Author's Note

Yep. Another chapter out. Another passage of our young wolf. Also sorry it took me so long but what can I say:

tiene que aprender español

(Have to learn spanish) Plus, it takes up a lot of study time.

Anyways, enjoy

Ch.7 Training Ground.

<<< Reyna's Point of View>>>

A strike. A spark. The whistle of a sound, blow through the air as the clash of metal reverberated in high tune. A metallic sheen of black and white was held in hand. Missing its target by an inch, but an inch no less. The large blade fighting its twin. One of the same color but of a different scheme. It's top half white and bottom black. Their wielder, skin unnatural. Eyes yellow with a mix of a vicious nature; containing murder and pleasure within. Her expression ruthless as she presses her blade against mine. And mine against hers. Knowing full well that she'll never back down. For how could she.

She is my hollow.

"What's the matter. Getting tired?" Her cold voice out of sink. "If ya wanna sleep. Then please, by all means." Beginning to push me back. Her blade's tip overshadowing me. Drawing near. "Don't mind me, beating your ass, keep you awake. Queen." A light encodes around Zangetsu.

But not of my own doing.

"Getsuga Tensho!" Her power and strength, sends me flying back in the deep space of my soul. The lunar fang. A technique I've yet to master as it slams me into a skyscraper. Dust kicking up upon entry, as my feet engraved against the imaginary building.

Cracks shifting in place as I stood in what little smoke screen. Getting my bearings, Zangetsu at the ready, and sensing Levy's location. I called out an attack of my own. My own Fang.

"Getsuga Tensho!" I bellowed in a large swing. Crescent light of spiritual energy leaving my blade. Heading her way but she merely sides steps.

"Good aim. But aim isn't enough if it doesn't hit the mark." She snarked.

"Then it's a good thing you were never the intended target." I replied back, quick. A large shadow rapidly falls over her.

Levy looks up, only to gaze at a skyscraper's top half descend over her. But she isn't worried. Instead, she looks back to me with a beaming gleam. Zangetsu in her left and spirit energy rising. She swings her sword upward, releasing a dark beam. Cutting the building in half. It's two sides falling simply beside her. And small debris in front.

However, in a flash. A step I learned from the memories of Yoruichi and Soifon. I was behind her in a second. Taking her blind spot as an opportunity for a strike. However, like me, her ears flicked.

Clash.

Levy pitted Zangetsu behind her back where I slashed. Going in for another strike. This time she spun around and countered with an attack. Both of us drifting back by the collision our swords made.

"Using the skyscraper as a distraction to get behind. Clever. I might be even more impressed if your shunpo(Flash Step) wasn't so damn slow."

"It's only been a few days since I picked up on it. So don't worry. I'll get you in the next hit." Energy rising. Exploding out around me as I grip my weapon tighter.

"Is that a fact." She doing the same. White Zangetsu stretched out in a hand, to her side.

"Damn Right. Getsuga-"

"Tensho!"

Both our fangs fired at one another. Smashing dead on, as they fought to overpower the other. Not feeling like losing, I swung some more adding to its power. Levy copying my exact movements and doing the same.

'Augh. That's five shots I threw into this thing.' Feeling the strain of exertion. 'Another and I might pass out. I can't let her win.'

Focusing on a different energy source within and drawing out a glimpse of ghost energy. I channeled what little I could into my zanpakuto. Merging the two energies was difficult. For they didn't seem compatible. Like one was fighting the other for dominance. But I didn't give a damn, no matter how much it started to ache.

"Hey. Whatcha doing there, all shy and quiet." Levy asks smiling a cruel smirk.

Both energies stirred inside. Accumulating more and more as the built-up pressure rose. But somehow, they were getting refined together now. The pain from before, beginning to subside. Then flowing to my blade. "Let me show you." I glared at her with killing intent.

Clutching my weapon held in both hands horizontally, before me. My spiritual pressure grew to new heights. The world of blue, clouds of white, and buildings that reached high in the sky. Trembled, by the shear force of gathered energy. Even Levy. My hollow. A charismatic homicidal girl. Shown a display of fear for the first time I met her.

"Phantom." Getting ready to strike with every word. "Getsuga. Tensh-" Someone places a hand on my sword before I could finish. A man wearing shades, mysterious cloak, and an expressionless mug. Stands before me. Halting my strike.

"Enough." He simply says in his nonchalant way.

"Zangetsu." Calling my inner spirit's name. The energy I gathered still radiating hot.

"I am rather impressed, Reyna. In the last three weeks, you've shown considerable improvement in handling your soul reaper powers. And even more, you tapped into that energy again. Maintaining it's output along with your shinigami energy, without so much as any prior practice."

"Thanks. But, I'm still trying to control it as we speak." Energy seeping out.

"Then breathe. Calm the raging storm coursing through you. Your power is only a tool to be used. It does not control you." Letting go. "Let the pressure within you fall back. And the energies to freely slide back, to where they came." He says.

Closing my eyes and remaining calm. As breath by breath. I cut my connection and let the turbulence in me die down. In a moments notice, the raging storm decreased in size. Then beginning to split off, as if both cold and hot air needed a separate direction to go in. Opening them again, Levy walks close, clapping her hands.

"My. My. Someone learned something new. Are you finally in tune with your energies yet?" She asks.

Sheathing my zanpakuto on my back as it straps. I put a hand, out.

Focusing.

In a minute, my left palm ignites a green hue. It's light bewitching as it moves around like fumes from a lit cigar. And my hand, the catalyst.

I couldn't help but smile. After all the hard work, constant hours spent in my soul realm meditating and training. I finally have some control over my powers.

"You know. I almost had you there, right?" I told Levy.

"You. Get the better of me? Please. If the old man hadn't interfered, you'd already be knocked out, unconscious."

"Well, that's not what your face was saying with that oh shit expression, not too long ago." Cutting my energy and repeating her action. Laughing a bit afterward.

"I think all that power may have gone straight to your head or something, queen, because by some miracle. You clearly forgot who's been punishing and owning that ass of yours. For the past couple of days."

Amusement cut short by her statement.

In a moment, I spoke hesitantly. "I admit, you clocked me good...once."

"Once?! What about the first dozens of times I banged your head against a skyscraper?"

Hating that.

"Or when I grabbed your tail and threaten to skin it."

The rest of me remaining unphased, except for the white fluff behind, that jerked in fear.

Slightly.

"And whe-"

"O.K. O.K. You made your point." Not feeling like hearing the rest. "But don't think for a minute I won't pay you back tenfold."

"Ha." Leaning forward as she gets in close, eyeing me from a lower angle. "The day you do is the day hell freezes over. And we both know, that ain't ever happening."

"Maybe not." Refusing to be belittled. Stepping up with a grin of my own. "But there will be a reckoning, for all the shit you've put me through. And no force in hell or heaven will save you from me." Ghost energy rising. Eyes burning vengeance. "This. I promise you."

A surprised look manifests on Levy's face. But not one, of concern nor fear.

But one of shock. Anticipated. Excitement.

"Can't wait." Licking her lips.

Seeing my point made. I let my anger boil down. Noticing a distinctive noise of glass and metal, mending. My soul realm, inner realm or whatever. Was repairing itself from the damage it took from our fight. It's form and image the same as of a certain spiky orange hair shinigami.

"Reyna." I faced Zangetsu. "It's almost time for you to return, but before you do. I recommend the use of caution, when in the world of the living." One of those Ichigo moments, coming along. "You've trained hard; diligently in your soul realm, for some time now. Not knowing the fundamentals of swordsmanship or energy control, but because of that. I got to watch you grow. Because of that. I am proud to call you my master." He said with hidden pride.

"However, your journey to becoming stronger than you already are, is only the beginning. And the path will most likely be frowned upon by others." Concern masking his voice now. "What you are. The things your capable of, or soon to discover. May best not be told or shown to others. For fear is a common factor. Even more, here."

"You mean this world." I questioned further.

"Yes. If someone were to ever discover what you are. That your entire existence is not even one of a human's, but of a creature of unknown kind. The next course of action will be dictated by fear. And depending on the situation, it can either be a very powerful motivator. Or a very destructive force."

Catching his subtle meaning. "I get what your saying. But what you are really referring to is Faust's reaction if she ever finds out. Right?" A brow raised.

He didn't respond. He didn't need to. His spoken silence was all I needed.

"I know she's strong. If I were to face her as I am now, she'll most likely kill me on the spot. So don't worry Zangetsu. I won't be careless. I know my lies have only bought me some time, but after viewing this country's maps, ecological, and history books. They've barely explored their outer regions. The only ally they seem to have contact with outside of Equestria is the Gryphs. And from what I hear, from the guards elicit chats. Their relationship is strained at best. So I should be fine."

"But she is not my only concern."

"Oh. You mean them." A bored tone.

Levy standing next to me, an analytical gaze she gave off with arm's folded.

"I wonder what they're doing right now." Looking up with no interests what so ever.

"You mean whatever bastard that decided to give the wendigos a new makeover?" Remembering the light that descended among the pack. Four of those things replaced by one newest member.

"We don't know who or what we're dealing with yet fully. The attack on Ponyville was no mere coincidence. Someone had to of orchestrated it. And this close to Canterlot..."

"Could mean an inside mole. Or someone with authority of sorts." Finishing his thought.

"Perhaps." He trailed again. "I would like to believe so, but there isn't much to go by. We will need more information to assess such a conclusion. Until then, anything is speculation. And such, the urgency of caution."

Nodding in agreement.

Merely looking up. "It is time." Then facing me. "The time for pleasantries between the queen, her advisers, and nobles are over. It's time to learn more about that night from them however you can. Whatever decision you wish to take or decide. I will follow."

"Thanks, Zangetsu. I'll be going now."

"Later, Queen."

"..Levy." Beginning to fade from my inner world.

Waking up, I was slouched over on a table. In a room like a college classroom where students sit next to one another in a large row. Professor down below with board and essential teaching items. Giving yet another boring lecture.

"And that is why Princesses. It is important to learn, demonstrate, and show. The four points of social etiquette's, in a civilized manner. For when in the face of aristocrats or royalty, such skills will be required to show control and finesse. Take queen Faust for example. She's practically the grace and embodiment of define political class. It's virtues and ennoblement." Some guy says, dressed as a modern lecturer.

'There still at it huh? I thought being a princess meant relaxing and having fun. Not...whatever this is.' Letting loose a yarn.

Down below, three rows over. Luna and Celestia were taking notes and asking questions on such topics. Well, mostly Celestia. For she seemed to have been really interested in this. After that and two minutes of waiting, the class was over.

I started to make my way down over to them. Picking up my jacket I got back from the twins a while back. I greeted Celestia and Luna.

"You two don't mess around huh? I could barely stay awake for the first five minutes, but you both were able to stay observant the entire time. That's some serious concentration." I said.

"Well, it is one of the required tasks before us. Doing at least this much is nothing special." Celestia said, stacking her sheets.

"Speak for yourself. I didn't really get any of the fundamentals Steel Fancy was teaching. I mean, I understand we're princesses and all, but do we have to take lessons on how to dine and manners when in public eye. It's so boring." Luna said, sagging her shoulders.

"If it's that boring Princess Luna, perhaps tomorrow we'll practice more first hand on political and greeting courtesies." Fancy said at his desk preparing to leave. "I'll make sure the next lesson is so invigorating and grueling, that you'll be speaking in royal Canterlot tongue. Forever." Eyes closed, smiling a fake smile. Then heading out first. Not even bothering to wait.

As the fear on Luna's face, said otherwise.

"That sounds like fun. I can hardly wait on what he's gonna teach us." Following next.

"Nooo~!!" She finally cries in disbelief. "Sir Fancy, wait." Running behind her sister and teacher.

Blinking. "Heh. Just gonna be one of those days huh." Stepping out of the room last. A bit of amusement in my steps.

'Time to see the wizard.'

Walking through the corridors of Canterlot castle, I made my way over to Starswirl's library. Or more like lair by this point, if I'm being honest. As I had something to discuss with him. Upon entry, passing by wooden oak doors containing an insignia of a purple star, gleaming. And within...

Hundreds. If not thousands of hard covered books and scrolls, stacked the shelves of this illustrious place. Containing, infinite knowledge, pass down through time, within. The columns too, were a cut different from the marble walls outside, as they were stretched far and had refined details of craftsmanship in them; giving those who entered the impression of a historic look. And many desks as far I the eye could see, mostly filled this knowledgeable sanctuary, but what always caught my eye whenever I entered. Was the huge magical tree in the center of it all.

It's luscious green leaves reaching and masking the ceiling, radiating a light. White lilies blossomed around off the walls and ceiling, emanating a warm and safe feel. That just staying under it is truly a beautiful sight.

Making way, I called out a name.

"Starswirl. Are you here?" Nothing. Then trying again, raising my voice slightly. "Starswirl! It's Reyna. Where ya at?"

Waiting for a couple of seconds. Instead of shouting his name for the third time in annoyance, I focused on his reiatsu. Or more specifically, his magic signature. Turns out he wasn't even here, but...

"Clover."

Jumping up to the second floor on the left and walking pass some columns and shelves. I found her sitting on the floor in a row. Reading, with dozens of books stacked around her.

"Someone likes to read." I said aloud. Catching a bookworm's attention. "Hey Clover, how ya doing?"

"Greetings Reyna. I didn't hear you come in." She says getting up and closing a book.

"I reckon you wouldn't. I was calling for Starswirl, but I'm guessing whatever you were reading had you glued to it, huh."

Smiling a sheepish smile. "Oh. Sorry. I was heavily reading about a certain type of magic. Really interesting too, if you wanna learn about it."

"Nah." Raising a hand to decline, respectfully. "I got my own way of doing things. Speaking of doing things, where's the magical wizard." I joked.

"Starswirl stepped out for a bit, however, he said he'll return soon, shortly. And that if you were to arrive before him, just to wait a bit."

"K." Was all I said. But after that. "Usually when one tends to enter a library there should at least be a receptionist at a desk out front. You know, someone to aid an individual or recognize their presence at the ready. So how come you guys don't have one?" Asking.

"Well, it's a funny story." Rubbing a cheek with an index finger.

"Do tell, I got nothing but time." Beginning to lay on the floor. Facing her as my head rested in a palm.

Smiling sheepishly again, as she sat in front. "Long story short. I was or am, practically still Starswirl's student, as he is my teacher. However, while he is the archmage of Canterlot, he only teaches a select few. The princesses, being what they are, however, are an exception. But in order to become a student of his, one is required to pass certain tests and display some form of magic. Not to mention, be in the top category of students in, the School for Gifted Mages."

"What is that. A high school?" I asked.

"High what?" Clover said confused.

'Oh right. Different world. Different form of education.'

"Nothing. Please continue." I said dismissively.

"Right." Taking a moment. "The School for Gifted Mages, is basically a school for equestrians when we're younger. Ranging from age five to eleven, which determines what class of mages we are. You see, for us children of Xele, who can access and cast magic, unlike other equestrians. We come in classes. Four in total. Think of it as a hierarchy."

Using a hand, she summons an ethereal triangle with blank slates inside. Its color an emerald green, matching Clover's hair.

"Nice color." I said amuse.

"Thanks. Anyway, I'll use this to demonstrate more in depth." A red bar appears in the triangle, at the bottom. "This here represents the lowest class. In other words, low or common class mages. They only know the basics of spell casting. Such as levitation, pyrokinesis, and a few minor things. Next.." A blue bar stood over the red.

"..this class and others have names based on category, unlike the common class. The blue one here is for rares like me. We're called the Galen class for we display more concentration of magic and have a knack for it. All mages like me from our childhood days start off like this. However, that means we have enough potential to grow out from this. Above that, is a class fit for our archmage and a few others who did." A purple bar smaller than the blue was placed over it.

"Magi, the epic class of mages. Who are considered to achieve and do incomprehensible feats. And it is recorded in the record halls, that the youngest mage to ever make it at this level of class, was only thirty-four. To be even considered one or make it, you'd have to be around fifty. Not to mention, how hard it is to achieve." In awe, she said. "And due to their potential, the queen herself elected them as the next royal adviser and archmage.

"...and by your enthusiastic look, it was Starswirl."

Nodding.

"Then if he's a magi...what class is above him?" I asked.

"Legend." A smaller orange bar filled the top.

"Legend?" I dumbly repeated.

"Queen Faust's class. Commonly known by few names and scripts, but one that stuck out the most. Heaven's Ascension.

"That sounds badass! Tell me more." Sitting upright. Full attention.

Taken aback. "W-well. I really don't know much about it nor is there any leads to go on. Well, except the queen herself, but basically...it's mainly about her. You know. Godhood. Divinity. All that."

"Then what about the princesses. Are they in this ascension class too? Asking.

"I~II. Don't know. But if I had to guess. No. At least, not yet anyway." She looked unsure. "I mean their magical energies are around a magi's level, but nowhere near close to the queen's basic output. So, stand to reason. I don't think so." Placing a finger near her lips. Thinking.

Starting to wonder about myself. Thoughts began plaguing my mind.

'Death is a god. In fact, the greatest if anything. Cause well..'

'She's death?'

'Exactly. She's the end to everything. So does that mean I'm like the celestial sisters in a way?'

'Well, we both know you're not human. And like the old man was saying. Your something new in this world. What does it even matter.'

'...just curious is all.' A thought to come back to.

"Please continue." The ball rolling once more.

"Right. My teacher Starswirl, as kind and caring as he is. Only accepted a few students who had potential. I included. Thus, making us his pupils. In return of him teaching us different forms of magic, and access to the public parts of his studies and the castle's library. We were expected to manage this place at all times and strictly follow his guidelines. However, some time back, the seniors he overseer, broke some sort of rule of his. Something that had him so upset. So angry. Furious even, that he expelled them from the premises immediately. Even worse, he no longer takes on any new students and slightly withdrew his teachings. Fearing history will repeat itself.

At least, that's what I think." A look of doubt barely hidden.

"But what was the rule they broke? And what about you?" Interested somewhat.

"Sorry, but I don't have the answer to that. He never speaks on the subject. Ever, with anyone. Not even Platinum or the other council members know what may have transpired. Only the queen and teacher know that secret. I, however, was the last generation of students he had. Or still might be. Again, it's confusing really. Everyone else up and gone as time went on to do their own thing, but I remained. Mostly because of my brother Cloud." She paused. Before clasping her hands, thumps fiddling. "He was the best. It's because of him that I'm even here now, under Platinum and teacher's wing."

"Sounds like you admire him."

"I did. More than you can imagine."

A shift in energy as the emerald light in the air crumbles into dismay.

'..what is this.' I examined Clover. In return, she just smiles. An unbothered atmosphere around her. A facade. A look.

Seen clearly through.

Smiling back. I leaned up against the shelves. As if tired.

'Your another tragic tale, huh...Clover.'

~<>~

After some time of silence between us, I was alerted by Starswirl's energy. Meaning that he finally arrived. Rising up, I walked over to the side of a railing. In complete view of the wizard, I blew a whistle to get his attention. In kind, he looked up and greeted.

"Hope I haven't kept you long. Had some errands I needed to run. Where's Clover? Still reading I presume?"

Looking over a shoulder, there she was, walking behind close.

Reaching the rail. "Hello, teacher. How are you?"

"Fine Clover. I trust you kept our guest entertained while I was away."

"She did." I replied. "I got to know a bit about her and this whole magic hierarchy thing you people got. So how does it feel to be a magi? Pretty sweet right."

"If you mean total manipulation of the elements, complete control of the holy arts, and memorization to hundreds of spells and conjuring techniques. Then yes." A flash took his place as he disappears. "It is sweet."

A bell, chingles.

Head whipping around fast, catching a glimpse of his trademark hat.

"What's the matter. You act as though you've never seen a grand mage before." A cocky grin showing on his face.

Going along. "Can't say that I have. Especially one who named himself after his hat. Starswirl. Really? Is it because your hat is full of swirling stars or-." Sprinkling my fingers out wide before me, for dramatic effect and voice of wonder. "-is it because your just one big expansion of the cosmos, full of wonder and mystery."

"...I like that. Let's go with the second one." A pose he took out of a manga book. Chin in hand. Eyes slit, dashingly. A conceited smile telling the world in a bold statement.

Look at me now.

"I bet you do." We three laughed. Till the fit began dying down.

"Now then...is it ready?" Tone serious.

Grabbing his hat by the front. Then lowering ever more, a creped smile was all that show.

"Why don't I show you." With a simple gesture. Staff in hand and end piece, simply touching the floor. A rune of sorts with magical markings appear beneath us. And in a moments notice, the area before me changed.

Blinking, we were in a recognizable part of the castle, I had once passed through. The floor and walls itself were a dark shade of color marble. Swords, shields, lances, and other weapons laid on racks. Wooden dummies placed around. Knights sparring against one another on small stages. But the major scene was of the large fighting ring in the middle of everything; under a dome, where light briskly showed through.

Breathing in. "Aah~ the barracks. Haven't been here in a while. So this is where you built it." Briefly facing Starswirl.

"Thought you could use the light work out before you went inside." Shoulders shrugging. "Plus, there's nowhere else in the castle really, fit for such a stage."

"That and because it would make a perfect training ground for the princesses when the queen deems them older." A familiar commander says. Approaching from the left.

"So you were in on it too, huh?" In a teasing tone. "Aren't you worried I might show up everyone else present, if I started training here. Commander." Facing him. "I wouldn't want them to feel a bit outclassed."

"Ho?" A peek of merriment in his gaze, as he spoke. "Showing up the equestrian military force?" Thinking. "I guess you could, given the outfit you wear. I'm sure fighting half-naked on a field or stage will earn you a lot of onlookers. Maybe even some fans from most of the men here. That'll really boil the women's morale in the garrison." He laughed.

"That isn't funny sir. We have pride in what we wear." Private Pansy says, beside him. "And I'm sure Reyna has some pride too in what she dawns, even if it is a bit revealing..." Last part said with an angry, red blush, scowl.

'Some pride? Now that's funny.' I couldn't stop the grin coming.

"Hey, I have plenty of pride in what I wear. That being said, I can't help it if I look good when I'm in the middle of a fight. I just do." Arms opening with a nonchalant shrug. "But seriously, a girl can only wait for so long. Where's the surprise at already." Turning to the archmage.

With his staff again, he points in the direction of a door.

"It was almost challenging, making something of this scale...but easy none the less and quite fun. Beyond those doors is an artificial realm you've requested, designed from your specification and ideas, along with my own."

"Then what are we waiting for. I can't wait to see it." Anticipation spurring these legs forward.

As we gathered at the door, I grabbed both handles and drifted open the entrance to the new training ground, fit for me.

Taking a step in, the others followed suit behind as we went down a flight of stairs.

Halfway down. "Starswirl." I said in disbelief, too stunned by the soft gentle touch of a breeze, passing me. "You wondrous wizard." Ecstatic in tone and feral grin showing, I jumped off the stairs in pleasure.

Transforming one time as the inner wolf came out to play.

Landing on the ground's surface with a thud, I immediately started to kick off into a mad sprint. Heading towards the nearest large rock formation in sight.

At full speed, I didn't stop. I continued as my feet were scaling the surface of it. Reaching the top in no time and remembering my last trick, from a few weeks ago, I kicked off from the top. Flying back.

The blue sky and clouds. The rustle of wind playing with my ears. Arms held out wide, by my sides and Zangetsu on my back. Had me at peace.

However, looking ahead and destination in sight. I flipped back onto the surface of the entrance, where the stairs lead. Skidding to a halt. Getting a clear view of the whole place.

And a view it was.

"Reyna!" I heard my name shouted in unison by the others.

Walking to the edge, I looked down to the group seeing shocked faces. Except for the one, staring intently. Starswirl's.

"...what?" I said with an awkward smile.

No one responding.

Kneeling, I waved at them. "Hi, my name's Reyna Beatrix. What's yours. Hmm? What's that?" Pretending to have a conversation with myself. "Oh, pleased to meet you silence. Huh, what's their deal? I don't know, their just...silent." Waiting for a reaction by the onlookers.

"Ugh." Hurricane rolled his eyes. "If that was a lame attempt at a joke, you pass." Crossing his cladded arms.

"At least I wasn't staring blank slate, like a fish out of water." Retorting.

"Well excuse me if your sudden transformation and running around had me dumbstruck. It is the first time we're meeting like this."

"Your hair..and eyes..." Clover drifted. Pointing a finger.

"So this is what Princess Luna witnessed. I really shouldn't be too surprised, but for some reason, I can't quit looking." Pansy says next.

"Astonishing." Starswirl says summoning ink and paper. Then scribbling something down on parchment. "Strange magic indeed." He says studying me. "If you don't mind my asking Reyna, but why do you resemble that of a wolf? Much closely, to one of the creature's of the Everfree?"

"What do you mean teacher."

"Her eyes and ears like you pointed out Clover. Don't they remind you of anything? Not too mention the tail as well. It's almost like she's related to that of a-"

"A timberwolf." Hurricane timed in. "I had the same impression when I first saw her but thought nothing of it. Now, I'm not too sure."

Waiting for a response the group looked towards me.

'Timberwolf? There lumping me with that tree bark thing. Good thing I read up on the creatures of the forest.'

Sensing the truth was important, I reasonably explained.

"Don't know."

But by their face's expression, they weren't having it.

Sitting over the edge by this point. Zangetsu beside me. "Look, I've never seen a timberwolf before, so asking me why I resemble it is a bit beyond me. However, I can answer why I look like a wolf." Another lie in place for moments like these.

Patiently waiting this time with interests and Star, ready with quill and ink.

"You could say it's my spirit animal. My other self. The me that's more fierce and strong, but also because of the necklace you've all seen me wear." Reverting back as the white band engulfs me, thus having Zangetsu disappear. However, still sitting with a hand smoothing over the silver frame of my necklace. "This is the source of my transformation. And power." I clearly emphasized.

"Source of your power?" Star said to himself.

"This is a treasured item that's been in my family for hundreds of years; containing all their memories and adventurers within. And later, was passed down to me by my father. A gift, he handed me...since my tenth birthday." Squeezing the frame tighter, as an old wound in my chest, ache. "It's the only thing I have left to remember them.....of him." Not sure why I said that.

Shrugging it off before they could notice.

"If you have any more questions, I'll answer later. I prefer to get my training started." Beginning to rise. "In peace."

Looking at one another, Hurricane was the first to move.

"And here I was hoping to spectate, oh well. Have fun." Waving, as he headed up the steps beneath me. Clover and Pansy following close behind. Right after they said their farewells, leaving Starswirl and I a brief moment alone. When next he appeared beside me on the platform, gazing out.

I didn't flinch from the unexpected teleportation. For he got me once with it. He won't again.

"You alright?" He asks.

"Why wouldn't I be." Looking my left.

Facing me, he opened his mouth to reply. Then what felt like a long time, he closed it again, for the words weren't there. With nothing else to do we both took in the view and comfort of the training ground.

Another scenery I'm all but used too, for it reminded me a little bit of Tartarus, except this time. There were actual vibrant colors around that weren't gloomy.

With nothing else, I asked Star if there were any new features to the training ground that I was unfamiliar with. Which he then explained to me some important things. Like a few keywords or commands; which could either fix back the structures of this place, manipulate gravity for physical endurance, magic combat training sessions, along with a few other things. There was also a hot spring somewhere around with a little R&R center. An ideal set up I liked.

Feeling it was time, he said goodbye and was gone in a fwoosh. Leaving me alone with my own thoughts.

'....I really need to learn how to do that.'

Finally, without any prying eyes. A band of white masked me leaving behind a shinigami of a wolf-like nature. Ready to find out exactly, what she's capable of.

'How about something light.' Calling a command word.

"Silenorus!" I waited patiently for something to happen, but nothing did. So I eventually called the word for the second time. Wondering if I mispronounced.

Instantly, this time, I felt a slight change to my sense of balance, but not enough to the point for it to affect me. Unsheathing Zangetsu and holstering him forward in front, with an arm, there was something different about him. A different feeling in the handle. So I repeated the word.

"Silenorus." Another shift in balance. "So that's it." Gripping tighter. I swung Zangetsu around noticing his increased weight with every strike or thrust. "Silenorus." Heavy pressure added again. But this time I kept the pace. Practicing my sword skills even more under this tension.

"Silenorus. Silenorus. Silenorus. Silenorus! Silenorus!" As soon as I called those five words, the burden already on me had increased, leaving me to believe I was buried head to toe, in sand. It was quite strenuous but felt good too. My body craved for it. Even the muscles I never knew I had started to writhe in pleasure.

'Gravity command huh, not bad Star.'

After a good couple of hours testing this, trickle of sweats was starting to obscure my vision. Wiping them away I took a quick break. Which I'm glad I did. Cause up in the air was some sort of purple rune with numbers I could read.

Upon closer inspection, it held a g scale, along with a number of 10.206. Basic gravity level. Next, to that, my eyes slammed open wide.

"Twenty-eight. Twenty-eight times gravity! That's what's been weighing over me!!" I said in disbelief.

Back on earth, the normal gravity human beings could handle was about nine point eight, but here on this world, it's over ten. Not to mention the fact that at least doing five or six times normal gravity here, could kill a normal person. But here I was doing something impossibly crazy.

"Twenty-eight." Again shocked, but instead, I found humor to this. 'I'm really not human anymore huh?!' Cracking up from everything that's transpired, give or take, these lasts ninety milleniums.

"It's funny. All of it is. Earth. Hell. This world called Equus. The concept of death and demons and monsters and human beings. It's just so damn funny!" Weeping lighthearted tears.

'Uh, you okay queen?' My hollow asks. 'Cause if your starting to go all looney on me, then maybe you should have done that when you were, ya know, dead.'

Responding with hubris. "I'm fine Levy. In fact, better than fine. It just finally hit me, is all."

'..what did?' Sounding almost worried.

Wiping away a tear and with an open eye. "That I'm gonna have so much fun here."