After what seemed like hours of uneventful trudging through the forest I came upon a clearing. It was unremarkable in every way except for the castle sitting in the middle of the clearing. As I sat at the edge of the forest I couldn't help but wonder if it belonged to anyone. If it didn't I could use it as a shelter and base until I found somewhere more suitable. If it did I could only hope that they would be nice to little lonely fox demon. Wait demon, where did that term come from? I sat there and pondered this but like my old name and everything else related to my past I could not recall anything, it was just a blank.
As I sat there trying and failing to figure out my past I noticed a guard walking around the edges of the castle walls. He was a pony clad in armor and carrying some kind of weapon. Despite my excellent sight the angle of where I was in relation to where he was made it difficult to determine his weapon. I was at an impasse, I could approach and try to communicate with the guard. However I didn't know if I could speak at all. Even if I could the guard might not understand me, and then again even if he did he might just run me off.
'sigh' “If only I could speak” I said my voice a surprisingly deep. That was, surprising to say the least. I wasn't even sure I could speak. Now the only problem was whether or not these ponies could understand me. Well I wasn't making any progress where I was so I decided to approach and come what may. I made my way around the castle until I was in position to approach the main gate. As I made my way up to the main gate I couldn't help but notice the guards react to my approach.
“Halt who goes there!” A voice proclaimed leading me to believe he was in charge.
“I am but a mere traveler with no home to return to and place for my weary head.” I responded to the guard hoping I would not be turned away. That would be...unpleasant for them and me. More so for them however. As I was musing I couldn't help but notice that there was one less guard on the tower.
“We have sent word to the princesses please remain where you are!” the voice called down to me. 'Well it's progress' I thought to myself. Then suddenly the gates opened up to reveal two much taller and regal looking ponies. One was as white as the purest light with a flowing mane. She seemed to radiate sunlight and warmth. However I noticed something else about her. A certain tension one that comes with bearing the responsibility of many on your shoulders. As well as a willingness to defend them with all your heart. The other was a comforting dark blue with a flowing mane that seemed to be made of starlight. She seemed to be more relaxed than the other one, but I could tell that she seemed to be agitated about something.
“Hello friend” spoke the white one “I am princess Celestia, this guard has informed me you have arrived at our gate in search of shelter.”
“Indeed I have” I stated giving a slight bow to show respect. “I have no place to call home and nothing to call my own.”
“How sad.” Stated the blue princess.
“Indeed I was hoping that you could be so kind as to spare some shelter for a little while.”
“Certainly you can stay as long as you need to however I did not catch your name.” While Celestia spoke the blue star pony nodded in agreement.
'I did not offer it, It is Ninetails by the way” I could see on the star princesses face that she was thoroughly amused at my name.
“Well then Ninetails come inside we have much to discuss.” At this she turned and went inside. I fell in behind them wondering how this would work out. I thought that maybe there were other creatures like me but then I quickly crushed that thought for some reason.
As we walked though the castle I decided to take stock of the situation. I was alone had no memories. To top it all off I had no idea where I was. The castle was nice enough I guess. I didn't have anything to compare it to though so I really didn't know. We eventually arrived at a long and wide room with two thrones at the end one had a sun above it the other a moon. The two princesses sat on one throne each the golden one sat under the sun the blue one under the moon.
“Now then Ninetails I can't help but wonder what are you? I do hope its not impolite of me to ask.” Celestia said.
“Not at all however I must admit that....” I say my voice trailing off. A single thought raced through my head. Would they accept me as a demon?
“You do not remember?” She asked.
“It is not that your majesty it is just that well....” I trail off letting my head droop.
“Its not important anyhow.” Celestia stated ending the matter. I kept a neutral face. It wasn't hard to do with my mask. I noticed Luna seemed to want to continue the matter however she did not openly challenge Celestia for the answer.
“What is importiant now is the matter of your lodging.” Celestia looked at me with concern. I chalked it up to that they probably didn't know what kind of bed I would be comfortable in. I could probably fit in any sized bed they had if I didn't have these tails. I love them to death but having nine tails, each as long as you was proving to be quite a pain. However at this point I was not picky and would sleep on a stone floor if it meant shelter.
“As long as I have a roof and four walls I will be fine for tonight.” I stated. I could see my statement eased the distress of the princess.
“Then I will have a guard escort you to the guest room.” She clapped her hooves together and a guard walked up to me and motioned for me to follow.
“If you would like to leave your sword somewhere the armory is just up ahead.” The guardspony stated.
“No thank you I will keep it with me.” I stated flatly cutting off that topic. 'Why is he so keen to relieve me of my sword'. We kept walking in silence until we arrived at the guest room. Well one of them there were several guest rooms in the castle as to be expected of royalty. They probably had ambassadors from other countries arrive for political reasons.
“Well here you are. I do hope you find everything to be up to your satisfaction sir.” With that he left me to attend to his other duties. I entered the room using one of my tails to turn the knob. What greeted me was a nice and almost quaint little room. The only thing it had in it was a bed, a bedside table, and a lamp sitting on the table.
Getting into bed was a little awkward for me but I managed. As I curled up on the bed wrapping me tails around myself I smiled. Tomorrow would be a very busy day.