//------------------------------//
// The Next Step 
// Story: Trapped in the Mirror of Worlds 
// by Silver_Wing 
//------------------------------//



The renovations of the old Serenity Inn were done before the end of the month. Dawn and Stalwart had stayed for as long as they could, but after that night around the fire, Sky Flare’s attitude towards Dawn had been less than inviting… She had taken Dawn’s comment about how much I wanted to invest in the Guild very poorly, and she just would not let it go. It didn’t help that they had gotten off on the wrong foot when they’d first met, and it just wasn’t getting any better at this rate. 

They left about three days later, and I was a little sad to see them go. Dawn wasn’t the best person to have a conversation with, but she was the only one that knew what I was going through, since she was going through it herself…

Winter Light on the other hand, was fitting in quite well. With everyone except Sky Flare anyways. Sky Flare just would not forgive him for sneaking into the Guild, and I knew it bothered her greatly that I had let him stay, though she refused to admit it. She also refused to call him by his proper name, preferring instead to call him something insulting like “Ratite” or “Sneak”, and doing just about everything else she could think of, short of physical abuse, to make her dislike of him crystal clear. Thankfully, Sky Flare seemed to behave, for the most part, as long as I was around or they didn’t have to work directly with one another.

To his credit, Winter Light, who’d asked us to just call him “Winter” about a week after he had started helping us, was sticking it out like a champ. He’d cower in fear whenever he even thought that Sky Flare might be around, but the moment she’d leave his line of sight, he’d be right as rain again and off to do something else to help out. Despite how he first came to the Guild, I was getting pretty close to asking him if he wanted to officially join the ranks of the Timber Wolves. Between all the work he’d put in, and everything Sky Flare had been putting him through, he’d more than earned it by now.



With one final heave, the bed slid into place against the far wall of the room. I stepped back and Sky Flare pushed the mattress she had been holding upright down on top of it. The mattress flopped over the bedframe with a muffled thud and settled into place. I grinned victoriously at Sky Flare and together, we trotted out of the bedroom and into the main hall of the Guild. 

Clyde, Gale, and Winter were all waiting for us, eager smiles on each of their faces. 

“That does it guys!” I said, “That was the last piece of furniture we had to move in! The last thing we had to do! The renovations to the old Serenity Inn are complete! The Timber Wolves Guild is now ready for business!”

Sky Flare, Gale, Clyde and Winter all began stomping their feet in equine applause and erupted in cheers. 

I looked around at all my friends and grinned wider than I thought possible. I felt a rush of pride swell up within me, and a growing sense of accomplishment the likes of which I hadn’t felt since I graduated from the Police Academy in my world. 

I savored the moment for only a few seconds however, then joined in with the rapid stomping of applause my friends were echoing throughout the Guild. This wasn’t just my achievement after all, it belonged to all of us. We had all worked together to repair this old Inn and make it into something we could be proud of. We had all put in our time, sweat, and brawn to breathe new life into its ancient stone foundation. This place was going to be our home now, a home for all of us that shared the desire to help others and be free.

As the applause subsided, Sky Flare trotted over to me and gave me a kiss on the cheek without warning, then smiled at me proudly.

Everyone fell silent at that, and none even hinted at making a comment, myself included.

“Looks like it’s finally official,” Sky Flare cooed, “With the Guild completed, it looks like you’re a real Guild Leader now, eh Silver Wing?”

I was a little stunned by her action, but I shook the blush from my face as best I could and laughed. “I guess so,” I said, “Next step’s gonna be getting us some work!”

“Princess Celestia can help with that,” Gale chimed in, “She has a list of potential missions we could take care of already prepared. As soon as her inspection is complete, she’ll give it to you herself.”

My stomach tensed at that. “Her inspection…” I repeated wearily, “Right…”

“You have nothing to fear, Silver,” Gale chuckled, “I’ve made it quite clear just how good you’ve been doing since we got here.”

“Yeah…” I said, not wholly convinced, “It’s more the Timber Wolves that I’m worried about… It wasn’t exactly easy to get you all comfortable around them, and I know the Princesses are going to be just as tough, if not more so.”

“Have faith in yourself,” Gale said, “I’ve seen how they are with my own eyes, and while I may not understand how you tamed them, they’re probably the furthest thing from a danger to this Guild and its members that there is in the Everfree.”

“Yeah,” I sighed, “You’re probably right…” I glanced at Sky Flare, and she smiled back at me reassuringly. She was the only other person that knew how I had really tamed the Timber Wolves, and I knew the Princesses would not approve… I’d have to talk with Sky Flare before they got here and try to figure out some way of explaining it that wouldn’t run the risk of this all being shut down… 

“Shall I send word to the Princesses that the renovations have been completed, and invite them to inspect the Guild?” Gale asked.

I wanted to say no, but despite the growing pit of concern in my stomach, I nodded. I’d have to get it over with eventually, so I might as well do it sooner than later…

“I’ll deliver the message tonight then,” Gale said, “and I’ll inform you when the inspection date is known.”

“Thank you, Gale.” I said.

He nodded, then headed upstairs to his room.

“I think the rest of us have earned the day off,” Sky Flare chimed in, “Take it easy everypony, until we hear back from Gale when the Princesses will be coming.”

“If it’s all the same to you,” Clyde said with a shrug, “I’d rather get to layin’ down a foundation for my shack. Workin’s how I relax, if I’m to speak the truth.”

“You relax whatever way you feel like Clyde.” Sky Flare chuckled.

Clyde nodded and trotted out of the Guild, ducking slightly to fit through the doors.

“I’m, uhh…” Winter hesitated a moment, then finished quickly, “I’m going to go to my room for a bit.” 

“Do what you want.” Sky Flare snorted at him. 

Winter took off quickly at that and disappeared upstairs. 

Everyone had been given their own choice of room as the Guild came together, and we’d furnished them all accordingly. Winter and Gale had taken rooms upstairs, while Clyde took up a temporary room downstairs. He still planned to make his own place out behind the Guild, a sort of cross between a workplace and a bedroom. But since he was still building it, he’d moved in for the time being. 

I took the large room behind what used to be the reception area, in the main room of the Guild. You’d see the sectioned off counter that served as the check in desk the moment you walked in, so it seemed the most fitting place for me to be, or at least, that’s what Sky Flare had said. Right behind the desk was the door leading to my room. A small window sat in the wall beside it, which allowed me to look out of my room and into the Guild hall. Near as we could tell, my room used to serve as an office of sorts for the old manager of the place. It even had a second door that led straight into the kitchen, not that ours was anything like it used to be. None of us were what we’d call expert chefs, so we mostly just had our food supplies piled around and grabbed what we needed when we got hungry.  

Branching off the side of the reception area, beneath the stairs that led up to the second floor, was a hall that led to a few smaller rooms that we guessed used to be for the staff. 

We definitely had rooms to spare, but we stuck with the original plan. We cleaned everything, but only furnished the rooms we’d actually be using, plus two extra in case they were needed. We’d eventually furnish them all, but for right now, it just wasn’t needed.

Sky Flare, as I’d always expected, had taken one of the largest rooms in the Guild. It was on the second floor, with windows that looked out over the main clearing of the grounds. Though she joked that she planned to take my room when I moved into my tower, but as I’d stated when she first brought that idea up, I wasn’t moving into any tower.

I let out a long, deep sigh and sat down. I wasn’t sure what to do now. I had nothing more to do really, not until the Princesses came to inspect the place… I sighed again at the growing sense of dread their visit cause to grow within me, then tensed as I felt something nudge my back.


“Now that they’re all gone,” Sky Flare sighed from beside me, “I want you to come on up to my room for a minute, I got something to show you.”

“Oh?” I said, smiling weakly at her, “And what might that be?”

“Guess you’re just gonna have to come to my room to find out.” She teased.

Reluctantly, I rose to my feet and followed Sky Flare upstairs and down the balcony hallway to her room. It didn’t look much different than it had when we’d first moved her furniture in a week or so ago, but there were a great many sheets of paper strewn about.

I followed her to the desk and cast a passing glance at the papers scattered around and it took me a moment to realize what she’d been attempting to draw. On some, were the likeness of the Timber Wolves, while on others there were horseshoes or trees. Some even had variations of my bracelet, only with the royal crest in the center instead of the jewel mine possessed. 

‘Potential Guild Emblems,’ I guessed, nodding my head as I thought about it, ‘She’s been busy.’ There were dozens of different designs, and dozens more crumpled into balls and tossed into the corned out of frustration. Whatever she’d come up with as her final product had clearly taken a lot of thought and time to put together.

Sky Flare cleared a small stack of designs off her desk with a wing, brushing them carelessly onto the floor without a parting glance. Then carefully, almost parentally, she laid a single piece of paper down atop the now cleared area and took a step back. She smiled at me proudly and nodded for me to take a look.

With how pleased she looked, I couldn’t possibly say no to using whatever design she’d come up with, but I sincerely hopped that I actually liked whatever it was.

Taking a breath and steeling my expression so that any disappointment I may have would be well hidden, I peered hopefully at the design and gasped at what my eyes showed me.

The emblem looked incredible. It was shaped like the outline of a wolfs head, only with the outline itself being made of sticks and branches. Inside the head like shape, was a branching tree that filled its center. The branches were bare, and beneath them sat the emblems of the Princesses themselves. Beneath the branches on the left, sat Celestia’s flaring sun. And opposite that on the right, was Luna’s crescent moon. They were placed in such a way as to appear to be the wolfs eyes and the overall effect was quite elegant. It looked almost too regal to be used for something like our little Guild, but after having seen the work Sky Flare had put into creating it, how could I say no?

“So?” Sky Flare asked after nearly a minute of silence, “What do you think? …If you don’t like it, I can come up with something else…”

“No no!” I said quickly, realizing she’d been waiting for my thoughts, “It’s amazing. It’s perfect!”

I caught her let slip a small sigh of relief, then she beamed her earlier smile at me anew. “Good,” she said, “Clyde says he’ll have no problem making banners and a flag for us. He can even make personal emblems for each member, to identify us to the Ponies of Equestria as members of the Timber Wolves, once his huts finished anyway. He says he can make them into just about any style of jewelry. A bracelet like yours for example, only without the magic of course. Or into necklaces, hair clips, arm bands, anything really.”

“That’s great news,” I said, a little surprised at Clyde’s seemingly endless skill set, “Variety like that would make each member feel more at home too. Everyone could have their personal emblem made in a style that best suits them.”

“Exactly.” Sky Flare agreed.

I looked back to the drawing again as I thought about every pony in the Guild wearing on with pride, like a badge of honor or a symbol of what we stood for, then felt my elation fade as I once again recalled the Princesses impending visit. Once they found out what I’d done to tame the Timber Wolves, there was every chance they’re pull the plug and we’d be disbanded. As much as I enjoyed the thought of everyone wearing these emblems, and a flag above the Guild showing it off to the world, it was probably never going to happen…

I sighed once again and shook my head sadly.

I caught Sky Flare groan from beside me and let out an involuntary squeak as I felt her tug on my tail. 

“That’s it,” she groaned, “You’re coming with me.” She tugged on my tail once again, then let it slip from her mouth.

“What?” I said, “Why? Where?”

“Because you need to relax,” she stated, “And I know just the thing to get your mind off this stupid inspection that’s got you so worked up.”

“Yeah?” I snorted, not really believing her, “And how’re you gonna manage that?”

Sky Flare shrugged. “Sparring.” She said matter of factly.

“I don’t know Sky…” I said reluctantly, “Sparring really doesn’t seem all that appealing to me right now…”

She grinned charmingly at me and nodded towards the door of her room, and to the Guild hall beyond. “Won’t know till we try, now will we?” She cooed, “Mister Guild Leader.”

I frowned at her for a moment, then felt her wing on my back, urging me gently towards the door. “Fine…” I groaned aloud, and together we headed outside.



Sky Flare led me into the Everfree Forest without a word, and before long, we found ourselves in what had become our secret training spot. It was a nice, relatively open section of the Everfree. It was about a hundred feet wide, and maybe twice that in length. A river ran straight through it, but it widened into a shallow stream here, and took up most of the open space. The stream itself varied in depth depending where you stood, but on average, it was only a foot or so deep. 

Right in the center of the stream though, was the best part. A massive, flat boulder sat about three feet above the water. It was shaped like a rough oval that followed the flow of the stream. It had obviously been worn down by the steady passing of the streams waters over hundreds, if not thousands of years. From end to end, it was some thirty feet long, and narrowed to about twenty. 

It served as a perfect resting place when we’d had enough sparring in the river, and also served as a good arena when we were in the mood for fights with limited movement and boundaries. It had earned the boulder the nickname of the “Arena Stone”, and we spent a great deal of time on it since we’d found it.

Urging me to follow her, Sky Flare leaped into the air and flew over to the arena stone. Reluctantly, I unzipped my vest and carefully hung it over a low hanging branch out of harm’s way. I really wasn’t in the mood for sparring, which was rare, but Sky Flare seemed dead set on the idea, so I’d leave my vest somewhere safe just in case. She couldn’t normally drop me into the water, but with how out of it I was feeling today, I knew I wouldn’t be on top of my game. 

I felt a shiver run up my spine as the cool air of the forest washed over my now exposed chest and back and felt my fur fluff up in response. I shook myself to force it back down and followed after Sky Flare, taking up a seat at the far side of the arena stone.

“So,” she started, “Standard rules. Best two outta three. Ring outs and tap outs. No breaks, and no flying.” She turned to face me and rose to her hind legs, assuming the fighting stance I had taught her.

“I don’t know Sky… I’m not really in the-” I started, but she leapt right at me before I could even finish. I had to use my wings to throw myself backwards, and even then, I only just barely managed to avoid her strike. “S-Sky!” I protested, “I’m serious! I’m really not-” But she ignored me and kept swinging. I ducked her next blow and, finding myself on all fours, leapt upwards and swung back in a hard uppercut. 

Sky Flare dropped both front hooves and caught my strike, but she didn’t block it. Instead, she twisted her core and, using the power of my strike and the added strength of her shoulders, pulled me off balance and threw me clear passed her. 

I yelped as I found the stone footing of our arena make way for the cool waters of the stream and flailed my wings desperately in an attempt to save myself, but it was too late. My feet slammed into the water and I only just managed to keep my footing on the slippery rocks beneath. I let out a small sigh of relief as I managed to avoid getting soaked and frowned back at Sky Flare.

“That’s one for me, zero for you Silver,” Sky Flare cooed, “That was a careless uppercut you threw.” 

I snorted at that and leapt back atop the boulder. I was getting rather annoyed by this. I didn’t want to spar right now, and she knew it, but I couldn’t just let that comment of hers slide. She had beaten me, yes, and it was my own fault for being careless with my attack, but she didn’t have to sound so smug about it. 

Taking a deep breath, I rose to my hind legs and readied myself. If she wanted to spar that badly, fine, but I would not lose again.

She grinned at me with a come get me smile and I couldn’t help but feel like I was falling right into her trap.

We stood motionless for nearly a minute, both watching each other intently. Sky Flare had learned quite a lot since we’d begun, and I was having to try harder and harder each time we sparred. Still, when I was serious, she stood very little chance. 

Realizing she was not going to make the first move, I took the initiative and dashed towards her. I closed in fast and swung a feint for her chest to make her move. An opponent in motion was more susceptible to tripping and pressure tactics meant to throw them off balance. 

Sky Flare had seen this trick before however, and she held her ground. 

My swing fell short, having been meant to force her to move, not actually land. 

Moving to counter my feint, Sky Flare stepped into me. She pinned my extended arm to my chest and slammed her shoulder hard into mine, trying to knock me off balance. 

I stumbled to the side and had to use my wings to stabilize my balance. I caught Sky Flare closing in on me from behind and spun around the follow up punch I knew she was planning to slam into my now exposed side. As I started to move however, something pulled taught around my lead leg. I glanced down and, much to my surprise, found that Sky Flare’s tail was wrapped around my ankle. 

I had no idea how she’d managed to do that. My tail definitely couldn’t do something like that, but hers was a fair bit longer. I didn’t have long to dwell on it however, as Sky Flare twisted her hips away from me and pulled hard with her tail. My foot was ripped from the ground and I felt myself falling backwards at startling speed. 

Reflexively, I shot my wings down and used them to slow my fall. My back struck the ground hard, but not hard enough to daze me. Moving fast, I pulled my knees up to my chest and, using the momentum of their extension, along with the strength of my wings, tossed myself back up off the ground and onto my feet.

I looked fast for the attack I knew would be coming next and was surprised to find Sky Flare absent from my immediate area. I got back to my ready stance and found her standing a few feet behind me, that same come get me smile clear on her lips. 

“You’re not taking this seriously…” I said flatly. 

“Nope,” she laughed, “And I don’t plan to. Not until you relax a little and stop worrying so much. You’re still focusing more on the Princesses inspection than our match. It’s why you’re doing so badly.” 

“Of course I am!” I barked. I dropped back to all fours and continued. “If they don’t like what I’ve done to the Timber Wolves, they could shut down the entire Guild in an instant!”

“Alright, but will worrying about it for the next day or two do you any good?” she said simply.

“Well no, but-” I started, but Sky Flare cut me off.

“Exactly!” she stated, “So stop worrying so much! You need to get out of your head and enjoy the day to day things Silver. I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it again, but you think too much.”

I sighed and shrugged weakly. “I can’t help it,” I admitted, “It’s just how I am…”

“And there’s nothing wrong with being you, Silver,” She went on, “But you can still be you and relax.”

“That’s easier said than done…” I said. I fell silent, then smiled a little. She was right, but that didn’t mean I could do what she wanted, not very easily anyways. “I’m still going to worry,” I admitted, “But, I’ll try to worry a little less while I’m doing something.” I grinned at her a moment, then got into my ready stance. “Like knocking you into the river.” I added.

She smirked at me and shrugged. “I don’t know,” she teased, “You haven’t exactly done much to make me believe you have what it takes so far.”

I didn’t wait for another word. I dashed towards her and, just as I got within striking distance, dropped low and swept a back leg under Sky Flare. She jumped upwards to avoid my leg sweep and I grinned as she fell into my trap. Low as I was after having swept my leg, I used the power of my three firmly planted legs to toss myself after her in pursuit. 

Sky Flare moved to kick me as I rose, but I raised a foreleg to block her. She used my block to regain her footing on the ground, but I pressed the attack and threw two quick jabs, keeping her off balance as she was forced to back step repeatedly to avoid me. I kept after her, and in a few seconds had her at the edge of the stone arena. 

She cursed and tried to spin passed me, striking out for my face with a wing arm.

I ducked under the strike and rammed my shoulder hard into her chest. 

With a gasp, Sky Flare sailed off the boulder and flared her wings out to keep herself from crashing into the water. 

I grinned at her as she hovered there. “Guess it’s one for one now, since you said no flying.” I stated. 

She snorted at me, but she had a growing smile on her lips. “For now.” she said. 

I watched as she flew over me and landed nearby, resuming her fighting stance as I turned to face her. 

She leapt towards me this time, with a strong punch aimed right for my head. It was easy to counter, and I grabbed hold of her arm quickly. Using the momentum of her strike, I turned into her and slammed my shoulder into her chest once again. 

She staggered back and wheezed, winded by my attack. I didn’t waste the opening and struck her hard in the stomach, then aimed a heavy left cross for the side of her head. She was too dazed to avoid my attack, so I stopped my punch just before it reached her. I tapped her with my hoof instead and smiled victoriously. “I think that would have made it two for one, in my favor,” I said teasingly, “Wouldn’t you agree?” 

Much to my surprise, Sky Flare leapt at me with her arms wide. She was too close for me to evade, and though I could have countered her reckless charge, I would have hurt her badly had I done so. So, I braced myself as best I could and, in the next moment, watched the world pan sharply as I was tackled to the ground. 

Sky Flare pinned me down, with her front hooves pressed hard against my shoulders. “Says you!” she barked, “I would have ducked that cross!”

I shot a knee up into her stomach and grasped at her torso as best I could while she gasped from the pain of my sneak attack. I reversed her hold on me and pinned her down, holding her hooves above her head firmly. Shifting my legs fast, I caught hers and pinned them down as well, not wanting to be kneed in the gut in turn. I was a great deal heavier than she was, stronger too, so with me on top of her like this I knew she’d have a hell of a time escaping. She’d have to concede my victory if she wanted up now.

“Well?” I said, “Admit your loss.”

“What loss?” she scoffed, “You and I both know I could get out of this.”

“Oh yeah?” I said, leaning a little harder onto her, “Then why don’t you, hmm?”

She shrugged carelessly from her place beneath me then grinned. “Maybe I don’t want to.” She said softly. 

I paused as I found her to be smiling quite alluringly at me and, for a moment, felt myself falling for her charm. 

Ever so slowly, I watched as her face drew closer to mine. Pressed up against her as I was, I could feel her heart racing in her chest, and despite her read coat of fur, I could make out a clear blush growing across her face and nose. 

Odd as it was to think about, Sky Flare had just about everything I liked in a woman. She was smart, funny, loved to fight, and had the backbone to follow her own ideals, almost to a fault. She was almost perfect really, except… She wasn’t human.

I sighed and shook my head, quickly climbing off of her before she could follow through with her kiss. “I can’t do this Sky,” I said softly, “I’m sorry…”

“Why not!?” Sky Flare asked quickly, her frustration clear in her voice.

“Because,” I said, “I just can’t!” I looked away from her and felt my stomach tense. ‘I never should have let things get that far!’ I screamed to myself, ‘How did I let that happen!?’

“Is this because of that Special Somepony you have back where you’re from?” Sky Flare asked. 

I looked back at her in shock. “W-what?” I gasped, “How did you…?”

“My Dad told me…” Sky Flare said, “That night after you first asked me to leave Canterlot with you…”

I sighed and cursed Breezy under my breath.

“He didn’t want me to get the wrong idea about you, and I haven’t,” she went on, “But I just can’t understand you Silver. You won’t allow yourself to be with anypony because of some Mare you might never see again? You keep telling me you might never be able to go back home, but why? Why can’t you go home? Because you’re a Pegasus now?” She shook her head angrily and I could see the tears starting to well in her eyes. “That shouldn’t matter to your Special Somepony!” she barked, “If they really were your Special Somepony, they’d still want you as theirs, no matter what you were!” 

“It’s not that simple Sky…” I tried. 

“Then explain it to me!” she barked, “Talk to me! Tell me something! Anything! Why are you so convinced that you can’t go home!? And if you really can’t go home, then why not find a new Special Somepony here!?” 

“Sky, I can’t! The Princesses-” I started, but she cut me off. 

She slammed a hoof down hard and shook her head almost frantically. “So what!?” She practically screamed, “They don’t own you! It’s your life Silver, you can do what you want to do with it! Tell who you want what you want, when you want! I don’t know why you’re so against trusting me!” 

“I do trust you!” I said, my own voice rising in turn, “But it’s not-”

“Then why won’t you talk to me!?” she demanded, cutting me off again, “What’s so bad that you can’t tell me!? Whatever it is, you won’t scare me off Silver, I promise you! Just tell me the truth!”

I could feel her slipping away from me and it made me sick to my stomach. I was scared to lose her. She was my only real friend and I could understand her frustration. I hated myself for keeping my mouth shut, but I had to. I couldn’t risk making the Princesses mad at me, if I did, then any shot I had at getting home would go right out the window. 

“Well!?” she pressed, “All I want from you is the truth! Why is that so hard!? Have I not done enough to earn your trust? Or am I just not good enough for you to think of as a real friend?”

I gritted my teeth as her words hit me harder than any physical blow and shook my head angrily as my emotions started to get the better of me.

“Say something Silver!” she barked.      

There was only so much I could take, so much I could weather, and with everything else on my mind already… I broke. “What do you want to hear from me Sky Flare!?” I barked back. I turned to face her, tears of my own welling up in my eyes as I felt my fear and anger start to run wild. “You want to hear that I’m an alien!? That I’m actually from another world where magic and talking Ponies like you doesn’t exist!? Well fine! I am! I’m not a Pegasus, or an Earth Pony, or anything else from anywhere on this entire world!” I took a heated step towards her and continued. The floodgates were opened now, and though I knew better, I just couldn’t stop myself anymore. I tried, but it was just too much to hold back now that I had started.

“I’m a Human!” I rambled on angrily, “I didn’t have wings, or hooves or even fur before I came here! I walked on two legs and had hands with fingers and drove a car to get to and from work every day! I didn’t ask for any of this! I was minding my own business, helping my Grandmother clean out her attic, when a damn magic mirror made by Starswirl the Bearded fell on me and brought me here! It put me in this body and then broke itself in the process, trapping me here! I didn’t know anything about this world, its culture, or anything else until a few months ago when I found myself naked and alone in some room in the Princesses Palace! All I do know is that I can’t leave unless Starswirl magically comes back from the dead, or Dawn can work a miracle and send me home instead!” I took a deep breath and looked away from her, both embarrassed and enraged by my outburst.

“B-but…” I caught Sky Flare whisper, “You said you were an Earth Pony… You said magic turned you into a Pegasus…”

I dropped my head low and sighed. Sky Flare looked like she had just been slapped. “You said that, not me…” I said, “All I had said was that it was something like that… I was telling you the truth when I said magic had made me a Pegasus, I just left out the Human part…”

“But…” She started, then fell silent.

“I’m sorry Sky Flare…” I said. My voice caught as I spoke, and I swallowed hard to steady the quiver I felt clinging to it, “The Princesses didn’t want anyone to know. I’m sure you can see why. Not that it matters anymore… Now that I’ve told you, they’ll probably never trust me to leave the Palace again, never mind run a Guild…”

A heavy silence fell over us. I had no idea what more I could say, and my mind and my heart raced as it waited for some form of a response from Sky Flare. I didn’t dare look at her while I waited. If I did, the tears I could feel streaming down my face would only flow harder. I knew I’d lost her now. She’d either think I was lying, or crazy. And even if she did somehow believe me, she’d never be able to look at me the same way again.

I listened to the leaves on the trees, and the gentle gurgle of the stream as it flowed by, but all it served to do was make the silence between us seem to stretch on forever...

I wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but the sigh I heard escape her lips struck me like a bolt of thunder had just gone off in my ears. I tensed bodily at the sound and stared, almost fearfully, at my hooves as I waited for whatever was about to happen next.

“Well…” She started slowly, “That comment Meadow Dawn made by the fire sure makes a lot more sense now…” she let out a half-hearted chuckle and continued, seeming to be speaking more to herself than me, “I’d apologize for acting like a Mule the next time I see her but… She’s just such an airhead…” 

I caught her force a small laugh and risked glancing back at her. She looked unsure, nervous, and almost scared of me, but her smile seemed genuine.

“Yeah…” I said, my voice barely more than a whisper, “But she’s the only chance I have to get… Home.”

“Your only chance to get home…” Sky Flare repeated, “To get back to your world you mean?”

I hesitated a moment, then nodded. 

“I’ve read about that artifact you mentioned,” she went on thoughtfully, “The Mirror of Worlds… I’ve only come across a line or two about it in all the writings I’ve read on Starswirl the Bearded’s works. I wasn’t even sure it was real. And I never thought it would lead to someplace like where you’re from…”

“It leads to a lot of places,” I said, “More places that you can count…”

“I can see why the Princesses didn’t want you telling anypony about this…” she said.

“Yeah…” I said, “They were worried Ponies would either think I was crazy, or seek the mirror out to use it for themselves.”

“And are you?” Sky Flare asked me seriously. 

“Am I what?” I asked, though I knew what she meant.

“Crazy,” she said softly, “Are you crazy? Or is everything you just said… True...”

“I wish I was crazy,” I said honestly, “It would be easier than what I’ve had to go through since I got here…”

Sky Flare sat down wearily and shook her head. “Figures.” she sighed.

“What figures?” I asked. For some reason, seeing Sky Flare sit down made me feel like I’d been standing for an eternity, and I dropped where I stood. I felt exhausted, mentally and physically, and all I wanted at that moment was to go to sleep. To sleep, and forget this entire day and everything that had just happened…

"First guy I actually think I may fall for turns out to be from another world entirely,” she said simply, “And he’s not even planning on sticking around. Isn’t that just my luck?" She laughed tiredly and looked up at my questioningly.

I tensed at her gaze and swallowed nervously. “I-I'm sorry Sky…” I said quickly, “I never meant to lead you on or hurt you... I told you from the beginning I wasn't looking for a partner, with anyone…”

“Yeah, I know...” she said, “But you can't blame a Mare for hoping, can you? I mean, who wouldn’t dream of somepony like you coming along? You're strong, fast, and brave. And you don’t look like a total loser.”

“I really am sorry Sky Flare…” I said. 

“So, when will you be leaving?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” I said, “It’s not easy to fix something made from magic. And since Dawn has to learn just as much about this world as I do, I might be stuck here forever…”

“So what, she’s a… Human too?” she asked.

I nodded slowly. There was no point keeping anything a secret now. “Yeah, but unlike my mirror, hers isn’t broken, just…” I paused, a little unsure how to explain. “It’s complicated.” I finished.

“If she has her own mirror, I take it she’s not from your world then?” Sky Flare asked.

“No, she’s not,” I said, “She’s from someplace similar. Nearly identical really, but it’s still not my world. Otherwise, I could have just used her mirror and simply hitchhiked home.”

“So, all those things you know that no pony else has ever heard of…” she asked, seeming to piece things together, “The fighting, the dancing, the signing… Those are all things you learned in your world then?”

“Pretty much.” I said. It seemed like she believed me at least, and that made my heart dance a little with hope, but I still couldn’t tell what she was thinking.

“So, if little Ms. Greenhorn can’t get you back to your world, what then?” She asked.

I shrugged. “I don’t really know,” I admitted, “But if that winds up being the case… The Guild’s going to be the only thing I have that feels even a little like home…”

“Why does this place feel like home to you though?” she asked, “Was your world really this dangerous?”

I smirked a little at that and shook my head. “It’s not the danger that reminds me of home,” I explained, “It’s the forest itself, and the Guild… In my world, nature governs itself. No one can control it. It does what it wants, and all we can do is adapt around it and push back where we can.”

“And the Guild?” she asked.

“The Guild, if it works like I hope it will, would be pretty close to my old job,” I said, “That, and I really do enjoy helping people who need it.”

Sky Flare sighed a little and looked out to the forest thoughtfully. “I can see why making the Guild here meant so much to you now,” She admitted, then she laughed, “You know… You would have had a far easier time convincing me to live in the Everfree Forest if you’d told me all this months ago.” 

I wanted to laugh with her, like this was all some amusing joke, but I just couldn’t remember how to anymore. “I couldn’t,” I said, “You have any idea how hard it was telling you all this now? I still have no idea if you even believe me or not Sky…”

I watched her rise to her feet and tensed as I found her to be walking over to me. She sat down beside me without a word and leaned against me heavily. “I believe you,” she whispered, “It’s just… A lot to take in is all. It’s not every day you find out somepony you like-” she cut herself off and cleared her throat before continuing. “Somepony you know is from a different world.” 

‘Somepony you know…’ I thought, catching her change in wording, ‘Well, at least she’s still talking to me.’

“So… What now?” I asked tentatively. That question had been screaming in the back of my mind since I had first told Sky Flare the truth about myself, but I just couldn’t bring myself to ask it until now.

“Now?” she said thoughtfully, “…Now, we make sure you don’t tell anypony else what you just told me, and continue like we have been.” She smiled up at me and snuggled a little closer. “Though, since we’re alone… You can make up for keeping this from me for so long by telling me all about this Human world of yours. Starting with what a Human even is. You said you walked on two feet? That would explain why you fight like you do, but what do they, err, you look like there?”

I wasn’t sure what to say to that really. I was glad she’d apparently taken the truth so well, but I still felt sick to my stomach over the whole thing. I could fight all day, or take on armed men or fierce beasts without much issue, but talking from the heart like this had always drained me to the core. And on top of it all, I now had two things to be worried about when the Princesses came… But, I also felt something else bubbling up from deep inside. I wasn’t sure if it was joy, relief, or some combination of any of a thousand other emotions, but I was grateful that Sky Flare hadn’t run away or called me a liar... I really don’t know what I would have done if she’d refused to believe me and fled into the forest...

“And is your name even Silver Wing?” Sky Flare asked, the thought seemingly having just struck her. 

I chuckled a little at that and smiled down at her. “It’s actually Chris,” I admitted, “Princess Luna thought Silver Wing was less… Exotic.”

She looked up at me and titled her head. “Chris?” she repeated, “Yeah, I can see why she changed it.”

We fell silent for another while, then I felt Sky Flare shuffle her front hooves almost shyly. 

“So…” she started as casually as she could, “Do you really have a Special Somepony back in your world, or am I just too… Different for you…?”

I sank a little at her words and reached around her with a wing to hold her close. “A little bit of both…” I admitted, and I felt her tense at my words, “I do have someone back in my word, a girl friend of quite a few years, but I don’t know if she’ll have moved on by the time I get back or not, if I ever can get back…” I sighed heavily and continued, “It’s been months since I disappeared from my world… I don’t know if I left a body back there in my Grandmothers’ attic and I’m now laying in a hospital bed in a coma or something, or if I just disappeared entirely. If I did just disappear, I wouldn’t blame her for moving on by now. She’d probably have thought that I left because of something we’d argued about in the past, or maybe that I’d been kidnapped. I don’t know… But even if she has moved on, I still have to try and get back there. I have a Mother, Uncles, family I miss… I can’t just leave them wondering what happened to me.”

I felt Sky Flare nod against me then ask, almost inaudibly. “And me…?”

I wasn’t sure how to reply to that. She definitely didn’t attract me physically, but I loved her personality and the way she carried herself. She was a strong, independent woman, and one of the few I’d ever met that could keep up with me in a real fight. If we’d met in the human world, I’d have been smitten to say the least, but here… It was just too strange a concept. In my world, Sky Flare would be considered an animal, a unique one to be sure, but just another animal like any pony or other such animal found on a farm, or milling about in some field. There were even laws against such relations in my world! She wasn’t Human, so why was I even entertaining the idea? But then again, could I really call myself a Human anymore? What defined being Human? If it was just how we looked, then I clearly wasn’t Human anymore myself. Was it because we could talk? Well, so could every Pony in Equestria. Our ability to think and build houses and machines? Again, so could the Ponies here. So what made me a Human? And what made her not?

“I… I don’t know,” I said honestly, “It’s complicated… I like who you are Sky Flare, a lot, I truly do, but I don’t know if I can ever be with you like you’d want me to…”

“Because I’m not Human?” she asked, a bitter hint of anger lacing her words.

“I don’t want to sound horrible, but yes…” I admitted, “It would be like you falling in love with… With…” I struggled to find a good analog.

“A Human?” She snorted.

“A Timber Wolf!” I exclaimed.

“You saying I smell bad, Silver?” She chuckled softly.

Despite her laugh, I could hear the pain in her words and tightened the grip my wing had on her a little. “No,” I said, trying to explain myself better, “But think about it like this. No matter how much you liked the personality of a Timber Wolf. It’s mannerisms, or humor, would it ever physically call to you the same way another Pony would? Could you honestly see yourself marrying it? Or settling down somewhere and trying to have kids?”

Sky Flare fell silent as she thought over my words, and I waited for her to work it out for herself. 

After a while, she looked up at me for a moment, then returned her gaze to the forest.

“It would be hard,” she admitted finally, “But… If they’re truly special to you, isn’t it worth at least trying?”

“Sky-” I started, but she shook her head and before I could react, kissed me softly on the lips. Her lips were remarkably soft, and I could almost feel her desires reaching through them and into my own. I was stunned, and simply froze in place as she slowly, almost savoringly, drew her face away from mine and looked me in the eyes seriously. 

“Just think about it, okay?” she whispered, “I don’t need an answer right away. But if you’re really stuck here forever, do you really want to spend the rest of your life alone? Or do you want to try and see if you can make the most of it?”

I opened my mouth to speak, but closed it again as Sky Flare settled back against me. I could still feel the sensation of her lips against mine and felt my heart falter a little at the thought of what she’d done and said.

I didn’t know if I would be stuck here forever or not, and I may never know at this rate, but she wasn’t wrong. I don’t think I could handle living out the rest of my life here all alone. It was comforting beyond words to have someone near, especially in a world as strange as this one. To have someone to hold you when you were sad, or share a starry night with on a warm summers day, it was… Nice. And Human or not, at least being together like this was the same, no matter what world I was in.

I sighed and looked out into the forest. I could just barely spot one of my Timber Wolves as it stalked about, almost unseen in the brush. ‘If they’re truly special to you, isn’t it worth at least trying?’ Sky Flare’s words echoed in my mind. It would be worth trying, I admitted to myself, but not if it meant hurting that very same person… If I was stuck here forever, I probably would try and see if I could make things work. See if I could make a real life here for myself. But I couldn’t risk hurting her if there was still a chance that I might find a way home… It wouldn’t be fair to her, or anyone. It would be no different than simply lying to her face. Until I knew for sure, one way or another, I just couldn’t be what she needed, what she deserved… 

“Now then,” Sky Flare said, her tone mimicking its usual calmness, “Where are you really from? Tell me everything.”

I smiled down at her, having been brought back to the moment by her question, and did as she asked.


The rest of the day, and well into the night, was spent playing twenty questions. Well, in truth it was more like two hundred and twenty questions, but I didn’t mind. Sky Flare had accepted me, Human origins and all, and that was more than enough for me. It was also nice to talk with someone about who I really was for a change. Sky Flare seemed endlessly curious about everything, and the more outlandish things I told her about, like Neil Armstrong walking on the moon, or how nothing but Humans’ could talk, the more enthralled she became. There was no point keeping anything from her now, so I answered her honestly and in as much detail as I could about anything she asked. Though I did refrain from mentioning that we rode horses and used them for manual labor or shows. I figured that may have been a slightly taboo subject and simply left it unsaid.  

It had taken her a while to come back to a point I knew had to have been burning in the back of her mind, and I almost didn’t hear when she’d finally asked, but eventually she brought up what a Human actually looked like again. I had a hell of a time trying to explain it though. Saying we were like hairless monkeys that walked upright just didn’t seem to deliver the right imagery, and I finally had to draw a terrible doodle in the mud for Sky Flare to start getting the right idea. 

She had offered, after listening to me prattle on about how we looked, that we were like less bulky, hairless, hornless minotaur. And while that still wasn’t perfect, it worked well enough to get her to understand.

She understood immediately why I fought the way I did though, and could see what sorts of differences my old body type would have granted me in combat. She’d laughed, then said how sorry she felt for me, having been forced to use my mouth for everything when I’d never have had to use it for something like that before. She’d also realized just how helpful a gift my magic bracelet was for me now too. It was the closest thing to hands I had.



Morning found us both in my room. We’d been exhausted by the time we got back the night before, and I wasn’t up for arguing about who should sleep where. The stress of the day had just been too much, and we both fell atop my bed without a word and were asleep within moments. 

Nothing happened between us, and my fears of what my body tended to do first thing in the morning were thankfully avoided. But I quickly climbed out of bed the moment I woke up anyways. Sky Flare was still sound asleep, and though I was still dead tired myself, I headed outside for some much-needed fresh air.

I still couldn’t believe that I had told her the truth about myself, especially the way I had, but now that it was out in the open it felt like an enormous weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I felt refreshed, invigorated, and oddly comforted by the knowledge that someone here other than the Princesses or Dawn knew the truth. Sky Flare knew that I was a Human now, and that was the reason for everything weird or unusual about me, and she accepted it completely. There really wasn’t anything more I could ask of her.

I smiled out at the forest and took in a deep breath. Slight as it was, I felt a little better about being stuck here now that she knew, thought the thought of leaving her also grew a little more painful in turn.

“Ah, there you are!” A voice called from behind me.

Looking towards the source of the voice, I found Gale trotting out of the Guild towards me purposefully.

“Hey Gale,” I said, “What’s up?”

“I have informed the Princesses of the completion of the Guild,” he said, “They will be arriving this afternoon to complete their inspection.”

“W-what!?” I gasped, “So soon!?”

“Yes,” he said smiling, “I delivered the message to them personally yesterday afternoon. I spoke with them and explained in detail much of your plans and what has been done. As well as answered some of the questions my reports had been unclear on. I had intended to inform you of their impending visit last night but, despite the late hour I had returned, you were nowhere to be found. I have been waiting for you to show yourself all morning.”

“Questions?” I repeated, “L-like what?”

“It is nothing to be concerned over,” Gale assured me, “Besides, the Princesses will be able to give you far better clarification than I.” He bowed his head a little and trotted back towards the Guild contently.

And just like that, any sense of comfort and peace I’d had after the night with Sky Flare, was gone. I dropped to my hind end and groaned aloud as my stomach began to churn with renewed concern over my fate and that of the Guilds. I hadn’t talked with Sky Flare at all about how to explain the Timber Wolves to the Princesses. Instead, I told her all about the Human world! Which was something that the Princesses had expressly asked me not to do! I was screwed, and I knew it from the bottom of my heart. There was no way I could talk my way out of this, and now I’d be faced with the consequences in a matter of hours! I sighed heavily and allowed myself to fall over onto my side in the grass as I struggled to come up with some sort of a plan. But, no matter how hard I tried, absolutely nothing came to mind. 

Reluctantly, I rose to my feet and started for the forest. Laying down wasn’t helping, so I decided to head back to the arena stone and get some exercise. I had to do something to relieve all this stress, and working out was the only thing I could think of at that moment.



Time went by so fast, I could have sworn I had just reached the arena stone when Sky Flare flew overhead and called down to me. 

“There you are Silver!” she called, “I’ve been looking everywhere for you! Princess Luna is waiting for you at the Guild!” 

“W-what!?” I gasped. It only felt like I’d been there a few minutes, and hour at most. But apparently, I’d lost track of time as I struggled to figure out some way of working out my impending troubles.

Sky Flare landed nearby and explained. “She arrived about thirty minutes ago,” she said quickly, “Gale’s showing her around to buy time, but we need to get back to the Guild pronto!”

I groaned aloud and leapt into the air. “Thanks for the heads up,” I said quickly, “Come on!” I tore off through the sky, racing back towards the Guild as fast as my wings could carry me. I glanced back and saw Sky Flare as nothing more than a tiny spec in the distance and cursed as I realized I had just bolted off without her. What was I thinking!? I knew she couldn’t match my speed, yet I took off like it was a matter of life or death!

I waited apologetically for her to catch up, but when she’d gotten within earshot, I caught her yelling at me to continue on without her.

I glanced towards the distance clearing that housed the Guild, then shook my head and decided to continue waiting for her. I was already late, another few minutes wouldn’t make things any worse.

“What are you doing Silver!?” Sky Flare barked as she finally reached me, “Get going already!”

I smiled at her and resumed my course for the Guild, but this time, I matched her speed. 

“I’m not going to drop in late without you,” I said, forcing a laugh, “You went out to find me, it’d be rude to return without you.”

She shook her head at me and, in a feat of aerial mastery, flew in close, then flipped over me in a graceful arc. She tucked her wings in close to her body as she sailed above my head, then shot out a hoof as she passed over me. 

I felt it strike me lightly in the back of the head and winced as she fell away from me and veered off to my right. 

It wasn’t a hard hit, but it definitely stung. I grasped at my head and looked after her, but she was gone.

“Hurry it up Silver!” I caught her call, and looking towards her voice found her to be ahead of me now. Though I was undeniably faster, she could still, and probably always would, fly circles around me. 



Together, we raced across the tops of the trees and before long, we found ourselves back at the Guild. 

We skidded to a stop as we landed and I quickly spotted Princess Luna as she emerged from the Guild hall. I galloped over to her and bowed my head apologetically. “I apologize sincerely for missing your arrival,” I said quickly, “I uhh… Lost track of time.”

“I had noticed,” Luna said calmly, “But it is alright. Gale Stormwind has been kind enough to walk me through your now finished Guild.” She paused for a moment and looked around the area, a slight smile crossing her dark lips. “It pleases me to see this place back in use again after so long.” She added softly.

It was still odd to think about, but Luna had been around for hundreds or years, Celestia too for that matter. They’d seen this place back when it was first built, and probably knew the great great grandparents of the Ponies that built it. Part of me wondered if either of them ever got nostalgic anymore, seeing old places like this again after so many years. It was hard to really imagine, but in the time they’d been around, empires could have risen and fallen in my world. Even a forest as huge and old as this one could have been nothing more than a few saplings when they were children. To be able to look out at the land and literally watch it change shape as the centuries went by… It was incredible to think about.

“I’m glad it’s to your liking,” I said smiling, then I paused as I found her to be alone, “Did Princess Celestia not come with you?”

“It is rare that we both can see to matters beyond the walls of Canterlot together,” Luna explained, “And with the unscheduled nature of your renovations, only one of us could make it today. But my Sister will visit when she can. Like myself, she is quite interested in what you have done here.” Then she paused and eyed me knowingly. “Particularly, how you have come to fare so well against the creatures of the Everfree.” She added.

I swallowed nervously at her gaze and forced a chuckle. “Oh you know,” I said as casually as I could manage, “I do have a few tricks up my sleeve.”

“Yes, I am certain that you do,” Luna said, “Some of which are more unexpected than others.”

I smiled up at her unsurely, then Sky Flare cut in to help me. “It’s not much yet, Princess,” she said, “But we do have a few chairs and a table inside if you’d prefer to sit down while you and Silver Wing discuss your business.”

Luna smiled at her and shook her head slightly. “That will not be necessary,” she said, “I do not expect to be here overly long.” 

I grew doubly nervous at that comment. ‘She didn’t expect to be here long?’ I repeated in my mind. That could either mean that she’s decided she likes he Guild already, which would be great, or, she’s decided to scrap the idea because of my… Unexpected tricks.

“If you would please excuse us,” Luna said, glancing from Sky Flare to Gale, “I would like to discuss a few matters with Silver Wing in private.”

“Of course, Princess.” Gale said. He gave a formal bow, then disappeared into the Guild.

Sky Flare hesitated a moment, then followed after him.

I watched her worriedly as she left, my eyes willing her to stay by my side, but it was no use. She headed into the Guild, but glanced back at me as the door closed behind her, a reassuring smile beaming out at me.

While it wasn’t what I had wanted, it was a comfort, however slight. Taking a calming breath, I returned my attention to Princess Luna and waited.

She smiled lightly at me. “Come Silver Wing,” she said, “Let us go for a walk.”

I couldn’t place her tone, so I still had no idea if she was angry, pleased, or what. It was probably all the years of experience she had, but her expert poker face was infuriating to my worried mind.

Luna led me into the Everfree Forest without concern, and I was grateful that I’d had the foresight to order the Timber Wolves to keep away from anyone that might wander out from the Guild today. I knew they would still be near, but they wouldn’t let themselves be known unless we walked into something even more dangerous.

“So tell me, Silver Wing,” Luna spoke as she walked, “How have you been enjoying the more exotic forms of life you have no doubt encountered since coming here?”

“Exotic forms of life?” I repeated, “I haven’t run into too many really. Not much comes near the Guild.”

“So I have noticed,” she said, “That is yet another feat you have accomplished. For there are few that can remain within this forest for any length of time without drawing its attention. Yet you have managed without incident for over a month.” 

I caught her eyeing me and shrugged. “I’ve always loved forests,” I said, “So long as you respect it, and only take what you need to survive, you can get along just as well as anything.”

Luna nodded slightly. “A noble statement,” she said, “But respecting your surroundings is not always enough.” She stopped walking and turned to face me. “What would you do if the forest rejected you regardless of your good intentions?”

“W-well, it would depend…” I said hesitantly, “Rejected me how?”

“Let us say the forest had a protector,” she offered, “One that was tasked with keeping all outsiders from entering. What would you do then?”

“I’d try to befriend it if I could.” I said.

“And if you could not?” Luna asked.

“I’d keep trying,” I said, “You can strike a balance with anything if you know how. Sometimes you need to offer food, other times you need to change the way you smell or how you move and sound. All it takes is time and patience.”

“And other times, all it takes is a little magic.” Luna offered knowingly.

I swallowed nervously at that, but said nothing.

“The Timber Wolves are truly remarkable creatures, are they not?” she continued, “Despite what most Ponies may believe, they seek only to protect and nurture this forest. They are born of its magic, and as such, tolerate very few disturbances. There is one, a Zebra named Zecora that you have no doubt encountered by now, that lives as one within the Everfree using the methods that you claim. She has struck a balance through offerings and a deep-rooted respect for nature and its ways. But even she could not remain without the aid of a little magic.”

I could feel her gaze on me like a spotlight and I slowly felt myself giving in to her silent demands to know what I had done. She had to have known, but she clearly wanted me to admit it. I felt like a child being scolded by a knowing parent and sighed a little in defeat. “I… I may have used a little magic too.” I said, my voice barely escaping me thanks to the leaden gaze still exerting its pressure.

Luna’s gaze softened a little at my admission. “I am well aware,” She stated, “My Sister and I both sensed the change in your bracelet the moment we met again upon your return to Canterlot.”

I nodded and felt a little stupid for not thinking they’d have known. Zecora had sensed Perdias’s magic right away, so of course the Princesses would have known too.

“Why didn’t you say anything before?” I asked, though I couldn’t bring myself to look at her anymore. I knew keeping it a secret had been wrong, but I wanted so much to be allowed to stay in this forest… It was a foolish risk, but one I had to take.

“We wished to see what you would do,” Luna explained, “Such magic is not to be used lightly. Dominance over another by such means is rarely acceptable, and most Ponies would never even dare to consider learning of such magic, let alone use it. But you are not most Ponies. You are a Human, and one with a militaristic and battle driven nature.”

“Militaristic and battle driven?” I gasped, a little surprised by that, “But I’m not-”

“You have a mind for tactics, combat, and strategy,” Luna cut in sternly, “Your occupation was that of law enforcement, and you revel in the thrill of battle. To further emphasize this, of all the possible paths you could have chosen to walk while you are in Equestria, you chose to create a Guild. Which by its very purpose is a conglomeration of individuals that will serve under your command and complete the tasks you lay out for them.”

I was stunned. I knew I liked to fight, and strategy was just something that went along with that. You couldn’t fight without having some form of a strategy, not very well anyway. But I had never thought of myself as having a militaristic or battle driven personality…

“That being said,” Luna continued, “These are not undesirable traits in Equestria. We have a military power ourselves, and have taken part in many battles over the centuries of our rule. But, as you are not from Equestria, more caution is needed when it comes to assessing your potential actions. Especially when magic becomes involved.”

I nodded slowly and lowered my head. I had the feeling that this was it. I’d lost my chance and would now have to spend the rest of my days cooped up in some Palace. “I understand…” I said, “I just… Really wanted to live here. This place is the only spot in all of Equestria I’ve found that feels even a little like home.”

“And you shall.” Luna stated.

“W-what!?” I gasped, looking up at her quickly, “But, I thought…?”

“All I have said is that we needed to err on the side of caution,” Luna said, “And while we will we continue to do so, you have proven your worth so far.”

I was wholly confused. She’d just reamed me out for my apparent nature, and now she was saying everything was fine? It made no sense to me.

“You wield a dangerous power few have dared to master,” Luna explained, “One that can easily corrupt and twist its wielder. But with it, all you have done is to seek out a balance with nature. You used this magic to keep the Timber Wolves at bay, while also using them to create a natural defense for your fellow Guild members. This has allowed you both to live in peace, where conflict would have otherwise grown and festered until one of you were removed. You could have easily chosen the course of total dominance over the Timber Wolves as well, but instead, you sought harmony. While such magic is not to be wielded lightly, sometimes those in a position of power must take action that borders the grey. You have proven that you are above the temptations such power over others can bring. Its corruption has gained no hold over you or your heart. So long as this remains true, and your hold over the forest does not change to that of total dominance, we will allow you and your Guild to remain.”

I was ecstatic to hear that, but there was no way she could have gleaned all this just from me having some more magic in my bracelet then before.

“While I am grateful for your trust, and the decision to allow me to stay here,” I said carefully, “How did you know about the Timber Wolves?”

Luna smiled. “Gale informed us that you had somehow “Tamed” the Timber Wolves with tricks of your home,” She explained, “As I have already said, we sensed the magic within your bracelet upon your return to Canterlot, and knew what you had done from that.” 

“So Gale lied to me then.” I sighed. I’d asked him not to say anything to the Princesses about the Timber Wolves, and he’d agreed, but I should have known he’d still tell them. He was sent here specifically to watch me and report everything I did directly to the Princesses. Me asking him not to mention something would have been a huge red flag for someone in his position. I didn’t blame him of course, but it still irritated me.

“Lied how?” Luna asked.

“He uhh… Said he wouldn’t tell you two about the Timber Wolves unless they did something that threatened the Guild.” I said.

“Ah,” Luna said, nodding as she understood, “You are correct, and at the same time, you are not.”

I looked at her questioningly and she continued. “What Gale had said, was that he would omit the Timber Wolves from his reports until further notice,” Luna explained, “He kept his word to you. But when he came to us yesterday evening to inform us of the completion of your renovations, he explained at length what had happened.”

“Ah…” I said. Gale hadn’t lied then, but it would have been nice if he’d have let me take care of it. I knew I still couldn’t be mad at him, he was their informant after all and he was just doing his job. If anything, I should be grateful that he’d held his tongue for so long. 

“We are curious however,” Luna said, “As to just how your bracelet acquired this new magic.”

“I… Can’t really say.” I said. I thought my words over carefully and explained. “When I got hurt in the forest here a few months ago, I found a cave. Inside it was… A crystal ball or something. I touched it, and ever since my bracelet’s been like it is now.”

“All you did was touch it?” Luna asked. 

She eyed me seriously and I did my best not to think about Perdias or his offer. I kept just the glowing crystal ball I had found in the cave in my mind and nodded. “Pretty much, yeah,” I said, “It glowed really bright, then stopped. I didn’t know what it could do until I ran into the Timber Wolves when I finally found my way out again.”

“And how did you find it could command them?” she asked.

“By accident really,” I said, “I was terrified, and I was trying to use my bracelet to somehow fend them off, and before I knew it, they were all running away yelping.”

“You are fortunate to have discovered such a rare magic,” Luna said, though she didn’t seem entirely convinced, “And this cave you found. Do you recall where it is?”

“Not really…” I said slowly, “It was beneath a lot of vines, and I really don’t remember much else. I had more important things on my mind than map making, you know?”

“Indeed.” Luna said nodding. She paused for a moment, then looked out into the forest. “Should you find this cave again, do inform us immediately.”

“I will.” I said, then I looked out to the forest as well and tried to change the topic before she read my mind, or did something else I wasn’t aware of to find Perdias’s cave. “So, would you like the meet the Timber Wolves?” I asked smiling.

Luna glanced back at me and returned the smile. “Yes,” she said with a nod, “I believe I would.”

“Alright,” I said, taking a few steps back, “Don’t laugh at this though.”

She looked at me quizzically as I took a deep breath, then understanding dawned on her as I let out a long, low howl. 

My howl fading, I let out an embarrassed laugh and scratched the back of my head as I waited for my wolves to respond. “Weird as it seems, it really is the best way to call them.” I said. 

As usual, a chorus of howls responded to my own, and in under a minute, nearly a dozen of my Timber Wolves stalked out of the forest and into view surrounding us.

“So it would seem.” Luna admitted, watching the wolves as they appeared.

“This is Princess Luna,” I said clearly, “She is part of the pack too, so be nice.”

The wolves sniffed at the air for a moment, then several of them returned to forest without a sound at my words. Part of me was beginning to wonder if they were getting bored with me calling them to meet every pony that came by. It’s not like I ever seemed to call them to fight anything after all. In fact, I’d never called them to fight anything. They kept pretty much everything at bay just by being around. And the few things I had encountered, either ran off at the sight of me, or wasn’t a threat.

I shook the thought from my head and watched as the few Timber Wolves that had remained followed their typical mannerisms and sniffed at Luna in turn, before settling down nearby to rest.

“I see why you have chosen the name Timber Wolves for your Guild,” Luna said, “I am impressed. They are remarkably well behaved, especially considering you have used no magic that I have been able to sense.”

“I haven’t really needed to use magic on them since the first few days,” I admitted, “Every once in a while, one will get a little rowdier than I’d like, but for the most part this is about as threatening as they get. With me and the others anyway. Everything else out here though… They make for great guard dogs. And they make for surprisingly good company too believe it or not.”

“How so?” Luna asked curiously.

She seemed to have a glint of wonder in her eyes, and I got the impression that she liked this forest and the Timber Wolves almost as much as I did. “They’re just nice to be around,” I explained, “I walk through the forest with them quite often. They’ve taught me a lot about this place, and how they coexist with it.”

“So, you have learned their secrets then?” Luna asked.

“A few,” I said, “But I’m sure there’s plenty more.”

“Indeed there is,” Luna said, “You will have to share with me what you learn when next you visit Canterlot.”

“Sure,” I said, “In between dodging your punches anyway.” I laughed, and was pleased to hear her do the same.

“I trust you are training diligently for our rematch?” Luna asked, a sly grin creeping over her lips.

“Every day,” I said, “Between sparring with Sky Flare and my own methods in the forest here, I’m willing to bet I’ll land, oh… Six, maybe seven, good hits before you flatten me next time.” I laughed again.

“Most excellent.” Luna smiled. She looked up towards the sky for a moment, then let out a soft sigh. “It is getting late,” she said, “Let us return to your Guild, Guild Master Silver Wing.”

I smiled for a moment at the title, but shook my head a second later. “Please, just Silver is fine.” I chuckled.

“Nonsense,” Luna said, “You are now, by the approval of the Princesses of Equestria, a Guild Master. You will be addressed as such.”

I resisted a frown. “As you wish, your Highness.” I said.

Luna eyed me with the barest trace of a smirk on her dark lips, then started back towards the Guild.

I followed after her, and two of my Timber Wolves fell in line behind us. Seeing no reason to dismiss them, I allowed them to follow us back.

“I am curious about one more thing,” Luna said, glancing back at the wolves following us, “How is it that you have managed to remove the odor from this pack of Timber Wolves?”

“Zecora helped me with that one actually,” I admitted, “Twilight too. They gave me a magic potion that nullifies bad odors for six months. Though I only told them I had an odor problem around the Guild… I may have left out the detail that the odor was actually coming from some Timber Wolves.”

“A wise decision,” Luna admitted, “At the time. There is little harm in being truthful to them now.”

I nodded. “I’d already planned to tell them, when next I saw them.”

“Good,” Luna said, “I expect Princess Twilight would be most interested in observing your Timber Wolves first hoof. Few have ever seen them, and fewer still a tamed one.”

I didn’t really like the thought of Twilight going crazy over my wolves, but she was a Princess, so I couldn’t really say no.

“She’s welcome here any time,” I said, “You all are.”

“That is most kind of you.” Luna said, then fell silent as we came to the stone wall that sectioned off the Guild from the Everfree. 

“There’s an opening a ways this way.” I said, pointing a wing along the wall to our left.

She smiled at me in amusement, then in one smooth motion, hopped over the low wall. 

I felt a little sheepish after that and sighed inwardly. She had wings, so she could have flown over the wall if she’d wanted, but as it was, she didn’t even need to. She cleared the wall with ease form a simple jump. 

I followed after her quickly and caught a hollowed murmur from behind. Glancing over my shoulder, I noticed the two Timber Wolves that had been escorting us looking at me unsurely. I smiled at them and nodded towards the Guild. “You can come too,” I said, “Just behave.”

They leapt over the stone wall without issue, and the moment they landed in the clearing, I caught an authoritative yell burst forth from nearby.

“Your Highness look out!” The voice cried.

I shot a startled glance at the one shouting and caught sight of two dark colored Pegasai flying towards me at speed. They wore dark gleaming armor and stern almost grim expressions were etched onto their faces. 

“W-what!?” I gasped, seeing them fly straight towards me. I rose up and assumed a guarded stance, wholly confused as to what I had done to warrant such a charge. 

The two Pegasai closed in fast, drawing swords from the sheathes at their sides as they neared me, then much to my surprise, veered off to either side and landed behind me. 

I caught a pair of threatening growls rise from the two Timber Wolves at my back and immediately realized the problem. They must have seen the wolves leap out of the forest and assumed they were a threat!

I leapt back, putting myself between the armored Pegasai and my wolves and held up my arms sternly. “These wolves are not your enemy!” I barked, “They are a part of my Guild, and I would appreciate you lowering your weapons.”

The two Pegasai hesitated a moment, clearly unsure as to what they were supposed to do now.

Luckily for them, Luna stepped in before I was forced to ask again.

“That is enough!” she ordered sternly, “As Guild Master Silver Wing has stated, these Timber Wolves are members of his Guild. They are no threat, and are not to be harmed.”

“Yes, your Highness!” the two Guards responded instantly. They re-sheathed their swords and stood at attention.

I sighed a little in relief, then paused as I noticed that the two guards I thought were dark colored Pegasai, were something else entirely. They had the bodies of Ponies, but they had piercing golden eyes that were slit eyes like those of a cat. And, unlike my feathery wings, theirs were leathery and bat-like. I’d never seen something like this before, and while my mind screamed for answers, I held my tongue. Now that Sky Flare knew the truth about me, I could ask her what these bat Ponies were in private, and not have to worry about saying something odd. For all I knew, these bat Ponies were just like any other Pony and I’d simply never noticed them until now. Calling them out on it here might make things far more awkward then they already were.

“Guild Master Silver Wing,” Luna said, catching my attention, “If you would come with me to my chariot for a moment? I have a gift for you. To commemorate your new appointment as Guild Master.” 

“A-a gift?” I said, a little surprised, “What is it?”

“Come with me and you will find out.” She stated, an amused smirk creeping across her face.

I glanced at the two bat pony guards, then to my Timber Wolves and spoke quickly. “Don’t eat them,” I said, loud enough for all present to hear me, “Got it?”

The Timber Wolves murmured a little, almost sounding disappointed, then split up to patrol the inner borders of the Guild.

The two guards followed Luna and me without another word, and I felt a little uneasy with them behind me, though I wasn’t sure why.


On the other side of the Guild, was a fair-sized chariot of sorts. I hadn’t seen it when Sky Flare and I had raced back earlier, but now that I wasn’t in a rush, it was quite clear against the much greener terrain around it. 

The chariot was ornate, with a gothic feel to it. It was painted a dark purple blue, with jagged accenting to it that gleamed in the sunlight. Four wheels supported it and bat like wings flared off the back.

I’d never seen something like this either, and I was surprised to realize that Luna drove here by road. I’d just assumed she’d flown here, or used magic to teleport herself right to my door.

As I admired the chariot, I became aware of a metal trunk drifting towards me through the air and turned my attention to it. Held aloft by her magic, Princess Luna smiled at me as she moved the trunk before me. 

“As you will be faced with many tasks, some more challenging than others,” she explained, “As well as to commemorate your new position, my Sister and I thought it would be best if you had some protection of your own, in case it should ever be needed.” 

She set the trunk down by my feet and I opened it curiously. I gasped at what I saw inside. It was a suit of armor. The armor was jet black, with nearly mirror like silvered accenting. The suit consisted of four leg guards, and a multipiece chest guard. Furred fabric like that of my vests collar accented the collar of the chest piece as well, and similar trimmings of fur lined the bottoms of each leg guard. It looked incredible, and must have cost a small fortune to craft.

“A-are you sure?” I said, a little awed by her gift. 

“Of course,” Luna said, “You will need protection on your missions, and this armor will serve you well when you have need of it.”

“Thank you very much.” I said, bowing my head low. 

“You are most welcome,” she said, “And if there are any issues with its sizing, do let us know immediately. We utilized the measurements of Black Manes armor in its creation, as you had fit into it quite nicely during the demonstration you preformed for us in Canterlot.”

“Yeah,” I said, “His gear fit pretty good.” 

Luna bowed her head slightly and stepped up onto her chariot. “I wish you the best of luck on your endeavor, Guild Master Silver Wing,” she said, “I expect to hear of your successes soon.”

“I will do my best not to let you down,” I said, “As soon as I get somepony to help anyway.” 

“There is a list within that chest that you will find most useful,” she said, “Your aid could be used by more than I fear you realize.”

I glanced back into the trunk, and sure enough, there was a small scroll tucked within the hollow of the chest piece. It was bound shut with a red ribbon and bore a wax seal on the front. I’d missed it when I first looked in as the sight of the armor had drawn all my focus.

“Don’t worry about the numbers,” I said, “I think I’ll be around for a while.”

Luna smiled at my words, then nodded to her two Guards. 

They leapt to attention and took up positions in front of her chariot. A moment later, like a pair of writhing serpents, two black chains crept forth from the front of the chariot and secured themselves to the sides of the Guard ponies armor.

“Until next we meet, Guild Master Silver Wing,” Luna said, “Farewell.” 

She nodded her head to me, then much to my surprise, tore off into the sky.

I wasn’t sure if it was more magic, or if the two guards had more wing strength than I thought possible, but the chariot rose smoothly into the sky like it was as light as a feather and sailed off towards the horizon.

I let out a heavy sigh, then like lightning, felt a surge of energy rush through my body. It started in my hooves, then raced up my legs and along my spine until it shot straight up my neck and into my skull. I leapt upwards and swung my right arm across as I let out a victorious shout of joy.

“I take it that means we’re good to go?” A voice cooed from behind me.

I tensed bodily and felt a heated blush wash over my face. I didn’t even have to look behind me to know that the entire Guild was standing there, watching my antics. I was mortified, but I did my best to hide my overwhelming embarrassment.

Turning to face everyone, I nodded quickly. “Inspection is over,” I said, “We passed, and can start official operations right away!” As I had though, Sky Flare, Gale, Clyde, and Winter were all heading towards me from the Guild. They’d left through the nearer side entrance, and part of me wondered if they’d been spying on us through the windows.

“So, what’d she say?” Sky Flare pressed, “You two were gone for a while.”

“She likes the Timber Wolves, and how we’re doing our best to strike a balance with the forest,” I said, “And she’s also looking forward to seeing how well we do with our missions.”

“Did Princess Luna give you the list of potential missions I spoke of?” Gale asked.

“She did,” I said, “Though I haven’t had time to read them over yet.”

“You sure handled yourself well against Luna’s Guards by the way, Silver,” Sky Flare smirked, “Not many Ponies would have jumped in front of them like that.”

“And you call Winter a spy.” I joked.

Her eyes flared angrily at my comment, then narrowed to a warning of a smile. “I checked when we heard the shouting,” she said icily, “Nothing more.” 

I nearly winced at her disapproval of my comment and cleared my throat nervously. “I uh, just didn’t want them to hurt my wolves,” I said quickly, “Or have them hurt Luna’s Guards.”

“Mhmm.” Was all Sky Flare said, and I groaned internally at her attitude. I noted that nerve and made a rather large mental note to not strike it again in the future.

“S-so…” I caught Winter’s voice rise up, “What’s in the box?”

Grateful for the break in the silence, I hoped over to the other side of the armor chest and smiled. “Armor!” I said, “The Princesses have given me some armor to commemorate my new position as Guild Master.”

“So, she called you a Guild Master?” Sky Flare asked.

Without thinking, I replied. “Yeah. Once she said I passed the inspection, all she’d call me was “Guild Master Silver Wing”. It was kinda annoying.” I laughed, then fell silent as I caught an unnerving grin curl the corners of Sky Flare’s lips.

“Annoying or not,” she said simply, “The Princess has just given you an official title, Guild Master Silver Wing. So, we’ll all be sure to follow her wishes and call you the same.” She glanced back at everyone else and smiled in such a way that made it clear this was not a suggestion. “Right everypony?”

I couldn’t be sure if it was out of genuine consensus, or fear of her current mood, but everyone nodded their agreement quite readily.

I groaned and shook my head at them. “Just Silver is fine!” I sighed.

“Not a chance,” Sky Flare said, “Now quit complaining and try that armor on. I wanna see how it looks on you, Guild Master Silver Wing.”