Legend of Zelda: The Equestrian Hero

All across Equestria, the monsters disappeared. Canterlot Castle was renovated to its original appearance. Everypony emerged from their homes and began celebrating. Pinkie Pie had thrown a party in Ponyville, and many ponies were invited to town. Even Cadence and her family visited. The sun was inching toward the horizon. Soon, it would be night, and there would be a meteor shower. Luna and Celestia stood in the town square, watching over the citizens. The heroines of Equestria, along with the Hylian knight turned stallion, were approached by the ponies who sought to express gratitude to them. Rainbow Dash performed the Sonic Rainboom. Fireworks exploded in the sky, emitting a multitude of colors. The confetti was strewn across the ground. Mares and stallions collected the desserts and snacked on their respective sweets.

Luna and Link strode to a bench on the outskirts of town, then sat down. She draped a wing around Link. "Equestria is at peace, thanks to you. You're our hero. More importantly, you're a good friend to many of us. Well, here is a reward for your efforts." She summoned a Pink Heart. "This is the Pink Heart of Courage. Before you received this, Trixie, Starlight, Thorax, and Discord had gotten their own Pink Hearts. The reason they got one was that they invaded the changeling hive and rescued the heroines of Equestria. Yours is for a different reason, and I have just explained it to you."

"Yeah. Anytime Equestria is in peril, I will come here," Link replied.

"Even if it's not in danger, you can pay a visit. You have friends here. Celestia and I will lend a key to you."

"I know. I also have friends in Hyrule."

Luna nodded. "Tell me about them."

Link gazed at the western horizon. "For starters, the children in Ordon Village are like younger siblings to me. Ilia and Colin are the ones I talk to the most. Colin wanted to be a swordsman and a hero. He looked up to me, and after I defeated Ganondorf back in Hyrule, I had planned to train him. I hope he learned something in my absence. There's Beth, who has a tendency to scold the boys. The youngest of the children is Malo, but he acts mature for his age."

"I've seen foals act mature, too. Not all of them do, though. Other than saving Hyrule, what do you do?"

"I work on a ranch. On occasion, the goats would break free. They can be rebellious."

"Do any animals talk?"

"Only the Hylians and humans do. Horses in my world are different. They don't use magic."

As they continued chatting, the sun began dipping into the horizon. Ribbons of coral, pink, lavender, and orange flooded the sky, making way for the darkness of night. Luna's horn glowed as she rose the moon into the sky. A cluster of stars materialized, twinkling like diamonds on an evening gown. It was a clear night. Not a single cloud lingered in the heavens. The storm had passed. Nopony had to worry about losing Equestria to a cruel tyrant. She smiled again, glad that the threat had been vanquished. The duo's laughter bubbled into the air as their discussion lasted for a few hours.

A throng of ponies surged from the town, preparing to watch the meteor shower. A cool breeze rippled through Luna's mane. She arranged several stars into a triangle-shaped constellation. It resembled Link's cutie mark. This wasn't the first time she had created a constellation inspired by what a pony had done for her or for Equestria. As the comets streaked across the sky, the crowd responded by saying either 'ooh' or 'wow.' Next to the bench, the Element bearers occupied a picnic rug.

"Are you getting cozy?" Pinkie Pie asked as she gave two plates of cake to the duo.

Warmth graced Luna's cheeks, and she grabbed the plate. "Why do you ask?"

"You have a wing around him. Also, he hasn't left your side. Are you falling in love?"

"Only time will tell, Pinkie. We're from different worlds."

"I'll let you enjoy each other's company. Oh, and the cake is tasty."

Luna and Link exchanged glances. The stallion eyed his cake with curiosity, and he cut off a piece. He slipped the fork into his mouth. Luna shoveled her own cake into her mouth, savoring the delicious, chocolatey flavor. The icing melted on her tongue. She scooped a cherry off the edge of the sugary confection and brought it to her maw. The moon climbed high into the eastern horizon, bathing the town in a soft and gentle glow.

"The night is beautiful, just like you," Link said.

"Thanks," Luna replied. "You're going home soon, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"Twilight's mirror might take you to Hyrule. The mirror is in the Castle of Friendship. It's where we will part ways." For now...

By midnight, Luna and Link visited the Castle of Friendship. Celestia and the Element bearers joined them. Starlight, Trixie, and Discord lingered in the doorway. Link stepped toward the mirror. The royal sisters approached him. A crystal-studded horseshoe materialized. Luna and Celestia enchanted the object. The Hero of Hyrule smiled at his friends. It could be a while before he returned. The moon princess was the first to speak.

"This is the key to Equestria. You can use it on any mirror, and you can come here anytime you want," Luna said.

"Princess Luna... I'll think about you while I'm in Hyrule," Link replied.

"It's the sweetest thing you can say." Luna pulled Link into a hug. "Farewell, Hero of Equestria..." She released him from her embrace. "See you later."

"Those were Midna's last words." Link inhaled deeply, then exhaled. He looked to the Element bearers. "Twilight Sparkle, always be a courageous leader for your team. Rainbow Dash, stay awesome. Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie, someone will always appreciate your kindness, generosity, and laughter. Applejack, be strong and honest."

Tears moistened Luna's eyes. "I'll miss you. Not a day will pass that I forget the time we've spent together."

Celestia wore a benevolent grin. "Link, thank you for saving Equestria."

Twilight chimed in. "And thanks for helping Princess Luna rescue me and my friends."

Pinkie Pie, who was usually the most cheerful mare, was shedding tears. "Well, I would consider throwing a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party, but I guess a farewell celebration also works. Bye."

Discord crossed his mismatched arms. "Link, I know we didn't talk much, but you're cool, I guess."

Link grabbed the key and stashed it into his saddlebag. He waved before stepping into the mirror. A bright glow penetrated the room, and as the area dimmed, Luna stared at the mirror, then hung her head. The older alicorn placed a wing over her back. The two sisters stood in silence. One of them spoke.

"I'm sure you'll see him again," Celestia whispered.

"Maybe. Originally, he wasn't a pony. Remember the stories of the dimension Sunset Shimmer resides in?" Luna replied. "He was a biped in that realm called Hyrule."

"Do you like him?" There was a knowing gleam in Celestia's eyes. "Don't deny it. I saw that look in your eyes."

Luna giggled. "Of course I like him! He's a good stallion. By the way, did I resemble a lovestruck schoolfilly to you?"

"I figured you would develop a sort of connection during the journey." Celestia strolled to the exit. "Let's attend to our duties. I may sleep in, so..."

The morning sun dawned in Ordon Village. Link stirred from his slumber, memories of the adventure still fresh in his mind as he climbed out of bed. Since his friends had wondered where he went, he would have to give them an explanation. Even the princess deserved to hear the whole story. He could always write a letter to her. He retrieved a quill and a piece of paper, then proceeded to write the whole tale into the letter. As he shut his eyes, he dwelled on a certain pair of teal blue eyes. The moon princess had left an impression on him. He placed the Pink Heart of Courage and the horseshoe onto his desk.

The Hero of Hyrule folded the letter and mailed it to the Princess. An entire day whizzed by, and a mailman handed him a note from Zelda. The Princess wrote:

So, Link, that's where you went. Everyone was worried for you, and I've prayed for your safe return. The princesses of this Equestria sounded intriguing. I wish I had the chance to meet them, but my responsibilities could serve as an obstacle. Princess Luna reminds me of Midna, as the Twilight Princess once accompanied you. On the other hand, I can see myself in Princess Celestia. Both of us had to surrender in order to defend our respective kingdoms. The way you spoke of Luna suggests that you have feelings for her. It's good to hear from you after the people in your village had reported your disappearance.
Sincerely, Princess Zelda

Link gazed out the window. He meandered to the Ordon spring and sat near the water. The children waited for him, and he told the tale to them. When he was finished talking, the children inquired him with countless questions. He answered each one of them. Hyrule was safe again, and so was Equestria. Perhaps someday, he'll go back. For now, there wasn't any danger present in either world...

The End