//------------------------------//
// The Misunderstanding 
// Story: Return of the Savior! Wait ME? 
// by NnoDragonEclipse 
//------------------------------//

The pristine white marble wall offered little distraction as I sat staring blankly, trying to pass the time. I guessed nearly thirty minutes had crawled by based on the extravagant iron-wrought clock hanging across the large, exorbitant room.

Earlier I had desperately tried focusing on the dusty tomes lining the rough-hewn bookshelf, hoping to quiet my restless mind. But the arcane symbols swam before my eyes, shifty and indistinct, denying me even that minor diversion.

With growing restlessness, I glanced around for my phone, yearning for its familiar glow to cut through the oppressive silence. I never really bought any games on it so even if I did, I wouldn't have any internet to connect to. 

I longed to text someone, anyone, just to grasp at a feeling of normalcy after days trapped in this strange, lonely place. My isolation wore on me, leaving me craving the outside world I took for granted. I missed them all dearly.

Keep your eyes forward and don't look back. You'll need the strength. Stop thinking and start doing. Don't break down here. So, think! You're good at that right? The only thing I could really think of to do was to get a better look at myself. The mirror right next to the drawer would do fine. 

Getting up from my comfy bed, I stumbled a bit as I stepped on one of my long tails; it hurt like a bitch for something that seemed minor. Why do I even have like six-foot-long tails!? Not to mention I have NINE of them! These things are getting more annoying each and every day I'm here!

Picking myself back up, I finally set out on my mission to the mirror. What I saw in the mirror was the same old fox head. That's depressing. The bright blue eyes caught my attention though. They almost seemed to glow with how bright they are. What was the most menacing thing about them were the vertical pupils. They were mesmerizing. They commanded my attention.

I have a feeling that is why no one looks me in the eyes for long. The longer I stare the more uncomfortable I feel. Those eyes belong to a predator, one that commands your admiration. I can hardly believe that those eyes are mine. It's uncanny to have gone from the kind brown eyes I used to have to this intense one. I still think I'm in a fairy tale.  

Well, if it is a fairy tale, I got good fortune to not end up eaten by a witch who baked me into a pie. Mmm, pie. Hopefully they have cherry pie. Wait, what was I thinking about? Oh right! Fairy tales! It would explain the magic I've seen and the mythical creatures I've seen. Um, the question is how do they even exist? I mean the dragon I saw shouldn't have been able to fly neither should the pegasi I've seen. Doesn't that def...

*knock*

It was one quiet little knock, but it still made me jump right out of my skin.  

"Um, Lord Kit-Kevin, remember he doesn't like his title and his name is Kevin. It's me Princess Celestia. You said earlier that you wanted to talk about your image," Celestia squeaked out, "If now isn't a good time I'll come back later if need be."

I could leave her high and dry then leave this problem for tomorrow but if that has ever taught me anything is that it will only make it worse when you go to fix it. "It's fine! Come in!"

*wiggle* *wiggle* 

The door didn't move, oh yeah, I locked it. Probably should have told her that.

"Uh One Sec, the door is locked," I yelled out. It seemed to fall on deaf ears as the doorknob glowed gold.

*click*

The door opened without me even getting near it and on the other side was a smiling white princess. Her horn was glowing the same as the doorknob. She wore no regal memorabilia. No crown to differentiate her from her peasants. She looks like a normal person. Well, if a normal person was a horse.

The floral scent of Celestia's perfume wafted gently as she entered the room, mingling with the earthy aroma of ancient parchment and leather-bound books lining the walls.

"That won't be necessary, as I have already opened it," she said with a smile.

"You know breaking and entering is a federal crime and can result in some jailtime," I joked with a grin. She stumbled for a bit and looked confused. She seemed to ponder something. 

"I don't believe I broke anything and entering a room isn't a crime. What is jailtime, I have never heard this word before," Celestia stated. I just stared at her and face palmed. She seemed to notice and was now very worried, "Kevin are you hurt and why did you do that? Self-harm is never the right option."

She rushed over to me to see if I was okay. I had to push her away from babying me to show her I was fine.

"I'm fine, it is something we do as uh, well uh. I think the closest thing to it is disappointment or disbelief," I stated, "I was just making a joke on how what you did would have mostly been seen as someone trying to steal things. Plus, it was a bit rude." 

"My apologies, I did not realize the infraction. I will do better next time, please forgive my injustice," Celestia said quickly. She even bowed to me and didn't rise.

"Um, you are forgiven. Mind you I didn't really care as one, I told you to come in and two, this is your castle and not mine. I'm currently a guest here," I stated.

"Even so, we must uphold etiquette and hospitality, making all guests feel welcome," Celestia lectured. "As princess, I strive for diplomatic perfection, accommodating foreign leaders and esteemed visitors alike. Griffons expect immersion in our ways, but adherence to some of their traditions as well. I aim to honor both, though they cannot claim mastery of delicacies like seasoned hay."

She grimaced slightly. "The Griffon chefs tried their best early on, but plain grass was still somewhat...lacking. Details matter when representing your nation." Celestia sighed, shaking her head before meeting my eyes once more. "But please, let's return to your concerns at hand, not old grievances."

"Of course. My apologies for digressing," Celestia acknowledged. "But come, the delegate lounge has an excellent city view for us to discuss your public image while admiring the dusk colors." She trotted eagerly toward the door. Her horn glowed as she opened the door with care, beckoning me to follow to a more private place to talk. Diplomatic duties clearly weighed on her but helping me took priority now.

The lounge windows overlooked the capital city bathed in sunset hues. Celestia stood proudly as she spoke. "Just fifty years ago, only scattered torches broke the darkness here. But we've accomplished so much since your departure. Ever-burning streetlamps replace messy fuels that need constant feeding. Their magical glow makes the nights brighter and safer."

She turned to me with a glowing smile. "Come see what's been built in your absence! And shut the door please, these rooms are heavily warded against eavesdropping."

I nudged the heavy door closed with a back leg, the thick wood thudding loudly. Celestia's ears flattened at the sudden noise. I apologized for startling her.

"It's quite alright. But remember, actions reveal deeper feelings than words alone. Yours suggest the confidence we associate with divinity. Yet uncertainty lurks underneath. You seem a frightened kit playing god." She tilted her head inquisitively. "What troubles you, my lord?"

My eyes swept the room, wary of eavesdroppers. Celestia sensed my caution and reassured, "Worry not, we cannot be overheard. My wards make this space impervious to all forms of spying. I tested them to exhaustion, nearly destroying the castle in the process. No magic, not even mine, can penetrate these walls."

Her eager, caring tone reminded me of my sister constantly probing my troubles. I could pretend around others, but my sister always figured out even petty troubles that burdened me. Yet now a far graver deception weighed on my soul.

Celestia continued, "I won't pry into divine secrets, as the universe holds many mysteries. But please, let me ease your burden."

Her sympathetic eyes and outstretched wing beckoned trust. But how could I divulge that I stood here under false pretenses - an ordinary man mistaken for a god? Where could I begin unraveling this cosmic knot of misunderstanding?
I shifted, claws clacking on the marble floor. "I possess no forbidden knowledge, but this may be easier sitting down." I gestured to the plush chairs tucked in an alcove, angled toward the sprawling cityscape.

Celestia would surely be disappointed with the truth. I struggled to sit gracefully, tangled in unruly tails. She hid a smirk watching me twirl and writhe embarrassingly on the backless chair. My tails sabotaged me, slipping to jab my backside painfully.

Celestia stifled her laughter behind one hoof. I shot her a pained smile - sitting elegantly with these cursed tails was harder than it looked!

I could see Celestia hold her hoof in front of her mouth to hide her mirth. It could hide her giggling unfortunately for her. I just gave her a small, pained smile in return. It's harder than it looks damn it! 

"It may be easier to not twirl like that when trying to sit, try going in one fluid motion forward than down. Your tails seem to have a mind of their own which wouldn't surprise me even if you're a fragment of his majesty," Celestia stated. What the hell does that even mean? "In the holy texts your tails were said to hold unimaginable power. Even after Dracorid's betrayal and the fragmentation, each of the nine's tails hold power even I couldn't fathom."

"This may seem out of place, but I have no idea what you're talking about," I stated. I could see all the mirth and childish glee leave her body in an instant as I sat down. She seemed confused with how she scrunched up muzzle and squinted her eyes. She seemed to question everything. Quickly it was gone as she seemed to realize something.

"Oh, that makes sense. Dracorid was very thorough in his betrayal. Of course, he would make sure you would never remember. Any questions you may have I will answer," Celestia insisted. Okay let's start with the obvious. What the hell did I just hear?

"Fragments? Dracorid? What does this all mean? I'm very lost here," I stated.

"To explain, you must know of Dracorid and Dragoria - the first free-willed beings. The firstborn dragons. Dracorid was tasked with guiding the nine realms through their awakening, a natural leader. Dragoria nurtured the young races, a caring mother.

But in the shadows, a sinister god of evil emerged, desiring only suffering and death. It corrupted minds by imparting sinful urges. Though we fought temptation at first, a seed of greed grew in Dracorid.

He lusted for power, forsaking his duty as guide. Dracorid devised a plan to steal your essence and dominate the realms. Here in the eighth realm, he struck you down in rage. Dragoria tried to intervene but failed.

To stop her brother, Dragoria banished Dracorid to the chaotic void between realms. As your soul departed, she made the ultimate sacrifice - absorbing your power at the cost of her own life. This act saved you, though your soul shattered into nine fragments.

We each piece scattered across the realms. One for each realm. None of them could reconnect as travel between worlds is impossible. But Dragoria remains a pivotal figure. Any other questions?" Celestia asked. I was still trying to wrap my head around this story.

Dracorid and Dragoria sound like important names to remember for later. I still have some burning questions I want to ask while I can.

"So let me get this straight - the gods here aren't considered infallible?" I asked incredulously.

Celestia raised an eyebrow at my question. "No being is infallible, not even our highest deities. As creator, you made errors shaping the realms and beings within. Your vision was not all-seeing."

She tilted her head curiously. "This surprises you? Where does your confusion stem from?"

I hesitated before responding carefully, "Well, it's different from the teachings I'm accustomed to, where the divine is seen as flawless. But I'm still trying to reconcile all of this." I gestured broadly at the strange surroundings.

Celestia fixed me with an intense stare, assessing my words. "Different teachings? These are the eternal truths you inscribed. What could you possibly be reconciling?"

I held up a paw. "Please, let me try to explain. I hail from a land unknown to you, a place called Idaho on Earth."

I met her eyes. "I was not born a god. I'm a normal mortal who lived a humble life. I neither created realms nor sculpted beings in my image."

Celestia leaned back, skepticism etched on her face. I pressed on.

"I don't know how or why I'm here now, speaking with you. But I beg you to believe that I'm not this divine Kitsune you seek. I'm just an ordinary man caught up in cosmic affairs beyond his comprehension."

I lifted a paw towards her; my voice strained with conviction. "I understand why you doubt my claims. But search your heart - you know I speak the truth. I possess no godly powers or wisdom. I'm as mortal now as the day I was born."

Celestia's stony facade faded as my sincere words sank in. She closed her eyes, brow furrowed in contemplation. The room fell silent. My claws dug into the marble floor as I awaited her judgment. Taking a deep breath through her nose and exhaling through her mouth. Then she started to laugh!? 

"I now understand! Why it's so obvious! You're testing my conviction to Faust and your holy greatness. Fear not, I've read the scriptures. I know that no other creatures can take your form. Even those who can, fear the wrathful smite of the spirits who do not take kindly their sins," she said with conviction.

"What, no. You don't understand I'm not him! I don't want your praise or your worship. For fuck sakes. How do I even prove that I'm not him."

"Well if you are telling the truth, you are a direct spit in the face to our religion. If you are lying, you're testing my conviction. Tell me, if you have had a thousand years to study the holy texts and learn it's great lesson, would you believe yourself. There are many things I'm willing to believe, this isn't one of them," Celestia stated.

"I don't expect you to take my word alone," I pleaded. "But there must be some way I can prove I'm not this Kitsune you speak of!"

Celestia gazed at me, eyes narrowing. "And what sign could possibly outweigh a thousand years of scripture and tradition?"

I racked my brain, claws digging into the cold marble floor. She had a point - in her shoes, would any demonstration convince me? I had no powers, no holy knowledge. Only my word that I was not who she thought.
"Give me time," I implored. "Surely we can find some evidence or way to verify my claims."

Celestia turned her head, considering. The silence hung heavy in the darkened room. She silently got up walking towards the window. As Celestia approached the window, her flowing ethereal mane seemed to float and billow softly, as if underwater. She placed one snow white hoof up on the sill, gazing pensively down at the city below, lit by the warm hues of dusk.

I could see her chest slowly rising and falling with breath, her regal posture silhouetted against the glittering skyline. The room felt heavy with uncertainty as I waited for her response.

After a long agonizing pause silence, she spoke, her voice clear but tinged with doubt. "Your words fly in the face of all we know, all that is written of our history." She turned to me, her ageless violet eyes meeting mine.

Celestia's eyes narrowed, her voice dropping to an urgent whisper. "If your claims became public, it would utterly devastate my subjects. Their entire faith rests upon the foundations you supposedly laid."

She studied me, doubt written across her face. "I cannot accept your word alone against millennia of doctrine. Yet even the possibility of such heresy threatens harmony."

Celestia considered, silence heavy between us. Finally she spoke. "For now, your dangerous ideas must remain secret." Her tone turned icy. "But if it gets out, no power in this realm could protect you from their wrath."

Her horn glowed menacingly as she emphasized the threat. The blood drained from my face. I nodded grimly. The threat was clear and to the point. 

Her horn flared menacingly as she leaned closer. "I will take precautions to prevent turmoil and preserve order."

Celestia remained unconvinced, yet would act decisively to contain what she saw as a threat. Our fragile truce rested on my silence. And if the truth got out, the consequences would be dire for both myself and the kingdom built upon myths I now inadvertently challenged.

"If what you claim is true, we will have to be careful. I will not have my civilization that I built ruined," her voice hardened slightly with warning but remained tinged with empathy. "That is why you won't tell them the truth. I must silence these dangerous doubts, for the good of all."

Celestia's horn began to glow, bathing the room in pale light. I watched in dismay as wisps of magic swirled around her tip, growing in intensity. 

With a solemn expression, she leaned in close, the magical aura surrounding her horn growing painfully bright.

I recoiled instinctively, ears flattening against my head. But escape was impossible. The magical tendrils lashed out, wrapping around my muzzle in a vise-like grip. I cried out in protest but no sound emerged, the spell constricting my jaws tightly shut. With it came a searing pain, like being lit on fire.

In desperation I clawed at the strands, trying to pry them off, but my paws passed straight through the glowing bonds. As I struggled helplessly, the magic spread, sealing my mouth completely. The light seeped inside, invading my tongue and throat with an fiery, burning sensation. 

I could feel the enchantment digging in, rooted deep at the source to prevent even a single utterance about my true nature. The room spun as primal panic overtook me, unable to scream or plead. But Celestia only wept harder as she gagged me, averting her eyes from my frantic state.

"This is for the good of all," she whispered, voice thick with sorrow. With a final flash, the spell etched itself upon my essence, burning its dictates into my very being. The light faded, leaving only a silent scream trapped within. 

Soon the burning faded. My breath was ragged and quick. Only the cause of the pain went away, leaving it's lingering shadow. 

"This spell shall hold thy tongue, nopony will ever know without my permission. This will be our burden. May Faust damn us all," Celestia stated. I looked up at her with a pained expression.

Quickly she turned around and walked away towards the door. Horn still lit, grabbed the handle in her glow and slammed the door open. "This is for the best, one day you'll understand."

"It wasn't the only way," I shot back with a raspy voice. I struggled to get up as the pain only increased with moment. She stop at the door. She paused.

"Be that as it may, I can't risk it. It is my duty and life's purpose to guide them. I WILL find out what Dracorid did. Only then will the truth be revealed," Celestia stated ominously. Walking with regained purpose, she walked to the balcony.

With that, she stepped out into the cool night air, her flowing mane billowing in the breeze. I staggered after her, still unsteady. By the time I exited the room, Celestia had already unfurled her massive wings.

With a few powerful thrusts she took flight, soaring into the dark sky. I could only watch wordlessly as she became a speck among the glittering stars, bound by the spell sealing away the truth.

I slumped over on the ground, alone with my thoughts. Celestia's reaction plagued me. She claimed it was necessary, but was there really no other way? Was I doomed to live a lie?

I looked out towards the balcony to see the brilliant lights surrounded by a sea of darkness. In the sky held the canvas of stars. I knew none of them. Why me? How could I even prove I'm not divine?