//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: New Height // Story: Above the Fire Sky // by TheTimeSword //------------------------------// ‘Twilight! Twilight!’ Kai rushed into the library. ‘Are you here?’ There was no sign of her or Spike inside the library. The books that were there that morning had all been put away. He rushed back out into the hall in search of Twilight, going to the only other place in the castle he knew how to get to. He peered his head into the map room. ‘Hello?’ “Kai?” Entering the room, he found Twilight behind her chair holding a brown bag with her cutie mark on it. ‘What is going on?’ He questioned. Twilight set the bag down. “I’m glad you’re here. I’ve already got Spike preparing his things and I’m pretty much finished with mine.” Tilting his head in wonder he asked, ‘Where are you going? Did you find my people?’ She looked at him with a saddened face and shook her head. “I did not. There was no book in my collection that held the spell I needed.” Kai’s face filled with woe as he heard the news. “Hey, don’t look so grim.” She said with a laugh, patting him on the head. “I don’t have the book, but I remembered the name of one that should contain what I’m looking for. I’ve already sent word to Canterlot, I’ve got a few of my friends scouring the library there. The book shall be found, guaranteed!” His face lit up as bright as the comet he came in on. He stood up on two legs and hopped around a bit in his excitement. Twilight enjoyed his enthusiasm. “You’ll actually be coming with us. The two princesses will be excited to meet a member of the stars. We’ll be leaving in the morn.” She threw her bag over her back and walked out of the room. He sat down, trying to imagine the sight of what Canterlot must be like. Twilight’s Castle was large enough to be home to him and his kind. Ponyville itself would be a whole new planet compared to his home, and Canterlot is supposed to be much larger. A grin from ear to ear, his antenna shivered in his excitement. He launched himself into the air, heat radiated off of him, the energy surged through him with a quick intensity before it was gone. He landed back down on the table, stretched out his legs and curled into a ball for a nap. All the places he could have rested, but tables seemed to be his favorite. Tonight was different for Kai, for tonight he dreamt. It was a rare occurrence for him, but one he always enjoyed. This one was difficult, however, as the dream continued there were times where he could only see his brother as he fell into darkness. The white fur of Myar could be seen for a long distance until it popped out of existence. This occurred several times throughout Kai’s dream that night, causing him to whine and wimped in his sleep. Unlike the day before, Twilight and Spike were the first to wake up. There was no time for breakfast as they grabbed their bags. Kai was sleeping soundly on the table until the noises outside the room caught his ears. He perked his ears up, and crawled to the door to listen. As he placed his face close to the door it opened, smacking him right in the nose. A series of yips and howls came from him as he rolled backwards, holding his nose. “Kai?” Spike said. “What happened, are you okay?” He rushed over to the Firefox. “Ahhhch!” Kai let out yell with a sneeze, and then another, and then once more. He rubbed his nose after he finally stopped. Spike watched in disgust. “Dude, tissue?” Kai shook his head. ‘I’m sorry. I was listening at the door when you opened it. My apologizes.’ “Well, actually, we were looking for you. It’s time to go! Rarity has already arrived at the train depot.” Spike explained. ‘Oh my! Then please, lead the way!’ The two raced out and down the steps. “I’ve found him!” Spike yelled out. “Ah, good, let’s be off then, boys.” Twilight said as she opened the castle door. The wind was blowing heavily as they made their way to the train platform. The train had just arrived and they boarded the locomotive with Rarity. They calmly found their seats and waited to depart. “Darling, you’re going to love Canterlot. It is the crowning jewel atop the mountains of Equestria.” Rarity described to Kai. “Ponyville has grown over the last few years, but Canterlot is still the second largest city in the land. Of course it’s still the prime location for anyone looking to make it big.” Kai listened with intent, unfamiliar with the words she used, but accepted them without question or understanding. “I actually used to live in Canterlot if you could believe that.” Said Twilight. ‘Really? Why did you move to Ponyville?’ “Actually, I was forced to move. Of course, it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.” Rarity smiled at Twilight. “It was actually the best thing that ever happened to us five. Without Twilight we surely would be lost in our lives.” Twilight blushed with embarrassment. ‘I suppose I am missing part of the story?’ “Oh don’t worry sweetie.” Rarity pet behind his ears. “The trip to Canterlot will be more than enough time for a few good stories.” He beamed a grin at the two ponies who he sat between. ‘I can’t wait to hear more!’ At that moment Spike ran up to the three. “All the bags are secure! The attendant told me we’re going to take off in a few minutes!” A bell then rang through the train carts followed with a voice on the speaker system. “Now departing for Canterlot, please remain seated as we take off!” “Or, we’re leaving now…” Spike said in an annoyed tone. The three laughed as the train ride began. Twilight and Rarity reminisced about past events and of obstacles both big and small they overcame. Kai listened to all of them with great intent, happy to be a part of the conversation. Though one thought remained in his mind, returning over and over with each new story. The history they had was more entertaining than his entire existence, or that of his people. A depressing thought he decided to remain unspoken to his new friends. As they grew closer to Canterlot, they could see the city quite clearly. Rarity opened a window allowing Spike and Kai to stick their heads out, feeling the breeze against their faces. Kai howled into the open air and Spike followed along, trying to replicate the yowls. His voice continuously cracking each time he began. ‘Don’t worry Spike. By the time we leave Canterlot I’ll make sure you can howl like a true Firefox!’ “Oh goodie. Just don’t be howling past bed time, okay Spike?” Said Twilight. Spike rolled his eyes. “Of course not, howling at the moon wouldn’t be fun at all.” Sarcasm filled his tone. “Awww, well I think Spike-wikey is a good howler.” Rarity said as she pinched his cheeks, causing him to blush. Kai closed the window and sat back down on the bench. They were arriving soon and the howling reminded him of one last story. ‘Speaking of howling. One of the greatest things my kind ever started doing was howling every time we passed a planet. We wanted to see if the native life could hear us. It became a little tradition just for fun.’ “That’s adorable. Did you do that for our planet?” Rarity asked. He looked down at his feet. ‘Actually, we were about to. That’s when I went down to find my brother…’ The horror on Rarity’s face as she knew she had asked a difficult question. “I-I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.” ‘Oh, no no. It’s okay. I know I’ll see them all again soon.’ He looked up at her and smiled. The train arrived at the Canterlot station, breaking the awkward conversation. They gathered their things off the train and headed for the Royal Palace. “Well, while I am here for you guys, I’m also here on business. I’d like to get it out of the way and join you all later if I may.” Asked Rarity. “Of course, Rarity. Catch up with us tonight at the archives.” Twilight replied. They went their separate ways as the three waved Rarity off. They were making their way first to meet with the two princesses. ‘Where are we heading, Twilight?’ “Well, we’re going to meet with my mentor and her sister, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. They should be at the throne room. They’ll be so excited to meet you.” Twilight said. She stopped in her tracks when she heard her name be called. “PRINCESS TWILIGHT!” A unicorn dressed in royal guard armor approached the three. Twilight turned to face the guard. “Um, hello?” The guard bowed graciously then spoke his message. “I am here to escort you to the Canterlot Tower.” Not understanding the purpose, Twilight asked, “I’m supposed to meet the princesses at the throne. Why am I being escorted to the tower?” “I am under direct order from the princesses. I am not to say more.” One of the most interesting rooms in all of Canterlot, the tower held a long hallway with stain glass windows depicting past events. The three had begun walking this hall. Kai witnessed all of the patterns, some he knew from tales Twilight told, while others were a mystery in his mind. Twilight had another mystery of her own. Why would the royal sisters change where they meet last minute? Was she even meeting with Celestia and Luna? They reached the end of the hall, not a word spoken among them the entire walk. Kai stared at the window of the main six obtaining their elements of harmony. An impressive sight captured in glass. The door opened finally, Celestia and Luna sauntered out into the hall. “Greetings Twilight, I am glad you received our change of plans.” Celestia said as she and Luna bowed to their peer. Twilight bowed back in return and asked, “I’m glad we did, but why the switch?” “I’m afraid that we became under attack and were unsure of how to fight back.” Spike and Twilight looked at each other, then back at the princesses. “What do you mean how to fight back?” Spike asked, scratching his head. “And what attacked you?” Twilight added. “I’m afraid…” Luna stepped forward and pointed her hoof. “…we were attacked by him.” The princess of the night pointed directly to Kai. The brightness of his fur dimmed, clearly shaken by the understanding of what it meant. “Wait, how? Kai has been with us all day! He couldn’t be the one to do it!” Twilight questioned. Celestia shook her head. “This is indeed Kai? As the fox that attacked us this morning looked like a replica of him in a different color. He was screaming that his name was Kai and he was here to take over our world.” Twilight looked at her furry friend who had clearly become distressed over the words spoken. His nose pointed to the ground, a single tear had run down his muzzle. ‘Brother…’ The two sisters looked at one another and came to the understanding. “So it was not the same creature.” Luna said. “When you sent a letter explaining your new friend from space, we thought it was odd that the same named fox would attack us. The only reason we did not surprise a take down when you first arrived, was that the creature that came after us was pure white.” Celestia added. Kai looked up, tears had started to fall faster down his cheeks, soaking his fur. ‘It is him, Twilight. He… followed me.’