Shortly after Ganondorf and Twinrova had left, Zelda brought us to her chambers to recuperate… and to discuss our next steps. To be honest, I was at a loss. Ghirahim was loose in Equestria, and now Hyrule was in danger because of Ganondorf's release from his prison. I wasn't the only one to feel discouraged, I could see it in their faces.
Then the door opened and we saw Nabooru and a Gerudo girl I've never seen before. "Nabooru, are you okay?" Zelda looked with worry at the spirit sage's swollen and slightly blue-tinged leg as she walked into the princess' chamber, supported by her clanswoman.
"I'm fine," Nabooru said, but winced a moment afterwards. "Stupid ice witch caught me off guard… it's okay, I can walk. I did fight them after freeing myself, didn't I?"
"Well, if you say so," the Gerudo girl shrugged and let her go. Right away, Nabooru let out a gasp and started to wobble, prompting the girl to take hold of her once again.
"I thought so, that surge of power came from your capabilities as a sage, Lady Nabooru," she said. "But now that the battle is over, you need to rest."
"The battle is far from over," Link frowned. "Ganondorf is back… the situation has gone from bad to worse."
Zelda offered Nabooru a chair, in which she reluctantly sat down. "Damn it!" she swore. "I can't sit idly… not now that our biggest adversary has returned. I need to get to Gerudo Valley… warn my people not to fall for his lies again. I need to leave immediately…"
"Please sit down," Zelda said. "You are in no condition to travel."
"But we can't just sit here and do nothing!" Nabooru protested. "The people of Hyrule have to be warned!"
"Don't worry, I already took the necessary steps," Zelda said. "Messengers are on their way to the Gorons and Zoras as we speak. I wanted to ask you to approach your people, but I see now that you are in no condition to travel."
"Let me go," Link instantly volunteered. "I'm sure they will listen to me. I am an honorary Gerudo, after all."
"That only happened in the bad future we prevented from happening, remember?" I said.
"But what about the Kokiri?" Navi asked, her voice filled with worry. "They need to be warned too, right?"
"Well, I would have sent a messenger to Kokiri Forest, but I have the feeling the children of the forest are hesitant when it comes to welcoming outsiders in their home. And then there's the curse of the Lost Woods, Hylians normally never set foot into the forest because they are afraid to be turned into an undead. So I ask of you, Navi… would you go and inform them of the danger? I would have sent Saria, but we can't wait for her to return from Equestria."
"O-of course I'll go," Navi said, nervously, but determined at the same time. "I'll talk with Mido, he's in charge whenever Saria's gone."
"I'm sure the old knucklehead will make the right decisions," Link smirked. "They'll be fine… I'd be more worried about the Gerudo. They are Ganondorf's tribe after all. I think we should leave right away. The sooner, the better." He then turned and looked at me. "You're coming with me, right, Epona?"
That sure came out of nowhere. Under normal circumstances, I would have agreed on the spot to come with him. But now, things had changed a lot…
"I… I don't know, Link," I said. "I want to help you, but… what about my friends and family back in Equestria? They need my help too, remember? One of the element bearers has been captured by Ghirahim and my daughter is putting herself in danger all the time… I need to do the same. Equestria is my country as well. They need me… they need us! Without the Master Sword, what chances do we have of defeating Ghirahim? This is why we came to Hyrule in the first place, to get the Master Sword and go back and fight him with it."
Link sighed. "Epona, listen… I know this has to be difficult. But with Ganondorf's return, everything has changed. I can't travel to another kingdom, now that Hyrule is in danger. Ganondorf is just as bad as Ghirahim, probably even worse. We need the Master Sword here. I'm sorry, but we can't go back to Equestria now."
"What…" I whispered. "Link, you… you don't mean that, right? I know we have to inform the Gerudo and everything, but afterwards… you'll go back with me to Equestria, right? You promised them you'd be back…"
"Epona… what do you want me to do? Go with you and help them defeat Ghirahim? And then what? Most of the sages are still back in Equestria. Do you think the Hyrulean army can defeat Ganondorf? Do you think Zelda can do it, all on her own? Ganondorf has the Triforce of Power… the only reason we were able to defeat him is because we stood up against him with BOTH the Triforce of Wisdom and Courage. Do you know what happens if Ganondorf wins? Everything will have been in vain! The bleak future we witnessed will become a reality… everything will be destroyed, monsters will take over the whole land and darkness will spread. And this time, Zelda is not going to be able to hide as a Sheikah. And afterwards, do you think he'll be satisfied once he's conquered Hyrule? No, he will want to have more. The Sacred Realm, Termina, Equestria, no realm shall be safe from his lust for power. I CAN'T let that happen, Epona!"
I couldn't believe my own ears. Link, the brave and loyal defender of Hyrule, the savior of Termina, the ally of Equestria… willing to abandon his friends. I wanted to understand him, I wanted to realize that he was telling the truth… but I couldn't. Sure, I had this second life here on Hyrule, I had friends and I helped save it before… but that was before I remembered where I really came from. Equestria was my home… I had family there. I could not abandon them.
I slowly turned around. "I'm sorry, Link," I said. "But I can't let Ghirahim take over Equestria either. Do what you need to do to save Hyrule… but I won't help you this time around. I have my own world to save."
It tore my heart to pieces, having to say that to my friend. My partner. The hero I always admired. But I knew that abandoning my family would have been worse.
I didn't take another look at Link, but the disappointment and sadness in his voice were enough to see that he felt just as distraught as I did. "I see…" he said quietly. "Then I wish you the best of luck… Epona Apple."
I heard his footsteps as he turned around and left the room. The door closed behind him. I wanted to cry, but I couldn't even do that. Part of me wanted nothing more than to run out of that door, run after him and tell him I was sorry. But I couldn't. The damage had been done. I was not his partner anymore. I was just an outsider from another kingdom.
I turned to Zelda, who had followed this whole exchange without speaking up even once. The look on her face was one of sadness and even guilt.
"I thank you for everything you've done to help my own country, princess," I said, a heavy lump in my throat. "And I thank you for the offer of peace and friendship you have given to Equestria. But I cannot take up any more of your time… you have to prepare your country for an incoming war and have much bigger responsibilities than discussing treaties with a foreign country." I turned away from her. "Navi, send me back now."
I felt the princess' gentle hand on my shoulder. "Epona… please wait," she said softly.
"What for?" I gritted my teeth and lowered my head. "Why am I even here anymore? My whole life here was nothing but a lie. I'm not a horse, I'm not a Hylian and I'm most certainly not a native of Hyrule. I'm a pony… so I need to return home to ponykind. I have nothing left here…"
She gently touched my chin and turned my head around to look at her. "That's not true," she said. "You still have friends here. And no matter what happens between you and Link, I am sure he will always stay your friend. Forever!"
"But… but I just abandoned him!" Now the tears began to flow. "And he abandoned me… how can we call ourselves friends anymore after what just happened?"
"Life isn't always easy, Epona," Zelda sighed. "And you have to make some difficult decisions. Fate has put Link into the role of a protector of Hyrule. With the Triforce of Courage and the Master Sword both in his hands, he is the only one that can do it. But that doesn't mean he cares only for this one world. He told me all about his travels. Did he not save Termina, even though it was nothing but a parallel universe, a twisted mirror image of Hyrule? Did he not come with you and risk his life to save inhabitants of Equestria? Yes, he know he has to eventually confront Ganondorf and save Hyrule from his dark influence. But that doesn't mean he's going to abandon his friends and allies. He can't do it right now, but as soon as the crisis in Hyrule is over, I can assure you that he will come running at you side to help."
"But what if it's too late by then, princess?" I cried. "What if we need him now?"
"Do you really need him?" the Gerudo girl standing next to us asked. I looked at her with surprise. I had nearly forgotten that she and Nabooru were still in the room as well.
"What do you mean?" I asked in confusion.
The girl smiled. "What I said. I know Link is a brave hero and that he can overcome any odds to save the day… but he's not the only one of his kind, you know? How often has Equestria been in peril? And how often has it been saved by brave heroes? No, they didn't have the Hero of Time. But they have the Elements of Harmony, brave ponies that would do anything to save their world. They have four intelligent, wise and powerful princesses that love their subjects more than anything. And they have a lot of allies and friends, too. Having to deny help to a friend is a difficult task, but sometimes, it must be done. But even without Link at your side, you won't be alone. Ghirahim and Ganondorf know nothing of friendship, they scoff at it. And that's why they never win. As long as you stick together, you can always prevail."
I heard the girl's words and I knew them to be true. But at the same time, I felt overwhelmed, disoriented, confused. I felt more behind the smiling face of the girl than just the truth. I felt knowledge. Power. A wisdom even older than Hyrule itself. And it was all radiating from this one girl. Zelda, Nabooru and Navi must have felt it too, because I saw how they let out little gasps.
"Wh-what?" I stuttered. "Wh-who are you?"
Nabooru's eyes widened with realization. "You are not one of my tribe… are you?" she murmured.
The girl smiled. "No, I'm afraid not. But I'm still a friend. And I'm honored that I have been able to assist you on this day. Unfortunately, I must go now. But I will watch you from afar… as will my sisters." She opened the window and prepared to climb out.
"Wait!" Zelda raised a hand. "What's your name?"
The strange girl turned her head and winked at us. "You know my name, princess of Hyrule."
"I do…?"
She smiled. "My name is Din. It has been a pleasure, Princess Zelda."
And then, she was gone.
Shortly afterwards, Din reappeared in the goddesses' domain, which was invisible for the mortal eye. Her sister Nayru was welcoming her with a warm smile. "Back from your little trip to mortality, sister?"
Din grinned. "You should try it sometime, Nayru. It's so invigorating! Having to rely only on the constraints of your mortal body and your own wits and skills…"
"Did you have to tell them your true identity, though?" Nayru scolded with a slight frown.
Din sighed. "If you ask me, this is what we should have done in the first place. Live alongside the inhabitants of Hyrule and guide them, instead of watching from above. Celestia and Luna seem to cope with it just fine. You are starting to sound like Farore, you know that?"
"Well, at least one of you two does," grumbled the green-haired goddess of courage, as she entered the scene. Both of her younger sisters looked towards her with sheepish smiles on their faces.
"Oh, hello Farore," Nayru said.
"What have you been up to?" Din added with a grin.
Farore shook her head. "Honestly, you two… we made an oath not to meddle and now look at what you're doing. What would father say if he knew what you are doing?"
"I'm sure father would understand," Nayru said. "Mother doesn't seem to mind the meddling."
"Yeah, she does it all the time," Din nodded. "But I mean it, where were you?"
"Speaking with that incorrigible daughter of mine," Farore sighed. "Looks like mother talked her and that pet angel of hers into assisting her with something she should not be doing."
"Look at it like this, at least she isn't dropping reset bombs on humanity anymore," Din said with a wink. "That's an improvement, wouldn't you think?"
"A goddess of nature should act with dignity and restraint," Farore said. "And mortals will never learn on their own if we keep intervening with their worlds."
"All mother is doing is keeping the balance," Nayru said softly. "As do we. Ganondorf's powers and the forces behind Ghirahim are beyond the capability of a mere mortal. And Equestria and Hyrule are connected, as much as you want to deny it. They can only survive if they work together against the looming darkness. And if that means we have to enter the battlefield ourselves, then so be it!"
"There's no stopping you two in this, is there?" Farore muttered. "Even Celestia started showing signs of remorse… fine, do as you wish. But don't expect me to clean up your mess afterwards."
"You worry too much, sister," Din said. "What's the worst a little meddling can cause?"
"Link! You're back!" Malon put down the bucket she was using to feed the cows and welcomed her tunic-wearing friend with a warm hug. "How was your trip? Did you see the pony world? Oh, you've got to tell me everything!"
Link returned the hug and hesitantly replied: "Hey, Malon… listen, I don't have much time. I need to get to Gerudo Valley as fast as possible. Can you lend me one of your horses?"
"What would you need another horse for?" Malon wondered. "Don't you have Epona? Oh, that's right… you can't possibly ride on her anymore, my bad. But sure, you can take Amadeus. He's a bit stubborn, but also the fastest steed we have. But you don't look so good, did something happen?" Worry started to show on her face. "Did something happen to Epona?"
"Epona is… fine. Listen, Malon, this is serious. Close off the farm entrance as soon as I left and don't let anyone in. Lock the animals away and hide until I come back and tell you it's safe to come out again."
"But why, what happened?"
Link grimaced. "Ganondorf is back…"
Malon let out a small gasp of surprise and covered her mouth with her hands in fright. "By the goddesses… but how?"
"It's a long story… but I want you to be safe. As I said, don't let anyone in and don't trust anyone. Ganondorf has a way of luring people over to his side. And…" He took a quick glance outside, where he saw Ingo repairing the fence. "I'd keep a close look on Ingo, if I were you."
Ingo looked up from his work and grinned like an idiot. "Well, hello there, beautiful! How can the amazing Ingo be of service to a fine woman such as you?"
I rolled my eyes. "Can it, Ingo!" I grumbled. "I'm not in the best mood… Just tell me where Link and Malon are."
He looked up at me in confusion. Even though I wasn't a horse anymore, I was almost a head taller than him. "Excuse me, but do I know you?" he asked while scratching his head.
I groaned. "Look, just tell me where they are, okay?"
"Um, they're in the barn…"
"Finally," I grunted and pushed him out of the way. I could never stand that guy.
I heard him mutter to himself as I approached the barn: "What a woman…" What a creep…
I entered the barn and saw the two of them packing the saddlebags of Amadeus, one of the farm's stallions. Malon looked at me in confusion as I entered, but Link just gave me a frown and continued packing.
"Yes, can I help you?" Malon asked. I couldn't help but smile when I saw her. Aside from Link, she was the closest friend I had during the years I spent here in Hyrule. And it reminded me that I would be leaving something behind if I decided to stay in Equestria.
"It's me, Epona," I said. "I look a bit different from what you're used to, though."
"Epona?" Her eyes widened with amazement and then happiness. "Welcome back," she said as she hugged me. She then looked up. "Wow, you're tall! You silly filly…" she then chuckled. "Can't you stay in one shape for once?"
"That's nothing compared to the many changes Link went through when he was in Termina," I smirked.
Link still didn't look at me. "What are you doing here?" he asked. "Aren't you supposed to be on your way back to Equestria?"
"I was about to," I said. "But then Navi reminded me that there are still friends I need to say goodbye to… this might be my last visit to Hyrule in a very long time."
"Fine. Then say goodbye to Malon and leave already."
I walked up towards him. "I'm not just talking about Malon," I said. "Link, you are my friend. More than that, you are my partner. I never wanted you to be mad at me."
"Well, you certainly acted like it back at the castle," he muttered. "You made your decision. You want to go back to Equestria and help your pony friends. What else is there to say?"
I wrapped my arms around him from behind. Link froze in his actions, my hug certainly seemed to surprise him. "I'm sorry for what I said. And I don't want to leave you on bad terms," I said, resting my head on his shoulders. "Equestria is my home, and I need to help protect it. It pains me to leave you behind… but I can't help you at the moment. I wish I could, honestly. I just… I don't want you to stay mad at me. And… I want to wish you every bit of luck. Against Ganondorf, you'll need it."
For a moment, he stayed silent. Malon looked at us from the sidelines, her face full of hope that we would make up and be friends again. Finally, Link sighed and turned around. "I'm sorry too… I should have known how difficult it is for you, torn between two worlds."
I smiled. "We're a pair of stubborn idiots, aren't we?"
"We sure are," he smirked. "Go on… go home and help your friends and family. They need you. While I'm needed here. And Epona… no matter what happens and how long it might take for us to meet again… know that I'll always be your friend."
"Yeah, me too," I nodded. "Good luck out there… partner."
"Awwww, that's soooooo sweet!" Malon gushed.
"Way to kill the moment, Malon," I sighed. "But what I told him goes for you, too… you're my friend, always. Stay safe here, okay?"
"Oh, I most certainly will," she said. "Big old mean Ganondorf is not going to get his hands on our horses this time around. Have a safe trip home, Epona. And say hello to your friends from me."