//------------------------------// // Ch.6 - Welcome Party/Farewell Party // Story: Tails of Sacrifice // by CommanderX5 //------------------------------// Tails of Sacrifice - Chapter 6 - Welcome Party/Farewell Party "Spike, you can't be serious!" Twilight shouted, holding a rolled checklist with a hoof and backpack attached to her side. "After all the research and planning I have done, you want me to take a break?" "That's what I said," Spike said with crossed hands as he stood next to a closed window. "If you hadn't noticed, there's a party going on outside. The sun will settle down soon, and the celebration will start tomorrow morning. You can't seriously go to the Everfree Forest in search of the Elements now." "And why not?" Spike facepalmed. He showed his other hand and started pointing at one finger at a time. "First, you promised you would have some fun. Second, Lily and the Templars are more than enough to support Princess Celestia. Third, Cadence, Shining Armor and the Royal Guard can assist as well. And finally, there's more than a twenty percent chance that this legend is a fairy tale." "Y-yes, but..."  "Or do you have so little faith in the strength of your mentor and friends?" Twilight rubbed the back of her neck. Maybe she underestimated the strength of Equestira's defenses. Was she thinking of her friends as incompetent? Besides, she did make a promise.  “Well, no, but….” "How about this. The legend says that Nightmare Moon will come back tomorrow. If she does, we know what to do. If she doesn't, well, all the better for us," Spike interrupted as he kept staring critically at Twilight, awaiting her decision. The unicorn sighed in defeat, then gave her assistant a reassuring smile. "Alright, Spike, you’ve convinced me. Besides, I made a promise. The least I can do is keep it." She walked towards the exit and gestured with her head. "Come on, Spike, let's have some fun." "Now that's what I'm talking about." Twilight opened the door with her magic, walking outside alongside her now a bouncing-in-place assistant.  They both stopped, taking a moment to examine the ongoing party. At the center of the said party was Kyuubi, now at her full size. She lay curled on her side, allowing many ponies to relax on her fur. Twilight recognized it as the welcoming initiation that her large friend gifted her with during their first meeting. This time, however, it was on an even larger scale.  Only one tail was free from the gathered ponies and birds that nested among her fur. Her third tail performed the role of a giant candle, providing and maintaining a sacred flame. Unlike regular fire spells, this one was unique to Kyuubi, summoned with holy magic as it wouldn’t hurt those with no hostile intent. She usually lights fireplaces with it. I suppose there's not much to burn in the area. Twilight thought as she noticed numerous tables filled with food and a few cushions to sit on. Curious, she approached a familiar mare, the very one who ran away from her earlier today. "I wish I was a giant sheep-fox. I would bring smiles to so many ponies by just letting them hug me." Pinkie held both forehooves against her left cheek as she admired the kitsune. "Even her welcoming welcome is more welcoming than mine." Pinkie whimpered. "It just isn't fair."  “Oh yeah, that’s the stuff. I see what Flutters and everypony else was talking about now.” Dash drowsily declared as she reclined and snuggled on Kyuubi’s shoulder, leaning up against her long neck. “And I thought clouds were great, but this is even better!” Dash practically squealed as she nuzzled further against the rich, white fur in sheer enjoyment. "It seems Kyuubi stole the show, again. She's very good at it and she doesn’t even try," Twilight said to herself as she shifted her attention to Kyuubi. One of the ponies sitting on the kitsune's shoulder was in tears for some reason. "Ohh, I can't believe you endured so much hardship, just because of some big nine-tailed-kitsune meanie. Are you truly the last member of your species? That's... that's horrible!" Fluttershy said as she flew up to nuzzle Kyuubi's cheek, wetting the fur with her tears. "You were nothing but helpful for decades. You more than deserve all the hugs and every nice thing ever. You poor, poor puppy." The pegasus softly stroked the kitsune’s cheek as if to make the memories disappear. D-don't worry, Lady Flutterbold. I am quite happy. I’ve made lots of beloved friends and get plenty of hugs. "You deserve more!" the pegasus insisted as she buried her face into Kyuubi’s cheek, intensely focused on hugging as much of Kyuubi’s head as she could. Twilight decided to leave them to it for now. Instead, she followed her little love-struck assistant, heading towards Rarity. The diligent fashionista seemed to be working on something at a table with a few stacks of multicolored fabric. "Excuse me, Rarity. What are you working on?" "Oh, Twilight, perfect timing. I need your help on this one." "Sure, but what is that?" Twilight asked as she glanced over a combination of several large pieces of blue material with one big flame-like gem in the middle.  "It is a gift for Lady Kyuubi. An elegant blue bowtie for tea parties and other public events. It will look beautiful on her, no matter how much she grows. And the part holding the bowtie can be easily expanded to keep up with her growing neck." Twilight tilted her head to the side. "Seriously? Well, at least I can't deny that it is a creative idea." She took a few more steps towards the table and poked some odd white material inside three baskets. "Is this Kyuubi's fur? You didn’t skin her for it, did you?" She recalled the tale of the ‘generous’ Everfree Sage, hoping Kyuubi learned her lesson after the Royal Canterlot Lecture. "Skinned!? Oh, no, no, no. Never! Such an uncivilized action, no. Lady Kyuubi offered it for my new line of winter clothing. In return, you and your other friends will get them first." Rarity bent her legs, taking a moment to playfully stroke the little drake. "Spikie will look so adorable in it. I can picture it now." Imaginary stars flashed in the mare's eyes. "Gloves, jackets, scarves. Ah, I cannot wait!" Twilight smiled encouragingly. "If it involves Kyuubi's fur, I can tell it will be a grand success. Assuming it won't lose its magical properties while being separated from her. Now that would be an interesting experiment." "Darling, please. Don’t jinx it!" Rarity said with narrowed eyes, a hint of panic in her voice. Twilight's ears dropped. "S-sorry." As she started helping with the large bowtie, she exposed her right ear, listening to the voices in the background. "By the way. Is Kyuubi telling the story of her past to everypony?" "She is. Or rather, Lily is telling it for her. Something about skipping on scary details that would cause a repeat of the town panic," Rarity explained as her focus was the sewing machine, charging it with her magic.  "Good call. My friend tends to be too honest, often making herself look worse than she is. She has a big heart in more ways than one.” "Oh, I’m certain it is. According to Applejack, her humble nature is what makes her so trustworthy," Rarity said as she pointed at the farm mare who provided the guests with drinks and apple snacks. A stetson hat decorated the mare's head. "So you can heal, boost yourself and others, and use defensive magic. So you're not just big, but also a wizard. You're so cool," Rainbow Dash praised from her spot. N-not really. I have a few specialties, but overall I am much weaker and more limited than Twilight when it comes to magic and raw power. I'm also a bit fragile for my size. "Is Lady Kyuubi always so modest?" Rarity tittered, taking a break from using a needle for a little finishing touch. "Most of the time, but this time it’s more than her humility. Despite her size, she has many weaknesses. Lack of agility at her full size is one of them," Twilight explained as she lowered her horn towards the flame-colored gem, casting a little enhancement of her own. Since her friend was going to wear this bowtie, she could as well make the gemstone more practical. "Her magic and biology are far different from ours. No magic enhances her durability, making her somewhat vulnerable to injury." "I see. Most unfortunate for her. But I can’t imagine what sort of ruffian would ever wish to harm such a sweet-tempered creature. In any case...One more touch. And...Done!" Rarity levitated the massive bowtie with her magical aura, holding it over her head as a trophy.  The numerous ponies quickly stepped from the rich fur, making space for the mighty bowtie. Rainbow moved away, too, albeit annoyed to be forced away from her napping spot for the second time in one morning. What's this? Is this the bowtie? Already? But it's so big. I had no idea you would finish it this quickly. "Oh, darling. Bigger does not mean harder. In fact, I had an easy time working on details thanks to that," Rarity answered while Twilight noticed that she rubbed the back of her neck nervously. "Though I admit it, it is a bit rushed. It is merely a sample. I will make you a good one after the celebration." Oh, please, don’t trouble yourself. This bowtie is lovely.  "For the quality fur you provided me, it is no hassle at all. Now please stand up. I want to see how it fits from a different angle." Twilight watched her tall friend stand to her full height, towering over the admiring crowd. The bowtie had the width of two ponies standing across each other, clearly visible from the lower ground. The flame-like gem reflected the rays of the sun while blue fabric suited the white fur. "Wow. She was adorable before, but now she looks like a kitsune of the highest class." Her friend made her think of a fox working as a butler serving drinks but decided not to speak it aloud.  "Looking good, sugar-cube," Applejack praised. "A bowtie? meh." Dash waved her forehoof with a dismissive gesture. "I think it suits you very well. No pony will mistake you for a dangerous beast. Like a collar with a nametag," Fluttershy pointed out as she landed next to Rarity. "Collar? Oh please. She is not a mere animal. She's a sophisticated creature and deserves to look like it," Rarity remarked. "I can agree with that," Twilight said, admiring her friend by Rarity's side. "I only wish she didn't call herself a dangerous predator so often." "That's what I like 'bout her. She ain't hidin' anything and stayin' true to herself," Applejack commented as she approached Twilight from the other side. "For a so-called dangerous predator, she’s pretty chill," Dash complimented Kyuubi, landing next to Fluttershy. "I wish I was her. Just imagining how much I could do gives me chills," Pinkie said as she bounced towards the group, hopping in place next to Rainbow Dash. "That bowtie looks silly on her." As she received a doglike growl from Rarity, she added, "In a good, fun way." Kyuubi looked down at the group as her ears drooped and her smile waned. Twilight quickly noticed the distress. Something was bothering her friend, but before she could speak, Kyuubi beat her to it. If you liked my story, you are going to enjoy hearing about Twilight Sparkle. The kitsune stretched her long forepaw to lightly place it on the studious unicorn’s back as the crowd of ponies focused their attention on her. "Wait. What?!" Did you know she hatched a dragon egg with her magic when she was only ten? "That's me," Spike said, awoke from the charm that kept his eyes on Rarity with a love-struck stare. "I see, so that is why you two are so close!" Rarity said as she turned to Twilight in admiration. "Wait, is that a baby dragon!?" Fluttershy wrapped the little dragon motherly embrace. "You have to tell me all about yourself. Will you? Pretty please?" "Okay, get ready for a long story," Spike said with pride in his voice, taking his dragon-handling in stride. And her magic is far superior to mine, even when I am at my full size. I wish I were half as good at magic as her. "Is that true?" Rainbow Dash asked, now hovering in front of Twilight, who took a few steps backward. "Yer not lyin'. Ah can tell. Or are ya just bein’ all humble again?" Applejack asked, looking between Twilight and the giant fox wearing a bowtie.  Oh no, my humility has nothing to do with it. When it comes to magic, I'm the inferior one, despite being three decades older. Twilight is just that amazing. The studious unicorn found herself bombarded with questions and praise, now surrounded by the ponies that a moment ago were admiring her friend. Kyuubi smiled proudly before taking the opportunity to walk away with silent steps, or at least as silent as the giant kitsune could make them. It became clear to Twilight that Kyuubi was serious about helping her find friends, and she respected that.  For Kyuubi, she was willing to give friendship a try. Kyuubi kept walking through the empty street as the noise of partying guests became weaker the further she went. Once far enough, she walked behind a wooden home and bent her legs, though failing to hide her long tails from pony eyes if they decided to look towards her. Concentrating magic in her third tail, she summoned a portal, which grew in size before her very eyes. While talented and powerful unicorns had access to reliable and quick teleportation, she relied on her gates instead. Summoning it took longer than casting teleportation, but it had a superior range in return. When it came to transporting a large group with a cheaper use of magic, this is where her spell shone. Or, in this case, a massive kitsune like her. "Are you leaving already? But the party has just started!" Hearing the voice of sweet Lily, she looked down. Her student quickly jumped towards her muzzle, now hanging on it with her hooves. "There's still time until the seal breaks. Are you sure you want to go now?" Kyuubi nodded, though it didn't bother the pony hanging to her muzzle. Lily, I realized that I did something terrible. "Terrible? Like what?"  I nearly ruined Twilight's chance of gaining friends.  “Huh?” They were all so focused on me, my fur, my story, and then the bowtie. Twilight would’ve been content to stay silent or go back into the library to read a book. "Ah, yeah, that sounds about right. So that's why you left so quickly?" Yes, in part. But I admit, I  wish we didn’t have to leave so soon. Rainbow Dash was very enthusiastic, though not the best judge of character. Rarity and the Apple family were so generous. Kyuubi tapped her bowtie as a mere touch filled her with pleasant memories she just made. Pinkie Pie and her logic-breaking creativity gave me a few interesting ideas. But most of all, my dear cuddly rival Flutterbold. I never thought I’d meet a pony so much like me. Hopefully, I will meet them again one day in the future. They are such great ponies. We could have been great friends. "But they are your friends! Or at least, they want to be!" Maybe so, but the risk of robbing Twilight of her opportunity is just too high. I’ve already made many wonderful friends. Now, it’s time for Twilight to make hers. "I...I understand. To be honest, I liked them. Mostly Rainbow Dash. But Pinkie was fun too, and Flutterbold really impressed me.” After placing the filly on the sole of her paw, the giant fox leaned in to nuzzle the earth pony comfortingly. I liked them, too, Lily. As the portal gate became big enough, Kyuubi placed Lily on her head, she walked towards it, peeking behind her shoulder for the last time. Maybe one day, we can come back and fully become their friends, but for now, we need to focus on keeping them safe. Especially my sweet little Flutterbold. We’ll help turn Princess Luna back to her old self and reunite her with Princess Celestia. Maybe afterward, our paths will cross again. For now, we should give Twilight her chance and cheer for her. “Right, yeah! Once Twilight becomes friends with those special ponies, we’ll take our turn. I can’t wait! Let’s go save the Princess!” Before the guests realized anything was happening, Kyuubi and Lily were gone, having moved kilometers away from Ponyville.  Confused by Kyuubi’s absence, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew over to the wooden house as they no longer saw the long tails sticking out from behind it. Yet the massive kitsune had vanished without a trace, taking Lily with her. Their collective mood went down, knowing their friends and rivals departed from this enjoyable party. Though, they both shared one question, wondering why the two of them had decided to leave.