Today was the big day. Both ponies and foxes alike waited patiently on the platform for the train to arrive to take them to Canterlot. Twilight was talking to her friends about how they were about to make history, most of which laughed off her enthusiasm. While she was doing that Ryota, who now had a cast around his front leg, was speaking with his siblings.
“Oh boy! Today’s the big day! We’re going to meet with the goddess’ of this kingdom!” Emi chirped.
“They’re not goddess’, they're princesses for some reason,” Reiko corrected.
“Yes, which is why I expect everybody to be on their best behavior today. We don’t want them to think we’re a threat,” Ryota said.
His siblings all muttered in agreement.
“Kichiro, what did I just say?” Ryota asked, making sure his irregular little brother understood.
“Be on our best behavior, don’t kiss anyone without permission, yadda yadda,” Kichiro replied.
“I’m serious,” Ryota asserted.
“Of course you are. When are you not serious?” Kichiro retorted. “We’re only meeting with creatures who could potentially annihilate us with a blast of their long, firm, horns. No big deal.”
“Eh, it kind of sounds like a big deal,” Emi said.
“We don’t want to give off the wrong idea about us. It’s important that we make a good impression,” Ryota said.
“And what better way to do that than with a little cultural exchange,” Kichiro replied as he pulled out a present from behind.
Ryota eyed the present, this all felt too familiar to him. He approached the box and gently lifted the lid to peek inside, where he found a dead rat lying there. Once the closed again Ryota stared blankly at Kichiro, who had an innocent smile across his face.
“Get. Rid,” Ryota ordered.
“Fine. Killjoy,” Kichiro groaned.
He took the rat corpse out of the box and tossed it over his head, where Emi spotted it and caught it in her mouth. She giggled as she devoured the dead rat while Ryota sighed.
“By the way, Ryo, you sure you should be walking on that leg? It looks as though it could snap at any moment like an anorexic chickens spine,” Kichiro wondered.
Ryota lifted up his cast and examined it, everything was still intact.
“It will be fine. I actually feel a lot better today,” Ryota replied.
“How? It’s only been a week,” Reiko pointed out.
“Yeah, but Applejacks home remedies and Twilight’s healing magic does wonders,” Ryota explained.
“Getting fixed up by two girls? Not a smart idea, that’s how tails are lost, you know,” Reiko teased.
Ryota didn’t even bother with a retort and let out a low groan. While that was going on, Twilight was discussing a certain issue with Fluttershy.
“Do you really think that’s fair, Fluttershy?” Twilight wondered.
“I mean, the way she went about it was very mean,” Fluttershy replied.
“It sounded like she was just looking for some grub to me,” Applejack said.
“And how is that any different from when you feed your other animals fish and stuff?” Spike added.
“Yes. I have been thinking about our encounter the other day. And I am starting to feel bad. Was I too harsh? Oh, I hope I didn’t hurt her feelings,” Fluttershy said, worried.
“Nobody is to blame here. You can talk to her after the meeting if that makes you feel better,” Twilight assured.
“Didn’t we come to an agreement on this? I thought this issue was resolved,” Starlight wondered.
“Yeah, but obviously Flutters still feels guilty about it,” Rainbow replied.
“I just hope she’s willing to listen,” Fluttershy said.
Twilight turned to see the foxes talking to one another.
“I’m going to go check on them,” Twilight said as she walked over to the foxes.
Ryota noticed her trotting towards them and turned to face her.
“Hello, Twilight,” Ryota greeted.
“Hey, Ryota. How’s the leg?” Twilight asked.
“Getting better. I’m able to walk on it again, more or less,” Ryota replied.
“I still can’t believe you defeated a cragadile by yourself,” Twilight said with much amusement.
“Yes, we know, you’ve said that four times already. Keep your dress on,” Reiko remarked.
Twilight shot a quick glare at Reiko and focused back on Ryota.
“Are you ready to meet the princesses? This is such a big honor you know. Not just because you’re meeting with Celestia and Luna, but also because you’re creatures that have never been seen in Equestria before. We’re making history right here!” Twilight exclaimed.
“I’m still a little nervous though. She’ll want to know where we came from,” Ryota mentioned.
“That’s understandable. Just remember what we talked about. Princess Celestia and Luna will be eager to meet you all.”
“It’s not me I’m nervous about.”
Ryota turned towards his siblings, specifically at Kichiro and Emi who was playing tug of war with the rats tail. Twilight tilted her head at this, unsure of what he meant. Reiko caught sight of this too, but she knew what Ryota concerned about.
As if on cue, the train to Canterlot pulled into the station. With a release of steam and the opening of doors, ponies exited the train and caught glimpses of the foxes. Most of them smiled with awe while others averted their gazes. Once the ponies have left, Twilight, Ryota, and the others boarded the train. The conductor gave a nervous glance towards the foxes as he collected their tickets. With everybody on board and seated, the train pulled out of the station. Their train ride to Canterlot had begun. As the train rode the rails, Ryota gazed out the window at the passing scenery.
“You sure you want to go through with this?”
Ryota turned to Reiko who was eyeing him. Not in a suspicious way, but a mix with concern and irritation. Her eyes were locked onto Ryota with an eyebrow raised.
“It’s about time we tell them about our home. There’s no point in hiding it. Especially if there’s nothing to hide,” Ryota replied.
“I know that. But what about THEM?”
Reiko motioned her head towards Kichiro and Emi who were sitting in their own seats. Kichiro was telling another one of his trickster stories to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, much to their amusement. While Emi was zig-zagging in between seats to see the passing view on both sides of the train car.
“They’ll know eventually,” Ryota said.
“But does it have to be today?” Reiko asked.
“Reiko, it’s-”
“Still too soon,” Reiko interjected. “I don’t know care if a year has passed. They shouldn’t have to go through that same experience twice.”
“Keeping the truth from them will only make things worse,” Ryota said.
“I’m not saying we should keep it from them forever, just a little longer until they’ve fully gotten used to this place. Don't show the harsh truth all at once. I mean, would you feel all happy-go-lucky if you were reminded that your original home was taken from you?” Reiko reasoned.
“They will understand, I’m sure of it.”
“How? How can you be sure they won't have another mental breakdown that can cause them even more damage? Did you look into their minds to see if they'll understand? Last time I checked, foxes can't do telepathy.”
“Reiko. They still think we’re all on vacation, that’s not a healthy mindset to have given what really happened. They deserve to know.”
“At least give them some more time to adjust. I don’t want them to break down in front of everyone, it will just make things more hurtful. If they become broken again I’m sure their brains will melt out their ears.”
Ryota thought about his sister's words, tapping his chin with his unwounded paw. He couldn’t deny that Reiko had a point.
“Denying them the truth won’t make the pain any easier,” Ryota said.
Reiko let out a low growl. She knew better than to try and convince him.
“But it doesn’t have to be today.”
Her ears perked up and she turned towards Ryota again.
“We will have to tell them at some point, but for now they can believe whatever they want to believe,” Ryota added.
Reiko relaxed upon hearing those words, as it was so rare for something to go her way.
“It’s reassuring to know you do care for their happiness,” Ryota finished.
“One of us has to,” Reiko replied and walked back to her seat.
Ryota let out another sigh and returned to his daydreaming as he gazed out the window again. After some time, the train finally made it to Canterlot and pulled into the station. The foxes looked out at the city before them, Kichiro and Emi especially had their jaws open, unable to take their eyes away from the sight.
“Whoa,” they said.
“I know, right?” Spike replied.
“Welcome to Canterlot!” Twilight announced.
They all exited off the train and onto the platform where they took in their new surroundings. Once everybody was together, the foxes and ponies made their way to Celestia’s castle. The foxes marveled at the luxurious city around themselves, they all spun their heads around and gazed at all of the buildings, making sure they got a good view of everything. Twilight couldn’t help but giggle at how wide-eyed the foxes were.
“You ponies built this place?” Reiko wondered.
“Pretty amazing, isn’t it?” Starlight asked back.
“Eh, it’s alright,” Reiko quickly replied as she tried to hide her delight.
Starlight chuckled at Reiko’s quick and denied answer.
“It’s beautiful,” Ryota admired.
“Of course it is. Nothing but luxury in Canterlot. Oh, I must show you the Canterlot Carousel and Tasty Treat some time,” Rarity mused.
“One thing at a time, Rares. We don’t want to overwhelm them now,” Applejack said.
“I don’t mind the overwhelming. In fact, I’ll take all of the whelms! Give them to me!” Emi chirped.
As they were walking, they caught glimpses from some of the Canterlot nobles. While they all recognized Twilight and her friends, none of them could figure out the foxes. They all stared at the new creatures with curiosity and a little concern. Most of them muttered to each other, questioning who and what the foxes were. While others whispered about the arrival of new creatures.
“Are those foxes?”
“I didn’t know Equestria had foxes these.”
“Look at their tails. They’re so pretty.”
“They better not plan to invade us.”
“Quiet, Gem, they’ll hear you.”
“What strange creatures.”
The foxes noticed some of the comments they were getting but they ignored them. It was only natural that the nobles would be nervous about them.
“I’m getting some serious Deja vu here,” Reiko said.
“Why didn’t we land here?” Kichiro asked as he winked at some Canterlot mares. “This place is much more stunning.”
“Yeah, the city is stunning,” Rainbow said, sarcastically.
Finally, the ponies and foxes reached the castle. The guards let them in while giving their own nervous stares at the foxes. Twilight led them through the halls until they reached a huge set of doors. Ryota could feel his heartbeat racing, beating faster with every step. He breathed in and exhaled before he approached the doors.
“Are you four ready?” Twilight asked.
“Yes,” Ryota replied.
“Whatever,” Reiko muttered.
“Of course,” Kichiro said.
“No!” Emi exclaimed. “Wait, can I change my answer?”
Twilight opened up the doors with her magic. There, waiting on their thrones were Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. They sat there with welcoming smiles on their faces with the manes and tails flowing. Ryota’s eyes widened, his heart skipped a full beat. He and his siblings began to approach the princesses, as they did they noticed the many stained glass windows in the room, some of which contained images of Twilight and her friends. Reiko averted her gaze from the windows, she felt as though she didn’t need to see more than one Twilight. The others were filled with nervous bugs as they walked closer towards the princesses. Kichiro leaned towards Reiko during their walk.
“Am I the only one getting moody teenager vibes from the blue one?” he whispered.
“Shut it! Don’t screw this up for us,” Reiko hissed.
The foxes now stood in front of the rulers of Equestria. Celestia and Luna smiled down at the newcomers, showing no signs of hostility.
“You must be the four foxes Twilight told me about. Welcome to Equestria,” Celestia greeted.
“We are honored to finally meet you, your royal highnesses,” Ryota replied.
Just like before when they met Twilight, the foxes bowed their heads to the two alicorns. All, of course, except Reiko.
“Again with this?” she asked.
Ryota slapped her paw with his own which caused her to immediately bow her head. Celestia couldn’t help but chuckle at this. Just from one glance at the four, she could tell that this was the start of an interesting new friendship.
"History!" Twilight silently squealed.