//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 - Potions and Tricks - Pt.1 // Story: Tails of Innocence // by CommanderX5 //------------------------------// Tails of Innocence - Chapter 6 - Potions and Tricks - Pt.1 28 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return Headmaster Lightstar had always asked for his staff to come for an evaluation meeting every few months, including at the start of the new school year. It was a chance to talk about any students that were already standing out, had potential, or needed extra help to catch up with the rest of the class. Occasionally, there was a bad apple or two that needed to be disciplined, but the school was a fair place that allowed others to be given a chance. Equestria often preached the idea of giving others such second chances so it would be a crime not to practice such a principle at the school.  Teachers talked about their students often in order to find the ones who were hidden gems. Some of the students this year were bright ones that had raw talent that hadn’t been seen in years. Already a few teachers were thinking of having a few of them move up a grade, but Lightstar wanted to wait on doing such a thing at least for a few more months. Wouldn’t want students getting full of themselves. After that, it was time to talk about the students who weren’t doing so well. Some of them had barely managed to enter through the entrance exams and it was clear that the school was pushing them harder than they could handle. Not every unicorn could handle the tough curriculum of the Academy. Some chalked it up to nerves, others to learning disabilities, while some were even thinking they cheated the entrance exams. Again, it was decided to wait a few months before doing any serious action, but Lightstar had agreed to give them extra help to get them to start improving. Plenty of students are late bloomers, no need to worry.  Of course, the one thing that everyone was talking about, and the student that Lightstar was most interested in was Kyuubi. It had been three hundred years since a personal student of Princess Celestia had wandered the halls of the Academy, but this was the first time a non-pony creature was doing so. Naturally, the EEA had been up in arms about this, stating that tradition dictated that only unicorns could enter into the Academy; mostly thanks to the new Chancellor Neighsay.  However, Princess Celestia was the supreme authority in Equestria and her word was law. If she said her student was going to school, then not even the EEA could challenge it without a solid reason. As long as her student would behave and not stand out much, the EEA wouldn’t have solid arguments against her. The EEA wasn’t the only challenge though, he had gotten multiple letters from noble families who were angry that such a “pet” was given not only the privilege of attending the best magical Academy in Equestria, but was interacting with their fillies and colts. While some of the teachers agreed with them, feeling more confused than anything else, they thankfully kept everything professional. And I wouldn’t expect anything less from my staff. “So, I’d like to hear your thoughts about Kyuubi. Mrs. Burstbeam, you have her homeroom, correct? What can you tell me about her?” Headmaster Lightstar asked, leaning forward on his side of the table. “To be honest, I find her both innocent and adorable,” Mrs. Burstbeam, a long time veteran of the school answered. Pushing aside some of her white-bluish mane, the dark pink unicorn continued, “At first, I was unsure of what to think of her. I certainly did jump when she suddenly talked to me in my head. Telepathy is an advanced art in and of itself, but she uses it like we use our voices for talking.” A few nodded their heads in agreement. More than one teacher had been stunned to hear Kyuubi’s voice in their minds.  “However, once you get past that and her sizable appearance, you find her no different than any ordinary child,” Mrs. Burstbeam said, smiling. “She’s very curious about our way of magic and our history, often asking me questions about even the smallest of things. She was raised originally in another country, yes?” “Yes, we don’t know where it is, but due to a teleportation spell gone wrong, she ended up in the Princess’s care,” Headmaster Lightstar answered. Not a complete lie, given she was teleported to save her life, but Princess Celestia thought it was best to keep that knowledge to as few as possible.  “Well, naturally she was the talk of the class and became very popular among the students once their fears and curiosity settled. A few still stay away from her, but thankfully there hasn’t been any bullying. She does have two very close friends, Rosey Sparky and Nightbright. Both of them seem to be attached at the hip.” Well, that’s one task completed, Headmaster Lightstart thought with a satisfied smile. The Princess had been hoping Kyuubi could make a friend or two and it seemed she had done so without any trouble. “How about her magical abilities?” “I’d like to give my thoughts,” Professor Haze voiced. He was one of the newer teachers, barely  in his third year at the school, but was young and bright. Correcting his glasses, the young chocolate colored stallion gave his thoughts. “Kyuubi has a great mastery over her telekinesis abilities to the point where she can easily teach other students of her abilities. However, when it comes to learning a few other spells there are some difficulties.” The others looked at him, waiting for him to continue. “It’s not that she can’t do them, to be honest, I’m surprised she can do them at all, but she’s a bit below average on even the most basic spells. According to her, it's because out of her four tails, three specialize in various magical traits, each mastering a different field of magic, and she told me more will grow as time goes on. What she does have is a large magic pool inside of her.” “So what she lacks in variety, she makes up for in specialization and mana amount?”  Headmaster Lightstar asked. “Yes, it's sort of an interesting balance. I fear there is nothing we can technically do about this as she is of a species we know nothing about, but I suggest we treat her on a similar level as a disabled student, just without some of the benefits that she can overcome on her own.” Another teacher spoke up, getting others attention, “There is another way that Kyuubi has been getting around this issue.” Professor Astra, a middle aged white unicorn with dark yellow hair and a bunch of stars for her cutie mark, cleared her throat before continuing.  “Miss Kyuubi, who, if I may add; is surprisingly tall and old for being considered a child, seems to have a tendency of coming up with alternative versions of spells she’s taught.” She brought up a little stack of paper, asking the teachers to spread a written list of spells, one copy for each teacher. “For example, a simple fire spell that most students learn in a matter of days. After two months of struggle, she summoned a fire that is warm, yet doesn’t burnt living beings.” “That’s not completely true,” a male teacher cut in. “In my class when students got curious and were touching Kyuubi’s flame, two of them received little burn marks. Those two however were often accused of bullying behavior and abusing their magic. I have a theory that her version of fire spell is related to her so-called 'holy magic’, which is why it is capable of hurting those with more aggressive personality.” Chatter quickly overtaken the room as another teacher spoke up. “She did struggle learning a teleportation spell for nearly a year, but two weeks ago she came up with an interesting alternative.” He gestured with his hooves, trying to write a circle in the air. “Instead of teleporting quickly to another location, she summoned some sort of portal in front of her and another portal in a place where she wished to appear. While it is slower and less reliable than teleportation, it allows her to transport a bigger number from one location to another at a smaller cost of magic.” “I’m somewhat curious if she’ll come up with an alternative to the ‘Shock’ spell her class is learning,” spoke an elderly stallion. “Even if this spell is only for self-defense, Miss Kyuubi is having a hard time casting anything that can cause even a little bit of harm. Though it does mark her as very harmless, even if she feels uneasy about being around other students due to her origin.” A female unicorn spoke up in a joking tone, “I remember how I tried to teach my class the ‘Flash’ spell so they could use it in self-defense to temporarily blind those who wish them harm.” She chuckled. “And Kyuubi actually created her own version of said spell, a bright flashing spell that failed to blind a single student.” She glanced at the headmaster, adding “I suspect that similar to her fire spell, her version of blinding spell will affect only those who are aggressive… or wish to cause her harm. It is hard to tell.” The principal read the list of spells. Sacred Fire, Holy Flash, Portable Gate. Did Kyuubi come  up with those names? He chuckled, remembering an event regarding Kyuubi that he found to be most interesting. “There is something I wish to point out about this ‘holy’ power of hers,” One of the teachers spoke up. “I’ve asked her multiple times about it, and she says it was a gift from God. A god.” This caused a few mutterings. Headmaster Lightstar had wondered when they were going to get to this point. It was no secret that Kyuubi was religious and believed in a higher power, a concept that Equestria hadn’t really practiced in over a thousand years since the last religious conflict between those who followed Princess Celestia and those who followed Princess Luna as goddesses. It took Celestia herself confessing that they were not living deities before their  worship became treated as myths. While some practicing faiths continued, a few students even being followers of the  Harmonization belief, they were few and far between. Especially in Canterlot.  Still, this Holy Magic is not normal, thought Headmaster Lightstar. He had sensed it himself and even Princess Celestia couldn’t give a clear answer on what it was. It was a feeling like no other that he had felt in his long history of studying magic.  “I’m quite frankly thinking we should silence such nonsense,” one unicorn male stated, rolling his eyes. “This is a place of learning, logic and reason, not about following doctrines of invisible beings in the sky.” “You know worshiping isn’t outlawed in Equestria, Professor Sparkedge,” A female unicorn glared at him. “I happen to have a few students who are Harmonizers and they are just as bright as the rest of my class.” “I’m just saying we’re running a school, not a church. I don’t want these children to start believing that praying to something that isn’t real is going to bring about everything they want in life.” “Actually, Kyuubi has often said that ‘God’ prefers those who can help themselves instead of relying on him. That he gave them the gifts that they are born with to make themselves something in this world before being rewarded for their deeds in Heaven.”  “Yes, she was comforting a fellow student yesterday about her recently deceased grandmother,” another teacher spoke with a soft and warm tone. “She told her how peaceful and wonderful a place it was. A world where all good souls go to for eternity when they die and are rewarded with pure unlimited happiness. Kyuubi said that one day she would meet her there if she was good and until then her grandmother would be watching over her. This seemed to cheer her right up.” “A place where we go when we die? Kinda sounds like something to make death seem less scary. Like that Elysium place the old faiths talked about.” “What if it is real?” One teacher spoke, getting their attention focused on them. “Well, Kyuubi is a unique individual. Her holy magic is something I think none of us have seen. I’m not saying I  fully believe her, but what if she found the one true god?” “And Princess Luna will return from her grave to raise the moon,” one professor snorted.  “Regardless,” Headmaster Lightstep said, ending the discussion, “Princess Celestia has made it clear that Kyuubi is to be respected for her religious beliefs. It is not a crime to hold such beliefs  even if the majority of our nation is atheistic. If other students wish to follow such a faith they are allowed, provided this faith isn’t causing any serious harm to the students physically or in their learning capabilities. Provided she isn’t speaking in the middle of class, I am allowing it.” Some were grumbling about it, but they nodded in agreement. “I think that’s enough for today, let’s adjourn and enjoy the weekend, shall we?” “A potion making contest?” Nightbright asked, raising an eyebrow upon seeing the pamphlet that Rosey Sparky was holding up with enthusiasm. “Why?” “Because it’s fun!” Rosey Sparky replited, jumping up and down. “We can totally win it! The winners get pizza, ice cream, cake, and a free get out of homework card that we can use if we ever want a weekend without doing boring school stuff.” I happen to like our study sessions, Kyuubi pointed out as she bit into her apple for lunch, eating half of it in one go. The trio were outside by their favorite tree with Kyuubi’s tails keeping her two best friends warm due to the increasing cold temperature.  “That’s because you’re such a nerd,” Rosey said, rolling her eyes. Kyuubi knew that her friend was just teasing her, but it irked her enough to bop her on the head with her tail. “Anyway, I figured the three of us could be a good team. I’m super knowledgeable on plants.” She raised her rump to show off her glowing rose top cutie mark. “Nightbright is the best potion maker out of all of us. And Kyuubi can let us use the Apothecary Wing in the Royal Castle for the best equipment!”  As long as we don’t make a mess like the last time, Kyuubi shuddered. Rosey had wanted to see if it was possible to mix ice cream and stardust via alchemy to create star flavored ice cream. She had learned a few new curse words from the janitors that day. It actually does sound like fun and I’ve never really been in a contest before.  “Exactly, this is something we can all enjoy. So what do you say team?!” Rosey asked, holding her hoof out in the air. “Fine, I guess we can do this. I got nothing planned this week anyway,” Nightbright answered. “Sweet! I’ll go sign us up! Be back soon!” Rosey said before rushing towards the entrance hall gates. Turning to Nightbright, Kyuubi suggested, You shouldn’t sound so glum. She’s just excited to spend time with us.  “I’m not glum, believe me. I’m used to this stuff with her and I don’t mind it, I just wish she’d slow down a bit. Remember how last week she wanted us to go look for hidden passageways in the Royal Castle last time you invited us? Then she wanted to go to the theater and see three different plays? And that was before the all you can eat buffet.” Nightbright shook his head and smirked. “She’s always rushing to do everything like tomorrow is gonna be her last day. Me? I prefer to just let things come as they go.” Why is she like that? Kyuubi asked as she lowered her muzzle to her friend's level. The colt supported his side against tail that moments ago served Rosey as blanket. “Well, it kinda ties into how we met. We never told you, huh?” Nightbright asked to which Kyuubi shook her head. “Well, I originally lived on a different side of Canterlot before we moved to our new house. I didn’t really make any close connections when I was in my old neighborhood, and I was nervous about visiting a new place. First day I arrived there, I was visited by a little filly who was playing galactic explorer and she dragged me into an adventure where we had to stop the evil mud aliens from kidnapping the star cookies of yumminess.” Kyuubi giggled at the childlessness of such a game, but remembered her own silly little adventures with the Priests back home. Where she was the fair knight searching for hidden treasure in the scary attic of doom.  “Needless to say, I found myself enjoying the strange company of ‘Captain Blaster Dash’ as her sidekick ‘Wonder Moon’. I didn’t really get Rosey’s full name until the sun was going down,” Nightbright said, smiling fondly at the memory. “Since then, we’ve been friends. With her always dragging us to do something cool and exciting and me going along for the ride.” He lowered his head and sighed. “I suppose her enthusiasm just gets a little overwhelming now when we are all growing up and child’s games aren’t as fun anymore. Most of the time I’m making sure she doesn’t get into too much trouble, but we still make a good team, just the two of us. Well, until we met you.” I’m happy to be a part of your friendship, Nightbright. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I was going to find any friends like Princess Celestia wanted me to, but I’m glad Rosey was so interested in my tails.  “She’s always been a good judge of character. Well, that and she has a dozen plushies and probably thought you were one of them,” Nightbright said, chuckling. Hey! Do not compare me to ordinary toys, I feel offended. Kyuubi raised her muzzle arrogantly. I am way bigger and many levels above in terms of fluffiness than her plush collection. She wrapped her tail around the yelping colt as if a snake trying to immobilize its prey. I see I must remind you the pleasant softness my fur in more direct manner so you will never underestimate it ever again. NIghtbright’s mood improved as he resisted the urge to laugh, giving in into the embrace of the comfy wrap. Apparently, word had spread that Kyuubi and her friends were going to take part in the contest and it attracted a lot of attention. Then again, to her dismay ever since she had arrived at the school she always had been the center of attention. It wasn’t just the fact that she was a muli-tailed fox with different magical powers, but it seemed a few students were jealous of the way she had become Princess Celestia’s student. Her teacher had told her that a few families were angry that she took a foreign creature instead of one of their own, but Princess Celestia always did her best to shield her from any backlash. Here, however, was a chance to ‘one up the vermin’ as some students whispered among one another; particularly those of the more noble bloodlines. If rumor was to believe, the parents of their children were even encouraging them to beat her. While Kyuubi didn’t care about the fact that there were some who didn’t like her based on such envious reasons, she wasn’t going to let them hinder the fun she and her friends were having. The potion that they were going to use was apparently a ‘surprise’ according to Rosey who had them spend the entire Saturday morning and afternoon going from place to place looking for specific flowers that they could buy or collect in the various parks of Canterlot.  Looking for specific plants? Such a nice excuse for the two ponies to get a ride atop her back between long distances, but she didn’t mind it. They were light weight after all and she liked being helpful. In fact, their ongoing friendship helped her overcome her anxiety, letting her enjoy spending time with young ponies without seeing herself as a danger to them. It was thanks to Rosey’s ‘in your face’ personality that she stopped keeping fillies and colts at a few meters distance. All she could do was to be a good friend and make sure it wouldn't backfire in their faces. How many have we collected so far? Kyuubi asked as they rushed down a main street, making sure to stay out of the way of carriages riding through.  “About half of what we need! That last one was kind of tough, but thanks to Nightbright we got it!” Rosey said with excitement, holding her basket of flowers. “You went up into the mountain to get a single dumb flower high on a ridge that we could have asked any pegasus to get!” Nightbright shouted, still looking pale from his experience. “If it wasn’t for the fact that Kyuubi could create teleportation portals I’d be in a casket!”  “Oh, hush! You’re fine,” Rosey replied. Okay, how about we just take a lunch break at Donut Moe’s? Maybe his son, Joe, can give us free smoothies like last time, Kyuubi replied as she turned to the park, getting eyes on her as little foals asked their mothers and fathers to pet the giant fox.  “WAIT!” Rosey screamed causing Kyuubi to suddenly tumble to a halt, nearly knocking her friends off as she ate the park’s dirt and rocks into her mouth. Spitting them out, she glared at her friend. What?! “I have to use the bathroom! Be right back!” Rosey said, jumping off and heading in the direction of the bathroom stalls a few feet away.  Nightbright got off while shouting at her. “I said to use it when we were back at the tower!” Turning to Kyuubi, who was busy shaking the dirt out of her fur, he asked, “Need to go too? It’s a long run.” I’m fine, I don’t suppose you know a spell that can clean my fur... Kyuubi pouted. “Not unless you want to get wet first,” Nightbright said, shaking his head. The two sat down and began to wait for their friend. A few fillies and colts approached to pet Kyuubi, which made her blush, but their parents apologized before dragging them off. Am I always going to get this? Every little pony asking to pet me like some kind of pet animal? “To be fair, you are the only fox that can talk and act sentient, making you quite approachable. Just take it as compliment. Each time a pony ask to pet you, imagine they praise your fur for being soft and attractive.” Nightbright pointed out, shaking his head. “So... what are you going to do when we finish graduating?” It’s kind of soon to be thinking about such a time, don’t you think? Kyuubi asked, one eyebrow raised. “Well, we hear everypony else talk about what they want to be when they leave the academy. What about you? I’m curious.” If she had Celestia’s permission, Kyuubi would have told Nightbright about her promise to help free Princess Luna from her corruption. However, despite trusting her friend, she had made a vow to keep it a secret from those who didn’t know. I don’t know. Maybe I’ll travel around the world. Use my powers to heal and cure corruption and try to spread the faith. I think that’s my purpose here in this world.  “Right, you said that God gave you this purpose,” Nightbright said, hesitantly. “But what about going back to your home nation? Or at least settling down and maybe having a family.” I... can’t go back, Kyuubi answered, lowering her head. She was sure by now everyone back in her home nation knew of her existence and would kill her on sight if they could. Equestria is my home now I guess. Not that I mind. Everypony has been nice to me so far. As for raising a family... well... I’m the only kitsune left in the world. When I die... they’ll be no more so... “Crud, I didn’t mean to make you feel bad...” Nightbright muttered, rubbing the back of his head. It’s fine. I’ve thought about it for the past few years, Kyuubi replied with a small smile. I’ve come to the realization that I’m going to live a pretty lonely life save for what friends I make. I’ll outlive most of you save for maybe Princess Celestia.  “Guess that means no marriage, huh? Well, not unless you find another long lived species to be with,” Nightbright pointed out. “The only ones that I can think of are dragons and one alicorn. The former... don’t  really like any other creature. They even fight among themselves. As for the latter, well, I don’t think Princess Celestia swings that way. Maybe if she was a male...” Nor do I, Kyuubi said, shaking her head. Technically, I am not even old enough to date, nor really interested in such a thing. I doubt any creature wants to date me anyway. My kind are mostly seen as animals to pet and feed, and I wouldn't be able to give birth anyway. “Back!” Rosey shouted as the two got up. “Let’s go get some donuts!” “Hold on, before we go on, I want to know what kind of potion we’re making first,” Nightbright said, holding his hoof up. “Considering that I almost died getting that last flower I think I deserve to know what we’re going to be doing with all these flowers.” “Well, if you must know,” Rosey said, leaning forward with a big grin. “You know how Kyuubi’s magic can cure corruption?” “Yeah?” “Well, what if there was a way to make it potion accessible?”