//------------------------------// // Ch.1 - Kitsune Among the Apples // Story: Tails of Sacrifice // by CommanderX5 //------------------------------// Tails of Sacrifice - Chapter 1 - Kitsune Among the Apples Thanks to Lily’s help buying her time, Kyuubi got an opening to clear up the misunderstanding. What followed was hospitality of the highest magnitude: a table filled with every apple-related snack in existence. One dish atop another. A large pile of seemingly endless apple food. Even if she dispelled the effect of an advanced age-altering from herself, regaining a few meters of height, it still would not be enough. Her massive belly would still struggle to eat even half of it, and that said a lot. Aside from that, she received apologetic stares from half a hundred ponies. Under normal circumstances, it would be a good thing. However, looking at so many magical creatures gathered together, combined with her exhausted reserves of magic, made it most uncomfortable. The fact that they all had appetizing names made her struggle even harder not to sink teeth in those tasty flanks. She licked her lips and resisted the temptation, picking one apple-treat instead as carmel and a juicy apple satisfied her taste-buds. An elderly mare with only skin and bones present on each limb walked ahead of the crowd, the very sight making Kyuubi regret she was unable to heal the illness commonly called old age. She remembered a few doctors that studied her abilities in her youth, who she suspected had passed to a better place. It appeared that only Celestia, Cadence, Philomena, Lily, and perhaps Spike shared her longevity. “Ah'm mighty sorry for Applejack’s embarrassingly unruly behavior,” said an elderly pony. She gestured with her head and hoof as the farm mare emerged from the crowd. "Ah'm very, very sorry," Applejack said, taking off her hat. She held the hat against her chest and stared back apologetically. "Ah jumped to kick ya without a second thought." Her ears dropped. "Ah still can't believe Ah almost hurt the student of the princess. No, more than that. Ah almost hurt the Sage of the Everfree." Kyuubi shook her paw dismissively. It’s fine, really. I already said you don’t have to… Wait, you called me the Sage Of The Everfree? “To be honest, Ah had no idea the Sage would be Her Highness’ student. Makes sense, though.” Kyuubi blinked, now crunching the apple at a slower pace as she tried to comprehend the new information. I can’t believe that rumor is still alive. I left that forest eight years ago, she said to Applejack and a few ponies next to her. While she had little difficulty speaking with a singular creature, it was more difficult to talk with a group. The more ponies she talked with, the more strain it left on her mind, meaning that addressing a whole crowd was out of the question. What do the rumors say about me? The elderly mare spoke first, “We heard ya tame Timberwolves and monsters with yer mysteriooooous powers.” She nodded as she thought back to her first encounter with the wooden creatures, grimacing at the unpleasant memory. In a sense, they were similar to her. They tried to suck leftovers of her magic, and the more they stole, the more logs and branches attached to their bodies, increasing their size. In response, she used her teeth against one of them, stealing its magic in turn as it caused her body to grow. To save herself, she used her holy magic, and the wolves quickly learned that purifying spells works exceptionally well against possessed objects. A little filly smaller than even Lily, climbed up the muscular stallion, speaking from behind his neck. “Ah heard ya conquered an evil Zebra and turned her good, and ya rescue folks lost in the forest." The tallest stallion added, “Eeyup.” And Kyuubi had to admit that he was one big Apple, though not as tall as her mentor. On the other hoof, he was way bulkier, no doubt from hard work in the field, and she could respect that. “From what Ah heard, yer a very great creature. Mah name’s Apple Bloom, nice to meet ya.” Kyuubi blushed, scratching the back of her neck with her right paw. It was only natural to help others, and as someone blessed by God with holy magic, it was her sworn duty to aid those in need. Not to mention it just felt nice. Wait. Evil Zebra? She thought. Why would anyone think that? It makes no sense. She made a mental note to address this rumor shortly. “That cursed forest became less dangerous and some beasts were tamed. Our farm has also had fewer problems with those pesky timberwolves in the past two decades,” said the elderly mare before pointing at the kitsune. “Ah bet yer behind it all.” Maybe, she responded, now deep in thought. She did use her magic to feed local creatures and even lectured them to leave the ponies in peace, earning their fear and their respect. I suppose my actions have added up over the years. Kyuubi woke up from her thoughts when Applejack finally took her turn to speak. “And Ah heard that to save a pony from bein’ eaten by a vicious Manticore, ya gave yer own leg for it to chew instead, and ya grew back yer limb right after. That’s a story to remember, Ah tell ya.” A collective gasp came from the crowd of Apples. Kyuubi quickly grabbed her left foreleg and started massaging it while recalling the unpleasant memory. Her ears were flat against her head, and a grimace was present on her face. Fortunately, soon after that event, with Zecora’s guidance, she came up with a spell to turn magic into edible orbs, which would fill the bellies of the predators while calming their aggression. Unfortunately, having to tear away her limb to rescue somepony was an unpleasant experience, even if she could regrow it in half a minute.  The phantom pain in her regenerated foreleg didn’t hurt nearly as much as the memory of what had followed years afterward... She reflexively blinked her eyes to halt the tears from forming as she lowered her head in shame. She vividly recalled that horrible day Princess Celestia found out. Kyuubi had just returned from her usual Everfree walkabout and was immediately set upon by her sorrowful teacher.  After a short discussion to confirm things, Celestia snatched the larger kitsune up and moved her somewhere private for a long lecture. Half of Canterlot had heard the Royal Canterlot Voice for the first time in decades. Kyuubi suppressed a reflexive sniffle as she had never seen Celestia so upset. She also recalled that heartbreaking, cracking voice so unlike the maternal tone her mentor was known for, which made her feel extreme regret and shame. Celestia was her mentor and caretaker after all, and disappointing the princess made her sad in turn. Hurting her feelings felt even worse. The mutual sobbing, comforting and cuddling afterward was a balm to the souls of both the kitsune and the alicorn. Even though she was a magical creature with powerful healing capabilities, far different than her pony friends, they still cared about her well-being. Even though she was a dangerous predator, her mentor trusted her with her life. That very day she learned a lot about their feelings and swore to never hurt them again. The tale of the Sage still circulated but none in Canterlot dared mention it in Princess Celestia’s presence. Lily looked up at her with a comforting expression while a few faces in the surrounding crowd gained a shade of green. “She did what?!” Apple Bloom asked, gasping. Her eyes opened wide as she stared at her older sister in disbelief, so did many young folks from the Apple family. “Applejack, not in front of the little seeds,” Granny scolded, stomping and pointing at the gathered ponies. She narrowed her eyes, sending a cold glare. “S-sorry, Ah got carried away,” Applejack responded, adding a nervous chuckle. Applejack had been sipping at her namesake beverage, and it showed. Kyuubi yelped in surprise when Apple Bloom suddenly jumped onto her back, making quite a distance. Usually, she was not so easily frightened, but with so many ponies radiating with tasty magic and sad memories surfacing in her mind, she felt somewhat tense. “Ya have to stay for brunch and tell us more ‘bout ya. Storytellin’, please!” The filly bounced enthusiastically. The secondary tail of the kitsune was surrounded by a silvery aura as a similar aura enveloped the filly, levitating her onto the stallion's back. I'm very sorry, Little Apple Bloom, but I need to focus on overseeing the preparation, and… and… In an instant, wide eyes of sweetness and sadness assaulted her from all sides. While she could resist the pleading stare from Apple Bloom alone, refusing the army of Apple fillies felt near impossible. Sweat fell down her cheeks while her mind refused to refuse. Could her mental warfare even be called a battle when she felt so outmatched? With a deep sigh, she lowered her head and answered. Alright… I will stay for brunch and storytelling. A combined “Yaaaay” from the fillies and even a few adults filled the area. Kyuui perched herself on the grass next to the dining table, ensuring she had apple-snacks at paw's reach. She addressed the ponies, starting from the fillies. I'm not much of a storyteller, so I will just tell you about my past. Hopefully, it will help us get to know each other better and still be entertaining.  She gestured with her forepaw as Lily quickly sat next to her, perching her side against the fur on kitsune's side. Please, sit comfortably. It is going to be a long story. Kyuubi raised her forepaws reflexively as the little Apples quickly swarmed over her, perching themselves on her fives tails. Some pressed themselves against her fur from all sides to a point where she couldn't move a single limb. Kyuubi sighed, wishing the tasty-looking Apples kept at least some resemblance of a distance. But alas, most ponies didn't seem to know the meaning of personal space when it came to her fur. Sometimes, she wondered if it was a magical lure to entice prey to her. She didn’t mind either way. “Yer fur is so soft,” said one little Apple. “So fluffy!” More words of praise came from the fillies and foals, one after another. There were also a few requests for a hug. “We're all comfy. Tell yer story when yer ready, Miss Foxy,” Apple Bloom remarked as she hugged and nuzzled the tip of kitsune's third tail, smiling in bliss. Kyuubi smiled back while able to move only her head, accepting her fate. The surrounding ponies could barely stand, almost melting from seeing a ball of fillies piling up atop a ball of fluff. She carried over her mental message to the adults, who nodded and formed a circle around her. Miss Applejack, was it? Seeing a nod, she added, I can't use telepathy to so many ponies at once. Would you be a sweetheart and carry on my story. "Huh?"  I meant, I tell you my story, and you tell everypony else. Please. "Ah, I get ya. Will do, Sugar-cube." Kyuubi chuckled at the funny nickname, which nicely reflected on her sweet personality. I was raised by priests and monks led by Father Rodrigo, though Timothy was the closest to me. They believed I was just an ordinary fox until I grew another tail. They taught me compassion and faith when others would prefer to take my life. Applejack stopped telling fellow Apples what she heard from Kyuubi, glancing at her in shock. “Take yer life? What do ya mean by that?” Because of my origin, Kyuubi explained. I was too young to recall memories of my parents and was unaware of what species I was and the history behind it, but the priests and monks knew. She paused and narrowed her eyes, showing hints of anger to the welcoming ponies. I'm what they call a kitsune, a multi-tailed fox. A member of my kin, a vengeful Ninetails, committed a lot of sins, bringing war and destruction to many nations in my former land. Kyuubi stood on her rear paws, carefully lifting a few fillies that clung to her fur as her thin legs trembled under the weight. She spread her long thin forepaws as if trying to display the size of the Ninetails. From what I heard, he was massive, larger than a church. He wielded destructive black magic, used necromancy to lead an undead army, summoned demons to serve him.  She smashed her paws together. Ninetails was determined to avenge our overhunted kin, which was at the brink of extinction. Armies were slaughtered. Castles were besieged. She opened her mouth, pointing at her shining teeth. Any mage who dared to face him was eaten as their magic made him even more powerful. Applejack gulped and smiled awkwardly, unsure what part of the story she should tell aloud. It would terrify the fillies for sure. Kyuubi gave up to the weight of the fillies and sat, almost tripping over. While black magic had an advantage in war, it had one glaring weakness, Kyuubi continued with an urgent tone. Blessed by God, priests and monks aided the desperate armies, blessing them and giving them hope of victory. Using holy magic, they bested demons, undead soldiers, and even Ninetails struggled against them. But while it was strong against black magic, Ninetails was a cunning and powerful foe, withdrawing and recovering his strength when on the verge of defeat. He knew he would win a war of attrition. Unable to kill him, priests sealed him away. Applejack nodded, ignoring the questioning stares of the fillies. Many adult ponies also started looking at her in confusion, gesturing at her to continue the story. Kyuubi raised her forepaw, lifting one filly who hugged it. She held it against her chest, which the filly nuzzled enthusiastically. Priests and monks had every right to distrust me, but instead of taking away my life, they put me through a ritual, letting God decide my fate. What followed was the growth of my third tail and a gift of holy magic. They kept me hidden and taught me after that. Applejack released a breath she didn’t know she was holding. Choosing words carefully, she told the Apples what she just learned with heavy censorship.  A mean nine-tailed kitsune was defeated and banished by brave priests and monks, who then raised a young kitsune with care and love, teaching her good magic and helping her grow into a wise, kindhearted sage. A white and black story that satisfied the fillies. You don’t wish to scare those adorable little fillies and foals, I understand. Feel free to share the details with the adults later. I have nothing to hide, Kyuubi said as she gently nuzzled the filly on her raised arm, then did the same to a colt on her shoulder. Unfortunately, and understandably, a veteran knight tainted by the war didn’t share their trust. Once he learned about me, he rallied other knights and forced his way into the church. To save my life, the priests banished me to Equestria, where a kind and caring princess took me under her tutelage. Kyuubi smiled in bliss at the following memory. Memories of living with the princess were precious to her. She skipped the part where one of the priests jumped in front of the sword to protect her. The following memory caused her ears to drop as a few foals and fillies noticed the distress on her face. It was the day when she pushed her healing magic to its limits, healing the priest and herself. She stained the Canterlot garden with her blood as two royal guards witnessed her healing abilities first-hoof.  Kyuubi forced a smile, reassuring the fillies that everything was fine. She looked at Applejack and continued, The princess helped me develop my healing and purifying magic, and so much more. She gently levitated a few fillies and colts away from her tails, receiving pouts of sadness in return. She turned to the side and displayed her tails, pointing at each of them. My first tail keeps me alive, guiding magic in my body. It lets me eat all kinds of food and even survive on magic alone. My second tail is responsible for levitation and telepathy. In other words, it allows me to talk with all of you.” Applejack nodded, telling other ponies the importance behind Kyuubi’s tails. While she wasn't a studious pony herself, not interested in learning about fancy magic, in this case, she showed some curiosity. Not to mention learning about The Sage of the Everfree was an honor in itself. Though, she couldn’t deny that learning about Ninetails planted a seed of doubt in her mind.  My third tail, a precious gift from God, helps me guide holy magic. I can heal injuries in an instant and purify possessed objects. Timberwolves learned it the hard way.  Applejack grinned and thought, Serves them right.  My fourth tail is responsible for defensive magic. I can use it to protect myself and those dear to me. She smiled awkwardly. Mostly myself because unlike ponies, my physical capabilities and durability are very lacking. She patted her fifth tail and sighed. Hiding in the Everfree Forest was not easy. I had no experience living in the wild and struggled to survive. It is where I meet Zecora.  "Zecora?" Applejack said.  Zecora was a young, wise zebra who taught me how to survive. We helped each other. She helped me learn how to control my inner magic, and I assisted her any way I could. That was when my fifth tail came to life. As Applejack finished speaking to the Apples, Granny Smith asked, “A wise zebra? She wasn’t an Evil Enchantress?” Evil Enchantress!? Goodness, no. She was an adventurous alchemist who wished to settle down in the Everfree to discover rare ingredients. She was wary of others but not evil. She sighed at the implication and facepawed, upset by how ponies thought of her friend for years. Also, zebras do not spread curses. They control their inner magic to boost their survivability and boost the effectiveness of their potions. They cast self-boosts, not curses. Murmurs and whispers came from the crowd, lasting for a minute or two. Applejack rubbed her chin thoughtfully. She wasn’t sure who started these rumors, but she sure was quick to believe them. Her family wasn’t any different. She gritted her teeth and lowered her hat as guilt grew in strength in her mind. While she and her family were very welcoming to fellow ponies and treated their farm animals well, they were quick to judge non-ponies. Most animals who caused them trouble were nothing but vermin and non-pony creatures weren’t to be trusted. The stories of terrible wars and violence happening outside of Equestria's borders circled in her family for generations. Still, it was no excuse to assume the worst about zebras. Apple Bloom reached towards Kyuubi’s muzzle and asked, “Ya said ya were hidin’ in the forest. But yer a student of the princess. Why were ya hidin’? It wasn't a game of 'hide and seek?' Not for so long, it wouldn’t be. Right? Kyuubi chuckled before raising both of her paws, perching Apple Bloom on them.  Applejack heard a mental message which seemed to be for Apple Bloom. It is because I did a terrible thing to one of my friends. “Yer friend?” Apple Bloom asked as she placed her forehooves on Kyuubi’s muzzle, her ears dropped. “But why did ya hide? Why not apologize?” It wasn’t that simple, sweetie. I am a predator, a magical creature. The less magic I have in me, the strongest my desire is to hunt.  Applejack bit her bottom lip. She slowly walked towards Kyuubi, deciding to keep Apple Bloom in hoof-reach. Just in case. My friend Sunset Shimmer had the best intentions in mind, trying to help me develop my magic. I begged her to stop, but she wouldn’t listen. My life was in danger. I lost control. She lowered Apple Bloom to the ground as her eyes started watering, which in turn made other fillies and foals look at the kitsune with confused stares. Before I knew it, I ate Sunset’s foreleg, stealing part of her magic to save myself. Once I got back to my senses and realized what I had done, I healed the injury. I restored her foreleg, but I could not heal her trauma. I saw it in her eyes. She wouldn’t accept any apology.  Kyuubi whimpered, forcing herself to continue the story. It was not something a simple apology could solve. I was too ashamed to face Princess Celestia, so I fled to the Everfree as a punishment and to keep ponies away from me for their safety. Apple Bloom’s face became pale as she started walking backward, hiding behind her older sister’s rear legs. “All right, fillies and colts. Enough of the hugging and nuzzling, walk away from Kyuubi,” Applejack said with a firm tone, glaring at the kitsune with narrowed eyes. She ignored their protest and said, “Ah said, walk away.” She stomped, which proved enough to convince fillies and foals. Lily looked between Applejack and Kyuubi before stepping forward, giving her a challenging glare. “Let me guess. She told you something, and now you see her as a monster.” Applejack stared back, now having a glaring contest with the filly. “Applejack, what’s gotten into you?” Granny Smith said, approaching with tired steps on her trembling legs. “Ah have a good reason…” Applejack was interrupted by a mental message. Miss Granny Smith, Applejack has every right to be wary of me. There's no need to argue. Kyuubi bowed her head. Thank you for your hospitality. I shall take my leave. “But this isn’t fair,” Lily said as she ran towards Kyuubi, now walking by her side. Applejack kept looking at the legs-eating sage as she had much to think over. Learning the dark truth about someone she admired wasn’t easy to take. Still, one thing bugged her. “Kyuubi.”  That got the kitsune to stop. Yes? “Mind answerin’ one last question of mine?” Of course. Kyuubi turned back and looked at her with that warm smile. How could this predator be so friendly after admitting to something so horrible? “Why did ya tell me about it? Ya could have skipped the part with Ninetails. Ya could lie about yer reason for hidin’ in the forest. Why didn’t ya?” Kyuubi’s smile was still warm as it was in the past hour. Applejack, lying is a sin, and I never hid anything about myself. She held her forepaw on her chest. I told every detail of my past to the princess, even if it put me in a bad light. And I have no intention of hiding my horrible deeds. I’m dangerous, a natural enemy to beings filled with magic, and I will never hide it from anypony. Applejack nodded as she found a large amount of respect towards the predator. She doubted even she would have the guts to be this honest if she was in the kitsune's skin. But make no mistake. My mentor trusts me. My friends trust me. Despite my protests, they insist that I stay with them. I don’t want to hurt their feelings. Ponies are very forgiving and naive, but I have accepted that. All I can do is do my best to make sure they never regret it. Kyuubi lowered her paws and smiled even more warmly. I will be honest with you. It was very refreshing to meet a pony that’s wary of me. For this, I thank you, Applejack. The farm mare lowered her guard as her muscles were no longer tense. Most of her doubts and fears vanished in an instant. She couldn’t tell why, but she couldn’t bring herself to distrust someone this honest. How could she distrust someone like her?  “You know what Ah think after hearin’ all that, Kyuubi?” What? Taking a deep breath, she said, “Ah think Ah can trust ya.” Kyuubi tilted her head to the side. Wait... What? Applejack approached, leaving Apple Bloom behind. She looked slightly up, staring the sage in the eyes. “Yer honest, and Ah can tell ya have a good heart. Yer good deeds speak for themselves. Ah had mah doubts, but no more.” Kyuubi held her forepaws curled under her neck as if she was a pleading puppy. Are you sure you’re not wary of me even a little? I am your natural enemy. You ponies should approach me with caution. Applejack smiled. “Ya know, the more ya try to convince me, the more Ah trust ya.” Not again. Kyuubi rolled her eyes, lowering her paws back to the ground in a huffy stomp. Oh, come on! Can I find at least one pony that would distrust me? At least one?! Apple Bloom approached Kyuubi, cautiously at first but then quickly more confident. The two stared intently into the other’s eyes, Kyuubi going so far as to give the filly her patented puppy look. After a beat, the filly placed her hooves welcomingly on the large fox’s paw with an equally friendly smile.  Kyuubi sighed. Apple Bloom, not you too. She couldn’t hide the smile on her muzzle as she looked back to the Apple filly and then the rest of the family as smiles were present on everyone at the acres. Ponies were forgiving and naive creatures, and she could only accept that and do her best so they would never regret it. Lily’s smile was one of the brightest, murmuring to herself. “Not bad for our first stop.”