//------------------------------// // Chapter 14 - Cleric vs Knight // Story: Tails of Innocence // by CommanderX5 //------------------------------// Tails of Innocence - Chapter 14 - Cleric vs Knight Kyuubi lay on her side, her right shoulder pressed against the root of the towering tree. She wrapped her tails around the other side, though being half a century too young to wrap them around the entire thing. Her head raised up as she couldn’t take away her gaze from the glittering crystals. While most ponies would see this tree as an ancient statue or extraordinary decoration, for her it was something special. She couldn’t tell why, but that thing felt… alive. A lifeless object made of crystals being alive? Weird statement for sure, but she couldn’t help but feel that it was the truth. As a magical creature herself, she sensed similarities. First Elemental Spirits and now this massive tree. The feeling of familiarity was undeniable. Good morning, how are you today? she asked, awaiting several seconds for an answer while giving the tree a motherly smile. Upon not receiving any response, she added, I am feeling fine. I mean… a little stressed with difficulties of tasks ahead but seeing Lily’s progress and enthusiasm fills me with hope and energy. She is a little handful, but also very lovely. You could say she's a lovely handful tiny adorable powerful sweetheart. She chuckled, ending it with a sigh. I know I need to take the risk and infiltrate Canterlot, but I can’t leave Lily’s parents until I deal with their curse. I am getting so close. What I fear the most is that if I’m captured, there will be no one to aid them. Lily would be devastated. She would never forgive me… Day after day, instead of visiting the secret room, she walked into this spacious cave, enjoying peace and quiet in the silent company. While she hadn't received a response of any kind in past months, she hasn't given up hope. S-sorry. I didn't mean to bring down the mod? But don’t worry. I have a remedy. With the help of gentle levitation as her second tail flashed with magic, she moved a book up to her face, finding words a little too small for her current size. I know it may be too early for a bedtime story, but you will enjoy this one. Lily sure does. It is called a ‘Story of Three Ponies and a Hungry Timberwolf.’ She gently rubbed the root with her paw, then shared a little bit of her own magic, as if a gardener adding water and fertilizer for the growing plant. Bon-appetit. While she instinctively felt that this tree may be of high importance, one of the recent visions given to her by God showed her a blurry image of six mares standing in front of this tree which flashed with powerful magic. This tree had an important role to play and she didn’t mind taking care of it. In fact, she wanted to keep this tree safe, performing the self-proclaimed role of a guardian. She was a self-exiled mystical magical kitsune living inside a ruined castle. Surely she was a fine material for a guardian of a mystical magical tree. And it certainly was a less stressful role than purifying a powerful curse or stealing scrolls about time-magic in order to save a corrupted alicorn. All she could do was do her best and hope that when the time comes, everything will turn out alright. 8 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return Kyuubi dropped to her knees, not to pray though, but from exhaustion as sweat covered her body. She looked ahead at the pair of elderly ponies and at the enthusiastic filly, who kept staring at her in worry.  She licked her lips, seeing the tasty aura of magic around the ponies and smelling their delicious aroma. The filly especially seemed bursting with magic, a perfectly raised dish waiting to fill her belly. Wow, I must have used a lot of my magic. I better not strain myself. So you managed to break my curse against all odds, you’re truly one worthy of my interest. Kyuubi closed her eyes, hearing the hostile voice that talked to her whenever she tried to purify the filly’s parents. This time however the playful tone was gone. While sensing your suffering and fighting you over these mortals has proved most enjoyable, I now know what you’re capable of. The playtime is over. She heard a sinister chuckle, one that sent a chill through her spine. Enjoy your victory, for you have no idea whose wrath you have brought upon yourself. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not even next year or next decade, but one day or one night when you least expect it we’ll meet. You’ll not recognize me, but I’ll recognize you. Don’t die until then, for I want to be the one to erase your existence. Kyuubi whimpered even after she no longer heard the sinister voice. While she loved to help others and was proud of Lily’s progress, by helping her family she had gotten the attention of powerful forces. God, please, protect me… Don’t let your subject fall to this evil Ifrit. She stood up and gulped, forcing a smile in order not to make the pony family worry about her. Whatever horrors she’ll one day need to face, it was already worth it. For the sake of her student and her growth, she was ready to face any danger.  Topaz, Jewel, your curse has been lifted, Kyuubi said, being met with the grateful faces of the ponies… and then sent flying against the floor by the jump of an energetic filly. Two thrones in the background were patched up, as well as all the holes in the ceiling, walls and floor.  Kyuubi pressed the filly into the fur on her belly, an attempt to hug her despite their size differences. Now with the curse finally removed, she could prepare to sneak into Canterlot. Even if I get caught, at least I’m sure that Lily’s family will be safe and sound. No more delays. Celestia took a deep breath, staring at the cursed forest that had taken over her old capital not long after her sister’s banishment, a dreaded place that would remind her of her failure almost as much as the face on the moon. “Your troops are ready, Your Highness. We’re awaiting your command.” The alicorn glanced at the long lines of pegasi and unicorns in armor, covering both the ground and the air as if a massive wall. While a few heavier armored earth ponies were among ground forces, they were a rarity, their fur bronze in the sea of grey unicorns due to armor’s enhancements. As much as she hated to admit it, most of her forces had become soft and weak due to the past centuries of peace, which is why each armor cast an illusion to make each guard look bigger and more intimidating, taking away any variation in their appearances. She doubted that those would scare off large monsters though. “March forward, keep up the pace,” Celestia said in a commanding tone, taking firm steps while leading her troops. Her golden regalia reflected rays of the sun, serving more of a decorative purpose than being an effective armor. She narrowed her eyes as her hooves finally touched the dirt of the hostile forest. The leaves from above blocked most of the sunlight. I’m sorry Kyuubi, but I’m taking you home, whether you like it or not, Celestia thought to herself. Ever since her guards had informed her that the rumor about the Sage Of The Everfree was indeed accurate, she had started sending search parties, which only angered Sunset more and more. She had even considered going personally, but after her guards brought in the repetitive response that Kyuubi refused to come back, she decided to respect her freedom. Every three months she would send messengers with an escort, sending a plea for Kyuubi to return, telling her that she shouldn't blame herself and that she’d be welcomed back with open hooves. Months, years, a decade has passed as receiving the same response over and over became harder to take. Some say time heals mental wounds. This time it wasn't the case. After gathering courage and determined to talk with Kyuubi eye to eye, she went against her student's wishes and visited the ruined castle herself. Yet the kitsune was nowhere to be found. It didn't help that the elderly ponies living there remained silent about her whereabouts. Searching every corner and passage of the castle was pointless. To at least talk to Kyuubi, she needed help. She had no choice but to take bold measures. Once Kyuubi would be with her once more, she would have all the time she needs to help her, to show that she can trust herself and be her student once more. Even if the first step wasn't something she was happy about, she was willing to take it. Celestia spread her wings, flying into the air. “Remember the plan? Cover as much space as possible,” she commanded as her officers quickly carried out her orders. Seeing a Cragadile emerging from the swamp, she unleashed a hasty beam of her golden magic, scorching the ground in front of its claws as it backed away in response. She wasn’t in the mood for any distractions. Much to her satisfaction, the large beast walked back into the pool of green liquid, not interested in getting in the way of the approaching army. If she has allowed ponies to get close to her, I may be able to persuade her to live with me once more. Celestia flew higher, glancing at the capitol in distance. With Sunset gone, only Twilight was now under her tutelage, a thirteen years old filly who may have had a connection to the missing Element of Magic. I must admit, being around that curious wanna-read-all little pony was far more pleasant than facing Sunset’s tantrums. Still… Twilight may have been great at her studies, but Kyuubi was much more social and open to others. That filly could learn a thing or two from her. Celestia flapped her majestic wings with more force, picking up the pace. While Sunset and Kyuubi’s friendship had turned sour, she now knew the cause of that accident. She would make sure it wouldn’t happen again. I gave you as much time and freedom as I could, but I can’t stand our separation any longer. I’ll make things right. Everything will be as it was before. She wasn’t sure how much her desire to save Luna from corruption affected her actions, but she was completely sure of this much: she missed her four-tailed-kind-hearted student. “... God, please give me the strength to carry on Your will. Guide me so I can finish the spell that will save Luna,” Kyuubi pleaded, this time not on her knees but on the run as she spotted a massive number of guards from the castle tower. Much to her confusion, her teleporting gate faded out of existence, forcing her to rely on her paws. Those aren’t messengers from the princess, that’s for sure. She’s determined to capture me! Using Zecora’s teachings and a spell she had learned in Canterlot, she shrank herself by reducing her age, nullifying her sound and her smell while camouflaging her presence. She snuck between three patrols of guards, creating a fake noise away from her position to distract her pursuers. Before the armored ponies noticed it was an orb of magic floating through the bushes, she was already behind enemy lines. Kyuubi concentrated, summoning her magical gate as she escaped whatever was jamming it. If so many guards are here, this may be my best chance to get what I need. I hope they won’t consider searching for me in their capital.  “Sergeant Lightweight, have you found the intruder yet? Speak!” “Lieutenant Armor! Yes, we did. A few witnesses said they saw some large creature move in that direction,” said sergeant, his armor shining in the bright sunlight. He flew further up, pointing over the building at the nearby tower. “We tracked them to the Royal Archives and surrounded the building.” “Any idea who we’re dealing with?” The pegasus nodded, lowering his attitude. “This intruder seemed a bit transparent as it tried to blend in with its surroundings, but its movements betrayed its position.” He added with a confident tone and stare, “I believe it may be Kyuubi the Kitsune. She has certainly grown since the first time I met her in the garden.” “Is she still inside?” “Yes, sir!” Shining Armor grinned. “To think she would retreat to Canterlot of all places to escape her highness’ ambush. That’s quite a bold move,” he spoke, his voice lacking full maturity. “This is my chance to impress the princess. I’ll capture Kyuubi and bring her to justice.” “Justice? But she didn’t commit any crime. The accident was long forgiven.” “I meant to bring her to Celestia, but the word ‘justice’ sounds way cooler.” The moment Shining Armor vanished in a flash of teleportation, the sergeant rolled his eyes and murmured, “His raw power may be outstanding, but he’s still immature. I doubt promotions based on one’s magic and talent alone is a good idea.” He frowned. As much as he wished to raise complaints about the current state of Royal Guard, he wasn’t going to risk his well-paid job for it. “I hope the princess knows what she’s doing.” With armored forces blocking all paths of escape and his anti-teleportation dome surrounding the building, Shining Armor made his way to the sealed section, one filled with a powerful arsenal of risky, unfinished and unpredictable spells. Whatever knowledge Kyuubi sought, she wasn’t going to get it on his watch.  One bookshelf after another, he passed through the little labyrinth of magic scrolls and literature, with the scrolls being dominant.  “I know it is you, Kyuubi. You’ve been on the run for long enough. Princess Celestia wishes to talk with you, eye to eye, so I advise not making it any more difficult than it has to be.” His ears perked up, hearing the noise of an interrupted spell. “Got you!” he spoke with a smirk on his face. While his shield could prevent only those weaker than him from teleporting in or out, it would also alert him to the presence of the spellcaster. He ran, quickly closing the distance, his eyes wide open. Seeing movements in the air among the books, he lit his horn, surrounding the transparent shade with his shield. The floor under the dome ended up covered by his magical aura, ensuring the intruder wouldn’t dig her way out.  “Breaking into a forbidden section is against the law. I expected better from the princess’ former pupil.” Former? Kyuubi asked, her camouflage gone as her white fur became visible among bookshelves and dusty walls. Shining Armor blinked in confusion. “Aren’t you supposed to be bigger? The reports about you…” He paused as kitsune’s body started shining along with her tails as she grew before his very eyes. He gritted his teeth, reinforcing the magical bubble as the aura around his horn grew in size. The kitsune became twice as tall as him, most likely reaching up to two tons of weight. Leave me alone! Kyuubi shouted as her third tail surrounded by a silvery aura quickly unleashed ‘Holy Flash’. The unicorn blinked, barely bothered by the bright light. “What was that?” The large fox bit her bottom lip. It seems you truly don’t wish to harm me. This spell will blind and weaken those with a lot of sins and those who have bad intentions towards me. “Bad intentions? I’m just following orders and capturing a scroll-stealing-thief.” He raised his head in pride. “If anything, you’re the lawbreaker here, and it is not my intention to hurt you as long as you don’t force my hoof.” I’m sorry, officer, but I truly need those scrolls. They may save Celestia’s sister. It’s urgent. “Her Highness Princess Luna is dead for a millennium. Did you lose your mind or something?” He frowned. “I suppose anyone would go a bit crazy living in that forest.” I’m not… nevermind. I apologize, officer, but I’ll need to resist this arrest. I’m not ready to give up my freedom until Luna is saved. Shining watched with a victorious grin as the large kitsune slammed her paws and shoulders against his barrier, not leaving a scratch. “Try as much as you want. You won’t break my shield with raw strength at that level.“ It seems strong indeed. Your raw power may even rival that which Sunset had at half your age. Shining grimaced. “Ha… ha… very funny.” Big or not, Kyuubi lacked the strength that ponies had, and his magic could restrain monsters twice her size. “Check all you want. There are no weaknesses. My magic will endure everything you can throw at it,” he said as the large fox now poked the floor. The follow-up blast of concentrated telekinesis slammed harmlessly against his barrier. “For someone who trained at the barracks and learned from the princess and at the school, I’m surprised by your lack of offensive spells. Basic telekinesis and levitation lack destructive force and are the worst option against magical shields.” Shining closed his eyes and smiled in satisfaction. After rising in the ranks at record speed, this achievement would solidify his final promotion, making him the youngest captain in the history of Equestria. I suppose my strength and magic are no match for your defensive spells. You’re much stronger than me for sure. Kyuubi opened her mouth, displaying her sharp and shining teeth. Still, there’s something I want to try. A demonstration of sorts. The unicorn watched the opened jaw curiously, which was big enough to bite off his entire foreleg in one go. He grit his teeth and his legs bent the moment her sharp teeth made contact with his magical bubble, leaving numerous cracks on the surface. “This, this can’t be,” Shining said, the magic around his horn flaring to life and doubling in size as he reinforced his bubble, doubling its durability with everything he’d got. Much to his shock, another bite shattered a third of the bubble, making an opening for the large creature to escape. One of the things I learned in my exile was that my teeth can break magical barriers way faster than Timberwolves can drain it. Another reason why it’s too risky for me to live in the city. Shining leaped to the side, making space for the large kitsune who ran for the exit, slowing down when passing between bookshelves while keeping them from falling with her telekinesis. “For a thief, you sure are careful not to cause damage,” he muttered to himself while focusing his telekinesis around Kyuubi’s rear paws, causing her to tip over. With another spell, he summoned magical shackles, restraining the large creature while keeping her head pinned against the floor. “Sorry for being rough, but you just proved that I can’t capture you while being gentle.” Shining approached, looking at the large, majestic creature lying flat on the floor, her tails scattered between the shelves while transparent blue shackles restrained her movements. In order to keep the kitsune from biting her way to freedom, he had to keep her head as unmoving as possible. "You have the right to stay silent, everything you say..." I can’t be stopped here, I refuse! Shining blinked in confusion, looking down as the distance between his hooves and the floor started increasing. He yelped a second later, feeling jolts of pain in his spine. His back and legs sank into the ceiling while bits of rubble fell to the floor. He tried to move, finding himself pinned. “Giving me a taste of my own medicine, heh?” he asked, his horn still surrounded with a powerful aura as his attention rested on the struggling beast. “Capturing someone with magic without seeing them, that’s quite impressive. And here I thought you were a pushover.” Remembering reports about the results of Kyuubi’s training in the barracks, opinions from his subordinates, school teachers, and even from the princess herself, he had pictured the kitsune as a weak-willed spellcaster. Big, fluffy, magically talented, yet physically weak, fragile, and spoiled. A mistake he was now regretting as his back ended up slamming repeatedly against the ceiling.  He gritted his teeth, holding back a scream while summoning a shield from above before his body could pierce through the ceiling. His prisoner stood up on her trembling paws, using his moment of distraction to overpower the shackles, biting through them one at a time. “I see you grew quite a backbone while in the wild. You’re far different from how everyone described you.” Let me go, I beg you! Don’t make me hurt you, please! “You were on the run for long enough. I will not let you go!” Shining responded as a group of his guards entered the room, a balanced mix of six unicorns and six pegasi with Sergeant Lightweight in the lead. “Restrain her!” he commanded, putting more pressure against the kitsune as her body slammed into the floor with cracks spreading around her paws. He noticed the lively aura around Kyuubi’s second tail double in size, only to feel his bones being crushed from telekinetic pressure. His guards ended up pushed against a wall at the entrance a moment later. Just give up, please, Kyuubi spoke again, this time with a sobbing tone as if the fox was about to cry.  “Give up?” Oh no. He wasn’t going to give up that easily. His duty to the princess demanded victory while his pride as a lieutenant and a Sparkle was on the line. But most importantly, his promotion was in his grasp. There was a problem though. His opponent wasn’t as fragile as he had expected, and she seemed determined to resist arrest. His hold on Kyuubi was going to break unless he used more violent means. Concentrating his magic on another spell, he released his hold on the kitsune. The large fox in turn jumped to her paws and released him from her crushing grasp. She misunderstood his gesture though as he wasn’t letting her go, which he proved with an intense concentration of electricity, a powered-up version of the paralyzing spell meant to immobilize criminals. Hearing whimpers of pain and seeing burn marks on Kyuubi’s fur wasn’t pleasant, but she had forced his hoof. I… I have to finish what I started. Don’t get in my way! Shining heard a warning as the fifth tail raised upward, surrounded by an oddly leaf-green aura which enveloped the fox, followed up with the silvery aura of her third tail which healed any burn caused by his continuous electricity. His eyes became wide as Kyuubi got to her paws, walking shakily while overpowering the paralysis, a pained look on her face showing her growing struggle. He gritted his teeth, doubling the electricity, but Kyuubi didn’t stop. Her fourth tail hastily set up a transparent knight’s shield, deflecting the electricity towards nearby guards.  Shining stomped in anger. He was more powerful than this thief, so how was she countering his magic? “I hoped to avoid it, but you’ve left me no choice.” Gathering his raw power, he shot a beam of magic, piercing the levitating shield and Kyuubi's fourth tail, causing silverly substance mixed with fur to spill over the floor. A pained screech filled the area. Aura of magic radiated from the odd liquid. Too focused on preventing the kitsune from reaching the exit, he shot two weaker beams, piercing her third tail and her right rear leg in an attempt to weaken her magic and reduce her mobility. Much to his shock, the large creature tripped on the floor, creating a pool of blood mixed with fur and silvery liquid. Shining’s head became green as he resisted the urge to puke. Could it be possible that he had overestimated his foe? He underestimated her at first, not expecting she could put up this much of a fight, only to forget about the fragility of her body, The moment he pierced through her shield and magical armor while removing the healing magic, she became too vulnerable. Or maybe her tails were her weakness as he had shut down her magic by injuring them? To make matters worse, she looked back at him with tears in her eyes, a glare which in a few seconds pierced his heart with guilt. He watched uneasily as the kitsune kept walking for the exit while pulling her leg. The guards surrounded the creature, looking at each other in hesitation while the sergeant shot him an angered flare, clearly unhappy with the bloody injuries.  “Miss Kyuubi, please, stop resisting. You need medical aid,” Sergeant Lightweight spoke with a caring tone, running over to her broken leg, clearly ignored. He openeed his saddlebag, then injected her with some sort substance as the large creature fell to her side, closing her eyes and falling asleep. “Sleeping potion?” Shining asked. With his arsenal focusing on defensive magic and combat magic, he lacked any non-lethal means other than paralyzing electricity.  “Correct, sir. I doubt it would have worked on Kyuubi before,” he said, continuing in an irritated tone, “but in her weakened state … she couldn’t resist it. I had to apply a massive dose due to her size though.” He narrowed his eyes, shooting his officer a firm glance. His wings flapped in angered display. “Permission to inform the princess, sir.” “G-granted,” Shining responded.