towards Link’s direction. Link shielded against the blow, which caused the beast to retract its arm. This time, Link unleashed a flurry of vertical and horizontal slashes against its chest. The beast’s eyes reacted with tears from sensitive nerves being hit. Fluttershy covered her eyes with her hooves, but the roars of the beast kept breaking her. Finally, her eyes formed into a stare of anger underneath her hooves. The battle raged, and Link stood victoriously against the beast. He spun his sword in his hand and gripped it hard. Before he ran at the beast, he heard a loud scream from behind him.

“STOOOOP!” Link and the beast looked behind him only to see a very angry Fluttershy behind them. Fluttershy stomped down towards Link and the Beast. As she approached Link, Link stopped in his tracks. “This creature may be big, but you are hurting him way beyond how he should be hurt. It’s as if you are trying to kill him!” She screamed. Link looked around nervously.

“But… he’s a monster.” He reasoned.

“A monster doesn’t show emotion the same way this beast does! You should feel ashamed for your actions!” Fluttershy retorted as she stared into his eyes. The beast couldn’t help but hold a snicker before he was confronted by Fluttershy. “And you!” He jumped up in shock and looked at the pony below him. “You were a very mean animal, attacking the first thing you see. Do you have anything to say about your actions?!” The beast looked around before it ducked his head in shame. It grumbled something before it walked back. Fluttershy retained her smile. “Well, I’m glad that the both of you learned your lessons of charging on others before they charge on you.” As she said this, the beast cautiously walked over to Fluttershy on all fours and sniffed her. Fluttershy nervously looked at the beast before her. The beast smiled.

“Your scent is strangely familiar. I have not smelled something like this in over tens of thousands of years. You smell like my master.” He said. “My apologies miss, but I have been ordered to guard this chamber under all costs until my master came back in a new reincarnation. It has been a long time since I had a name, but I am a part of the Treeger Clan and stay here as a guardian. Since you smell like my previous master, I wish for you to give me a name for the time being.” The Treeger said. Fluttershy grinned.

“Hmmm, you seem very cuddly for a Treeger. How about I call you ‘Flaumig?’” She asked.

“Flaumig seems like a wonderful name for a Treeger like me. I accept!” Flaumig said. He licked at Fluttershy’s face in happiness, which caused her to laugh. Link looked absolutely dumbstruck by the actions unfolding in front of his eyes.

“Ummm, ok what is happening here?” He asked. Flaumig looked towards Link with an apologetic look.

“My mistakes good sir, but I grew restless and impatient over the long years of waiting. I was just ready to attack any creature that passes through that door. Imagine my luck, both good and bad, when the next creatures I wanted to attack was the bearer of courage and a reincarnation of master, the Sage of Kindness. Fate brings us together it seems.” He said.

“But… I thought this temple was desecrated by the dark forces of Nightmare Moon. I never thought that there would actually be a natural being here.” Link rationalized.

“I felt the wave of darkness hit the temple as well. I don’t blame you if you mistook me as an enemy, especially since I mistook you as an enemy.” Flaumig reasoned. “Just know that even though there are evil forces in this temple, there are just as many natural creatures as well. Those ravenous beasts that hunt down the fools that take the wrong path are merely an example of these creatures.”

“Ummm, Flaumig, I was wondering if you would help us look for the Element housed in this temple. The spirits here told me that this was part of the way I needed to go in order to find the next Element.” Fluttershy asked.

“Well, you can say that this is leads to the Element, but at the same time does not lead to it. What you are looking for is deeper in the temple, but I do have one of the three keys needed to access the area required to reaching it.” As Flaumig said this, he thrust his forelimb into the vines behind him. He moved his claws behind the vines until he felt a distinct object. He pulled out a luminous pink sphere and handed it over to Link. “This is one of the three Orbs of Kindness needed to unlock the way to the Element. It also allows another path to another orb and another Treeger.” Link grabbed the orb and held it up in the air with both hands. Strangely, it floated above his hands, and he had an excited smile on his face.

You got the Orb of Kindness! Flaumig says that these orbs are the keys to unlocking the depths of the temple where the Element resides.

“Ah, I almost forgot something else.” As Flaumig said this, he kicked the floor with one of his back legs. A hidden compartment
opened up in the ground, which revealed a brown, wooden treasure chest that was noticeably large. “Just a little something to help you navigate through this dungeon. Also, the other guardians of the orbs are very crafty and dangerous and I couldn’t tell them about the both of you now. So, this treasure of the temple is for you to keep.” Link opened the treasure chest, which caused a lime light to shine out of it. Link jumped into there and scoured the space within the chest until he found the treasure. In his hands, a thick, wooden crossbow was held in his hands. The item became suspended over his hands held high.

You got the Crossbow! This weapon comes with 30 bolts, and it even has a rope attachment as well! Not only can you fire against enemies, but you can also reach places that would normally be too far away to reach and pull down obstacles that stand in your way.

As Link picked this up, a growth of thick vines spread across the door. Link and Fluttershy looked back in surprise and then back at Flaumig.

“Oops, I guess I forgot that this treasure was trapped. Luckily, there is an alternate doorway above here that can be reached with that crossbow. Try it.” He said. Link looked up towards the ceiling, where there was a corridor on the top part of the same wall. On the top of that corridor, there was a growth of vines that looked graspable. Link held the crossbow with both hands and set a bronze, metal bolt at the center of it. He opened a wooden compartment on the crossbow, which revealed a thin, but very sturdy rope. As he moved the rope over to the bolt, the rope magically attached itself to the bolt. Link gasped in surprise, but maintained a straight face. He aimed towards the vines on the corridor and pulled the trigger. The bow fired the bolt into the vine, which caused the crossbow to shake in reaction. Link quizzically looked at the crossbow until he released the trigger. He felt a tugging action and grasped the handle and best as he could. He was launched into the air and went towards the vine at high speeds. As he made it to the corridor, the bolt dropped from the vine along with Link. Link landed on both of his feet. He looked back at the greenhouse and down on Fluttershy and Flaumig. He then looked at his crossbow and smiled.

“You know, I appreciate this gift. It feels a lot like a hookshot and a bow I used to have.” Link said. Fluttershy flied up towards the corridor with a smile.

“Thank you for your kindness Flaumig. I hope that I can see you again after this is over.”

“For you, I would be glad to come visit your home one of these days. I’m glad that my purpose has finally been fulfilled.” Flaumig said. Link and Fluttershy ran down the corridor until there was a stump on the ground. Beams of light shot underneath the stump, and the stump itself looked a bit loose. Link looked back onto his crossbow and aimed it once more at the stump. He prepared another bolt onto it and set up the rope attachment. He fired the bolt, which struck the stump and clung deeply onto it. He released the trigger on the crossbow, which caused it the rope to pull back. He stood his ground as the powerful pull began to loosen the stump further. Soon, the stump was torn out of its area, and the light became a single, large ray. As Fluttershy and Link looked below, they saw that they were inside of the ceiling of the acidic room. Fluttershy looked towards Link with an uneasy frown on her face.

“Ummm, do I really have to jump down there?” Fluttershy asked. However, Link grabbed her forehoof firmly and jumped down the hole. Fluttershy screamed in fear as she fell along with Link. The both of them managed to hit the platform before the passage on the bottom that was near the acid. “Umm, Link, if it is no trouble at all, may you perhaps warn me when you’ll do that again? I mean, if you don’t mind that is.” She asked. The both of them entered the passage. They traveled down the passage until they came towards the stairs again. As they both embarked upon the stairs again, their sight was greeted by the wooded forest. Link and Fluttershy ran into the path that they came from before. Before either of them knew it, they returned back towards the Deku Baba field with the other set of stairs that led to the large platform. As they both walked towards the stairs, the Deku Babas began to attack again. In a repeated attempt, Link performed a spin attack. The orange shockwave struck the Babas once before they were hit with another round of the shockwave. They retreated into the ground and spit out Deku Seeds, which were promptly picked up by Fluttershy. The both of them descended into the stairs. Link curiously looked towards Fluttershy.

“So Fluttershy, I’ve been thinking about how you tamed that Treeger, and I was just wondering how you are so good with animals?” He asked.

“Well, my special talent involves understanding animals and working with them to achieve a better tomorrow for everypony. It’s what my cutie mark tells me.” Fluttershy pointed towards her flank, which revealed a trio of pink butterflies.

“Just like the back of my hand.” Link said in an epiphany. The both of them made it back into the platform and the mound. There was also a noticeable lack of skulltulas in the area. As Link and Fluttershy made it back onto the platform, Link placed the Orb of Kindness into one of the slots. Before their eyes, a circular stone slab moved out of the way, which revealed a central passage. Link and Fluttershy hopped off of the Platform and walked towards the passage.

Author's Note

Chapter written by ZeroChill

Flaumig is German for Fluffy.

Chapter 5

Link and Fluttershy walked through a narrow passage way as they made their way through the second part of the temple.

"Hey what's up Link? You look distracted." Fluttershy said looking at the young Hyrulian.

"Huh? Oh yeah. Just kind of wondering what the others are up to." Link said reassuringly.

"I'm sure they're doing fine." Fluttershy said as they rounded a corner.

“Watch out!” Link said as a skulltula dropped down and he quickly shot it with his crossbow. The Skulltula fell to the floor and died in blue flames. When the flames died a small golden coin was left. “What are these coins I’ve been picking up?” he asked turning to Fluttershy.

“Those are bits, the currency of Equestria.” she explained looking at the coin. “But what would a monster need with money?”

“I’ve chalked it up to either the law of equivalent exchange or them taking it from poor innocent fools who got attacked by them.” Link said shrugging as they came to a three way intersection. To the right was a door with a lock on it and to the left was a door without a lock. “I guess we’ll go to the unlocked door.” He said as they walked towards it.

“Wow, this corridor is all twisted!” Fluttershy said surprised, as they walked through the door and into a curved hallway.

“Huh, a twisted hall puzzle. Haven't seen one of these in a while. Just watch for shadows of monsters that hang from the ceiling and you'll be alright.” Link said as they began walking down the twisted hallway.

“Alright.” Fluttershy said looking up at the ceiling. “Um why is there a chest on the wall?” She asked as they walked into a large room with a shallow hole in the floor with stairs that go to nowhere coming out of it, a large chest that was hanging on the wall and a small chest in the corner.

“It’s a part of the puzzle. Judging from the hole in the floor- GET OUT OF THE WAY!” Link yelled, startling the yellow Pegasus causing her to jump to the side right before a black hand fell from the ceiling and landed right where Fluttershy was just standing. He then quickly drew his sword and slashed at the hand until it died, bursting into blue flames.

“What was that thing?” Fluttershy asked.

“Wall Master.” Link said sheathing his sword. “They hang from the ceiling and are invisible until they drop on their pray. If they catch you they warp you back to the entrance of the temple. It’s not really deadly but it’s still an inconvenience. Just watch your shadow, if it becomes a big circle jump out of the way.” He explained. “Anyway as I was saying, judging from the hole in the floor and the stairs that go nowhere coming out of it, if we want to progress farther we need to find the switch that will straighten out that hallway.”

“Perhaps it’s in the other room! Oh, but we need a key don’t we?” Fluttershy said a little sadly.

“Don’t worry Fluttershy. It’s been my experience that all ancient temples have the same interior decorator. Which means,” Link said walking over to the small chest. “This small chest should contain a small key that we can use to open the door.” he then kicked it open and sure enough there was a small key inside. “This is a small key, they more often than not break in the lock you use them in and only work in the building you found them in.” Link explained showing it to Fluttershy.

“Ok, now we can see what’s behind the other door.” she said as they exited the room and back through the unlocked door. As they unlocked and opened the other door they were greeted by a giant purple mouth snapping out them before it pulled away. “Eep!” Fluttershy squeaked, hiding behind Link.

“Giant Deku Baba!” He said throwing up his shield. “You still have some Deku Seeds?”

“Yeah.” Fluttershy said watching the Giant Deku Baba’s mouth bounced off Links shield.

“I need you to throw one at it right before its mouth hits my shield.” Link said watching the Giant Deku Baba.

“Alright.” She said readying a Deku Seed. Then right when it stretched out its stem to attack, she through the seed at its head causing its stem stand straight up frozen. Link then rushed forward and cut the stem causing it to harden into a stick as it fell to the ground.

“Cool a Deku Stick. They can be used to light torches or as a bat.” He said picking it up.

“Hey this door has bars in front of it” Fluttershy said looking at the other door in the room.

“It’s a torch puzzle. We have to light all the torches in the room to open it.” Link said seeing there were three unlit torches in three of the corners and one lit torch in the corners of the room.

“It’s a good thing that Deku Baba turned into a stick then.” The shy Pegasus said watching link light the torches. When all the torches were lit the bars on the door slid up allowing them to continue through the door. On the other side was a set of stairs which lead up into a greenhouse like room. At the far end of the room was some sort of cell with a yellow Treeger in it. “Oh no!” Fluttershy said.

“No wait!” Link said stopping her from taking off. “It’s too easy.” He said as they slowly walked into the room. Suddenly a large slab of rock fell and blocked the way they came and a giant green eye fell from the ceiling as well as smaller pink eyes which began to surround the bigger one as it began to hover above the ground slightly. “Wart!” Link said taking out his crossbow and aimed it at one of the pink eyes. He then used the rope attachment to remove a few of the pink ones from the main body before destroying them. Once he had made a decent sized hole in its defence he knocked an arrow and fired when it had opened its eye. “Fluttershy, Take to the air quick!” Link said as the Wart slammed into the ground causing all the smaller eyes to fall off and die. It then began to slide around the room bumping into the walls just as Fluttershy took to the air. A few well-placed arrows latter and the Wart exploded.

“You did it!” The yellow Treeger said as the bars on his cell opened. “But who are you?” He said walking over to the two.

“My name is Link and this is Fluttershy.” He said introducing himself and the shy Pegasus.

“*Sniff, sniff.* You small just like my master.” The Treeger said sniffing Fluttershy. “That must make you the bearer of courage.” he said turning to link. “Unfortunately my name has been lost in the flow of time.”

“I could give you a name if you’d like.” Fluttershy said happily.

“That would be great!” The Treeger said excitedly.

“Alright how about… Bonitas?” She said after a few seconds of thinking.

“Bonitas? I like it!” Bonitas said happily. “Anyway, I guess you're here for the Orb of Kindness that I’m guarding. Unfortunately I no longer have it. You see when I felt the wave of darkness hit the temple I hid it in a Twisted Hallway Puzzle so no one could get it. I was then captured in trapped in that cell until you freed me.”

“So that’s what’s in that chest on the wall.” Fluttershy said remember the strange room.

“If you hit that eye switch above the door there with your crossbow it should straighten out the room.” Bonitas explained pointing to an eye craving above the exit.

“Thanks Bonitas.” Link said taking aim at the eye switch, he then fired the arrow and hit the switch. There was a sound of something turning and locking into place as the bars on the door slid up. “Alright I think that did it.” he said walking over to the door.

“Thanks again Bonitas.” Fluttershy said as she joined Link.

“No thank you for saving me and giving me a name.” Bonitas said as they walked through the door.

The door lead to a set of stairs that lead back down into the temple. At the bottom of the stairs were a couple of small wooden boxes, which link broke open to find a couple of crossbow bolts as well as a few bits. After A few minutes of walking they found themselves back in the twisted room but this time the large chest was on the floor.

“There it is,” Link said walking over to it.

“Link watch out!” Fluttershy said seeing his shadow had grown into a giant circle.

“Huh? Uh oh!” Link said jumping to the side just in time as a Wall Master fell right where he was standing. He then disposed of it before walking back over to the chest and retrieving the Orb of Kindness.

You got the Orb of Kindness! These orbs are the keys to unlocking the depths of the temple where the Element resides. Only one more reminds!

Link and Fluttershy then made their way through the now straight hall way and back into the main room. Link then placed the Orb of Kindness into the second slot. Another stone slab then moved out of the way, which revealed a new passage. Link and Fluttershy hopped off of the Platform and walked towards the passage way to retrieve the final Orb of Kindness.

Author's Note

Bonitas means Kindness in Latin.

Chapter 6

Link and Fluttershy walked down the third passage. Long, dark vines hung down from the ceiling. Link and Fluttershy pushed away the vines that came across the path. As they navigated across the vines, a large gap sprawled across the floor.

“This is unfortunate. I could fly us over, but I don’t really trust myself with dropping my grip.” Fluttershy stated in concern. Link looked towards the vines hanging along the ceiling. He squinted his eyes until he opened his eyes in realization.

“These vines are hung in a pattern. If I time these jumps right, then I can reach the other side of the gap.” Link said. He dashed towards the nearest vine towards his side of the gap and jumped. His hands grasped the vine successfully. He swung his body back and forth until the momentum transferred into the vine. As it peaked in energy, Link jumped off of his vine and swung onto the next vine. Maintaining the momentum, he jumped towards the other vine. He jumped onto the next vine and still carried over the energy. He jumped and jumped until he made it across the gap. Fluttershy smiled.

“Wow Link, you carried yourself over those vines like a master.” she said as she hovered over the gap. Link smirked.

“Well, if you lived how I lived, then you learn to see the world in a different way.” he said. As Fluttershy landed on the other side, Link turned towards the rest of the path. Fluttershy followed close by. The two of them continued down the corridor. The two of them made it towards the end of the path and into a room where a brown ladder led to the bottom floor. A purple gas condensed on the bottom floor. The room smelled of rotted wood and flesh, a combination that would remind anyone of death.

“I don’t know about you Link, but I don’t think it is a good idea to fall down there.” Fluttershy said with a gulp.

“Agreed.” Link said. He looked around and saw that there were raised pillars along with graspable vines along the wall. He took out his crossbow and placed a bolt on the bow. He put the rope attachment onto the bolt and aimed it towards the nearest cluster of vines. He fired the crossbow bolt and released the trigger. When the bolt connected with the vine, Link flew into the air along the trigger. He made it onto the vine path and dropped down onto the platform safely. Fluttershy jumped and hovered over to where Link was.

“Ummm, Link, I don’t see any doors on this floor that we can advance through. Maybe we are missing something?” she asked. Link looked down into the fumes and saw the crevices crawling with enemies. He also noticed some pockets hidden away with chests and large buttons. Link frowned unamusedly.

“We have to go down into that miasma and step on some switches. This is not going to be a pleasant experience for either of us.” he said. He took a deep breath and pinched his nose. He jumped down into the fog. Fluttershy flew down with Link, but just above the haze. Link navigated the maze of corridors, careful of not breathing in the fumes. The fumes themselves caused Link’s skin to turn a slight red. He slowly navigated around the walls until his eyes caught the sight of large, brown, bipedal manbearpig-like creatures. As one of the creatures turned around, Link quickly grabbed Fluttershy and the two of them ran into a pocket along the wall, which did not contain any of the fog. He covered Fluttershy’s mouth as the manbearpig-like creature with a large spear walked down the hallway.

“W-what was that horrible creature?” Fluttershy asked.

“That’s a Moblin. They’re large creatures that serve as guards for dark forces. The fact that they’re down here along with this miasma is no coincidence. The evil tainting this temple is greater than what I previously believed.” Link said. As the moblin passed by them, Link and Fluttershy ran down the corridor. They rounded past a corner until Link saw another pocket in the walls with a chained door inside of it. “Hey Fluttershy, can you fly around and see if you can find any small treasure chests? I think that it would be sounder if you gave me a bird’s eye scan of the entire room rather than just blindly look for them myself.” Link said. Fluttershy nodded as she unfolded her wings and flew up into the air. As she flew around, her keen eyes saw a discoloration among the walls of the higher area. She flew near the wall and softly touched it. Rather than a solid area, her hoof went through the wall as if it was some sort of illusion. Behind it, there was a hidden square yard chamber with a vine patch and a small chest. Fluttershy flew over to the chest and put her hooves onto the lock, but they could not be undone. She flew back down to where Link was.

“Ummm, Link? I found a small chest up on the top floor of this room. It was in a hidden area, so nopony could have seen it unless if they were actively looking for it.” she said.

“I guess this means that we’ll just have to go back onto the top floor again.” Link said. He saw a large button on the floor within the pocket of the wall. Link dashed his way through the corridor, but accidently inhaled the fog. His lungs became severely irritated from the gas, and he gagged on air. The Moblin turned around to where Link was. It let out a loud cry and stomped in place as it pointed its spear towards Link. The Moblin charged towards Link and impaled him with the spear. Link opened his eyes in sheer pain and screamed as he was taken away by the spear. The Moblin kept running until Link and the Moblin’s spear hit the wall. Fluttershy gasped at the horror that fell before her eyes. A sudden sense of rage filled her heart as she flew over to the Moblin and kicked its back as hard as she could. The Moblin fell down in a shrill, pain-filled cry as it died within the blue fires. Fluttershy grasped Link’s tunic with her mouth and dragged his body over to a pocket in the wall. She panicked.

“Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! Please be okay…” Fluttershy said to herself. She stomped out the grass and found several hearts and bolts within them. She held Link’s body over those hearts and allowed him to restore his health. Link came around as he took in the healing effects of the heart. Fluttershy smiled happily.

“I guess I rushed in too soon. Thanks for your help.” Link gratefully said. He stood up from the ground and walked over to the button. As he did, the vents releasing the fog closed. With no feeding, the fog eventually disappeared. “Now that the fog has disappeared, we can navigate this floor without hassle.” Link said. The two of them carefully walked along the corridors. As they rounded against a corner, they noticed a blue and yellow chest in one of the pockets. Link smiled and ran towards it. Just as he did, a wall of fire erupted from the line between the corridor and the pocket, and Link was sent back. Link stared into the pocket and got close to it. But, the fire raged as soon as he went near it. Fluttershy flew over to him.

“Ummm, Link? I don’t think you should get this chest yet, I mean if you don’t mind.” she said.

“This chest is much more important than you would believe actually. I’ve seen chests ornately designed like this, and they house special keys that allow access into the deepest part of any temple.” Link responded. “If we want to find the Element, then we need to get this chest.”

“I wonder how we will do that.” Fluttershy asked. Link looked around and saw a patch of vines on the wall behind him. He looked back forward and saw the treasure chest. He smiled in realization. He took out his crossbow and aimed it towards the chest. He pulled out a bolt, placed it onto the bow and attached the rope onto the back of the bolt. He aimed towards the treasure chest.

“Let’s hope that this rope can handle fire.” he thought as he pressed the trigger. The bolt flew through the fire and into the chest. He grinned as he saw that the flames of the fire were not nearly enough to burn the rope. He released the trigger and flew past the flames into the pocket. As the bolt was released from the chest, he opened the chest. A lime-green light erupted from within the chest as he dove in there. He reached around until he found a large, golden key with a red eye on the handle and three spikes on it. He held it out over his hands and smiled.

“You got the Boss Key! Now you can get inside the chamber where the boss lurks.”

“Umm, Link? Is everything alright there?” Fluttershy asked.

“I’m alright. I just got to-” Link pulled out his crossbow and aimed towards the cluster of vines on the wall adjacent to him. He fired a bolt and rope through the fire and into the vines. He released the trigger and flew over to where the bolt fired. As he dropped onto the ground, he dusted soot off of him. “-get through that fire. Now we just need to find the last Treeger and we can get the Element in this dungeon.” As he said this, a Moblin shifted a corner and saw him. It held its spear out towards him and uttered a loud cry. Link swiftly turned around and fired a crossbow bolt into its forehead. The Moblin died in a blue flame. “We should probably get to the top floor as quickly as we can.”

“I agree.” Fluttershy said. The both of them navigated through the corridors. The two of them walked until they found the ladder that they first encountered. Link climbed up the ladder until he made it to the top. Fluttershy flew up to where he was.

“Alright Fluttershy, so where is this chest at?” Link asked. Fluttershy pointed over to the middle of the farthest wall. Link looked over and saw that there were six vine clusters on walls and eight vine clusters on the ceiling. He took out his Crossbow and aimed towards the central pillar’s vine cluster. As he flew over to the bolt’s location, he dropped onto the pillar. Fluttershy followed nearby. Link looked over to the center of the wall and squinted his eyes. “This would be much easier if I still had the Eye of Truth on me.”

“Ummm, if you don’t mind Link, I can help you aim.” Fluttershy said. Link looked over to Fluttershy with one eye raised in puzzlement. “You’ll just have to aim your crossbow to where I am. When you fire, I’ll just fly out of the way. With that, you would be able to shoot the target in the pocket.” Fluttershy said.

“Are you sure you want to do this Fluttershy? I mean, I could hurt you if you don’t dodge in time.” Link said.

“I’m positive Link. I believe that I can help you out here.” Fluttershy responded. Link shrugged his shoulders.

“Alright. Just let me know when you are ready, okay?” Link said as he readied his crossbow. Fluttershy flew into position and looked towards Link. She smiled nervously as she saw the crossbow aimed directly towards her.

“Alright Fluttershy, you can do this. If you fail, then there is a good chance that you will die. If you succeed, then we can meet another Treeger and make it deeper into the temple.” Fluttershy thought to herself. “Alright Link, I’m ready.” Fluttershy said. Without any hesitation, the bolt and rope flew from Link’s crossbow. Fluttershy’s eyes opened widely as she ducked underneath the bolt’s trajectory. The bolt went into the wall and snagged onto something. Link smiled and released the trigger. He flew along the rope and through the illusion. He fell in front of the chest and kicked it. Within it was a small, silver key. He looked back and jumped into the corridors. Luckily for him, the locked door was behind him.

“You know Fluttershy, you are more courageous than you seem. It’s not every day where a person volunteers to be shot at with a dangerous weapon.” Link said.

“You think I’m courageous? Well, that does mean a lot to me. Thank you Link.” Fluttershy said happily. She flew down to where Link was. As Link put the key in the lock, the chains undid themselves and he opened the door. As the two of them entered the new room, Link looked up at the canopy of barbed branches above them. Within the branches, he saw a blue, large Treeger in them. The Treeger spotted them and pounced down towards them. Link and Fluttershy backed away in shock as the Treeger growled at them. Then, the Treeger’s growl turned into a fit of laughter. Fluttershy looked curiously over to the Treeger before her.

“The looks on your faces, priceless. I’m sorry, but I wanted to do that for a very long time now.” The Treeger said.

“Oh, well… I’m sorry if you did that.” Fluttershy said. The Treeger smelled Fluttershy and grinned.

“You smell just like master! No, I must apologize to you. I have been here so long that I’ve grown very bored. It’s weird, because all this time being bored made me forget my name. It’s been very long since I had to use it.” The Treeger said.

“Oh, well do you want me to give you a name?” Fluttershy asked.

“I would, but first thing is first; I want you to find Orb of Kindness in the branches above. It’s been so long since I hid it that I lost focus of where it was.” The Treeger said. He then turned to Link. “You. I smell the scent of other Treegers on you. Since you are accompanying new master, I guess you are the bearer of Courage? Doesn't matter now. What does matter is if you get the Orb of Kindness from the branches above. Can you handle it?” The Treeger said. Link smiled and nodded his head. He set a bolt into his Crossbow and attached a rope to the end of it. He fired the bolt into the top branch and released the trigger. He flew up to the branch and dropped down on a branch beneath him.

“Now, if I were a key, where would I be?” Link asked himself. He ran across the branches until he noticed an inconspicuous pile of leaves on the ground. He dug around in there until he found a pink light brightening the pile. He smiled as he picked it up.

“You got the Orb of Kindness! You now have all three orbs, so you can now access the depths of the Temple where the Element resides!”

Link ran off the branch and fell onto the ground. He winced, but he stood strongly. The Treeger ran towards Link and hugged him.

“You found the Orb of Kindness! Thank you for looking for it!” he shouted. Link clenched his teeth from the strong hug, but ended up accepting it. The Treeger dropped Link and hugged Fluttershy. “You can name me now new master! I’m just so happy!” he said.

“Hmmm, if you are happy, then why don't I call you Onnellinen?” Fluttershy asked.

“Onnellinen sounds like very good name for me. Me Onnellinen!” Onnellinen said. He embraced Fluttershy further. He put her down after a while.

“I’m glad you are happy with your new name Onnellinen. But we have to go down into the depths now. I hope that I can see you later.” Fluttershy said. Onnellinen waved happily as the duo left the room.

Link and Fluttershy made it back to the room with the large platform. The two of them embarked onto the platform while Fluttershy smiled greatly. Link inserted the last Orb of Kindness into the final slot in the mound. As he did, the platform shook a bit. He and Fluttershy stood at the center of the platform. As they did, the platform slowly descended like an elevator. Fluttershy looked towards her surroundings and saw that there were many luminescent root ends within the soil surrounding her. She smiled keenly as she saw green beetles chew on the roots ends and become luminescent as well. The beetles dug back into the soil and the roots slowly grew.

“Nature is so fascinating, don’t you agree Link?” Fluttershy asked.

“Nature is astounding, and this place does seem like it’s worth a visit after everything is done.” Link stated. Finally, the platform descended onto the lowest level of the temple, where two rows of lit torches lined a path towards a large, brown door decorated with etchings of various butterflies. On the door itself, there was a golden chain with a golden, upside-down triangular lock that had two horns at the top. “Fluttershy, are you ready for what lies beyond this door?” Link asked. Fluttershy nodded.

“In here should be the source of the evil that’s plaguing the temple. I feel that it is now a duty to protect this temple from the forces of evil, so I will stand ready when you are ready.” she said resolutely. Link pulled out the boss key and inserted it into the lock. The lock was undone and the giant door lifted itself. Link and Fluttershy entered the doorway. As they did, the door dropped behind them.

Author's Note

Chapter written by ZeroChill
Onnellinen is Finnish for happy.

Chapter 7

As the door closed behind them, Link and Fluttershy observed their surroundings, noting that they were in a giant greenhouse. Cautiously, they walked to the center of the room where a small sapling lay wilting.

“Poor thing. It must have died do to the lack of sunlight.” Fluttershy said looking at the wilting tree.

“I don’t get it.” Link said looking around. Not noticing all the roots starting to move. “This is definitely the innermost sanctum and I can feel that all the evil in this temple is spawning from here. Yet all that’s here is-” he said looking up at the roof to see the moonlight shining in directly on the small tree. “Fluttershy Get Away From It!” Link yelled as the tree began to shake.

The small tree began to rapidly grow in size as giant roots spread out from it. Some of the limbs of the tree turned into Deku Babas as did the very top as it turned it to The Deku Master; Yggdrasil. It then let out a mighty roar as a bunch of seeds fell from it spawning Mad Scrubs and Deku Babas.

“What do we do now?” Fluttershy asked, as Link took out a group of Deku Baba in front of her and handed her the seeds.

“We have to find a way to get inside it. That’s most likely where its weak spot is.” Link said taking out a few Mad Scrubs.

“How? There doesn’t seem to be an opening.” she said.

“Hmm, I got an Idea!” he said noticing some of the branches on the tree were Deku Babas. “Can you use your Deku seeds to distract the monsters that are spawning?”

“Alright, I’ll try.” Fluttershy said throwing one at a Mad Scrub that came towards them. Link then proceeded to use his Crossbow to take out the Deku Baba heads on the branches.

“There!” Link said as a hole opened up at the base of the tree when he took out the last Deku Baba head. He quickly ran towards it only to be stopped by a White Wolfos which came out of the hole. It circled Link for a moment before stopping to take swipe at him not noticing a pink paw with sharp claws about to take a swipe at it. The White Wolfos howled in pain as it died in blue flames. “Flaumig?” Link said surprised to see the pink Treeger.

“I’ve come to help. Quick be for it closes. I’ll cover you.” Flaumig said as Link ran into the tree.

The inside of the tree was nothing like the Great Deku Tree. Dark veins of magic pulsated everywhere, all stemming from a large dark crystal. Link ran up to the crystal and began to hack at it with his sword causing large cracks to form on its surface. Before he could break it however he found himself being thrown out of the tree by a wave of dark energy. The hole in the tree closed as it grew new Deku Baba branches in greater numbers. It then let out a roar as more dark seeds fell from it causing a new batch of Mad Scrubs, Deku Babas and Giant Deku Babas to spawn where they fell.

“I think you made it mad.” Flaumig said taking out a Giant Deku Baba.

“No kidding.” Link said killing a Mad Scrub that Fluttershy had stunned with a Deku Seed. “Can you two cover me while I take out the Deku Baba heads on those branches?”

“No problem.” The Pink Treeger said taking out a Deku Baba.

“Great, thanks.” he said aiming his crossbow at the nearest branch. “I’m going in.” Link said when he had taken out all the Deku Baba heads again and the hole opened up.

“I’m right behind you.” Flaumig said following him. When they got to the hole though two White Wolfos ran out to meet them.

“Great now there’s two of them.” Link said blocking one of the Wolfos attacks as Flaumig took it out only to get hit by the other one. Before he could turn around to deal with it though it howled in pain as a yellow Treeger struck it from behind. “Thanks Bonitas.” He said seeing the yellow Treeger.

“Hurry it won’t stay open for long.” Bonitas said nodding to the hole in the tree.

“Right!” Link said running into the tree and began hacking at the crystal before being throw out again.

The tree once again roar as more dark seeds fell from it causing a new batch of Mad Scrubs, Deku Babas and Giant Deku Babas to spawn where they fell and grow new Deku Baba branches.

“One more hit oughta do it.” Link said taking out a Deku Baba.

“That’s good,” Fluttershy said stunning a Mad Scrub before Bonitas killed it.

“Don’t worry we know what to do.” Flaumig said as Link took out his crossbow and shot the Deku Baba heads. However instead of dying they fell to the ground and turned into Bio Deku Babas.

“Uh-oh!” Link said as one jumped at him and he quickly slashed it with his sword killing it. When all the Bio Deku Babas were destroyed the hole opened up once again and Link and the two Treegers ran towards it. This time being blocked by three White Wolfos. The first two went down without a problem both of them attacking Link at the same time, which link managed to block, allowing the Treegers to take them out. The third one however jumped out of the way of their attacks. Then right after it did a back flip to avoid Links sword it howled in pain and burst into blue flames and a blue Treeger stood where it was. “Onnellinen! I was wondering when you would show up.” Link said happy to see the blue Treeger.

“Hurry you’ve wasted too much time on that monster!” Onnellinen said hurriedly.

“Right!” Link said putting on the bunny hood and running into the tree. “Oh not good!” he said as he was thrown out before he could get to the crystal.

“Link are you alright!” Fluttershy asked as they regrouped well the evil tree regrew its Deku Baba branches.

“Yeah but I’m all out of arrows.” Link said as he took out a Mad Scrub.

“Here, take these ones.” Fluttershy said handing him some. “They fell out of the tree right before it spit you out.”

“Thanks Fluttershy.” He said knocking one. “Now let’s try this again.” He said as he began to shoot the Bio Deku Babas out of the tree well the three Treegers took them out when they hit the ground. When the hole opened Link quickly killed a Deku Baba and used the seed it dropped to stun all three of the Wolfos that came out at the same time. They were then killed by the Treegers as Link ran inside and began to hack at the crystal. With one final swing of his sword the crystal shattered and Link quickly ran out of the tree.

The tree swayed and roared as it slowly turned black before exploding and ring of blue light with something floating in it appeared in its place next to a big red heart.

“You did it!” Onnellinen said happily.

“Already I can feel the evil that plagued this temple retreating.” Bonitas said closing his eyes for a second.

“Don’t worry about us we should be able to keep the last of the evil in the temple at bay now that you have taken care of its root. No pun intended.” Flaumig said.

“Alright. You coming Fluttershy?” Link ask picking up the big heart and absorbing it.

“Coming, but what was that thing you picked up?” She asked tilting her head a little.

“It’s call a heart container. When an extremely strong monster is defeated all the evil energy used to create it is purified and concentrated into it. I can then absorb that energy and add it to my own.” He explained walking over to the ring of blue light. “This blue light is a magic exit. Come on I bet the others are starting to worry about us.”

“Alright,” Fluttershy said as they both walked into the magic exit and found the Element floating in it.

“You got the Element of Kindness! One of the Elements of Harmony needed to stop Nightmare Moon!”

Link and Fluttershy then began to float upwards as they were in cased in crystal before disappearing in a blinding flash of light.

When their vision returned they found themselves standing on top of a high pillar in the middle of a brightly light world full of clouds and what looked like perpetually flowing waterfalls.

“Where are we?” Fluttershy asked looking around.

“You know, I once asked the exact same question and never really got an answer.” Link said after thinking about it. “Wait what’s that?” He said pointing to another pillar similar to the one they were standing on. The other pillar had a lone, yellow Pegasus standing on it with a pink mane, wearing a cloak that resembled a bunch of green levees.

“Who are you?” Fluttershy asked, calling out other pony. The other pony just smiled before there was another bright light which blinded them.

“Thank you my child…” A voice whispered in Fluttershys’ ear.

“And that’s how Link and I saved the land of Termina.” Epona said finishing her story as a column of blue light appeared next to them and Link and Fluttershy came floating down.

“There you two are. We were beginning to worry about you.” Twilight said walking up to them.

“What took ya so long?” Applejack asked.

“We were solving puzzles and looking for keys. Then we had to fight a giant tree. And I got this cool crossbow.” Link said.

“What about the Element?” Twilight asked.

“It’s right here,” Fluttershy said opening her hooves and revealing the gray orb. “I even made new friends well we were in there.”

“Well I guess, we can move on now that we’ve got the Element of Kindness.” Rainbow Dash said taking to the air.

“Rainbow’s right the sooner we move onto getting the next element, the sooner we stop Nightmare Moon.” Twilight said as they began their walk back to the library.

Chapter 8

“One above the clouds”

Link and everypony made it back into Ponyville. They all smiled as they looked towards the Element of Kindness in Fluttershy’s possession.

“Alright, that’s one Element down and four more to go.” Link said. Twilight looked over to Link cautiously.

“So, which Element should we find next?” Twilight asked. Rainbow Dash smiled as she walked over to Twilight and Link.

“If it is no pressure, I say that we should look for the Element above the clouds. That sounds like a place where I can stretch my wings after waiting in the Everfree Forest.” she said proudly. Link looked back towards the ponies behind him.

“Alright, all in favor of heading out towards the clouds?” he asked. He saw that Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Epona all raised their hooves. “Five against two votes it seems.” As Link said this, Twilight looked towards Link with concerned eyes.

“Two things wrong with this Link: first of all, the sky is an enormous place. The temple where that Element resides in can be anywhere. Second of all, we don’t have a way to carry all the ponies into the sky.” she said. Just then, an elderly voice echoed out of nowhere.

“Did somepony say that they need to carry a bunch of their friends up into the sky?” Everyone looked back to see a pale brown elderly earth pony stallion with a mane as white as snow. The stallion slowly walked over to the group. “You can use my hot-air balloon that can hold up to ten ponies if you want.” he said. Twilight smiled and focused on the elderly stallion.

“Why, thank you for your kind offer sir. Is there a reason why you are loaning a hot-air balloon to eight complete strangers?” Twilight asked. The stallion waved his right forehoof towards Twilight.

“Aww phooey! I don’t need anypony to tell me who I can lend my materials towards, especially if it means finding that.” As he said this, everyone else looked towards each other with one eye fully opened in confusion.

“Ummm, what is ‘that’ sir?” Twilight curiously asked. The stallion smiled.

“I’m glad you asked young missy. But first, my name is Hot Air. You’ll hear that name a lot. You see, for a large portion of my life, I’ve been giving hot air balloon tours since they first came out. It was a hoot going into the air! Eventually, I’ve learned of a certain place that flies reeeeaaaaal far into the sky and comes around once every year. I’ve spent my entire life charting out its possible locations. One of them happens to be good ol’ Ponyville skies. However, I never found the place.” Hot Air said. Link tapped the back of Twilight’s neck gently with his fingers. Twilight turned back towards Link.

“I think this old stallion might be referring to the temple that holds the Element we are looking for. You should press him on that fact.” Link whispered into Twilight’s ear. Twilight smiled and nodded before she faced the old stallion.

“So Hot Air, would you mind telling me more about this place? I’m really curious to hear more about it.” Twilight asked.

“Why of course! So, this place was created over tens of thousands of years ago. Nopony now knows about its original purpose, but it was rumored to be a floating city where ancient ponies would look down upon the world and watch it from above. I have no idea on how much magic it took to lift a giant set of rocks up into the air, but I hear that there is something absolutely amazing in the sky.” Hot Air said. “Now, I’m too old to go that high in the sky. So, all of you shall go into the sky and find what I dub the ‘Skyview Observatory,’ where ancient ponies of olden says were said to watch over the world.” As he said this, he pulled out a large basket with a sturdy rainbow-colored balloon and a fire expelling system. “Now, please find that area as quickly as possible before I die with regret. I want you to tell me what is in that place!” he said as he walked back into a nearby shack.

“Well, that sure was mighty convenient.” Applejack said suspiciously.

“Eh, don’t question it Applejack.” Rainbow Dash said happily as she opened the straw door on the basket. Everyone walked into the basket. Rainbow Dash slammed the door shut. Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash curiously, who was outside of the basket.

“Umm Rainbow Dash? Why are you outside of here? Shouldn’t you be in here with us?” Twilight asked.

“Well, I thought about it at first. However, I think that I should be this team’s mandatory lookout. After all, if this Element is in the sky, then it means that the one who can hear the call has to be a pegasus, and Fluttershy already found her Element first. That means it must be me.” Rainbow Dash said somewhat cockily.

“You make a fair point Rainbow, but please don’t let this hot air get to your head.” Twilight said as she started a fire within the metal chamber and pulled the lever. The lid on the chamber released the hot air into the balloon, which caused it to fly into the sky. Rainbow Dash followed nearby.

The hot air balloon kept flying into the air until it pierced the clouds above. As Rainbow Dash flew upwards, she started to hold her head in pain. Link dropped the balloon down to Rainbow Dash’s level.

“Rainbow, are you alright?!” he asked in concern. Rainbow Dash looked towards Link and smiled toughly.

“Yeah, I just heard a weird noise.” she said. Link cuffed his ear with his hands.

“I don’t hear anything.” he said.

“Well, I definitely hear it. It’s coming from the north from a higher altitude. You must be deaf if you… cannot… hear it.” Rainbow Dash said with a few winces. She flew into the basket and smiled sheepishly. Applejack smugly smiled towards Rainbow Dash.

“Team’s mandatory lookout, huh?” She said.

“Don’t say anything else Applejack. Please.” Rainbow Dash said irately. “Anyways, we’re getting closer to the sound. Can we get there more quickly?” she asked. Link lifted the flap on the hot air balloon before it drifted along the winds. Soon, it reached the point where the stars looked much closer and the earth looked blue. It was then when they saw it: a giant, stone ruin with a metal ring underneath it. Everypony gawked at the beautiful sight of the ruin nestled within two clouds. Link lifted the flap and allowed the hot air balloon to go towards the site.

The hot air balloon descended onto the base of the partially crumbled-away stone staircase. Everypony stepped out of the balloon, where a robed Zecora stood awaiting them. She had a large smile on her face.

“Welcome to the Temple Skyview, where everything around is blue.”

“Zecora! How did you get up here?!” Twilight shouted in surprise. Zecora smiled.

“I can warp from the sacred temples across the land. I almost forgot to teach you and your band.” Zecora handed one green medallion and one cyan medallion to link. One depicted a butterfly, and the other depicted a lightning bolt. “These medallions contain spells needed to traverse the world. Immerse yourselves within the power of the mystical swirl. Anytime you wish to revisit a temple, toss a medallion and watch it dissemble. These two are my gifts to you for now. It is time that I leave with a bow.” As she said this, she bowed towards the eight beings in front of her and threw a Deku Nut onto the ground. A bright light illuminated from the explosion, which blinded and deafened everyone. As soon as their senses came back, they no longer saw Zecora from where she stood.

“That zebra is very mysterious indeed.” Link said. “Her mysterious nature is very reminiscent to someone I knew.” he turned around and saw towering pillars make the path towards the stairs. He looked towards Rainbow Dash, whose Cutie Mark was similar to that of the medallion he was handed. He looked towards everypony on the ground.

“You know, for some reason, this place feels very familiar. I just can’t put my mind on it.” Rainbow Dash said. She then looked flatly towards Link. “Just because of that, I guess I’m going to have to accompany you Link.”

“That’s fair enough.” Link said. “Anyone else wish to join?” He asked.

“If you don’t mind Link, we’re just going to sit this out as well. I trust that you and Rainbow Dash will find the Element here, but we’ll just guard the front entrance like last time.” Twilight said. Link simply nodded as he turned towards Rainbow Dash.

“Whenever you are ready, we can leave.” Link said. Rainbow Dash smiled cockily as the two of them went up the stairs.

“Finding the Element will be easier kicking clouds. I’m definitely ready.” She said. The duo made it to the top of the stairs. On top of it, there was a dark corridor that led into the temple. Link and Rainbow Dash wandered into there, ready for the challenges within.

Author's Note

Chapter written by ZeroChill

Chapter 9

Rainbow Dash and Link walked into a large dark room with an unlit torch in the middle of it.

“It’s so dark.” Rainbow said looking around.

*Flap*

“There’s got to be a way to light that torch.” Link said looking around.

*Flap*

“Hey I think I see a switch over there.” Rainbow said squinting and pointing to something in the far end of the room.

*Flap*

“Wait! Do you hear that?” Link asked looking around looking around.

“Hear what?” she asked listening.

*Flap*

“That flapping noise. There it is again listen.” Link said turning to wear he thought the sound came from.

*Flap*

“Hey I do hear it. What is that?” Rainbow asked looking at him.

“We’re not alone in here.” Link said as he spotted a pair of small red eyes watching them. He then readied his crossbow and fired a bolt at the pair of red eyes. There was a small squeak as the eyes went dark and the body of a small bat like creature fell to the floor before disappearing. “Just as I thought, Keeses.”

“What’s a Keysa?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“It’s a small bat like monster that will take a large bit out of you if given the chance. They are usually found in dark areas hanging from walls, statues, torches and on occasion stairs. They sometimes like to light themselves on fire to make themselves stronger.” Link explained, listening to for more wing flaps. “If you startle them well they are hanging from some where they will start to fly around and become harder to hit. Dang it!” he said as his bolt missed a Keese he was aiming for, causing it to start to fly around the room. Not being able to see it Link carefully listened to its wing flaps to determine where it was. “Duck!” Link said throwing up his shield when he heard the wing beats suddenly stop. Something then bounced off his shield and he quickly slashed at the space in front of him with his sword making contact with the Keese. As the Keese died the torch in the middle of the room lit up. Looking around the now lit room they saw two locked doors on one side of the room, two locked doors on the other, and one door with bars on it and a blue switch next to it at the far end. “Hmm, a blue switch puzzle.” Link said standing on it making the bars rise then stepping off it making the bars cover the door again. “That means somewhere in here there should be a box.” He said looking around not seeing one.

“It doesn’t look like there’s one in here Link. One of use is going to have to stand on the switch well the other goes on a head until they find one.” Rainbow Dash said looking around.

“Hmm, wait I got an idea!” Link said standing on the switch, pulling out his Ocarina and playing a small tune.

“Um Link? Your notes defiantly echoed far but nothing happened.” Rainbow said looking at him.

“Darn,” Link said putting the Ocarina away. “Usually when I play that song it creates a small statue of myself that I can put on switches to keep them activated.” Suddenly a small chill ran up Link’s spine. “Why do I get the feeling I shouldn't have done that?”

“No idea. So who goes and who stays?” she asked.

“I guess I’ll go seeing as I have more experience with this sort of thing.” Link said walking up to the bared door.

“Alright.” Rainbow said a little disappointed stepping onto the switch.

When the bars raised Link walked through the door and almost fell off the platform he was on. Looking down he could see the ground thousands of feet below him. In front of him were floating platforms similar to the one he was currently on. Seeing no other way to go he began to jump across the platforms until he reached the other side, where there was another door. Walking through it Link found him in a room full of large bats.

“Uh-oh, Bad Bats!” Link said as the all began to fly at him. He quickly took out his sword and began to hack and slash at the large swarm of bats that was trying to take bits out of him. After a while he managed to kill all the bats but took some damage in the proses.

When the last Bad Bat died two small chests appeared one on the ground and one on a high ledge that Link couldn’t reach and didn’t notice. Opening the one on the ground he found a small key. He then made his way back to the main room where Rainbow Dash was waiting for him.

“Wow what happened to you?” Rainbow asked looking at his bruised body.

“Had a run in with some Bad Bats. They’re like Keeses but bigger, noisier and tend to hang out in large swarms.” he explained. “Anyway, I got this small key that can open anyone of these doors but it can only be used once.”

“So which one shall we go through?” she asked looking at the four locked doors.

“Hmm,” Link said looking at them. “My hero instincts are telling me we should go through this one.” he said walking over to the far left one.

“Alright let’s go.” Rainbow said as Link unlocked the door.

As they walked through the door they found themselves outside on a balcony with a set of stairs running down the side of the temple. Before they could take two steps there was a small cawing noise that grabbed their attention.

“Crow,” Link said before turning around and taking it out. “Nasty little buggers, they tend to hang around large buildings and like to steal your money when they attack you but they aren't that tough.”

“I see,” Rainbow Dash said seeing another one pass by them higher up before they continued down the stairs.

“Hey Link I just thought of something.” Rainbow said as they reached the bottom of the stairs. “Couldn't we have just flown the hot-air balloon over to this balcony and skipped the first two puzzles?” she asked.

“I don’t think so.” Link said looking over the side and feeling an extra strong wind blowing. “The wind is way too strong here. The balloon would have gotten blown away.” he said before breaking some pots that were by the door leading back inside and absorbing the hearts that were in them to heal his wounds. “Anyway let’s find out what lies behind this door.” They then walked through the door and into the lower part of the temple.

Chapter 10

Behind the door lied a vast expanse of sky with floating islands of platforms and fans sprinkling the area. The winds roared with astounding gusts, and pinwheels on the islands spun rapidly. Rainbow Dash’s eyes and mouth were open in awe of the sight. Towards the left, there was a long, stone wall with a thin ledge and towards the right was a rather large building floating above void space. The door on the building was large and decorative, but was locked with the same gold chain and lock used in the Forest Temple. Link looked back towards Rainbow Dash, who just stood there.

“Ummm, are you alright Rainbow Dash?” Link asked. Rainbow Dash shook her head in response and took towards Link.

“That was weird.” She stated seriously. She looked towards the scenery before her and frowned at some of the decay present in the area. “This place used to be so awesome. So many different kinds of ponies gathered here in the past. They hung out here, did awesome tricks, researched for even more ways on improving life and lived together peacefully. When I look at it now, it looks like everypony abandoned this place a very long time ago.” She stated mournfully. “What happened here?” Link put his hand on Rainbow Dash’s shoulder.

“The flow of time is always cruel. Beings die and civilizations erode. Time is a river that cannot be stopped nor can be reversed. However, we can direct the flow of time and create our own futures. Those visions of the past shall be your guide to tomorrow.” He said with a straight face. Rainbow Dash raised an eye in confusion.

“I don’t get it.” She said.

“What I’m saying is that everything has to come to an end one day. When something comes to an end, a new beginning happens. Anyways, that wall looks like something we can sidle across.” Link said. Rainbow Dash looked towards the left and then towards the front. She laughed.

“Did you forget I have wings Link? I can just take us across!” Rainbow Dash said as she grabbed Link by his wrists and lifted him in the air. She flew up into the sky before a gust of wind blew her towards the direction of the wall. Link lost his grip and flew against the wall. “Ummm, on second thought, maybe sidling might be a better option for you.” Rainbow Dash sheepishly said. Link fell off the wall and grabbed the thin ledge with his hands. He lifted himself up and placed his back on the wall. He slid along the wall until he reached larger portions of ground. Rainbow Dash flew down towards Link and giggled nervously.

“Well, now that we are done with that, it is time to move through the temple.” Link stated. The two of them went on through a door towards the north wall. As they entered beyond there, there were spirals of cream-colored bridges that twisted throughout all the levels of the room. These bridges were decorated with black lanterns and copper rails. “Rainbow Dash, do you know what this place is?” Link asked.

“Not… really? I think that we should just find where the Element is. But, for some reason, something is telling me that the left bridge is going to lead to somewhere important.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Well, if that is what you feel, then I guess I will take your word on it.” Link said. The both of them walked down the left spiral bridge. As they did, wings on the lanterns revealed themselves as Keese and flew towards Link and Rainbow Dash. Link looked back and took out his crossbow. He shot each of the Keese with bolts, eliminating them. “Clever bats. Then again, I shouldn’t be surprised.” He said as he put his crossbow away. The two of them continued down the spiral until they came upon a new door. As they entered past it, Link noticed a straight path surrounded by several blowing fans suspended in the air. At the end of the bridge was a treasure chest. Rainbow Dash grinned widely and ran towards the chest. However, Link blocked her back with his arm. “It’s way too easy.” He said. He found a rock and threw it across the bridge. As it landed on the bridge, a large press came dropped down onto the rock, shattering it. Rainbow Dash and Link looked at the smashed rock with wide eyes.

“That looks like it will hurt.” Rainbow Dash shakingly said.

“Well, at least we know that we have to be fast. On the count of three.” Link began. Link and Rainbow Dash prepared their bodies to sprint. Link held his hand and three fingers up in the air. As the fingers dropped down to the last finger, Link and Rainbow Dash sprinted across the bridge with presses going down faster than lightning. However, the presses were unable to catch their victims. Link sprinted over towards the chest. He opened the chest as a lime-green light flashed from within it. He reached around until he felt a cape-like cloth. As he pulled it out, the cloth revealed itself to be a white cape with blue highlights.

“You got the Roc’s Cape! Now you can jump and get past gaps that you couldn’t have before!”

“That looks cool but… what is it?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“It’s a Roc’s Cape apparently.” Link responded. He wore the cape and felt a surge of energy pass through his body. The bridge crumbled away, which left Link stranded on the islet. Suddenly, a red, bat-like creature swooped down from the ceiling. It had four claws and talons on it. It clashed its claws together as the fans turned off.

“It seems that Mistress Nightmare Moon was right about intruders being in this part of the Temple. I guess I’ll have to finish you all off myself.” The creature said itself.

“Link, you wouldn’t happen to know what this creature is, do you?” Rainbow Dash said.

“It feels like it is something I should know. I can tell that it’s native to Hyrule, but I have never seen a creature like this before.” Link said as he pulled out his sword and shield. “Regardless, it’s another enemy that shall fall before my blade and our teamwork.” He finished. The Vire screeched as it rushed towards Link. Link slashed at it vertically. The Vire disappeared in a puff of smoke and a group of four Keeses appeared in its place. Rainbow Dash took towards the air and kicked one of the Keese over into another Keese. Link smashed one of the Keese with the hilt of his sword into the combining Keese. The remaining Keese tried to fly away until Rainbow Dash roundhouse kicked it across the room and into the group.

“You’re not going to run away on my watch!” Rainbow Dash said. The four keeses became a Vire in a purple smoke.

“How ever did you find out my secret of attacking me that quickly?! It’s unheard of!” The Vire shouted. Link ran up to the Vire and sheathed his sword. When he went behind the Vire, he quickly unsheathed his sword and slashed the creature. The Vire let out a pained scream.

“Logic, that’s how.” Link stated as he slashed away at the Vire. The Vire took blow after blow before it split into four Keeses again. The four Keeses flew into different parts of the room. Rainbow Dash smirked and flew after a group of two Keeses. Link took out his crossbow and aimed it towards one of the Keese in the air. A bolt fired through the air and struck a Keese within its heart. Rainbow Dash grabbed two of the Keeses and punched them towards the Keese that Link shot. The lone Keese looked around in fear before its flesh met with a swift aerial strike from Link’s sword. Link safely jumped onto the platform using the properties of the Roc’s Cape equipped. Being struck by the sword, the Keese retreated back into the group of defeated Keeses before transforming into the Vire. As the Vire materialized back, it was met with a swift dive kick by Rainbow Dash. It screeched before the Gilded Sword punctured its chest. Its mouth was opened wide in shock.

“I’ve underestimated the both of you!!!” It said in a shriek before it died within the blue flames. The door that was barred close at the other side of the room had its metal bars lifted open, and the fans that were turned off began to blow again. Rainbow Dash took a look at the cape on Link’s back.

“It feels strange, but it feels like I have seen this item before.” Rainbow Dash stated.

“Apparently with this, I can jump and hover into the air. With these fans blowing, it doesn’t matter if the bridge is down. I can jump across the gaps with this wind.” Link said. Using the power of the Roc’s Cape, he jumped into the air and hovered over the fan. The fan blew him high into the air, but the power of the Roc’s Cape allowed him to steer and fly towards the other side of the room. Finally, he landed onto the other side of the room on his feet. Rainbow Dash flew close behind him.

“That cape is pretty cool. It still doesn’t beat a pegasus’s wings, but it’s pretty close. You steered through the air like a master!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“Don’t get too excited now Rainbow Dash. There are still several other areas of the temple to explore, and this cape will allow us to do so.” Link said. The two of them went through the door, which led back outside.

Author's Note

Chapter written by ZeroChill

Chapter 11

Link and Rainbow Dash walked back up the spiral bridge and seeing no other way to go without backtracking made their way across the right bridge which spiralled upwards a bit. When they reached the top, they came across another door.

“Man this place has a lot of doors.” Rainbow said as Link opened it and they walked through it.

“No kidding.” Link said as they found themselves on the other side of the building.

Seeing no other way to go they began to climb a set of stairs that ran up the side of the temple. When they got to the top however, there was nothing on the balcony.

“What gives? Shouldn't there be something here?” The cyan Pegasus asked.

“Hmm.” The Hylian boy said looking around. “There!” He said, spotting a small alcove a few feet above them with a small pillar he could use his crossbow to get up to.

“Right!” Rainbow Dash said flying up to it as Link aimed his crossbow at the pillar and used the rope attachment to pull himself up. “Alright now it’s just through this door and back into the temple.” She said walking over to a door that stuck out of the wall a bit.

“No Wait!” Link yelled as Rainbow put her hoof on the knob and the door started to wiggle.

“Wah!” The Pegasus screamed as Link pushed her out of the way before the door fell on her. “What was that?” She asked as the door righted itself.

“Fake Door Trap.” He explained. “They fall on you when you try to open them. They look just like regular doors, but they stand out from the wall a little so they’re not hard to spot. Just stand back and I’ll take care of it.” Link said as he put on a blue mask that covered his whole face and had a white skull on the front. “You might want to look away.” He said as he stood in front of the Fake Door and raised his shield.

Once Rainbow looked away there was a loud bang as if a bomb had just exploded. When she looked back the Fake Door was gone as well as a section of the wall it was agents revealing a small chest.

“How did you do that?” Rainbow asked.

“Blast Mask.” He said taking off the now black and slightly see-through mask. “It explodes with a force of a bomb, it can be kind of handy if you don’t have any on hand. Only down sides are that it takes a while to recharge and you lose all feeing in your face for about an hour. ” He said, slapping his face a little before opening the chest to find a small key.

“That’s kind of cool. I guess we better start backtracking to the first room now that we have a new key huh.” She said walking over to the edge.

“I guess so.” Link said as the jumped back down to the balcony before making their way back down the stairs.

When they reached the room with the floating islands of platforms and fans again Link decided to use the Roc Cap to sail across the room instead of inching along the thin ledge. Suddenly one of the fans stopped and caused him to fall a bit before Rainbow pushed him into a strong current which gave him enough momentum to make it the rest of the way.

“Thanks.” Link said as Rainbow landed beside him.

“No problem.” She said as they walked through the door and back up to the first room.

“Alright. Which door should we go through next?” The young hero asked, looking at the remaining three doors.

“How about this one.” Rainbow said, walking over to one of locked doors opposite the one they came from.

“Alright.” Link said, walking over to it and using the newly acquired key to open it.

As they walked into the new room the first thing they noticed was a large swimming pool in the middle of the floor.

“What the?” The blue Pegasus said, looking at the pool. “Why is there a swimming pool in the middle of a temple?”

“Well the guy who gave us the hot air balloon said that this place was once a floating city. Maybe this is where they came to cool off.” Link said shrugging.

“Maybe but it looks like it hasn’t been cleaned in a few thousand years.” She said looking at the greenish water. “Hey it looks like there’s a chest down there! But it looks too deep for either of us to dive too.” She said pointing to the deep end.

“I’ve got just the thing for that.” He said pulling out a white mask with a pointy nose. “You might want to cover your ears for this.” He said looking over at his blue friend.

“Ok.” Rainbow said, remembering what Fluttershy had told her about some of his masks.

Link grunted as the mask started to fuse with his face slowly became one with him and finally screamed in pain as the mask transfigured his entire body with a bright flash of light.

“Wow! What are you?” She asked, looking at the fish man that stood before her.

“I’m a Zora, a sort of half fish, half human creature.” Zora Link explained. “The point is that I can breathe under water now.”

“Awesome!” Rainbow said as he jumped into the water and began sinking to the bottom of the pool.

“Hmm, this seems a little too easy” Link thought as he reached the bottom of the pool.

Suddenly something moved in the corner of his eye. Quickly turning to see what it was he found a large clam in front of him.

“Uh oh.” He said as the Shell Blade opened its mouth, then quickly closed it before turning around and fly at him in an attempt to hit him with the spikes on the back of it’s shell.

Acting quickly Link swam to the side before landing in front of the Shell Blade and prepared his blade like fins for an attack. When the Shell Blade opened its mouth, his fins launched from his arms like twin boomerangs severing the thin piece of flesh that joined the top shell to the bottom, killing it. The boomerang like fins then returned to his arms as he started to hear a metallic clanging sound.

“Huh Spikes. Haven’t seen those in a while.” Link thought as he watched the Spike balls approach him before the suddenly stopped and turned into mesh balls, he then wasted no time destroying them before they turned back into metal balls of death before walking over to the ornately designed chest to retrieve the boss key.

“What’s going on down there?” Rainbow asked herself trying to see through the murky water. “Huh?” she asked, looking up when she heard something wooden drop, to find a small chest had appeared in the corner of the room. Walking over to it, she kicked it open like she saw Link do and found a small key inside.

“What you got there?” Link asked, looking over at Rainbow Dash as he got out of the pool and turned back into his human form.

“This chest appeared well you were down there and there was this key inside.” She said showing him the small key.

“Awesome we’re almost done this temple. I just retrieved the boss key which will let us into the room where the Element is in.” He said showing her the golden key with two horns on it and a ruby in the handle that made it look like an eye.

“Alright then let’s go see what this key opens before we head there.” She said as they walked back to the first room.

Rainbow Dash then walked up to one of the reaming two doors and used the key to unlock it. Looking around the new room the only thing in it was a hole in the floor big enough for the two of them to fit through.

“I wounded where this hole leads.” Link said, looking down it.

“Only one way to find out.” The blue Pegasus said before jumping into it followed by Link.

The hole quickly turned into a slide as it twisted and turned a bit before dropping them off on a platform in front of the door to the large floating building in the room with the floating islands of platforms and fans sprinkling the area.

“Looks like it leads to the boss room.” Link said looking at the huge door with the gold chain and lock. “Are you ready to get the element?”

“Wait are you sure we’ve been everywhere?” Rainbow asked.

Hmm, got the temple treasure, beat the mini-boss, got the boss key, and found the boss door. Yep that’s everything.” Link said after listing off everything that usually came with going through dungeons and temples.

“Alright if you’re sure we’ve done everything. Let’s go!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as Link unlocked the boss door and they walked in.

Author's Note

Sorry for the long wait for an update I had a bad case of writers block when it came to this chapter.

Chapter 12

Link and Rainbow Dash entered inside of the tall, white, roundhouse-styled room. For some odd reason, the walls of this area were in better shape than anywhere else in the temple. As the two slowly walked forward, a condescending look appeared on Rainbow Dash’s face. Link looked towards her face with a puzzled expression.

“Is something wrong Rainbow Dash? You've been acting strange since we’ve been in this temple.” He asked in concern.

“Why is it that this room looks like it is in better shape than everything else in the temple? I mean, I know that it holds the Element related to me, but it should have at least looked like it was ruined.” Rainbow Dash replied. The two of them looked towards the centre of the room and saw a large, octagon-shaped hole on the ground with a powerful up-draft. As they looked upwards, they noticed a similarly-shaped hole on the ceiling. With a powerful swap, Link took out the Roc’s Cape and wore it.

“It looks like the Element is in the place where this draft will take us. Are you ready for what awaits us Rainbow Dash?” He asked. Rainbow Dash regained her cocky grin and slanted her eyes in a readying stance.

“I’ve been born ready Link.” She replied with confidence brimming in her tone. Both Link and Rainbow Dash ran up to the hole before they jumped inside of it. The roaring, powerful winds picked up the duo as they shot through the ceiling. The walls of the area above the ceiling were dark as the two kept flying upwards towards the light at the end of the tunnel. Finally, as they passed through the hole at the top, their eyes were greeted with the sight of the open sky not found anywhere else in the area; though the platform itself was roughly the same size as the room they entered in and there were no structures around in the air. It was just a plain, midnight sky. As Link and Rainbow Dash landed on their feet and hooves respectively, they took in the sights around them. “I know this place is amazing and all, but where’s the Element?” Rainbow Dash asked in impatience.

“Well, this is a boss room Rainbow Dash. It would make sense for the boss to have it in its possession. Speaking of which, where is it?” As Link said this, the hole behind them closed with a stone cover that slid underneath it. A powerfully loud screech echoed throughout the area followed by what appeared to be an eagle the size of a building made entirely of brown stone with dark lines of energy within it. The most notable characteristic is the purple, diamond-shaped gem embedded within its forehead. “I should have known that it was a giant bird. It only makes natural sense.” Link said as the bird let out another ear-piercing screech as it saw the duo.

Warped Golem; Helmaroc Effigy

Helmaroc Effigy dove down from the sky and rushed in and swooped towards Link and Rainbow Dash. Its giant talons tried to grasp the both of them, but Link rolled to his left and out of the way and Rainbow Dash flew towards her right. The Helmaroc Effigy flew off in a straight direction. Rainbow Dash stared at it with her jaw dropping to the ground.

“That bird is huge! How are we even supposed to damage it?!” She asked in a mix of awe and hopelessness. Link eyed the Helmaroc Effigy carefully and noticed that on its body were pillars periodically punching in a pattern that lead towards the crested platform just underneath the purple gem.

“I have an idea Rainbow Dash. Can you match the Helmaroc Effigy’s speed while you are carrying something?” He asked.

“Of course I can! I’m only the fastest pegas-“

“I already know that you’re the fastest pegasus in Equestria Rainbow Dash. I just need you to drop me onto the tail of that beast since aiming for the head would end up blowing me back because of the wind around it.” He replied as he interrupted Rainbow Dash.

“Gotcha Link!” As she said this, she flapped her wings and flew into the air. She grabbed onto Link’s shoulders with her front hooves. The duo flew into the expanse of the sky after the Helmaroc Effigy. As it flew away, Rainbow Dash tailed its tail and drafted its trail. Though she was within the wind barrier, her eyes watered immensely from the tiny blades of wind that pierced her eyes. “Hey Link, you think you can reach that block over there from here? The wind’s concentration is getting onto my eyes.” She said as she squint her eyes.

“With this Roc’s Cape, I should be able to reach that block from here. Just keep up with the Helmaroc.” Link said. Link swung his body forward and jumped. He dove forward before the wind picked up underneath the Roc’s Cape and caused him to soar in the air. Rainbow Dash flew out of the wind space and below the Helmaroc Effigy. Link safely landed on the tail blocks of it. As he looked across, he notices that the blocks pounded in and out of the Helmaroc Effigy. Link jumped across the blocks and flew across the spaces between the blocks along the ascending side of the Helmaroc Effigy.

At the last block before the crest, the block rotated forward. Link timed his jump and landed on the block when the side was slanted towards the forward top. Immediately after, he ran off the block and jumped in the air towards the crest and the purple gem. As he took out his blade, Link began to hack and slash at the gem. The Helmaroc Effigy spasmed from the shock of the blows. It shook its head wildly before Link fell off the head with a loud scream. As he fell down, Rainbow Dash arrived out of nowhere and grabbed Link.

“Gotcha!” She said triumphantly. The Helmaroc Effigy looked below and roared loudly. Its stone eyes developed a nasty stare before it flew forward. Rainbow Dash looked below Link and grinned. “Looks like you hit it where it hurts. I’ll bring you up there for a second round.” She said confidently. Link simply replied with a shake of his head before Rainbow Dash soared above into the air and trailed behind the Helmaroc Effigy. The wind around it was slightly fiercer than before, but Rainbow Dash did not budge an inch from her path when she tailed the Helmaroc Effigy. As she neared the tail structure, Link jumped off from Rainbow Dash’s front hooves and landed onto the blocks with the use of the Roc’s Cape.

Different from last time, the blocks swayed back and forth along with the pounding of the blocks. Link held his stance and maintained his balanced. He ran off of the first block and flew over to the next block with the aid of the Roc’s Cape. He timed the sways of the blocks with his jumps that allowed for him to make it across them and up to the head’s crest where the purple jewel was. As he unsheathed his sword, the purple gem flashed in an unusual colour. With quick reflexes, Link took out his shield and placed it in front of himself. The gem fired a laser against the shield and pushed him back a bit. In retaliation, Link performed a two-handed jumping swipe and slashed the gem. The Helmaroc Effigy became stunned for a moment before Link continued the onslaught of cuts. It spasmed once more before it violently shook its head. Link was swung off from the head and dropped down the sky, where Rainbow Dash flew past and grabbed him.

“That thing is looking angrier than ever Link. Look!” As she said this, she pointed up towards the Helmaroc Effigy. Instead of its tan appearance, its blocks were now of a red-brown colour. The rate at which the blocks pounded out of it became erratic when compared to its standard rhythm and several flying orbs appeared from the back of the Helmaroc Effigy. They were red-brown and had a dark purple core. Each of them rained lasers down from the sky. Rainbow Dash swiftly dodged each of them.

“This thing isn’t playing around now that’s for sure. Are you ready to bring me up one last time Rainbow Dash?” Link asked.

“Of course I am Link. I’ll even keep those orbs distracted so that you’d have one less thing to worry about.” Rainbow Dash said confidently. Link nodded before she flew behind the Helmaroc Effigy. While the winds around it were at their most powerful, Rainbow Dash did not budge one bit. As she neared the tail, Link jumped off from Rainbow Dash’s grip and flew down towards the tail. Rainbow Dash flew out of the area and turned back to see the orbs moving about an erratic pattern. “You want a piece of me? Come get some!” She said before she flew into an orb and smashed it with a roundhouse kick.

A bright, purple flash appeared in the air as Link jumped across the blocks. Despite the odd, difficult pattern with them, Link was able to hold his place in the air during his jumps and allowed him to temporarily hover above the blocks that would randomly push themselves back in. As Link jumped across each of the blocks, a block randomly pounded out from a higher position on the side and hit Link. He fell off of the Helmaroc Effigy and dropped past the air barrier. Rainbow Dash, who destroyed several cores, looked back and gasped in shock before she dashed towards Link’s aid. As Link Fell, she barely grasped his left hand with both of her hooves.

“Gotcha! I wouldn't let you fall to your doom.” She stated with a smile of relief before Link went onto her back. The Helmaroc Effigy turned back towards Link and Rainbow Dash before its stone, blocky beak opened widely. A concentration of dark energy built up inside its mouth before a large, sweeping laser shot out of it. As the laser aimed towards the duo, Rainbow Dash barrel-rolled out of the way and spiralled around the laser.

“Rainbow Dash! I think that we should try to perform a dual strike against that dark crystal on its forehead while we have the chance. What do you say?” Link asked with a devious smile on his face.

“You had me at dual strike Link. Just be sure to distract those orbs and I’ll get us up there in ten seconds flat!” Rainbow Dash replied confidently. The orbs appeared behind Rainbow Dash’s tail. Link took out his crossbow and aimed it towards one of the cores. He placed a bolt within the bow and fired it towards the swarm of orbs. With expert precision, the orbs moved into the direction of the bolt’s path and all ended up destroyed. Flashes of dark explosions permeated the air before Rainbow Dash made it to the forehead of the Helmaroc Effigy.

Link wore his Roc’s Cape and hopped off of Rainbow Dash’s back as soon as she was directly above the gem. Rainbow Dash dove down towards the crystal and reared her front right hoof for a punch while Link grasped his sword with two hands and dove downwards with it in a plunging position. The combination of the hoof strike and the diving sword struck the gem and caused a significant crack that ran down the middle of the crystal before it shattered.

The Helmaroc Effigy’s eyes opened widely as the lines that ran down it disappeared. It cawed loudly before the instability without the energy caused the entire boss to explode. Both Rainbow Dash and Link fell down from the sky. Surprisingly, rather than fall into a void, the two of them fell back onto the tower where they first appeared at with no damage from the fall.

“…We did it?” Rainbow Dash asked as she saw what remained of the boss fall down into the endless void. Link looked forward and saw a blue light appear towards the centre north of the tower followed by a crystalline heart container. “Hey! Fluttershy told me about that heart over there. So picking it up heals you completely?” She said as Link picked it up.

"You got a Heart Container! Your maximum life energy is increased by one heart. Your life energy will be totally filled."

“That’s right. If I collect these, then I’ll be able to survive anything.” Link stated happily. As he said this, his eyes looked over towards the floating orb inside of the light. Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened considerably at the sight.

“There it is! That’s the Element!” She stated as she ran over into the light. Link ran into the light along with Rainbow Dash and touched the orb inside.

“You got the Element of Loyalty! This is one of the Elements needed to stop Nightmare Moon!

As Link touched it, both Link and Rainbow Dash ascended into the light before they disappeared completely.

They reappeared in the world full of clouds and perpetually flowing waterfalls once again standing on a high pillar.

"Wow! This place is weird." Rainbow Dash said looking around.

"I find it kind of peaceful." Link said shrugging.

"Hey who's that?" She asked looking over at another pillar similar to the one they were standing on.

Standing on the other pillar was cyan Pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail, wearing a blue cloak with yellow lightning bolts on it. The Pegasus softly smiled at her as he nodded his head before they were surrounded by a bright light which blinded them.

“You did awesome…” A voice whispered in Rainbow's ear.

Author's Note

Chapter written by ZeroChill