Tael slowly began to wake up, seeing the green stiches of the hat over him. He floated up and sighed, “Who knew that using magic is so tiring, I managed to fix some of Links memories but if I did that I might not survive.” He moved over to the edge of his cap and moved it up a bit to see where they were now.
His eyes widen when he saw they were approaching a castle made entirely of what looked like crystal. “Whoa that is nothing like the one Tatl told me about when she and Link went to Ikana Canyon.” He said to himself. He looked around from his small spot and was surprised to find the same ponies that had helped them a few days ago.
“Wonder what Link is doing with them.” He said to himself looking at the group. The orange and white one were talking to each other and the yellow one was walking silently next to Link “Must have missed something important.” He placed his body on Links hair and began to think.
‘Link must have gotten some progress on where we are but why is he going to that castle with these three ponies?’ He then heard the sound of the two large doors opening; he looked out from under the hat and was surprised to see they were in the castle. ‘Whoa this castle is not as destroyed as the one Tatl mentioned in Ikana Canyon, it’s really nice’ He thought to himself.
Link looked around the castle with wide eyes; he had never seen a castle like this especially one made out of crystal. He looked left and right wondering what the castle may hold, he felt like he’s been in a couple castles but he wasn’t sure why. He continued to follow the mares going up the stairs of the castle.
As Link continued to look around the castle he looked at the others wondering how special they were to enter the castle without any trouble. Soon the group entered a room, which held seven thrones inside it. Link looked at the thrones and the table that surrounded it. He wondered what this place was and why it required seven thrones but he guessed he’d find out sooner or later.
“Twilight should be here soon so we may as well wait till she does” Applejack said sitting on one of the thrones, this caused Link to look at her curiously but then noticed that the mark on the chair was the same one she had.
Rarity nodded sitting on another throne and sighed, “That chimera coming to Ponyville has to have been the worst thing that happened here in the past three days but at least it was taken care of swiftly.”
Fluttershy nodded as she sat on her throne “Well I just hope that mean old chimera learned his lesson.”
Link looked at each of them, it seemed they were part of something important but he wasn’t sure what. He looked at each of them before walking over to Fluttershy. He sat next to her throne seeing as she was the one he knew most so far, even if it was a little bit. He looked at Rarity and Applejack who continued their conversation then at Fluttershy. He still wondered why they were being nice to a complete stranger like him but it was understandable he was a kid in some unknown place he’s never seen or heard of before and for seem reason he didn’t feel like he should be a pony, even if he was.
‘All of this is strange to me. I should be a pony, right? Then why do I feel as though this isn’t right, that I’m suppose to be something else. This is just so confusing and I can’t understand why.’ Link then realized that Fluttershy was talking to him, he shook his head “Sorry Fluttershy I was thinking on something, what did you say?”
Fluttershy gave him a concerned look “I-I was asking if you’re going to be a-alright, it must be scary being in a new place, and y-you know, almost getting killed twice.” She said.
Link looked down and sighed “I-it’s a bit tough, I don’t really know where exactly I am and yeah almost getting killed wasn’t fun b-but I’m sure I’ll be fine.” He then looked down “Oh who am I kidding I can’t remember anything, I don’t know where I am or how I got here, I’ve been nearly killed multiple times or have been tried to and I don’t even know what I’m going to do for a place to live.” He said, his entire body shaking, Link suddenly felt himself being pulled into a hug. He looked up at Fluttershy, who had her forelegs wrapped around him she gently rubbed his back.
“I know you’re afraid Link but we promise that we’ll help you through this as best we can we’re your friends” Fluttershy said, she pulled away and gave him a smile. Link smiled and nodded, thankful she calmed him down, she was right he had friends here and they would help him get back his memory and maybe back home.
“She’s right Link.” Link turned to the Rarity who had a smile on her face “We would be glad to help you through whatever troubles you.”
“And don’t you worry about you know almost dyin’, we’ll make sure nothin’ like that happen’ to ya.” Applejack said giving Link a reassuring nod.
Link sighed in relief, though was still a bit nervous, he had friends who would help him and this made him feel a lot better. "Thanks all of you, I-I was worried about the murder attempts, and waking up in a town I never seen or heard of before with no memory of myself and my past, but to know that I have all of you to help, it really reassures me." He said with a smile, however he still wondered if Twilight could really help him remember who he was, and if she could really help him what would he do next. Link then looked towards the door and saw Twilight walk in.
Twilight had a surprised look on her face when she saw her friends along with Link in the room. “Hey girls, I didn’t know you were coming over, and with Link too” She said giving the group a smile, She walked over and sat on her throne
“So what brings you girls here so soon, I thought you would have all gone home by now?” She asked
“Well ya’ see Twilight, Link here he’s having some memory trouble, and we were wonderin’ if you could use that memory spell of yours to help him remember who he was.” Applejack answered
Twilight looked at Link, before back at Applejack “What kind of memory trouble, because the spell can only do so much for a single ponies memory.”
This is where the trio looked at each other before looking back at Twilight, Fluttershy decided to tell her “Well the only thing he remembers is his name, he doesn’t know about Equestria or where he came from or what his life was like before coming here or why a bunch of meany monsters are trying to hurt him.” She explained looking at Link concerned, who had an unsure look on his face.
Twilight looked at Link a worried look on her face, she sighed and shook her head “I don’t know if I can get everything back.” she said, the group looking a bit disappointed that the spell couldn’t help fully restore Link's memory. “But I that doesn't mean I can’t give it a try.” she said giving them a bit of hope.
Twilight walked towards Link and her horn glowed. Link stared up at Twilight’s horn a bit nervous on what may happen not sure if her magic might do something unpleasant to him.
Twilight closed her eyes in concentration and began the spell, She pressed her horn against Link forehead softly and began to search for his lost memories. Not even a minute in her magic suddenly stopped, she opened her eyes and brought her head up, she was bewildered at the fact her magic suddenly stopped. She frowned and started the spell again pressing her horn against his forehead only for it to suddenly stop again.
Twilight brought her head up and stepped back. Link looked up at her confused, did she regain his memories, he didn't feel any different and doesn't feel anything he forgot coming back to him.
"Twi what happen' did the spell work?" Applejack asked her friend looking at Link for any indication if it did.
Twilight sighed "No it did not Applejack, something is blocking me out from getting his memories back, It seems to be magic but I have never seen a spell like this before." She said looking down at him with a sadden expression "I'm sorry I couldn't be more help Link."
Link was a bit disappointed but he shook his head "It's alright, I'm sure I can remember who I am sooner or later." He said with a smile trying to convince both her and himself.
Twilight smiled then looked at the girls "Well now that he's out of the hospital, we should find you a foster family to stay with." She said with a smile.
"Twi I don't think we can have Link stay with just any family." Applejack said looking serious
"And why is that Applejack? I'm sure that any family that's looking to take care of a foal will do a fine job with Link." Twilight said, "After all I'm sure Link isn't a trouble maker, he seems like a well behaved colt." She said wondering why Applejack said that.
"It's because of certain things that have happened since Link here got to Ponyville. He's been attacked Twilight, those lizards that came with him, the chimera was at Rarity's boutique the exact moment he was there with Rarity and Fluttershy. Heck he told us he almost got killed earlier today." She told her friend "And now for some reason he doesn't remember who he is or why we can't get his memories back with your magic." Twilight stared at her friend wide eyed a bit, surprised that she didn't realize the events that happened since Link got here and the fact that he was almost killed
"I see what you mean Applejack. I just didn't see it sooner especially with what happened to those lizards." Twilight said feeling a bit sick from what happened
"W-what did happen to those Lizards Twilight?" Fluttershy asked, while they were monsters they were still part animal so she had to wonder what happened to those creatures that came with Link.
"Well they're." She stopped "It's complicated Fluttershy and I don't think you want to hear it, but back to the matter at hand, Applejack is right we need to find him a home to stay in, somewhere close by so we can keep a eye on him in case more events like the Chimera happen again." She said "Though this may be tough, there aren't many ponies in Ponyville that can adopt a foal, and due to Ponyville not having an Orphanage we can leave him at one." She said trying to figure something out
"Well why don't we let him stay with one of us, after all we could keep a very close eye on him?" Rarity suggested, "Though I don't think I would be able to, with the boutique and Sweetie Belle it may be a bit too tough to handle another foal." She said
"While it sounds like a good idea, going back to what you said I don't think any of us can take care of him, I have princess duties, Fluttershy has her animals, Applejack her farm, Rainbow spends a lot of her time doing stunts when she's not working weather and I don't think she wants to stop her training for the wonderbolts, and Pinkie she's great with ponies foals especially but with her helping with sugar cube corner and the planning a bunch of parties well it doesn't seem like a good idea." She said pacing back and forth
The three mares looked at each other then back at Twilight, she was right after all. It would be very difficult taking care of Link while they had their own things to do. What could they do with the colt that seemed to have quite the terrible luck. "Well I was thinking Twilight." Rarity started "With how many guards are here in this castle and how many empty rooms there are why doesn't he stay in the castle?" Rarity said
"I told you Rarity I can't." Twilight said
"I know that darling but I'm not saying you take care of him specifically, I'm sure some of these guards here could be best suited to take care of Link here and they could also protect him from any dangers popping up." Rarity said
Twilight thought for a moment "That could work but I don't think some of these guards will be happy doing foal sitting. Although I think I know a few who would like to do that." She said "Alright I'll have Link stay here and assign him a couple guards to watch over him." She said with a nod "That is if Link is fine with it." The group looked at Link who was staring at the ground
Link blinked he didn't know why but for the some reason the thought of living with somepony and having them take care of you made him happy. He couldn't tell why but he felt it was like something he wanted more than anything. "I-I think I like that idea." He said with a nod and smile
"Alright I'll show you to your room in just a bit and we'll find you two guards to keep watch." She said with a smile
"Alright." He said then looked at the mares who brought him here "Thank you, I don't know what would have happened without your help but I'm glad you could bring me here." He said in gratitude
"It was no problem Link we are just happy to help." Rarity said while the other two gave a nod "Though I think this was a long enough break for the three of us, we should be going." She said as she got off from her throne, Fluttershy and Applejack did the same "Do take care of yourself."
"And make sure you eat plenty cause from the looks of it you ain't been eating that much." Applejack said
Fluttershy smiled and nodded "I hope you enjoy your time with Twilight." She said and with that all three of the mares left. Link smiled sad to see them go but he was sure he would see them around.
"So Link let me show you to your room." She said walking out of the room with Link following her. As they walked Link took this time to look around the castle. He wondered how something like this was made since it was made out of crystal and in the shape of a tree, it must have took a lot of hard work.
Meanwhile under his cap Tael sat in Links hair, thinking to himself 'This isn't right, I know Link and he wouldn't want to stop looking for this Navi. If he got all his memories back and sees how much time he's spent here then who knows what he will think plus how will we go back to Hyrule we don't even know how we got here.' He groaned 'Oh Tatl what would you do in this situation sis?' He sighed wishing his sister was here to help, she knew Link far more then he did heck he would even bet she knows who he was before coming to Termina he decided to close his eyes, he needed some rest still to regain his magic, after all he didn't want to disappear into nothing like most fairies do.
As Twilight walked towards where she would have Link she thought to herself 'Link just where did you come from, that spell that's blocking my magic feels like dark magic, Somepony is doing this to you and I have a safe bet they're coming after you. I brought you here to Equestria probably saving your life in the process but it doesn't mean anything if you're still in danger. I promise I'll do what's best for you until I find somepony to care for you.' She thought promising to herself and Link
***
Spike stared at the mask he found on Twilight's bed, why this mask was there or how it got there was a mystery but he wasn't too focused on that. What he was more focused on was the depressed feeling he got whenever he looked at the mask, it was just a mask but it looked so sad and broken almost as if it was alive. He sighed and continued to stare "It's just a mask so why do I feel so bad." He said as he closed his eyes for a moment only to hear somepony sniff. He opened his eyes and looked around he frowned and shrugged. He looked at the mask and noticed something. He looked closer and saw two tears flowing down. He wiped it off and stared at the mask
"Did you just cry?" He asked not expecting a response but he did get one in the form of the mask's orange eyes glowing briefly. Spike yelped in surprise as he fell back, he stood up "Y-you can understand me." He asked to which the mask eyes glowed briefly again "Oh wow, the mask is alive." He said staring at it "That's so cool." He said with a grin "How can you do that, oh man if Twilight saw you she would flip." He said with a excited tone.
Spike then could have sworn he heard a laugh but he shook his head "Hmm I guess you've been pretty lonely, oh glow once for yeah twice for no." He said and the mask glowed once and stopped "That's awesome how you can understand me." He said with a smile "It must have been a while since you talk with someone I'm guess." The mask eyes glowed once again before stopping "Heh it's kinda weird having to talk to a mask but the fun kind of weird you know what I mean right." He asked to which the mask glowed once again, before he could ask something else he heard a knock on his door "One sec." He whispered before going to answer
Spike opened the door to see Twilight and a colt he's never seen before. "Hey Twilight what's up?" He asked
"Spike I'm sure you remember the colt I told you about." Twilight said to which he nodded.
"Yeah the one who's been in the hospital." He said, "This is him I'm guessing."
"Yes and I was wondering if you could show him to his room, he's going to be staying with us for a while and I need to go find some guards to assign to him." She asked
"Oh sure, but what does he need guards for?" He asked
"I'll tell you later just show him to his room." She said walking away
Spike watched her go before looking at Link "So I guess you'll be living here for a while." He said causing Link to nod in confirmation "I'm Spike by the way nice to meet ya." He offered his claw to shake, which Link took with his hoof
"I'm Link nice to meet you too." He said with a smile "You're a dragon aren't you." He said looking over Spike.
"Yup that's me." He said with a nod "Ponyville's resident dragon and Princess Twilight number one assistant." He said "I guess we'll be living with each other for a while." He said with a smile "Come on I'll show you where you'll be staying." Spike said walking down the hall
Link nodded "Alright, thanks." He said following him
As the two left the mask left on Spike table glowed brighter and brighter but dimmed down once they were gone. A tear went down the mask and hit the table.