The Phoenix's Guardian

I whistled to myself as I walked towards CHS. The girls were hosting a carwash to raise money for the Camp Everfree trip. Having just found out that we were having the fundraiser last week, I was unable to cancel my trip through the portal to visit the Equestrian Rarity.

Approaching the school, I waved to the girls who were already hard at work.

“Mornin’ girls! Having fun yet?” I asked with a smile as I walked up to where they had set up for the day.

“Loads.” Rainbow Dash said, rubbing her eyes.

We all chuckled at her reluctance to get up earlier than she had to.

“So, off to see the Princess?” Sunset asked.

“The Enchantress actually, but yes I supposed I will see a princess or two while I am there.” I replied sweeping her into a hug.

“Well have fun.” Sunset replied. “Try not to set anyone on fire.” She added.

I rolled my eyes. “That happened once! And her hair has grown back nicely! Hasn’t it Rainbow Dash?” I said in exasperation.

“Yup! No big deal, and I learned not to spook you when you have those bracelets on.” Dash replied with a chuckle.

“See, no hard feelings. Besides, my magic might not even work on that side of the portal.” I replied, wrapping my arm around Sunset’s shoulders. “By the way, where is Twilight?” I asked.

Sunset pointed at the bus stop, where Twilight had just gotten off the bus.

We all waved and called out to here as she hurried across the street.

“Hi girls! Everything ready?” She asked once she got close to us.

“Yup, though Talisman is ducking out on us.” Applejack drawled.

“Hey, I had planned this weeks ago. Kinda hard to cancel plans for things across realities. Plus, ask Rarity how upset she would be if someone cancelled at the last minute when she had planned a good chunk of her day around them.” I replied.

“She’s right Applejack.” Rarity replied. “I would be most upset if a client were to cancel at the last minute and I don’t have my own business like my counterpart does. Not to mention the fact that she apparently has celebrity clients that she designs for. Anyone who delays working on those projects due to a no show would be on a blacklist.” She said.

At that, I bid my friends goodbye and headed to the statue containing the portal with Sunset and Twilight.

“So you’ll be back tomorrow?” Sunset asked.

I nodded. “Barring any unforeseen issues, yes. If something comes up, I will let you know.” I said giving her a hug and a kiss.

“Did you pack a camera?” Twilight asked.

“I did. Both video and still cameras. I also have extra batteries for both. Charged them yesterday.” I replied, sweeping her into a hug and giving her a kiss as well, causing her to blush and Sunset to smile.

Stepping back, I smiled at the pair and said, “See ya tomorrow.”

Turning towards the statue, I took a deep breath and placed my hand on the surface, causing it to ripple. With one last glance at my girlfriends, I smiled and winked before stepping through the portal.

The transition was interesting to say the least. I would probably compare it to the pulling of taffy. On the other side my now bare feet hit the crystal floor of Princess Twilight’s castle.

“Talisman?” I hear as I blink the spots from my eyes.

Looking around, I spot Twilight standing in front of me in a modest gown.

“Hi ya Twilight. How are you today?” I asked with a wave, making note of the fact I now have a tail and my ears have relocated to the top of my head.

“A little surprised actually.” She replied.

“Oh, and why is that?” I asked.

She merely pointed at the mirror behind me that served as the Equestrian side of the portal.

Turning, my jaw dropped as I took in my reflection.

“Huh, looks like Fluttershy won that bet.” I said.

Rather than a pony, I had been turned into a bipedal wolf. My fur was brown and grey, with the longer head fur in the warrior braid I had put it in this morning now a two tone brown and grey as well. My clothing hadn’t changed much, with a hole in my skirt for my tail, which came down to just past my knees, and my knee high socks ended just above my paws and had a small hole at my ‘ankles’.

Turning this way and that, I nodded.

“Unexpected, but not a bad look.” I said before turning to Twilight.

The alicorn shook herself.

“It is unexpected, but I think it is fitting from what I know about you from meeting you and Sunset’s letters.” She said with a smile.

I smiled back, careful not to bare my now very aggressive looking fangs.

“So, I do believe that Rarity is expecting me?” I said.

Soon we were walking through the streets of Ponyville towards the Carousel Boutique. Many of the ponies were giving me wary looks, not that I was surprised. I was a six foot tall wolf. But the sight of me talking and joking with Twilight set most of them at ease as they returned to their business.

Upon reaching Rarity’s shop, I looked askance at the building, shaking my head before following Twilight in, where we were greeted by the proprietor.

“Hello Twilight, and who is this?” Rarity asked.

“This is Talisman. She is from the world where Sunset lives.” Twilight replied.

“Hello Miss Rarity. It is a pleasure to meet you.” I said offering my hand, giving the mare a gentle handshake.

“A pleasure darling. So what is it that I can do for you today? Twilight mentioned you needed some clothing enchanted.” Rarity said.

“Well, what has Twilight told you about me?” I asked as I set my bag down on the floor.

“Other than you were able to help Sunset with the nastiness that was going on and that you have your own unique brand of magic.” Rarity replied.

“Well, believe it or not, I started out as male. However after an offhand comment by Sunset I started crossdressing. The best we can figure is that my magic decided to adjust my body to fit my new persona, but left me with my male bits. So the request is to enchant my undergarments and some swimwear so that it fits better and there is no visible bulge.” I replied, smirking internally as Rarity and Twilight’s cheeks reddened through their fur.

Rarity coughed lightly to clear her throat. “I see. Do you have the items you wish to have enchanted?” She asked.

“I do.” I said as I kneeled down and opened my bag to pull out a smaller bag with everything that I needed to have enchanted, as well as a smaller bag.

“Here are all the clothes that I need to have enchanted. Also, could you add an enchantment for durability as well? Clothing tends to wear out after a few months of washing and wearing, even when you rotate them out.” I inquired.

“Certainly darling.” Rarity said as she moved over to her work area and began pulling the underwear and swimsuits from the bag. “I have actually made a few garments like this for stallions that embrace their feminine side.” She added.

“Like Big Macintosh?” Twilight said with a smile.

“Twilight darling, you know that I don’t discuss the private requests of clients.” Rarity said in a chastising tone.

I looked at Twilight. “Sounds like quite a story there.” I said.

Twilight nodded and told me about the last Sisterhooves Social that had occurred while Applejack was away and ‘Cousin Tangerine’ had showed up.

I shook my head with a smile. “Having met the Big Mac on the other side of the portal, I find that hard to visualize. Still hilarious though.” I said before turning to Rarity. “Now, since I know that time as a business owner, especially in your field, is valuable. I asked Sunset about the different precious metals that are available and their relative values. So I brought a kilogram of platinum as payment.” I said as I set the smaller bag on the table, the ingots inside clinking slightly.

Rarity’s widened as she moved over and opened the bag.

“Talisman, I can’t accept this. This is a small fortune here.” She said, her voice faint.

I smiled. “So much like your counterpart.” I said as I placed my hands on hers, gently pushing them down onto the bag of precious metal. “I was told that you recently opened a new location in Canterlot. Given what Sunset told me, platinum is even rarer here than it is on our side of the portal. I myself am not hurting for money due to a very well invested trust fund and my parent’s investments before they passed. While this is a lot of money, I spread out the purchases to ease the pain. If you won’t accept it as payment, then think of it as an investment.” I said.

“An investment?” Rarity asked.

I nodded before walking over to a dress form. “You do marvelous work Rarity. Both of you do really, though your work shows your experience, which isn’t all that surprising given that you are several years older than your counterpart and have had time to perfect your trade. Magic helps as well I would assume.” I said. “Think of it this way. An investment such as this will allow you to buy the shop in Canterlot outright and not have a lease or a note from the bank over your head. Then you can open up other boutiques in other major cities where you would have a clientele.” I further explained.

Rarity smiled as her eyes glistened. “Thank you. That is one of the things that I worry about. This will certainly ease my stress and worries.” She said walking around to give me a hug which I readily returned.

I smiled after we separated. “Well, unless you have anymore questions, I think Twilight and I will get out of your mane so you can work.” I said.

“There is one thing darling.” Rarity said, an appraising look in her eye.

“Measurements?” I asked.

“Measurements.” She said firmly.

I shook my head and followed Rarity behind a divider and she took my measurements.

After I redressed, I headed to my bag and pulled out my still camera.

“Rarity, would you mind if I took your photo? My friends are wanting to see what you all look like over here.” I said, holding up the camera.

“Certainly darling.” Rarity replied.

Smiling I turned on the camera and snapped a couple of photos of the fashionista.

As I put the camera away, Rarity spoke up.

“Talisman, how do I compare to the Rarity on the other side of the portal?” She inquired.

I smiled as I pulled out a few photos that I had printed up.

“Well for starters, as I said you are older than her by several years, which gives you a fair bit more maturity than her. You have taken you knocks and sprung back from them. She has a few more years to get to your level.” I said as I showed her a photo of her counterpart. “As far as physically, you are taller than her and as you can see, you have more defined curves than she does. But she is still growing and developing physically, so she could catch up to you. In short, you are both very beautiful women who anyone would be lucky to be with.” I said.

“Laying it on a bit thick, are we?” Rarity said with a raise eyebrow and a smile.

I shrugged. “Maybe, but it is the truth.” I replied.

After leaving Rarity’s, we headed to the market, where we met Applejack and Big Mac.

“Howdy Twilight! Who is this?” The farmer greeted.

“The name’s Talisman Stryke. Pleased to meet you.” I said giving the earth pony a firm handshake.

“Nice ta meet ya too Talisman. Where are ya from?” She asked.

“Through the portal. I had need of Rarity’s enchanting services and came to see her.” I replied as I perused her produce.

Applejack’s eyes widened. “Are you sure it’s safe for you to be here sugarcube?” She asked worriedly.

“Shouldn’t be an issue unless I run into a counterpart that was sent to this world like I was to the other world.” I replied. “Given the circumstances, I should be a unique individual in both worlds.”

Applejack nodded. “That’s a relief. Twilight said it would be a bad idea for us to go there and for them to come here, and I believe her.” She said, tilting her stetson back.

I nodded. “Goddess forbid there are two Pinkie Pies in one place. One is hard enough to keep up with.” I said, noting a shudder that passed through the three. “That’s happened here I take it?”

They nodded.

“My condolences to your sanity.” I said. “Moving on, do you mind if I get a couple of pictures?” I said patting the camera that hung around my neck.

“That’s a camera?” Applejack asked.

I nodded. “Cameras have come a long way on the other side. They come smaller than this, but I find this style takes a better photo. Also, they don’t use film anymore outside of certain fields that still use it.” I said as I pulled out the memory card. “This little card can store several thousand photos that you can print out from home. The girls were wanting to see what this world is like and how you all looked. So I said I would get some pictures.” I said as I put the card back into the camera.

“Well, don’t that beat all. Sure, you can take some pictures. I admit though that I am curious myself.” Applejack said as I snapped a couple of pictures of her and Big Mac.

I pulled out the photo album and turned to some of the pictures of Applejack and her family, minus Applebloom, at their farm.

“Where is Applebloom? Twilight said there was one there.” Applejack asked, noting the missing girl.

I sighed and explained the situation.

“Stars above and I thought the Gabby Gums thing was bad. How long are they gonna be locked up?” Applejack asked.

I shrugged. “It depends. They keep their noses clean and behave themselves, they might get out before they turn eighteen. Depends upon the judge.” I replied. We chatted for a few more minutes before we headed towards Sugarcube Corner, me snapping pictures and Twilight providing a commentary as we walked along.

Entering the bakery, I made sure to get plenty of photos of the outside, a bell rang over the door.

Looking around, I could instantly see the difference from our after school hang out. Polished wooden floors and hand crafted tables and chairs adorned the space and a tasteful wallpaper covered the walls.

“Good afternoon Princess Twilight. Who’s your friend?” The stallion at the counter, Carrot Cake I presumed, said.

“Good afternoon Mr. Cake. This is Talisman. She is from out of town.” Twilight said.

“Well hello Miss Talisman. See anything you like?” He said, gesturing to the display case.

I looked at Twilight, with a raised eyebrow.

“Go ahead Talisman. I can just use the fund for visiting dignitaries that I have for expenses.” She said with a smile.

I nodded. “Let me get one of those cinnamon rolls and a cappuccino then.” I said gesturing to the pastry and the menu board.

“Coming right up.” Mr. Cake said as he set to work.

After Twilight ordered and we got our food and drinks, we sat down in one of the booths.

“So what do you think of Equestria so far Talisman?” Twilight asked as she nibbled on her danish.

I pulled off part of the cinnamon roll with my claws and ate it before replying.

“Its nice. The air is a whole lot cleaner than it is back home. I can actually breathe deep and not smell the pollution. That and everyone is friendly here. Most of the time there is just this haze of indifference with humans unless you are close to someone.” I replied.

“I noticed that too when I have gone through. So how has the change been treating you?” Twilight asked.

I grimaced. “Well, first off, it was a very uncomfortable experience. One’s anatomy rearranging and bones changing configuration is never fun. Also the first few monthly cycles were unpleasant.” I said.

Twilight cocked her head to the side. “Monthly cycles?” She asked.

I looked at her strangely for a moment before Sunset’s explanation on the different physiologies came back.

“Ah, that’s right. Mares have estrus rather than menstruation. Be glad. Sunset has told me what estrus can be like and I have to say, being randy for a few days would be preferable to bleeding out of my crotch for a week every month.” I grumbled.

“That makes no sense.” Twilight said.

“That is what I said. It is a horrible survival adaptation. Not to mention unpleasant. Because it isn’t fresh blood, no it is partially dried and clotted blood coming out of you.” I groused.

Twilight stared at me, mouth agape, before looking at her danish, cherry as luck would have it, and pushed the plate away.

“Sorry for putting you off your snack. But you did ask, and if you were ever to come over for long enough for the hormones to settle, you would have to deal with it. Of course nature decides to be hilarious and cause groups of women that are in close proximity to each other to sync up their cycles. So you can imagine how the house is during that time of the month for Sunset and I.” I said.

Twilight shuddered, remembering Sunset’s acerbic personality when she is annoyed.

Before Twilight could reply, I sensed a disturbance in the Force, causing me to snap off a Barrier spell on reflex.

I was rewarded with a thunk and the sound of a squeaky toy oddly enough.

Turning, I saw Pinkie Pie sitting on the floor, her eyes spinning before she shook her head.

“That was mean.” She said with a pout on her face.

I smiled. “Comes from spending an average of six hours a day, five days a week, for about seven months out of the year around the Pinkie on the other side of the portal. She has made a game of it. Even did a ‘death from above’ a couple of times. Still can’t figure out how she did it.” I said, shaking my head.

“Ooooohhh. Okay, I can understand that. So who are you?” Pinkie asked as she zipped to the space next to Twilight.

“Name is Talisman Stryke. Nice to meet you.” I said, taking a sip of my drink, sticking my tongue out as it had gotten cold. Channeling energy into my Fire materia had the drink warmed back up.

“That was cool. How did you do that?” Pinkie asked.

I held up my wrist and pointed to the green marble.

“Fire Materia. It has a multitude of uses besides throwing fireballs at people who annoy me.” I said before taking a drink.

“Really? Why would you do that?” Twilight asked.

“Trixie.” I replied as I finished the last of my cinnamon roll.

“Trixie? As in the ‘Great and Powerful Trixie’?” Pinkie asked.

I nodded. “She has taken offense to my abilities with magic, not realizing that they are mostly combat focused spells, and has taken to harassing me with various cantrips.” I said.

“Like what?” Pinkie said.

“Oh, drinks switched with spring loaded snakes, my hair was blue for a week one time, more annoyances. I tried to ignore it until she some how made my voice sound like I was walking around with a cloud of helium around me. Since then it has been her pranking me in some way and I throw fireballs at her.” I said. “I may have also frozen her in a block of ice from the neck down.”

Twilight and Pinkie looked at me with shock.

“I thought magic didn’t exist on your world.” Twilight said.

“I think it does, but only certain people gain access to it. There might have been enough bleed through of Equestrian magic that some people in certain areas are born with the ability. Or it could be that someone that Starswirl chucked through the portal had kids with the natives. Or Starswirl himself went over for a bit and fathered a few sprogs every so often.” I said.

Twilight sputtered at this. “But, how? Why?”

I shrugged. “I was reading some old legends on day and found the story of a wizard called Merlin. We had a similar story on my original world. But after Sunset told me about Starswirl, I think the legends about Merlin are him coming to our world.” I replied.

At this bombshell, Twilight seemed to shut down, as though her view of the world had shattered. Pinkie and I looked at each other and shrugged before she said she had to get back to work.

Saying goodbye to her, I helped a catatonic Twilight stand up and lead her back towards her castle.

As we were heading back, I heard a quiet “Oh, my.”

Turning, I see a butter yellow pegasus mare that could only be Fluttershy.

“What happened?” She asked worriedly.

“I may have presented a theory about Starswirl that broke her. She should be fine in a bit though.” I said. “My name’s Talisman Stryke. Fluttershy, right?”

She nodded shyly, her mane falling to cover half her face.

I smiled. “Care to assist me in getting her back to the castle?” I asked.

“Oh, of course.” She said, moving to take Twilight’s other arm and we continued towards the castle.

“So where are you from Talisman? I’ve never seen anyone like you before.” Fluttershy inquired.

“I’m from the other side of the portal where Sunset Shimmer lives. I came here to get some clothes enchanted by Rarity.” I said as we entered the castle. “As far as the form I took, not sure. Though I am not complaining. A wolf seems to fit me.”

As we walked Twilight into a sitting room, a dragon with purple and green scales came around the corner with a rainbow maned pegasus.

“Twilight!” They both called out.

Fluttershy and I quickly explained the situation, prompting the dragon, Spike as I found out, to shake his head while Rainbow Dash fell out of the air laughing.

We spent the rest of the evening talking until Twilight came out of her stupor.

“Talisman, I hate you for ruining the image of my idol.” She said with a glare, causing all of us to laugh.