Tails of Innocence

Tails of Innocence

Prologue

It wasn’t the first time she walked through this hallway alongside her tall caretakers, yet something felt off as she could feel the tension in the air, as if something was out of the ordinary.

Step by step, her paws made repetitive and silent contact with the marble floor of the church. The floor itself was made of square blocks and was covered by dust in multiple spots as purifying the land left residents of the church with little time to clean.

She looked around nervously, glancing at numerous supporting pillars while admiring their design, specifically the cute little winged humans called angels, as if the little marble figurines were attached to each pillar while praying to the heavens. Occasionally she spotted a wooden door that looked like so many others that she often lost count of how many there were in this massive church.

She quickened her pace to match the longer steps made by her caretakers as she looked up, no longer seeing their cheerful and comforting expressions, but instead narrowed eyes and faces that shown nothing but urgency. She always felt a little intimidated by their size as she needed to stand on her rear paws in order to reach their middle, but now it felt even worse.

With her full attention on an elderly human in long-white robes, whose face was covered a very long beard, she narrowed her eyes and concentrated. Out of her three fluffy tails, the middle one raised upward as a white magical aura surrounded it. F-father Rodrigo… she spoke telepathically, yet failed to get his attention.

She repeated with higher volume, Father Rodrigo, is something wrong? Seeing as he looked down at her, she smiled and asked, I couldn’t help but notice that everyone is very stressed today, and it’s making me nervous. Is there anything I can do to help?

Seeing the priest just sigh in response only deepened her worries. She lowered her head and whimpered, only to feel comforting hands pick her up.

Now held in monk’s embrace as if she was a baby, she blushed while looking at him, the very person she saw as a parental figure. H-hey… I’m not a little kid anymore… quit it... she spoke telepathically, finding herself in an embarrassing predicament. It was a pleasant experience back when she was the size of a kitten, but now…

“Small or not, you’ll always be my little kid, my little Kyuubi.”

Kyuubi closed her eyes, feeling the pleasant scratches behind her ears and under her chin while red collar decorated her neck with silvery emblem attached to it with her name written on it. Petting, scratching sessions, affection and time, he gave her the most whenever others were busy.

While trapped in an awkward position, she stretched her neck, nuzzling the monk’s cheek. The tips of his white beard and white hooded cloak ticked her snow-white fur. She always wished that she could wear one of those robes, as pure white as snow with runes of bronze, silver, and gold on the back to rank how high one was in the hierarchy. Each of them a symbol to demonstrate what type of magic each priest was specialized in or the various deeds they had accomplished for the church. She wished for one for herself so she could be like her caretakers and help the world with pride.

Thankies for the scratches, Timothy, but I would rather know why everyone is so stressed today? She assaulted the monk with her best puppy-eyes, whimpering like a pleading dog. Can you tell me what’s going on? Pretty please…

Timothy looked to the side, not daring to look her in the eyes. “Stop looking at me like that. You’re making it harder than it already is…”

What do you mean?

The monk sighed and looked back as his eyes started tearing up, his tone of voice now more somber than before. “I hate being the one to tell you the bad news… but…” Despite his efforts, a few tears slid down his cheeks.

Yes? Kyuubi asked as sudden feeling of dread was born in her heart. Something bad was coming and her anxiety grew.

“Today is the day we’ll have to say our goodbyes.”

W-what? What are you talking about? She pushed herself free from monk’s hold, landing on the floor as she gazed back in confusion.

“I am sorry Kyuubi, but we have no choice but to send you away.”

Feeling as if her heart started to sink, she walked backward, not daring to take her eyes away from the parental figure. Send me away? But why? Did I do something wrong? Is it my fault? She stood on her rear paws, pressing her forepaws against Timothy’s belly. Whatever I did, I’m sorry. Please, let me fix it… I’ll do whatever…

“It’s not your fault. It is about your safety.”

Kyuubi lowered herself to the floor and resumed her walk, following Timothy as Father Rodrigo gestured for them to enter the most spacious room in the church, a place filled with numerous empty seats and an altar. Rays of the sun filled the room through stained glass, alongside light form a few candles.

My own… safety? Kyuubi asked as she looked at Father Rodrigo, who gestured for them to approach the main altar. Her attention focused on numerous priests and sisters, all gathered around a blessed shining orb. Not that she was ever allowed to enter this part of the church during mass, nor interact with the faithful, but she peeked in from time to time, and barricaded doors certainly wasn’t part of the decor.

With hesitant steps, she approached the gathered group as each priest and sister gave her a saddened look, which only served as confirmation that she indeed would be cast away. She glanced at statue of an angel which held a holy orb in its hands, one that shined with power. As she looked between each face, she noticed that one priest refused to meet her gaze.

She stopped in pointed spot in front of the orb and turned around, sending a telepathic message to Rodrigo. Why is everyone gathered like that? Is this a judging ritual? Are you planning to purify a group of monsters? I was sure there’s no need for this many priests to do that. As she looked around, she noticed that everyone knelt before the orb, sending their prayers. She whimpered, wondering if it was a sort of banishment ritual.

Rodrigo looked at Timothy and said, “It will take some time before the ritual is over. Father Timothy, I believe it is just to tell her. She deserves to know.”

Timothy sighed before nodding hesitantly. He wiped tears from his face before approaching the altar and kneeling before Kyuubi. He stretched his hand and rubbed her cheek.

Deserve to know what? Kyuubi asked as her own eyes started watering. It wasn’t surprising to her that her caretakers were hiding something from her as she got used to it, but now she was beyoung worried what this secret can be.

“My dear Kyuubi. Before I tell you a story, allow me to tell you something about you, or rather about your species,” Timothy said, receiving a nod of agreement as she looked at him with knowledge-hungry eyes. “There was a time when your species was numerous, but was also intensively hunted as your tails possessed valuable magical properties, making them very valuable.”

Kyuubi wrapped her paws around her three tails, holding them close to her chest as she trembled in fear. She wanted to object to such cruel treatment, but felt too afraid to respond.

“A few talented wizards were studying your species, and according to their notes, you possess an interesting surviving trait,” Timothy said as he forced himself to smile, yet it and his scratching did little to raise Kyuubi’s spirit. “As long as your species is numerous and healthy, each member possesses an average magic and lifespan between a hundred and two hundred years. Most multi-tailed foxes had three or four tails at best.”

Kyuubi nodded, concentration and curiosity clear by one look at her face.

“However, as your species became less and less numerous, each remaining member gained stronger magic and longer life spans. Some people even claimed to see a fox with five or even six tails that were bigger than a human despite them standing on four paws.”

Kyuubi tilted her head to the side. Does this mean I will one day grow six tails and will live for centuries, will I grow very big?

TImothy nodded. “You will grow further than that, and that’s the problem.”

What do you mean? she asked, blinking in confusion.

“And now this is where the sad story starts. For decades no one could find any members of your species, only for the darkest day to come,” Timothy said as he no longer could keep up his smile, his tone of voice now serious. “Five years ago a gigantic nine-tailed fox made his appearance. This creature was bigger than a cathedral and wielded destructive black magic.”

Kyuubi curled herself while holding forepaws very close to her chin.

“Blinded by desire for vengeance or overcome with lust for power, this creature became a most cruel beast...” Timothy started in harsher tone. “It turned any animal it came across into a monster for his army and summoned demons to serve it. Anyone who fought back was killed and resurrected as an undead corpse. Curses, necromancy, it knew it all. In only a month this beast created legions and invaded one kingdom after another, bringing ruin and destruction to those who refused to bow to it.”

M-monsters? Wait… are you talking about all those creatures we were purifying? Are you saying that all those animals we saved… were turned into those aggressive creatures by… someone like me? She lowered herself to the floor, whimpering sadly as guilt started weighing on her young heart. So all this destruction… No…

Timothy grit his teeth and looking to the side, forcing himself to continue, “If two wizards of equal skills would fight each other and one would use black magic, the black mage would win. This magic was created for destruction and battle. For a gigantic and powerful creature like this Ninetales to use it… Any army that got in its way was burned in black flames.”

More whimpers escaped Kyuubi’s mouth and her ears were now flat against her head.

“Many people gifted with powerful magic tried to fight it, using the power of fire, electricity and earth itself against Ninetales, only for this creature to break their strongest defenses and eat them. Witnesses claimed that each time it ate a mage, it grew in size a little bit and became even more powerful.”

Father Rodrigo grimaced and narrowed his eyes, as if relieving the past.

“Knights and warriors possessing inhuman power tried to kill it, but brute force couldn’t stand a chance against black magic,” the monk added before looking at his own clenched fists. “In desperation we prayed to our God for salvation, and in return he blessed us with holy magic. Not one to heal, but one to smite evil. While this gift would barely scratch a good creature, it proved to be a powerful way to fight this black magic.”

Kyuubi raised her head. You mean… like that game of paper, scissors and a rock? She stood up as her paws trembled. Black magic beats everyone, everyone beats holy magic and holy magic beats black magic. R-right?

Timothy allowed himself to chuckle, though his voice still possessed a hint of dread. “That’s one way to put it. When priests unleashed holy spells, and when I and other monks used holy power in direct combat, we managed to defeat one legion after another, even forcing Ninetales to retreat more than once. Other kingdoms sent their armies to support us, seeing hope for salvation in those dark times.”

But… but why did this Ninetales attack in the first place? Why was he so cruel? Kyuubi asked. Was it revenge?

Timothy rubbed the back of his neck. “To be honest, I am not sure. There’s a possibility that it tried to avenge its species for being hunted to near-extinction for its valuable tails, which would explain its rage.” He looked to the side, adding, “But there’s also a possibility that this creature hunted and ate its own kind, hoping to become the most powerful creature on the continent. Either it was desire for vengeance or lust for power. We’ll never know.”

Kyuubi nodded. On one side, it made sense to fight back against those who were killing them, at least somewhat justifying all those cruel actions. On another, was returning pain for pain the only course of action? Wasn’t there a peaceful alternative? As much as she wanted to think it through, she had to focus on the ongoing story.

“Despite possessing magic and power to fight back, our opponent was clever. It used its legions as shield and killed as many priests and monks as it could before retreating to heal its wounds. One battle after another, it drained our strength before regrouping his forces to strike again. This creature was too fast and too clever to be killed and it would win sooner or later. Unable to take away its life, we sealed it away,” Timothy said as he glanced at the present priests, who kept doing their prayers with full focus while holy orb shined brighter than before.

I… see… Kyuubi lowered her head and held forepaw on her chest. But if that’s the case, why did you raise me? Am I not your enemy? Why did it take so long for you to decide to banish me?

“That’s not it,” Timothy said as he shook his head, quickly patting the three-tailed fox. “In an attempt to restore the land, we tried to help animals as well. It was a bit surprising to us when a fox we took under our care spawned a second tail.”

Father Rodrigo spoke up, catching her attention, “We didn’t let fear blind our judgement, so we sought God's guidance. We performed a judging ritual on you.”

Kyuubi looked up at the priest and nodded, remembering such ritual being performed on three goblins. If I remember correctly, this ritual didn’t harm two goblins that seemed a bit aggressive, but it took away the ability to speak from a cooperative one. Later it turned out that the third one was a cunning liar who caused a lot of harm while the other two just defended their territory.

The priest nodded. “Indeed. This ritual bypass appearances and judge one by its heart. When it gave you affinity to holy magic, we decided to comply with God's wishes and raised you the best we could.”

Timothy looked at the barricaded door as some sort of knocking sound came from it. “The problem is that in the eyes of others, you have the potential to grow into someone as powerful, if not more powerful than that Ninetales. Your existence is no longer a secret, while those blinded by fear and hate wish to take away your life. That’s why we need to send you away, away to a place where you’ll be safe.”

Kyuubi once again felt her heart sink. So all this time those who suffered the most by fighting a member of her species were kind enough to raise her. With a firm jump, she tackled the monk while wrapping her paws around his neck, nuzzling him affectionately while showing the most cheerful smile she could muster. Only Timothy’s inhuman strength prevented him from being knocked onto his back. Thank you… thank you… oh thank you, thank you, thank you! Much to her disappointment, she was quickly separated from the embrace and placed next to the altar.

“Please don’t get even more attached. It will only make this separation harder,” Timothy said while Rodrigo gave them both a warm smile.

“Father Rodrigo, noble monks and priests, you all are making a big mistake. In the name of the king I demand that you open this door!”

Kyuubi took a step back and curled in fear. Despite the distance and barricade, she could hear clearly as the voice was high volume and filled with authority. It wasn’t hard to tell that she was the center of this conflict.

Father Rodrigo glanced at the orb while examining its shine. “We are almost done. We need a little more time.” He turned around and spread his hands. “Our merciful and kind god, our savior, please head call from your faithful servants and aid us in time of need…”

“Open this damn door! Don’t make me do something we all will regret!”

Timothy picked up the bag that lay behind the altar, away from Kyuubi’s view of sight. “Listen carefully. We’ll send you to a faraway place, maybe even another continent, to a place away from your race’s infamous history and those who wish you harm.” He placed the bag next to the trembling three-tailed fox. “Here are your supplies and a few books that will help you. I wish we could raise you, but it would only cause conflict between the kingdoms and the church with your life being on the line.”

B-but… where will you send me? What if people there will be mean to me? What should I do?

“Just be yourself and try to befriend the locals. Our God is merciful and I have faith he’ll send you to a place where you’ll be met with kindness and friendship,” Timothy reassured as he gave a quick farewell embrace. “Just listen to your heart and follow our teachings. My only wish is for you to grow into a good-hearted servant of God and prove to everyone that the evils of one don’t condemn you. Besides, I am sure there are many out there who will benefit from your healing touch.”

Kyuubi nodded in understanding, only for their discussion to be interupted as the barricade was penetrated. Fragments of wood and furniture flew across the room while crushing numerous seats. The double door that was often open to the faithful now lay scattered on the marble floor.

Kyuubi’s attention focused on an intimidating figure, a fully armored knight covered in armor up to his neck. The sunlight shone on the polished metal, shield the size of a human's belly was attached to his left hand while a bastard sword was held effortlessly by his right hand. Only the distance prevented her from seeing his face-expression.

Timothy rose up and stood protectively between the knight and the three-tailed fox. “Honorable knight, how dare you force yourself inside those holy grounds with ill intention in mind.” He clenched his fists and shook his hand. “Are you really that determined to commit a cold-blood murder inside the house of God?”

With firm steps, the knight walked forward, its metallic boots causing thudding noise with each step. His long sharp sword was raised, though one could notice trembling of the hand that held it. “Monk Timothy, is that you?” As he good closer, he narrowed his eyes as both humans stared at each other. “After all those battles, after the risk we took and blood we saw as we faced those cursed monsters on the battlefield, are you really going to defend spawn of that hellish creature!”

“Being a member of the same species doesn’t make Kyuubi evil, and God itself decided to grant it a chance to prove it. Please, just listen to reason…”

“Silence!” the knight shouted, slamming his sword against the floor as the pure strength of his push sunk it half a meter deep, the enhancement on the sword preventing the blade from breaking. “Are you that blinded? That Ninetales who brought ruin to the land was only two centuries old, and it already possessed enough power to conquer the entire continent and destroy armies.” He pointed at the magical fox. “And this is the last member of its species. Can you even imagine how powerful it can grow over centuries if left alone? I must slay it while it’s still vulnerable.”

“And you think it’s a reason to just murder her?” Timothy asked. “The knight I fought alongside was honorable, and now look at you, willing to commit a sin in those sacred halls, willing to kill a child while she can’t even defend herself. Sir Willard, you’re better than that.”

Willard held shield on his chest and yelled, “Do you think I want to do any of this?! I hate what I have to do. I’m about to commit grave sin, spilling blood inside the house of God, throwing my honor away by killing a defenseless youth. I’ll become a mere bug deserving of death and with soul beyond redemption.” He pointed at the burned part of his face as no helmet hid his scars, a damage made by black flames that even the priests couldn’t fully heal. “But after this war, after seeing my family slaughtered and my town burned before my eyes, I’ll not allow the history to repeat itself. If I have to sacrifice my soul for the sake of this kingdom, so be it.”

Timothy grit his teeth. At first he was determined to protect Kyuubi from harm, but stopping his war-comrade and friend from condemning his soul strengthened his resolve.

Jumping left and right, he blocked the knight’s path as his fist clashed with the enhanced shield. His attempts to push back Willard or disarm him failed as the power his opponent possessed matched his own. While he and his opponent didn’t want to harm each other, his holy magic was near-powerless against the dutiful and honorable knight. There seemed no evil behind his action, but rather fear and desperation as he could see regret behind the crumbling mask.

Kyuubi pressed her back against the altar as her heart-beat increased in speed. Her life was in danger and the very idea of that massive sword slicing her in half now haunted her mind. As much as she wanted to stop a fight between two friends, as much as she wanted to stop this violence, she could do nothing but remain paralyzed by fear. The strength between exchanged blows could effortlessly turn her fragile body to dust.

“Please allow your young servant to escape the fear and hate of misguided people. If it’s in your will, allow her to find a welcoming home and learn kindness in the distant land, a place where her magic won’t be feared, but become a force of good and spread your will,” Father Rodrigo said as the holy orb started initiating a powerful light.

Kyuubi felt a pleasant warmth, which in turn filled her with hope. If this violence could be stopped by taking her away, if her life wouldn’t be at the mercy of that large sword, she would accept it. Her hopeful thinking was cut off when she heard a scream of pain. Timothy ended up slammed aside by the knight’s shield, only for swift slice of the sword to cause bleeding on both of his legs. It became obvious that this strike was meant to immobilize rather than to kill him, yet it didn’t look any less painful.

Timothy! she screamed in her friend’s mind as her body was no longer paralyzed. Three of her tails raised upward, flashing in a white aura as she focused her magic, redirecting it towards the bleeding wounds on her friend’s legs. Distracted, she failed to notice the knight as she ended up in his shadow. Other priests collapsed to the floor, exhausted from the ritual as she felt holy magic surround her body.

“God, forgive me!” Willard shouted as he raised his sword high.

Kyuubi jumped towards the bag with supplies, only for it to be slammed into the wall by the knight’s shield. Her heart-beat stopped for a split second while her eyes became wide, purely focused on the sharp edge of the sword.

One of the priests rushed forward despite his exhaustion, getting in between the knight and the shining fox. “Sir Willard, please, stop!”

“Y-you…” Willard said as he hesitated for a moment. “I recognize you. You’re that paranoid priest who many times tried to approach me or my officers. I know what you tried to tell me but lacked the courage.” The knight pushed him aside, adding, “I’ll put your fears at ease.”

“My fears caused this secret to come to light, but I can still make up for my sins,” the priest responded as he rushed to fox’s protection. The sword descended, only to strike priest’s shoulder while injuring Kyuubi’s side. More blood spilled onto the carpet before the altar.

Kyuubi screamed, feeling intense pain as she dropped to her knees. Seeing blood dripping from her own wound as well from priests’ injury, she was left with a choice in her suffering. She could hasty stop her growing suffering, or aid the one who came to her aid.

With the rest of her strength, she looked at the massive injury on the priest’s shoulder, sending her magic in a desperate attempt to heal it. Before she could tell if her magic healed her suffering protector, her vision turned dark.

As her vision sharpened, she could see that she was no longer in the shadow of the knight, but surrounded by flowers and bushes as the walls of some kind of castle and a few towers came to her view. She grit her teeth and screamed, overwhelmed by the growing pain.

Hearing some sort of loud shriek, as if someone was skinning a cat or a wolf alive, the two pegasi guards flew towards the source of noise, their golden armor decorating their bodies while each carried a spear in their hooves.

Noticing that the noise came from the Royal Garden, they descended and landed, only for their faces to become pale. Some sort of fox next to a small puddle of blood screeched in pain while one of its tails shone with a white light.

Resisting the urge to puke, both guards looked at each other.

“Doctor, veterinarian? How far it is?” one guard asked.

“I think four kilometers, should we take this creature?” the other guard responded.

“I’m not sure if it can even survive the trip. How about I’ll pick up the veterinarian and… ummm…” Noticing that his partner looked ahead with his mouth agape, he looked at the injured fox, only to blink in confusion. The open bleeding cut and forepaw that seemed ready to fall off were all but healed as the poor creature now lay flat on the ground, covered in sweat and breathing heavily.

As both guards approached to take a better look, they failed to find even a mark of injury, but they did notice stream of tears escaping this creature’s eyes. The grass and a fair share of the fox’s fur was stained red.

“Ummm… did it just… heal itself… in an instant?” one guard asked, not believing his eyes as he lowered his spear.

“I believe Princess Celestia should be informed about it,” the other guard said.

“But what do we do with this fox?”

“Guard it while I inform the princess.”

“S-sure.”

Chapter 1 - New Home

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 1
-
New Home

Celestia gave a mental groan, not from annoyance but boredom as the Day Court continued as usual. Two guards stood in front of the stairs leading to the throne, her flank perched on a soft cushion for hours while her golden regalia rested on her body. Ahead of her, she saw a seemingly endless line of ponies seeking an audience with her.

Not that she didn’t like talking with her little ponies and listening to their problems, but after a few centuries, most of the topics and pleas became repetitive. To make matters worse, she could already tell that more than half of her talks today would be mostly unproductive. At least a third of present petitioners she recognized as stuck-up nobility, which would either waste her time with praise or have selfish and silly demands.

She maintained her usual cheerful mask, smiling at her subjects out of practice, only to notice a Royal Guard fly over the crowd. A little light of hope flared inside her as she focused her attention on the approaching guard, wondering what kind of distraction he’d provide her.

“I apologize for interrupting, Your Highness. Permission to report,” said pegasus guard as he took off his helmet and knelt before the throne while nearby petitioners glanced at him curiously.

“Granted,” Celestia said, listening with full attention while maintaining her stoic mask. She didn’t expect any great danger or crisis as the past century was very peaceful, but something out of ordinary that would add variety to her predictable life. “And please, stand up.”

The royal guard stood up, holding his helmet close to his chest. “We… we found an intruder in the Royal Garden. A fox with three tails.”

“An animal intruder in the garden? I can hardly call it… wait, three tails,” Celestia said, blinking in confusion. Three tails? Either my memory isn’t as it used to be, or I never encountered or heard of a creature such as this. With her curiosity piqued, she gestured with her cladded hoof. “Go on.”

“This creature… it was screeching in pain. When we arrived, it had a deep wound and had lost a lot of blood,” the guard said as his ears drooped.

Celestia’s eyes opened wide as she moved her head a little back while a few petitioners looked at each other in worry and whispered. Regaining her composure, the princess asked, “Did you provide this fox with medical assistance?”

The royal guard looked to the side. “Well… here’s the odd part. This fox healed its wounds in an instant.”

Her eyebrows raised themselves upon hearing this. Healed in an instant? Magic is capable of many feats, but healing is always the hardest. Even the most skilled unicorns with talent in healing can’t fix serious injuries this quickly.

As the princess remained silent, the guard continued, “To be more precise, we saw one of its tails surrounded by what I assume was a magical aura, and the wound was gone several seconds later, not leaving any marks on its fur.” He took a deep breath. “We assumed it was something we should inform you of immediately.”

Celestia nodded, her interest at its peak. “Thank you for informing me about this immediately. Is this fox still in my garden?”

The guard nodded. “My partner Lightbreeze is keeping an eye on it. I doubt it will try to escape, considering how exhausted it seems. Your orders?”

Interested in meeting a creature with such healing capabilities, she spread her wings and spoke authoritatively, "My loyal subjects, I must apologize, but I'm afraid Day Court shall be adjourned early today. Please return tomorrow should I find myself open again."

She ignored the disappointed murmurs as the ponies started leaving the throne room, thinking, I hope my secretary won’t be too upset about sudden changes in my schedule. She concentrated as a golden aura surrounded her horn. In a flash of light, she vanished, reappearing at the gated entrance of her garden.

Spreading her majestic wings, she flew up, not remembering the last time she used them in such a manner. Part of her felt pleasant freedom, breaking her routine for the first time in years, allowing herself to enjoy the breeze herself. No pegasi pulling her in a chariot, but stretching her wings for a change."

It didn’t take long before she caught a glimpse of her guard, flapping her wings at a steady pace as she descended towards him.

“Your Highness!”

“Please, don’t kneel,” Celestia said in advance as she walked forward, her cladded hooves making contact with the grass. From the corner of her eye, she noticed the nearby towers and walls of her castle with a little metal fence separating the garden from other areas. Ahead of her, she could see bushes with white lilies and a few trees.

She focused her attention on a curled figure in between a tree and a bush. Its fur was as white as the surrounding lilies. This poor creature hid its paws and most of its body behind three fluffy tails.

“Wait…are you wearing a collar?” Celestia bypassed her guard, slowing down as the fox seemed wary of her. “Please, do not be afraid, little one. Nopony is going to hurt you.” Calling it a little one indeed seemed appropriate as she examined the fox’s size, which seemed to be around a half-sized teen aged mare. On the other side, it was still far bigger than an average fox.

Do you promise? A female voice echoed in the alicorn’s mind.

Celestia looked around in confusion, unsure who had spoken to her, or from which direction. She looked back at the animal, who had risen from her curled position.

My… my name… my name is Kyuubi. N-nice to m-meet you.

Celestia kept staring ahead, noticing as one of the fox's tails shone with magic. Telepathy? she wondered, not taking another step. She asked in a motherly tone, “Have you spoken to me, little one?” Upon noticing a nod, she asked, “And is your name Kyuubi?”

Y-yes…

The guard looked between the princess and the animal, confusion visible on his face.

Noticing nervousness both on the fox’s face and in its way of speech, she lowered herself and smiled. “It is nice to meet you, little Kyuubi, and please calm your fears. You have nothing to fear.” She held forehoof on her chest. ”My name is Celestia, Princess of Equestria.”

P-princess! In an instant, Kyuubi dropped flat onto the grass, performing her version of a bow.

Celestia chuckled. It became clear that this creature wasn’t a typical wild animal one could find in the Everfree Forest, but rather an intelligent creature capable of communication. By her voice, I can assume Kyuubi is a female, and she certainly was taught proper manners by whoever raised her. Still, what kind of creature is she? If any of my subjects had such a unique pet, I would have noticed it. Maybe I am not paying as much attention to my subjects as I used to.

“Who is your owner?” Celestia asked as she stood up, taking one slow step at a time while looking at the silvery emblem attached to the collar. ‘Kyuubi’ was written on it.

Owner? You m-mean my caretakers? Kyuubi’s voice echoed in Celestia’s head as the fox stood up. She curled slightly, intimidated by the alicorn’s size. I was raised by priests and monks led by Father Rodrigo, though Timothy was the closest to me. As she finished her response, her eyes started to water again, and a somber expression appeared on her face. Her ears drooped as a sad whimper escaped her mouth.

Celestia’s expression saddened as well, and numerous questions started to form in her mind: Where does this creature come from, and how did it get here? How did it sneak into her garden? Who could have injured this cute little pet, and why? And if someone injured her, could something bad have happened to her owners? Wait. Monks and priests? So she was raised by a religious group? I guess this means she must be from outside of Equestria.

For over a thousand years now, Equestria lacked a religion. There was a time when ponies worshiped her and her sister. After they defeated Discord, many had called them goddesses despite the truth, but the sisters decided to allow such a religion to form. The Equestrians needed order and hope after living under Discord’s rule, and it seemed to work at first. That was until Nightmare Moon happened and ended up causing a small religious civil war after her banishment.

Celestia had to ban the religion for good to end the conflict and separation of her subjects. Without an organized faith, most ponies stopped worshiping gods and afterlives save for a small number of the populace in various cities and communities. Even Celestia herself never believed in such things.

While the other races like Griffins, Minotaurs, and even Dragons still had their faiths, she hadn't paid them any mind. But she was sure none of them involved monks.

Kyuubi whimpered as she massaged her forepaw and side in spots previously sliced by the sharp edge of the sword. She held back her tears with a growing struggle.

Overwhelmed by questions and feeling sad for the intruder, Celestia rose to her full height and gently touched her shoulder, causing the fox to flinch. “Kyuubi, I would like to ask you many questions to get to know you better. Would you accompany me to my bedchamber?”

Kyuubi looked at her for a moment before walking away. Her middle tail flashed as she rearranged the bush with the help of telekinesis, perching herself among the leaves and flowers. She hugged the leaves and flowers close to her chest and cheek as if seeking comfort in it. I… I would prefer to remain here for the moment. If you don’t mind, Your Highness.

Celestia chuckled. The way this fox looked at her, the tone of her innocent mental voice, she felt as if talking with a kid wary of strangers. “Of course. I suppose my garden is a nice place to talk,” she spoke in a motherly tone. She approached Kyuubi, lying next to her while placing the tip of her wing on the fox's back. She glanced at her guard and said, “Lightbreeze, please give us some privacy.”

“As you wish, Your Highness,” the pegasus said, saluting before he flew away, resuming his patrol.

Is… is it okay if I stay in your garden, Miss Princess? It looks peaceful, and I won’t cause any trouble.

Celestia shook her head. “First and foremost, I would like to learn more about you. We can discuss your accommodations afterward.”

Kyuubi nodded as she tried to comprehend her circumstances. Only a few days ago, she played games with Timothy and performed a purifying ritual with Father Rodrigo, and now she ended up far away from her home, barely escaping from the knight that tried to slice her in half. Her peaceful life had changed forever, and she couldn’t go back as her fate now rested in the hands… hooves of the princess of this land.

One look at the warm smile calmed her down as she no longer felt intimidated by the princess's massive size, who seemed even bigger than horses that humans rode. She could only admire the massive majestic wing as it now rested on her back. An image of an angel statuette from the church surfaced in her mind. Miss Princess.

“Princess Celestia.”

Kyuubi nodded. Princess Celestia. Are you… are you an angelic horse? she asked while showing a sheepish smile.

Celestia blinked in confusion. “I never heard of species called ‘angelic horses’. I am a pony. An alicorn to be precise.”

Alicorn pony?

Celestia gestured at herself. “Equestria is a nation of ponies, little one. Each pony walks on four hooves, has warm fur, colorful mane and tail, and a cutie mark.” She gestured at her wing, then poked her own horn. “Alicorns are ponies that have horn atop their heads and a pair of wings. We possess the magic of all three species, as well as our unique alicorn magic.”

Kyuubi nodded. So the nation she ended up in didn’t have human supremacy. If this place was her new home, learning more about ponies, its subspecies, their magic, and their culture were in order.

“Speaking of species, what kind of species are you?” Celestia asked before continuing, “I have never seen a fox of your size, never mind with more than a single tail, and I can tell you are unfamiliar with ponies. Where do you come from?”

Kyuubi rubbed nearby leaves nervously, feeling her throat becoming dry. Recalling what she learned today, she said, I… I’m not sure. My caretakers thought I was a fox, and I didn’t know anything about my species until today. She glanced at her tails, taking a moment of thinking before adding, I'm what they call a Kitsune, a multi-tailed fox. I wish I could have asked more about what I am before… before…

“Yes?”

Kyuubi sighed before embracing the wing, seeking comfort among its feathers. Timothy and Father Rodrigo, they told me they were going to send me to a faraway land, away from those who wished to harm me. She took a deep breath, her throat dry as the knight's appearance flashed in her mind. The ritual was interrupted by a knight who tried to kill me. Timothy defended me, and… and…

“And this is where your injury comes from?” Celestia asked.

She nodded hesitantly before wiping her tears by pressing her face into the alicorn’s wing.

“So you come from a faraway land, one I have never heard about, interesting. It must have been very powerful long-range teleportation,” Celestia said, her motherly tone now betraying growing curiosity. “But your answers only raise more questions: Why did that knight try to kill you? Why did your owners have to send you away to protect you?” Celestia glanced at the nearby grass, which seemed stained by blood. “How were you able to heal such an injury? Does your species specialize in healing magic? And if that’s the case, why were you targeted?”

The three-tailed fox bit her bottom lip. She was caught off guard by the onslaught of questions. The princess’s once calm and composed attitude was replaced by pure curiosity.

“I apologize,” Celestia said, taking a moment to regain her composure as she nuzzled the soft white-furred creature. “We should take it one step at a time, little one. I think it will be best if you told me why someone tried to harm you. I can hardly imagine the reason behind hurting someone as well-behaved and cute as you.”

Kyuubi blushed. Her embarrassment didn’t last long, though, as something important came to her attention. To explain the reasoning behind her being a target, she would need to unravel her species… fearful backstory. 'They want to kill me because of a Ninetales wielding black magic who conquered nation after nation while leaving death and destruction in its way.’ How was she going to find acceptance after saying that?

“Is something wrong?” Celestia asked, patiently awaiting her response.

The fox looked to the side and grit her teeth. It was hard enough to lose one home. She didn’t want to ruin her chances of finding a new one.

“Please, don’t be shy. Whatever the reason, I swear to be open-minded and understanding. You have nothing to fear.”

Kyuubi looked back at the motherly face of the princess, her very voice making her want to open her heavy heart. Furthermore, Timothy always told her that honesty was a virtue while lying was a sin. It was only fair, to tell the truth, and face the judgment. Taking a deep breath, she focused, her middle tail flashing as she spoke telepathically, My healing magic, my abilities, my species. and the reason why others want to harm me… I can answer all your questions with a story.

She pushed herself forward, crawling from under Celestia’s wing as she stepped from the comfortable bush. A few flowers ended up stuck among her fur. She sat in front of the princess, raising her forepaws, holding them under her chin as if a pleading puppy. Princess Celestia. Can you give me your word that you will try not to fear me? I’m not dangerous, I swear. She kept her pleading pose, one she used so many times when asking Timothy for snacks.

“As I said, I shall be as open-minded as possible. There is no need to be shy,” Celestia encouraged, looking back with full attention.

Kyuubi nodded before lowering her forepaws onto the grass. From what they told me, my species had tails with strong magical properties, making us a valuable prey.

“Were you hunted for your tails? Oh dear,” Celestia said, raising forehoof up to her face while still lying on her side. Her eyes were wide for a moment before she regained her composure. “Go on.”

From what I understand, the smaller our population, the stronger our magic and the longer our lifespan was to compensate. I’m not sure how it works, but… She raised her forepaws, tapping them together. But one day, a powerful Ninetails in possession of strong black magic raised an army and started invading everyone. I think we were the last members of our species and I had only one tail at the time.

“You two were the last? Were you hunted to extinction? Was this nine-tailed fox trying to avenge its species?” Celestia asked as she pushed herself to a sitting position, shock clear on her face.

Now being in the shadow of the large alicorn, Kyuubi took a step back, hoping her next words wouldn’t make those hooves cladded in gold stomp her fragile body. She gulped and continued as a few drops of sweat fell down her forehead.

Celestia’s ears were straight up as she listened with full attention. While she removed her usual stoic mask to be more approachable to her little guest, now she struggled to contain a mixture of emotions. How many decades or centuries has it been since she felt this emotional?

Hunted to near-extinction leaving only this adorable little three-tailed furball as the last survivor of its species. A full-scale war against a powerful Ninetales and its demonic, mutated, and undead army. Monks and priests, blessed by their God, standing up against the gigantic creature and sealing it away.

Listening to the story, she reminded herself of her own experiences: Sealing Sombra under the glacier at the cost of the Empire she tried to save. Defeating Tirek before he became a threat. Overthrowing Discord’s reign of chaos. Banishment of her sister. Yet not even the war against Sombra had a fraction of the bloodshed and destruction that this Ninetales caused.

Celestia shriveled. Besides the unpleasant memory of her sister’s banishment, she also wondered if this Ninetales was as powerful and dangerous as Tirek would’ve become if he had succeeded.

After sealing Ninetales away, the priests and monks worked hard to restore the land. There were still many demons and monsters that still lingered in the various lands. Without their leader, they just went mad and started rampaging everywhere. Kyuubi paused, examining her features for any sign of anger or fear, seeing none. Many times I saw how they turned those monsters back into animals or banished captured demons, but it was only after I grew my second tail that I could communicate with them.

Celestia glanced at the middle tail, which was surrounded by magic whenever Kyuubi spoke to her. Could each tail be responsible for a different purpose?

They… they performed a judging ritual on me, and after they did, my third tail grew. Blessed by God, I was capable to learn healing and purification. They started teaching me, and I did my best to help them. Kyuubi looked to the side and rubbed the back of her neck. I was allowed to assist those who were unconscious, but I was forbidden to show myself and my tails to anyone who wasn’t part of the church. Until today, I didn’t understand why.

The princess nodded. The affinity for healing magic had to be strong indeed to heal an open injury in a short amount of time. It was similar to having 'special talent' at healing. No, it was something more. One thing caught her attention, though. “May I ask you a question.”

Kyuubi nodded, worry clear on her face.

“So this dark magic turned innocent animals into monsters, and this holy magic reverted them to normal. Is there any limitation to this?”

Well… Kyuubi started stroking her third tail. The stronger and more corrupted the monster, the harder it was to purify it. But as I practiced more and grew a little older, it became easier. I think it depends on the difference in power between the priest and the corrupted creature.

Celestia looked at the sky as she rubbed her chin, immediately thinking back to Nightmare Moon. Whatever corruption took over her sister, the Elements failed to heal it, banishing Luna to the moon instead, but this holy magic…

With a strong fire of hope growing in her, Celestia looked at Kyuubi, who took a step back in response. “I apologize for giving you this request when you just escaped with your life, but are you strong enough to demonstrate your magic in action for me?”

Demonstrate? I don’t understand.

Celestia turned around and spread her wings, hiding what was about to happen from the curious little eyes of her guest. Focusing her magic while forcing hatred, she concentrated on her spell. Her eyes turned green as violet aura escaped them. An unpleasant and unnatural feeling overtook her as she grew black crystal from the ground before her. Even with all the raw power of an over millennium-old alicorn at her disposal, it was still inefficient to use dark magic while devoid of hate and malice.

She stopped her spell the moment crystal grew up to her chest. She shut her wings and stepped to the side, presenting the crystal to the large fox. “If dark magic and this black magic you spoke of are the same or similar, your holy magic should be most efficient. Will you purify it for me?”

Wait… you can use black magic? Kyuubi walked backward, shivering.

Celestia blushed and shook her forehoof in panic. “I know dark magic, but only from the visual experience. I never practiced it more than I had to, so please, don’t be afraid.” Much to her relief, her words seemed to calm the fox who now approached the crystal. She could still see the hesitation in each of Kyuubi’s movements, but it couldn’t be helped.

She observed with full attention as the little creature grit her teeth while an aura of magic grew in strength around her right tail. A shining white wave of magic spread through the ground from under the fox’s paws, heading towards the large dark crystal. After several seconds, which felt like a full minute, a rune she never saw before formed under the crystal.

Slowly but steadily, holy magic made its way up from the ground, changing the crystal from bottom to top. One small fragment at a time, the crystal regained its transparency and shine. Using her magic, Celestia cast a scanning spell, calculating the amount of magic used for purification, only for the process to stop midway.

Celestia looked at Kyuubi, who fell, lying flat on the grass while covered in sweat. She could see the exposed tongue as the fox breathed heavily, then glanced between the tired creature and the half-restored crystal before examining what she learned. Celestia couldn’t tell if Kyuubi was tired after healing herself, or if her magic was still undeveloped. One thing she was certain: the purification was extremely efficient.

“I must say, I am impressed,” the alicorn said as she knelt to the exhausted fox, giving it a proud smile. “In terms of raw power, your magic was weaker than what the average unicorn is capable of, yet you managed to accomplish so much.” She helped Kyuubi stand before patting her on the head with the tip of her wing. “The amount of magic I used to create this crystal was several times greater than the magic you used, yet you purified it halfway. I have never seen anything so efficient against dark magic before.”

Kyuubi smiled proudly before puffing her chest. All praise goes to God who blessed us with such a wonderful gift, and to Father Rodrigo’s tutoring. She blushed and showed a toothy smile. I still need to practice a lot as my purifying skills are only average. I put a lot more work learning healing rather than purifying.

Celestia smiled warmly. If what she saw was only ‘average’, she could only imagine what Kyuubi would be capable of after mastering it. Furthermore, as the only remaining member of its species, the little fox would grow bigger and stronger quickly. Could Kyuubi one day become capable of purifying a corrupted alicorn?

Your Highness, Princess Celestia.

“Yes?” Celestia asked, awakened from her thoughts.

Kyuubi held her forepaws together as her ears drooped, her eyes wide and filled with fear. Please tell me you’re not afraid of me. Will you let me stay in this garden? I’m not a threat, I swear.

Celestia looked at the innocent creature as she started to understand her fears. A member of her species grew powerful enough to start a war on a big scale and was nearly unstoppable. Many who suffered wanted nothing more than to make sure it won't happen again. But was it just? Was it alright to take action against an innocent and kind youth just because it had the potential to become an unstoppable force once grown up?

The princess lit her horn, levitating the yelping fox into her embrace as she pressed Kyuubi against her chest while trapping Kyuubi with her wing. If those who fought and sealed away the evil Ninetales were willing to give her a chance, how could she do any different?

C-can’t… breath…

Celestia weakened her hold on the fox, allowing her head to pop from behind her wing. She looked at her with motherly eyes, deciding her next course of action.

Kyuubi could no longer return to her home with no clues on how to find it. She was still a young child that needed someone to raise her with care and love. She had the potential to one day grow into a great force of evil or good and needed someone to guide her. There was great magical potential in need of nurturing, and her ability to heal was priceless as it could save the lives of her dearest subjects.

But most importantly, Kyuubi had the potential to save her sister.

Celestia looked at the sky. Whenever looking at the moon, she could tell that the seal was weakening and her sister would return sooner or later, and this magical fox was like a blessing in disguise, a gift that could succeed where the Elements had failed.

P-princess… You still didn’t answer me yet. What will happen to me? Y-you won’t lock me in a d-dungeon. I’ll behave, I promise.

The Princess of the Sun nuzzled the fox before asking in a cheerful tone, “Little Kyuubi, would you be interested in becoming my personal student?”

Your personal… wait, what?

Ignoring the shock and confusion on the fox’s head, Celestia continued, “Since you require a new home, you can live with me. There is a lot of space in my bedchamber, and the Royal Kitchen will provide you with food.” She paused to playfully boop Kyuubi’s muzzle with the tip of her golden horseshoe. “You may know unique magic, but I am almost certain that with my experience, I am capable of teaching and expanding your horizon. I will also teach you about the pony races, our history, and other subjects like mathematics and writing. What say you?”

I… I…

Celestia yelped as her little captive somehow managed to slide from behind her wing while wrapping her paws around her long neck. Her tiara fell onto the grass as Kyuubi intensively nuzzled and licked her muzzle. “I'll take it as yes.” She sneezed as the intense licking tickled her nose.

She spread her wings and levitated her little student onto one of them, perching her among the soft feathers, looking at her cheerfully. Outside of an opportunity to save her sister, she could tell that her life was going to become less repetitive and so much more interesting in the coming years.

Chapter 2 - Medical Checkup

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 2
-
Medical Checkup

50 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

“Rise and shiiine, my little Kyuubi,” said an unfamiliar voice.

The fox gave a drowsy “shmerrrr” before rubbing her face. She yawned and slowly opened her eyes, being met by a white face to her side and its large, pale magenta eyes looking intently at her.

W-what hour… is it? she asked telepathically as her vision was still blurry. She licked her forepaw before adjusting the fur on her head and rubbing her ears, as if she was a cat doing its cleaning routine.

“It is the hour of your morning magical practice,” the princess said as Kyuubi could feel Celestia’s armored hoof poke her shoulder.

The fox yawned again before stretching herself atop two pillows as she took in her surroundings.

A few bookshelves stood close to walls of this rounded room, all filled with books, including bedtime stories that the princess had been reading to her these past three months. An earth pony with a Lion’s mane searching for courage, a pegasus scarecrow who desired a brain and a unicorn made of metal desperate for a heart, certainly her favorite story thus far.

Behind her she could see dim sun rays come inside through two windows and a door leading to the balcony. After living for years in a Church, forbidden to leave its safe walls, seeing an entire flourishing city from the top of the tower always brought her awe and amazement no matter how many sunsets she witnessed. After a quick glance at the clock on the wall, she could tell that the full sunrise was yet to come, something she was looking forward to.

She could see the light and feel the warmth coming from a little fireplace. Not that she was cold at night as her white fur kept her warm. Next to the fireplace she spotted some sort of bird cage with an opened door, indicating that her mentor took care of a pet bird at some point. The cage was well-taken care off by maids and thus far was empty.

To her left, she could see a large double-sized bed, big enough to accommodate the large mighty alicorn as she needed to stand on her rear paws just to notice the spacious pillows. While the princess insisted they sleep together as there was enough space for her on the bed, she didn’t feel comfortable sleeping with a stranger of such importance, though she was slowly getting comfortable to that idea.

Kyuubi looked down as her vision finally sharpened. In the middle of the room was a rounded violet carpet, one she used as a bed as the princess added two yellow pillows for her to sleep on. Her little paws and belly sank into the softness of both pillows as she wished she could remain in this comfort for a bit longer.

“You know I have a very busy schedule, so please, do not keep me waiting,” Celestia said with a tap of her bare hoof.

Kyuubi nodded, pushing herself to stand before jumping onto a nearby bed, now watching the princess from a bit higher ground as her head reached the alicorn’s neck. She found it a little odd seeing the mighty ruler with no big golden petral resting on her neck, no shoes on her hooves and no tiara showing her authority. Even though ponies had fur, not many of them seemed to wear any clothes, unlike the humans that always wore uniforms or clothes of sorts.

On the other hand, a bare princess seemed a bit more approachable.

What we will practice today, Princess Celestia?

“I already told you many times to call me Celestia. There is no need for formality when we are alone,” the princess said as she playfully tickled the fox's nose with the tip of her wing, causing her to sneeze.

Kyuubi giggled as her middle tail shone with magic. Celestia’s wing flexed towards the princess’s muzzle, tickling her instead.

“I see you are making progress with telekinesis,” Celestia praised.

Of course I am, and I can demonstrate how much.

“Please do,” Celestia encouraged.

Kyuubi took a fighting stance, gritting her teeth as her paws started to tremble. Her eyes narrowed from the struggle as she focused on the princess, whose right forehoof no longer made contact with the floor while the tip of her left hoof still touched it. She felt a little part of the levitated weight press on her body, forcing her to lie on her side, yet her struggle paid off. She blinked as a drop of sweat slid down her eye.

“When you said you wished to demonstrate, I did not think you had this in mind.”

Seeing the alicorn's surprised expression, she grinned and leaped playfully. I did it! My levitation is strong enough to lift half a ton of weight.

“Excuse me?!” Celestia said before looking to the side as she huffed in annoyance. “To your information, I am four hundred kilograms heavy at best, well, maybe four hundred ten, but certainly not half a ton.” She looked at the floor before adding, “Furthermore, most of my hooves were still on the floor. Your levitation is around a hundred kilograms strong at best.”

Kyuubi chuckled, having a little revenge for being called ‘little’ every so often. She lowered the princess’s forehooves, allowing her tensed muscles a moment to rest. I started using telekinesis ever since I grew my second tail, but I never practiced it much before.

“Your magic is your greatest asset, your strongest muscle, so it is very important to practice it. There may come a time when having a strong telekinetic grasp will be most helpful, little one.”

Kyuubi rolled her eyes, looking forward to the day she'd outgrow her mentor and call her ’little princess’ for a change. Speaking of my magical muscle, why won’t you teach me teleportation?

She stood on her thin rear paws while spreading her forepaws enthusiastically. I would be like, puff, I’m not here, puff, I am there instead. It’ll be so much fun! She backflipped, then bounced up and down on the soft bed. Or maybe how to make the protective bubble you showed me a week ago. I would fear no sword with a magical shield to keep me safe.

Celestia shook her forehoof, much to the fox’s disappointment. “Baby steps.”

I’m not a baby! Kyuubi sat and crossed her forepaws, frowning. With healing and purifying being the only field of magic she knew thus far while telekinesis came to her naturally, she hoped to expand her magical arsenal. It didn’t help that the best new spells she could cast was illumination while most of her training sessions focused on improving what she already knew. This isn’t what she signed on for.

The princess approached, sitting on the bed next to the fox while picking Kyuubi with her wing. “You seem disappointed. You do not like our magical sessions?”

Kyuubi perched herself among the feathers as her paws sank in the majestic wing, which somewhat camouflaged her presence due to her snowy fur. The red collar adored her neck. It’s not that I don’t like them, but I hoped you could teach me something new. I don’t want to only practice my purifying over and over. She held her forepaws together. Please…

Celestia challenged the puppy stare, not daring to blink. Her resolve melted quickly as Kyuubi grabbed her transparent circulating mane and nuzzled it while adding ‘pretty please’ telepathically over and over. “I yield. I will teach you a new spell.”

Kyuubi hugged Celestia’s mane, then jumped and screeched cheerfully before looking at the princess curiously.

“This spell is called ‘Lulufilly’. If used correctly, it can put someone to sleep in a gentle manner,” Celestia explained as her horn lit. “Watch carefully.”

Kyuubi nodded, her tails raised upward as if ready to mimic magic on the princess’s horn. Seconds passed as she started hearing a pleasant song, her eyes becoming heavier and heavier.

She shook her head and concentrated, focusing magic into her tails as she struggled to stay awake. One attempt after another, she tried to cast the spell, failing with each attempt as her body became too relaxed for her liking. She fell to her side, overcome with the comfort of heavenly feathers as her eyes closed on their own.

Her nap didn’t last long though as she felt a hoof rubbing her side.

“Enjoying your little nap?”

Kyuubi opened her eyes and yawned, then huffed in annoyance. No fair! How can I learn that spell when I can’t see how you cast it without falling asleep? You picked this spell in particular for that reasons, didn’t you?

Celestia chuckled before levitating over a nearby book.

Kyuubi looked at the presented page, seeing detailed information regarding the spell. Reading? Seriously?

“Of course. Seeing how a spell is cast is but one way to learn it. Literature is most helpful as well,” Celestia said encouragingly. “Your caretakers taught you how to read after all, so it should be nothing new.”

They did, but reading isn’t as much fun as practice, and playing games is way more enjoyable, Kyuubi responded, looking between the book and the princess's face. She wasn’t sure why both human and pony culture were so similar, from language to writing, but it worked in her favor.

“I suppose a youth like you may not appreciate reading yet, but I am most certain it will change. Reading in comfort next to a fireplace can be very relaxing. You need to give it a try.”

Kyuubi smiled and nodded. With the princess being busy most of the day, reading books seemed like a good time-killer, especially if it would help her learn new spells. Her ears perked up. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to do intense reading and learn new spells behind Celestia’s back.

... I cherish you, great father, let your kingdom rise and thrive in the world of living and beyond, Kyuubi spoke telepathically to herself, unable to reach anyone’s mind except her own as she stared at the wall, kneeling flat on the carpet. I… I really want to thank you, for allowing me to find a home and acceptance. Please watch over my old home and keep Father Rodrigo and Timothy from harm’s way. Let them have peaceful lives without conflict now that I’m away.

She whimpered, thinking about home. As much as she missed her adoptive family, reuniting with them was impossible. She could only live up to their expectations, living in a faraway land and making them proud with good deeds. Father Rodrigo, Timothy, God, everyone, I… I’ll make you proud, I swear.

With her golden regalia now decorating her body, Celestia walked towards the balcony, feeling the excited stomps of her little charge on her back. “Aren't you a bit too excited?”

Too excited when watching you move the sun, are you kidding? I bet Timothy and Father Rodrigo would be shocked if they learned that one alicorn can guide objects in the sky like that. She smiled. God must have really blessed you to give you such an important task in our world. He created it after all so I guess he trusts you ponies to do it.

Celestia smiled as she levitated Kyuubi onto a seat next to a little telescope. She still found it strange to be having an apprentice who believed in such things. Celestia had told Kyuubi many times that before she ascended into an alicorn, unicorns raised the sun and moon. When asked who raised it before them, Celestia couldn’t answer. Such knowledge had been lost during the Time of Chaos with Discord. Perhaps they once moved on their own, as Kyuubi always believed until now, but it has always been that way for Equestria. Kyuubi was convinced that this “God”, who apparently was also named “God”, had blessed her kind with this gift and Celestia had no desire to change that. Even if the alicorn herself didn’t believe it.

Celestia spread her wings, flying towards the sky as she looked at fox’s flapping tails. She spread her forehooves in a dramatic fashion, her horn lit as the sun ascended behind her back. A few drops of sweat fell down her face while her heart-beat increased in speed. While her connection with the sun fueled her with the magic she needed to move it, it still felt draining in the end, especially with moving the moon being part of her duty as well.

One deep breath after another, Celestia relaxed her tense muscles while feeling a little headache. Her wings flapped at a steady pace, keeping her in mid-air. She felt the warmth of the sun as she smiled in satisfaction at her work.

I can’t believe you’re doing it everyday. This is amazing!

Celestia giggled as she descended towards her little fan. While she was used to receiving praise from her subjects or seeing their admiration, there was something refreshing in hearing it from her personal student. The fact that her fan wasn’t even a pony certainly added to the variety.

She walked back inside, gesturing with her wing for the fox to follow, who trotted by her side, taking a few quick steps for each of hers.

Do you really have to go? It is really boring when you’re not around, Kyuubi complained while looking at her with drooped ears and sad eyes. And when I feel lonely, I spend too much time in the kitchen. I’ll get fat from all those sweets and treats.

Celestia looked down at her adorable student and shook her head. “Please fear not. I scheduled an appointment for you at the royal medical wing inside the castle. This should keep you busy.”

Medical wing? Why? Kyuubi asked as Celestia could see a cheerful glee form on her face. Wait, don’t tell me, you want my medical assistance. I’ll not fail!

Celestia smiled at the determined salute, before shaking her hoof at the fox. “There’s no need for any healing at the moment. You’ll meet Doctor Aid for a different reason.”

Which is?

Celestia lowered herself while pointing at each tail. “Besides checking up on your health and taking a blood and urine sample, I asked the medical staff to study your biology with safe tests and scanning spells. I hope they can help us learn more about your species and how your tails work.”

Kyuubi nodded, confusion still present on her face. You mean, you want them to study me? This won’t be painful? Wait… blood sample! Kyuubi curled herself. No needles, please.

Celestia rolled her eyes. “I am sure the doctor will be gentle. Be a brave little kitsune and do as the doctor says, alright?” Seeing hesitant nod, she continued, “I hope we can learn more about what your species is capable of, and you can learn more about healing magic from professionals. My bedchamber guards will escort you there when the time comes, and I expect you to be on your best behavior. Can I count on you?”

I… I’ll do my best.

“And watch your diet, little one. I know you like sweets, but enough is enough. Do not make me ban sweets for a week from the Royal Kitchen.”

B-ban sweets! Please no!

Celestia rose to her full height and resumed her walk. She had a long day full of duties ahead of her. Tasking her subjects with keeping her student busy and helping her develop seemed like a proper course of action.

Ever since Her Highness herself appointed him to check on the health and study a creature never before seen in Equestria, he has been feeling a growing excitement and fascination, hiding it behind his professional mask. Aside from specialization in biology, surgery and healing ponies, his side-studies in veterinary medicine were finally going to pay off.

The last member of its species that came from a far away land never seen by any Equestrian. A unique fox with multiple tails capable of rare healing and purifying magic. A mighty creature that the princess herself took as a personal student. The first one in centuries and still hadn’t introduced to the public. After that description, his mind provided him with images of a tall mighty multi-tailed beast with its posture showing nothing but wisdom.

The small puppy-like fox with muzzle and whiskers covered in frosting was certainly not what he had expected.

“Doctor Aid, we brought Miss Kyuubi per Her Highness’ request. We’ll wait outside at the door until the examination is done,” said a unicorn guard, saluting as typical golden armor decorated his hooves, chest, back and head. A little hole for the horn was present on his helmet. Both guards’ fur was grey and their mane white-blue, a side-effect of armor’s enhancements hiding their real appearance.

Kyuubi jumped onto a little bed reserved for the patient’s examination, waving her forepaw. Hello Mr. Aid. My name is Kyuubi, nice to meet you.

Noticing the extended paw, he raised his hoof, carefully shaking it. “Charmed.”

So, what will we do first? Do you want to examine my tails? Kyuubi turned to the side while presenting her tails, the middle one surrounded by a magical aura.

The medical wing was a mini-hospital of sorts, one that served the castle staff or royalty in case of emergency. It was separated into a few rooms, full of various beds, medical equipment, and colored like one from the white floors to the grey walls. There were also rooms connected to the main wing such as the pharmacy, operation rooms, and the morgue. Nurses and Doctors were always on standby in case of emergency, but rarely needed.

I hope Princess Celestia allows me to publish my findings.

Aid’s horn lit as he levitated a napkin from his table, wiping away the frosting from the fox’s mouth and whiskers. “Maybe I should first look into your diet. Is it healthy for you to eat sweets, cakes, fruits and vegetables? What if your body requires nutrients from fish and other meat sources?” While Her Highness didn’t tell him, he could already tell that telepathy was involved.

I… I am perfectly fine eating all kinds of foods. I ate together with humans and never felt sick because of what they offered me. She displayed a toothy smile. Besides, I played a game of tag with the guards and maids and exercised in the hallway to burn calories after my visit to the kitchen. I won’t get fat.

“Humans?” Aid asked.

Kyuubi nodded. They always stand on their rear legs and have fingers instead of hooves. They can eat all kinds of foods, from vegetables and fruits to cooked meat. I especially liked drinking vegetable and potato soup. And carrots. Tasty, tasty carrots. Meat was scarce at the time though so hunting wasn’t allowed until the land would recover.

“Scarce or not, a fox’s main diet consists of mice, bunnies and rabbits. Surely you had to eat at least one.”

Kyuubi gasped before shaking her head firmly. Eat another creature, no way! I mean, they left me with a mouse or a bunny in a room back when they thought I was an ordinary fox. She blushed and smiled sheepishly. I had no idea what their intention was, so I just played with those cute animals. They were afraid of me at first, but nothing nuzzling and hugging couldn’t fix.

Doctor Aid blinked in confusion, staring oddly at his patient. “I get the impression that such behaviour must have been seen as odd by your former caretakers.”

I suppose that’s true.

Doctor Aid stretched his neck, looking at Kyuubi’s tails curiously. “Is your middle tail responsible for spellcasting? Or is it related to telepathy in particular?”

Kyuubi looked between her tails and Aid before speaking, My middle tail is responsible for telepathy and telekinesis. She pointed at her right tail. This one grew during the judging ritual with God. I could use healing magic and learn purification ever since.

“Interesting,” Aid said while rubbing his chin, especially that ‘God’ part. Celestia had said that her newest apprentice came from a world that believed in such things and wasn’t to question it. Not that he cared, some of the guards believed in that “Harmonist” faith that was popular in the rural communities.

“Please lie down and don’t move. I will cast an advanced version of the scanning spell on you and each of your tails. It should provide us with some answers.” Much to his satisfaction, his little patient compiled, a good kid indeed. He picked a red gem from the nearby table with his hoof, sending his magic into it. The moment it flashed, he charged another spell, casting it on the patient while aided by the power of the magical gem.

What was that? Kyuubi asked as a wave of magic went through her body. It felt… ticklish. Was this the scanning spell?

In an instant, Aid placed the gem back on the table before levitating over a pen and a notepad, writing in it. “Most interesting.”

What is, what is? Kyuubi asked as she jumped to her paws, staring at the notepad with growing curiosity.

Doctor Aid sat on a pillow next to the bed as he continued writing. “First, it seems that a lot of veins and the web of connections for magic to travel is heavily focused in your left tail. I believe that the tail you were born with was responsible for storing most of your magic and ensuring its efficient travel through your body. No wonder you couldn’t cast any spells at the time as it performs a support role.”

Much to the doctor's surprise, his patient jumped onto his knees, peeking at the notepad. He rolled his eyes, levitating the kid back onto the bed to her annoyance.

Anything else?

Aid continued, “Well. I have a theory that your first tail supported other functions related to your health, but I’ll need to do additional tests to learn about them.” He glanced at a nearby pink lollipop in the shape of a heart, his personal favorite. With the help of his magic, he levitated it over, saying, “Please lick it and I’ll perform another scan.”

But I ate already… not that I say no.

Doctor chuckled, seeing intense licking of the innocent fox. Performing another scanning spell, he added more data to his notepad. “As I suspected.” Getting attention from Kyuubi who stopped licking her threat, he added, “Your left tail showed activity the moment you started to eat… or lick your treat in this case. I think your first tail allowed you to eat all kinds of food without relying on meat.”

Kyuubi nodded before petting her tail, as if praising it for a job-well-done.

“Just as you said before, your middle tail is responsible for telekinesis and levitation while your third provides you with an affinity for a specific field of magic. Oh… I see…”

Aid’s eyes widened. He checked again. A third time. And then a fourth. He even slapped himself to see if he was sure of the readings. “This... this can’t be right...”

What? What is it? Kyuubi asked, worried.

“Um, what did you say your third tail was?” Aid asked, nervously.

Healing and purifying. I got it after the Judgment Ritual. The priests say it was a blessing from God to help me purify the monsters. It was the sign that God had given me a destiny to heal the world or something of that sort.

“God as in... a God?” Aid carefully asked.

Well, he’s the only God I know. Why?

“Oh, nothing. I just ... never saw magic like this before,” Aid muttered, but found himself in deep thought. I don’t think anypony has seen magic like this before... period!

Aid, like many ponies in Equestria, wasn’t a religious pony. He never prayed to any deities in the sky like the other races or the few ponies who did practice such things. He tried to look at things from a logical point, but his logic was failing him. The magic coming from the third tail was... was impossible! While Kyuubi’s magic on its own was still weak and undeveloped, it seemed connected to… something, similar to how Celestia’s magic was connected to the sun which helped her move it with ease.

The scan could tell the sheer raw power of any magical creature as well as how deep the magical pool was, but the magic coming from the third tail... it was connected to something he couldn’t explain.

Not that it gave Kyuubi unlimited power as she seemed capable of tapping into only a little fraction of what he could only describe as a bottomless pool. She may be weak for now, but who knows what potential her species hold, or how far this mysterious connection will develop? I do better keep a close eye on her development. Who knows what discovery I can make?

If what Princess Celestia said about her species being long lived was true then he could only wait and see how much more powerful she could become. Could this really be... the magic of a... God? I suppose calling it a blessing is accurate.

Doctor Aid? Is everything okay? Kyuubi asked, tilting her head.

“Huh? Oh, sorry! I was just fascinated by the magic of your third tail,” Aid replied with a quick semi-truth. He was fascinated, but he was also scared too. He quickly checked the rest of the scan to find something to take his mind off of what he just learned. “Oh, well this is interesting.”

Huh?

“I came up with another theory. While I believe that you can learn unicorn magic as well, it will be very hard and rather inefficient. Your tails offer you specialization, which makes it harder to learn something new.”

Kyuubi’s ears drooped as she lowered her head. Does this mean… I won’t be able to learn unicorn magic? She dropped, her chin now lying on the bed. What kind of student I will be if I can’t learn new magic. Princess Celestia will be sooo disappointed.

“You misunderstood me. I didn’t say you can’t learn new magic. I said it will be hard for you, besides,” Aid smiled, giving the fox an encouraging gaze, “You may one day grow another tail.”

Oh, right… it can happen. Kyuubi stood up and looked at her tails.

“Let’s think about it rationally. Your first tail supported your life-function, stored magic and allowed you to eat all kinds of food. Your second tail provided you with means of communication and helpful levitation. Your third allowed you to learn the magic of your caretakers from this... God,” Aid lectured. “Maybe if you work hard to learn unicorn magic, your next tail will give you an affinity at using it. What if your body adapts to whatever magic you require and grows more tails to aid you at it?”

That makes perfect sense, I bet you’re totally right! Kyuubi said before standing on her rear paws, dancing in joy.

Not interrupting the cheerful dance, Aid lit his horn, levitating over a shining sterilized needle. He attached it onto a syringe before approaching his patient. “Stand still.”

Huh? Kyuubi stopped moving, standing on a single paw before losing balance a second later. She pushed herself to a sitting position, her attention on the sharp edge of the needle. A few drops of sweat started falling down her face.

Aid watched patiently as the fox exposed her trembling forepaw, forcing a brave face. Please, be quick.

Aid nodded as he slowly moved the syringe towards the vein. He wrapped bits of his magic around the paw, ensuring it wouldn’t be pulled away as he gently pressed the needle. To his confusion, the needle went in as if a sharpened knife into melting butter. Wait… that’s odd. I thought her magic is stronger than that.

Kyuubi whimpered.

After taking the blood sample, Aid withdrew the syringe, noticing healing magic in action as the mark left by the needle was gone as if not existing to begin with. He looked at the fox curiously, yet it wasn’t the healing magic that caught his attention.

“Miss fox.”

Kyuubi. And I am a Kitsune.

“Miss Kyuubi, I know it may be an odd question, but did you get injured often when under the care of humans?”

The fox shook her head. Not often. Timothy kept me out of trouble and the church was safe, but I did poke a nail once and pricked my paw. I don’t remember her name, but one of the sisters healed my injury quickly with healing magic. She rubbed her arm nervously. There was also that time when a knight tried to cut me down with a sword… but I’d rather forget that.

Aid nodded. “So just lightly pressing your paw against a nail was enough to cause you injury. Is your body as vulnerable as an ordinary animal? How much weight can you lift with your paws?”

Kyuubi blinked, looking around for a moment before jumping from the bed onto the nearby table. She walked towards a monitoring machine, a metal box filled with cables.

Doctor Aid observed the scene in silence, watching the fox’s attempt to heave the device of a similar size as her. Pushing with paws, shoulders or even with her head, Kyuubi’s attempt only moved the machine, yet failed to lift it as thin little paws trembled from the effort. Yips and yelps of struggle reached his ears.

After the fifth failed attempt, Kyuubi turned towards him and lowered her head. N-not much.

Aid rubbed his chin. Considering her size, I can safely assume she’s between ten and fifteen kilograms, yet she barely moved a monitoring device which weighs twenty kilograms. A foal or filly of her size would be able to lift three or even four such machines at once. He thought back to athletic events where mares lifted weights ten times their own while big muscular stallions were capable of walking with five tons on their backs. Kyuubi’s physical strength and durability is certainly lacking.

He approached his patient, raising his hoof before delivering a light punch against her shoulder, receiving a yelp of pain.

What was that for?

“I’m sorry,” Aid said as he withdrew his hoof from the scared fox, whose tails were now raised and puffed. What for a filly or foal would be a playful pat on the shoulder proved strong enough to hurt this vulpine. “Miss Kyuubi. Where you come from, are there others who are blessed by magic?”

You mean priests?

Aid nodded. “Yes, priests. Are they more durable and stronger physically than average… what were they called… Oh right, humans?”

Kyuubi shook her head. Not really. Those who know magic or are blessed by it are still as fragile as average humans. She lay comfortably, preparing herself for a long lecture.

There are mages, wizards, and sorcerers, but I never really asked what the difference was. They can use various types of magic from summoning fire to putting others to sleep. One I heard could even summon an Earth Elemental. I've never met them, but from the stories I read they are just as frail as other humans too. Father Rodrigo told me that defensive spells and all kinds of protective magic is very important, because even a weak swing of a beast’s claw can end their lives otherwise.

She stood on her rear paws, punching the air, only to lose balance and yelp, falling unceremoniously on her back. She stood up and smiled sheepishly. Aside those blessed by magic, there are also those blessed with mysterious power. Those have super strength and are several if not a hundred times more durable. Timothy became a monk because of that.

“Magic… power... interesting,” Aid said as he looked to the side. It became obvious that the magic ponies possessed was more of a hybrid, allowing unicorns spellcasting, pegasi ability to control weather and earth ponies to grow superb food, yet it also improved all race’s strength and durability. Earth ponies may be on the top in terms of stamina and strength, but even a unicorn is much stronger than an animal of similar size that doesn’t possess any magic. Yet for Kyuubi it wasn’t the case.

What are you thinking about, Sir Doctor, Kyuubi asked in a joking tone, staring at the unicorn from the edge of the table.

Aid glanced at his patient with worry written on his face. “It appears that our magic is kind of like a hybrid between magic and power from where you come from.”

Hybrid?

“Don’t worry about it. So ummm… how about we perform more tests later, and in return I’ll teach you some useful spells you can use.” He raised his hoof in a lecturing gesture. “When it is very important to prevent a patient with broken bones from moving, we use a spell that can completely immobilize them.”

Kyuubi’s confused expression was quickly replaced by an excited smile as her ears perked up.

“Of course, that is after we take the urine sample...”

Kyuubi sighed and groaned.

With opening in her schedule before her public appearance, Princess Celestia flew through the hallway, stopping herself before the door in the medical wing inside her castle. Her cladded hooves made gentle contact with the red carpet. Not wasting a moment, she knocked.

The door opened, revealing a tall yellow unicorn with a first aid kit as his cutie mark, his mane a mix of violet and blue.

“Your Highness? Are you here to learn the results of Kyuubi’s medical examination?”

“Precisely,” Celestia said, not waiting for an invitation as she stepped inside, scanning the room for notes she could read. She looked at the doctor, whose expression was one of worries. “I have around twenty minutes before my public appearance at the museum, but it should be enough.” She spread her wings authoritatively. “I'm all ears, Doctor Aid. Please spare no detail.”

The unicorn rubbed his forehoof nervously before speaking in a saddened tone, “Before I tell you what I learned, there is one important piece of advice I must give.”

“Advice?” Celestia asked, only now noticing usual worry in her subject’s voice.

“Yes, Your Highness. I believe it should be of utmost priority to focus Kyuubi’s closest magic sessions on protective and defensive magic. If you know of a spell that can increase durability, teaching it should come first.”

Celestia blinked in confusion while shutting her wings. “I suppose I can teach Kyuubi spells she can use to protect herself, but why is it so important?”

The doctor sighed. “Let’s just say that Kyuubi is a being with strong magic but weak and fragile biology. Not really a good combination, especially if one of her own spells would backfire. On that note, my other advice would be not to teach her any sort of combat magic. As long as she can shield herself and doesn't know anything that can blow up in her face, she will be safe.”

Celestia looked at the doctor while comprehending his words. Was it really true? Was her student as fragile as an ordinary fox? Her heartbeat increased in speed as she made a mental note to look after Kyuubi’s safety. Teaching defensive spells was so going to be on her ’to do’ list. Maybe her captain Hammerhead knew of any unicorn officers who would tutor Kyuubi, something worth looking into. “Anything else that I should know about?” she asked, trying to remain calm despite this sad discovery. As the doctor nodded, she said, “I am listening.”

“Well... has Kyuubi told you about her... gift from ‘God’ in regards to her third tail?” Doctor Aid nervously asked.

“Yes, but I personally think she believes it is from a god. I have no doubt that her purifying magic is simply just a more rare and advanced form of magic,” Celestia answered.

“Well...” Doctor Aid sighed as he shook his head. “I think... she might be telling the truth.”

Princess Celestia froze for a second before raising one of her eyebrows. “Explain.” Aid gave her the notes and readings on the second tale which Celestia studied quickly. By the end of it, her jaw was fully open. “Is... is this accurate?”

“I checked multiple times to be sure, and I still can’t believe it,” Aid replied, shaking his head. “Princess, Kyuubi’s third tail has a connection to something immensely powerful, similar to how you possess a connection to the sun. While Kyuubi’s raw power is weak, there’s no telling what limits she can reach.”

“How can that be? Her healing and purifying may be very potent, but she’s still weaker than an average unicorn. Do you believe she may tap to that pool and become immensely powerful in coming years?” Celestia asked.

“By examining her biology, I came to the conclusion that her age and size determine how powerful she is, so it will take decades or centuries for her to develop her magic. But her connection to God.... There’s no telling how it will affect her. The other tails are of great importance, but nowhere close to as important as this third tail is. I doubt any new tail will be as important as her third, though they’ll give her more specializations,” Doctor Aid answered as he sat down to take a long sip of his coffee. “For now your connection to the sun allows you to move heavenly bodies, Your Highness, but there’s no telling what her connection may one day accomplish. This makes me wonder if anyone poses as unique magic as she does.”

“Discord,” Celestia muttered with distaste. “He was the only being who seemed to have limitless power. Tirek too, but only when he stole enough magic from others.”

This both was a bad and a good thing in Celestia’s mind. It was good because her student had such potential and she was now more convinced than ever that Kyuubi could be the key to saving her sister. However, if Kyuubi herself was to go evil, then she would become a threat to Equestria. Would this connection even last? Would it be broken if she went evil, or would it be replaced by something worse? Ninetails wielded black magic after all and was capable of raising the dead and summoning demons.

While most of her apprentices had turned out to be good, some of them turned to the path of evil and Celestia was forced to stop them. No, Kyuubi won’t be like them. I won’t let her.

“Princess, I know such a thing might be silly to ask, but...” Aid nervously turned to her. “But is it possible... that a real ‘God’ did give Kyuubi such blessing? I mean, just like with Discord and Tirek, this is still something I have never seen before.”

Celestia didn’t answer at first, but thought about it. She just assumed that Kyuubi’s religion was just a set of stories or myths humans taught her in their church. Equestria had never really found proof their “Gods” ever existed. Even those who were believed to be gods were just as vulnerable as other mortals. Discord had been defeated and turned to stone. Tirek had been banished to Tartarus forever. Her sister became corrupted and was trapped on the moon. Even Celestia nearly died a few times during her fights against evil forces, including Nightmare Moon.

She, like many, just assumed there were no Gods because of all that had happened in Equestria’s history regarding the so called “deities”. Yet when she looked at these readings regarding her apprentice...

“I don’t know,” Celestia muttered, deciding to put the thought away for now. “For now, I want this kept secret. Only to be told by my authority and mine alone.”

“Of course, shall I tell you everything else?”

“Please do,” Celestia nodded, deciding to put the revelation behind her for now.

Chapter 3 - Territorial Dispute

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 3
-
Territorial Dispute

42 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

... as is in your kingdom, so be in ours. Guide us and keep us save from temptations of evil and sin, Kyuubi spoke telepathically to herself, kneeling next to a fireplace with a stack of books by her side. Her eyes were closed as she remained focused on her inner thoughts. Please look after Princess Celestia. She may not look like it, but I’m sure she works hard and cares for the ponies she rules. Please keep guiding her so her rule will remain wise and just. Her ears drooped as she recalled memories of her past. And please watch over my old home. Please help them restore the land so that people can live in prosperity and peace. Let them lead happy life and help them guide others so they may avoid sins.

Centuries after Luna’s banishment, the Princess of the Sun had often found companionship in a mischievous phoenix named Philomena. Though Philomena spent most of her time inside a cage in Celestia’s bedchamber, the door of the cage was rarely locked, allowing her to fly freely around the castle whenever she wished. Whether it was to take a morning flight or to wreak havoc on the sanity of the castle servants, she was as free as they come. Though she spent plenty of her time with the princess, it wasn’t unusual for Philomena to journey far from the castle of her own volition and, over a decade back, she had begun such a journey to the north.

Several years had passed before Philomena landed back on the familiar balcony, ending her long explorations and travels to have a vacation inside the castle. She glanced at the massive city from the higher ground, allowing herself a moment of nostalgia before walking inside with a cheerful screech.

The phoenix looked around lazily, finding her cage clean and ready, but her owner missing. Then, she spotted a creature covered by white fur lying down, but it certainly wasn’t Celestia.

Narrowing her eyes and spreading her wings aggressively, she approached the intruder while examining its features. Next to the fireplace lay a fox, perched on its back atop three yellow pillows with an opened book levitating in front of its face. Size-wise, it seemed as big as a mare… Actually, only a three fourth the size of a mare as three tails made the fox look bigger than it actually was.

She scowled at the intruder, yet failed to get its attention as it was lost in the literature, three stacked books by its side indicating that it had been at it for a while.

Taking a deep breath, Philomena screeched aggressively, making the fox flinch as the book ended up pushed into the fire.

The fox yelped in panic as it levitated the book away from the flames, smashing the fire with a nearby pillow before looking at the burned cover with watering eyes. Depressed whimpers escaped her mouth.

Philomena screeched again, not tolerating being ignored in the least.

The large fox lowered the scorched book and turned around, staring back at her curiously. H-hello… Who… are you?

Philomena tilted her head to the side, hearing a female voice in her head for whatever reason.

The fox composed herself and held a forepaw on her chest. My name’s Kyuubi, nice to meet you.

Philomena blinked as her attention focused on the aura around fox’s middle tail while still hearing the odd voice in her head.

Are you confused? I’m speaking to you telepathically.

Philomena rubbed the back of her head with her wing. So the creature before her knew magical means of communication. The fact that it actually read a book indicated intelligence. Intelligent magic caster or not, it was still an intruder and needed to be dealt with. With a flap of her wings, she flew onto a nearby bed, no longer looking up in order to meet the gaze of the taller intruder. She screeched a few times while pointing at the exit with her wing.

You want me to leave?

Philomena nodded.

B-but why? This room is my home. Who are you anyway?

Philomena narrowed her eyes, wondering what the heck was this creature talking about? She screeched louded, causing wind to move Kyuubi’s fur by flapping her wings aggressively.

Hey, stop that. You’ll make a mess. You already made me damage the princess’s book. Kyuubi took a defensive stance, stomping her thin paw before pointing at the entrance into the balcony. I must ask you to leave Her Highness bedchamber this instant.

Philomena felt frustration burning inside her like a boiling lava as small flames started to form on her red-orange body. Did this intruder just tell her to leave? She was going to show this creature whose territory it is and she was done playing nice. She flew up, circling around the intruder while taking a deep breath. As Kyuubi didn’t take her eyes from her, she landed on the stone shelf of the fireplace and unleashed flames from her mouth.

Kyuubi yelped, her tails flashed with a weak aura as a silvery bubble formed around her body, which turned red from the temperature.

Philomena’s wings burst into fire as she flapped them, sending additional flames as they easily melted the magical bubble.

Kyuubi wrapped her tails around the three books, jumping away while pushing the literature away from the flames. The pillows caught on fire in an instant.

Hey, stop that! You’ll burn this room!

Philomena frowned. She landed next to the burning pillows, spreading her right wing as it absorbed the flames into it over a few seconds.

Wait, you can do that?

Philomena unleashed a screech of superiority before sending another portion of flames at the intruder, forcing her to raise a defensive bubble while walking backwards towards the balcony.

Philomena pointed her wing at the exit before sending stronger flames, effortlessly burning through those pathetic defenses. To her horror, the moment her fire melted the silvery bubble, it struck the fox’s side, causing a loud scream of agony. Her face became pale as the white fur caught on fire and the smell of burned flesh filled the room.

“What’s going on here?”

Philomena heard voices coming from the other side of the door before they opened as two unicorn guards ran inside.

“Wait, Philomena? What have you done to the princess’ student?!”

Philomena’s heart started beating faster than ever before. In a rush of emotions, she flew over to the burning fox who squirmed in agony, absorbing the flames in haste. Her face turned green at the sight of black flesh on the fox’s side and paws as panic and confusion overcame her mind.

How did it come to this? She used but part of her magic when unleashing her flames, something she sometimes did to prank Royal Guards as her attack left but a little burnt mark on their flanks. Yet the same intensity of her flames proved enough to pierce through defensive magic and nearly burn this intruder alive? How could a creature filled with magic be this fragile?

“Kyuubi, focus, you must heal your injury,” one unicorn guard encouraged as he ran by the Phoenix, shaking the fox’s head as if trying to keep her awake.

“Don’t lose consciousness. Focus,” another unicorn guard spoke before shooting Philomena an angered glare, causing phoenix to walk backward towards the corner of the room.

Kyuubi grit her teeth as tears of pain fell down onto the floor. Her right tail shone with silvery aura as her burned flesh slowly recovered, though leaving a spot on her body without fur. Heavy breathing followed before Kyuubi whimpered and licked the furless part of her body.

Philomena's eyes opened widely. What she saw wasn’t the self rebirth typical for phoenixes, but actual healing. While she could tell that there was a room for improvement as her magical flames left some lasting damage, it was still no less than impressive.

She flew closer with quick flaps of her wings, only for the three-tailed-fox to hide behind a guard. Philomena lowered her beak, feeling guilt as Kyuubi trembled in fear at the very sight of her.

As she opened her beak, screeching apologies, the fox surrounded herself and the guard with a silvery bubble.

Informed by her guard about the fiery accident in her bedchamber due to Philomena’s return, Celestia flew through the hallway, stopping before the door. Due to the long absence of her pet, she hadn’t considered her return, nor that she would feel threatened or jealous of Kyuubi. Territorial fights between her two pets certainly didn’t cross her mind. Though after eight years of raising Kyuubi, she didn’t think of her as a pet anymore, she was too smart and too independent for that.

Celestia opened the door and examined the room. Aside from scorched marks on the floor, and burned marks on three pillows and one book, she didn’t notice any significant damage. She bit her bottom lip upon noticing lack of fur on the left side of Kyuubi’s body, who ran towards her with tears in her eyes. Despite being almost as tall as a mare, the fox was still at the age of a filly, and she wouldn’t tolerate burning an innocent youth.

The alicorn embraced her student with her wing and narrowed her eyes as a guard who remained in her bedchamber pointed at the cage with the saddened bird. Part of her wanted to deliver harsh punishment, but it was just in a phoenix’s nature to defend her territory, and she could tell that her pet showed honest regret. Celestia’s angry expression softened as she thought, Maybe a long lecture and no tasty treats for two weeks will be punishment enough.

She glanced at the saddened face of her student that crept from behind her wing, who whimpered, climbed and hid behind her neck. With sixty kilograms of trembling fur on her back, she would need to play animal therapist today.

“Kyuubi, are you okay?” Celestia asked, feeling paws wrapped tightly around her neck.

Y-yes, but this angry bird... she... she… Kyuubi just closed her eyes and looked away.

Celestia sighed and nuzzled her. “I’m sorry my student. I forgot to tell you about Philomena, my pet phoenix. She had been gone for a long time so I forgot to tell you about her.”

She’s mean… Kyuubi muttered, giving a small glare at the phoenix who just let out the bird equivalent of a sigh.

“I’ll talk to her,” Celestia said, while lifting her student up with her magic and giving her to one of the guards. “Why don’t you have some milk and cookies while I talk to Philomena?”

Kyuubi nodded before the guards took the sacred fox out of the room, leaving the Princess to give a stern disapproving glance to the shirking phoenix. “I hope you are happy with what you have done, young lady?”

Philomena only cooed in shame before turning her head away. How was she supposed to know her owner had taken a non-pony student?

Celestia walked over and sighed. “I understand you didn’t know that Kyuubi was my student, and is an unnatural one at that. Some of your ignorance can be forgiven, but using your fire was a mistake. Not every pony, or creature for that matter, is as durable to your flames as me or my guards. You should have taken more consideration of the situation instead of acting so rashly.”

Philomena nodded slowly before Celestia lifted her head up with her hoof. “Two weeks with no treats and you are not allowed to fly outside for a month. Deal?” Philomena nodded in agreement. “Now, let’s have you and my apprentice have a better second meeting than the first.”

After letting Kyuubi calm down for an hour, the snacks helping, Celestia asked Kyuubi to formally meet Philomena, this time under better circumstances. Despite her worries, Celestia managed to convince the fox to agree to try again which led to the two staring at each other on the bed of the Solar Princess who watched in the back.

Kyuubi, slowly shuffling her feet, looked at Philomena who just stood there and stared. She decided it would be best if her mentor also could hear their conversation so she put more magic into her tail. It was only last year that she finally managed to figure out how to talk to more than one person telepathically, but it was quite a headache afterwards. She could really only talk to two minds at once, and anymore was just too draining. Hopefully, as she practiced more and got older, the pain would lessen. Um, hi?

Philomena gave a small wave with her wing and tweeted a greeting.

I’m Kyuubi, Princess Celestia’s apprentice, and I’m from another country. I got sent here for my safety and I’ve been here for some time, Kyuubi explained, slowly tilting her head. Are you really a phoenix? Philomena proudly puffed out her chest with pride. It’s just, all the phoenixes where I come from died a long time ago. I always thought you were extinct.

This made Philomena’s eyes widen as well as Celestia’s. Phoenix's were known for many things: their songs that could lift up spirits, their tears able to heal others even on the brink of death, their flames, and their ability to lift twice their size with their talons. However, the most important thing was their virtual immortality. Phoenixes, when they were killed or died of old age, were reborn in a matter of minutes into a new young body no worse for wear. The only way a phoenix could die was when they allowed it of their own free will, otherwise they could live to be thousands of years old. Philomena herself didn't fear taking risks and adventuring for this particular reason.

“Kyuubi,” Celestia asked with an alarmed look on her face. “How could anyone kill a pheonix? They cannot die. I have seen Philomena return to me from multiple dangers. Even deadly spells that could kill a grown stallion have never kept her from returning to me.”

You mean you don’t know? Kyuubi asked, getting a shake of the head. Well, I read a lot of books in my spare time when the priests were busy and it was raining out. I mean I preferred playing, but I hate getting my fur wet. I read once that an evil wizard sought for a way to make himself immortal. He discovered that phoenixes could do such a thing and so he began to experiment on them.

Celestia felt herself growling, silently, but it was there.

During one of those experiments, he completely froze the ashes after the phoenix died and stopped it from being reborn. After a while, they unfroze and the ashes were still just ashes. The phoenix never returned, even when they got warm again. The dark wizard was killed before he could find a means to resurrect himself, but rumors of how he killed the phoenix spread and soon many were hunting them down for their ashes since they possessed really strong magical properties. Eventually, the phoenixes were never seen again so many just assumed they all died. She rubbed her chin thoughtfully. Now that I think about it, it sounds similar to what happened to my species. Sometimes it doesn’t pay to be too special.

Upon hearing this Philomena felt something she had not felt since she was a little chick hatched out of her egg. It was fear. If what this little fox was saying was true then she wasn’t as immortal as she believed. Philomena always believed she would let herself pass away whenever Princess Celestia did so, but to be taken away from her before she was ready?

Seeing the worried and scared look on the bird's face quickly erased any worries Kyuubi had of the bird and instead she quickly raised her paws in apology. Of course, the phoenixes could have just flown away to some other land. Maybe they all came here instead? I mean it was a long time ago. You being here is proof that you’re not all gone, right?

“I think that would be a safe assumption,” Celestia said, stepping in. “You can find many phoenixes in our lands. Perhaps they made the trip and migrated here to avoid being eliminated and established themselves, or maybe they migrated from here to your land and learned it wasn't worth such danger.” She then nuzzled Philomena who quickly stopped shaking. “Worry not, my dear, you will not be taken from me.”

Turning to kitsune, she then said, “Kyuubi, I must ask you to never tell this to anypony else. While I like to have faith in all my subjects, there are those who would use such knowledge for the wrong reasons.”

Oh, of course, Princess. My lips are sealed... or rather my tail is since that’s the only way I can talk to ponies, Kyuubi answered before turning to Philomena. As for what happened between the two of us? Well, ’forgiveness is one of the most important virtues’ as Father Rodrigo says. So I forgive you, if you promise never to do that again. She tapped her forepaws together And no flames. I don’t think I’ll appreciate any kind of fire for a long time.

Philomena raised her wing over her heart and nodded.

Great! So... what do you like to do for fun? Kyuubi asked.

“My little bird here likes to play the occasional practical joke. Often on the newer guards,” Princess Celestia replied, smiling.

This made Kyuubi’s smile stretch wide. If pranks are what she likes doing then I got an idea, but I will need your permission to allow your phoenix to leave the castle, at least temporarly.

Celestia gave her student an encouraging smile. “If this will help you two get along...“

Private Kickfield groaned as he made his way down the barracks after another harsh training session. Not that it would last long as the Royal Guard lowered their standards over centuries to the point where guards on duty just needed to look tough and didn’t need to train.

Unfortunately, recruits still needed to go through the basics as ironically they were the best the Royal Guard had to offer.

Part of his training regime involved performing mock battles which always ended up poorly for Kickfield.

“I can’t wait to get out of my armor, head home, and go to sleep...” he muttered to himself as he made it to the changing rooms. He checked the signs and paused.

“Wait, wasn’t the stallion's room to the left?” he asked himself upon checking the signs again. Shaking his head, he smacked himself. “Must have gotten hit a lot harder than I thought.”

He entered the right room and started taking off his armor, but paused upon entering through the door. At least eight other guards were there, but all of them were mares. Each out of their armor, halfway done, or in towels from the showers at the other end of the room. They all silently stared at Kickfield with red cheeks and wide eyes.

“Um, oops?”

“PERVERT!”

Philomena and Kyuubi could only laugh their tails off upon hearing the pains and shrieks of Private Kickfield as the sound of female vengeance could be heard for miles.

Chapter 4 - Growing Appetite

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 4
-
Growing Appetite

35 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

... I cherish your name and welcome you to my heart. Let me be your tool so I may fulfil your will, Kyuubi spoke telepathically to herself, kneeling on the balcony while looking at the sky, now taking up much more space than her past little self. I… I apologize. Kyuubi held her head low apologetically. I live a happy life and receive so much, yet I don’t give much in return. I’m deeply sorry. Kyuubi whimpered, holding her forepaws together in a pleading gesture. If this is in your will, help me find a way to be helpful, to use my talent for good deeds. P-pretty please...

A mix of excitement and adrenaline filled her body as Kyuubi ran through an obstacle course in the barracks, more specifically the unicorn guards’ training ground. Her paws made repetitive contact with the mud as she looked at the road ahead.

A few wooden walls to climb already hurt by just looking at them. Numerous one-meter-high obstacles to jump over, and the cream atop this cake of struggle in the form of rounded objects to walk through, all that while under continuous fire.

Drops of sweat fell down her entire body, her fur wet and her breathing rapid. She grit her teeth and jumped, climbing up the sloped surface. Once on top, she concentrated, healing her hurting paws while recovering the sharpness of her claws.

“Guard up!”

Kyuubi looked at her instructor, a unicorn drill sergeant whose pretrial uniform had red emblems showing his higher rank. Not wasting a moment she concentrated, her fourth tail rose as a rounded silvery shield formed on her side, deflecting a beam of magic. Not that she could even call it an offensive spell as the reflected attack barely scratched a nearby wooden wall. She rolled her eyes as even the drill sergeant was ordered to be extra gentle with her.

After three failed attempts to climb walls, and a few face-in-the-mud landing during her over-obstacle-jumps, she ran towards the officer. She stopped and saluted, barely standing on her trembling paws.

“Solid performance, Miss Kyuubi. You cut down your best time by two seconds today while deflecting three more attacks than usual.”

Kyuubi showed a toothy smile despite being covered by mud from top to bottom. She already knew that her physical performance was clumsy at best, and terrible at worst, but she didn’t care. The obstacle course was made for unicorns who were much faster than her and had superior stamina. Despite being taller than an average mare as the top of her head was at height of sergeant’s muzzle, she knew that no magic boosted the strength and speed in her body, and she was fine with it.

The unicorn glanced at a piece of paper and smiled. “According to the morning report, your shield’s durability test shows two percent improvement. Even your levitation is now three tons ten kilogram strong. I am impressed.”

If not for mud, one would spot a blush on her proud face. She glanced at her fourth tail and patted it. Ever since it grew during her self-defense training three month ago, not only was her raw power nearly doubled, but she had started making extreme progress at improving her defensive magic. Yet another speciality to her short list.

To make things better, the sergeants had stopped yelling at her. No more sleepless nights due to stress and drumming in her ears.

“I heard Princess Celestia prepared a surprise for you in two hours.”

Surprise?

“Since you’ll be ending your training regimen earlier today…”

Her ears perked up.

“I’ll increase the difficulty to make up for it. No time for breaks.”

Her ears dropped. She was sooo going to heal her burning muscles over and over today.

While most animals wouldn’t think the same, she looked forward to today’s bath, getting all the mud and dirt from her now chocolate-like body. Even better, Celestia had approved her for a spa session. Brushing, grooming and a massage, were certainly the best cure after her intense training. She felt an ongoing pain in her tails, one she couldn’t heal as she pushed usage of her magic more than ever before.

As she looked at the drill sergeant who bid her farewell, something worrying caught her attention. She sniffed intensively the appetizing smell and licked her lips as an alarming amount of saliva gathered inside her mouth. More primal parts of her brain wondered ’how would this tall well-built unicorn stallion taste?’

She could see an aura of magic around the stallion, which she didn’t see before, while her instincts suggested she sink her teeth into that whistle-cutie-mark on that fat flank.

“Is something on my face?”

Kyuubi shook her head and smiled awkwardly. She turned around and ran, hoping an apple or carrot would appease her newfound appetite. Once in a chariot pulled by two pegasi guards, she opened a lunchbox and ate a hayandwich and two apples, yet it didn’t make the two pegasi look any less tasty.

With nothing to do but to endure, she thought back to her other training sessions. As she grew older over the years, she started experiencing this new feeling of hunger, which became more intense the more magic she exhausted.

Wait… my magic… Using the scanning spell she had learned from Doctor Aid, she calculated her reserves. Thirty percent? I don't remember my magic ever going this low. It must be due to the overly intense nature of today’s training.

She gulped. So the less magic was left in her, the stronger was her appetite for pony flesh. This wasn’t good. I need to isolate myself from ponies until my magic recovers… after the spa of course. My mentor would get suspicious if I skipped my appointment.

“Thank you for gathering in such high numbers, my dearest subjects. I have an announcement I was hoping to make public for years now,” Celestia said from the castle's balcony, one reserved for public speeches. She heard cheers from gathered ponies as some more excited pegasi flew above the crowd. A few guards patrolled the area in case the crowd stepped out of line.

“I am sure there are already many rumors about me having a fox-like pet, and I wish to address them.” Hearing murmurs, she stepped to the side and gestured with her hoof. “I would like to introduce a four-tailed fox, Kyuubi the Kitsune, my personal student.”

She maintained her usual mask of authority, though satisfied by surprised expressions and gasps. “Kyuubi, please come out and greet everypony… Kyuubi?” Upon noticing that her student stood like a rock, no doubt from stage-fright, she lit her horn, teleporting her student to her side.

Celestia looked at her student in pride. To think that I took her in when she was so small, holding her on my wing, and now look at her. All grown up and mature. She looked back at the crowd, hearing happy and encouraging cheers and a few remarks involving words: cute and fluffy.

One glance at plate-sized eyes and opened mouth caused her to mentally chuckle. Oh Kyuubi, if only you could see the look on your face. Priceless. She blinked in confusion, noticing a high amount of saliva drop onto the platform of the balcony.

Bunnybandage, a male earth pony with bandaged bunny as his cutie-mark stared back in confusion at his new visitor. Before him on the other side of the desk stood a fox with four tails, the freshly announced student of the princess. Despite thinner limbs, she was as tall as him. Instead of normal speech or animal noises, she spoke to him in his mind, certainly the weirdest thing in his long career, though part of him wished other animals could do the same, allowing him to understand them better.

By his speciality he would expect her to be his patient, but… “I believe I misheard you, ma’am. Are you really offering me your assistance at nursing my patients?”

You heard me right, good sir, Kyuubi raised her forepaw to her chest, her head raised pridefully. I specialize in healing and defensive magic. Now that princess introduced me to everyone… She cleared her throat and corrected herself, ...everypony, I wish to show some initiative.

“I understand… I think,” Bunnybandage said, forcing a smile. His mind still struggled with this concept, especially when the healer was a predator. He needed to keep an eye on her, especially around mice and bunnies. “I suppose I can accept your assistance, but only under my supervision. How much do you charge, Miss Kyuubi?”

Charge?

“How much for your services?” Seeing as the large fox tilt her head to the side, he asked, “How many bits will it cost me for your help?”

Bits, cost? You take rewards for healing animals?

“And you don’t?”

I’m here to help you, you poor little beings. You have nothing to fear, Kyuubi reassured the animals, remembering Celestia’s attempt to calm her down in a similar manner. Thanks to the veterinarian's reassurance, most animals became fine with her presence, especially dogs, but hamsters, bunnies and cats withdrew to corners of the room, wary of her every move. Birds that didn’t have broken wings observed her from the higher ground.

It didn’t help that telepathically speaking to multiple creatures caused great strain on her mind in the form of a strong headache, one she struggled to hide. To make matters worse, her method of communication freaked them out even more.

Receiving an encouraging hoof gesture from Bunnybandage, she nodded, charging magic into her third tail. One bandaged injury here, one broken leg there, and in mere seconds dogs, snakes and other animals recovered, a show of her improvements at healing magic. Her actions seemed to calm down more of the scared animals which started approaching her, one at a time.

“W-what just happened?”

Kyuubi smiled at the veterinarian. There was something enjoyable about seeing ponies’ surprise whenever she used holy magic.

She gulped, resisting the urge to lick the stallion as her magic reserves dropped to half after today’s training. Even after an entire week, a memory of thousands of delicious ponies gathered before her still haunted her mind, something she wasn’t going to forget anytime soon.

Kyuubi looked back at the table, or rather at the brown fluffy bunny who pulled its broken leg. Next to the bunny stopped a hamster who exposed the bandage wrapped around a cut-off part of its tail. Both animals trembled, no doubt struggling to overcome their fears in hope she wouldn’t hurt them.

This was it, the top reason why she even came here. Not that she wasn’t interested in healing all those little cuties, something she strongly missed since times she assisted at the church, but she still had an ulterior motive.

She raised her forepaw. Stay still. I’ll heal your tail no problem, Kyuubi said as she moved her forepaw over the terrified hamster, pressing it against the cut-off tail before the critter retreated. Her third tail flashed with magic. And done. She raised her paw, freeing the hamster who ran away in panic, only to look at its renewed tail. It turned around and ran over, nuzzling her paw cheerfully.

Kyuubi lowered her muzzle and licked the hamster, her tongue touching its fur, yet she didn’t feel anything out of the ordinary. According to the book, foxes hunt all sorts of critters, hamsters and bunnies included, yet I still can’t feel any desire to eat them.

She turned to the bunny, who now stared back at her with hopeful eyes, certainly not a stare bunnies ever show to their predators. Kyuubi smiled at her patient before gently touching the broken leg with her paw, her third tail flashing in power. She withdrew her forepaw as the bunny started moving her bandaged paw without difficulty, following up with a cheerful dance.

Kyuubi lowered her muzzle close to the bunny, staring intensely at it, hoping her instincts would tell her that it was tasty and worth eating, yet it didn’t come. She licked the bunny’s cheek, who in turn licked the tip of her muzzle, yet the bunny’s taste didn’t seem to be anything special. Oh come on!

She glanced between animals that foxes eat and the stallion, and her ears drooped. Her fears have been proven true. It wasn’t the meat that her body desired, it was the magic. This isn’t fair! Whenever she looked at a pony, at her mentor, or even at Philomena whenever her magic reserves were low, she saw potential prey, but no mice or bunny caught her interest. Not that she needed to hunt and eat magical creatures in order to survive as her primary tail allowed her to feed on vegetables, fruits and sweets, but the desire was still there.

“I must say, I am in shock. Your healing capabilities are incredible. Who even taught you this? Can you teach this to others?”

Kyuubi woke up from her thoughts and smiled. Father Rodrigo taught me, but first I was blessed by God during a judging ritual. She rubbed her arm nervously while looking to the side. I’m not sure I can share this blessing with anyone, though.

“God?” Bunnybandage asked. “Are you saying this isn’t just advanced healing magic, but a divine blessing?”

Kyuubi nodded, noticing a mixture of curiosity and doubt on the veterinarian’s face. Now that she thought about it, she was a church's representative in this land, it was her duty to share her faith, whenever it would be accepted or not. But before she would fulfill her duty, she needed to perform one final test. She stretched her head closer to the pony, assaulting his muzzle with a quick lick. Stars sparkled in her eyes as the taste she just felt surpassed any frosting or ice cream.

The stallion blushed, looking to the side.

Kyuubi shook her head and mentally cursed, stomping in annoyance. Her fear that she may have been a predator with a taste for magical creatures had been proven true, and to make matters worse, she now lived in a capital filled with magical creatures while being a student of the very ruler, the most magical pony of them all. Irony wasn’t lost on her as it had to be life's biggest and most cruel joke.

Her sad mood was interrupted as she felt the bunny’s paws climb up her shoulder and felt soft fur nuzzle her cheek. Wanting to distract herself, she gently picked up the bunny similar to how Timothy had often held her, and with a gentle movement of her forepaw, she rubbed its soft belly. Note to myself, do bunny-hugging therapy whenever feeling extremely stressed.

Celestia didn’t remember how long it had been since she was in this room, recognizing the tapestry filled with her own cutie mark. A few shelves filled with various awards and trophies were difficult to ignore. She sat on a soft cushion in front of a principal's desk, keeping on her usual authoritative mask as she looked back at the principal himself.

While she was a founder of a school for gifted unicorns, interacting with EEA more often than she would like to, her personal involvement in the way it was run was limited.

Yet here she was, only a week after publicly announcing Kyuubi as her personal student, certainly not a scenario she predicted.

“Your Highness, while I understand that you would withhold this information from the populace for so long, I feel a bit wounded that you did not inform me. This very facility would have aided in Kyuubi’s education if you gave it a chance,” said the principal, a unicorn pony in his late fifties with a grey mane and cobalt blue coat. He made sure to correct the bowtie on his suit before sitting down on the chair. Headmaster Lightstar had been one of the few ponies who she could talk to as a friend rather than a subject due to their relationship. While never her own apprentice, he was quite determined to get as much help from Celestia during his days learning in the same academy he now was in charge of. Therefore, there was a certain level of trust between the two.

Celestia nodded, failing to stop blush from appearing on her face. Despite her centuries-long wisdom, she was still making mistakes, and not taking advantage of the school she founded herself certainly was among her bigger ones.

Still, how would other fillies and colts react to Kyuubi? Sending a three years old fox-kitsune to public education seemed too extreme, especially considering the fragility of her body. One misfiring spell would be enough to end her life.

Now Kyuubi was eighteen years old, yet size-wise she was almost as big as a tall stallion, which would no doubt intimidate the kids.

Steeling her nerves, the princess spoke up, “At first Kyuubi was too young and needed to mature, and years later I focused heavily on teaching her protective spells and appointed her to train for self-defense in the barracks.” She lowered her head. “Still, I should’ve put education in this school into consideration. I deeply apologize for this oversight.”

“Water under the bridge, Your Highness. Now that Kyuubi’s standing as your personal student is publicly established, it would be most wise to appoint her to this school.” The principal levitated over a stack of papers, checking them in mid-interest. “The new semester starts in three months. While it would be most unusual to allow a different species in, not to mention there are some traditionalists who would argue about it, we can make special arrangements.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “I admire your enthusiasm, Principal, but you do realize that Kyuubi is now an eighteen years old, one and half a meter tall, multi-tailed fox. Different species aside, her size alone may be intimidating for fillies and colts.”

The unicorn waved his hoof dismissively. “Please don’t underestimate our students, Your Highness. Most of them can easily disarm an aggressive animal, thus they do not feel intimidated by them.”

“Kyuubi isn’t aggressive, quite the opposite,” Celestia said, thinking back to the peaceful and huggable piece of white fluff. Tall or not, she’s still young and innocent inside.

“I don’t doubt that. Furthermore, we have developed a spell that can alter appearance based on the age spell. In your student’s case it will make her more approachable.”

“Age spell? Casting it requires a very high amount of magic and is very difficult to master even for the strongest unicorns. Should I assume that this alternative is less draining,” Celestia said, giving the principal a curious look.

“But of course. With proper enhancement and diligent months-long practice, your student should be capable of casting it on herself, assuming she’s gifted with magic.”

The princess rubbed her foreleg nervously, an action unnoticed by the principal. Her student was gifted with magic, that was certain, but Kyuubi’s tails provided her with specific specializations. Learning a spell outside of holy and defensive magic would come with great difficulty.

“Of course if your student should prove incapable, you can cast this spell on her with the proper enhancements. While this spell is much easier to cast on oneself, it shouldn’t be a problem for a powerful alicorn such as yourself.”

Celestia nodded as a question crossed her mind. “Considering the intense research in the field of magic, do you or any other teacher know a defensive spell that is capable of improving one’s durability for a long period of time?” She raised forehoof on her chest. “Neither guards, nor I possess knowledge of such a spell.”

Principal Lightstar smirked. “I am not surprised the Royal Guard don’t know of such a spell as it would be too impractical to cast for those with little magic. For the safety of our students we developed a spell that can provide young gifted unicorns with more lasting protection. It is often used during field-trips to somewhat risky locations.”

His horn lit as he enveloped himself in magic, his yellow aura vanishing in an instant. He poked his chest with force behind it. “It is like wearing armor that has no weight and is invisible.” He looked to the side, adding in embarassed tone, “Sadly, it has little durability when compared to magical barriers and shields.”

Celestia smiled cheerfully. What seemed like little durability to ponies was a lot for Kyuubi, whose body was still fragile despite her growing size. While making herself look younger and more approachable would only make her more vulnerable, this magical armor would make up for it.

“I would like to order tutoring for Kyuubi in order to teach her those two spells,” the princess said, causing a prideful smile to appear on the principal's face. “Once she knows them, I shall consider enlisting her into the school. I will also keep a close eye on how other students will react to her.”

“Understandable,” the principal said before glancing at a nearby trophy, this one for a new record at levitated weight, a golden statuette of a unicorn with a boulder raised in its levitation aura. “Furthermore, since you opened yourself to the idea of taking in personal students, Your Highness, would you be interested in taking another one from our school?”

Celestia looked at the ceiling while rubbing her chin. Having two students would allow them to learn from each other, or improve by competing. Maybe Kyuubi would even make a friend. She lowered her head and nodded. “If one of the students of this school shows great potential and possess the determination to improve, please inform me. I will personally look into your recommendations during the openings in my schedule.”

The stallion saluted. “Thank you, Princess. I’ll not disappoint.”

“While I enjoyed our chat and found it to be most productive, I need to return to my duties. Once again, I am sorry.” She lowered her head again apologetically before stepping from the cushion, now going for the exit. Once she finished today’s duties, she had a lot to tell Kyuubi as her education would enter into a new and wonderful phase.

With only an hour before she would need to lower the sun and raise the moon, Celestia entered her bedchamber, expecting a warm welcome from her enthusiastic fluffy student. Seeing Kyuubi’s saddened expression and eyes that seemed sleepless and ready to burst into tears was not what she expected. Some sort of letter was present in Kyuubi’s mouth.

Curious, she levitated over the letter, reading it aloud.

“My Dear Mentor, Princess Celestia.

You gave me a home and meaning to my life when I lost them. I shall forever treasure all you did for me and our time together.

It greatly pains me to ask for it, especially after your recent announcement, but I request for my status as your personal student be removed immediately.”

Celestia felt aching in her heart as she glanced between the depressed kitsune and the letter, wondering if it was but a bad dream.

“I humbly request to be banished from Equestria’s borders, or at the very least banished to a secluded forest or other area away from ponies homes.

Your Faithful Student, Kyuubi the Kitsune.”

The letter dropped from her telekinesis, falling to the floor, as Celestia looked her student dead in the eyes. “Banishment! Why would you request that?”

Because I am a predator. Before Celestia could form a response, Kyuubi continued, And I don’t mean a regular predator that requires meat and would be satisfied with a fish. I’m most certain that I am a predator that feeds on magical beings.

“Magical beings?” Celestia asked, sitting down as her body suddenly felt heavier. She spread her right wing, trying to wrap it around her student, who just stepped out of her range in response.

Living beings in possession of magic, they are my prey. I am a danger to ponies.

Celestia lowered her wing, her mind a mess. Quite a lot has happened recently, from her public announcement to new spells for Kyuubi to learn and opening a spot in her School for Gifted Unicorns. Yet all seemed insignificant in light of Kyuubi’s declaration.

Kyuubi climbed onto the bed, sitting on it while holding her front paws in between her rear paws, her head lowered in shame. In the story that I was told before arriving here, it was mentioned that many powerful mages tried to fight the Ninetales, only for him to break through their strongest defenses and eat them, growing ever more powerful. My kin may be able to eat a variety of food, but beings filled with magic seems to be our main prey. We grow bigger and our magic grows by feeding on them.

“Is that it? Just because your species hunted magical creatures doesn’t mean…”

Celestia was cut off. The more I exhaust my magic reserves, the more delicious ponies look to me! It wasn’t a problem when I was young, but now those instincts seem to surface. After my training sessions in defensive magic I feel a growing desire to eat those around me.

Celestia’s ears drooped. Everything seemed so perfect, and now…

I looked into it. Just today after my training, I offered my assistance at a veterinary clinic. I healed the animals while testing if it wasn’t a desire for meat, yet no mouse , bird or bunny caught my interest. Even Philomena looks tasty whenever I come back from my intense training.

The princess nodded, listening with full attention.

Kyuubi lowered herself, looking up at the princess from her lowered position. As you can see, I need to be banished immediately. I… I deeply apologize for wasting your precious time, Your Highness.

Celestia stood up and approached, taking off a golden horseshoe before gently stroking her student on the head. “Do you really think I would give up on you for this kind of reason?”

Kyuubi whimpered and nodded.

“So as long as you do not overuse your spells and exhaust your magic, you do not feel any desire to hurt anyone?”

I… d-don’t…

“How strong is your desire to eat a pony before you when your magic is exhausted. Are you able to keep it in check?”

W-what does it matter. I need to be…

“Answer my question!” Celestia said more harshly as her heart-beat increased in speed.

N-not that strong. It is very distracting and unpleasant, but even when I had only thirty percent reserves left, I managed to resist. She blushed. Seeing that large crowd of ponies when I still hadn’t recovered was very shocking to me though. I felt as if my stomach was going to kill me.

Celestia nodded, recognizing a more joking tone in Kyuubi’s telepathy. “You do not want to hurt anypony, no matter what. Correct?”

Of course I don’t, which is why I need you to banish me! I would never forgive myself if I hurt someone, and eating another creature, more or less ponies that accepted me would be horrible. I wouldn’t dare to commit such a terrible sin.

The alicorn smiled. She already knew the answer to her questions, but she wanted to hear them. She lowered her muzzle and nuzzled her student’s cheek. “Kyuubi, I have the utmost trust in you and over the years I got to know your good-hearted and peaceful nature, and the fact that you think of others above your own happiness speaks volumes. I only wish you trusted yourself as much as I trust you.”

She could see confusion on her student’s face as some encouragement was in order. Part of her wanted Kyuubi to stay as she was her hope to save her sister, while another part of her wanted to keep the well-being of her subjects and ensure their safety. Deep inside however she had grown attached to her student and enjoyed her company, and she learned to trust Kyuubi and that she would strive to better herself and to be helpful to those in need. There was no doubt in her mind that Kyuubi would resist this temptation.

Still, her student thus far was honest with her. She had told her about Ninetales and the destruction he had brought, despite it painting her species in a bad light and risking her position in an alien land. Many times Kyuubi told her the truth when a lie would’ve been more beneficial, and now instead of hiding her newfound appetite for magical creatures, she admitted to it.

It was only fair that she should be honest with her student and tell her about what happened nearly a thousand years ago, about the corruption and banishment of her sister. She knew Kyuubi well enough now to know that giving her a meaningful role would fill her with motivation, something she needed now.

Celestia stepped onto the bed and placed her large wing over her student, though only managing to cover half of her body. “My dear student, allow me to tell you a story…”

Chapter 5 - Fox Among Fillies

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 5
-
Fox Among Fillies

35 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

“... and to this day, my sister lies sealed in the moon and will not return until what I assume is the one thousandth year of her banishment,” Celestia finished. She glanced at the nearby clock and found that she had been talking for nearly three hours. There were times a tear or two shed upon thinking of that horrible night when her sister turned into Nightmare Moon. Thankfully, her apprentice was there to wipe them away with her tails which sort of made Celestia giggle upon feeling the ticklish fur.

Gazing down at Kyuubi, Celestia saw that her student was deep in thought while her tails flickered back and forth. Princess, are you sure your sister’s jealousy is what caused Luna to turn into Nightmare Moon? It sounds like a very powerful corruption.

“Alicorn magic is very potent, Kyuubi, but sadly it is also unpredictable,” Celestia answered, sighing. “When my sister and I became alicorns, we had to spend many years controlling our emotions. Such discipline is needed to prevent harm to ourselves and others. Sadly, I fear Luna’s mental and emotional state were in flux due to my subject’s fear of her. A fear I didn’t realize until it was too late.” With shame, she looked down, remembering her own failings. Truth be told, she adored the attention she was getting and felt her sister was overreacting regarding her fears of being left behind. If I’d had more humility back then could I have prevented this?

Her thoughts were interrupted by Kyuubi’s cheek nuzzling her side to which Celestia responded with one of her own.

I’m sorry you had to go through that Princess, Kyuubi whispered. Is there anything that can be done for Princess Luna?

“My hope was that the Elements of Harmony would answer to me again or choose new bearers to unite and free my sister from her darkness,” Celestia explained before deciding to drop her deepest desire. “That is until I met you.”

Me? Wait! You mean my ability to purify? Kyuubi asked, her eyes widened in realization. Is this... is this really the main reason you wanted me to be your apprentice? To save you sister?

“I…” Celestia paused, looking to the size in shame for a moment. “I would be lying if I said it was not my main motivation.” She looked Kyuubi in the eyes with a firm stare. “But make no mistake. After years of tutoring and taking care of you, I wouldn’t regret taking you as my student, even if you were incapable of helping my sister. Your unique magic is worth nurturing and I can see a great future ahead of you.”

Celestia quickly confirmed, booping her apprentice on the nose. “You have been not only a great student, but a good friend. One that I’ve come to trust and love over the years. But yes, one of the biggest hopes I have is that you can help my sister return to her normal self.”

Celestia then bowed her head. “If, however, you feel that I’ve lied to you or mislead you, I apologize. My dear sweet Luna means everything to me.” She looked at her student with a pleading stare, holding forehoof on her armored chest. ”I know that it is selfish of me, but will you continue studying under my tutelage? Will you help me save my sister from corruption?”

Y-yes, I mean no, I mean… Kyuubi bit her bottom lip, shaking her head in confusion. I’m not upset at all, and of course I want to help you save your sister. It is the least I can do for what you did for me. It would be an honor. She opened her mouth, poking her own teeth. But at the same time it is unsafe for you and your subjects to be near me. I’m a predator after all, no matter if I like it or not.

Celestia stroked her student’s forepaw with a hoof, giving her a motherly glance. “If you think about it, everyone can be dangerous. I myself possess magic that could cause a lot of harm if I let it loose. I trust myself enough to know that I won’t harm anypony, and you should trust yourself as well.” She looked to the side, now feeling a growing guilt weighing on her heart. “Now that I think about it, the one who will be in greatest danger is you. Nightmare Moon is powerful and may hurt you if she sees you as a threat.” She grit her teeth, only now comprehending the risk her student would need to face.

Kyuubi puffed out her chest. The Priests taught me that we must give our lives to save others from not only the dangers of the world but from ourselves as well. This is because God granted us the power to do so. God gave me the power to purify the darkness in this world. Maybe he gave it to me so I can save your sister?

A warm burst of energy erupted from Celestia’s heart as she smiled at her beaming apprentice. She could see the care and truth in her eyes. The sun princess felt something that had been growing only shortly but now it was in full force: Hope. Hope that her sister could be redeemed and returned to her. Hope that they could rule together once more. And that hope all lay within this tiny... tall fox she, deep inside, cared for more than most apprentices she’d had previously. She didn’t know if this God really did give Kyuubi such a power, she was still struggling to believe such a thing, but regardless she was grateful.

“Thank you, Kyuubi. Know this, that you will always be a friend to me no matter what happens,” Celestia vowed, smiling. “There are just a few things I must make clear to you. One, when it is time to face Nightmare Moon, you must promise me you will not do anything to risk your life too much. I experienced pain of loss once, I would not endure it again.”

“I promise.” Kyuubi nodded.

“Second, you must never tell anyone about my plans for Nightmare Moon,” Celestia said, clearly. “As far as the world knows, my sister died a thousand years ago while sealing Nightmare Moon away at the cost of her life. Only a select few know the truth, and I wish to keep it that way.”

Why? Kyuubi asked, tilting her head.

“Because I fear what others would think of her should we be successful at saving her. It would be hard enough teaching Luna how to adapt to a world that has changed in a thousand years, it would be even harder if nearly everypony feared and distrusted her. She has suffered enough, I wish for her to be loved again and not feared like before.”

I guess so, though it may be difficult explaining how she raised up from her grave. Kyuubi asked, Anything else?

“Yes,” Celestia said, with a wide smile. “How would you like to go to school?”

Wait, what!? Kyuubi flinched, falling unceremoniously from the bed onto the floor as her four tails now lay flat on the carpet.

33 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

... please forgive us as we forgive those who wrong us. Bring us salvation and protect us from evil, Kyuubi spoke telepathically to herself, kneeling next to the bed hosting the sleeping alicorn. While she had offered the princess multiple times to teach her how to pray, suggesting for them to pray together, the old ruler was sceptical of that idea, deciding not to bother sacrificing precious minutes in her busy schedule. Though a few doctors and the local veterinarian proved open-minded to that idea, and her faith had started catching the attention of the medical community. Acceptance of faith and learning about it had to be volountiery after all, and she didn’t mind taking small steps.

Please share your blessings with those who save lives and support them in the most critical moments. Help them find a path to your truth and bestow your protection and guidance upon Equestria. She sighed, adding silently a little prayer, And… and if it’s in your will, help me fit in among young ponies and learn by their side. Please, don’t let my size and feeding instincts ruin my efforts, don’t let it disappoint the trust that they put in me… She gulped, holding her trembling paws together in a pleading gesture as her muzzle almost touched the floor. Pretty please…

Despite her age, Kyuubi knew she was still a kid by her own race’s standards, especially as its last survivor. Most children would play and interact with each other, but she rarely had that pleasure. A few times, the guards brought their children to work and Kyuubi would play with them in games like tag, hide and seek, stick fetch and soccer, though they saw her and treated her as a big puppy. She didn’t have any true friends her age, which is one of the reasons why Princess Celestia wanted her to go to school.

Not only to help her learn more magic, but to learn about friendship as well. Not that she minded learning magic, and friendship was a virtue in itself, but in the end she was still a wolf among sheep, cute adorable little sheep she certainly didn’t want to bite.

To make matters worse, she was far taller than everyone else, only a few centimeters away from surpassing her mighty mentor in terms of size, and she was supposed to study among youths? If she didn’t stand out enough, her being a different species was added into the mix, making her a center of attention, discussion and even jokes.

Taking yet another deep calming breath, Kyuubi wiped the sweat from her forehead, her second tail surrounded by magical aura as she levitated the pen against a piece of paper. After the test of her raw power and showcases of her magic, it was now time for the written exam, after which it would be decided which wing of the school she would join in.

First wing was for basics, one filled with fillies and colts aged between ten and twelve. She certainly wasn’t planning to go there.

The second wing was for the advanced course of magic, as well as history, mathematics and other useful subjects. Gifted students between thirteen and fifteen were most common there.

Next wing was for high tier magic and the advanced version of other subjects. As much as she hoped to get there, it didn’t seem her knowledge and magical abilities were enough. It was a school for the elite after all, and its high standards reflected that.

The final wing was only for the highest level unicorns, where graduates reached a very high position in pony society. White being among ponies between nineteen and twenty two would make her feel at ease, she would easily be outclassed at every step.

“Time’s up. Please put down your pen.”

Kyuubi sighed, lowering her pen on the desk before trying to stand up. She blushed, only now noticing how her rear legs were stuck under the desk, taking a few seconds to pull them away as there wasn’t even enough space in the chair for her to sit on.

She stepped to the side, nervously observing the examiners while holding her forepaws firmly between her rear legs, her tails cramped slightly between numerous tables. Not that she didn’t have a remedy for such embarrassing circumstances as her mentor learned an interesting spell in the past year, one which would shrink her to the size of a filly.

However, if her raw power was considered average by the school's standards while size-wise being as big as Celestia herself, how outclassed she would be if she made herself smaller and younger? No matter what, she was either going to be much bigger than her classmates, or become an insignificant fly among the gifted elite?

She wouldn’t get her results until the next day so she was free to hang around the school until Princess Celestia returned. This was done so that students could get to know each other before they were assigned classes, but Kyuubi felt like a sore thumb. Most of the fillies and colts were looking at her with curious yet cautious eyes, some were even looking at her like she was some kind of pet or vermin that shouldn’t be here. Obviously, they were from the more ‘upper class’ families that Princess Celestia often complained about.

Not fitting in, Kyuubi decided to leave and find the library to read, curious what this place had to offer while in need of distraction.

“-xcuse me…”

She looked up her desk and flitched. A wide set of eyes was staring at her with her mouth slightly opened. It was a filly unicorn with a yellow fluffy mane that had a pink ribbon on top while her coat was pink like a rose. Her cutie mark, from what the kitsune could tell, was a glowing rose top. The filly somehow climbed up the desk silently without getting her attention.

“Hi!” the filly said with a smile. “Are you really a fox?”

Well, yes… in a sense? Kyuubi answered nervously before the filly gasped and looked around. Obviously, she was confused by the fact that she was hearing a voice in her head. It’s just me. The fox. I’m speaking to you telepathically.

“Really! Oh my gosh! That's so cool! You must be super powerful to do such a thing! I’ve never heard of anypony doing that before! But then again, you’re not a pony, you’re a fox! So, I guess that means it’s everyfox or everyfoxy, which do you like better? And oh my gosh you have so many tails!” Before she knew it the young filly had zipped over and climbed her middle tail, jumping from one tail to another while admiring them, much to Kyuubi’s embarrassment.

Um, excuse me?

“Wow, they are so fluffy,” the mysterious filly said, nuzzling the tips and giggling. “Oh, I bet it's cool having such a cute set of tails.”

It kinda just feels normal. And you have a tail too, Kyuubi pointed out to the filly’s yellow tail.

“Yeah, but it’s just bland. Not like yours. It’s so enchanting and cute!” the filly cheerfully said before blushing. “Oh, sorry for not giving my name. I’m Rosey Sparky. What’s your name?”

I’m Kyuubi, she replied, giving a warm smile and holding her paw out to shake.

“Aww, you’re just like a cute little doggie... not that I think you’re a dog, nor little! I mean, dogs can’t talk and you obviously can so you’re smart and all, but... um...” Rosey blushed even more and rubbed the back of her head with her hoof.

“You really need to learn to stop speaking without thinking, Rosey,” replied a colt’s voice as the two turned around. A black coated colt with a silver mane covering one half of his face walked over, his silver shooting star cutie mark shining on his rump. “Don’t mind her. She’s a good pony, but kind of a jabber jaw.”

“Hey! That’s not how you talk about your friend,” Rosey said, pouting with her cheeks puffing. Kyuubi couldn’t help but giggle by how cute and childish the filly looked now. Soon enough, Rosey giggled and stuck her tongue out too. “I guess I was talking a bit too fast to think.”

The colt shook his head before nodding to the large fox. “Nightbright is my name. I heard rumors that Princess Celestia had a fox as a personal student, but I didn’t think they were true until I saw you.”

“Wow, you're the princess’ personal student atop all that!?” Rosey asked with awe as Kyuubi nodded. “But, why are you with us at this school? You must already be very smart and powerful.”

I guess my mentor wanted me to make friends my own age... or at least as close to my age as I can get, Kyuubi answered, shrugging her shoulders.

“How old are you? twelve?” Rosey asked, tilting her head. “You look more like a few hundreds to me considering how big and fluffy you are, but then again, no foxes I ever saw or read about grows that big. ”

Kyuubi smiled sheepishly. I’m twenty, Kyuubi answered, which made both ponies stare at her with wide eyes. What?

“Woah, you’re like… not much older than the rest of us, yet sooo much bigger...” Rosey said, jaw wide open. “Like, don’t foxes only live for a few years? Shouldn’t you be dead at this point? Wait, are you a ghost?! Is this why you have all those powers?”

“I think the fact that you touched her tails and she’s been able to physically interact in this world is proof she is alive, Rosey,” Nightbright said, rolling his eyes. His friend then opened her mouth, but he stopped her. “And don’t you dare say zombie fox.”

“I was gonna say spiritual fox. Sounds so much cooler.”

Well, I’m a Kitsune actually, but I don’t mind being called a fox. As for my age and size, I’m just long lived. I don’t even know how old and how big I can become, or if I can even die from old age, Kyuubi answered, using telepathy on both ponies at the same time.

“Can’t your parents tell you?” Nightbright asked.

I don’t have any. I’m the last of my kind,” Kyuubi answered before seeing the shocked and horrified faces of her fellow students. “What’s wrong?

“That’s... that’s so sad...” Rosey sniffed as a few tears started forming in her eyes. She quickly climbed her foreleg and held onto Kyuubi’s chest, gently nuzzling it, her cheek sinking into the white fur. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Kyuubi.”

“Me too, I didn’t mean to make you feel upset,” Nightbright replied, lowering his head in shame.

Oh, it’s okay. I was raised by the priests back home and Princess Celestia’s been a good mentor towards me. So, I think it all worked out, Kyuubi answered, giving a smile. Truth be told, she did wonder once in a while what it would have been like to be raised by an actual father or mother, but her time with her guardians from both nations was meaningful in its own way. They were her family in a sense, giving her affection and parental care.

“Who are you guys talking too?” asked another unicorn walking forward with her eyebrows raised. “You two have been talking to each other and this... fox for so long. We’re all kinda wondering what you are doing?”

“Oh, Kyuubi can talk to ponies telepathically!” Rosey answered.

“Come on, a fox can’t do that, even if she is a bit... weird,” the unicorn scoffed.

Well, I’m not a normal fox, Kyuubi admitted as she focused her attention on the now scared unicorn who backed away upon hearing Kyuubi’s thoughts in her head. It’s kind of hard doing multiple minds at once.

The unicorn didn’t answer. Instead, she just backed up and turned away to return to her own group who were staring at Kyuubi with wide eyes, and a bit of fear.

This made the kitsune whimper as she noticed others doing the same. Her new friends must have sensed her distress as Rosey and Nightbright went to her side and led her to the exit of the library, gently pulling her large forepaw with help of telekinesis.

“Well, I’m famished, why don’t we head to the cafeteria and you can tell us about this home you came from,” Rosey said.

“Yeah, and what’s a priest?” Nightbright asked, curious.

Kyuubi smiled as she began to explain her story, with some missing details per Celestia’s request. In fact, she hid most of the gruesome details, not wanting to scare the fillies who weren’t intimidated by her towering size and foxy appearance.

Chapter 6 - Potions and Tricks - Pt.1

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 6
-
Potions and Tricks - Pt.1

28 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

Headmaster Lightstar had always asked for his staff to come for an evaluation meeting every few months, including at the start of the new school year. It was a chance to talk about any students that were already standing out, had potential, or needed extra help to catch up with the rest of the class. Occasionally, there was a bad apple or two that needed to be disciplined, but the school was a fair place that allowed others to be given a chance. Equestria often preached the idea of giving others such second chances so it would be a crime not to practice such a principle at the school.

Teachers talked about their students often in order to find the ones who were hidden gems. Some of the students this year were bright ones that had raw talent that hadn’t been seen in years. Already a few teachers were thinking of having a few of them move up a grade, but Lightstar wanted to wait on doing such a thing at least for a few more months. Wouldn’t want students getting full of themselves.

After that, it was time to talk about the students who weren’t doing so well. Some of them had barely managed to enter through the entrance exams and it was clear that the school was pushing them harder than they could handle. Not every unicorn could handle the tough curriculum of the Academy. Some chalked it up to nerves, others to learning disabilities, while some were even thinking they cheated the entrance exams. Again, it was decided to wait a few months before doing any serious action, but Lightstar had agreed to give them extra help to get them to start improving. Plenty of students are late bloomers, no need to worry.

Of course, the one thing that everyone was talking about, and the student that Lightstar was most interested in was Kyuubi. It had been three hundred years since a personal student of Princess Celestia had wandered the halls of the Academy, but this was the first time a non-pony creature was doing so. Naturally, the EEA had been up in arms about this, stating that tradition dictated that only unicorns could enter into the Academy; mostly thanks to the new Chancellor Neighsay.

However, Princess Celestia was the supreme authority in Equestria and her word was law. If she said her student was going to school, then not even the EEA could challenge it without a solid reason. As long as her student would behave and not stand out much, the EEA wouldn’t have solid arguments against her. The EEA wasn’t the only challenge though, he had gotten multiple letters from noble families who were angry that such a “pet” was given not only the privilege of attending the best magical Academy in Equestria, but was interacting with their fillies and colts. While some of the teachers agreed with them, feeling more confused than anything else, they thankfully kept everything professional. And I wouldn’t expect anything less from my staff.

“So, I’d like to hear your thoughts about Kyuubi. Mrs. Burstbeam, you have her homeroom, correct? What can you tell me about her?” Headmaster Lightstar asked, leaning forward on his side of the table.

“To be honest, I find her both innocent and adorable,” Mrs. Burstbeam, a long time veteran of the school answered. Pushing aside some of her white-bluish mane, the dark pink unicorn continued, “At first, I was unsure of what to think of her. I certainly did jump when she suddenly talked to me in my head. Telepathy is an advanced art in and of itself, but she uses it like we use our voices for talking.”

A few nodded their heads in agreement. More than one teacher had been stunned to hear Kyuubi’s voice in their minds.

“However, once you get past that and her sizable appearance, you find her no different than any ordinary child,” Mrs. Burstbeam said, smiling. “She’s very curious about our way of magic and our history, often asking me questions about even the smallest of things. She was raised originally in another country, yes?”

“Yes, we don’t know where it is, but due to a teleportation spell gone wrong, she ended up in the Princess’s care,” Headmaster Lightstar answered. Not a complete lie, given she was teleported to save her life, but Princess Celestia thought it was best to keep that knowledge to as few as possible.

“Well, naturally she was the talk of the class and became very popular among the students once their fears and curiosity settled. A few still stay away from her, but thankfully there hasn’t been any bullying. She does have two very close friends, Rosey Sparky and Nightbright. Both of them seem to be attached at the hip.”

Well, that’s one task completed, Headmaster Lightstart thought with a satisfied smile. The Princess had been hoping Kyuubi could make a friend or two and it seemed she had done so without any trouble. “How about her magical abilities?”

“I’d like to give my thoughts,” Professor Haze voiced. He was one of the newer teachers, barely in his third year at the school, but was young and bright. Correcting his glasses, the young chocolate colored stallion gave his thoughts. “Kyuubi has a great mastery over her telekinesis abilities to the point where she can easily teach other students of her abilities. However, when it comes to learning a few other spells there are some difficulties.” The others looked at him, waiting for him to continue. “It’s not that she can’t do them, to be honest, I’m surprised she can do them at all, but she’s a bit below average on even the most basic spells. According to her, it's because out of her four tails, three specialize in various magical traits, each mastering a different field of magic, and she told me more will grow as time goes on. What she does have is a large magic pool inside of her.”

“So what she lacks in variety, she makes up for in specialization and mana amount?” Headmaster Lightstar asked.

“Yes, it's sort of an interesting balance. I fear there is nothing we can technically do about this as she is of a species we know nothing about, but I suggest we treat her on a similar level as a disabled student, just without some of the benefits that she can overcome on her own.”

Another teacher spoke up, getting others attention, “There is another way that Kyuubi has been getting around this issue.” Professor Astra, a middle aged white unicorn with dark yellow hair and a bunch of stars for her cutie mark, cleared her throat before continuing.

“Miss Kyuubi, who, if I may add; is surprisingly tall and old for being considered a child, seems to have a tendency of coming up with alternative versions of spells she’s taught.” She brought up a little stack of paper, asking the teachers to spread a written list of spells, one copy for each teacher. “For example, a simple fire spell that most students learn in a matter of days. After two months of struggle, she summoned a fire that is warm, yet doesn’t burnt living beings.”

“That’s not completely true,” a male teacher cut in. “In my class when students got curious and were touching Kyuubi’s flame, two of them received little burn marks. Those two however were often accused of bullying behavior and abusing their magic. I have a theory that her version of fire spell is related to her so-called 'holy magic’, which is why it is capable of hurting those with more aggressive personality.”

Chatter quickly overtaken the room as another teacher spoke up. “She did struggle learning a teleportation spell for nearly a year, but two weeks ago she came up with an interesting alternative.” He gestured with his hooves, trying to write a circle in the air. “Instead of teleporting quickly to another location, she summoned some sort of portal in front of her and another portal in a place where she wished to appear. While it is slower and less reliable than teleportation, it allows her to transport a bigger number from one location to another at a smaller cost of magic.”

“I’m somewhat curious if she’ll come up with an alternative to the ‘Shock’ spell her class is learning,” spoke an elderly stallion. “Even if this spell is only for self-defense, Miss Kyuubi is having a hard time casting anything that can cause even a little bit of harm. Though it does mark her as very harmless, even if she feels uneasy about being around other students due to her origin.”

A female unicorn spoke up in a joking tone, “I remember how I tried to teach my class the ‘Flash’ spell so they could use it in self-defense to temporarily blind those who wish them harm.” She chuckled. “And Kyuubi actually created her own version of said spell, a bright flashing spell that failed to blind a single student.” She glanced at the headmaster, adding “I suspect that similar to her fire spell, her version of blinding spell will affect only those who are aggressive… or wish to cause her harm. It is hard to tell.”

The principal read the list of spells. Sacred Fire, Holy Flash, Portable Gate. Did Kyuubi come up with those names? He chuckled, remembering an event regarding Kyuubi that he found to be most interesting.

“There is something I wish to point out about this ‘holy’ power of hers,” One of the teachers spoke up. “I’ve asked her multiple times about it, and she says it was a gift from God. A god.”

This caused a few mutterings. Headmaster Lightstar had wondered when they were going to get to this point. It was no secret that Kyuubi was religious and believed in a higher power, a concept that Equestria hadn’t really practiced in over a thousand years since the last religious conflict between those who followed Princess Celestia and those who followed Princess Luna as goddesses. It took Celestia herself confessing that they were not living deities before their worship became treated as myths. While some practicing faiths continued, a few students even being followers of the Harmonization belief, they were few and far between. Especially in Canterlot.

Still, this Holy Magic is not normal, thought Headmaster Lightstar. He had sensed it himself and even Princess Celestia couldn’t give a clear answer on what it was. It was a feeling like no other that he had felt in his long history of studying magic.

“I’m quite frankly thinking we should silence such nonsense,” one unicorn male stated, rolling his eyes. “This is a place of learning, logic and reason, not about following doctrines of invisible beings in the sky.”

“You know worshiping isn’t outlawed in Equestria, Professor Sparkedge,” A female unicorn glared at him. “I happen to have a few students who are Harmonizers and they are just as bright as the rest of my class.”

“I’m just saying we’re running a school, not a church. I don’t want these children to start believing that praying to something that isn’t real is going to bring about everything they want in life.”

“Actually, Kyuubi has often said that ‘God’ prefers those who can help themselves instead of relying on him. That he gave them the gifts that they are born with to make themselves something in this world before being rewarded for their deeds in Heaven.”

“Yes, she was comforting a fellow student yesterday about her recently deceased grandmother,” another teacher spoke with a soft and warm tone. “She told her how peaceful and wonderful a place it was. A world where all good souls go to for eternity when they die and are rewarded with pure unlimited happiness. Kyuubi said that one day she would meet her there if she was good and until then her grandmother would be watching over her. This seemed to cheer her right up.”

“A place where we go when we die? Kinda sounds like something to make death seem less scary. Like that Elysium place the old faiths talked about.”

“What if it is real?” One teacher spoke, getting their attention focused on them. “Well, Kyuubi is a unique individual. Her holy magic is something I think none of us have seen. I’m not saying I fully believe her, but what if she found the one true god?”

“And Princess Luna will return from her grave to raise the moon,” one professor snorted.

“Regardless,” Headmaster Lightstep said, ending the discussion, “Princess Celestia has made it clear that Kyuubi is to be respected for her religious beliefs. It is not a crime to hold such beliefs even if the majority of our nation is atheistic. If other students wish to follow such a faith they are allowed, provided this faith isn’t causing any serious harm to the students physically or in their learning capabilities. Provided she isn’t speaking in the middle of class, I am allowing it.”

Some were grumbling about it, but they nodded in agreement.

“I think that’s enough for today, let’s adjourn and enjoy the weekend, shall we?”

“A potion making contest?” Nightbright asked, raising an eyebrow upon seeing the pamphlet that Rosey Sparky was holding up with enthusiasm. “Why?”

“Because it’s fun!” Rosey Sparky replited, jumping up and down. “We can totally win it! The winners get pizza, ice cream, cake, and a free get out of homework card that we can use if we ever want a weekend without doing boring school stuff.”

I happen to like our study sessions, Kyuubi pointed out as she bit into her apple for lunch, eating half of it in one go. The trio were outside by their favorite tree with Kyuubi’s tails keeping her two best friends warm due to the increasing cold temperature.

“That’s because you’re such a nerd,” Rosey said, rolling her eyes. Kyuubi knew that her friend was just teasing her, but it irked her enough to bop her on the head with her tail. “Anyway, I figured the three of us could be a good team. I’m super knowledgeable on plants.” She raised her rump to show off her glowing rose top cutie mark. “Nightbright is the best potion maker out of all of us. And Kyuubi can let us use the Apothecary Wing in the Royal Castle for the best equipment!”

As long as we don’t make a mess like the last time, Kyuubi shuddered. Rosey had wanted to see if it was possible to mix ice cream and stardust via alchemy to create star flavored ice cream. She had learned a few new curse words from the janitors that day. It actually does sound like fun and I’ve never really been in a contest before.

“Exactly, this is something we can all enjoy. So what do you say team?!” Rosey asked, holding her hoof out in the air.

“Fine, I guess we can do this. I got nothing planned this week anyway,” Nightbright answered.

“Sweet! I’ll go sign us up! Be back soon!” Rosey said before rushing towards the entrance hall gates.

Turning to Nightbright, Kyuubi suggested, You shouldn’t sound so glum. She’s just excited to spend time with us.

“I’m not glum, believe me. I’m used to this stuff with her and I don’t mind it, I just wish she’d slow down a bit. Remember how last week she wanted us to go look for hidden passageways in the Royal Castle last time you invited us? Then she wanted to go to the theater and see three different plays? And that was before the all you can eat buffet.” Nightbright shook his head and smirked. “She’s always rushing to do everything like tomorrow is gonna be her last day. Me? I prefer to just let things come as they go.”

Why is she like that? Kyuubi asked as she lowered her muzzle to her friend's level.

The colt supported his side against tail that moments ago served Rosey as blanket. “Well, it kinda ties into how we met. We never told you, huh?” Nightbright asked to which Kyuubi shook her head. “Well, I originally lived on a different side of Canterlot before we moved to our new house. I didn’t really make any close connections when I was in my old neighborhood, and I was nervous about visiting a new place. First day I arrived there, I was visited by a little filly who was playing galactic explorer and she dragged me into an adventure where we had to stop the evil mud aliens from kidnapping the star cookies of yumminess.” Kyuubi giggled at the childlessness of such a game, but remembered her own silly little adventures with the Priests back home. Where she was the fair knight searching for hidden treasure in the scary attic of doom.

“Needless to say, I found myself enjoying the strange company of ‘Captain Blaster Dash’ as her sidekick ‘Wonder Moon’. I didn’t really get Rosey’s full name until the sun was going down,” Nightbright said, smiling fondly at the memory. “Since then, we’ve been friends. With her always dragging us to do something cool and exciting and me going along for the ride.” He lowered his head and sighed. “I suppose her enthusiasm just gets a little overwhelming now when we are all growing up and child’s games aren’t as fun anymore. Most of the time I’m making sure she doesn’t get into too much trouble, but we still make a good team, just the two of us. Well, until we met you.”

I’m happy to be a part of your friendship, Nightbright. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I was going to find any friends like Princess Celestia wanted me to, but I’m glad Rosey was so interested in my tails.

“She’s always been a good judge of character. Well, that and she has a dozen plushies and probably thought you were one of them,” Nightbright said, chuckling.

Hey! Do not compare me to ordinary toys, I feel offended. Kyuubi raised her muzzle arrogantly. I am way bigger and many levels above in terms of fluffiness than her plush collection. She wrapped her tail around the yelping colt as if a snake trying to immobilize its prey. I see I must remind you the pleasant softness my fur in more direct manner so you will never underestimate it ever again.

NIghtbright’s mood improved as he resisted the urge to laugh, giving in into the embrace of the comfy wrap.

Apparently, word had spread that Kyuubi and her friends were going to take part in the contest and it attracted a lot of attention. Then again, to her dismay ever since she had arrived at the school she always had been the center of attention. It wasn’t just the fact that she was a muli-tailed fox with different magical powers, but it seemed a few students were jealous of the way she had become Princess Celestia’s student. Her teacher had told her that a few families were angry that she took a foreign creature instead of one of their own, but Princess Celestia always did her best to shield her from any backlash.

Here, however, was a chance to ‘one up the vermin’ as some students whispered among one another; particularly those of the more noble bloodlines. If rumor was to believe, the parents of their children were even encouraging them to beat her.

While Kyuubi didn’t care about the fact that there were some who didn’t like her based on such envious reasons, she wasn’t going to let them hinder the fun she and her friends were having. The potion that they were going to use was apparently a ‘surprise’ according to Rosey who had them spend the entire Saturday morning and afternoon going from place to place looking for specific flowers that they could buy or collect in the various parks of Canterlot.

Looking for specific plants? Such a nice excuse for the two ponies to get a ride atop her back between long distances, but she didn’t mind it. They were light weight after all and she liked being helpful. In fact, their ongoing friendship helped her overcome her anxiety, letting her enjoy spending time with young ponies without seeing herself as a danger to them. It was thanks to Rosey’s ‘in your face’ personality that she stopped keeping fillies and colts at a few meters distance. All she could do was to be a good friend and make sure it wouldn't backfire in their faces.

How many have we collected so far? Kyuubi asked as they rushed down a main street, making sure to stay out of the way of carriages riding through.

“About half of what we need! That last one was kind of tough, but thanks to Nightbright we got it!” Rosey said with excitement, holding her basket of flowers.

“You went up into the mountain to get a single dumb flower high on a ridge that we could have asked any pegasus to get!” Nightbright shouted, still looking pale from his experience. “If it wasn’t for the fact that Kyuubi could create teleportation portals I’d be in a casket!”

“Oh, hush! You’re fine,” Rosey replied.

Okay, how about we just take a lunch break at Donut Moe’s? Maybe his son, Joe, can give us free smoothies like last time, Kyuubi replied as she turned to the park, getting eyes on her as little foals asked their mothers and fathers to pet the giant fox.

“WAIT!” Rosey screamed causing Kyuubi to suddenly tumble to a halt, nearly knocking her friends off as she ate the park’s dirt and rocks into her mouth.

Spitting them out, she glared at her friend. What?!

“I have to use the bathroom! Be right back!” Rosey said, jumping off and heading in the direction of the bathroom stalls a few feet away.

Nightbright got off while shouting at her. “I said to use it when we were back at the tower!” Turning to Kyuubi, who was busy shaking the dirt out of her fur, he asked, “Need to go too? It’s a long run.”

I’m fine, I don’t suppose you know a spell that can clean my fur... Kyuubi pouted.

“Not unless you want to get wet first,” Nightbright said, shaking his head.

The two sat down and began to wait for their friend. A few fillies and colts approached to pet Kyuubi, which made her blush, but their parents apologized before dragging them off. Am I always going to get this? Every little pony asking to pet me like some kind of pet animal?

“To be fair, you are the only fox that can talk and act sentient, making you quite approachable. Just take it as compliment. Each time a pony ask to pet you, imagine they praise your fur for being soft and attractive.” Nightbright pointed out, shaking his head. “So... what are you going to do when we finish graduating?”

It’s kind of soon to be thinking about such a time, don’t you think? Kyuubi asked, one eyebrow raised.

“Well, we hear everypony else talk about what they want to be when they leave the academy. What about you? I’m curious.”

If she had Celestia’s permission, Kyuubi would have told Nightbright about her promise to help free Princess Luna from her corruption. However, despite trusting her friend, she had made a vow to keep it a secret from those who didn’t know. I don’t know. Maybe I’ll travel around the world. Use my powers to heal and cure corruption and try to spread the faith. I think that’s my purpose here in this world.

“Right, you said that God gave you this purpose,” Nightbright said, hesitantly. “But what about going back to your home nation? Or at least settling down and maybe having a family.”

I... can’t go back, Kyuubi answered, lowering her head. She was sure by now everyone back in her home nation knew of her existence and would kill her on sight if they could. Equestria is my home now I guess. Not that I mind. Everypony has been nice to me so far. As for raising a family... well... I’m the only kitsune left in the world. When I die... they’ll be no more so...

“Crud, I didn’t mean to make you feel bad...” Nightbright muttered, rubbing the back of his head.

It’s fine. I’ve thought about it for the past few years, Kyuubi replied with a small smile. I’ve come to the realization that I’m going to live a pretty lonely life save for what friends I make. I’ll outlive most of you save for maybe Princess Celestia.

“Guess that means no marriage, huh? Well, not unless you find another long lived species to be with,” Nightbright pointed out. “The only ones that I can think of are dragons and one alicorn. The former... don’t really like any other creature. They even fight among themselves. As for the latter, well, I don’t think Princess Celestia swings that way. Maybe if she was a male...”

Nor do I, Kyuubi said, shaking her head. Technically, I am not even old enough to date, nor really interested in such a thing. I doubt any creature wants to date me anyway. My kind are mostly seen as animals to pet and feed, and I wouldn't be able to give birth anyway.

“Back!” Rosey shouted as the two got up. “Let’s go get some donuts!”

“Hold on, before we go on, I want to know what kind of potion we’re making first,” Nightbright said, holding his hoof up. “Considering that I almost died getting that last flower I think I deserve to know what we’re going to be doing with all these flowers.”

“Well, if you must know,” Rosey said, leaning forward with a big grin. “You know how Kyuubi’s magic can cure corruption?”

“Yeah?”

“Well, what if there was a way to make it potion accessible?”

Chapter 6 - Potions and Tricks - Pt.2

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 6
-
Potions and Tricks - Pt.2

When Rosey told the two her idea of making Kyuubi’s purification magic available in bottle form, the two had called her crazy. While such a thing would be valuable, and help a lot of ponies, not even Kyuubi fully knew how her powers worked, and she’d had them for a long time. Rosey, however, was not one to give up without trying and she had the trio work in the apothecary room in the Royal Castle, with permission of course, to start their experiments.

“I don’t know if you're ambitious, crazy, or both,” Nightbright said as he and Kyuubi watched Rosey prepare all their ingredients and equipment. “How exactly are we going to get Kyuubi’s purification into a bottle? It’s pure magical energy that comes from, apparently, a living god.”

“Hmm, God in a Bottle. That has a nice ring to it!” Rosey said with a sparkle in her eye. “The miracle cure that solves everything.”

“Now you sound like a snake-oil salesman,” Nightbright said, rolling his eyes. Turning to Kyuubi, he asked, “You gonna try stopping her?”

I have a feeling that it’s futile to try, Kyuubi answered, shaking her head. Besides, we might as well try. If they did manage to succeed in doing this, it would help a lot of ponies. Plus, it might give her an edge against Nightmare Moon for the approaching encounter.

Sighing in defeat, Nightbright asked, “Okay, I get that we’re going to try and get Kyuubi’s magic in liquid form. But what’s with the plants we had to get?”

“Simple,” Rosey said, jumping off her stool and walking to the others with some beakers in her telekinesis. “All of these plants are known to be used for curing injuries, help with mental illness, or cure certain diseases and poisons. I figured we could see how they mix with Kyuubi’s magic and a few other potions that exist to make something stronger.”

But how are we going to get my magic out? I can cast it, but it doesn’t exactly stay in one place, Kyuubi described.

“Well, I wrote a list of possible ideas,” Rosey said, showing them a very long parchment.

The two looked at each other before reading it.

“Magic aura?”

Tail fur?

“Spit?”

Tears?

“Blood?!”

Urine?!

The two slowly looked at the smiling potion maker who nodded and said, “Yup! Let’s get cracking shall we?”

The others looked at each other. By some miracle Kyuubi's white fur turned even paler.

Three days. Three days of trying various ways to get Kyuubi’s purification magic to work. On the first day, they tried using various aspects of Kyuubi’s physical self to see if it had any magical reaction. While Kyuubi was fine using things like her fur, spit, and even a tear or two thanks to some onions, she drew the line on the more personal stuff. Regardless, none of it seem to have any special reactions to the various mixes and potions they made so that marked it off.

The second day was about using Kyuubi’s purification magic on the various potions that already existed for what they were aiming for. The hope was that it could increase the potency or make something new to use. However, most of the potions either didn’t change, or evaporated into the air.

That led to today’s experiments: Trying the purification magic on the plants.

“Okay, this plant is commonly used to cure colds and flus,” Rosey said, labeling each one to Kyuubi. “This one allows cuts to heal faster while putting a stop to bleeding. And I don’t know what this one does, but according to my cousin it helps stallions in bed with their girlfriends. Don’t know why it would help with a sleepover, but whatever.”

Nightbright blushed, knowing what it meant, and so he took the plant and threw it in the trash.

“Hey, what was that for?!” Rosey asked, puffing her cheeks.

“I’ll tell you when you’re older,” Nightbright said with a disagreeing shake of his head.

Kyuubi tilted her head in confusion before raising her tail to start the purification. One good thing about all this experimentation was that it was good practice for her. She had gotten quite a bit quicker summoning her purification and healing magic which at this point was becoming instinct for her.

“Let’s hope something happens... my body is sore from working with those plants every morning,” Nightbright moaned as he levitated an ice bag over his right lower knee.

“Oh, hush. It’s good exercise,” Rosey said as she watched Kyuubi place her paw above the plants in front of her. With a flash, her purification magic washed over the plants. At first, it seemed like nothing was happening, but then, to their amazement, the plants started to absorb the magic. They were turning greener with some of the flowers also increasing in color. There was also some glimmer on them as a white aura faintly glowed on the various flowers and roots before fading away.

Both Rosey and Kyuubi stared at the plants before the two looked at each other and grinned.

“Jackpot.”

Ever since he was accepted for taking the role as the new Royal Physician for the Princess, Dr. Hornheal had grown to expect many strange things from the Princesses apprentice known as Kyuubi. He had known that the Princess had a new apprentice, but he didn’t know that she was a talking multi-tailed fox that had powers beyond that of all known creatures. Finding out that she could talk in his mind nearly gave him a heart attack. He also didn’t know where to begin with her healing powers or her ability to purify things thanks to a real god. Needless to say, Dr. Hornheal had seen and witnessed things from the fox apprentice that still stunned him to this day.

Today was no different as he, Kyuubi, and her friends attended an injured recruit. It had been a training accident where one of the recruits thrusted hard and managed to pierce the side of his partner. Thankfully, it was non-fatal, but theoretically the guard was going to be out of action for at least two weeks. Now, he was going to have to make a correction to that theory. He might be out in less than six days! It may not have been the minute-long heal that Kyuubi’s magic was capable of, but the Kitsune couldn’t be everywhere at once.

“Fascinating, so it even works on larger wounds,” Dr. Hornheal said in awe as he looked at the potion Kyuubi and her friends had wanted him to try. For the past few hours, they had been using potions for curing things like runny noses, cold, and even bruises and cuts. These potions were no different from the ones he normally used, save for one thing. The plants were blessed by Kyuubi’s holy powers.

This not only made the plants somehow stronger, but it also made the effects of them twice as powerful. While not every potion was made with plants, there were still a good number of them that were. They had double the effect thanks to this purification magic and could do wonders for everypony. His parents had raised him to be religious in the Harmoninist faith, one of the faiths that some Equestrians believed in despite many not believing in such things. Upon entering college, Dr. Hornheal began to join them and put aside such superstitious things.

Now, having seen this god given power grant another miracle, Dr. Hornheal was wondering if he should start praying again.

“So, is it all in the clear?” Rosey asked, eagerly. “Princess Celestia had stated she wants our experiments to be tested out with supervision just in case. Dr. Hornheal’s words will make it or break it.

“Well, I want to run a few more tests, but I think it's going to be a first place winner at the contest,” Dr. Hornheal said with a smile. “You have my official permission.”

“Yes!” The three said with excitement as they began to make plans.

“We should make our stand for the contest! I got all the stuff to make it at home!” Nightbright said.

“I’ll get started making more potions!” Rosey replied.

I’ll help too… but at the moment I can’t tell if we’re trying to make purification potions, or boost the healing properties of plants and healing potions. Oh well, as long as it works I have no complaints. She stopped following her friends as she glanced back at her large tails. Note to myself. Ask Princess Celestia to alter my age before the contest.

Rosey turned around and looked up, giving her friend an encouraging glance. "You know you don't need to reduce your size for our sake." She smiled warmly. "We are perfectly comfortable with you, no matter the size, and other students and teachers got used to it a long time ago." She winked. "Not to mention all that fluffy fur to hug. The more the better."

Nightbright turned around and nodded. "We know how uncomfortable you feel in your younger form, having only quarter of your usual magic and paper-like skin. You don't like it so why?"

I know, I know, but I don't want to stand out too much in a cramped room. Not to mention it would look a big awkward if I was bigger than our stand. She stroke her own tails. And I don't want to accidentally damage other student's work with my tails. It is bad enough when my tails accidently knock books of other student's tables.

"Good point," Rosey said before gesturing for the group to follow her. "Just don't shrink yourself too much. You still need enough magic to bless our potions during the presentation."

Kyuubi smiled back as she followed her trotting friends, taking one long step for a few of theirs.

Dr. Hornheal could only smile at the sight. Ah... to be young and excited again. He turned to the potion on his table and wondered. If that holy magic can do things like this... along with curing corruption... what else could it do. If indeed it was a power gifted by a god, the possibilities had to be limitless. Curing illness? Maybe even mental ones? Could it save somepony from the brink of death? Could it even bring the dead back to life?

“That fox... kitsune... is going to change things... I know she will...”

Silver Lotus had never thought there would be a day when she would question her superior sixteen unicorn generation bloodline, but ever since she arrived at the Academy of Gifted Unicorns everything she believed in had been thrown out the window. It wasn’t the fact that she wasn’t top of the class, there were far more noble and powerful unicorns than her. Even she knew that her family wasn’t the top of the food chain in the jungle known as Equestrian Nobility.

However, the fact that she was being beaten by a vermin was too low of an insult. She thought it was a joke that a multi-tailed fox was going to be a student at their school, but lo and behold she was there during the entrance exam. At first, Silver Lotus thought that the dirty creature would fail or at least be so low she wouldn’t last long. Yet, not only did the creature pass, she passed with a higher score than hers!

To make matters worse, it turned out she was the Princess’s personal student of all things! She could understand such a creature being her highness’ personal pet similar to the Phoenix, but to be the prized student of Princess Celestia herself, something that even most talented unicorns weren’t worthy of for centuries?! She had never heard her father scream such profanity when they heard the news. Being the personal student of Princess Celestia was the greatest dream of every noble child save for marrying into the family. Not only did it grant honor and prestige, but it also had authority behind it. Not as high as Ambassador or Chancellor should the title ever be granted, but it allowed the use of certain powers one could use to one's benefit.

And it was all in the paws of a big fox. A fox of all things! It was an insult to all unicorns everywhere!

Silver Lotus vowed to be better then Kyuubi in every subject so she could show that she was better as both a pony and a noble, but when she showed advantage in one subject, she was surpassed in two others. Not the best in the class, but she was among the top ten, while the highest Silver could go was top thirty. It hurt her pride knowing that some mongrel born in the woods was a better student than her, but it was also annoying to hear it preach on and on about her “God” who had blessed her with power.

Silver Lotus had to roll her eyes at such nonsense. Equestria hadn’t had any deities since the days of Nightmare Moon, when Celestia disavowed the worship of her and her sister. Equestria grew rich and stable without the help of fictional deities, and it didn’t need one from a stranger’s land. She first heard such a thing when one of their students lost their grandmother to old age and missed her. Kyuubi told of a place called “Heaven ” where all the good souls went after they died and were happy for all eternity.

It was a load of minotaur dung, but the sucker actually believed her and so did a few others. Each of them asked how to pray to God. While the thought of a place after you died sounded nice, there was no proof of it and the Princess didn’t say such a thing existed. Therefore there was nothing after death. No God . No afterlife. Just a cold grave and a void to lay in when your time was up.

Honestly, it seems like I’m one of rare sane ponies in this school, Silver Lotus thought as she walked through the halls to the science wing. Her “contact” wanted to meet with her here so she could deliver the goods she promised. When Silver learned that Kyuubi and her friends were planning to take part in the potion contest, she signed up as well to prove that she was better than the annoying fox.

What she didn’t expect was how hard it was going to be to beat her. If she wanted to prove the princess that ponies are more worthy of her personal guidance, she needed something big and shocking to wow the judges so that they would give her the first place prize. And Silver had to do it on her own. Not just to prove she was better, but to prove that she could deal with Kyuubi on her own.

Opening one of the science doors, Silver Lotus saw her fellow student, Red Oak, nervously waiting for her. The glasses wearing geek was way below her status, but he knew his plants well and that was what she needed to win. Doing her best to appear happy, Silver Lotus walked up to him and gave a wink of her eye. “Hey, Red. Got what I asked?”

“Uh, sure...” Red Oak said, levitating a small bag of powder and giving it to Silver. “Crushed and powdered treant leaves. But I’m not sure what you’re going to use it for...”

“If you must know, I plan on mixing it with a growing potion to double its power,” Silver Lotus said, smiling. “Think about it. A method to make your garden grow faster than ever. It will be a first place winner for sure.”

“I don’t know,” Red Oak muttered, fumbling with his glasses. “Treant’s are actual sentient trees, even if they are torn down they still have magical abilities not fully understood.”

“Relax, I know what I’m doing. Here’s your reward,” Silver said, closing her eyes and kissing him on the cheek. The poor colt went woozy and faint with a goofy smile on his face. Rubbing her lips as hard as she could, Silver gagged a bit before leaving the dazed colt. “Ugh, I should have brought mouthwash.”

The day of the contest arrived and Kyuubi couldn’t help but be a bit nervous. She usually didn’t like to come out to huge crowds, especially with the attention focused on her. Most of the visitors had just stared at her while a few took photos or talked to her personally.

While she wished she could just disappear, Kyuubi still acted polite to those who wished to see her. If there was one positive thing about this attention is that it was giving them a chance to show off their potion to others. Of course, Kyuubi’s healing abilities lured many ponies with cuts, bruises or more serious injuries in hopes to get her aid, giving the trio a chance to test their potions instead. They were amazed just how much faster their injuries were healed. Even someone with poison ivy was cured in an hour.

“We are so going to win first place!” Rosey cheered as she waved to another pony who was grateful their bruise marks had disappeared from their cheek.

“Only if the judges get here already. Seriously, it's been two hours,” Nightbright sighed, taking a sip from his bottled water.

Well, there are a lot of children, Kyuubi said, yawning. I just hope they get here so I can stop getting asked to take a photo or shake hooves with my tails.

“I’m surprised that you don’t have any guards here to look after you,” Nightbright pointed out.

Well, I doubt I need them. This is a school with advanced and powerful unicorn teachers everywhere. I think whatever problems come they can handle them, Kyuubi pointed out. Also, I got a slight impression that not many guards train to stay in shape. I feel they aren’t as reliable.

“Speaking of powerful teachers, is Princess Celestia going to come? She’d be a big boost for us if she was seen taking your potion,” Rosey said.

First, I would never ask the Princess to do such a thing. That would be giving us an unfair advantage, Kyuubi said. Second, she got called last night for an emergency down by the shore. Apparently, some pirates kidnapped the Mayor of Baltimare’s daughter and Princess Celestia is leading a rescue effort.

It would normally seem odd for a princess to go personally deal with some pirates who were far inferior to her power, but Celestia had said that every pony was precious to her. And she wasn’t going to stand by while one of them was in trouble. It only further proved in the eyes of Kyuubi how noble of a leader Princess Celestia was. She was even far more noble than some of the human leaders she read about in history before leaving the church.

On the other side, not many human leaders had even fraction of her raw power and the ability to teleport to assist on frontlines. Maybe she overestimated the princess a tiny bit as there was far more she could have done to help away from the throne.

“Well, I hope everything works out,” Rosey said with a warm smile, before a thought came to her. “Hey, if something were to ever happen to the Princess would you be in charge?”

What?! No! What makes you say that?! Kyuubi asked, horrified.

“I don’t know. You’re her apprentice and all. I mean, there is the Blueblood family, but they’re only adopted, not really of royal bloodline. It’s kinda debated if they are her heirs or not should Princess Celestia retire or pass away. After all, she has no official children of her own and Princess Luna died a thousand years ago with no heirs either.”

Princess Celesia said that members of each of the tribes would decide a new ruler or form a new government should anything happen to her. At least that’s what’s in the agreement she and Princess Luna made with the Founders of Equestria when they came into power, Kyuubi explained.

While the Bluebloods were a likely candidate, there were others who were more qualified such as Fancy Shirt, who was one of the most popular and wisest of nobles, Commander Iron Wing of the Wonderbolts, Guard Captain Radiant Sparkle, and a few others. Not that Kyuubi would let anything happen to Princess Celestia. She was more than willing to die in her stead. Kyuubi was just a multi-tailed fox from a home far away. Celestia was the ruler of an entire nation. It was only logical that she was the more expendiable one of the two.

Besides, I doubt the ponies of Equestria would want to be led by someone who isn’t even one of their own kind, Kyuubi pointed out.

“True, a lot of institutions tend to look down on non-ponies. It’s why it’s hard for some immigrants to get a job here,” Nightbright pointed out. “Don’t get me wrong. When it comes to kindness, friendship and trust, Equestria’s citizens have a strong moral code and are always willing to help.” She rubbed her foreleg nervously, her ears drooped. “Sadly, we’ve became a bit xenophobic. I’m not sure why. Maybe it has something to do with other species being more aggressive, or maybe it is something to do with the education system… or maybe both.”

Kyuubi sighed before her body started needing some relief. I’m heading to the bathroom. At least it will give me a break from all this... attention.

“Just be back in time for the judges!” Rosey replied as Kyuubi hurried off.

Silver Lotus had made sure to use her family’s money to give her one of the best stands possible to stand out. Bright colors. Glowing crystals. Some beautiful looking plants as background all with a sign that said “Miracle Grow” on it. Unfortunately, due to working alone, she only had enough time to make a single batch of the potion while hoping that it would be enough to impress the judges. It did make some plant lovers and gardeners who were among the crowd disappointed, but they didn’t matter.

The judges were coming towards and she was ready to wow them with her potion. The leader of the three, Professor Jewelcrust, looked at the plants that Silver Lotus had around her and asked, “Are all these plants grown by this miracle grow of yours, Silver?”

“Yes, sir,” she lied, they didn’t need to know that she hadn’t used the potion yet. By the time she finally got it right, at least in theory, there wasn’t enough time to give it a test. Levitating a potion vile, Silver dramatically said, “Behold the future of gardening. With just a few drops, any plant will grow into an enormous size the likes of which nature has never before seen!”

She poured a few drops into the potted plant where some seeds were dug inside, then added a few hundred droplets for a good measure, hoping that something spectacular would happen. Sure enough, a small fern started to grow and grow until it was barely able to stay inside the fern. A few claps from nearby watchers while the judges wrote some stuff on their boards. Silver was annoyed to see that their faces were so impassive that it was hard to get a read on them.

“Very well done. Now how did you manage to... to...” Professor Jewelcrust raised her eyebrows. “It is supposed to rumble like that?”

Silver and a few others stared at the shaking fern which was starting to glow while also growing thorns. A few seconds later, everypony’s vision went green when it exploded and large vines started to spread out in all directions. Ponies screamed before getting caught up in the green bounds of the large thorny vines, both from the shock and the sudden pain of having sharp edges into their flesh.

Ponies who could fly or teleport were able to get out of the way and closer to the exit, but some were too late or didn’t get far enough as it began to spread all over the auditorium. Trapped beneath her own creation, Silver Lotus could only realize that maybe she should have tested it out first rather than use half a bottle.

Thank God for toilets, that’s all I can say, Kyuubi said, sighing in relief as she flushed. Getting off, she opened the stall and made for the sink to wash her paws. Good thing the princess agreed to alter my age this morning, or else fitting into a stall and using toilet would be a nightmare, she thought, her size now no bigger than an average mare.

She was now only a little bit bigger than her best friends, who has grown quite a bit since they first meet at the library. As much as she wished she could remain at this age so she could talk with her friends and classmates as equal, she now had only a quarter of her usual raw power and durability, barely enough to bless potions and plants with her magic. On the bright side, she could always return to her normal size very quickly in case of emergency.

With her paws wet, she rubbed them against a silvery towel with golden insignia, while the toilet itself was clean enough that she could see her reflection in the marble floor, which reflected on her now more luxurious life among the high society. Back in the human lands, they were still using chamber pots and Kyuubi had often had to go outside to do her business. Learning of such a way had made it much more of a relief for Kyuubi. Of course, the learning process was embarrassing, but the less said about that the better.

I wonder how much technology has advanced among the humans since I left?

Thinking about her old home made Kyuubi lower her head and caused her ears to drop, feeling sadness inside her heart. Chances were that some of the priests she knew her entire life had passed on either from old age or were so old they were close to passing on. Kyuubi wished there was a way to say goodbye to them, but chances were she was still on the wanted list. Will I ever go back? I mean, surely in a few hundred years I’ll be forgotten?

Yet what was waiting for her there? Nothing. Equestria was her home now.

Her inner thoughts were interrupted by the sound of screaming and shaking that was coming from outside. Worried, she rushed out of the bathroom, nearly tearing off the door frame, and saw something that made her jaw drop. Giant thorny vines were coming right at her. After panicking for a millisecond, Kyuubi cast the first spell that came to her mind and unleashed her sacred fire at the vines. They didn’t stand a chance and were burned to a crisp, but just as soon as they were gone, more were coming. Jumping to the left, Kyuubi ran down the hall along with a few other ponies who were either retreating or casting spells to hold off the vines. She joined them by using her fire spell and paralyzing shock spell on the vines. What the heck is happening?!

Chapter 6 - Potions and Tricks - Pt.3

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 6
-
Potions and Tricks - Pt.3

“Quickly! Inside!” A few teachers cried out, gathering ponies into a nearby classroom. A group of teachers formed a defensive line, being at stalemate with the hostile plants.

Kyuubi was about to join them when she heard a filly scream, “Mama!” As frightening as the hostile vines were, fear wasn't going to stop her from aiding a defenseless filly. As she followed the voice, she spotted a scared unicorn colt who had to be no older than five years old, crying as he lay on the floor upon tripping. Kyuubi didn’t even hesitate and rushed back to the scared colt, picking him up with telekinesis and placing him onto her back while a few thorns caused bleeding wounds on her sides and limbs, easily piercing her fur and skin.

Her face became pale as all her paths has been blocked and hostile plants went for her from all sides. She summoned her 'Sacred Fire' in the rush of panic, yet her flames barely managed to burn the vines ahead of her. As her fragile body was about to be wrapped and pierce with sharp thorns, blast of fire appeared like a flamethrower, casting them back.

Turning to her side, Kyuubi saw a yellow furred unicorn with a mix of yellow and red mane gritting her teeth as she unleashed her flame spell on the crazed plant.

The filly shouted, “Let’s go!” Sweat fell down her face as she maintained her spell, scorching the vines left and right.

Kyuubi didn’t need to be told twice as they rushed down the hall, but they were still a distance away. Fortunately, she knew of the class room and summoned a portal in front of them to use. Noticing the stunned filly’s expression, Kyuubi shouted into her mind, Into the portal! Hurry!

Her rescuer didn’t hesitate as she jumped in, followed by Kyuubi and her passenger. Within a second, the three of them were inside the classroom with the teachers shutting the door and putting a barrier spell on it. The vines slammed against the door a few times before moving on.

Sighing in relief, Kyuubi let the little colt down before a mare she assumed to be his mother rushed over and scooped him up, hugging her crying child as she looked at Kyuubi with thanks. “Thank you so much, Miss Fox.”

Don't mention it. And it’s Kyuubi, Ma’am, She replied, smiling. The mother looked a bit surprised by the telepathic contact, but smiled and moved to the back to care for her child.

Kyuubi then turned to her fellow rescuer and nodded. Thanks for your help back there. I sure bit off more than I could chew. She tilted her head, taking a closer look at the unicorn, only now realizing that she was much smaller and younger than Rosey and Nightbright, and she had certainly never met her during classes. For someone so young, you sure have a lot of power and courage.

“So this is the telepathy I heard so much about.” Puffing out her chest, she replied, “Well, it wasn’t that hard. I kinda always wanted to use that spell, but thanks for the compliment. I’m Sunset Shimmer, by the way. I take it you’re the rumored magic fox that goes to this school?”

Yes, I am Kyuubi. Are you a student too?

“Yes, I am. I just started last year, but they’re already talking about letting me skip a few grades. When I heard about this contest, I thought I would get to see what the older students were capable of. Then, all of sudden it’s like the Everfree Forest decided to invade and I’m running for my life,” Sunset Shimmer replied, raising her eyebrows. “What the hay happened?”

Wish I knew. I was in the bathroom while my friends were… Kyuubi gasped. My friends! Rosey! Nightbright! What if they’re in danger!

“Woah, I hope you aren’t thinking of going out there on your own! Those thorns look sharp!” Sunset Shimmer pointed out. “We should wait for experienced teachers to fix it.”

No! I have to find them... maybe I can even stop this... Kyuubi thought as she looked at her tail that contained the ability to purify all things. She didn’t sense it when she was running for her life, but the vines felt different. Like magically different. Nothing evil or malevolent but certainly angry.

“How? With a giant weed cutter?” Sunset asked, rolling her eyes.

I have the power to purify things, Kyuubi said, determined. If I can get to the source of all this, maybe I can stop it.

“First, that’s kinda cool, you gotta teach me that,” Sunset replied, with wide eyes. “Second, I think I saw a stand about something involving a miracle grow? It was right next to the one about potions that can stimulate your senses.”

I think I know the one you’re talking about, Kyuubi said, thinking hard on where she wanted to teleport to. Okay, hopefully I can get there and stop this before more ponies are hurt.

“Well, I’d go with you, but I’m a little drained at the moment with that spell,” Sunset answered, shaking her head. “Note to self, never put too much mana in a spell that’s all about spreading flames around.”

Okay, you tell the teachers about this. In case I fail, maybe they can do something, Kyuubi said as she opened a portal. One of the teachers asked what she was doing, but before they could stop her Kyuubi went through it.

“How long do you think that shield will hold?” Rosey asked as Nightbright did his best to keep both of them protected under his shield.

“I can... maybe hold it for another ten minutes... after that we’re gonna get our veggies as my mom puts it,” Nightbright answered, struggling to hold the shield. Normally, he would only be able to hold the shield for five, maybe seven minutes, but with Rosey in danger he pushed himself further than ever.

He had to thank his instincts on reacting to whatever this mess was. The moment the vines started coming he quickly grabbed Rosey close to him and activated the shield spell. All around them were thick green vines with sharp thorns that were trying to pierce the shield. Some of them were already cracking it.

“Think Kyuubi’s okay?” Rosey asked, worried for their friend.

“Yeah, she was far away when this started. I’m sure she’s fine,” Nightbright reassured her. He looked at her and asked, “Can you teleport?”

“Not far, but yeah,” Rosey.

“Good, use it and get out of here,” Nightbright said.

“What?! And leave you here to become plant food?! Never!” Rosey shouted, huffing. "If only I was strong enough to teleport us both!" She stomped. "This isn't fair!"

“It’s better if one of us gets out of here! I can’t hold this forever and who knows how long we’ll have to live with this thing crushing us or putting holes in our body!” Nightbright shouted.

“I’m not leaving you!” She charged magic into her horn. "I will shield us so you can teleport away."

“Look just-” Nightbright’s face was dragged to a glaring Rosey which made him blush.

“I. Am. Not. Leaving. You.”

“... fine,” Nightbright said, sighing as he turned away. “... Also, your breath smells.”

“Hey! I brushed my teeth last night!”

“... You need to brush in the morning as well.”

“... really?”

Kyuubi was ready for anything the moment she stepped out of the portal, and sure enough the vines sensed her and tried going after her. Thankfully, she had her fire spell ready and blasted them to ashes before rushing as fast as she could past the vines, doing her best to avoid the thorns. The entire place looked like a jungle with roots, vines, trunks, and even flowers were starting to bloom. Ponies were either screaming in pain or shouting for help, but a few were using their magic to shield themselves or others from the plants.

Gotta find that booth! She told herself as she narrowly dodged another set of vines. Some of the thorns managed to scratch her sides. Wincing, she ignored the pain and pressed onward, casting her fire, healing and shield spells as often as she could.

Ducking from a seed, Kyuubi realized she just needed to get down a few more feet and she would be at the booth. There was a large solid seed like object in the shape of a bud with vines protecting it. She was about to rush forward when the vines got wise and attacked her from below in between each other. Kyuubi gasped as they wrapped around her waist and tails, the thorns going deep into her skin.

Feeling herself bleeding, she tried to get out of their grip but they dragged her down even further. Wrapping tighter around her body. Kyuubi struggled as hard as she could while ignoring the pain of her body being crushed. Getting... harder... to breathe...

She tried to summon 'Sacred Flame', but the harder the vines sqeezed her tails, the weaker her fire has become. The vines were wrapped around them and were nearly crushing them. Her magic just wasn't strong enough. Got to think of something... and fast... they’re crushing this body of mine... wait! She realized. Maybe if I go to my actual size...

Focusing her magic, Kyuubi gritted her teeth and soon began to change form. Growing bigger and bigger as the vines struggled to hold her. Yet despite their efforts, they were unable to hold her down as she managed to get a bit more loose. When her tails managed to grow, she quickly unleashed fire around her entire body and let out a roar. The sacred fire didn't burn her, and she quickly focused on healing herself.

With nothing holding her down, Kyuubi rushed as fast as she could until she was finally at the booth while covered in blood and ash. The vines soon found their way around her throat and began choking her and pulling her back from their nest. Closing her eyes, Kyuubi struggled as she was getting pushed back further and further. With one last gasp, she sent out her tail, activating its purifying magic and touched the center of the booth. The very tip of her glowing tail managed to touch it just as she was finally pulled away.

A few seconds later, the seed soon began to glow white as it started to shiver as if something was infecting it. Sure enough, the little bit of magic Kyuubi used began to grow and spread until it fully engulfed the large seed. From there, the white magic spread across the vines, filling them with purifying energy before they slowly began to retreat as if reversed by time itself. Ponies gasped for air and moaned as their green prison began to set them free. Kyuubi herself finally managed to get fully loose as she watched her efforts pay off. The once deadly vines were retreating and getting smaller in size. It took at least ten minutes for the last of the vines to retreat into the plant which had by then shrunk into the size of a miniature blooming flower of white and green.

Once the situation had been settled, the Royal Guard took control of the situation. Healers were summoned as everypony waited to get healed with medics taking care of them as well. Kyuubi did what she could to help, but when those she healed started looking like walking sandwiches and smelling like well-roasted meat, she decided to stop. Some ponies were transported to the closest hospital in Canterlot or were forced to be treated in the school’s medical wing. There were no fatalities, but a lot of ponies had lost a lot of blood and would need transfusions. There were blood replenishing potions too, but those were both rare and expensive, used only for those who could afford them.

Kyuubi, forced into three hospital beds that were put together for her in the hospital wing with her tails spread towards a corner of the room, winced as a nurse wrapped medical tape around her paw. “Stay still,” the nurse ordered, smiling. “Don’t want our hero to get infected now do we?”

Smiling, Kyuubi looked around and saw nearly everypony there smiling at her with thanks. Word had quickly spread about how she was the one that ended the disaster, earning her the thanks of many. Ironically, that left her with too little magic to attend her own wounds without getting overwhelmed with predatory instincts. I’m just glad it’s over...

“Hey, Kyuubi!” Rosey said as she rushed over with Nightbright. Both of them were unharmed, which was the best news Kyuubi’d had all day. Of course her smile quickly turned into a painful frown when Rosey hugged her taped forepaw. “Oh, I’m so glad you’re okay! Thank your God for that special power of His!”

“Oi! Stop it, Rosey,” Nightbright said, pulling her back with his magic. “You’ll squeeze all the blood out of her if you don’t stop that.”

“Sorry, I’m just so happy!” Rosey said, sheepishly before sighing in disappointment. “Of course, the contest is ruined and so were our potions. Ah well, we can always just make more!”

“I think after today I’m never going to make another potion again,” Nightbright sighed, huffing in anger. “Can you believe that Silver Lotus? She could have killed somepony with that potion of hers! Serves her right for getting expelled!”

I don’t think she meant to cause such damage, Nightbright, Kyuubi answered, feeling sorry for the filly. She was crying and apologizing even after her parents came to pick her up. Some even wanted her arrested for getting them into such a dangerous situation, but it was clear she didn’t want this to happen. I saw how she looked when the Headmaster told her she was being kicked out for using such a dangerous ingredient. I think that was going too far.

“Even if he didn’t do it, a lot of parents would be demanding it,” Nightbright pointed out, crossing his arms. “A lot of ponies got hurt, she has to face the consequences of her actions.”

I guess, Kyuubi answered, sighing. Oh, by the way... She turned to the nurse and asked, Did you find that filly I mentioned before?

“Oh, yes, Sunset Shimmer. I think she left already. She did ask if you were okay and she looked relieved when I said you were,” the nurse answered. “I asked if she wanted to come and visit, but she said she would see you again when you were healed up.”

I see...

“Whose Sunset Shimmer?” Rosey asked, tilting her head.

Kyuubi only smiled and answered, A new friend.

Chapter 7 - Fox the Exorcist

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 7
-
Fox the Exorcist

It had been two weeks since the potions incident. Due to the damage to the school's property, and the amount of injured students that needed time to heal, a temporary shut down of the school was granted. At first, Rosey thought to salvage their new purified healing potions, but it turned out there was a slight effect that none of them learned about until later. Apparently, the boosting effects weakened overtime, making the potions less valuable with each passing day. It was a bit disappointing to the group, but they still had some positive effects nonetheless so it wasn’t a complete waste.

However, Kyuubi was widely credited for helping to save the school and the teachers did promise a reward, but she turned it down, stating she didn’t want any of the attention. Nevertheless, word of it had spread and she was getting more favorable looks from ponies when she passed by. Her mentor certainly thought so and held a small private celebration for Kyuubi’s efforts with some of the staff and her friends. One of them included the new friend she made, Sunset Shimmer, who was delighted to attend.

Apparently, Princess Celestia knew of her as a rising star in the school and was pleased to meet and thank her for helping Kyuubi. A praise that made the younger filly nearly squee with joy upon hearing such a compliment. Over the next few weeks, she slowly fitted in with the group with Rosey happy to have another friend while Nightbright wished they had more boys.

27 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

With the school closed on the weekend, Rosey decided to go exploring around Canterlot. It was a big city, and there was always something to do in the capital.

“Slow down, I can’t catch my breath!” Nightbright shouted, galloping behind his friends.

“You need to work on your shape. From now on less teleporting and more running.”

Nightbright’s breathing became heavy, and his hooves ached, while the distance between them kept increasing. He looked up at the stars as the moon was slowly descending behind the horizon. While he didn’t like physical activities, the view at this hour made up for it.

“Why do I get the feeling you wake up early just to drag me on morning exercises?”

Rosey turned her head, winking. “Well duh… how else can I get a night pony like you to move your flank? I’m looking after your health.”

He ignored the empty streets and the lines of homes as his attention focused on the castle in the distance. “Say what you want, but I bet you just want to ride on Kyuubi. Her fur is very comfy and perfect for cuddling after all.”

“True, but to be fair, she could use more outdoor activities. Some exercise will do her good, like a game of tag. What do you think?”

Nightbright smiled sheepishly, wishing he could rest for a moment to restore his stamina.

“The last one to reach Kyuubi is a rotten potato. There, one, go!”

Nightbright watched his friend getting ahead, turning and vanishing into a nearby street. He slowed down, allowing his hooves to rest while charging magic for teleportation. In a flash, he appeared a few hundred meters closer to the castle, his legs trembling and head aching as he massaged his forehead. While quick and convenient, it was still a difficult and draining spell.

“Teleport all you want, I’ll beat you anyway!”

He yelped and leaped to the side, left in the dust by his energetic friend.

“Giddyup, giddyup!” Rosey cheered, her hooves wrapped around kitsune’s sides. A wide bright smile was present on her face.

“Rude,” Nightbright said, perched further back.

Rude? Not really. Also, even if the memory of my youth may be lacking, I think humans were the ones riding horses, at least in a book I read. Ponies of Equestria sure resembles them.

Rosey giggled. “Oh please, we ponies ride each other all the time. Nothing new.”

“It’s a dying trend, especially in Canterlot,” Sunset pointed out on the back, before struggling to stay on Kyuubi’s rear end. “Why do I have to sit next to the kitsune’s behind? No offence, Kyuubi, but I don’t like the idea of riding next to your rump.”

Hey, now that was rude! Kyuubi said, but Sunset stuck her tongue out to show it was a joke. Unfortunately, the large fox failed to notice. Still, I find it kinda odd for ponies to be riding each other.

“I have been kinda curious as to how it works myself,” Nightbright asked, rubbing his chin.

“If that’s the case, tomorrow I should let you ride on me to school, Mr. Rotten Potato,” Rosey said, winking one eye at the colt which made him blush. “We need to keep it alive,” she added, shaking her forehoof.

If that’s the case, how about I ride you for a change, Rosey, You ponies are really strong after all, Kyuubi joked, giggling.

“We’re not that strong you massive fox,” the filly responded. “Unless I use my levitation to aid me, then it may actually work.”

I was kidding. The kitsune sighed. Can we take a break? My paws hurt.

“Already? You’re almost as bad as Nightbright, so little stamina and no endurance." She patted kitsune's neck. "That's what you get for giving up on exercises at the barracks.” Rosey jumped, now running side by side with the kitsune, taking five steps for each two of hers. “We’re in the park, a good place for you to take a nap. I’ll visit the market area in the meantime.”

Market, why? Kyuubi asked, looking away from the trees and grass. There were a few stone roads leading out of the park, but one in particular led to a gathering of shops and stands. Is anything open at this hour?

“Of course it is. Best stuff always sells at night.”

“That’s true,” Sunset said, getting off Kyuubi. “I often come here myself when it's close to sunset, and no that’s not a pun. They’ve got good stuff at a good price.”

“Oh! You can show me! Let’s go shopping together!” Rosey said, grabbing Sunset’s forelegs and holding them while squealing. Sunset looked at Rosey with a raised eyebrow, still getting used to her hyperactivity, and shrugged.

If you say so. Kyuubi slowed down, trotting towards a nearby tree. She lowered herself for Nightbright to climb down onto the grassy ground as they both yawned simultaneously. We’ll just be here if you need anything.

The two wanna-be enthusiastic customers nodded before making their way in the direction of the market area not far away. With them by themselves, Nightbright nervously looked at his large friend and asked, “Hey, Kyuubi? Can I ask you a question?”

Of course, what is it?

“... how do you know if you really like someone?” Nightbright asked with a sigh.

Kyuubi’s eyes widened as she coughed into her paw before asking, What brought this up?

“Well, ever since the contest, I’ve felt... weird around Rosey,” Nightbright explained. “Like I really wanted to protect her. Even if it meant I got hurt. Just seeing her safe made me feel so happy. And I’ve known her for a long time. Practically grew up together. Mom and Dad say I got a crush, but I’m not sure. Do I?”

You’re asking the wrong fox, Kyuubi said, shaking her head. I’ve never had such feelings before. I mean, kinda hard to do when you’re a kitsune in a land of ponies. And no, affection towards my mentor doesn’t count.

“I’ve heard that some ponies are actually marrying others outside their race these days. Mostly griffins, but I have heard of a few marriages to minotaurs and donkeys,” Nightbright pointed out. “Those are just rumors that I’ve heard though. I’m yet to see it with my own eyes.“

Smiling sadly, Kyuubi said, Yes, but how many of them are long lived near immortal beings? And no, Her Highness doesn't count considering we are both females.

“Ah,” Nightbright realized. “Yeah, I guess that would pose a problem.”

It’s alright. I’ve kinda come to accept that I’ll outlive most of my loved ones, Kyuubi said, lowering her head. There are no more multi-tailed foxes. Just me. If I ever pass on that will be the end of my race and I’ll have no chance to give birth to new ones.

“Well, I’m sure there are other long lived species out there. I mean, maybe there is a male alicorn in the world. Or maybe there are other multi-tailed foxes in hiding,” Nightbright said, shrugging his shoulders. “Heck, for all we know you could end up dating a dragon.”

I doubt it, Kyuubi giggled. Dragons aren’t known for being kind to others, even among themselves, or so I heard. She smiled at Nightbright and put a tail on his shoulder. But back to the topic at paw. If you really like Rosey, then I’ll support you all the way. If you want to wait to tell her that’s fine.

“But what if it ruins our friendship?” Nightbright asked.

This is Rosey. I don’t think anything short of murder will get her to hate you.

Rosey and Sunset had been looking at the stalls for some time, but so far there wasn’t anything super good for her to choose. Sunset had chosen a few old books, but Rosey was looking for something exciting. Something amazing.

“Excuse me, Young Lady. Are you a student from the School for Gifted Unicorns?”

Rosey turned towards the speaker. “I am, how did you know?” She looked up, seeing a unicorn salepony with grey fur and tail mane. A shiny necklace with a big ruby decorated his neck.

“Only a pony with a gift for magic would appreciate the night market in Canterlot. I actually have a wonderful product for sale that may interest you.”

“Go on,” Rosey said, looking at the jewelry and trinkets displayed for sale.

“Hey, Rosey, what are you looking at?” Sunset asked, walking over.

“Ah, a friend. Good thing I have two!” the unicorn said as he levitated over two necklaces from behind his desk, both similar to the one he wore.

“Looks pretty, but I’m not into fashion. Is there any cool feature or legend behind them?” Rosey asked.

“Oh, there is a rich legend regarding these amulets. In fact, it’s too much to tell, so in short, they were created to enhance a unicorn’s raw power.”

“Really? You’re not pulling my leg?” Rosey asked as her ears perked upward.

“I wouldn’t dare. Why make up stories when I can simply demonstrate.” He levitated the amulets over to the fillies. “Go on and see for yourself. Demonstration is free of charge.”

“How can I say no to that?” Rosey snatched the amulet with the help of her magic, smiling cheerfully as she placed it on her neck. The topaz-yellow gem shone brightly in an instant.

“Well, I guess trying it on wouldn’t hurt,” Sunset said, as she put it on. The flame-orange gem radiated with utmost heat a moment later.

“Anything heavy I can levitate to test my raw power?” Rosey asked as she looked around, only for her head to refuse to turn. She tried to move her forehoof to touch her aching head, but it refused. In fact, she started walking forward towards the stallion even though she didn’t want to. What the heck is going on? Her eyes flashed yellow for a moment.

My deepest apologies, but I’ll be taking control of your body.

What? Why? Who?

She turned her head and tried to gasp but her mouth wouldn’t work. Sunset’s eyes were glowing red and she was as still as a statue. Was the same happening to her too?!

’Who’ is unimportant. Why? To experience freedom. It's nothing personal.

Oh no you won’t! Get outta my head! Rosey screamed, fighting for control. She was walking shakily, struggling to maintain balance. She stopped paying attention to her surroundings, focusing everything she had to tear away the cursed amulet. If that thing, whatever the heck it was, thought it could tell her what to do, it had something different coming.

One hoof did one thing, while the other did something else. In a moment her both hooves ended up wrestling each other, one trying to prevent Rosey from tearing away the amulet. On the other side, Sunset was growling and trying to shake the amulet off her head. Apparently, she realized what was going on as well and was trying to fight off her spirit. A blast of magic erupted from the orange unicorn’s horn, firing into the air.

Stop resisting. You’re just making it harder for yourself, the voice spoke to her.

You mean ‘making it harder for the both of us’ you stupid ghost possessor. I don’t care what the heck are you, I’m not becoming your puppet you meany!

Rosey leaped to the side, slamming into the wooden stand with a weak thud while causing a few pieces of porcelain to fall, shattering against the ground. She grit her teeth, sweating and wriggling as if she was a restrained animal fighting for freedom.

Sunset was doing a bit better, having regained all of her limbs to try and push amulet off, but the unicorn who sold it to them had managed to stop her with a stasis spell. A blue and white field of energy surrounded Sunset as she tried to move her body but couldn’t.

Give it up! You may not realize it yet, but you can’t stop me. You’re just delaying the inevitable.

“Shut up!” Rosey shouted, groaning as she once again tried to reach for the amulet, struggling to overcome her possessor. Now listen here. Be it minutes, hours or even days, I’ll fight back! You may not realize it yet, but I’m one of the most stubborn unicorns in Canterlot, maybe even in the top three, and when I want to do something, I won’t hesitate to crawl from exhaustion to reach that goal. You have no idea who you’re messing with!

Rosey jumped in the opposite direction, slamming into another stand as more noise started to attract attention from around.

“Hey! What’s going on here?” asked the stallion from a nearby stand, only to fall unconscious after being struck by a magical beam and crashing his head against the counter.

No one is going to help you. Stubborn or not, you’re wasting time.

I don’t care you stupid ghost. My friends will save me! They’ll purify you and I’ll buy as much time as I can.

“Resisting, you’ve got quite the willpower,” the unicorn salespony said, using a stasis spell to immobilize Rosey as well. He took both of them with his telekinesis and glared at them. “You’re making a scene. I better take you to…”

“Hey, what's going on?!” Nightbright voice shouted which was music to Rosey’s ears

“Help please!” Rosey shouted in desperation, tears in her eyes obscuring the view of her friends. Whatever was going on, her friends would make it better.

Kyuubi growled, taking a fighting stance as Nightbright followed her example, though with less intimidating results.

The marketplace seemed nearly abandoned at this hour while another shopper withdrew quietly, not wanting to get involved.

“Wait, is that the princess’ student? Ponyfeathers!” The unicorn cursed, his magical aura and his eyes flashed red as he summoned a wall of flames, which spread and surrounded Kyuubi and her friend, heating the atmosphere.

“Your shielding spell would be really useful right now,” Nightbright suggested.

On it!

Surrounded inside a magical bubble, she grabbed the unicorn colt and jumped forward. Her barrier held the scorching flames at bay.

Whatever you are doing, you will free her this instant! Kyuubi mentally shouted as she released the colt from her paw and dropped her barrier. She slammed her forepaw into the stand with jewelry and trinkets with a firm stomp. She walked forward over fragments of broken wood.

“We need to clean their memories. Don’t stand there! Help me out!” The hostile stallion shouted in panic, summoning more flames with his horn while forcing the kitsune and the unicorn colt to shield themselves.

“N-no… I… I won’t!” Rosey yelled, turning her head forcefully whenever her horn aimed at her friends. Bolts of electricity sparked from her horn. “You’ve… got some nerve… telling me to… to hurt my friends! Not happening…” She grit her teeth, her eyes narrowed as her frustration kept growing by the second.

“You still resist? We have no time for this.”

The stallion grit his teeth, unleashing a fireball which exploded upon contact with the barrer, scorching some of Kyuubi’s fur while leaving burns on her body.

“You won’t… hurt my friends... nor take... me and Sunset!” Rosey shouted. She tapped into the power of whatever ghost or spirit tried to take control of her, using its magic to cast an empowered spell.

The stallion yelped in pain as loudly as the large fox when a small lightning bolt struck his side. “You’ve got a lot of willpower, young miss, but you can’t resist forever.”

Rosey kept giving her foalnapper a challenging glare, seeing him charge a spell she recognized as a teleportation. My friends will find me… I know they will..

Kyuubi summoned her healing magic, hastily healing her burns. Despite her large size, she proved less durable than a grown pony.

“Rosey, no!”

Kyuubi looked ahead, seeing the foalnapper teleporting away with their friends in his grab. She looked around in panic as her friends were taken away, leaving her with no idea where to go…

“Get us to the airport. They probably want to use a blimp to make their getaway,” Nightbright said as he pointed towards the edge of the town.

How do you…?

“Tracking lessons on how to detect where another pony teleports… Actually, there’s no time to explain, just get us there, quickly!”

Kyuubi nodded, concentrating magic into her second and third tail. Drops of sweat fell down her face as the portal grew in size before them. Nightbright jumped first, leaving Kyuubi behind as she needed several seconds to grow her magical gate to fit her size. Before the gate was ready, she added a defensive spell, surrounding her fragile body with magical armor for extra durability.

Once she walked into her portal, stepping out at the airport, she yelped in surprise, seeing Nightbright slam the hostile stallion with his levitation into the side of the nearby blimp, leaving a few cracks in the blimp and bruises on the stallion's shoulder as a result.

Rosey seemed to be in the hold of another pony, who quickly struck Nightbright with a miniature tornado.

Kyuubi jumped to catch him in mid-air, only for the wind to toss them both, rubbing against the hardened airport platform. She tried to heal her newly acquired wounds, but her healing magic paused whenever her third tail rubbed against the stone.

“What the heck is going on!?”

“Unexpected witnesses. Help me deal with them.”

“Great, one problem after another.”

“Another?”

“That sun marked filly you brought? She broke free and destroyed our fellow spirit. She damaged the blimp when I tried to restrain her.”

“Fellow spirit? You don’t mean… Oh, I’m going to kill her!”

“Calm down! Revenge will get us nowhere!”

“Do I look like I care?”

Kyuubi whimpered, struggling to stand as her fur was stained with her own blood, while numerous stains decorated her surroundings. Even magical armor wasn't good enough. She released her friend, who found a decent shelter between her paws and chest.

She and Nightbright could see the two ponies argue with each other, both wearing necklaces. While one was fiery red, the other had a green gem instead.

Nightbright shot a beam of magic, aggressively trying to free his friend, showing aggression and boldness which caused Kyuubi to gasp. Unfortunately, a shield of intense wind scattered the beam before pushing the colt away, smashing him against Celestia’s statue.

Nightbright! Kyuubi shouted mentally, growling at the foalnapper.

“There she is!”

The firebending enemy unleashed a wall of flames towards the staircase leading to the nearest blimp, aiming at Sunset who seemed to be now fully in control of her own body.

Watch out! Kyuubi warned, concentrating magic in her fourth tail, but Sunset didn’t wait to be shielded and counterattacked with a watery whirlwind, exhausting the flames in mid-air. Then followed up with a beam of magic, striking the stallion’s chest.

“Ouch, that hurt,” Nightbright said as he pushed away a broken fragment of the statue's rear leg while the princess made of stone now lacked one and gained a few cracks. “Hey, Kyuubi, mind healing my back? Feels as if a hundred needles pierced into my spine.”

S-sure… The kitsune nodded. She ran towards her friend, placing her large paw on his back before sending healing magic into his fractured bones. Her attention quickly shifted towards Sunset, who despite being smaller than the rest of them, was actually putting up a solid fight.

“We have to help them!” Nightbright shouted, taking a moment to teleport closer to Rosey. “Hey, snap out of it!”

“Get away from her,” said the wind-caster, glaring at the colt with narrowed eyes. Being struck on the cheek by a levitated leg of Celestia’s statute only angered him further. “You want to save your friend, I get it, but this bravery of yours just makes it harder than it needs to be. Actually, maybe your body will be easier to possess. I’ll be more than happy to let you take her place.”

Seeing as Sunset and the fire mage were engaged in intense combat, exchanging spells as neither managed to get the upper hoof, Kyuubi focused her magic on shielding Nightbright.

“I could break this shield of yours, but…”

Kyuubi flinched as the wind-bending stallion jumped towards her. She felt the wind coming from the stallion, rubbing against her fur due to the side-effect of the wind-related speed-boosting spell. With her tail supporting a shield over her friend, she was unable to protect herself, feeling the stallion’s hooves sink into her massive chest. Aside from hard hooves and a decent amount of strength, she ended up being pushed away by a powerful wave of wind.

She lay on her side, which hurt from rubbing against the stone so much, and she still felt leftovers of pain in her kicked chest. She watched as the stallion approached, her breathing and heart-rate quickening while her forepaw trembled in fear. Her male friend was too weak and she wasn't a fighter.

“Time to go to sleep, and don’t worry, you’ll wake up not remembering any of it even happened,” the stallion said, approaching as his horn was lit with green windy aura. The gem on his necklace flashed with power.

Kyuubi grit her teeth as she charged magic into her tails. Even if she couldn’t win, she still knew spells that could buy her time. She pushed herself to stand and raised her tails into the air, summoning ‘Holy Flash’ as a bright light assaulted stallion’s eyes.

Kyuubi knew she needed to act fast as the blinding effect wouldn’t last long, or so she thought as a low-pitched screech reached her ears.

The amulet with green gem lost its color and brightness, returning to plain grey.

Her eyes grew wide as she couldn’t take away her gaze from a little tornado emerging from the jewelry. The weirdest part was that the wind seemed to form a body of sorts, because tornadoes certainly shouldn’t have limbs and glowing lights resembling eyes.

The stallion collapsed unconscious as the creature of wind hovered over it.

“F-f-free?” The other enemy ceased his attack on the orange filly, evading a counterblast before running towards the kitsune.

Stay back! Kyuubi yelled mentally, walking backwards while expecting an attack, ready to raise her shields. What she wasn’t ready for was her enemy kneeling and begging in front of her paws, his voice like a dehydrated traveler asking for water in the middle of the desert. “Free me, I beg you, please! I’ll do anything, just free me!”

Kyuubi started back with a confused glance, feeling hooves touch her large paw.

“Free us, please,” Rosey said, her eyes still wet from tears. “Your friend, I’ll give her back, just free us!”

Free? You mean free you from posesion? Who’s speaking anyway? she asked, unsure what was happening. Were the ponies speaking to her, or whatever took control of them? Why would the enemy even ask her to remove them from their hosts when they fought so fiercely to keep them?

Too focused on her friend, she failed to notice as the limbs of the wind creature touched her forehead. She yelped and leaped backward, but the windy limb just stretched, not letting go of her forehead for a second.

Kyuubi’s eyes flashed as she saw images of a swamp, seeing a blurry vision of hooded creatures walking between trees and mud. As the image sharpened, she noticed that many of them had horns, though a few were walking on rear legs while holding long wands. She couldn’t tell what other species were among this group, not that she knew many besides humans, some animals and four species of ponies… and maybe that one time she saw a goblin.

She saw how this group faced creatures made of fire, stone, wind, water, ice and electricity, capturing them and trapping them inside jewelry with the help of a mysterious sorcery.

One unicorn’s eyes were flashing red all the time as he addressed the crowd while standing atop a fallen tree.

“With the power of these spirits our magic will become way more powerful. Soon our order will show the world our might and bend all lesser beings to our will. Not even alicorn magic will be a match for us, my fellow disciples!”

Kyuubi kept seeing this mental image, noticing a large amulet on the stallion’s neck the moment he took off his hood.

We were trapped, enslaved, used as power source… so we rebelled.

She heard the mental message, its tone calm and motherly. The disciplines wearing necklaces with trapped spirits went on a rampage, attacking and injuring their leader who hasty teleported away, barely surviving as his blood mixed with the swampy waters and dirt.

Be wary of the ‘Alicorn Amulet.’ It was the cause of our tragedy and many other tragedies over the centuries, and until this day we have still failed to find and destroy it.

Kyuubi watched as the hooded creatures started examining their amulets, casting random spells with no desired effect. One lizard-like creature took off his jewelry, only to run away in panic and vanish among the swamp’s fog. The group picked up the amulet, staring at the gem in pity.

No matter what we did, we couldn’t free ourselves from those cursed gems. We were bound to them forever, aware of our fate as if trapped in ice and unable to move or blink, another mental message went through Kyuubi’s mind as she watched the possessed creatures walk into pony towns, this ones filled with basic wooden homes.

The fate of being stuck inside an unmovable object for us is a fate worse than death, and destroying the amulet kills the spirit inside. To avoid either we used our hosts, but unlike us, those hosts had limited lifespan.

So you seek new hosts to take over? What happens with the minds of those you take over? Kyuubi asked with a worried tone, still trapped within mental images.

We were trapped and used by those creatures, we cared not what happened to them. We decided to live among ponies in secrecy, changing old hosts for young ones as we searched and failed over and over to find freedom from those cursed gems.

Kyuubi blinked, now once again seeing her surroundings as Rosey and the fire-mage knelt before her, staring at her with pleading eyes. Nightbright and Sunset kept their distance, clearly confused about the situation.

The wind spirit added one final message before withdrawing its limbs from her forehead. But your magic, it purified the pony and the cursed gem, freeing me without erasing my existence. I beg thee, grant us the freedom that was denied to us for centuries.

The kitsune took a deep calming breath, suddenly feeling as if her inconsequential being accidently took part in something very big. Her magic was unique, never seen before by the pony race. If she could use it to end the cycle of possessing the innocent and the torment of the spirits, and if it meant saving her friend, she was more than happy to oblige.

Her second tail flashed with magic as she spoke a mental message, I shall grant you freedom if it's indeed in my capability, but in return I ask that you at least try to forgive ponies and not seek any revenge. If I free you, will you not harm anypony ever again?

“We won’t seek revenge or harm anypony!” The stallion spoke in haste.

“We swear,” Rosey said, nodding as she stood up from her kneeling position.

Kyuubi closed her eyes and concentrated. While she could use purifying magic on the ponies before her, she wasn’t sure if it would free the spirit without harming them. Instead, she summoned ‘Holy Flash’ once more, using what had already proved effective. She smiled upon seeing a spirit made of fire and a spirit made of electricity float before her.

She knelt to Rosey, gently placing her paw on the filly’s forehead while sending waves of healing magic, waking her friend from her forced slumber. She yelped in surprise the moment Rosey hugged her neck in a vice-grip.

“Thank you! I was sooo scared! And it felt weird, like, really, really weird. It was like I was but also wasn’t myself, as if I struggled against my own body, as if something constantly tried to do something that I didn’t want. It was a battlefield, I tell you!”

“You make it sound like a dog’s eye view of getting a bath” snarked Nightlight.

Kyuubi felt her friend’s hooves sink into her neck, but she ignored the pain, letting her friend vent her emotions. Before she knew it, Nightbright joined the hug as well while Sunset just rolled her eyes. Kyuubi raised an eyebrow towards her which made Sunset blush before joining in.

She looked up at the hovering spirits as the one made of electricity touched her forehead, only sending a little accidental bolt from time to time so that it barely hurt. We shall inform the rest. They’ll come to the castle seeking your aid. Our hosts may take days to recover and will feel odd after regaining their freedom, so we suggest taking them to the closest hospital.

Kyuubi felt heat on her forehead as a limb made of fire touched it. We have long forgotten where our home was. We may find it one day, but until then we’ll move to the Everfree Forest. This environment will grant us a semblance of the freedom that was denied to us for centuries. Should you ever need our aid, seek us there.

That’s it? No apologies? No ‘we’re sorry for trying to take control of your friend?’ she asked, giving the spirits a disapproving glare.

Wouldst thou be satisfied with fake apologies? We are beyond grateful for freeing us, a debt we’re more than happy to repay any way we can. Guilt however is alien to us. After what has been done to us, we feel no sadness about taking over the bodies and minds of ponies.

Kyuubi raised an eyebrow as both Rosey and Nightbright sought shelter among her embrace, wary of the elemental spirits. As a few ponies started arriving at the airport, looking at the damaged surroundings and burned marks in confusion, the spirits departed, retreating from the unwanted gaze of ponies.

“Where are they heading?” Nightbright asked.

“I don’t care, as long as it is far away from us,” Rosey stated.

“I couldn’t agree more.” Sunset answered,

“Excuse me!”

The group of fillies and their foxy friend looked at the group of stallions, most less than pleased by their facial features.

The smallest stallion, an earth pony with nails as a cutie-mark gestured over the area, and then at the damaged blimp. “I expect an explanation, and for your own sake, kids, it better be a good one.”

Sunset and Rosey hid behind Kyuubi, leaving her and Nightbright to face the crowd of angered adults.

Both Kyuubi and the colt smiled awkwardly. ‘Our friends were foal-napped by unicorns possessed by spirits trapped in gems centuries ago,’ how does one explain that?

Chapter 8 - Rise of Sunset...

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 8
-
Rise of Sunset...

26 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

Princess Celestia made sure to triple check the reports that were in front of her. It was rare that she was ever surprised so many times after centuries of experience, but these past few years had been quite different. Most of her surprises had come from her apprentice who could be the missing key she needed to save her sister from her darkness. Even now, despite having been her student for so many years, she was still impressing her with feats no average pony could do. An exorcism of elemental spirits is not something you hear about on an average daily basis. She sighed. To think such injustice has been happening under my muzzle. If not for Kyuubi, many more minds would be enslaved for the centuries to come.

It was only further proof that Celestia had made the right choice in training Kyuubi and preparing her for Nightmare Moon’s return. Granted, such a dark power was far greater in strength than an elemental spirit or two, but there were still years to go before the destined day and years to train in preparation. However, that incident also alerted her to a filly’s magical abilities that far exceeded that of normal unicorns at her age or even older.

Princess Celestia knew of Sunset Shimmer before due to her exam scores and the recommendations of her. A few teachers even recommended she be permitted to skip a grade. It wasn’t just her raw magical ability, she had a clever mind as well. While not exactly book smart, she was very creative with her magic and her ability to mold it into what she needed. It was a level of control most foals would kill for.

To hear from Kyuubi that Sunset had managed to overcome possession through sheer willpower and raw magic was what made Celestia think. She began to focus more on Sunset whenever she came to visit Kyuubi with the rest of her friends. In some respects, she reminded Celestia of herself as a filly: bold, daring, ambitious, and a thirst for a challenge. In some respects, Kyuubi was what Luna was during their fillyhood: quiet, focused, gentle, and yet holding a determination that was stronger than steel. It also helped that the two got along quite well, even if Sunset was always determined to prove herself better. Nothing wrong with competition. Luna and I did it all the time growing up.

So when she asked for the test results on Sunset’s magical abilities and magical core, she wasn’t expecting something of this magnitude. “Are you sure these are accurate?” Princess Celestia asked the headmaster who nodded.

“Indeed, she’s quite a talented little filly, isn’t she? Some classmates believe she’s got the potential to become one of the greatest students this academy has seen,” Headmaster Lightstar pointed out.

Or one of the best Equestria has ever seen, Princess Celestia thought as she looked at the numbers again.

Nevertheless, alicorns had always been seen as guiding lights for equines everywhere and were often made in preparation for a greater destiny. It wasn’t a surprise that they were worshiped as deities for a time.

There were signs to tell if one could become an alicorn, according to the notes of her old mentor Starswirl the Bearded. Sunset seemed to be such a pony. She had tried twice to do so with apprentices long gone now. One had tragically died of illness before she could complete her training. The other decided to leave her service to adventure the world before returning to complete his training. Sadly, he never returned. Perhaps, Sunset might be the one I’ve been looking for all this time.

“What can you tell me about her family?” Princess Celestia asked, curious to see if she was from one of the many bloodlines that held power in their veins.

“Well, sadly it's a tragic tale. Mother died giving birth to her, leaving Father to care for her alone. By talking with her father, I got the impression that he and Sunset don't get along, as if he cared more about his job than his daughter, or maybe even resented her for his wife's death,” Headmaster Lightstar answered, sighing.

“If her father was neglectful, who cared for her?“ Princess Celestia asked, feeling nothing but disappointment. There was nothing fair in blaming a child for something she had no control over.

”Sunset created a strong connection with her grandmother who took care of her whenever her dad was working, but with old age came memory issues. Because of that Sunset grew more independent, receiving little to no parental care and living by her own rules,” Headmaster Lightstar explained. ”She is quite resourceful and can care for herself, but lacks discipline. Having so much power and so little parental guidance led to some school accidents and damage to school property. If not for that, I would have moved her up a few more classes a long time ago.”

“I see,” Princess Celestia muttered, sighing at the tragic tale of one so young. “I see she is talented in many areas. High recommendations. Is there anything bad to say about her… besides the issues with discipline and school accidents?”

“Honestly, she’s very prideful with a hint of arrogance,” Headmaster Lightstar pointed out. “But she is young. In time, I feel this can be tempered.” He then leaned forward and asked, “Princess, I’ve known you for a long time. You only ever have that look when you’re thinking of taking a student under your wing, but you already have one do you not?”

Princess Celestia gave a small smile. “I see nothing wrong with having two.”

“I’m going to be what?!”

Kyuubi winced upon hearing Sunset scream, but she couldn’t blame her. Even she was surprised to know that Princess Celestia was going to take Sunset Shimmer as a second apprentice. The multi-tailed fox glanced at her shocked friend who looked like her eyes were about to pop out of her skull while staring at the amused alicorn princess.

“You are to be my apprentice along with Kyuubi. Should you agree to it of course,” Princess Celestia reaffirmed with a nod. “Having heard of what you had done during your foalnapping, I looked deeper into your studies and magical potential. You have quite a future ahead of you. One that I think I can facilitate by making you a personal student of mine.”

“But... But isn’t Kyuubi your student?” Sunset asked, pointing to her friend.

“While Kyuubi is indeed my student, I sadly cannot teach her everything I normally do with my apprentices,” Princess Celestia replied with some regret in her tone. “There are certain unicorn abilities that Kyuubi cannot learn, but you, however, can.”

Sunset opened her mouth a bit before closing it and turning to Kyuubi. “Are you okay with this?”

Of course! Kyuubi replied with a smile. You’re a very powerful unicorn. Plus, I get to have one of my friends as a study buddy! She gently poked the unicorn’s shoulder with her giant paw while looking down at her friend. Of course, if you’re not interested, she gave the little pony a smug smile, I can always suggest Rosey for this spot. She did resist the possession as well after all, and while nowhere as powerful, I love the enthusiasm she showed over the years. Upon receiving a frown in response and an ‘it is on’ glare, she added, So are you in, or are you in?

“I have never taken two students together before, so this will be a new experience for me,” Princess Celestia said, getting everyone’s attention. “I will need to spend a few weeks focused on you first, Sunset Shimmer. Mostly to test you and get a better understanding of what you know and what you need to learn.”

“So, if I do become your apprentice, what will I be learning?” Sunset Shimmer asked.

A lot, let me tell you, Kyuubi smiled, shaking her head by how much she had to learn in her starting months. History. Magical theory. Spellcraft knowledge. Science. Mathematics. Logic. A little of everything. Then there are special electives you can choose.

“Special electives?” Sunset asked.

“Most of my apprentices typically often go out to do greater things for Equestria. Some become involved in politics, trade negotiations, and more. You can learn things like economics, political science, bargaining, psychology. Whatever suits your career goals. This will be when you’re older though. Kyuubi has been learning medicine, resource management, and diplomacy.”

You’ll also sometimes be asked to represent the princess when you’re older. Taking part in events mostly. Kyuubi pointed out.

“Over time you may choose to take part in more serious events as my representative. You’ll also be allowed to order some of the Royal Guards, within reason of course.”

Sunset looked down for a while in deep concentration before looking up at the Princess with her begging eyes. “C-can I live in the castle?”

“Of course you can,” Princess Celestia said, nuzzling her. “It will be your new home.”

“Then I accept!” Sunset Shimmer said with a blazing smile. “I can’t believe this is happening. I knew I was good but I guess I’m just better than I expected.”

My, how humble of you, Kyuubi teased before nuzzling her friend, accidentally picking her above the floor a few centimeters. But I’m glad you’ll be learning with me.

“Thank you! Both of you! I will be moving in right away,” Sunset shouted before rushing out of the spare room that the headmaster had given them.

She seems very excited. Was I like that when you asked me? Kyuubi asked, tilting her head.

“You were a lot shyer about it,” Princess Celestia replied with a wink.

Kyuubi giggled before a thought came to her and her face was replaced with curiosity. Is she... going to be informed about Nightmare Moon? About your plan?

“I haven’t decided yet,” Princess Celestia replied, shrugging. “I need to first decide if I can trust her or not. Remember, most assume my sister died at Nightmare Moon’s hooves. They don’t know that they are the same. I need to be sure that Sunset can be trusted with such a secret and help us win before I tell her anything.”

I think she’ll be a great help, but I’ll trust your wisdom, Kyuubi answered before another thought occurred to her. How are you going to deal with the political outcome of this? You know some of the noble families won’t like it that you took a second apprentice.

“They didn't cause a riot after learning that I took in a kitsune. I am almost certain they will not mind Sunset.”

Kyuubi approached, sitting next to the princess as a few of her tails accidentally rubbed against her side. Even when sitting, her height seemed to slightly surpass that of an alicorn. I still remember the exchange between the knight and my caretakers from the church, which makes me wonder about politics in war-ravaged nations with kings, nobility and peasants, and their tension with nations with non-human races. I bet a king or a queen adopting an orphan or taking one under their tutelage would make quite an uproar where I come from. Maybe even an assassination attempt. She closed her eyes and shook her head. S-sorry, my imagination went wild for a moment.

Celestia leaned to the right, sinking her side a little in Kyuubi’s rich fluffy fur. “I can assure you, my dear student, Equestria is far more peaceful and understanding. At worst we will get a few frowns or letters from the disappointed ponies.” She smiled. “Equestria hasn’t seen open war for centuries, and ponies are too kind-hearted to assassinate each other.”

And what about dealing with all the monsters and dangers? Equestria seems to have quite a high quantity of monsters, dangerous animals, and all kinds of threats outside and even inside its borders. They were mentioned quite a lot in the history books.

Celestia chuckled. “True, but their activity has been decreasing in the past centuries, and Canterlot is certainly out of their range. To put it simply, I do not think my Royal Guard has had to deal with anything but a thief or troublemaker for decades past.”

Kyuubi rubbed her chin, now deep in thought. While she loved peace, it felt odd for it to last this long with so many threats noted in history books. It felt as if the problems bottled up, ready to be unleashed at the worst possible time. Would ponies even be prepared to face all those threats now? Even the Royal Guard didn’t seem to be anywhere near how it was described in the books.

One thing was certain, should those threats arise, she and Sunset would be there to stop them, which meant they needed to work extra hard to be in top shape. I hope my fears are wrong and Nightmare Moon will be the only real threat we have to deal with. Her ears dropped. I think I know what I will pray for tonight.

Sunset trotted cheerfully, bags levitating by her side as she headed for the bed-chamber of her new mentor. While she wasn’t yet sure where she would settle, given the choice between sleeping with the princess or using the nearby guest quarters, she was certainly looking forward to the advanced and important lessons. She felt as if she’d been given the chance of a lifetime and she wasn’t going to waste it. I need to thank Kyuubi when I meet her. She may be a bit of a weirdo, but I sure owe her a lot.

She stopped before two Royal Guards, their spears held before the entrance into the princess’ bedchamber.

“Name and business?” one guard asked, though sounding a little feminine. With the enhancements making all guards look alike, it wasn’t easy for Sunset to tell their genders apart.

Taking a deep breath, Sunset Shimmer held a forehoof on her chest and lowered her head politely. She needed to act professional and noble after all as the student of the princess herself. “My name is Sunset Shimmer, Princess Celestia’s new protege. I would like to move in and take some lessons from our mighty ruler.” She raised her head and smiled proudly. She practiced a few scenarios this morning for these kinds of meetings.

“Her Highness is currently in the throne room, her day court should last a few hours, but you’re welcome to settle in,” one guard said, this one certainly a stallion.

“Lady Kyuubi is awaiting you inside. Please make yourself at home,” the female guard said, adding a welcoming smile.

Sunset looked at both guards, not seeing any difference between them. I wonder if the size is a requirement for the Royal Guard? It is quite rare to find a mare as tall as a grown stallion. I wonder if I could become a Lieutenant or Captain once I graduate. Oh, so many possibilities!

With glee, she entered the bedchamber, throwing her bags into the corner of the room with a loud thudding noise. Her action startled the massive fox, who yelped from her kneeling position.

Sunset blinked in confusion, staring at a startled Kyuubi who just a moment ago seemed to be on her knees and lowered respectfully in front of a wall. Was she showing respect to a bookshelf? I knew she was a bit weird, but this… She approached, giving Kyuubi a confused glance. “What are you doing, kneeling to the wall like that? Also, you look a bit awkward while doing so.”

Kyuubi smiled sheepishly, blushing. She pushed herself to a sitting position, now towering over the filly.

S-sorry. I was doing my morning prayers. I also wanted to thank God for all gifts He bestowed upon me and you in these past weeks.

“Praying, oh right… I almost forgot.”

It’s alright. How about we pray together. I would love to show you how to show God the respect He deserves, Kyuubi said, gesturing encouragingly with her forepaw.

“I’ll pass,” Sunset responded before approaching her bags and suitcase, unpacking her belongings. She already heard a few times about Kyuubi’s faith and was even amazed by her holy magic, but it was the first time she had witnessed her praying. Unlike Rosey and Nightbright, she was still new in this friendship circle.

Need any help? Kyuubi asked.

“No need, I’ve got this,” Sunset said as her magic did the work, levitating winter clothing, an orange scarf, sunglasses, a few books and a stack of papers, a few pens, and other stuff she had acquired over the years. She noticed two empty and open cupboards, most likely prepared in advance for her as she levitated her belongings, placing them inside in a somewhat disorganized matter… which was a nice way of saying she dumped all her stuff into a pile and closed the cupboard with a bit of force.

“Alright, I’m settled. Sooo… when will the princess give me my first lesson?” Sunset asked, turning to Kyuubi as her tail flapped in excitement.

The large fox lowered herself to meet Sunset eye to eye, their muzzles centimeters away from each other. Sorry to disappoint you, but Princess Celestia is very busy almost every day. There’s an hour opening in the morning after she raises the sun and an hour after she raises the moon. Sometimes she tries to make an opening in her schedule in the middle of the day, but it’s quite rare. I usually practice what she taught me or train at the barracks or with a scholar from the school for Gifted Unicorns. She rubbed the back of her neck. Though I admit, I have been neglecting exercises in the barracks ever since I started attending school.

Sunset narrowed her eyes and stomped, her mood quickly shifting to one of anger and disappointment. “Are you kidding? I didn’t agree to become her student only for two hours of tutoring a day. I could as well have stayed in the school dorm.” She groaned in annoyance, causing the ears on Kyuubi’s head to drop.

It’s not that bad, Kyuubi said before gently raising Sunset’s chin with her large paw. Besides, we can always practice and learn together. You know, like sharing knowledge and team-studying.

Sunset rubbed her chin before smiling. “You know what, this may actually work. So, where do we start?”

Kyuubi raised herself to her full height as she approached the fireplace, summoning the warmth of a holy fire with the help of her magic. The bright flames danced upon the wood.

I was hoping we could bond a little before any real studying.

“Bond, sure… I suppose it’s a good idea since we’ll be living together and stuff.” Sunset approached, staring up at the large creature. She already spent enough time with Kyuubi not to get bothered by their size-difference. In the end, it’s knowledge about magic and raw power that mattered, and she was planning to surpass this kitsune, showing Celestia that she’s the superior student. “So, what do you have in mind?”

Think of it as a little initiation to welcome you as the princess's new student. Kyuubi giggled before slowly curling herself into a ball around confused Sunset, using levitation to gently raise the unicorn and placed Sunset comfortably upon her fur.

Sunset didn’t resist, though she blushed a little once her back and the back of her head now nested against the soft fluffy fur, almost sinking in it. She spotted a few books levitating over, forming a pile as one levitated towards her face. Curious, she took the book with her levitation, which was titled ’Advanced Teleportation.’

Comfortable? Kyuubi asked as she placed her muzzle against her rear legs, keeping one eye on the pony while another on levitated book of her choosing. She levitated over a cup of hot tea, one prepared in advance before Sunset’s arrival.

The unicorn kept staring at the advanced knowledge in written form before her attention focused on the cup of tea. In fact, she didn’t even want to stretch towards the teacup as her legs, back and head felt the softness of the highest caliber. All she could do was smile. Truly the most comfortable learning conditions she ever had in her life.

Taking a deep breath, Sunset spoke in a calm voice, “I must say, you sure know how to create a pleasant environment for reading. It almost feels as if you’re pretending to be a mom or something.” She giggled at the mental image.

Mom… Kyuubi spoke mentally, showing a depressed smile as ears once again were flattened against her head. She forced a smile, banishing the unpleasant thought. M-mother may be way too much. But now that you mention it, how about you call me your big-sis. That would be nice.

“Big sis… heh… no issues there,” Sunset said. While it would feel somewhat odd to call a large kitsune her big sis, it certainly felt nice to have someone she could consider a relative. Who knew? Maybe she would gain a family of sorts. Whatever the outcome, she was already happy as she gave in to the first-class comfort of the high-tier fur. "I must say, you truly love sharing the comfort of your fur with everypony. You seem to be doing it more and more."

What can I say? As I grow, ponies seem to like stroking my fur more and more. I just embraced it. If I am valued for my healing magic and for my rich fur, I will gladly make others happy with both.

Sunset beamed a smile. "Kyuubi, you may be weird, but never change."

Rosey galloped in excitement, almost tripping upon the carpet as she made her way towards the bedchamber, rounding a few guards on the way who failed to even slow her down. She quickly introduced herself as Kyuubi’s friend Rosey, stopping the pursuit of the confused pegasi.

Pressing her hooves into the carpet, she pulled herself to a full stop in front of the bedchamber as both Royal Guards quickly recognized her, opening the door.

With wild glee, she leaped inside. “Kyuubi, I heard Sunset is now… Sunset?” She paused and blinked, her eyes now focused on a sea of white fur. A fifth of Celestia’s bedchamber was occupied by a large creature whose four tails were spread all over the room. In the middle, she noticed a familiar tail and mane standing out from the rich fur.

“Kyuubi? Sunset?” she asked, looking at the muzzle which touched kitsune’s rear legs. Even Philomena was relaxing against the fox’s cheek while leaving her cage open. A few lucky books were also perched among the fluff. Flames from the fireplace barely found a way to light the room.

Her cheeks became puffy and her face gained a shade of red. She shot Sunset a glare filled with jealousy. “This isn’t fair!”

One of the guards spoke from outside of the room, “Life can be cruel at times, young lady. I wish I could join in if not for my duty.”

The other guard nodded in agreement.

Rosey stomped before approaching with firm steps. “I wanted to congratulate Sunset for becoming a princess’ student, but it would be a crime to wake her up. There’s only one way to resolve this.” She climbed up the rich fur, taking a comfortable napping spot between two of Kyuubi’s tails. She nuzzled the fur with a wide smile before closing her eyes.

Both guards looked at the scene with jealousy, their ears drooping as a sad whimper escaped their mouths. In the end, they could only watch but never experience, truly the cruelest of fate.

Okay, just remember to concentrate and think without any distracting thoughts, Kyuubi said as she looked over at the sweating Sunset. It had been a few weeks since her friend had officially become the second apprentice of Princess Celestia and already she was doing everything she could to catch up with her. If it wasn’t for the times Kyuubi had reminded her to eat, sleep, or take a break with their friends, Sunset would be a full-on twenty-four-hour study pony.

Closing her eyes, Sunset focused her magic and a yellow and reddish spherical shield began to surround her. Kyuubi turned to their friends, Rosey and Nightbright, who readied their horns and soon started throwing magic blasts at the barrier. The younger unicorn gritted her teeth as the blasts reflected off of the shield, but that wasn’t their goal. Sunset had wanted to see if she could absorb magic blasts and use them as a source of energy to power the shield to keep it going. While the theory was sound, Princess Celestia told them to be careful and not overdo it.

However, after four hours, Sunset could only still reflect the magic and not absorb it. Putting the shield down, she painted for air as the kitsune levitated a water bottle that she drank dry in a minute. “Anything?” she gasped with hope in her eyes.

Sorry, but nothing, Kyuubi said, shaking her head which made Sunset flop to the ground in exhaustion. If it helps, you’ve been able to produce a better shield spell than most ponies I’ve seen.

“Not as good as yours though. You can handle a boulder falling on top of you,” Sunset groaned as she got up and stretched her legs. “I think I’m too tired to try again. Let’s just call it a day.”

“Finally! This was getting so boring!” Rosey complained, rolling her eyes. “Let’s do something fun! Like a picnic!”

“Rosey, it's raining,” Nightbright said, pointing to the windows where it was storming outside of the practice room Celestia gave them.

“Well, then we’ll have an indoor picnic! I already bought the food!” Rosey said, rushing to the basket she had brought with her.

The growling stomachs from the others made them realize it was pointless to argue so they sat down and began to eat the sandwiches and salads that Rosey brought. After some light conversation, Nightbright decided to ask, “So, Sunset, where did you get the idea of absorbing magic with a shield spell?”

“I got the idea when I was reading about the Centaur Wars with Lord Tirek’s invasion of Equestria,” Sunset answered, wiping her mouth with a napkin. “They said he could absorb the magic of all creatures and grow stronger from it. So I got the idea from that.”

“Kinda creepy that you got the idea from a warlord,” Rosey pointed out.

I don’t think I remember Tirek in my lessons. Was he a bad guy? Kyuubi asked.

“Bad?! Kyuubi, he’s one of Equestria’s worst foes,” Sunset said with surprise on her face. “I thought you would be knowing about it having been the Princess’ student for so long.”

To be fair, the princess most likely kept the darker part of history from me for the sake of my… innocence, Kyuubi answered, blushing. The story about Nightmare Moon was the first depressing event she learned about, and she suspected there may have been more.

“Well, this was still early in the reign of the Royal Sisters. Tirek had invaded our lands for power using his army and powerful dark magic that could steal the magic of any living creature,” Sunset explained with a shiver. “Ironically, he kept alive those who he drained of their magic, which was better than dying on the battlefield against his soldiers. Some legends say he was powerful enough to take souls, but I think that’s just a myth.”

Night Bright interrupted, “Stealing souls… I doubt that. Also, I don’t think he spared ponies out of mercy. I have a theory that if those he stole from passed away, he would lose their magic.” He crossed his arms and frowned. “In other words, he wanted to turn Equestria, a land full of magic-filled ponies, into his private battery that would keep him big and powerful.”

Rosey frowned and stomped. “He was a big brute whose powers came from stolen magic. I bet he was a pushover without it.” She looked at the large fox with a curious glance. “Unlike that nine-tailed kitsune from your story. He ate mages to grow stronger, but was a powerhouse without it.”

How did Equestria defeat him? Kyuubi asked, now interested. It has been so long since she told anypony the story that she heard before her emergency banishment, but now that Rosey mentioned it, the dreaded Ninetails did eat his foes to grow stronger. Eating foes for magic or draining them dry at the range and keeping them alive. Both strategies seemed to have their pros and cons. It took a blessing from God to seal Ninetails away though, but Equestria didn’t have such luxury.

“Well, Tirek had a brother, Scorpan, who opposed his war campaign. Since they were brothers who had gotten along in the past, Sorpan knew the source of his power and his weaknesses. He secretly allied himself with the princesses and backstabbed Tirek when he least expected it.” Sunset took a quick breath before continuing, excitement clear in her voice.

Wait… but if Tirek grew more powerful by draining others' magic, how could he have been bested this easily? And why would Scorpan betray him so willingly?

“And here is the cool part.“ Rosey took a deep breath before speaking in haste. “Why do you think no other of his species could do what he did? Because he used an artifact and magical arts from the Royal Treasury.“ She stood on her rear hooves and shook her forelegs enthusiastically. “Tirek was a Warlord so he had access to the most dangerous magical arts that would aid him at war. It would be foolish if Royalty didn't have an artifact that would seal away his power to keep him from turning it on them.“ She slammed her hooves together. “Tirek was clever though, as cunning as he was strong. He overthrew his rulers and became a dictator.“

“So you know a lot about Tirek as well, I am impressed,“ Sunset praised.

But turning on royalty is high treason. If Scorpan was loyal to them, it would make sense why he would turn on his brother.

Sunset nodded. “Exactly. Scorpan safeguarded the means to counter Tirek’s power and used his trust to get close enough to use them. The moment the Royal Sisters led a counteroffensive, he sealed Tirek’s ability to drain magic, which led to his defeat. Tirek was banished to Tartarus while Sorphan freed the true Kind and Queen. Equestria has been at peace with them ever since, though our cultures don't interact due to our war-filled history.“

Kyuubi rubbed her chin. I suppose it makes sense. This kind of makes me wonder though. Was it hard for Scorpan to betray his brother for the good of ponies and his imprisoned rulers, and how much such betray hurt Tirek himself? Her eyes became wide as she gasped. Wait, banished. How long...

“Millenium and two centuries. And before you ask, Tirek is still alive. Those sealed in Tartarus live longer than they normally would, at least according to books,“ Nightbright lectured.

Kyuubi’s ears dropped and a sad whimper escaped her mouth. While she was against killing, she could only wonder if death wouldn't be a mercy. Searching for a distraction from such sad thoughts, she asked, Speaking of interactions with other nations, I am starting to wonder if Equestria is the only prosperous nation.

“Well… it depends on your definition of ‘prosperous nation’. Equestria is the biggest and richest one,” Nightbright said, entering a lecturing mode as his muzzle rose to the heavens.

“The Dragons have many treasures and a ruler, but they don’t exactly function as a nation, and I heard that only the young ones stick together for long. The large ones possess wealth and territory, but often fight each other for it and rarely cooperate.” He took a quick breath. “The Griffin Kingdom fell after the loss of the golden idol which resulted in a civil war two hundred years ago. Now most of them are nothing more than mercenaries while their homeland lacks leadership. They do not lack wealth, but their economy is in shambles and everyone is looking only for their own benefit.” He took a quick breath. “The zebras formed tribes and our knowledge about them is very limited. Yaks rarely talk to anyone when they aren’t at war with something to smash.”

Another long breath in. “Around two decades ago some powerful visitors came from overseas and began conquering one kingdom after another. Hippogriffs have been at war with them for years, but it is only a matter of time until they become part of the newly created Storm Kingdom, while Equestria shut its borders and maintained perfect neutrality for centuries.” He rubbed the back of his neck, blushing in embarrassment. “You could say we became a land of isolationists to prevent conflict at all cost, which means very few visitors or even refugees from other nations.”

So, Equestria is the only nation that has any sense of peace? Kyuubi asked with a bit of sorrow in her tone. That’s so sad.

“Yeah, but it fuels a few ponies into thinking it's because we’re better than the rest of them for some reason,” Rosey said before her eyes widened. “Hey, Kyuubi. Why are you the last of your kind? What happened to the rest of the foxes like you?”

Kyuubi sighed with sorrow as her friend stared at her with curious glances. Well... you remember that Ninetails I told you about? He became so powerful because, except me, he was the last member of its species. My kin was hunted quite heavily for our valuable tails, and that monster either tried to avenge us or finished what was left. After he was sealed away, I became the last member of my species.

Sunset blinked, listening with full attention and growing interest.

The others just stared at her with wide eyes. Rosey quickly wrapped her arms around Kyuubi’s foreleg and the others soon joined in. “That’s... that’s horrible! How could they do something like that?!”

Greed I suppose. It backfired horribly in the end, Kyuubi explained, shaking her head. I don’t hate them for it, but I kinda wish I could turn back time and save at least a few Kitsunes. I do rather have my kin than all this power, and Ninetales would never rain destruction if not for that overhunting.

“Still... kinda too much don’t you think?” Sunset replied, solemnly.

There was a brief moment of silence before Kyuubi quickly smiled. W-well, it doesn’t matter now, right? Let’s just focus on the present.

The others slowly nodded as they began to eat again, but with a heavy cloud now over them.

Chapter 9 - …Fall of Kyuubi

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 9
-
… Fall of Kyuubi

Sunset didn’t dare to blink until a loose drop of sweat slid down her right eyebrow as it was essential to maintain her concentration. Her horn was surrounded by a shrinking flame-like aura as she struggled to freeze the levitated water in front of her.

Next to her stood a massive kitsune whose shadow enveloped her side and back. Her majestic tails were surrounded by silvery magic while one was in hoof’s reach, tempting the unicorn with its softness and begging to be hugged.

Today’s lesson took place in the garden. Both students were surrounded by a field of flowers as if painted in red and blue with a few trees and curious birds observing their performance.

The sun shone strongly from above with very few clouds to block its rays. The alicorn who commanded it towered authoritatively on a small rocky path in between two fields of flowers. Her glance was peaceful and calm, but also judging their progress.

Mere months after the incident with the Elemental Spirits, the princess focused her scarce lessons on elemental magic, going from Sunset’s favorite fire and peaceful wind, to forces of extreme cold and water.

Sunset groaned in annoyance as her block of ice was just a third of the size of Kyuubi’s. Their mentor kept summoning a continuous stream of water at a slow pace, waiting for them to freeze it.

“What’s wrong with me? I didn’t struggle anywhere as much with fire magic. Even wind was easier to get used to,” Sunset said to herself, thinking back to the tower of fire she summoned a month ago from atop of a mountain. It was a trip to a more secluded location to train fire magic where she impressed her mighty mentor, but now she was humiliating herself instead.

“Grow faster you stupid ice!” Sunset shouted, unleashing her frustration with repetitive stomping. With a rush of adrenaline and gritted teeth, she doubled her efforts, doubled the aura around her horn… and then doubled down as she collapsed, leaving her far behind Kyuubi’s score who now looked down at her with concern on her face. What Sunset found most frustrating though was lack of exhaustion on her friend.

Are you hurt? Kyuubi asked as she lowered herself. Let me help.

Sunset saw a large paw heading towards her forehead. Using what was left of her magic, she pushed the paw away with her telekinesis, refusing Kyuubi’s healing assistance. She had her pride and could continue without the aid of a fellow student.

“I believe it is about time for a break. Please take it easy,” Celestia said as she landed in front of her students, wind from her wings cooling the unicorn’s face.

“Break? Beak! I don’t need a break. I can still…”She failed to finish as her attempt to stand ended with dropping to her knees, one eye closed, and another barely open.

Celestia placed a caring wing on Sunset’s back. “I know you can. You have been trying to break your limits on many occasions and I admire your resolve.” The princess levitated over a bottle of water before looking to the side, her attention on nearby gardens. She summoned over a few while lilies, encouraging her students to sniff them. Kyuubi was more than eager to enjoy the beauty and the smell of the gifted flowers.

“However, there is nothing wrong with taking it slow as long as you reach your goal in the end. You may even miss little wonders while hastily chasing the big ones.”

I agree! Kyuubi gestured at a specific spot next to a tree while levitating over a mix of flowers, forming some sort of bouquet. To think this spot filled with flowers once served as a little pillow back when I first met you, Princess. They look so minuscule now, yet bring back so many memories.

Celestia smiled, looking at the same spot fondly.

Sunset rolled her eyes. “Easy for you to say. You can afford to slack off. Your results are greater than mine even without trying.” She pointed accusingly. “Stop going easy on me already. I don’t want your pity.”

Going easy on you? You make it sound like a competition.

“For me, it is a competition! I will work hard to surpass you! I only wish you stopped underestimating me. It’s so annoying!”

“I do not mind your rivalry…” Celestia started as she withdrew her wing from the unicorn.

Rivalry? Kyuubi tilted her head to the side. I don’t get it.

Sunset frowned. So she wasn’t even good enough to be considered a rival? Or was this large fox just that clueless about what competition meant? Surely, no one could be that clueless!

Celestia continued, “However, you should not be so hard on yourself. I can already tell that you have an affinity for fire magic, so it is not surprising that you struggle with ice and water.”

“And what about Kyuubi? She doesn’t have a tail for elemental magic, yet she’s still doing far better than me.”

“Age and experience. Be patient, my student. You will catch up to her, just give it time,” Celestia said with an encouraging tone.

Kyuubi showed a wide prideful grin. Do you want to know my secret? I just mix holy magic into it and my results improve immensely.

Celestia nodded, patting the paw of the large fox. “I must say I love your creativity: Purifying wind, holy water, cleansing frost, all those spells are so intriguing,” she spoke in an enthusiastic tone, dropping her usual regal way of speech. “You are the first po…creature that can summon ice that’s not even cold.” She giggled with a clad hoof raised in front of her face. “To be honest, I can hardly wait to see your approach to electricity.”

Sunset looked to the side and up at her rival with signs of envy. Patience was never her strong suit, but she had a strong resolve. She was going to surpass Kyuubi with perseverance and hard work. Kyuubi could go around her shortcomings, but Sunset didn’t have to. She was going to surpass her rival her way and become the top student. She was going to prove herself to the princess… no, not just to her, but also to Kyuubi. She was going to surpass this kitsune, showing the might of unicorns and making sure her friend didn’t look down at her ever again.

25 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

Sunset held her head raised in pride as she looked at the massive boulder she had managed to levitate. She glanced to the side at the much bigger boulder and the massive kitsune. While her rival still surpassed her, she started seeing small shortcomings in terms of Kyuubi's stamina and magical reserves.

It became more and more clear that the kitsune could no longer effortlessly win against her and the gap in raw power and mana pool was shrinking. She may have lost another battle, but it was only a matter of time before she won this war.

Wow, Sunset, your progress is astonishing. You truly show what hard work and solid training can accomplish.

Sunset leaped up onto Kyuubi’s muzzle, hanging onto it with the help of her forelegs. “But of course. After all, I am not lazy like some-fox I know.”

I… I am not. I just can’t… nevermind.

“See, you can’t even find any excuses anymore. You may have had an easy life under the princess’s wing as her only student, but now that you have a worthy rival, you need to start pulling your weight.” She climbed further up, poking Kyuubi in a spot between her eyes. “At this rate, you’ll do nothing but disappoint our mentor. Not to mention that it won’t be satisfying to surpass you if you’re not even trying. So do me a favor and start acting like a student of the princess should!”

Kyuubi raised an eyebrow. But I am not your rival… She mentally sighed. Fine… How about this; I will resume my training routines in the barracks. Will this satisfy you?

“Now you’re talking!” Sunset said as she backflipped, landing on the red carpet in front of her large friend. She walked towards her mentor’s bedchamber with a satisfied grin.

“You call this a shield? Let me show what a real shield looks like,“ Sunset said as she charged magic into her horn, standing in the middle of an obstacle course in the barracks as she joined the kitsune on her training routine. After aura grew to the size of her head, she unleashed her spell, surrounding herself with a burning orb. Flames danced around the bubble which surrounded her body. “Cool, isn't it.“

It looks cool, but how is it better than a regular barrier? Kyuubi asked as she knelt, taking a closer look at the flaming orb. It seems like it costs more magic to maintain as well.

“Not for me. Fire magic barely cost me any mana.“ Sunset made an opening in the flaming orb, jumping through it while performing a somersault in mid-air. The large kitsune clapped her paws in applause. Sunset raised her head arrogantly. “Not only does this version of a shield spell have the same durability as a regular shield, but it will also burn any creature who hits it directly. It will melt ice attacks with ease and absorb fire spells.“

Wow, really. You have to teach me! It may not be as cost-effective for me as it is for you, but maybe if I mix it with sacred flames I can get better results.

Sunset crossed her arms. “And why should I share the results of my hard work with a rival? I will never surpass you as Celestia's student if I share my secrets like that.“ She opened one eye, then another, as a pair of large pleading eyes now stared at her intensively. Drooping ears and a sad face were added to the mix. Despite her rival being slightly bigger than the princess herself, surpassing Sunset in terms of size a few times over, there was still so much childish innocence radiating from the oversized fox.

The unicorn lowered her forehooves and sighed. “Fiiiineee...“ She approached and boop lowered Kyuubi's nose. “But I expect you to teach me something cool soon.“

We have a deal, Kyubi responded, showing a toothy smile. I must say, your affinity for fire magic is really strong. Ever since that foalnaping incident...

“Miss Sunset,“ somepony interrupted.

“What!“ the unicorn asked loudly as she turned around, shooting the sergeant an annoyed glare.

The officer narrowed his eyes, returning the glare with his own. “Miss Kyuubi arranged today's training routine for herself in advance. I agreed to let you join, but you have been distracting her.“

“Distracting! I can train her way better than some low ranking officer with such underwhelming magic. If anything, you are distracting us.“

The unicorn stomped. “Watch your tone, kid! You may not be under my command, but you are in the barracks where I was tasked with helping her highness’ student practice how to defend herself. You may be her student as well, but you have no authority here.“

“No authority! Just you wait. Once I become more powerful and impress the princess, she will give me authority over scrubs like you. How would you like to be yelled at for a change and do a hundred pushups within a two-minute time limit?!“

Both filly and the officer glared at each other, their teeth gritted and their tails raised.

Sunset, please calm yourself. It is very impolite to be disrespectful towards….

“Be quiet. I will show no respect to somepony who has a strong tongue but a weak mind! He may be a grown-up, but his magic is far weaker than mine. I am the princess’ student! He should be the one showing me proper respect!“

Kyuubi sat and raised her forepaws, holding them together apologetically. I am truly sorry for my friend's behavior. She is still young and doesn't know any better. I wish to accept punishment in her stead.

“Hey, I am not that young! And stop speaking for me!“

The officer looked up at the kitsune and nodded. “It is nice to know that at least one of her highness’ students has proper manners and knows how to show respect. I will play along… for now.“ He turned around, walking away while murmuring to himself. “Sunset, heh. A brat like her would certainly benefit from discipline.“

Sunset stomped repeatedly. The moment she felt a paw touch her side, she turned around and pushed the kitsune away with her telekinesis. Kyuubi landed on her back and yelped in pain. Sunset bit her bottom lip and calmed down. “I'm sorry!“ She ran over and helped her stand with her levitation. Big or not, Kyuubi was fragile, and she needed to keep her temper in check around her.

Kyuubi looked at her friend, staring into those little eyes filled with worry and regret. She didn't have the heart to tell this to Sunset, but she sensed the effect of the broken fire spirit affecting the filly more and more. Aside from great affinity to fire spells, her way of speech became sharper and she now had a short fuse, ready to unleash anger for the slightest of reasons.

However, Sunset, who saw her as a rival to overcome, someone to compete for the princess’s approval, also still saw her as a friend. While Sunset didn't hesitate to yell at others, she always remained calm around her.

She considered telling Sunset about how a fragment of a destroyed spirit was affecting her mind, maybe even offering healing assistance. Still… there was a risk that healing her would take away her affinity for fire magic and greatly weaken Sunset's raw power. Would her friend ever forgive her for that? For now, it was best to keep an eye on the filly and help her remain calm. After all, they were going to be students for many years to come so she had plenty of time to aid her. There was no rush.

24 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

“Kyuubi, we need to talk!” Sunset said, staring up at her large friend as her very look made the large creature curl due to intimidation. "Now!"

Ab-b-b-bout what? Did I do something that displeases you?

“It is not about what you did, but rather what you didn’t!”

It didn’t take long before both unicorn and the kitsune walked through the secret passage leading into an abandoned mine, a location the two used for games like 'hide and seek' or for simple exploration. While Kyuubi wasn’t too eager to keep it a secret, Sunset had still managed to convince her otherwise.

This time however the tunnels filled with bright gems became an essential location for their big conversation.

Sunset sat atop a large titled silvery crystal, keeping herself at a height of Kyuubi’s muzzle who looked back at her with utmost worry.

The dead silence lasted for nearly a minute, adding anxiety into kitsune’s innocent mind. Finally, the unicorn decided to speak, “I’ll be honest, I’m really worried about your future.”

Wait… what? Kyuubi raised her head, staring back in confusion.

Sunset stood on her rear legs and pointed at her friend. “I admit, at first I was fixated on surpassing you, and as time passed, I was hoping our rivalry would encourage you to work harder, but to be honest, not much has changed.” She waved her forelegs in aggravation before lowering herself to four hooves, still balanced atop the large crystal. “I don’t think your magic reserves even dropped under half! And you call yourself a student of the princess!”

Sunset sighed, taking a few calming breaths as her outburst scared her larger friend. In fact, for such a big creature, Kyuubi was too easy to frighten, something worth working on. “Listen. We both possess powerful magic and great potential, but they need to be nurtured.”

She held forehoof on her chest. “I work diligently and my magic improves at a fast rate by the day. I am on the way to become a famous and mighty mage. It hurts seeing how you barely make any progress. I can’t stand seeing how you waste your potential.”

Kyuubi nodded in understanding, no longer intimidated. She smiled, clearly touched by Sunset’s concern. Thank you, it means a lot to me that you care about me. And trust me, I would train my magic a lot harder if I could, but if I do… I’ll… She gritted her teeth and looked to the side. Seconds passed as she refused to continue.

“Why do you always cut short? What’s keeping you from unleashing your full potential?”

Kyuubi raised forepaws onto her blushing face, covering it. It’s… embarrassing. Let’s just say there’s an important reason why I avoid overworking myself.

Sunset stomped. “Well… if you’re not going to share this secret then I don’t care. But you’d better know this. For the sake of your talents and future, I will force you to push your limits. You may not like it, but I am doing it for your sake.”

Kyuubi gulped as pupils in her eyes shrank. She knew her friend well enough so seeing the determination on Sunset’s face filled her with a sense of dread.

But it hurts... I… I can't…

“Of course you can!“ Sunset encouraged her as she levitated a few large boulders, feeling a few percents of their weight pressing against her body. Next to her stood Kyuubi, levitating a similar weight as her second tail was surrounded by a large silvery aura. “You have been falling behind way too much. You will never make much progress by playing it safe. You must push your limits.“

But I can't… I can't...

“Not with that attitude! Don’t say you can’t, say you can! You must stop being so lazy and cowardly, you must grab the bull by its horns! We are her highness’ students, we are meant for great things. I can't allow you to slack off and fall behind. I am doing this for the sake of your future.“

Drops of sweat fell down Kyuubi's face, her teeth grit, and her eyes closed. The aura around her tail grew weaker with each passing moment.

Sunset ignored her struggle as she looked up at her struggling friend. If things continued this way, she would become so much mightier and more powerful than the large kitsune, leaving her in the dirt, and it didn't feel right. When she pushed herself to her limits, exhausting her magical reserves to become stronger, Kyuubi played it safe.

Her friend was lazy and she wouldn't allow it. To help Kyuubi develop and keep up with her, she needed to force that large, fluffy, lazy fox to push her limits, and she was going to do it whenever Kyuubi liked it or not.

I… I’ve had enough… I need a break.

Sunset groaned in annoyance. “No, you don't. You can do better, but you can't give up!“ She levitated one of her boulders over Kyuubi and warned. “Catch!“

Stop it!

Sunset sent a quick scanning spell, examining her friend's reserves before adding another boulder for Kyuubi to levitate. “Why should I? You still have reserves of a third of your magic left. I know you're not used to going under half, but you have to make the first step.“

N...no… you don't understand...

The moment Kyuubi lowered one boulder onto the ground, Sunset levitated another one, placing it on the kitsune's back. Of course, she wouldn't dare to endanger her friend's life so she placed weights with the utmost caution, but she couldn't allow her to take a break just yet. A bit of hardship and struggle was what her friend needed to improve.

Kyuubi felt as if her tails were heating up more and more as she soon felt a burning sensation in them. Her body started aching even though it was her magic that she used rather than her muscles.

She forced her eyes open, looking at Sunset with pleading eyes, but the young pony seemed too determined to go through with it. To make matters worse, she started seeing a strong aura of magic radiating from her friend, as well as smelling a very appetizing smell and her surroundings looked as if viewed through red glass. Atop that she heard the noise of her heartbeat in her ears. ‘Sunset, you MUST stop this at once!’

“You still have one-fifth of your magical reserves left. Hang in there a little longer!“ Sunset encouraged Kyuubi, though her words did nothing but anger her more.

How long had it been since she felt such frustration towards anyone? Still, it was partially her fault for not telling Sunset the importance of keeping her magic reserves high, something she was now paying for.

I… I can't. I need to keep my reserves… high… or else, she struggled to explain, to tell Sunset why she shouldn't train this hard, but had no strength to do so. With her magic being more and more scarce and all the weight she was forced to levitate, she couldn't concentrate on communication. All she could do was to endure it.

“Fifteen percent… only a little more!“

Kyuubi dropped to her knees, feeling intense pain in her chest and tails. It was no longer simple exhaustion but as if her entire body was being stabbed with needles and torn apart from the inside. Her heartbeat started slowing down while breathing became harder with each passing second.

“Ten percent, you can do this!“

Kyuubi started growling as her surroundings became redder, her attention now fully focused on her prey. Her inner instincts didn't just tell her to hunt, but to fight for her very survival. Her body kept sending her messages that she was… dying… and that there was only one way to save her own life.

Suddenly, she felt a large rush of adrenaline and magic, as if her body redirected everything it had left for one particular purpose. Kill or be killed. Feeling as if her insides were about to shut down, she pushed all boulders aside with great force, breaking through Sunset's levitation. She ran forward in rage and then jumped as her vision turned black.

Seconds passed by as Kyuubi opened her eyes, hearing a loud painful scream. She felt as if something meaty and crunchy was inside her spacious mouth, tasting more delicious than everything she had ever eaten before. Her eyes became wide the moment her vision sharpened as she saw Sunset lying in a pool of blood, her left foreleg missing as more blood emerged from the wound.

To make matters worse, part of her still saw her friend as prey, her smell so appetizing, and her aura of magic demanding to be devoured.

Another weird thing she noticed was that Sunset seemed a bit smaller than before, or could she be the one who grew?

She shook her head and focused magic into her third tail, ignoring the aching in her chest. She ran forward on her shaking paws and touched Sunsets injury, sending all the healing magic she could muster. Slowly but steady, filly's foreleg grew back as she finally ended her ongoing scream.

As if she wasn't overwhelmed with guilt already, the hate she saw when Sunset looked at her broke her heart into pieces.

A beam of magic shot in her direction, pushing her into the air while leaving a bleeding injury in her chest. Kyuubi fell onto her back, taking several seconds to push herself to stand and additional seconds to close the injury on her chest, yet nothing hurt more than seeing a battle-ready Sunset staring back with crying eyes.

Her own eyes started producing tears as she fully realized what she had done. She turned around and concentrated, using another portion of her shrinking reserves to open a magical gate. She jumped, not carrying where she was going to end up as long as it was as far away from here as possible. After what she did, there was no place for her among the innocent ponies. All there was left for her was to run.

Chapter 10 - Isolation

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 10

Isolation

24 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

When Kyuubi opened the magical gate, she didn't care where she would land as the only thing she deeply desired was isolation. Away from Sunset who she had just tried to eat, away from Princess Celestia whose trust she had failed, away from the castle and the capital of the pony nation she betrayed.

Her muscles were tense as her paws made repetitive contact with the dirt, occasionally touching patches of grass. Tears still clouded her vision as her surroundings were blurry, making her rely on her senses of touch and hearing.

One thing was certain, she was no longer in the castle area as she could see a lot of bronze and green; too much green even for the Royal Garden. Maybe she was in the forest? Quite often whenever she admired the view of the city from the tower, she could see a massive forest on the horizon. Maybe she had instinctively teleported there, hoping to hide among the green jungle?

Her running was cut off as her rear paw got tangled with a root, causing her to trip and her chin to unceremoniously hit the ground.

Now awakened from her blind panic, she whimpered while wiping away tears from her face. Soon, she was able to get a clearer picture of where she was.

Trees with broken branches, shaped like large hands and trunks in the shape of ghostly faces stared at her. Thorns growing from the branches aided the spooky atmosphere that sent a chill down her spine. Was this forest haunted by spirits? Was every tree and bush ready to come to life and attack her? Or was it just her imagination playing tricks on her?

A chill went through her bones. Wherever this place was, it was probably dangerous, and an aura of hostility seemed to be all around her.

Kyuubi turned around, noticing that she was surrounded by trees and underbrush from all sides as barely any light reached her from between the branches. Her desire to separate herself from the ponies was granted, yet she didn’t feel happy about it.

Calm down, Kyuubi, calm down… She took a deep breath, thinking back to today’s events. How such a simple day could turn into her worst nightmare was beyond her comprehension. One thing was certain, she had to move forward and get a better understanding of her surroundings.

She walked with her ears straightened, alarmed at even the slightest noise. After ten minutes, she spotted a rock similar to the one she saw before. Another few minutes, and another, she quickly figured out she was walking in circles, going through bushes and bypassing numerous paths as anxiety and guilt weighed on her mind.

Kyuubi flinched, her attention now focused on the rustling coming from behind the line of bushes as the noise grew in strength. It didn’t take long before three creatures emerged from the green scenery as her four tails suddenly puffed wider and more fluffy, similar to the tail of a scared cat.

Ahead of her approached three wolf-like abominations made out of wood, with flickering green flames bursting at the bottom of their eyes. Little drops of green slobber trailed down their bottom jaws.

Kyuubi could do little but stare at the abominations before her, wondering if her fear of trees coming to life was well-founded. Each of the monsters returned her gaze, only with more ferocity and obvious hunger.

H-hello… M-my name’s Kyuubi… N-nice to… meet you… she spoke telepathically, addressing the creatures who seemed more eager to lick their wooden lips rather than to reply. G-good dogies...

Step by step, Kyuubi walked backward, her muscles tensed and senses sharp as she didn’t dare to avert her gaze away from the approaching predators. Keeping her attention on all three creatures suddenly became harder as they split up, trying to flank her from three sides.

Kyuubi bit her bottom lip as drops of sweat fell down her face, her breathing unstable. While she was taller and bigger than the wooden creatures, she was still outmatched in terms of numbers. She nervously looked left and right, expecting to be attacked at any moment.

Fear, that’s certainly what she felt, and not just the fear of hurting another, but fear of pain and death. To make matters worse, the wolves seemed to sense her fear and become more encouraged by it. She tried to counter it, raising her four tails threateningly while taking an intimidating pose, but it did little to discourage the advancing predators.

Her ears perked up at the noise of the breaking stick. The moment she glanced at her rear paw, she noticed a root, and then that she was trapped against a tree from behind while three predators covered the other three sides.

Her ears drooped and a sad whimper escaped her mouth. With her magic still low and her body fragile, what chance did she have against a seasoned pack of wooden wolves? She was a predator herself, sure, but the wilderness was new to her.

Kyuubi gulped and raised a defensive bubble, trembling in fear while hoping it would keep her safe. Despite being grown up, she once again felt like a little fox with the sharp sword of a powerful knight raised and ready to slice her.

She yelped as the noise of teeth and claws colliding with her barrier reached her ears. Her eyes became wide as her silvery bubble became thinner and thinner while the predators grew in size. She could see fragments of wood levitate over and attach themselves to the wolves, adding to their mass while her silvery bubble seemed to be drained by beasts’ teeth.

They are… eating my magic… oh no!

Kyuubi dropped her shield as the attackers now rivaled her in terms of size. Green substance fell down their mouth as if her defenses were an appetizer, and they were now going to reach for the main dish.

Feeling as if her heart was trying to escape her chest, Kyuubi ran forward and jumped, only to end up intercepted in mid-air and pressed against the grass. She felt clawed paws restrain both of her forepaws from both sides, rending her immobile for the third wooden wolf whose paws pressed against her chest, and whose saliva fell onto her cheek.

She struggled, failing to move before a scream of pain escaped her mouth. She felt teeth sinking into both of her forepaws while the third wolf bit her neck as if God itself properly punished her for what she did to her friend.

She wriggled in pain, yet it wasn’t her flesh that the predators were after, which made it worse as she could simply heal a regular injury. No, the monsters’ teeth sucked away her magic, repeating her previous experience as she once again felt extremely drained and at death's door.

In a rush of desperation and anger, she opened her mouth and sank her teeth into the wood on the wolf’s arm. The arm broke apart in an instant as she felt magic refill her body, even increasing her size by a millimeter or two.

The damaged wolf backed off as green liquid fell to the ground from his injury, yet the other two still sucked away at her magic, pinning her while staying away from her mouth’s reach.

Unable to move or reach them, Kyuubi grit her teeth, focusing magic for a single spell. Her third tail shone brightly before radiating with the light of ‘Holy Flare’. Much to her shock, her assailants weren’t just blinded, but instead, their body parts fell to the ground or onto her fur, now being nothing more than lifeless logs and sticks. She could see green magic withdrawing deeper into the forest.

Did I just… exorcise living wood? she asked herself while standing to her trembling paws. She carefully poked the lifeless wood, remaining wary in case it came back to life again. Was it just like those Elemental Spirits? Well, at least I have a defense against any more of them. Oh, wait, didn’t the spirits I free said they would make their new home in this forest? They may be able to help me! I should look for them.

She looked around at the hostile scenery, suspecting that she’d need to rely on this spell more often than she would like.

With danger averted, and her heartbeat returning to normal, she examined her new home, taking in her surroundings. Now that I think about it, those wooden creatures weren’t all that different from me, feeding on magic in order to grow. She rubbed an open wound on her forepaw before healing it along with the others.

Her ears drooped as she slowly walked towards the closest tree, climbing it as a growing sadness weighed her down. After making her way through the annoying branches as numerous leaves were now stuck to her fur, she peeked through, feeling the rays of the sun warm her face. Her gaze rested on the capital - a castle and the city that proudly stood atop the tall mountain, the home of a wonderful and kind ruler and very nice ponies. A good number were friends she would never see again.

Tears once again slid down her face as she felt her heart get pierced repeatedly. She was a predator, her place was among other monsters like her rather than among innocent prey. Goodbye Princess… goodbye, my friends… She sighed before a sad whimper escaped her pounding face. Sunset… for whatever it’s worth… I’m truly sorry.

Kyuubi finished her daily prayer, this time away from the comfort of Celestia’s bedchamber as she knelt on a small stack of leaves, staring at a random tree in the darkened atmosphere. Her senses were active as she kept her attention upon looking for a possible ambush. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry… I… I failed you, I failed the princess, I failed everyone… God, please don’t abandon me. Help me find the right path… Don’t allow your tool, your subject, to be lost. If it’s in your will, please show me the way, the light when everything seems so dark…

Was it four weeks or maybe two months? She couldn’t tell as barely any light reached the labyrinth forest she was living in. She wandered through the hostile forest, not bothering to map it as she kept getting lost repeatedly anyway, deciding to rely on luck whenever searching for a new spot to rest while wary of hostile creatures.

She glanced at her dirty fur which was no longer as white and shining as it used to be. Now, having many stains, it was a shade of bronze. While her healing magic had closed nearly a hundred injuries in the past weeks, it certainly couldn’t help her deal with the dirt. No luxurious spa, no soap, no brush, just a river with cold water she could use, only for her to fall into a pool of mud afterward.

Her defensive magic and ‘Holy Flare’ came to her aid on multiple occasions, keeping her alive while the wooden wolves learned not to cross her, yet she couldn’t help but feel like she performed terribly. The amount of magic she used to keep dangers away, the number of ambushes she fell into, all the times she got lost. Her ability to operate in the wild was far inferior to all the creatures living here as only her powerful magic kept her from becoming a predator's meal.

If not for the fact that she could eat everything and even sustain herself with magic alone, she would have become skin and bones a long time ago. Not every creature was blessed with her ability to sustain itself without food, and unlike plants, she could travel and cast spells.

I’m so... bored! she thought to herself as she pushed herself through thorny bushes, which in turn scratched her fur which seemed to have grown a bit wider since she appeared in this hostile forest. While she didn’t need to hunt for food and just needed to watch for her safety, it just meant that she had less to distract her. She just wandered alone, without a goal except for just surviving.

No friends to play with, no Celestia to impress with her progress and good grades, only herself and surrounding dangers. After living in Canterlot for two-three decades, she was missing the games and entertainment that came with it.

I’d give anything to hear Rosey asking if I want to go to the park. Or hear Nightbright wish to see the stars. Even Sunset to read with her at the library.

Kyuubi sniffed, picking up the scent of blood which she became familiar with. Following her nose, she quickly spotted a bloody stain on the grass, and then a trial of blood deeper into the underbrush. Her ears dropped. Some creature was injured and it was in her power to aid it, enemy or not.

One step after another, she followed the trail of blood, walking as stealthily as her big paws could allow her. She rounded thorny bushes, peeking from behind a tree as her attention focused on a big open grassy field, one with fewer trees and few rays from the sun radiating upon it. She could see numerous flowers in a diversity of colors with red and yellow being the most dominant. Among the flowers, she spotted another creature, a grey pony with black stripes.

“Leave me alone, you foul creature depart! Or I shall pierce out your heart!”

Kyuubi bit her bottom lip as the injured pony now stared back at her, its hoof-made spear aimed in her direction. With careful steps, she walked from behind the tree, approaching slowly. Please don’t be afraid. I’m here to help, not hurt. Her telepathic message didn’t seem to calm the pony-like creature who maintained a battle-stance.

As she approached closer, she noticed claw marks on this creature's flank. Furthermore, while Kyuubi was bigger than Celestia herself, this being seemed a bit smaller than the average mare, indicating that she wasn’t fully mature as the size-difference became more than apparent.

I see you have a nasty wound. It can become infected if not addressed fast. I can heal injuries with my magic, Kyuubi said in haste, but the pony-like being just took a step back for Kyuubi’s every step forward. Their size difference seemed to have an intimidating effect the one time she didn’t want to appear intimidating.

Kyuubi lowered herself and looked ahead with the most innocent eyes she could muster, her signature puppy stare. While she wanted to heal the injury, it was too deep to do it from afar, she needed to make direct contact.

“Trickery won’t work on me! Now depart, begone with thee!”

Kyuubi’s fourth tail shone with power as she formed a little shield in front of her chest, blocking the thrust of the spear. Upon close inspection, she spotted some sort of substance covering the metallic-edge, but she didn’t care. She stretched her paw, trying to touch the injured flank, only for the little creature to jump to the side and stab her forepaw, causing her to yelp.

After a few failed attempts as she blocked more spear-strikes, Kyuubi’s second tail shone, enveloping the little creature in the telekinetic hold.

“You think this will work on me? I won’t fall for your trickery,” the stripped pony said in a feminine voice as it reached into her saddlebag, picking up and throwing ahead some sort of powder.

Kyuubi sniffed, finding the smell to be odd as some of the powder landed on her fur. Her levitating grab started weakening a moment later. Seeing another thrust, she summoned a shield, which shattered quickly as the spear sank into her chest.

Kyuubi grit her teeth, refusing to scream as the spear's size was small when compared to her full size, aside from the fact that the strike seemed weak when compared to the claws she had felt in the past weeks. She stretched her forepaw, which covered this pony’s entire flank. Her third tail flashed with power as she sent healing magic into the injury, causing the little creature to show a painful look.

The moment she withdrew her forepaw, the smaller creature looked at it, clearly in shock as the injuries were gone.

Kyuubi smiled warmly before gently placing her onto the grass. All better?

“You’re healing my injury instead of showing me your fury?”

I told you I wanted to heal you, but I understand your fear. I would be afraid of myself if I were in your hooves, Kyuubi said before turning around, walking away with a proud smile on her face. There was something in helping and healing others she enjoyed, and she missed that warm feeling in her heart. However, another feeling caught her attention, a feeling of fatigue, and her surroundings suddenly started to spin. Her steps became heavier as she fell onto her side, suddenly paralyzed and sleepy.

She took one glance as her chest-wound, and then at numerous wounds on her forepaw. She glanced at the face of the pony-like creature which started back at her in pity. Wait… that spear… could it be… poisonous? Kyuubi concentrated her magic, sending healing magic towards her chest and paw, but while it closed the wounds, the weakness didn’t leave her. Her eyes became heavy, closing on their own as her consciousness faded away.

Kyuubi forced her eyes open, staring ahead in panic while hyperventilating, her body still weak as she lay on her left side. The first thing that caught her attention was a campfire as its flames lighted the darkened area, the flames dancing among the shadows of their surroundings.

“Awake already I see, hope thy dreams were pleasant for thee.”

Kyuubi blinked, noticing the same creature she helped before who seemed to have attached some sort of wet leaves onto the injury on her chest. A moment of confusion ended quickly as a theory formed in her mind. Did you injure me again to apply an antidote?

“Your healing powers did impress. An antidote you needed for progress.”

You… healed me? Thank you, Kyuubi thanked her, still not believing how easily she went down. This pony-like creature could have skinned her for her fur and valuable tails while leaving the meat to local predators, and she would have been unable to do anything about it. Her face became pale at the very thought.

"Aided me, despite my fear, you have done. Curing you was the least I could have done," the smaller creature said as she gently stroked her fluffy chest, sinking hoof into the dirty fur. “You’re nothing like the creatures of this hostile wood. You’re kind, innocent, and very good.”

Well… I’m not exactly native to this forest. I was living in the castle until weeks ago. The name’s Kyuubi by the way, nice to meet you, she said with a smile before supporting herself on a single paw, struggling to sit. She looked down on the striped pony, who no longer seemed intimidated by her sizable presence.

"Zecora is the name that was given to me. Nice to meet you, my friend, Kyuubi."

Why do you speak in such a weird way? Kyuubi asked, though the young creature just looked back in annoyance. S-sorry… She lowered her head in shame. Are you a pony by any chance? I can see some similarities.

“Pony? Certainly not, I’m a zebra as you should know. Away from home, I did go. I traveled from the southern jungles far from my kind, searching for new places and new herbs to find.”

Herbs? Why?

"Research and discovery. Cures for recovery. For you see my talent is known as alchemy."

Kyuubi smiled proudly as she looked at the young zebra with growing respect. While she struggled to survive in this hostile forest, this smaller youth ventured here on her own. I must say, I’m impressed by your bravery.

“It takes not as much bravery when you have skill. I search for discovery and not for the thrill.”

I see. As for me, I like discovering new spells, but I am not used to exploration. She gestured around with her large forepaw. I have been walking in circles for weeks.

Zecora held forehoof over her mouth, chuckling.

What’s so funny? she asked, tilting her head to the side.

"Just thinking of a mighty creature like you, without a hint of what to do."

Kyuubi rolled her eyes before looking at the nearby path. She needed to keep her distance from the prey, and she wouldn’t want to endanger this gold-hearted young zebra. She pushed herself to stand, only for her paws to bent, causing her to sit on her other side. She blinked, her muscles feeling as if they were made of jelly.

“Why so eager to leave when you still tire? Stay longer and warm at my fire,” Zecora said encouragingly, sitting on the other side of the campfire while looking up at her curiously as if studying her features.

Kyuubi nodded hesitantly. While she didn’t feel comfortable remaining close to a magical creature, what harm was there in a minute or two? She was missing the company after all.

The silence lasted for minutes as Zecora ate a few berries, sharing some with her.

Kyuubi hesitated, remembering the stomach ache the last three times she tried to eat a berry or a mushroom. Now that I think about it, I haven’t eaten anything for an entire week. It feels good to taste something again. She chewed and gulped, quickly eating her share due to her size. I hope those won’t prove to be toxic. My healing magic seems to struggle with toxins and poisons. She narrowed her eyes and frowned in annoyance. I sure lack experience in healing what’s not related to open wounds and broken bones. I need to work on that.

“You helped me, showing kindness unlikely from a beast, yet you remain silent, not willing to talk in the least.”

T-talk, s-sure, I would love to. She rubbed the back of her neck with her weakened paw. Do you… like the weather here? Kyuubi looked to the side, disappointed at her terrible choice of questions.

Zecora looked up at her with a raised eyebrow. “How about we share our past and adventures to get to know each other? It's the best way to warm up to one another.”

Kyuubi beamed a smile, nodding hastily. While part of her feared the hostile reaction, the desire to unload her heavy heart came out on top. Her secondary tail flashed with power as she spoke in haste. I was taken in and raised by priests and monks who mistook me for a little fox…

Kyuubi smiled sheepishly, covering her embarrassed face due to ongoing complaints.

“No camouflage, no cave or cover to hide, it is plain. You are out of your mind and quite insane,” Zecora said, standing on her rear hooves while pointing at a stack of leaves. "Sleeping in the open with no shelter or bed. How is it that you have not ended up dead?"

I cover myself with a magical dome when I rest, Kyuubi said defensively. Just an hour ago she had shared the dark history of a powerful Ninetales who had brought war and ruin to many kingdoms, about her being a predator who grew stronger and bigger by eating magical beings, and not even hiding her merciless act of eating Sunset’s foreleg.

She expected Zebra to become wary of her, keep her distance, or even run away. Instead, the curious youth asked Kyuubi to lead them to her last sleeping spot while asking how she survived these past weeks.

Instead of hate or fear, the zebra showed nothing but disappointment.

Zecora climbed onto Kyuubi’s side, perching herself on her back while stroking kitsune’s neck. “Sleeping under a magical dome means waking up with most magic half-gone. No plan, misuse of your resources, those are a poor use of your forces.”

Kyuubi smiled at the pleasant rubbing, but her mood darkened quickly after as her ears drooped. While what she learned from the guards and at the school helped her in direct confrontation, she was still wasteful with her magic in the long run. She had the power, but no survival skills or necessary knowledge of the wild.

"Fear not, my unskilled kitsune friend. A deal I shall make to teach you to avoid your end."

A deal? Kyuubi asked, peeking behind at her passenger.

"You wish to stay away from ponies due to your shame, but first this forest you must tame." Zecora rubbed Kyuubi’s back with her hooves, adding, "Teach you how to survive, this I will do. In exchange, you will protect me. Does this work for you?"

Help each other? But what can I offer to someone like you?

"Your magic is powerful, and your size will cause fright. Use them to protect me, and we'll be alright."

Kyuubi rubbed her chin before smiling at the idea. Not only would she have a companion who’d help her find a way in this hostile forest, but she could aid this young zebra in return. Not to mention that she loved being helpful. Still, there was one issue that needed to be addressed.

With help of her levitation, she raised the zebra upward. She sat on her side, placing four tails next to her right forepaw before placing the zebra on one of them. As much as I love the idea, are you sure you want to trust me? Seeing the confusion on the zebra’s face, Kyuubi raised a forepaw to her chest and added, I’m a predator, a natural enemy for magical beings such as you. N-not that I want to eat you or anything, but I did eat Sunset’s foreleg when my magic reserves were completely dry. What… what if I lost control while around you?

Zecora raised her head proudly. “Fear not, I will be ready should this time come. But I trust that you will see to it that such a deed will not be done."

Kyuubi smiled sheepishly. Did it mean that this zebra would finish her for good? Or just restrain her? Whatever was the case, it was the best deal she could get. If… if you’re sure you’re safe around me, then I accept your deal. She raised a large forepaw, holding it in front of the zebra’s face, who carefully shook it with her so much smaller hooves.

Kyuubi yawned before lying on her side, curling herself around Zecora while sinking the zebra into her rich fur. But how about we start our cooperation tomorrow? I feel sleepy.

Zecora blushed, yet before she could protest, she found herself enjoying the softness of her fluffy bed. As the magical dome rose over them, she hesitantly agreed.

Kyuubi closed her eyes, now sleeping in a nice company as her weeks of loneliness were finally over. Her good mood turned sour as a mental image of the times she had slept with young Sunset Shimmer surfaced in her mind. In the past she was similarly curled around the filly, reminding herself of the good old times that weren’t coming back.

Chapter 11 - Sage of the Everfree

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 11

Sage of the Everfree

20 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

“You can’t be serious!” Sunset shouted in frustration, her horn flaring to life as her levitated teacup crashed into the checkered grey and white floor, shattering into pieces while leaving a stain. She stood up and kicked away her gold-red chair with both of her rear hooves, glaring up at the princess on the other side of the dining table.

Outside of stained-glass decorations, two orange doors decorated the spacious rooms, each equipped with red carpet. One door led to the hallway that servants used to deliver food from the kitchen, though the princess herself occasionally took the role of a cook herself.

“I am most serious, my dear student,” Celestia replied, maintaining her stoic posture as she ignored Sunset’s outburst, taking another sip of her tea. “After years of fruitless search, I may finally be able to reunite with my dearest Kyuubi.”

“Dearest Kyuubi? You mean that wolf in sheep...fox’s skin?” Sunset said as she walked around the table with firm steps, groaning. “If you have forgotten already, that beast bit my arm off, chewing on my foreleg while I experienced indescribable agony!”

“And she healed your injury immediately after,” Celestia replied, meeting her student’s glare with her own.

“She healed my injury, but do you think the scar of that horrible day is gone? Even to this day I still have nightmares.” The unicorn stomped before poking her own horn. “Furthermore, my raw power had become at least twenty percent weaker ever since that day. Kyuubi doesn’t just eat meat, it permanently steals magic.”

Celestia looked to the side and bit her bottom lip, recalling memories of an ancient foe. While she and her sister stopped Tirek before he could become a threat, she couldn’t help but find similarities. No, it was worse than that. Once Tirek was defeated, they managed to force him to return all the magic he had stolen before they locked him in Tartarus. With Kyuubi it was different. If the kitsune was capable of returning magic, she would no doubt immediately have given back what she took from Sunset, if only because of guilt. This meant that she couldn’t do that. Whether Celestia liked it or not, whenever Kyuubi would take a bite of a magical creature, she would steal part of its magic forever.

The unicorn stood on her rear hooves and poked the alicorn in the chest with the tip of her hoof. “Despite what happened, you ordered your guards to look for that monster, not to lock it in a cage, but to bring it back under your tutelage. They searched this city and nearby towns, often patrolling areas between them. You even ordered the spreading of missing posters and interrogated your subjects. Do you have any idea how much this frustrated me?”

Celestia spread her wings authoritatively, giving her student glare which forces her to back away. “I understand your anger, but I also understand how she feels. She always feared she would hurt somepony and I had to keep convincing her that she should trust in herself. I can only imagine the guilt she felt and that’s why she’s hiding from us. I want to make it right.”

“Make it right?” Sunset sat and crossed her arms. “It is right as it is! That magic-eating kitsune is living away from ponies and me being your only personal student is right.” She raised her head arrogantly. “You had been teaching and raising that monster for years, yet I surpassed her progress and raw power while being half her age. Each year my magic grew at a rate four times greater when compared to her, and my grades were also superior. You don’t need to waste your time on her and put your subjects at risk.”

Celestia mentally sighed, remembering the rivalry between her students that had evolved despite their earlier friendship. While she couldn’t deny that Sunset’s potential far exceeded Kyuubi’s, the purifying and healing abilities weren’t something the unicorn could replicate. Furthermore, while Kyuubi lacked in many areas where Sunset shone, she showed kindness, humility, patience, and had a good heart. Sunset on the other hoof was held back by her arrogance, believing herself superior to others. Her hot temper was also a problem.

“I can learn spells faster than Kyuubi and create my own, and unlike her, I am more all-rounded. I don’t need tails to specialize in only specific fields of magic. And most importantly,” she stomped with both of her hooves, “I’m not a predator that will try to eat others. Just forget about her and focus on my future instead!”

“Your future? I’m doing the best I can to guide you, but I refuse to give up on her.”

“Your best? Right…” Sunset said before turning her back to the princess. “You’re almost always busy with your duties. I mean, I understand, you’re a ruler after all, but most of your free time you’re wasting on searching for that stupid fox. I feel like I’m wasting my talents here.”

The alicorn narrowed her eyes. While she was a little neglectful when it came to her pupil’s studies, it was difficult for her to do otherwise while worried about Kyuubi. Sunset’s lack of respect for her authority and cold words towards the poor kitsune also abraded her patience. “I admit, I was a bit neglectful at teaching you, but once Kyuubi is found, I’ll make everything right.”

“You mean that rumor about the Sage of Everfree that the commoners of Ponyville started to spread? Even if this rumor is true, finding her there won’t be easy, not to mention it's dangerous for your guards.” Sunset glanced for a moment at her half-eaten cake before walking towards the closest door. “Kyuubi doesn’t belong here. She belongs in that dangerous forest. The faster you realize that, the better. Just leave her be,” she suggested, shutting the door behind her.

Celestia closed her wings and groaned in frustration. While she understood the trauma her student faced, Sunset’s worsening behavior kept getting on her nerves. She missed the times when she raised only Kyuubi, finding their time together meaningful and enjoyable. It didn’t matter that the kitsune had flaws and shortcomings, it didn’t matter that she was a predator and made slower progress, being with her made the princess happy. Guiding Sunset on the other side felt more like an unpleasant chore. It had even gotten to the point where Sunset’s behavior had ended the friendship between her, Rosey, and Nightbright.

The two had done everything they could to search for their friend while Sunset did nothing but tell them Kyuubi deserved to be exiled. It led to a fight, a nasty one if she heard right, that all but ended whatever friendship they once had. If Sunset was bothered by it, she didn’t show it.

She may be extremely talented, but I fear whom she may become with that attitude and lack of morals. The more I try to teach her the importance of humility and kindness, the more she’s resisting. Am I that bad of a teacher? She lowered her head and dropped her wings as she pushed away a plate with unfinished cake, not feeling hungry anymore. First, she failed Kyuubi, and now Sunset seemed to be going towards a darker path. Maybe she was unfit for the role of mentor after all.

“I didn’t think I would see your family again after all this time. I see the curse is doing you no favors,” said a unicorn pony in his late fifties with a grey mane and cobalt blue coat spoke up from behind the principal's desk. “Our best professors and most talented students studied that curse for months with little progress.” The principal lowered his head in shame, his tone apologetic. “I am deeply sorry, but removing such a powerful curse is beyond even our capabilities.”

He looked at the family ahead, a tall brown stallion, whose short mane and tail were striped with blue and yellow, his cutie mark a golden chalice. A damaged safari hat rested on his head. His skin was covered in wrinkles while his long beard grew from his face and chin. The earth pony looked at his wife, a sea-blue pegasus with silvery mane, her cutie mark golden coins flying atop clouds of wind while her appearance also showed signs of aging.

Both parents looked down in between them at a bandaged filly, her fur pink and mane lavender while a hedgehog decorated her flanks. She looked back at her parents with depressed eyes while enhanced hoof-cuffs restrained her legs. At least two runes shining with magic decorated each cuff, improving their durability.

“That’s not true, Principal Lightstar. We believe one of you students can,” said the stallion, giving the principal a determined glance.

“You mean…” Lightstar said, his eyes wide at the realization. “Miss Kyuubi! She may… or rather would have had the means to purify your curse.” He gritted his teeth and lowered his head shamefully before adding, “If only I had thought of that years ago before her disappearance.”

“Yes, if only you had,” the stallion said in a harsh tone before receiving a disapproving glare from his wife.

“Now’s not the time to shift the blame,” the mare said as she placed her right wing on her husband’s back. “Due to our attempts to… isolate ourselves, we heard about what Celestia’s newest pupil is capable of only a week ago, and rushed here immediately.” She looked ahead with a pleading look, her tone desperate, “You must allow us to meet her, she may be our last chance!”

“I wish it was that simple, but Kyuubi has been missing for years now. Haven’t you seen any of the missing posters on your way to Canterlot?”

The family shook their heads, though their daughter didn’t.

“You mean that picture of the cute foxy on the wall? I saw it.”

The mare gently stroked the filly’s side. “I know it’s too late for us, but Lily deserves a normal life. We’ll search for her if we must.”

The filly whimpered. “B-but… but I feel fine, mommy.” She tried to raise her hoof, struggling against her restraints. “I am a strong filly, I won’t break. I won’t hurt...”

“No, you’re not sweetie. I know you feel invincible, but you’re not,” the mother said in an elderly tone, nuzzling her daughter who whimpered in response. “Our powers come at great cost, and they may harm others when you least expect it.”

The filly’s ears drooped as she looked at her restraints in sadness.

The principal shook his head and sighed. “I understand your sentiment. Normally. I shouldn’t share this information, but I believe your family deserves it. Consider this my way of making amends for my mistake.”

Both parents raised their heads, looking at the principal with a mix of desperation and hope.

The principal stood from his chair and rounded his desk, now addressing the family from close. “There has been a rumor in Ponyville about a ‘Wise Guardian of the Everfree”. We suspect that it may be related to Kyuubi. Her Highness is already making preparations to search for her, but it will take time before she mobilizes the search party with a proper escort.” He looked down before gently patting the filly’s head. “The question is, ‘will she allow them to find her, or will she make it difficult?’ The forest alone is a dangerous place to explore.”

Both old ponies looked at each other and nodded. “Just leave it to us.”

“Our curse may be dangerous to others, but it will help us overcome whatever danger awaits us,” father said.

“We’ll find her,” the mother said.

“Adventure, yay!” the filly shouted, trying to jump in excitement. Her cuffs stopped her though, causing her to land on her chin and groan in annoyance.

“I wish you both best of luck. If this rumor turns out to be true, many ponies will become happier for it.”

He watched the excited family make their way to the exit, only to raise a protective bubble over himself. An attempt to open the door in haste resulted in the wall of his room crumbling and dust covering the entire room. The old stallion looked back with an awkward smile while mare already opened her purse, picking up bits for damage-repairs.

A merchant pony covered by grey fur and with a short yellow mane walked backward, his trembling body decorated by claw-marks and sweating intensely.

In front of him approached the king of local beasts. It had the appearance of some sort of giant cat, but with wings, a red mane covering its chest and neck, and a huge stinger that it was just pulling up out of the ground. It snarled at him, revealing a mouthful of sharp teeth, and lurched forward again with long, slow strides. More saliva kept falling from the beast’s mouth as it licked its lips. Its claws were covered in blood.

The terrified pony grabbed and threw his turban at the monster, which turned into confetti from a double slash of sharp claws. He ran to the left, but the beast jumped, landing in his way with a loud thud. The earth trembled, almost knocking him off balance as nearby trees and thorny bushes blocked his means of escape.

His attention shifted towards another monster, this one almost as big while four fluffy tails were standing from its back.

“No, no, no! Please, don’t eat me!” He kept looking between two predators as if wondering which one will charge at him first.

His fears were replaced by shock as he spotted a pony peeking from behind the monster's neck. His son, it was unmistakably him. The very reason he entered this cursed place was to find his foolish foal who decided to explore and play here against his warnings and prohibitions. While seeing him alive lightened the weight on his heart, one question remained: Why was his son riding that vulpine beast?

What he saw next only increased his confusion. The large fox tore away her arm, feeding it to the manticore before another foreleg grew in its place. His face became pale at the view of blood and the fox’s short-lived agony. Luckily, his son was spared that experience as its long tails conveniently covered his son’s head.

You’re safe, there’s nothing to fear, spoke a motherly voice inside his mind. Not a moment later the manticore walked away, satisfied with a large foreleg between its teeth.

“She… she tore off her leg to feed that monster in exchange for your life?” the mare asked, blinking and in shock.

“Did it hurt?” asked Lily from her father’s back, her limbs still restrained by enhanced metallic cuffs.

The cursed family stood at the entrance to the Everfree, guided by the merchant with a cart filled with porcelain, attached to his sides.

“I thought the same thing. When I asked her, she just told me that she disabled some of her pain receptors with an inner spell. She didn’t deny that it hurt a ton though.” He gestured at himself, his fur clean and presentable. “She healed herself and me very quickly, and saved not just me but also my son. She truly deserves her title of the Everfree’s Sage.”

Both parents smiled with joy, feeling growing hope for the first time in years. “How can we find her?” they asked in unison.

The merchant shrugged. “Beats me. She seems to appear only whenever somepony is in trouble but withdraws immediately after. She must be very shy if you ask me.”

“That’s… not much to go on. I’m not sure if it is worth it to put ourselves in danger. What if she is far away and does not hear our calls for help?”

“Then, you’ll die.”

The mare glanced at his husband and suggested, “We don’t need to be in real danger. We just need her to think that we are.”

Both parents glanced at their daughter and nodded. This was a risky move, but with the curse controlling their lives, they didn’t have much to lose.

“Let your magic flow, guide it with what you know,” Zecora guided as she stood on a single hoof, her eyes closed in deep concentration. “It’s not enough to cast a spell. You must feel yourself as well.”

Kyuubi felt her nose twitching as she lay on a bed of leaves next to a large tree, one with space inside. Do we have to do these training sessions in between work?

“Training one’s body, training one’s mind, both are essential to raise your spirit in kind.”

I know, I know, but I was in the middle of turning a tree into your new shelter, and we still need to come up with a camouflaged shelter for me that would be closer than the ruined castle. Can’t we train afterward?

“Diligence is important to focus on, no work can go above and beyond.”

Kyuubi’s nose twitched again as she resisted the urge to sneeze. She opened one eye, looking at her younger mentor. You know it would be a lot easier to concentrate on my training if you weren’t meditating atop my muzzle. It tickles.

“Those who cast spells need concentration, those who control inner magic need meditation. No outside influence can distract, you must master that little fact,” Zecora guided.

Kyuubi cast quick scanning spells, paying close attention to the flow of magic inside Zecora’s body, an example she used for her own training. In the past, her magical sessions focused on concentrating magic into spells, to control a force that would affect her surroundings. Training with Zecora was vastly different: focusing on controlling the magic inside her to affect her own body, and by extension how to use it to more effectively affect other creatures. As if changing studies from giving first-aid to more advanced surgery.

Nullifying one’s pain, dispelling poison from one’s body, improving resistances, and strengthening one’s durability. Zebra’s arts seemed like a mix between a unicorn and an earth pony. When unicorns controlled magic with their minds, the magic inside earth ponies aided them in every day’s tasks without the pony’s influence. The way Zecora taught her allowed her to control her inner magic to aid her own body as if becoming an earth pony herself but controlling what kind of boost this magic would give her.

She was still a novice though, and controlling her inner magic in the middle of a crisis was no easier than casting regular spells, and it certainly wasn’t easy with that annoying zebra standing atop her muzzle.

Kyuubi grinned, cutting a little bit of her fur with her magic before levitating it towards the zebra’s nose, tickling it.

Zecora sneezed a few seconds later, losing balance while falling unceremoniously on her chin, then looked her in the eyes from her flattened position.

The kitsune giggled. Not so easy to focus with a twitching nose, isn’t it? So much for you being a master yourself.

Zebra stood up, then sat, crossing her forearms in annoyance. “I’ve much to learn, so I have found, but I’m trying my best with the distractions around. Teaching you I happen to enjoy, some respect I expect but instead, you’re coy.”

I know that you do and I truly appreciate your teachings, but I can’t help but find your methods quite out of ordinary, same with your hard-to-understand way of speech. She raised one forepaw, gently stroking the zebra’s side while sending forth magic in the form of pleasant heat. Also, you need to relax. It’s no fun being serious all the time. Maybe a friendly game or something?

“To be lectured by a friendly beast, I expected such not in the least.” Zecora chuckled before patting Kyuubi on the spot between her big innocent eyes. “I respected you as worthy of my trust, and you’ve proven to be both kind and just.” She smiled warmly. “Now I respect your size and might and see you as a friend, yet I believe you may be too innocent and too kind in the end.”

Thank you, though I don’t think I deserve so much trust. Her ears drooped. I think I preferred when you approached me with caution. The last friend who trusted me too much ended up betrayed by me.

Zecora looked back at her in pity as she continued to stroke her fur.

Kyuubi’s ears twitched upon hearing a loud cry for help echo through the forest. She quickly turned her head towards the source of the voice, accidentally throwing the zebra onto the ground. S-sorry! She hastily picked the zebra back to her hooves with simple levitation, giving her a panicked glance. Someone is in trouble. We can train later.

Without hesitation, she stood up and started to run, taking several seconds to get her long paws moving at full speed. Whatever her zebra friend was yelling at her became inaudible as she passed trees and bushes, her stamina and speed now improved when compared to her past weaker self.

When hearing cries for help, she rushed forward without hesitation, ready to negotiate with the residents of the forest and protect whoever was in danger. Needless to say, when she got there she found no beasts or danger, but three ponies who looked at her in awe. Kyuubi felt somewhat backstabbed after learning of the ponies’ trickery. Was she truly too naive for her own good?

Her look of betrayal slowly shifted into a curious stare, which was returned by stares as if she was a walking miracle. Who… are you. Why did you trick me like that? Kyuubi asked, wondering ’what could be so important as to risk venturing into this dangerous place?’

The stallion raised his forepaw to his chest as he stood next to a moss-covered boulder. “My name is Topaz Longsock.”

The mare standing next to the stallion raised forehoof to her chest. “My name is Jewel Longsock.” She lowered her head, nuzzling the filly. “And my daughter’s name is Lily Longsock.”

Longsock? I have a hard time picturing what your special talent can be by your name, and I didn’t have that problem before, Kyuubi said, tilting her head to the side. Now that she thought about it, ponies seemed to be quite literal with their names, and apparently, they changed their names often after the discovery of their special talents.

“I suppose a name fitting a pony’s talent is a cultural thing, but we never bothered with it,” Topaz said, chuckling. “As for why we tricked you, well…” He looked down, rubbing his forehoof nervously. “We need your help.”

Help?

Jewel spread her wings and flew up, trying to look Kyuubi eye to eye from the same height. “Our family has been cursed for generations, and we believe you may be the only one who can save us.”

Curse? Kyuubi asked as her ears perked up, so did her tails, her interest at its peak. Dealing with curses was her duty as blessed by God. After all this time she could finally put her purifying abilities to use. Also, why was the filly covered in bandages and have cuffs on her forelegs? Was this related somehow? Please elaborate.

The elderly mare flew to the side, stretching her foreleg before punching the nearby tree. Wood shattered, scattering around while a big hole was formed on the lower part of the tree, which ended up torn from its roots, flying a few meters away before falling to the ground with a loud thud while crushing nearby bushes.

Kyuubi and the ponies started shaking from the sudden quake, doing their best to maintain balance. She blinked, swearing she saw some sort of a dark aura around the pegasus mare for a second.

“To be as detailed as possible, we come from a line of adventures. Long ago, our ancestors once found a lamp of sorts, a home to a powerful Ifrid, one they mistook for a wish-granting spirit.” The stallion stomped, his hoof sinking to the ground as cracks spread around it from the impact. Another quake followed as Lily lost her balance. “They wished to become the most powerful and most unstoppable adventures in Equestria. What they got was a blessing and a curse that spread over their entire family and carried on for generations.” He bit his lip, helping his daughter stand.

Kyuubi lowered herself, lying on the dirt in front of the family while listening with full attention. A lamp with Ifrid that granted cursed wishes? Certainly something worth memorizing.

Jewel landed in front of Fox's muzzle, adding in a depressed tone, “I heard that they were indeed gifted. Their earth pony magic became much stronger, and they gained some sort of magic that would increase their durability and physical strength. They could survive any trap and force their way through any wall or obstacle, becoming quite famous for their achievements.”

Topaz lowered his head. “But they soon learned that it came at a price. Whenever they called upon their new power, their lifespan was shortened, so in other words, they aged very quickly.”

The filly remained silent, clearly bothered by something.

Jewel continued, “This curse has been carried for every new generation, and it can even spread. I didn’t care about Topaz’s curse and married him anyway, only for this curse to affect me not long after. What’s weird was that Topaz became a little younger while I became older, as if this curse wanted for us to suffer equally.” She frowned, shooting her husband an annoyed glare who just lowered his head in shame. “And it’s not like we can refuse to use those powers. This curse makes it so those powers activate on their own. It takes only a little bit of stress or mere activity requiring a bit of strength, and we suddenly cause a lot of damage.”

Topaz added, “I’m not even sure how much accidental destruction our ancestors caused, or how many ponies they injured with their uncontrollable strength. We searched all over Equestria for a cure, and when this failed, we chose to live a secluded life, away from civilization in order not to hurt anypony. We had accepted the fact that our death will take this curse to the grave… but...”

“Our daughter doesn’t deserve it, and we have no one who will care for her once we pass away,” Jewel said, wrapping the filly in a tight embrace, adding wings to the mix. “If you can save us, or at least save her from this cruel fate, we’ll be forever grateful.”

Kyuubi stood up, overflowing with determination as she charged magic into her tails. You can count on me!

Topaz, Jewel and Lily looked up at her, hope in their eyes.

By the way, if this curse increases your age whenever you use your powers, how old are you exactly?

“Thirty-two,” said stallion, his features resembling double the mentioned age in Kyuubi’s eyes.

“Twenty-nine,” said the mare, looking no younger than her husband.

“I’m… I’m three,” said the filly, causing the kitsune’s eyes to widen. A filly that looked as if she was already ten years old was only three!

Kyuubi grit her teeth as a shining white wave of magic spread through the ground from under her forepaws, heading towards the family. After several seconds a holy rune formed on the ground, causing the ponies to glance at it in confusion before covering their eyes from the bright light.

Slowly but steadily, holy magic made its way up from the ground, enveloping the ponies hooves, then bellies, reaching to the top of their heads. A burst of red-orange magic emerged, as if made of hot flames flared to life, and started wrestling against the holy magic as both forces tried to extinguish each other.

Kyuubi dropped to one knee, sweat covering her head as she felt a growing pain in her tails and muscles. Some strong force resisted her purification, and she could feel it. The more magic she put into the process, the more pain she was receiving in return.

You dare to interfere with my gift. Learn your place mortal, she heard a powerful commanding voice in her head before the pain she felt increased in strength. She tried to counter by controlling her inner magic as Zecora taught her, as if a mix of meditation and the painkiller spell, yet nothing changed. This was a pain she couldn’t weaken.

Your magic can put up a fight against mine. How… amusing. It has been millennia since someone could resist me.

Kyuubi whimpered, then screeched in pain. She broke her connection to the purifying rune, breathing rapidly before coughing up blood from her lungs.

The ponies looked at the puddle of blood in shock as Topaz and Jewel covered their daughter’s eyes.

Kyuubi closed her eyes, meditating as her third tail flared to life. She directed her healing magic inside her body, recovering whatever inner injury was caused a moment ago. Detecting hostile magic, as if a curse of a sort in her body, she purified it. After the healing was done, she opened her eyes, quickly met with worried looks of the pony family who now stared at her from up close.

“What happened?” asked Topaz.

“Did it work?” asked Jewel.

“Is the big foxie hurt?” asked Lily.

Kyuubi waited for her breathing and heartbeat to stabilize as she scanned her body, not detecting any curse. She scanned the ponies ahead before shaking her head, detecting the curse in the ponies. I’m sorry. I… I tried, I truly did, but something interfered. But… but I’ll try again. I’m not giving up. She stood up immediately, only to drop to one knee as the weakness didn’t leave her just yet.

“Please don’t strain yourself,” Topaz said.

“No, ignore him. Just try again,” Jewel said.

The stallion shot his wife a disapproving glare. “But she’s completely exhausted. We shouldn’t…”

“I don’t care if she’s tired. She was closer to healing us than any scholar before her, I could feel it. She needs to keep trying!” Jewel shouted, causing her daughter to cover her ears.

Kyuubi looked ahead at the arguing duo as their stomping caused an earthquake.

C-calm down… Kyuubi pleaded, quickly levitating away Lily before she could fall into one of spreading cracks between the arguing couple. As her plea didn’t work, she shouted, I said calm down! You’re scaring Lily.

Both ponies stopped in an instant, looking between their daughter and cracks on the ground before lowering their heads in shame.

Kyuubi looked at restrained filly as an idea was born in her mind. I think I made a mistake trying to heal you all at once. Your daughter’s curse seems to be the weakest. Maybe if I can’t heal you all, I can at least try to heal you one at a time.

“Foxie can heal me? No mean curse my mommy and daddy speak about?”

I... I’ll try my best. She lowered the filly in front of her forepaws, now lying in front of Lily while focusing her magic. The process repeated, though the sight of resisting flaming magic was much smaller than before.

Topaz and Jewel looked at the auras of magic around Lily, wishing with all their hearts for the process to succeed as their breathing increased in speed, their eyes wide.

Kyuubi felt the familiar pain again, this time weaker than before. Your suffering is truly a treat, so much more filling, and I finally get the chance to face someone who can put up a fight. By all means, I welcome you to try as many times as you like. This challenge is most interesting.

The kitsune doubled her efforts, wrestling against the curse as the filly started showing discomfort on her face, following up with a pained whimper.

Kyuubi stopped the purifying process, deciding not to prolong her and the filly’s pain. She wiped the sweat from her forehead before scanning the filly. The curse was still there but seemed a bit weaker as if she made a bit of progress in removing it.

“And? Did it work?” Topaz asked.

“Is our daughter safe from the curse?” Jewel asked, both staring as if expecting salvation from their crumbling world.

Kyuubi showed a weak smile. Not yet, but I made a bit of progress.

“A bit of progress?” Topaz asked.

“What does that mean? Jewel asked.

The large fox gently picked the filly, now holding her on the sole of her forepaw as there was enough space for the little pony to sit on. The curse in your daughter has weakened a little bit. While I am too weak to heal you, I think I should be able to save your daughter. It won’t happen tomorrow or maybe for a week, but I should be able to remove every bit of the curse from her eventually.

Both parents smiled brightly, jumping in joy while causing another quake upon landing.

Kyuubi added another paw, keeping the filly from falling, who in return nuzzled her paws, an act of affection and thankfulness that filled her heart with joy. All the pain she’ll need to endure for the coming weeks, worth it.

“And… what about us. Is healing us impossible?” asked Jewel, stopping her cheerful dance with her husband.

Kyuubi bit her bottom lip, taking a moment to answer. Well… I may be too weak to help you now, but my magic grows stronger with age. Maybe one day I may become strong enough to help you, but for now, I can only help your daughter.

Topaz embraced his wife and looked at the kitsune with a grateful smile. “That’s good enough for us. Our daughter will be saved and we have hope. We’re most grateful.”

Jewel nodded, pushing herself free from her husband’s embrace before flying upward, picking up her daughter from Kyuubi’s paw. “We have some bits with us that should last for months. We’ll move to Ponyville and bring you our daughter every day so you can help her. Is this acceptable?”

Kyuubi nodded energetically, making a mental note to tell Zecora about what happened. She doubted alchemy would do better than her purifying magic, but it was worth a try. Wait… Zecora is very experienced in controlling one’s inner magic. Maybe she can teach you how to keep those cursed powers in check. It would certainly help, she thought to herself before her attention focused on the bandages covering the filly.

She concentrated, asking the ponies telepathically. I understand that those cuffs are there to keep your daughter from hurting herself and the others as she may not have control of her increased strength, but what about those bandages? Is Lily injured?

The mare nodded. “Y-yes. Our daughter is still young, yet she was born with an unhealthy desire to challenge herself and adventure. From her second year on she was always looking for something to lift, or trouble she could get into. She fractured her bones and hurt a few ponies as a result.”

Topaz rubbed the ground with a hoof, not looking the kitsune in the eyes. “We had to restrain her for her own good. She may look like a normal filly, but she’s still too young to understand how dangerous her strength is. She even got her cutie mark by nearly breaking a mail-pony’s foreleg by hugging it.

Oh, I see… Kyuubi said before focusing some of her magic, which seemed to be a bit low as the ponies ahead started looking tasty. She touched the filly with the tip of her forepaw, sending her magic into the filly for several seconds. And done. I healed whatever inner injuries she accumulated. It wasn’t even all that hard.

Lily looked at herself, blinking in confusion. “Foxie… healed me?”

The mare untied the bandages from the filly, not noticing any marks of self-inflicted damage. “She… did.”

Kyuubi blushed upon feeling a family hug on her neck, waving at the leaving ponies with a warm smile on her face a moment later. Once she was left alone, she looked at the branches blocking the sky, thinking. It seems that there are powers and dark forces my purifying is still too weak to heal. What… what if I’ll be too weak to save Luna from her curse?

She stood up and walked on her tired paws, going to her hideout, the ruined Castle Of The Two Sisters. While she separated herself from the princess and ponies, she didn’t forget about Celestia’s plea for her to save her sister, and if the princess’s theory was right, Luna would come back as Nightmare Moon to the spot where she was banished by the Elements. Her plan was simple. Live in the old castle and be ready to purity Nightmare Moon the moment she would return.

What… what if I’ll be too weak? What if I fail in the most critical moment? I may still have time to grow stronger, but alicorn’s magic is really powerful. She gulped, suddenly feeling fear of failure, but she refused to panic. Maybe if she couldn’t rely on her purifying powers, she should rely on God’s guidance. During today’s prayers, she needed to give her plea, a plea for guidance on how to save Luna, and for the well-being of the cursed family.

Chapter 12 - Spiritual Reunion

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 12

Spiritual Reunion

15 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

The Everfree Forest, home to numerous wild and dangerous creatures, filled with wild magic and freedom, a place that even ponies didn't try to tame. Here the strong devour the weak and everyone lives by their own rules. How long had it been since the elemental spirits experienced such a life?

After centuries of being imprisoned in amulets, forced to possess ponies and live among them, it felt both alien and refreshing to once again live by the laws of nature.

Not that experiencing life through the senses of living creatures was all that bad, but it still felt too different. The fear of one day not finding another host and spending eternity trapped inside an object haunted them every night.

Today, however, it has been more than a decade since a mighty and kind kitsune granted them freedom. Another day when water spirits could interact with the freshwater of a lake or the muddy waters of the swamp. Another day for earth spirits to explore underground tunnels and interact with the earth itself. The fire spirits didn't stay in the forest for long though, quickly leaving in search of a volcano, dessert, or other sources of intense heat.

Most wind spirits headed for the nearby hills and mountains in a search for stronger wind currents, though staying away from Canterlot Mountain for obvious reasons.

This particular wind spirit didn't mind staying in the Everfree for its love of creating music from rustling leaves. Juggling one leaf with its wind, then a hundred, proved to be more entertaining than it expected, and there were bits of wild magic in the air to be felt.

Of course, meeting various creatures was an interesting distraction from time to time, as it had to occasionally escape or defeat those who attempted to eat its magic.

It took some time getting used to living as a free spirit again after centuries of living inside ponies, but progress had been made.

Its new life was interrupted nine years ago as it caught the wind of a newcomer in the forest, a powerful one. At first, it decided to stay away from this power, as did its fellow spirits. Messing around with beings with strong magic had ended poorly in the past and no one wanted to take any chances.

Still, there seemed to be some familiarity in the magic, as if they had encountered it before. As its curiosity grew, the wind spirit had finally gathered the courage to spy on this newcomer.

Best case scenario, this creature would not be as hostile or as dangerous as they feared.

Worst case scenario, it would warn the other spirits about the danger and what to expect.

Of course, stealth played an essential role in it, and a strong wind wasn't exactly quiet. For this, it had to become a breeze. Unfortunately, unlike real air, its body wasn't invisible as others saw it as a green tornado with two limbs and shining blue lights that resembled eyes.

From one bit of cover to another, it flew through the forest, hiding behind leaves and inside bushes as they camouflaged its presence. It had to move slowly and remain calm though, keeping its winds as calm and as silent as possible. A rustling bush would certainly attract unnecessary attention.

”Thank you miss Zecora, my mommy and daddy will love these.”

The spirit flew to the upper part of the tree, peeking from behind the leaves, which started rustling louder and louder. Wind from its body intensified upon a sudden realization. The one they avoided, the newcomer and new powerhouse that appeared in the Everfree Forest was none other than Kyuubi! But why had she been living for years in this hostile place? Was this kind and noble creature banished by the ponies? But why?

Kyuubi wasn't alone though as she was in the company of a pink filly, who waved farewells at a zebra. Next to the filly were three large bags with some bottles filled with an odd liquid sticking up from them. It made sense though. Zebras were often praised for their alchemy skills in books about foreign cultures, though such literature was quite rare.

It seems that a zebra has settled down in this dangerous forest. That's quite unexpected. How did it survive? the spirit thought as it watched the zebra return to its tree home, which seemed to serve as some sort of shelter. A bit of smoke coming out through the window indicated the brewing of new mixtures. Wait, why is there a filly here? She's in even greater danger.

More and more questions formed in the spirit's mind as its attention focused on Kyuubi. As the kitsune turned around and walked left and right, taking long and slow steps with her large paws while scounting her surroundings, it became clear that she had grown up considerably since their last encounter. Not that this kitsune was small before as she was slowly surpassing even the princess in terms of height, but now she looked like a giant; giving many predators of the Everfree a run for their bits in sheer size.

What if the ponies demanded her banishment because they were intimidated by her size? Fear was often a reason behind isolationism or hostility after all.

Another difference was the amount of magic the spirit could sense. In the past, this kitsune wasn't standing out all that much, but now her magic was no less than triple that which had made her a force to be reckoned with.

Wait, didn’t she have four tails? Now she has five. She is growing so fast.

The spirit calmed down, restraining itself as the rustling and movement of leaves calmed down as well. Kyuubi glanced in its direction for a moment but did not seem to notice anything out of ordinary, its camouflage had worked.

”Miss Foxie, leave this to me!”

Kyuubi stopped walking and looked down, glancing at the filly.

The little earth pony grabbed three ropes between her teeth and pulled the bags, drops of sweat fell down her forehead a moment later.

The kitsune stretched her long paw, moving it behind the bags.

The filly released the ropes and bumped into the paw with her head. ”Don't help, I want to do this on my own!”

Kyuubi rolled her eyes and lay on her side, perching her chin on her forepaws, from the corner of her eye watching the filly who wrestled with the large bags. The little pony was walking backward on her trembling legs at a rather… underwhelming speed. From the moment the filly reached the rear paws of the kitsune, it took her three minutes to finally bypass her head.

Although not known for their patience, the wind spirit observed the scene as patiently as it could, gathering its courage to talk with the mighty savior of spirits. If I reveal myself, I may scare the filly. What to do?

It glanced at the pony, comparing her size to the bags it pulled. Earth ponies are well known for their stamina and physical strength, but to pull three bags twice her size, all filled with bottles with potions. That's at least fifteen times her weight. She seems a bit stronger than an average filly.

Will you kindly reveal yourself? I know you are there.

The wind spirit looked at the kitsune, who kept staring in its direction, the mental message no doubt coming from her. Its camouflage was busted. Like a breeze, it descended towards the kitsune, revealing its windy form which caused the filly to flinch.

Kyuubi smiled at the filly and gestured with her forepaw. Whatever she told the pony calmed her down in an instant.

”Are you one of the spirits that Kyuubi freed? Oh, that's so... cool. Wait, you are a wind spirit. I will call you Windy. Nice to meet you, Windy!”

The wind spirit observed the enthusiastic filly, caught off guard by her warm smile and energetic tail flaps. Why is this filly so fearless? It lowered its limb, touching the filly's forehead in order to send a mental message, Nice to meet you too. You are quite brave to be in this place, young one.

”Of course I am brave. I am the daughter of two amazing adventurers! My name is Lily, Lily Longsock. Hey, your voice was that of a mare, so I was right calling you Windy. Do you like that name?”

Sure… I had a different name in the past, but this one sounds nice so I don't mind. May I ask you some questions?

”Sure, ask away!”

Windy lowered herself. Aside from communicating, touching the filly allowed her to sense magic similar to Kyuubi's. There was a connection between them for sure. Little Lily, can you tell me why are you in this forest with Kyuubi? This place is very dangerous.

”I am carrying Zecora's stuff to the dusty old castle and Kyuubi is escorting me.” She gestured at the bags, turning her head as she temporarily separated herself from Windy's limb. ”My mommy and daddy will love it there, and Zecora's medicine will make them healthier.”

Kyuubi added, We are moving to the ruined castle of the Royal Sisters. It has served as a shelter for only me before but is spacious enough for a large group. It can accommodate many ponies and I won't need to go outside of the Everfree whenever I want to meet with Lily's parents.

Windy moved her limb, once again touching Lily's forehead, asking in concern and confusion, Why are you and your parents moving to the heart of this dangerous place? Most ponies avoid this forest like a tornado. Is this because they are adventurers?

”It's a long story.” Lily stood on her rear hooves, trying to support her forehooves against the spirit, only for her hooves to go through the living wind and land on the ground. She giggled and continued, ”In short, Kyuubi kept purifying me from my curse over and over, but it kept coming back. After she grew a new tail, she managed to turn my curse into a blessing. She is my savior and bestest friend, and I want to be with her and grow stronger.”

Curse, growing stronger, what are you talking about?

Lily pointed at the gigantic fox. ”Ask Kyuubi for the full story. I am going back to get my bags. They won't deliver themselves.”

The spirit watched as the filly grabbed the ropes, once again pulling the large bags through the path between two long lines of threes, heading towards the bridge, something that would no doubt take a few hours at this speed. Furthermore, if this filly refused Kyuubi’s help, it wouldn’t surprise her if she refused to use a cart, making this task harder on herself on purpose.

She flew over to the large kitsune, wondering what kind of curse Kyuubi was dealing with. Curiosity was at its peak. The kitsune lowered her head, allowing Windy’s limb to touch her forehead. Soon, the telepathic exchange of information has begun.

I can't believe you have been hiding in this forest all this time. I am so... sorry!

What for? asked Kyuubi as she kept walking, the spirit now perched atop her head. She levitated over a bottle of water to the struggling Lily, who released the robes and grabbed it, drinking eagerly. Kyuubi lay down further on the path, waiting for the filly to catch up while keeping eyes open and ears raised in search of predators.

For not assisting you. You have done so much for us, yet we failed to recognize your magic. You struggled for survival in the wild, you weren't used to it and we hid from you in fear.

It is alright, I forgive you. Besides, Zecora helped me adapt and taught me many useful spells. She raised her fifth tail proudly, moving it closer to her face before stroking it. Thanks to my newest tail, I can control my inner magic, using it to boost durability and resistances inside my body. What's more, I can heal toxins and poisons, making my healing capabilities so much greater. She looked at the filly, pointing at her. Now that Lily possesses part of my magic, she can do more than an average earth pony. Once she grows strong enough, I want to ask Zecora to teach her how to control her inner magic.

But we still should have helped. We owe you our freedom. Just say the word and we will aid you any way we can.

I appreciate it, Kyuubi replied, but as you can see, I am doing fine. Though I wouldn't mind a little help with cleaning. The castle is a mess and I want to get at least some of it in shape.

Say no more, I shall assist immediately. Windy pointed at Lily. But there is one thing I don't get. You said that after you turned that curse into a blessing, she lost all her powers, yet she seems a bit stronger than an earth pony her age should be. What's up with that?

Kyuubi smiled, giggling. That's true, she lost the power granted to her by the curse, but my blessing offers something better.

Meaning?

I turned her curse into a blessing three months ago, but it didn't extinguish her desire to search for thrills and to push herself. Kyuubi tapped her chin. I think two months ago she lifted a one hundred kilogram rock with her hooves and started lifting random weights ever since.

Both kitsune and the spirit watched as the filly collapsed, breathing heavily while lying flat on her belly. After a minute of resting, she stood up, grabbing the ropes and continuing her struggle.

A week later she lifted a stone twenty kilograms heavier than the last, and a month ago she carried nearly two hundred kilograms on her back. I mean, I know that earth ponies grow stronger the more they train or work, but their training becomes less efficient the stronger they get. This isn't the case for Lily. Each day that she trains hard, she seems to lift greater weights at linear progress.

Windy leaned down, now watching the filly while touching Kyuubi's cheek. Are you saying that she has no limits, or rather that there's no telling where her limits lie?

Precisely. She may start from scratch, but she has an amazing resolve and I wish to nurture her talent. Aside from physical strength, her durability also seems to increase at a quick rate whenever she hurts herself, which sadly happens often. That is where my healing comes into the picture.

You keep an eye on her so you can heal her. Figures. You were always caring about others. I truly admire your resolve, Windy praised.

Thank you. What I am most excited about is helping her learn inner spells. My blessing seems to allow her to learn magic that a normal earth pony can't control, and I would truly love to see what she can learn. She lowered her head and sighed. Besides, there's not much else I can do and I love her company. I would hate to hurt her though, which frightens me.

Hurt her, oh, you mean like with Sunset Shimmer. Didn't it happen only because you exhausted your magic?

Kyuubi's chin hit the ground with a loud thud. That's the worst part. I know I should keep Lily at a distance, but I fear she will injure herself if I take my eyes away from her even for a moment. Until she is strong and durable enough, I need to be nearby to keep her safe and healthy. She sighed, then followed up with a tired scowl. I constantly monitor my magic reserves and watch my every step. I… I can’t allow myself to repeat my past mistakes.

Windy nuzzled Kyuubi with its body, sending a pleasant chilling wind to cool her fur. I may not know you for long, but from our last encounter, I can tell that you are forgiving and peaceful. Have trust in yourself. You think of yourself as a dangerous storm, but in reality, you are a most pleasant breeze.

Tell that to Sunset Shimmer. I doubt she shares your beliefs.

Windy looked at Lily for a moment, who had just finished another break. Oddly enough, after each break, the filly pulled the bags a little faster than before. Willpower and determination were the limiting factors, and Lily certainly didn't lack them. Kyuubi. The princess raised you into a wonderful, mighty creature. I am sure you can raise this filly into a powerful, mighty pony. In fact, I would love to teach her wind magic... assuming she can learn it. It would help her a lot with mobility.

Kyuubi raised her head, nuzzling Windy in return as her muzzle passed through her form. Wow, nuzzling the wind is hard.

It is a bit ticklish, but I appreciate the gesture. Windy bowed to the mighty kitsune, one who was now the ruler of this forest in her eyes. Even if there were larger and mightier beasts that lived here, she knew that Kyuubi would surpass them one day. I get the impression that it will take a few hours before Lily reaches the castle. I will go ahead and blow the dust away.

Sure, see you there. Kyuubi smiled warmly, waving farewell with her large paw.

Windy hovered over the beaten path, feeling an odd sense of satisfaction and purpose. If Kyuubi was indeed living inside the castle, she was more than willing to make it presentable and clean. After all, a mighty and kind kitsune who will one day become the mightiest being in this forest, deserved the most royal of accommodations.

Chapter 13 - The Rise of Lily

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 13

The Rise of Lily

11 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

“... as it is in your kingdom, so be it in ours. Guide us and keep us safe from the temptations of evil and sin,” Lily spoke, kneeling on a worn, torn, but dust-free carpet with the sun and the moon inscribed on it. She glanced at Kyuubi, seeking encouragement as the massive kitsune kept watching her with a proud smile.

A chill breeze whistled through the empty windows high above Kyuubi’s head, causing the brilliant silver moonlight gleaming off the throne room’s stonework to waver as the remaining scraps of the tattered banners flapped and fluttered.

Lily looked ahead, staring at the stairs before looking up at two old thrones. One damaged that once belonged to the ruler of the sun, while the other one with a crescent moon inscribed to it that belonged to the ruler of the night, this one publicly known as the princess who sacrificed herself to seal Nightmare Moon away.

“God, please watch over my parents, watch over Kyuubi, Zecora, and little me. Guide me so I won’t hurt anyone with my strength, but be helpful instead. Help me become a strong and helpful pony.”

Lily stood from her knees, turning and looking up at the towering large ball of white fluff. “Did I… do it correctly?” she asked, hoping she didn’t fail at something the kitsune took especially seriously. Only a moment later she ended up levitating onto Kyuubi’s paw while one claw of the fox's other paw gently rubbed her belly. She giggled cheerfully, enjoying the belly-wubs, a gesture which told her that she was a good filly.

With the prayers said, Kyuubi walked through the old castle halls, bypassing intimidating spiky armors as she headed towards the dining room, with Lily perched comfortably on her back. She glanced back at her five majestic tails, admiring them with a proud smile. Due to intense studies under Zecora’s guidance, who was no longer a reckless youth but had become a wise alchemist, she grew her fifth tail which supported her in this new field of spells and nearly doubled her raw power.

She had learned to use a camouflaging spell that let her blend into the wild, reduce the noise of her steps and prevent her body from creating a scent. It was but one of her new survival tools.

With deep meditation she could increase her toxic resistance, as well as resistance to paralyzing venom and spells, while her healing magic expanded its reach as well, allowing her to neutralize poisons and toxins of the most deadly kind in other creatures. Aside from the magical armor that she had learned at the school, she now knew how to increase her durability, strengthening her skin and bones, improving her fragile body while covering her biggest weaknesses and so much more. Her durability was still far from adequate, but it was a step in the right direction for sure.

Now that I think about it, if mages from the land that I come from are indeed so fragile, maybe my kin has grown to massive sizes to compensate for that. It is a lot harder to kill a gigantic multi-tailed fox than a little one after all. Being big but fragile makes me as tough as a smaller magical pony. She examined herself as she was now as tall as a manticore, even having trouble getting through tighter spaces that in the past hadn’t given her any problems. The world around her felt smaller and more fragile with each passing decade.

She looked down at her massive paws, which now had a more muscular build, a side effect of living in the wild as it improved her lacking athletic abilities. In the past, she struggled during field practices in the barracks, and now she started enjoying her morning exercises and long runs through the woods. There was this feeling of speed and freedom she started to enjoy.

I doubt that I’ll grow big and strong enough in time to overcome Nightmare Moon. I hope that the spell I’m working on will work… she thought, thinking back to her numerous visions. Ever since she pleaded to God for guidance for a way she could save Celestia’s sister, she had started seeing visions during some of her dreams, visions of how to create a spell that would save Luna. What this spell would do was still a mystery to her, but this is where having faith was important. She just needed to finish this spell and believe it will work. The question is, how will I get the most important element? Without time magic, this spell is completely useless.

“Miss Kyuubi, it’s time for my daily challenge.”

The kitsune stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide. She was several meters away from the dining room where Topaz and Jewel were waiting for them, and now of all times, Lily asked her for the daily challenge. She watched the little filly climb down her arm, landing in front of her forepaw before taking a firm stance, looking up at her with a determined stare.

“I’m ready. Drop the paw!”

Kyuubi smiled sheepishly, looking at the adorable filly while thinking about the day they first met. No cuffs restraining her body, no bandages covering her injuries, and that big enthusiastic smile instead of a depressed one. I can’t believe how much more energetic and happy she has become.

“I am ready, Miss Kyuubi. Drop the paw when ready.”

The kitsune sighed, raising her massive paw before moving it over the filly, who just stared back at the bottom of her paw in excitement. She dropped it, pressing her weight and even using some of her strength against the filly whose legs bent slightly. She heard the noise of a struggle and felt a strong force holding her paw at bay.

I can’t believe she developed her super-strength from scratch. I had high expectations and she surpassed them twice over. She put more force into her paw, wrestling against filly’s strength while closing her eyes.

More than a decade ago whenever she purified Lily’s curse, interactions with Topaz and Jewel brought the curse back, creating a loop of purifying and cursing for the filly to endure. To allow Lily to stay with her parents, Kyuubi had no choice but to repeat the process over and over. After her fifth tail grew, increasing her raw power, she put greater magic into purifying the poor filly, trying to remove the curse and keep it from coming back. What resulted surpassed her expectations.

The gift of super strength, and the curse of faster aging and lack of control over her power, had turned into a blessing, a side effect after years of exposure to holy magic.

Due to the curse, a three-year-old filly lived in a nine-year-old body. And after all that purifying, she looks fourteen years old, barely aging at all, Kyuubi thought, thinking back to the difference between Lily’s size and her maturity. The fate of a short lifespan has been replaced with longevity as this little pony could potentially live on for centuries.

While no different than an average filly at first, whenever Lily would get hurt, the blessing would increase her durability. Whenever struggling physically, it would increase the filly's strength, and whatever lasting injuries the filly would acquire or accumulate, Kyuubi would heal. Thus allowing Lily's potential to grow stronger than any other earth pony. And the efforts this child put into regaining her strength were no less than insane.

Blessings and strength aside, I can’t believe she started showing signs of holy magic. Whenever I look at her, she reminds me of Timothy, a monk who used holy magic in direct confrontation against mutated and undead monsters.

Kyuubi yelped in surprise, awakened from her inner thoughts as she ended up pushed away, flying through the air before falling onto the floor with a loud thud. She lay on her back with five tails lying spread on the recently cleaned floor. She raised her head, seeing as Lily jumped onto her fluffy belly, partially sinking in her rich fur as she rubbed her belly with her little hooves. Kyuubi giggled, finding it both heartwarming and odd to receive belly-rubs from someone so small.

“Miss Kyuubi, you didn’t use your full strength. It was supposed to be a challenge, and I’m not even sweating,” Lily complained before jumping onto her muzzle. She raised her tiny forelegs, holding her forepaws together in a pleading gesture. “Can we try again? Pretty please.”

Kyuubi looked back, speechless, taking a moment to come up with a response as the filly sat patiently atop her nose. Do I truly have to do this? You have no idea how much I have grown to care for you in these past years. Even though I know how strong you’ve become, it is quite uncomfortable to purposely try to crush you with my paws.

“Crush me when I’m the one holding back against you? But Miss Foxy, I already told you. There’s no one else I can trust more with this than you. I know that you’re too gentle to hurt me and that if something bad happens, you’ll heal me in an instant. That’s why there’s no one better than you to challenge my strength.”

Kitsune raisen an eyebrow before pushing herself to a standing position as the filly once again stood before her, waiting to be stepped on.

As Lily kept pushing herself, gaining strength superior to other earth ponies her age, Kyuubi and Zecora put an increased effort into teaching Lily how to restrain her strength. Keeping it at bay in order not to hurt others was essential to ensure that Lily could live among other ponies, resulting in them teaching her how to use her inner magic to temporarily seal away her strength.

Despite their efforts, Lily couldn’t help herself but had to follow her desire for thrills and adventures. She desired to become a strong holy knight that would help the mighty kitsune rid the world of the forces of darkness.

You just can’t help yourself but to seek challenge and lift everything that seems heavy, don’t you? Kyuubi sighed. I’m starting to feel as if I’ve become your favorite weight to lift daily.

“Well…” The filly tapped her forehooves together, blushing. “You grow very fast, so by overcoming your strength and weight I can see how much I’m progressing.” She smiled warmly. “You’re the most perfect and cute fluffy weight I could have wished for.”

Kyuubi chuckled, feeling as if becoming Celestia herself. She quite enjoyed raising and nurturing a talented youth, no longer being a prisoner of her fears. Fine… fine… but let’s do this quickly. Your parents are waiting for us and it's dinner time, she said, wondering if Topaz and Jewel had brought in any food from Ponyville, or would she need to create edible orbs of magic for them to eat? With Zecora’s aid, she had created a new spell, one which would allow her to feed other creatures without needing to tear off her limbs. Sadly, while filling, such orbs had such a poor taste that even eating grass would prove a better alternative.

Kyuubi stomped and grit her teeth, her forepaw trembled as she gave the filly the challenge she desired… only to end up lying on her back once more half a minute later.

“Your weight and strength are no longer enough, Miss Kyuubi. I know! How about I try to overpower your telekinesis. Your levitation is a lot stronger than your paws!”

The kitsune rolled her eyes.

“Alright, sweetie, you can go out and play, but don’t go too far,” Jewel said with a tired tone, coughing a moment later as her wings lost another two feathers, not having many left, the curse still beyond Kyuubi’s purifying powers.

“Stay close enough that we can see you from the east tower,” Topaz said, sitting at the long dining table next to his wife. The room itself was in good shape when compared to the rest of the castle, and with some dusting and cleaning finally done, it had proved to be more than comfortable. Occasionally, a Wind or Earth Spirit would pay a friendly visit, while Windy roleplayed as a butler, even at one point trying to wear a suit and a bow… with predictably little success.

“Sure. I’ll be nearby. Mom and Dad, I love you!” Lily said, jumping up and down enthusiastically before glancing at the towering kitsune. She looked up at Kyuubi with a cheerful smile, who returned it in kind.

Turning around, she ran towards the nearby hallway, glancing over her shoulder at Kyuubi who seemed to be busy opening a secret passage to the secret room. Kyuubi sure is big and just keeps growing. I wonder how long it will take before she’ll be unable to fit into that passage? Not paying attention, she felt her chest and the back of her head crash into the wall, leaving a hole behind as it barely slowed her down. Oh right, she can make herself younger. I almost forgot about that. She turned to the side, now running towards the nearby window.

I need to ask her to become younger and play a game of tag with me. It’s way too easy to run around her legs when she’s at full size. With a carefree leap, she jumped outside, falling two floors of the castle before her legs hit the ground with a loud thud, not even bending. She ran towards the line of trees and bushes. The monks that Kyuubi mentioned in her stories sound so cool. Strong, durable, protecting those in need, and overcoming the forces of darkness. I want to become one so much!

She gritted her teeth, increasing in speed as she charged at a tree. She jumped, spinning in mid-air while kicking the tree with one of her rear hooves. The tree broke in half while falling a few meters away. I’ll become stronger.

She ran over to another tree, standing on her rear hooves while pressing her forehooves. She looked up, seeing a massive difference in size between her and the gigantic log as if it was a tall tower. Her forehooves sank into the surface of the tree and ground as a few drops of sweat fell down her face. First root, then another, the roots of the tree started popping one at a time before the tree ended up tilting over, now falling in the opposite direction.

Lily stopped pushing, rounding the tree before standing in its shadow, watching it fall at her. She tensed her muscles, feeling the tree's middle part crash against her body, pressing its entire weight upon her. Her legs bent as she gathered her strength, jumping up while pushing the tree aside. I’ll become more durable so I can take hits for others.

She looked at her forehooves before closing her eyes, concentrating. Ever since Kyuubi turned her curse into a blessing, she had started feeling some sort of force inside her, one with similar warmth to kitsune’s holy magic. Just as she was taught in past years, she tapped into that source, opening her eyes so she could see a shining silvery aura around her hooves.

One punch, then another, she struck against the tree, yet without doing it any damage as this holy magic prevented her from harming nature. If what Kyuubi told her was true, this technique would prevent her from causing damage or hurting the innocent, but if she struck a corrupted monster or a possessed being, it would cause extreme damage. She could knock the monsters out for Kyuubi, letting her purify them.

The large fox would be like the priests, and she would be like the monks, something she now strived for. And the best part was, she was going to earn it. Her super strength wasn’t given to her without a big price to pay. She had to work hard to earn it. The harder she pushed herself, the more sweat, pain and burned muscles she endured, the greater the reward. The more she worked on the spells that Kyuubi and Zecora had taught to her, the greater the boosts she could enhance herself with. She wasn’t super strong for no reason, but because she had worked hard for it, and she loved it.

Her ears perked up as she picked noise of growling, spotting some sort of wooden creatures emerging from nearby bushes.

Lily smiled, waving at the monsters. “Hello, Timberwolves! Perfect timing. I need someone to practice on!”

The wolves looked at the shining aura around filly’s hooves before scowling like sad puppies, backing away with fearful expressions.

The filly charged forward, chasing after the retreating wolves, yet while she had plenty of strength and durability, she was still no match for the wolves’ speed. Using teachings from Windy, she concentrated, summoning her inner magic for a temporary boost of speed as her short hooves now moved at a rapid pace.

As she was getting closer to the large wooden puppies, she pressed her forehooves into the dirt, creating a long trail in it. She looked over her shoulder, glancing at the tower in the distance. She had promised she wouldn’t leave its sight, and a good filly doesn’t break her promises.

As she walked back towards the old castle with disappointment painted on her face, her attention focused on a gigantic wave of multi-colored light going through the sky as even the tall trees of the Everfree couldn't fully block such a spectacle. A pure force of wind stronger than Windy's mightiest spell pushed away numerous leaves as if trying to reveal this spectacle to forest residents.

Lily wrapped her hooves around a nearby tree and grit her teeth, holding strong against the wind as she admired the powerful and pretty spectacle. “Encore, encore!“ she shouted and jumped above the trees with a cheerful leap, landing on top of a tree. Her ears dropped and enthusiasm died down as no follow up was to be seen. “It was nice while it lasted, oh well...“

She jumped down, landing on the solid ground, only for something odd to catch her attention. Not far ahead of her, she saw a big crack in the ground, something she hadn’t seen before despite practically living and training here for years. She approached what looked like a little canyon with stairs leading down.

What’s this? How did we miss it all this time? She shook her head. No, this wasn't here before for sure! Curious, she approached, her ears perked upon seeing a massive amount of free space with one cave in it. Such a wonderful spot for intense training. I hope my mom and dad won’t mind if I explore it quickly. It is very close to the castle after all. Please don’t think I’m a bad filly! She leaped forward, not bothering to use stairs as she fell twenty meters down, her legs bending as she hit the ground with significant force.

After a moment of stretching, she looked around, taking in the wonders of this spacious area. Her attention shifted towards some sort of boulder on the wall of this little canyon. Alright. I should tell Kyuubi about this place, but first…

“Oh dear, what happened to you?” asked Jewel, her face pale as she stared at her daughter, or rather at the numerous bruises and pebbles present on her fur.

“A massive boulder was taunting me, but I showed it who’s the boss,” Lily said with a cheerful smile, causing her mother to faint.

Confused, she approached her mother, poking her side in an attempt to wake her up.

Kyuubi lay on the floor, curled into a ball as she looked ahead at the tempting book, the Diary Of The Royal Sisters. Ever since she had found this secret room, a small, secluded and clean chamber hidden in the ruins of this castle, she used it for meditation or took books from the shelves for some light reading.

One book however in particular had always tempted her, lying on a big pillow in display and for the taking. How many times had she gone in and out of this room, fighting the temptation to read a diary written by Celestia and Luna? It was private property, after all, one that she shouldn’t read without permission, a temptation she had resisted for five years thus far.

After finally taking her gaze away from the big golden book, she looked up at the ceiling, thinking about her next course of action. She couldn’t tell how many years were left before the seal on the moon would break, and even with five tails, she still felt unprepared to face Nightmare Moon. Using visions granted her by God, she worked on a spell, one that in theory should save Luna from her corruption.

One last ingredient was missing though, knowledge about time magic. According to her visions, the spell she would cast required time travel into the past, and she saw an image of a Canterlot building in her dream.

If her theory was correct, she would find the missing ingredient inside that building, which would require her to return to Canterlot. The question was, how? The Royal Guards had already scouted the forest on many occasions in search of her, and unlike the Everfree Forest, there would be no place for her to hide in the city.

Would her camouflaging spell be enough in the sea of buildings? Maybe she could reduce her age, sneaking in as a young fox? But would she be strong enough to break whatever security was put there? Surely something like time magic wouldn’t be left for the taking without defensive measures? Wait. If ponies can time-travel, why didn’t Celestia use it to change the past and prevent Luna’s corruption? Maybe there’s some limit that prevents the past from being changed?

Her other option was to seek her old friends, Rosey and Night Bright, but she wouldn't dare to ask them to break the law for her, and she didn’t feel ready to look Sunset in the eyes after what she had done to her.

“Excuse me!”

Kyuubi looked down, being met with an excited smile from a bruised filly. Without hesitation, she placed her large paw over the little filly, using healing magic rather than trying to crush her. The fact that she could heal injuries this quickly meant that Lily could challenge herself more often, greatly aiding in the progress of her training.

“Thanks,” Lily said before climbing onto the paw, now sitting at its edge. “Miss Kyuubi, you won’t guess what I found.”

Was it some sort of boulder that you dropped on yourself from a great height to challenge your durability? Or maybe one that you punched or kicked in mid-air but failed to shatter it as it slammed you into the ground?

“No, I mean yes, I did, both cases… but that’s not important. There’s a spacious canyon with stairs, and inside it, there’s a cave with a very, very big tree inside. And it's shining.”

The cave?

“No, the tree!” Lily shouted, jumping onto Kyuubi’s muzzle, causing the back of the kitsune’s head to hit the wall from the impact. “The tree is so shiny! You have to see it!”

S-sure… Kyuubi thought, deciding to humor sweet Lily. While she would need to come up with a plan to sneak into Canterlot to find a time-traveling spell, she wouldn’t mind delaying it a bit to admire this shiny tree.

“I can’t stand it anymore!” Sunset shouted with a firm stomp, standing on her rear hooves as she tried to glare at the princess eye to eye. A lavender filly hid behind the alicorn's rear leg, intimidated by the unicorn's loud tone.

“And I can’t stand your attitude. I have tried to stay patient, but it has been going on for far too long,” Celestia replied, standing her ground.

Sunset lowered herself to four hooves, not taking her glare away from the princess. “That kitsune has avoided every attempt to find her, using various tricks from camouflage to teleporting with her gate. She even helped a few guards who got themselves in trouble while searching for her, and she told them specifically to tell you that she doesn’t want to come back.” She stomped with both of her hooves. “And yet you still want her back. The very beast that ate my foreleg is showing more common sense than you are, and that says a lot.”

“H-hey… Don’t be mean to The Princess!” the filly shouted, only to hide immediately upon receiving Sunset’s glare.

“Not only are you still obsessed with retrieving Kyuubi as your student, but you also took another one. A filly who lost control of her magic during the entrance exam. Are you trying to replace me so much?”

Celestia stomped, causing a crack under her golden horseshoe. “I am not replacing you, but Twilight Sparkle has immense potential she still can’t control. I wish to nurture it personally. Furthermore, if left alone, such power can become a danger for her and those around her.”

Sunset rolled her eyes and groaned. “You barely give me any attention, and now I need to share what’s left of it with this brat. That’s it, I’m done. When I became your student I thought you’d lead me to greatness, but you have been holding me back this entire time. I quit.”

“You… quit?” Celestia asked, caught off guard as her heart skipped a bit.

Sunset turned her back to Celestia, now looking at the door. “You may be a great ruler, but you’re a terrible teacher and an even worse judge of character. You wasted my potential, you wasted your time on Kyuubi, and you want to waste your time on this filly. I’ll not put up with this any longer. I’ll learn and develop my skills on my own. Or maybe I’ll find a better teacher, one with more time, one more capable and worthy of guiding me.”

“Wait!” Celestia shouted, following her student, but stopped upon receiving a glare from her.

“I thank you for the bits of care and knowledge you gave me, Princess Celestia. Good luck with Twilight and Kyuubi, you’ll need it.” With a burst of her magic, she vanished, teleporting away from the alicorn’s sight.

Celestia just stared ahead at the door, deep in shock as she certainly hadn’t predicted this kind of outcome. She had expected another tantrum, or an angered outburst, but not this. Part of her wondered if the outcome would have been different if she had told Sunset about Nightmare Moon, and her belief that Twilight or Kyuubi would be able to help. However, another part of her didn’t feel like that was a good idea. Would Sunset even care?

“Is… is it my fault? Did she leave because of me?”

Celestia looked at the filly, who peeked up at her from behind her rear leg. She lowered her long neck, nuzzling the filly’s cheek. “Please don’t feel sad, my little pony. There has been bad blood between Sunset and me for a long time.” She raised her head, looking at the exit. “Please wait here. I’ll try to talk to her.”

“A-alright…”

Chapter 14 - Cleric vs Knight

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 14

Cleric vs Knight

Kyuubi lay on her side, her right shoulder pressed against the root of the towering tree. She wrapped her tails around the other side, though being half a century too young to wrap them around the entire thing.

Her head raised up as she couldn’t take away her gaze from the glittering crystals. While most ponies would see this tree as an ancient statue or extraordinary decoration, for her it was something special. She couldn’t tell why, but that thing felt… alive.

A lifeless object made of crystals being alive? Weird statement for sure, but she couldn’t help but feel that it was the truth. As a magical creature herself, she sensed similarities. First Elemental Spirits and now this massive tree. The feeling of familiarity was undeniable.

Good morning, how are you today? she asked, awaiting several seconds for an answer while giving the tree a motherly smile. Upon not receiving any response, she added, I am feeling fine. I mean… a little stressed with difficulties of tasks ahead but seeing Lily’s progress and enthusiasm fills me with hope and energy. She is a little handful, but also very lovely. You could say she's a lovely handful tiny adorable powerful sweetheart.

She chuckled, ending it with a sigh. I know I need to take the risk and infiltrate Canterlot, but I can’t leave Lily’s parents until I deal with their curse. I am getting so close. What I fear the most is that if I’m captured, there will be no one to aid them. Lily would be devastated. She would never forgive me…

Day after day, instead of visiting the secret room, she walked into this spacious cave, enjoying peace and quiet in the silent company. While she hadn't received a response of any kind in past months, she hasn't given up hope.

S-sorry. I didn't mean to bring down the mod? But don’t worry. I have a remedy. With the help of gentle levitation as her second tail flashed with magic, she moved a book up to her face, finding words a little too small for her current size. I know it may be too early for a bedtime story, but you will enjoy this one. Lily sure does. It is called a ‘Story of Three Ponies and a Hungry Timberwolf.’

She gently rubbed the root with her paw, then shared a little bit of her own magic, as if a gardener adding water and fertilizer for the growing plant. Bon-appetit.

While she instinctively felt that this tree may be of high importance, one of the recent visions given to her by God showed her a blurry image of six mares standing in front of this tree which flashed with powerful magic. This tree had an important role to play and she didn’t mind taking care of it. In fact, she wanted to keep this tree safe, performing the self-proclaimed role of a guardian.

She was a self-exiled mystical magical kitsune living inside a ruined castle. Surely she was a fine material for a guardian of a mystical magical tree. And it certainly was a less stressful role than purifying a powerful curse or stealing scrolls about time-magic in order to save a corrupted alicorn.

All she could do was do her best and hope that when the time comes, everything will turn out alright.

8 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

Kyuubi dropped to her knees, not to pray though, but from exhaustion as sweat covered her body. She looked ahead at the pair of elderly ponies and at the enthusiastic filly, who kept staring at her in worry.

She licked her lips, seeing the tasty aura of magic around the ponies and smelling their delicious aroma. The filly especially seemed bursting with magic, a perfectly raised dish waiting to fill her belly. Wow, I must have used a lot of my magic. I better not strain myself.

So you managed to break my curse against all odds, you’re truly one worthy of my interest.

Kyuubi closed her eyes, hearing the hostile voice that talked to her whenever she tried to purify the filly’s parents. This time however the playful tone was gone.

While sensing your suffering and fighting you over these mortals has proved most enjoyable, I now know what you’re capable of. The playtime is over. She heard a sinister chuckle, one that sent a chill through her spine. Enjoy your victory, for you have no idea whose wrath you have brought upon yourself. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not even next year or next decade, but one day or one night when you least expect it we’ll meet. You’ll not recognize me, but I’ll recognize you. Don’t die until then, for I want to be the one to erase your existence.

Kyuubi whimpered even after she no longer heard the sinister voice. While she loved to help others and was proud of Lily’s progress, by helping her family she had gotten the attention of powerful forces. God, please, protect me… Don’t let your subject fall to this evil Ifrit. She stood up and gulped, forcing a smile in order not to make the pony family worry about her. Whatever horrors she’ll one day need to face, it was already worth it. For the sake of her student and her growth, she was ready to face any danger.

Topaz, Jewel, your curse has been lifted, Kyuubi said, being met with the grateful faces of the ponies… and then sent flying against the floor by the jump of an energetic filly. Two thrones in the background were patched up, as well as all the holes in the ceiling, walls and floor.

Kyuubi pressed the filly into the fur on her belly, an attempt to hug her despite their size differences. Now with the curse finally removed, she could prepare to sneak into Canterlot. Even if I get caught, at least I’m sure that Lily’s family will be safe and sound. No more delays.

Celestia took a deep breath, staring at the cursed forest that had taken over her old capital not long after her sister’s banishment, a dreaded place that would remind her of her failure almost as much as the face on the moon.

“Your troops are ready, Your Highness. We’re awaiting your command.” The alicorn glanced at the long lines of pegasi and unicorns in armor, covering both the ground and the air as if a massive wall. While a few heavier armored earth ponies were among ground forces, they were a rarity, their fur bronze in the sea of grey unicorns due to armor’s enhancements.

As much as she hated to admit it, most of her forces had become soft and weak due to the past centuries of peace, which is why each armor cast an illusion to make each guard look bigger and more intimidating, taking away any variation in their appearances. She doubted that those would scare off large monsters though.

“March forward, keep up the pace,” Celestia said in a commanding tone, taking firm steps while leading her troops. Her golden regalia reflected rays of the sun, serving more of a decorative purpose than being an effective armor.

She narrowed her eyes as her hooves finally touched the dirt of the hostile forest. The leaves from above blocked most of the sunlight.

I’m sorry Kyuubi, but I’m taking you home, whether you like it or not, Celestia thought to herself. Ever since her guards had informed her that the rumor about the Sage Of The Everfree was indeed accurate, she had started sending search parties, which only angered Sunset more and more. She had even considered going personally, but after her guards brought in the repetitive response that Kyuubi refused to come back, she decided to respect her freedom.

Every three months she would send messengers with an escort, sending a plea for Kyuubi to return, telling her that she shouldn't blame herself and that she’d be welcomed back with open hooves.

Months, years, a decade has passed as receiving the same response over and over became harder to take. Some say time heals mental wounds. This time it wasn't the case.

After gathering courage and determined to talk with Kyuubi eye to eye, she went against her student's wishes and visited the ruined castle herself. Yet the kitsune was nowhere to be found. It didn't help that the elderly ponies living there remained silent about her whereabouts.

Searching every corner and passage of the castle was pointless. To at least talk to Kyuubi, she needed help. She had no choice but to take bold measures. Once Kyuubi would be with her once more, she would have all the time she needs to help her, to show that she can trust herself and be her student once more. Even if the first step wasn't something she was happy about, she was willing to take it.

Celestia spread her wings, flying into the air. “Remember the plan? Cover as much space as possible,” she commanded as her officers quickly carried out her orders.

Seeing a Cragadile emerging from the swamp, she unleashed a hasty beam of her golden magic, scorching the ground in front of its claws as it backed away in response. She wasn’t in the mood for any distractions. Much to her satisfaction, the large beast walked back into the pool of green liquid, not interested in getting in the way of the approaching army.

If she has allowed ponies to get close to her, I may be able to persuade her to live with me once more.

Celestia flew higher, glancing at the capitol in distance. With Sunset gone, only Twilight was now under her tutelage, a thirteen years old filly who may have had a connection to the missing Element of Magic.

I must admit, being around that curious wanna-read-all little pony was far more pleasant than facing Sunset’s tantrums. Still… Twilight may have been great at her studies, but Kyuubi was much more social and open to others. That filly could learn a thing or two from her.

Celestia flapped her majestic wings with more force, picking up the pace. While Sunset and Kyuubi’s friendship had turned sour, she now knew the cause of that accident. She would make sure it wouldn’t happen again. I gave you as much time and freedom as I could, but I can’t stand our separation any longer. I’ll make things right. Everything will be as it was before.

She wasn’t sure how much her desire to save Luna from corruption affected her actions, but she was completely sure of this much: she missed her four-tailed-kind-hearted student.

“... God, please give me the strength to carry on Your will. Guide me so I can finish the spell that will save Luna,” Kyuubi pleaded, this time not on her knees but on the run as she spotted a massive number of guards from the castle tower. Much to her confusion, her teleporting gate faded out of existence, forcing her to rely on her paws.

Those aren’t messengers from the princess, that’s for sure. She’s determined to capture me! Using Zecora’s teachings and a spell she had learned in Canterlot, she shrank herself by reducing her age, nullifying her sound and her smell while camouflaging her presence. She snuck between three patrols of guards, creating a fake noise away from her position to distract her pursuers. Before the armored ponies noticed it was an orb of magic floating through the bushes, she was already behind enemy lines.

Kyuubi concentrated, summoning her magical gate as she escaped whatever was jamming it. If so many guards are here, this may be my best chance to get what I need. I hope they won’t consider searching for me in their capital.

“Sergeant Lightweight, have you found the intruder yet? Speak!”

“Lieutenant Armor! Yes, we did. A few witnesses said they saw some large creature move in that direction,” said sergeant, his armor shining in the bright sunlight. He flew further up, pointing over the building at the nearby tower. “We tracked them to the Royal Archives and surrounded the building.”

“Any idea who we’re dealing with?”

The pegasus nodded, lowering his attitude. “This intruder seemed a bit transparent as it tried to blend in with its surroundings, but its movements betrayed its position.” He added with a confident tone and stare, “I believe it may be Kyuubi the Kitsune. She has certainly grown since the first time I met her in the garden.”

“Is she still inside?”

“Yes, sir!”

Shining Armor grinned. “To think she would retreat to Canterlot of all places to escape her highness’ ambush. That’s quite a bold move,” he spoke, his voice lacking full maturity. “This is my chance to impress the princess. I’ll capture Kyuubi and bring her to justice.”

“Justice? But she didn’t commit any crime. The accident was long forgiven.”

“I meant to bring her to Celestia, but the word ‘justice’ sounds way cooler.”

The moment Shining Armor vanished in a flash of teleportation, the sergeant rolled his eyes and murmured, “His raw power may be outstanding, but he’s still immature. I doubt promotions based on one’s magic and talent alone is a good idea.” He frowned. As much as he wished to raise complaints about the current state of Royal Guard, he wasn’t going to risk his well-paid job for it. “I hope the princess knows what she’s doing.”

With armored forces blocking all paths of escape and his anti-teleportation dome surrounding the building, Shining Armor made his way to the sealed section, one filled with a powerful arsenal of risky, unfinished and unpredictable spells. Whatever knowledge Kyuubi sought, she wasn’t going to get it on his watch.

One bookshelf after another, he passed through the little labyrinth of magic scrolls and literature, with the scrolls being dominant.

“I know it is you, Kyuubi. You’ve been on the run for long enough. Princess Celestia wishes to talk with you, eye to eye, so I advise not making it any more difficult than it has to be.”

His ears perked up, hearing the noise of an interrupted spell. “Got you!” he spoke with a smirk on his face. While his shield could prevent only those weaker than him from teleporting in or out, it would also alert him to the presence of the spellcaster.

He ran, quickly closing the distance, his eyes wide open. Seeing movements in the air among the books, he lit his horn, surrounding the transparent shade with his shield. The floor under the dome ended up covered by his magical aura, ensuring the intruder wouldn’t dig her way out.

“Breaking into a forbidden section is against the law. I expected better from the princess’ former pupil.”

Former? Kyuubi asked, her camouflage gone as her white fur became visible among bookshelves and dusty walls.

Shining Armor blinked in confusion. “Aren’t you supposed to be bigger? The reports about you…” He paused as kitsune’s body started shining along with her tails as she grew before his very eyes. He gritted his teeth, reinforcing the magical bubble as the aura around his horn grew in size. The kitsune became twice as tall as him, most likely reaching up to two tons of weight.

Leave me alone! Kyuubi shouted as her third tail surrounded by a silvery aura quickly unleashed ‘Holy Flash’.

The unicorn blinked, barely bothered by the bright light. “What was that?”

The large fox bit her bottom lip. It seems you truly don’t wish to harm me. This spell will blind and weaken those with a lot of sins and those who have bad intentions towards me.

“Bad intentions? I’m just following orders and capturing a scroll-stealing-thief.” He raised his head in pride. “If anything, you’re the lawbreaker here, and it is not my intention to hurt you as long as you don’t force my hoof.”

I’m sorry, officer, but I truly need those scrolls. They may save Celestia’s sister. It’s urgent.

“Her Highness Princess Luna is dead for a millennium. Did you lose your mind or something?” He frowned. “I suppose anyone would go a bit crazy living in that forest.”

I’m not… nevermind. I apologize, officer, but I’ll need to resist this arrest. I’m not ready to give up my freedom until Luna is saved.

Shining watched with a victorious grin as the large kitsune slammed her paws and shoulders against his barrier, not leaving a scratch. “Try as much as you want. You won’t break my shield with raw strength at that level.“

It seems strong indeed. Your raw power may even rival that which Sunset had at half your age.

Shining grimaced. “Ha… ha… very funny.” Big or not, Kyuubi lacked the strength that ponies had, and his magic could restrain monsters twice her size. “Check all you want. There are no weaknesses. My magic will endure everything you can throw at it,” he said as the large fox now poked the floor. The follow-up blast of concentrated telekinesis slammed harmlessly against his barrier. “For someone who trained at the barracks and learned from the princess and at the school, I’m surprised by your lack of offensive spells. Basic telekinesis and levitation lack destructive force and are the worst option against magical shields.”

Shining closed his eyes and smiled in satisfaction. After rising in the ranks at record speed, this achievement would solidify his final promotion, making him the youngest captain in the history of Equestria.

I suppose my strength and magic are no match for your defensive spells. You’re much stronger than me for sure. Kyuubi opened her mouth, displaying her sharp and shining teeth. Still, there’s something I want to try. A demonstration of sorts.

The unicorn watched the opened jaw curiously, which was big enough to bite off his entire foreleg in one go. He grit his teeth and his legs bent the moment her sharp teeth made contact with his magical bubble, leaving numerous cracks on the surface.

“This, this can’t be,” Shining said, the magic around his horn flaring to life and doubling in size as he reinforced his bubble, doubling its durability with everything he’d got. Much to his shock, another bite shattered a third of the bubble, making an opening for the large creature to escape.

One of the things I learned in my exile was that my teeth can break magical barriers way faster than Timberwolves can drain it. Another reason why it’s too risky for me to live in the city.

Shining leaped to the side, making space for the large kitsune who ran for the exit, slowing down when passing between bookshelves while keeping them from falling with her telekinesis. “For a thief, you sure are careful not to cause damage,” he muttered to himself while focusing his telekinesis around Kyuubi’s rear paws, causing her to tip over. With another spell, he summoned magical shackles, restraining the large creature while keeping her head pinned against the floor. “Sorry for being rough, but you just proved that I can’t capture you while being gentle.”

Shining approached, looking at the large, majestic creature lying flat on the floor, her tails scattered between the shelves while transparent blue shackles restrained her movements. In order to keep the kitsune from biting her way to freedom, he had to keep her head as unmoving as possible. "You have the right to stay silent, everything you say..."

I can’t be stopped here, I refuse!

Shining blinked in confusion, looking down as the distance between his hooves and the floor started increasing. He yelped a second later, feeling jolts of pain in his spine. His back and legs sank into the ceiling while bits of rubble fell to the floor. He tried to move, finding himself pinned.

“Giving me a taste of my own medicine, heh?” he asked, his horn still surrounded with a powerful aura as his attention rested on the struggling beast. “Capturing someone with magic without seeing them, that’s quite impressive. And here I thought you were a pushover.”

Remembering reports about the results of Kyuubi’s training in the barracks, opinions from his subordinates, school teachers, and even from the princess herself, he had pictured the kitsune as a weak-willed spellcaster. Big, fluffy, magically talented, yet physically weak, fragile, and spoiled. A mistake he was now regretting as his back ended up slamming repeatedly against the ceiling.

He gritted his teeth, holding back a scream while summoning a shield from above before his body could pierce through the ceiling. His prisoner stood up on her trembling paws, using his moment of distraction to overpower the shackles, biting through them one at a time.

“I see you grew quite a backbone while in the wild. You’re far different from how everyone described you.”

Let me go, I beg you! Don’t make me hurt you, please!

“You were on the run for long enough. I will not let you go!” Shining responded as a group of his guards entered the room, a balanced mix of six unicorns and six pegasi with Sergeant Lightweight in the lead. “Restrain her!” he commanded, putting more pressure against the kitsune as her body slammed into the floor with cracks spreading around her paws.

He noticed the lively aura around Kyuubi’s second tail double in size, only to feel his bones being crushed from telekinetic pressure. His guards ended up pushed against a wall at the entrance a moment later.

Just give up, please, Kyuubi spoke again, this time with a sobbing tone as if the fox was about to cry.

“Give up?” Oh no. He wasn’t going to give up that easily. His duty to the princess demanded victory while his pride as a lieutenant and a Sparkle was on the line. But most importantly, his promotion was in his grasp. There was a problem though. His opponent wasn’t as fragile as he had expected, and she seemed determined to resist arrest. His hold on Kyuubi was going to break unless he used more violent means.

Concentrating his magic on another spell, he released his hold on the kitsune. The large fox in turn jumped to her paws and released him from her crushing grasp.

She misunderstood his gesture though as he wasn’t letting her go, which he proved with an intense concentration of electricity, a powered-up version of the paralyzing spell meant to immobilize criminals. Hearing whimpers of pain and seeing burn marks on Kyuubi’s fur wasn’t pleasant, but she had forced his hoof.

I… I have to finish what I started. Don’t get in my way! Shining heard a warning as the fifth tail raised upward, surrounded by an oddly leaf-green aura which enveloped the fox, followed up with the silvery aura of her third tail which healed any burn caused by his continuous electricity.

His eyes became wide as Kyuubi got to her paws, walking shakily while overpowering the paralysis, a pained look on her face showing her growing struggle.

He gritted his teeth, doubling the electricity, but Kyuubi didn’t stop. Her fourth tail hastily set up a transparent knight’s shield, deflecting the electricity towards nearby guards.

Shining stomped in anger. He was more powerful than this thief, so how was she countering his magic? “I hoped to avoid it, but you’ve left me no choice.”

Gathering his raw power, he shot a beam of magic, piercing the levitating shield and Kyuubi's fourth tail, causing silverly substance mixed with fur to spill over the floor. A pained screech filled the area. Aura of magic radiated from the odd liquid.

Too focused on preventing the kitsune from reaching the exit, he shot two weaker beams, piercing her third tail and her right rear leg in an attempt to weaken her magic and reduce her mobility. Much to his shock, the large creature tripped on the floor, creating a pool of blood mixed with fur and silvery liquid.

Shining’s head became green as he resisted the urge to puke. Could it be possible that he had overestimated his foe? He underestimated her at first, not expecting she could put up this much of a fight, only to forget about the fragility of her body, The moment he pierced through her shield and magical armor while removing the healing magic, she became too vulnerable. Or maybe her tails were her weakness as he had shut down her magic by injuring them?

To make matters worse, she looked back at him with tears in her eyes, a glare which in a few seconds pierced his heart with guilt. He watched uneasily as the kitsune kept walking for the exit while pulling her leg.

The guards surrounded the creature, looking at each other in hesitation while the sergeant shot him an angered flare, clearly unhappy with the bloody injuries.

“Miss Kyuubi, please, stop resisting. You need medical aid,” Sergeant Lightweight spoke with a caring tone, running over to her broken leg, clearly ignored. He openeed his saddlebag, then injected her with some sort substance as the large creature fell to her side, closing her eyes and falling asleep.

“Sleeping potion?” Shining asked. With his arsenal focusing on defensive magic and combat magic, he lacked any non-lethal means other than paralyzing electricity.

“Correct, sir. I doubt it would have worked on Kyuubi before,” he said, continuing in an irritated tone, “but in her weakened state … she couldn’t resist it. I had to apply a massive dose due to her size though.” He narrowed his eyes, shooting his officer a firm glance. His wings flapped in angered display. “Permission to inform the princess, sir.”

“G-granted,” Shining responded.

Chapter 15 - Bittersweet Reunion

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 15
-
Bitter Reunion

8 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

“Will her tails recover?” Celestia asked in worry, her heart rate faster than usual as she experienced a hurricane of emotions.

She was determined to finally get Kyuubi back, by force if necessary. Not only was she missing Kyuubi after all those years, but she needed her help to save Luna. She now had a plan B, but it was too much of a gamble. Unfortunately, messages weren’t working and Kyuubi hid from her, refusing to talk eye-to-eye.

She experienced relief and surprise when she learned that her student was apprehended… in the Royal Archives in Canterlot of all places, captured by Lieutenant Armor himself. While still young, the stallion had raw power and talent like no other, as if he was half a hundred unicorn guards in a one pony army.

Then came shock, fear and guilt when she learned of Kyuubi’s injuries. While her foxy student had healed herself on many occasions, this time the tail responsible for guiding this unique magic had a literal hole in it, preventing the poor creature from a quick recovery. In the end, those tails had proven to be both her strength and her weakness.

“We’re doing our best, but her biology is so very different from ponies. Any kind of surgery would be too risky.”

Celestia narrowed her eyes, causing the doctor to take a step back. “Didn’t you study her biology back when she was still under my tutelage? How can it still be so alien that you don’t know how to attend her?”

“Y-yes, we did but that was two decades ago, and she has grown considerably since then. It is hard to tell how much her tails have developed ever since,” the stallion responded, a note of panic in his voice. “Not to mention that she never required medical assistance due to her unique specialty. It is the first time we have had to attend to healing her tails.”

The alicorn lowered her head and sighed, standing between the doctor and a glass window, silently conceding that the doctor had a point. She looked to the side, peeking through the window to look at her large student, who now took a place on four hospital beds at once, a bandage on her rear leg red from the heavy bleeding. Kyuubi’s face was showing sadness and pain, and eyes closed as if never to open again. The doctors and nurses were gathered around the kitsune, yet none seemed to have any idea what to do.

“The best we can do is to close the bleeding, reduce her pain and hope for her tails to recover naturally.”

Celestia felt a hoof on her shoulder.

“If her tail’s condition doesn’t improve, we can take more bold and risky measures, but I believe they won’t be necessary. Please, give it time, Your Highness.”

“Of course,” she responded, raising her head as the doctor walked away.

“So this is the student you have been talking about. She’s way bigger than you described.”

She looked over her head before turning around, her attention now on her other student. Twilight Sparkle now stood on her rear hooves, peeking through the glass.

“Did… did Shining truly do this to her?” Twilight looked to the side and up, looking back at her with pitiful and betrayed eyes. “B-but this can’t be. He’s not like that.”

Celestia kept looking into those innocent eyes, choosing her words carefully. Hurting her student’s feelings was the last thing she wanted to do. “Your brother is young and unaware of his raw power, something ponies like us need to keep in mind at all times. I am certain he did not intend to use lethal force and did not realize it was potentially lethal until it was too late,” the princess said, defending her lieutenant's actions.

Oddly enough, she partially believed in this excuse, relieving some of the frustration she felt towards Shining. “Maybe Kyuubi put up a lot of resistance and he overestimated her durability.” Another excuse, as convincing as the last. How was Shining Armor to know that shooting a kitsune’s tails would result in such lasting damage?

“Will you punish him?” Twilight asked in worry, now sitting before the princess’ forelegs as if a sad puppy. It was more than obvious which response her little student was hoping for.

Celestia closed her eyes in contemplation. She needed to punish her lieutenant to teach him how to be more aware of his powers, but she couldn’t allow her attachment to Kyuubi to blind her judgment. Furthermore, she also needed to reward her officer for fulfilling his duty.

“He told me he feels really sad and ashamed. I never saw him this depressed before.” She raised her little forelegs, holding them together in a pleading gesture. “He… he’s truly sorry. Please don’t be mad.”

Celestia sighed, embracing the little pony with her large wing. If Shining really, truly understood his mistake and felt guilty about it, then there was just one fitting reward and one fitting punishment.

“And today, I wish to grant this great honor to Lieutenant Shining Armor for his service for the crown. It is thanks to his efforts that I have finally been able to reunite with my student after all these years,” Celestia spoke, her wings spread authoritatively as she walked between two lines of unicorn guards, their shining golden armor showing their ceremonial value.

Among the guards and officers, standing on a podium where Celestia often raised the sun during Summer Sun Celebration, was Shining Armor, standing at attention while trying to hide his uneasiness behind a stoic expression.

The ceremony had a bitter taste as the princess gave him a stern glare on every possible occasion. While she officially rewarded his deeds and promoted him for a job well-done, something she had most likely had in store for him due to his powerful shielding abilities, she was also subtly scolding him for his abuse of violence. It didn’t come as a surprise that seeing her former student covered in blood stains and experiencing pain didn’t sit well with the alicorn.

As a young unicorn with an extreme amount of raw power who had advanced in the ranks thanks to his magic, he had quickly grown overconfident and even a bit arrogant, his efforts concentrated on proving himself and aiming for promotion to be the youngest captain in Equestria. But after seeing Kyuubi’s crying face while being responsible for her massive loss of blood which back then had covered the floor and the fox’s white fur, he didn’t feel in the least proud of what he had done.

Furthermore, he could tell that Her Highness was going to give him a cold shoulder for a long time to come.

If not for the princess, his guilt alone would have been enough to ruin the event he had looked forward to so much. The additions to his uniform levitated by the alicorn now felt more like a stain rather than a reward. One thing was certain, once Celestia convinced Kyuubi to stay in Canterlot, he was going to have to apologize.

With the ceremony out of the way and Kyuubi in stable condition… after one week of dragged-on recovery... The time had finally come for an eye to eye discussion. A day she was looking forward to and also feared had finally come.

I wish her capture had been much more gentle. I wouldn’t be surprised if she justly blamed my decisions for her lasting injury. I need to be as diplomatic and understanding as possible. She forced a smile, struggling to maintain it.

Celestia looked over her shoulder, glancing at the throne in the distance. While her bedchamber was way too small to greet her sizable student, it would be most insensitive to talk down to her as ruler to subject.

Instead, she sat in front of a diplomatic table set in the middle of the empty throne room with only her captain keeping her company. While she sat on two cushions and the stallion sat on one, she set up several cushions and pillows on the other side of the table, as well as an extra-large cup of tea and a welcoming cake. The top of the cake was decorated with cream in the shape of a smile. She doubted those gestures would be too effective as Kyuubi was no longer an innocent youth, but she had to come up with something.

She glanced to the side, seeing how her captain rubbed the floor nervously, feeling more nervous than she did. Her ears perked up and her heart skipped a beat the moment the tall double door opened. She watched Kyuubi’s every step as she walked on the red carpet with golden edges on both sides. Her attention focused on the enchanted shackles which also served as magical inhibitors, preventing any attempt to escape.

From what she heard, her student tried to escape from the hospital while still injured, hurting herself in the process. Keeping her from moving and using her magic was essential to ensure steady recovery, but it didn’t make it less painful to watch. She watched uncomfortably as the enchanted metal weighted on the fox’s paws and tails where all signs of injury were finally gone. She ignored the escorting guards, who seemed so much smaller in comparison.

“I must say I am amazed by how much you have grown. I feel like a little pony when compared to you,” she joked, yet it didn’t break or even scratch the ice as her student just stared back in defeat, her ears lowered and her eyes devoid of hope.

Feeling an aching in her heart, Celestia focused her magic, unlocking one shackle after another as the thudding noise of them landing on the floor filled the throne room. Nearby guards quickly became alerted to her actions, as if expecting Kyuubi to run away at any moment.

“I cannot stand seeing you like this. All I ask is for a chance to talk with you. Please do not try to escape and at least listen to what I have to say.”

I... I promise not to try to escape. Celestia smiled. How long has it been since she heard Kyuubi’s voice in her mind? How much had she missed it? But her hope vanished upon hearing the next words. There’s no longer any point anyway.

“Leave,” Celestia commanded, receiving salutes as the escort walked away, slowly leaving the throne room. After taking a deep breath, she spoke, “First off, I deeply apologize. I was desperate to have a word with you, to reunite, yet my action only brought you harm.”

“Miss Kyuubi, I’m truly sorry for using lethal force against you and for injuring your tails,” Shining joined in, his head lowered and his tone filled with regret.”I won’t ask for forgiveness, but I beg you, don’t blame her highness for my foolishness and recklessness.”

Much to everyone’s surprise, the captain walked around the table and bowed.

D-don’t bow… I… I didn’t give you a choice…

Celestia heard the sheepish response, noticing the defensively raised forepaw and tails. While she wasn’t surprised by such quick forgiveness, she could tell that the kitsune was wary and afraid.

“If there’s something I can do to repay you, just say a word.”

S-sure. B-but as l-long as you keep a bit of distance and stay away… away from my tails, I’ll be f-fine, Kyuubi said, nervously stroking her third tail.

Shining Armor stood up, walking to the side while keeping a few meters distance from both the table and the large fox.

Celestia could see a bit of tension leave the room as her large student sat on the stack of pillows. The time for negotiations had come.

“Kyuubi, please continue to be my student. I know much has happened two decades ago, but I believe it is finally time to end your self-inflicted exile and put the past behind us,” she said, only her pride as a ruler preventing her from bowing and holding her clad hooves together in a pleading gesture.

Seeing the kitsune simply stroking her middle tail nervously, only now noticing that she had five rather than four, Celestia added, “And if you are worried about Sunset’s reaction, do not worry. She left Canterlot years ago.”

Two large eyes instantly focused on her, wide open and in shock. Sunset left! Why? Was it because of me?

Celestia bit her bottom lip, realizing her mistake. It was too early to bring Sunset up. She shook her head and answered, “Sunset was angry for many reasons. She stated that she was wasting her talents under my tutelage. She decided to leave when I took Twilight as my protege.”

Before the kitsune could respond, Shining spoke up, “Twilight is my younger sister. I bet her magic and talent are above that Sun-Setting pony for sure.”

If you have a new student, why do you want someone like me around? she asked, though not giving the princess a moment to answer as Celestia had barely managed to open her mouth. I’m too dangerous to let me live inside the castle. Replacing me was the right course of action.

“For someone dangerous, you certainly get along well with that pony family that lives with you in the old castle,” Celestia interrupted, finding an opening to strike. She looked to the side, playfully waving with her hoof. “I also heard an interesting rumor of a ‘Sage Of The Everfree’ who kept ponies who got lost from harm. You do not happen to know that helpful and kind-hearted creature, do you?” She noticed a blush, which her large student tried to hide behind her paw.

B-but… what if I lose control again and bite somepony? My teeth seem to be extremely dangerous to beings filled with magic. Kyuubi opened her mouth, gently touching her fangs. One weak touch is all it takes. My teeth seem to be turning magic against the prey. Ponies instead of gaining durability are losing it in the spot that I bite while the strongest barriers are useless against me. I learned it while facing-

“You would be dead if you refused to attack!” Celestia shouted as silence filled the room. Her wings spread authoritatively. “My doctors shared what they learned with me. Magic keeps you alive, so running out is like being unable to breathe.” She stomped against the table, tearing away a fragment of wood with her golden shoe. “Sunset pushed you to your limits, and in the end, you healed her injury. Your action was justifiable.”

I… I would die? I mean… Kyuubi paused, looking at her raised forepaws with growing anxiety, her ears flat atop her head. I had my suspicions, but to hear that I would die from lack of magic is still shocking. I recover my reserves without a need to hunt. Yet when they get too low. She looked at her tails as if seeking answers in them.

“Just because you regain your mana doesn’t mean you can restore it fast enough,” Shining spoke up, walking forward. He stopped the moment Kyuubi stepped back from the pillows to maintain distance.

Celestia nodded. “Think about it. One of your tails supports your body’s life functions and allows you to live without food or even water. What if low reserves of mana shut those functions down? Your instincts act stronger when your magic is weak for a reason.”

A minute of silence lasted as both ponies gave their prisoner time for contemplation. Finally, the kitsune curled herself into a ball, withdrawing her forepaws close to her chest. Justified or not, what if I didn’t stop at eating just one foreleg? I could have ended up eating her whole. She trembled at the very thought, whimpering.

“Then use this knowledge to never make this mistake again! No one fears and distrusts you as much as you do yourself. You’re a kind soul. Just give yourself another chance,” Celestia encouraged, her tone as if that of a caring mother.

Kyuubi nodded hesitantly, relaxing her posture.

“Let’s bury the past and look towards the future together. I need you.”

Princess… If it is about saving Luna, I can assure you, I didn’t give up on that promise! She shook her large paw in disagreement while the stallion just stared back in confusion. I’m preparing for her return and waiting for her where she was banished in the first place. You don’t need me close to ensure that I will try to help her.

Celestia felt warmth in her heart, quickly followed by guilt. All this time, even on the run, her sweet protege still thought of helping her sister. “I don’t want you back just to use you. I… I missed your company above all else.”

You want me back this much?

“How can you even ask? You should know how much I grew to care for you!” The princess stood up, placing both forehooves on the damaged table. She looked at the kitsune, struggling to maintain calm as she eagerly awaited her response. Her patience pushed to its limits after two decades. “Please.”

You ponies… you’re too understanding and too forgiving for your own good. Kyuubi lowered her head and chuckled. To be honest, I missed you too, my little princess. Many lonely days I wished things would go back to how they were, even if I knew they never will. She sighed before giving her no longer bigger mentor a warm smile. Fine, I’ll stay, but only on a few conditions.

“Name them,” Celestia responded eagerly, her wings spread. She didn’t care if she needed to buy Kyuubi’s trust, especially after the days of pain her decision had brought to this kind soul.

First and most importantly, I want access to the Royal Archives. I need to study spells there for a reason.

“You mean time magic? And before you ask, the guards informed me what you tried to steal.” She saw a blush on the fox’s face, who rubbed the back of her neck nervously. “I know you wish to save my sister, but this magic has little range and is flawed. I would have changed the past long ago otherwise.”

Even so, I need to study them.

Celestia sighed, ignoring the puzzled stare of her captain, who she’d need to fill in on the details about Luna on another occasion. The knowledge of Princess Luna’s survival was restricted on a “need to know” basis, but soon enough the captain would need to know. “If you must learn how useless those spells are in practice, I won’t stop you. Just… don’t feel disappointed in the end.”

Kyuubi smiled, which in turn calmed the princess. Will I be allowed to visit the Everfree Forest? There’s this feeling of freedom when I run through paths, trees and bushes. It’s something that I’ll be missing inside the castle.

The princess nodded. Her student had been living there for years after all. There was nothing to fear.

And finally, can Lily and her family move into the castle with me? I mean, they live in the old castle, but…

“Lily, you mean that family you lived with? I can arrange a place for them all. There are many unused guestrooms.”

The kitsune stepped forward, sitting on the pillows with a satisfied grin as if banishing her old self while inviting a new beginning. Then, I suppose everything turned out well in the end. The best I can do is do my best to prove worthy of your trust and just go with the flow.

“That’s wonderful!” Celestia flapped her wings, flying up to reach kitsune’s muzzle, booping it playfully. "Welcome home. Truly, I've missed you, my dear student."

She nuzzled her cheek a moment later. In the past, her little Kyuubi would sink into her fur whenever nuzzling her, and today she ended up lost in her student’s fur. How the table had turned. The two simply sat there, or in Celestia's case hovered, basking in the closeness of the other's company after so long. The Princess rubbing Kyuubi's neck while the large kitsune simply embraced her teacher gratefully, her earlier tension slowly ebbing away.

“I cannot wait to introduce you to Twilight. I’m sure you two will become friends immediately.”

T-time’s up… we’re jumping the shark here, Kyuubi responded in haste, pressing her paw against the royal regalia on alicorn’s chest to keep her at a distance. I’m barely overcoming my anxiety of hurting ponies after what I did to your previous student, and you already want me near another?

“Of course I do! Twilight may be vastly different from Sunset, but I can tell you two will get along in no time.”

B-but… I can’t. Kyuubi looked at Shining Armor, her face filled in panic. This… Twilight, she’s your younger sister, correct?

Shining nodded.

Then you have to protest. You can’t allow someone like me near your sister. I’m a predator after all. I’m so big, and my teeth are deadly, and… and…

The officer raised an eyebrow. “You know what’s funny? Your attempt to discourage me has the opposite effect. The more I get to know you, the more I feel that I can trust you.”

B-but…

“How can I not trust someone who fears to hurt another so much? The more you tell us how dangerous you are, the more trustworthy you seem,” Shining Armor said, approaching with slow steps.

“See, even though you are a predator with an appetite for magical creatures and teeth that are dangerous against them, large and with strong magic, it doesn’t matter,” Celestia said in an encouraging tone. “What matters are your choices, your actions and who you are deep inside.”

Fine, fine, I get the picture. I’ll tag along with that overwhelming trust of yours, Princess… and pray you will never regret it. She glanced at Shining Armor, pointing her paw at him. Out of curiosity, is this true that you promoted him to the rank of Captain? How old is he?

“Yes, I did. Why do you ask?” Celestia asked as she glanced at her loyal subject, who just sat in silence as if a third wheel.

“I’m twenty, and next month is my birthday.”

Well… I can’t help but find your actions against me to be a bit immature, she mocked, causing the officer to grimace. First, you lowered your guard, was very talkative and overconfident, and when things didn’t go your way, you abused lethal force. I mean, don’t get me wrong, your magic and spellcasting were amazing, but for an officer, you seemed to be more like an overconfident knight rather than a leader.

“Gee, thanks,” Shining said, his tone filled with annoyance.

You’re welcome, Kyuubi replied with a fake smile. She glanced at the alicorn, who hovered in mid-air next to her head, and asked, Are you sure you want him to be in charge of your defenses, Princess? Maybe he should remain in a lower rank under the guidance of a seasoned officer so he can learn leadership and gain experience. You know… get better prepared for such an important position and responsibility.

Celestia chuckled, seeing Kyuubi’s smirk and Shining’s grimace. A little playful way to have revenge against the one who injured her, certainly a good sight. “I admit that promoting him to such a high rank for magic powers alone seems a bit irresponsible, but there’s not much he can learn from other officers. A Royal Guard is meant to keep order in the city, not fight.”

She saw the kitsune raise an eyebrow, a look of disappointment clear on that big fluffy face.

Your capital may be peaceful, but being in the Everfree Forest taught me of all the dangers that lurk out there. With how easily I snuck past your siege forces and into the city, I can tell that your defenses are very underwhelming. She lowered her head, tapping her chin. Now that I think about it, whenever I practiced defensive magic in the barracks, I barely saw any guard training at all. Do the Royal Guards even train there, or only recruits?

Celestia blushed, now looking at her big student in the eyes, not used to such statements coming from her. All she expected from her guards was to be patient and look intimidating. “Well… it’s not that bad.”

The discussion was interrupted by the door opening as a pegasus guard flew inside in haste, his chest armor and helmet having a few dents. “Your Highness. We have an intruder in the castle.”

“Intruder!” Shining shouted, running over while receiving a salute. “Report.”

Celestia landed next to Kyuubi, looking at her soldier in worry.

“We spotted an intruder climbing up the wall of the castle, but when we confronted her, she created a hole in the wall and ran inside, beating any guard that got in the way.”

“She?” Shining asked, narrowing his eyes. “Details soldier. Species of the intruder, its size, features. Speak!”

The pegasus gulped. “P-pony… An earth pony sir.” The pegasus raised his foreleg, holding it in the middle of his chest. “A f-filly to be precise, around this size.”

“Is this some sort of stupid joke, because I’m not laughing?” Shining stomped, growling at the trembling pony.

“N-no s-sir. This filly caught us off-guard with her strength, and she’s tough too. Even the telekinesis of five unicorn guards barely slowed her down. Four of the pegasi tried to tie her up with ropes and cuffs, but she overpowered them. She has knocked aside eight guards already and is fighting her way towards here.”

L-Lily?

The group looked at the noise coming from outside of the throne room, spotting a group of guards and pink filly in distance. “Freedom for Kyuubi!” they heard the young, yet also an energetic voice of the charging filly. The horns of four unicorn guards were radiating with magic as their telekinesis was surrounding the limbs of the filly, while two pegasi wrapped ropes around the filly’s forelegs. Despite their combined efforts, Lily ran forward, barely slowed down as the guards were pulled along by her.

Two unicorn guards at the entrance into the throne room ran forward, aiming their spears at the filly, who in response jumped over one spear and slammed into the unicorn’s chest. The guard flew into the wall, leaving a hole in it while stars circled above his head.

Celestia looked to the side and up, seeing a big smirk on her student’s face.

Beaten by a filly, lack of muscles and poor reflexes, truly a magnificent defensive force, Kyuubi mocked as the princess face-hooved before covering her blushing face with her large wings. Princess, I rest my case.

Chapter 16 - Twilight and the Kitsune

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 16

Twilight and the Kitsune

8 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

Ever since she had heard the great news of Kyuubi’s recovery, Twilight couldn’t wait to finally meet this rare mythical being that no book spoke of or mentioned. And after what her mentor told her about the kitsune, her curiosity was substantially piqued.

By the princess’s request, she was sitting on a pillow atop the alicorn’s bed with Spike by her side. Philomena slept in a nearby cage, not paying them any mind.

“Spike, what did I say about chewing eiderdown?”

“N-no-do-it?”

“That’s right,” the filly said, watching the young drake release a tip of the eiderdown, and then chew on his tail instead.

Twilight rolled her eyes before examining the room. Why here? There’s no way the kitsune will fit through the door. She’ll take up around a third of the room at her current size.

The door slowly opened.

She blinked in surprise, staring at a five-tailed fox who was no bigger than Celestia. As both Kyuubi and the princess walked inside, she quickly compared the similarity of their snowy fur. The kitsune won in terms of fluffiness and puffiness as the battle seemed one-sided in every way.

Spike released his tail from his mouth. “S-so fuffy, I wan rid h-her. C-can me?”

Twilight ignored Spike’s pleading stare, too focused on examining the features of the multi-tailed creature. Kyuubi seemed identical to how she remembered her from the hospital, aside from a lack of bandages. Size-wise however...

“Princess.”

“Yes, Twilight?”

“I don’t want to be rude, but Miss Kyuubi seems way smaller than usual. Why’s she so small?”

“She altered her appearance with an advanced version of an aging spell to make herself less intimidating,” Celestia explained.

Yep. I’m also less dangerous and weaker at this size. Kyuubi nodded.

“She did what!?” Twilight gasped, only for her eyes to sparkle in amazement. She stood on her rear hooves and danced in excitement before falling onto her back a moment later. “That’s amazing. I want to learn that spell!”

“Once you’re older. It wouldn’t be of much use to you at your age anyway,” Celestia said before gesturing at the kitsune, her hooves, chest, and head equipped with golden regalia. “Twilight. Please, meet Kyuubi the Kitsune, my dear student. Kyuubi, meet Twilight Sparkle, my dear student.” She chuckled after finishing her sentence.

H-hello. It is very n-nice to meet you.

“The pleasure is all mine. I can’t believe I get to meet someone as unique and rare as you!” She jumped onto the floor and rushed towards the large fox. Despite her reduced size, the kitsune still towered over her. Of course, welcoming someone required a hoof-shake, so she did just that. The paw was heavier than she expected.

“Me too!” Spike said from the edge of the bed.

Twilight rounded Kyuubi’s paws, spotting a pink filly with a violet mane, but no horn was visible on her forehead.

“My name’s Lily Longsock, nice to meet ya,” the filly said, quickly grabbing and shaking her hoof, or rather, shaking the whole unicorn.

Twilight’s surroundings spun for a moment. She shook her head to rid herself of vertigo before she massaged her foreleg, which ached from the overpowering hoof-shake.

“I’ll leave the rest in your capable paws. Best of luck,” the alicorn said before winking. Before Kyuubi could protest, she vanished in the bright light of teleportation.

Hey, wait! Kyuubi turned around and stomped in annoyance, accidentally rubbing both fillies with her long tails. Lily nuzzled them in return. That’s not what we agreed!

She looked down at the filly unicorn and added with a whimper, Don’t leave me alone with a filly full of magical power.

Twilight looked up, her tail shaking left and right as she observed the kitsune in anticipation.

The large fox smiled awkwardly, holding both forepaws curled close to her chest.

Suddenly, a brightly colored red and orange blur flew at the large multi-tailed fox, shrieking grumpily. Despite this, the great kitsune reacted with a pleased smile.

Oh, P-Philomena! It’s been ages!

Kyuubi raised her foreleg to her face as Philomena leaped from her shoulder, landing on her elbow.

Celestia’s pet phoenix pointed with her wing while continuing her harsh chirping.

Twilight watched curiously as Philomena wordlessly scolded Kyuubi for her two-decade-long departure. The kitsune bowed her head in shame, folding her ears.

I’m sorry, Philomena, but I was too dangerous to stay around ponies. You know that!

Philomena shook her head and continued her grating screeching as she waved away Kyuubi’s excuses.

I never meant to worry you, nor Celestia. I assumed you would be safer without me.

Philomena pointed at the window and screeched again.

Did you go to the Everfree Forest to visit me? Oh, I am so sorry. I was probably doing an errand for Zecora.

Philomena rolled her eyes and zipped back over to her perch and pointedly faced away, apparently done talking.

I’ll make it up to you both, I promise!

Philomena screeched dismissively, waving her off with a wing. Kyuubi had her work cut out for her.

Twilight observed the exchange in silence.

Kyuubi sighed dejectedly before returning her attention to Twilight. The two stared at each other awkwardly before Kyuubi broke the ice.

D-do you like reading b-books?

“Do I?” Twilight shouted, following up with an enthusiastic jump. “I love reading!“

That’s g-great, Kyuubi said as her smile became warm and nostalgic. Her second tail then shone with silvery aura, causing a few books to levitate from nearby shelves.

Twilight observed the tail with her full attention. “So that’s what the princess meant. The second tail is responsible for telepathy and telekinesis. I need to look into it. And I have just the right scanning spell for the job.” She yelped, finding herself levitated in a silvery aura. She crossed her forelegs and frowned. “Rude.”

The kitsune curled herself into a ball next to the fireplace before setting up a warm fire, her third tail now in action.

Twilight’s annoyed mood shifted quickly the moment she felt her body sink into a fluffy, comfy fur. First her back, then her head and legs were perched on Kyuubi’s belly, a pleasant feeling surpassing even lying among feathers on her mentor’s wing. She saw four books levitate before them. Twilight felt the side of kitsune’s muzzle nuzzle her as if she was her cub, causing Twilight to blush. Kyuubi’s smile was almost as warm as the Princess’s.

Comfortable?

“Y-yes, very,” Twilight replied, wondering how much more comfortable she would be atop a full-sized kitsune. “Heaven made of soft fur” was but one way to describe her perfect accommodation for the coming reading session. It felt as if the fur was enhanced with magic, possessing powerful calming and pleasing properties.

“History of Canterlot, Economics for Beginners, Basics of Defensive Magic, Chemistry for Novices?”

Which one strikes your fancy?

The filly rolled her eyes, slightly insulted. “Advanced Defensive Magic, please. I’m done with basics for over half a year by now.”

Already? How old are you?

“Thirteen years old, and around three years have passed since the princess took me as her student,” she replied with pride, puffing out her chest and showing a satisfied grin. A large pair of blue eyes widened in surprise.

And you learned the basics this quickly by reading a lot?

Twilight giggled in response.

Did you decide to read about Advanced Defensive Magic because of your brother?

“Correct. Lessons about defensive magic, practices from time to time. You name it.”

“So you practice defensive magic, that’s so cool! We need to spar sometime,” Lily said before climbing up onto Kyuubi’s curled tails, sitting next to the unicorn. “Reading is nice and all, but I prefer physical activities way more. Besides, I wonder how well my magic will do against a gifted pony like you.”

“Sure, I won’t mind. After the reading session that is,” Twilight said, smiling at the earth pony while picturing their duel in her mind

She had already learned that magic assists ponies in many forms, from spellcasting for unicorns to improved physical features and plant-growing for earth ponies.

In terms of the general populace, earth ponies surpassed the unicorns in terms of raw power due to their diligent hard work. However, in individual cases, it was the other way around.

She doubted Lily would be a match for her. Then again, no one my age ever is, she thought smugly.

One question; is Shining Armor careful with his magic when he practices with you? Did he ever hurt you by accident?

"What? He would never hurt me." Twilight was taken aback by this question, but before she responded, she remembered what her brother did to this poor kitsune. "I know you two started off on the wrong hoof, but pleeaase, give him a chance. He's really very nice once you get to know him." She sighed. "We don't even practice real combat, but rather just play with each other."

"Play?" Lily asked, tilting her head to the side.

Twilight nodded. "Of course. Sometimes we even roleplay where a brave knight defeats an evil dragon and saves the princess." She raised forehoof to her mouth and chuckled. "And I must say, Shining is terrible at being the princess. Even some glue with wooden wings and my mom's makeup didn't help much."

Kyuubi raised her head and looked at Twilight with a wide grin. She looked away, resisting the urge to laugh. I'm so not going to let him live that one down anytime soon. I may have forgiven him, but he still deserves a bit of payback teasing.

"Less talking, more reading!" Lily said with a firm tone as she pointed at the levitating book. "I want this reading session over quickly. I hate being in one place for too long."

Philomena peeked at the earth pony in pity and shook her head, giving a 'you'll be disappointed' glance.

Twilight supported herself with one hoof, trying to look over her shoulder at the large kitsune. "Didn't you practice defensive spells as well? When did you learn the basics? How fast was your progress in this field of magic?" She could see a large blush of embarrassment on that giant white-furred fluffy face.

“Kyuubi told me about her past,” Lily said, getting Twilight’s attention while the kitsune bit her bottom lip. “I think she was three when the princess took her in, and she’s forty-five now. She was stuck on basics for years. She even admitted how Sunset Shimmer surpassed her in no time at all despite being half her age.”

Rub it in, why don’t you? Kyuubi said, whimpering sadly. Let’s focus on reading, alright?

Twilight nodded, feeling a little disappointed deep inside. If kitsunes developed a lot slower than unicorns, she needed to look into it at some point with good old research.

Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind. Unicorn's magic was in its prime at a young age and developed slower overtime. What if the kitsune didn't have this limitation?

She smiled upon seeing a book filled with advanced knowledge levitate before her in the silver aura. Twilight called out, "Kyuubi."

Yes?

"Can you regain your full size? Will you do it for me?"

I can, but why? It is safer for you if I stay like this.

Twilight looked away from the book and rushed into action. She climbed the kitsune's neck, then perched herself on Kyuubi’s muzzle, before looking into her large sky blue eyes with a pleading stare. "I don't care about safety. I want more of your soft fur! Let there be more!"

B-but...safety... Kyuubi responded.

Twilight whimpered, her ears dropped, pout formed on her lips. "Pleeeaaase."

Kyuubi felt sweat falling down her cheek, resisting those adorable little pupils staring at her the best she could during this mental warfare.

The tall alicorn walked through the hallway with a cheerful smile on her face, bypassing one pillar after another. Her guards saluted, though a few looked less than presentable.

An earth pony with such strength while so young, even capable of using holy magic and so much more. I need to ask Kyuubi about her, she thought to herself, noticing dents on some guard’s armors, as well as bruises here and there, something they hadn’t got the chance to fix yet.

Or maybe they felt too embarrassed to visit the doctors after being beaten up by a filly.

To think she would take a student of her own. And an earth pony! Such a unique choice. She closed her eyes for a moment, imagining the earth pony standing side by side with Twilight, Sunset, Shining Armor, all grown up and radiating with powerful magic.

She giggled, adding everypony a pair of wings on her mental picture for the fun of it. Shining stood out in more ways than one.

“Auntie Celestia, wake up!”

She opened her eyes, finding herself captured in blue aura while a few centimeters away from crashing into a pillar.

“Daydreaming with a smile and no marks under your eyes? It has been a while since I saw you in such a good mood.”

“Cadence?” Celestia turned to the smaller alicorn, no longer restrained by magic. “Were you on the way to foalsiting Twilight?”

"I was," Cadence said before pointing at her, "until I noticed a certain daydreaming alicorn on a collision. You can thank me later for saving the pillar."

Celestia nodded, displaying a grateful smile.

"To be honest, I would have helped you sooner if you had just asked me."

"Please trust me when I tell you that I wanted to ask for your help sooner. Unfortunately, I was unable to find you," Celestia remarked calmly, thinking back to the aftermath of the biting incident. While Sunset was a bit arrogant and demanding, something she had often experienced from nobility, with Sunset it turned out far worse than usual.

Often she wondered if her student would have stayed if Cadence had been there to guide her. After all, her lack of time to teach magic was something Sunset had complained about very often, with some justification.

"Yes, about that... I am sorry," Cadence said, rubbing her foreleg nervously. "Traveling from one side of Equestria to another. Using magical disguises. I suppose it does make me hard to find." She lowered her head. "To be honest, I was unaware of your situation for far too long."

Celestia smiled apologetically. "I don't blame you for anything. You have your own life and problems, and worrying you was the last thing I wanted." She sighed. "I just wonder if your aid could have salvaged my relationship with Sunset Shimmer. Lack of attention was always something that she complained about."

"We can't change our past, nor erase our mistakes, we both know that better than anypony," Cadence said while looking away. "What we can do is learn from our mistakes and use them to shape a better future." She gestured at the doors further in the hallway. "I won't let Twilight feel neglected. I’ll be a better example for her. We won't let her end up like Sunset. Even her parents visit her often."

Celestia frowned. "I wish Sunset had parents like that." Her ears dropped. "And I wish Kyuubi wasn't an orphan. She always carries on with a smile and thinks about others, and she's the one who suffered the most."

"If only her mother didn't pass away. If only Kyuubi had never attacked, Sunset's life would have been different. She would have grown into a much better pony." Cadence narrowed her eyes. "But things do not always go our way." She placed a bare hoof on Celestia's shoulder. "But you have nothing to fear. Twilight isn't spoiled. She may be a bit anti-social, but I am working on it."

The two exchanged final pleasantries before Cadence took her leave. She walked by the taller alicorn, the top of her head reaching the older princess’s chin.

Celestia watched the pink alicorn walk away. Wait, Kyuubi is with Twilight. Should I…? She shrugged. No. Cadence hasn’t met her yet, let's leave that as a surprise.

“Twilight! It’s me, Cadence, your favorite foalsitter,” she spoke, gently knocking at the door. “Twilight, are you there?” Seconds turned into a minute of silence as no one responded to her calls.

With a flexible movement of her wing, she opened the door, walking inside. She yelped, almost tripping over something fluffy. She blinked, her eyes now focused on a cloud of white fur. It occupied no less than a third of the bedchamber, and had tendrils spread all over the room. “Twilight?” In the middle, she spotted a familiar tail and mane standing out from the rich fur.

“Kyuubi? Are you in there?” she asked, looking at the muzzle which touched the kitsune’s rear legs. Aside from Twilight, she spotted Philomena relaxing against the fox’s cheek. A few books and a pink filly also seemed perched among the fluff. A little dragon tail was standing out from the white jungle as well. Even the two guards who usually stood guard at the entrance were now inside, perched between two large tails while stroking them. They quickly left the room, both blushing, once they realized she was staring at them.

Flames from the fireplace barely found a way to light the room, though luckily not setting the kitsune’s tails on fire.

“When Auntie Celestia said her student had a sizable presence, I didn’t think this is what she meant,” Cadence murmured as she walked over the scattered tails. She took a moment to stare at the unfamiliar filly, spotting a hedgehog cutie-mark. This filly had her forelegs wrapped partly around one of Kyuubi’s rear legs, sleeping on her side.

Cadence felt her muscles turn into jelly at the sight of curled fillies sinking among the white fur. “Dawww,” escaped her mouth. Part of her wanted to join in. Why not? Trying not to wake up the gentle kitsune, she carefully climbed atop the giant fluffy soft mass, settling down next to Twilight. Lying on her side while covering the fillies with her wings, she quickly found herself drifting off thanks to the heavenly sensation surrounding her. Truly the mightiest sleepover of her life.

Chapter 17 - Doubts and Answers

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 17

Doubts and Answers

5 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

“Books are NOT boring!” Twilight shouted, her horn ablaze as she kept pressing her levitation against a filly who only reached her muzzle.

“Of course they are! A few pages a day is fine, but hours of reading walls of text are unbearable. They could put a cup of coffee to sleep! Comics are so much better!” Lily responded as her trembling and bent legs sank deeper into the cracked ground. Gritting her teeth, Lily took a step forward, then another, pushing through the crushing force as another drop of sweat fell down her cheek.

“Comics have no educational value!”

“Books have no value whatsoever!”

“GAAAASP! You take that back!”

Kyuubi observed combat practice alongside a few new recruits, allowing them to use her first and fifth outstretched tails as a sitting bench. For some reason, even fully grown mares and stallions kept coming up with excuses to make contact with her rich and comfortable fur. Not that she minded.

Outside of looking less spacious and no longer as impressive, the training grounds hadn’t changed a bit. Unfortunately, the obstacle course had met its demise, not prepared for Lily and her colossal strength. Kyuubi knew better and reduced her massive size while Lily held nothing back. All that was left were some broken logs and planks scattered across the freshly cratered ground.

She glanced at the excited and cheering recruits in pity. Similar to the obstacle course, Lily held nothing back when training the Royal Guard, and those poor souls would soon learn that for themselves.

Kyuubi bit her bottom lip and blinked. The tiny earth pony summoned two layers of rocky armor as she took a fireball blast from the gifted unicorn, not moving an inch. The kitsune recognized it as ‘reinforce’, a teaching from an earth spirit that was coming in handy.

Lily quickly utilized another earth-related trick, smashing both of her hooves into the ground. The quake was but one form of attack as rocks shot up from under Twilight, who barely shielded herself in time. Lily took this opportunity to attack the barrier with a relentless combo of punches and kicks. Jump-kicks seemed the most impactful, creating cracks on the ground under the unicorn.

The bubble cracked, then shattered, but the unicorn inside vanished in a flash of light.

Unable to keep up with a teleporting opponent despite summoning a wind element for a boost in speed, a trick Lily had learned from Windy, she decided to change her strategy. She kicked loose rocks with her rear hooves for ranged warfare.

Twilight was breathing heavily as she hastily caught the projectiles in mid-air with her levitation and sent them back at the aggressor.

Lily leaped left and right, evading or blocking beams of magic while smashing levitated stones. It seemed that while Lily had a much smaller arsenal and less raw power, she made up for it with combat experience.

If Lily had fought almost any other pony, victory would have been hers a long time ago. But not against Twilight whose sheer power and quick thinking usually compensated for her inexperience. Instead, Lily often ended up with burned muscles and sore hooves from relentless strikes against hardened barriers. She didn’t mind though as Kyuubi was always there to heal her, and her body became more durable with each rematch.

“Wait, you can fly? How?” Twilight gasped, staring at the filly who was now running on air.

“Fly? I wish, but running with the help of wind magic is second best,” Lily said as she ran above her opponent before diving down and swinging her arm. As if a falling bomb, Lily slammed her hoof into a hastily raised barrier, creating a shockwave that Kyuubi felt on her fur.

“You would be surprised what you can learn from a Wind Spirit. I bet you want me to introduce you to them.”

“I do, I do!” Twilight shouted repetitively in excitement, only for her opponent to show her a raspberry.

“Well, too bad, so sad, I’m not going to! Nyah!” Lily said as she jumped up and spin-kicked, causing the bubble to crack.

The smoke of anger escaped from Twilight’s ears. She wrapped her levitation around Lily’s rear leg, pulling her a few meters into the air. Then pulled her towards the ground with gravity boosted several times over.

Kyuubi bit her lip, closing her eyes upon seeing the impact. Lily’s durability never ceases to amaze me. Still, she can’t just train and compete with Twilight forever. She needs to utilize her talents.

She raised her paw, then rubbed her chin, thinking deeply about her student’s future. She may be unmatched in direct combat, but similar to Shining Armor, she lacks leadership skills and maturity. What to do?

Her thinking was interrupted by loud chanting from the recruits. The unicorns cheered eagerly for the gifted spellcaster. Pegasi and the singular earth pony gave their support for the physical powerhouse.

Kyuubi narrowed her eyes and glanced at the recruits, feeling their hooves repeatedly stomp on her tail, occasionally even pulling her fur in excitement. With her patience finally running dry, she stood up and hissed. Would you kindly calm down?

As her mental pleas were unanswered, she gave a short, aggrieved growl before she hastily pulled her tails away, leaving the confused guards in the dirt.

As they turned their attention to the large glaring fox, she sternly chastised them. Next time, be gentle! I have feelings too, you know! And my tails are very sensitive!

That said, she departed in a huff, ignoring their pouty expressions and sounds of disappointment. With her tails raised in annoyance, she walked towards the exit. On the way, she spotted the Captain of the Guards, who quickly ran over to calm the ongoing battle with panic clear on his face. Kyuubi glanced over her shoulder and sighed.

What about my future? Will there be any need for me once we purify Nightmare Moon? In this new land, more and more ponies keep surpassing me. Am I even worthy of being her student, of being among the best? Her ears dropped, a sad whimper left her mouth. She left the perimeter and lowered her head as she took a walk through the city, ignoring glances and various reactions from the little ponies who quickly got out of her path.

How old am I at this point? Fifty? Maybe Forty-Eight? Yet a fifteen-years-old gifted unicorn has already surpassed me in knowledge. I have five powerful tails, yet the magic they offer is more limited and weaker than that of Twilight or her brother. And it is not like I can even train as hard as they do without risking another disaster.

She stopped and stomped as nearby ponies and carriages started to go around her, her massive presence blocking at least half of the street.

I grew from a little ball of fur to a three and a half meters tall fluffy fortress. I’m three times bigger than grown stallions and have learned how to strengthen my body from Zecora. She raised her long thin forepaws to examine them. And yet I’m still more fragile and vulnerable than those cute little ponies. She frowned in annoyance. And my sweet little Lily has turned into an almost unstoppable force of nature. It feels like comparing a crumbling wooden castle to a magically enhanced bunker.

She closed her eyes, recalling the recent battle. Once the curse was gone, she was no different from an average filly her size with only my blessing to aid her. She started from scratch, struggling for years to become what she is. Each month she trained relentlessly. Each time I healed her, each time I saw her struggle, I felt the weakness of my muscles, wondering if I could even push myself to train even half as hard without giving up. Even if there was no risk of me turning into a ravenous monster, I doubt I would have even half of her resolve.

Kyuubi stomped again, receiving a few worried glances from nearby ponies. Thanks to all her hard work, she now surpasses my current strength a few times over, and the gap will keep increasing. She took a few deep, calming breaths. Ponies are amazing creatures, aren’t they? She lowered her head and sighed. Lily thinks of me as her mentor and works hard to fight by my side, but I can tell that Twilight is already a better partner for her. They just haven’t realized it yet.

Kyuubi opened her eyes, now staring at her reflection in the glass display of a nearby clothing shop. Is it my fault? Am I too lazy? Is that why those hardworking ponies keep surpassing me? She shook her head. But if I do, I will just put myself and those around me in great danger. I am trapped, a victim of my biology.

She touched the glass with her paw, looking at herself in disappointment. The less of us are left, the stronger we become, and the bigger we grow. For the last kitsune, I sure am pathetic. Do I lack talent and determination, or maybe ponies are just a superior race?

Whatever the reason, it left her with an odd feeling, as if she didn’t progress enough, falling behind others as if losing a race. She also felt guilt in her heart. Why did everyone else have to work hard when she could have an easy life? It was the fault of her biology, sure, but still felt unfair.

“Excuse us!”

Kyuubi looked down, only now noticing a crowd of familiar ponies, all smiling at her. A Veterinarian she met a long time ago when she was seeking the cause of her appetite. The doctor who had overseen her health and studied her biology. Another who judged the purifying potion made by her and her friends. And speaking of which...

Rosey and Nightbright, her school friends who were now all grown up and held important positions in pony society were here as well.

Teachers from the school, veterinarians and doctors she had assisted. Even some pets she healed. There were even some faces she failed to recognize at first glance.

What caught her off guard, however, was a large cake levitated in a golden aura. She quickly counted up to fifty candles and forty strawberries in the shape of two circles. She licked her lips at the sight of creamy frosting. Her mentor herself emerged from behind the crowd. How did I miss them all? Was I that distracted? Or maybe it is because of my size. I need to watch my steps from now on.

“Happy Arrival Day!” Princess Celestia announced grandly.

Arrival Day? That’s a phrase she hadn’t heard before.

Celestia stood on her rear hooves, gently stroking Kyuubi’s chest as she needed to stretch to reach it. “I planned to organize it in five years, which would make it half a century since you first arrived in Equestria, but you seemed sad lately, so I decided to hasten it. I hope it was a pleasant surprise.”

Nightbright stepped forward and glanced at the alicorn. "I must say, we as a species sure love big numbers. I can't even count how many important events took place a thousand years ago." He murmured to himself, "No doubt being a few centuries off." He winked. "Let's give Kyuubi's celebration once a century of treatment. No one will care if it is a few years or decades inaccurate."

A nearby teacher of history facehoofed with the help of a sizable book.

Rosey leaped over the crowd, quickly restrained by Nightbright's levitation before she could jump on the kitsune.

Kyuubi’s eyes looked over the small crowd in shock, frozen and speechless. A playful boop to her muzzle woke her up from her shock, seeing Princess Celestia hover in front of her before she returned to the ground.

“We had hoped to see your spirits raised, my dearest Kyuubi. And though you’ve never craved much attention or recognition, never doubt that there are many whose lives you’ve touched so positively. We’ve gathered here now to show how much you’re wanted for who you are and to let you share in that joy by celebrating this occasion with us. What say you?”

I...I…

Celestia yelped as Kyuubi quickly bent down to practically tackle the now smaller alicorn and bombard her with affectionate nuzzles and licks.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Celestia said, laughing gleefully as a large but gentle tongue ran over her muzzle. Then there was the soft mass of the large fluffy head rubbing against her just as gently and with no small amount of love.

Kyuubi unleashed puppy noises as if trying to convey her joy without the aid of telepathic magic while her tails were flailing in a happy frenzy. So caught up in her affection, she suppressed her predatory instincts thanks to the warmth inside her sizable heart. So what if the alicorn tasted divine and her mind invited her to the magical feast? She just wanted to show her affection and love.

Celestia laughed as she rubbed Kyuubi’s big fluffy cheeks lovingly with a happy smile that the massive fox gladly returned. Their long time apart had not diminished the closeness shared between Kyuubi and her beloved mentor. Despite their unfortunately rocky reunion, they were together once again. The two could no longer hold back as Celestia strongly embraced Kyuubi’s head, while the kitsune just basked in her mentor’s affection, tears of joy leaking from their eyes.

The moment was captured in the hearts of the present ponies as loud ‘D-awwws’ and joyous laughter filled the air.

The cake was unharmed as well, caught by Rosey before falling to the ground, much to Celestia’s relief.

When Kyuubi thought she couldn’t feel happier, many others asked her to tell more about her faith as they headed towards the castle to celebrate.

Equestria wanted her, wanted her magic, her fluff, her healing, and even her faith, and it was her duty to deliver.

Chapter 18 - Loose Ends

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Tails of Innocence

Chapter 18

Loose Ends

4 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

Celestia sat in front of a dining table and waited patiently. Soon the food was going to be served. She would eat, clean her muzzle with a linen serviette, return to her duties, sleep, wake up, and eat again. It was a routine she had experienced for centuries.

To fight this routine, she often changed the menu, dined in various companies, or even cooked herself.

Today her company was unique.

Her attention was on her student who sat nearby on her left, her tails clumped under the table. And she could feel one of those tails pleasantly warm her rear legs. They both exchanged friendly smiles.

On her right side sat Lily, who stared up at her wide-eyed with excitement for some reason. She looked at the filly for a moment in confusion before raising her head, glancing back at Kyuubi.

“Little Lily seems more excited than usual. Is this related to the matter you wish to speak with me about?” Celestia asked, receiving a firm nod.

Correct, and it is related to her future.

Celestia smiled welcomingly. “I am listening.”

Kyuubi glanced at two Royal Guard unicorns at the entrance into the dining hall, her face now showing a mix of worry and distress. Considering the imminent return of Nightmare Moon and the future of my sweet little Lily, as well as the terrible shape of the Royal Guard, I would like to discuss the creation of special forces.

"Special forces?" Celestia asked, blinking.

It will be a squad of gifted professionals who will train diligently in both combat and teamwork.

"I tried to help the Royal Guard, but it was a lost cause," Lily remarked. "Special forces will be so much cooler!"

Celestia nodded. While she didn't see the need to create such a force, nor train the Royal Guard due to the long-lasting peace, there was a logic behind it she couldn't deny.

Kyuubi slid one tail under the filly. Once Lily was perched on its tip, she raised it close to the princess's face, mere centimeters away from her muzzle.

I believe Lily is more than capable of being a top member in such a force. Furthermore, it will help her develop both leadership and teamwork. She added, As it is now, Lily is far from being a professional.

Lily crossed her forehooves and huffed.

I'm sorry, sweetie, I didn't want to offend you. Kyuubi nuzzled the filly. What I was trying to say is that with a bit of discipline, you'll become a true professional in no time.

“I suppose you, mommy, and daddy are too soft on me. I understand."

Celestia warmly observed as the filly hugged Kyuubi’s muzzle in return. At first, she saw their relationship as that of mentor and student, but as years passed by, it became something more. Personally cooking food and preparing lunch boxes, licking the filly clean, letting her sleep in her fur or on her tails, piggyback rides, encouragement. And extremely efficient private magical healthcare.

Is it possible that Kyuubi gave into her motherly instincts, acting as if Lily was her cub? Celestia shook her head at the silly idea. What am I thinking? They're just great friends. And Kyuubi became very responsible. Either way, it was a splendid sight, filling her with pride.

She closed her eyes and focused on the task at hoof, which was considering Kyuubi's request. It wasn't her first time, though, as only a year ago, she approved the construction of a church where her dear Kyuubi could spread her faith to her heart's desire. And she knew it wasn't going to be the last.

Still, most of Kyuubi's ideas had gained public support very quickly, and she was happy that her student had started showing initiative. Because of that, she took her advice very seriously.

She doubted that such special forces could be of any use against Nightmare Moon, nor have many opportunities to shine in these peaceful times.

On the other hoof, it would offer Lily a meaningful role in Equestria's society. Kyuubi wished to give her little charge a job she would enjoy and could excel at, and Celestia could relate.

She raised her forehoof and spoke authoritatively, "Please share your idea in detail. I wish to know everything about this organization you wish to create. Afterward, I will decide whether to approve or deny it."

Kyuubi nodded. Lily did the same, hanging on the tip of kitsune's muzzle.

"First, I wish to know the name of this organization. What will this special force be called?"

Both Kyuubi and Lily smirked.

“W-w-what?” Shining Armor gasped, blinking in confusion upon reading Royal Decree. “Special forces? Knight Templars?” He lowered the scroll onto the table, now staring at the messenger pegasus.

“Aside from this scroll, I was asked to deliver a voiced message.” The pegasus cleared his throat before speaking up, his head raised in pride. “Priestess Kyuubi and Templar Lily send their regards.”

“Templar Lily?” Shining blinked in confusion as the messenger saluted and walked outside, quietly closing the door.

Shining Armor sat on his cushion, taking a few moments of staring at the ceiling to gather his thoughts. He narrowed his eyes and said, “Kyuubi’s idea… I should have known.” He lowered his head and sighed. “Special forces… Knight Templar Lily. It does have a nice ring to it.” He rubbed his chin as he glanced at the rolled scroll on the table. “I knew Kyuubi isn’t too fond of the current state of the Royal Guard, but to think she would ask the princess to create a separate squad.”

He shook his head. Twilight speaks of Lily’s fighting prowess so much. I was looking forward to working with her, but it seems that Royal Guard Lily just wasn’t meant to be. Such a pity.

With Lily's future secured, Kyuubi redirected her sight at Shining's younger sister, Twilight Sparkle. Even if the gifted unicorn wasn't her student, she was more than happy to aid the princess in shaping this young knowledge-hungry mind.

"Where are we going, Lady Kyuubi?" Twilight asked, trying to show the great kitsune respect.

Kyuubi turned her gaze away from two lines of trees between the beaten path, glancing over her shoulder at the little unicorn. She took slow but long steps as the little pony took five steps for each of hers. I wish to introduce you to my special friends. And you can just call me Kyuubi. We’re both Princess Celestia’s students.

"Your special friends live in this forest? Why won't they move to Canterlot? The princess wouldn't mind."

Kyuubi chuckled. Oh, trust me. They have had enough of Canterlot for a lifetime. Not to mention their appearance would stand out way too much.

"Wait... you don't mean...?" Twilight leaped, performing a cheerful backflip. "Am I finally going to meet the Elemental Spirits that Lily told me about?" She grinned. "Lily is in for a big surprise. I wonder how she'll like it when I use Elemental Magic against her."

Still competitive as ever. Kyuubi’s smile was uneasy as she remembered where that led her and Sunset. You two should bury the hatchet and form a team instead. Together, you would be an unstoppable force.

"Ugh, you sound like the Princess sometimes." Kyuubi bashfully looked away at that as Twilight waved her forehoof dismissively. "Watch out, tree!"

Tree what now? Kyuubi turned her head ahead, only to feel her cheek impact with the harsh surface of the wood. The tree has titled in the opposite direction as a few roots shot from under the ground. Meanwhile, the kitsune sat with a loud thud, massaging newly acquired injuries. Her third tail shone with bright light as the fur on her face returned to its former glory.

"Are you okay?" Twilight asked, receiving a nod of confirmation. They soon resumed their walk as Twilight teleported herself onto Kyuubi’s back, eagerly wrapping her hooves around her long fluffy neck, or at least partly. "May I ask you a few questions?"

Don't ask if you can ask. Just ask, Kyuubi said, giggling at her little play of words.

"I read that the Everfree Forest is very dangerous, filled with many monsters. That weather and nature itself work on its own, and even that our magic is disturbed in some way."

All of those statements are very accurate.

Twilight nodded. "If that's true, then who built this road in the first place?" She leaned towards Kyuubi's shoulder and pointed at the ground. "Flat rocks mixed with the dirt, a long straight patch with no tree or grass in the way. It seems a bit too perfect if you ask me."

Oh, it was just a little side-project I did with Lily's help. Kyuubi stopped and gestured at the green scenery. Since we live in Canterlot now, I thought it would be a good idea to create a little road connecting the capital with the ruined castle and Zecora’s home. We even made one leading from Ponyville.

"And nature or wild animals didn't ruin it?"

Kyuubi shook her head, accidentally pushing Twilight, who yelped in response. She caught the little pony with her levitation, returning her to the spot behind her neck with a quick mental apology. Some of my spirit friends maintain those roads in their spare time, while animals know it is my territory.

"Wow. You're like the ruler of this place now." Twilight joked, "You're the mightiest and fluffiest of beasts."

Kyuubi raised her head with pride, a small smile on her face. She liked the sound of at least half of that title, and she even used a few extra-large combs as part of her daily routine to be worthy of it. Fluffiest, certainly, but not the mightiest. Many massive and powerful creatures live here, and they make me look like a regular little fox.

"Really?" Twilight teleported again, now walking backward while looking up at the comparatively massive kitsune. "But you're so big! If there are creatures that are far bigger than you, why are you so calm? Aren't you afraid?"

Kyuubi lowered herself down, her belly now touching the ground. She looked at the unicorn with a reassuring smile. They may be big and powerful, but they are rare. Thanks to Zecora, I learned how to avoid them. As long as I don't bother them, they don't bother me. She tapped her chin in thought. Though there was that one dragon that gave me a ton of trouble, burning me far more than Philomena did in the past. The smell of burned fur wasn't easy to get rid of.

Twilight gasped as she quickly looked left and right, nervously searching as if expecting a said dragon to ambush them at any moment. She stood on her rear hooves and placed forehooves on Kyuubi's enormous left paw, staring at her with wide eyes. "You mean a large fire-breathing, sharp-clawed dragon!? How did you survive? What did you do?" She breathed in and out at a rapid rate.

I used my diplomatic skills and bribed him with gemstones, which I got from the Diamond Dogs in exchange for assistance from Earth and Wind spirits. I didn't want to abuse my friend's favor, so in return... Her ears drooped as she smiled awkwardly. Let's just say that it was a few days long chain of quests, way too long to explain.

Twilight nodded before climbing her forepaw and the rest of the large kitsune, this time perching herself atop Kyuubi's head.

They soon passed by a ruined castle, resulting in Twilight giving a lecture about its historical value with Kyuubi listening patiently. Several minutes passed before they reached a large tree with windows and a door.

Kyuubi and Twilight blinked in confusion. In front of the tree-house was a make-shift rounded table made from rocks, equipped with teacups and glasses filled with weird substances.

"Is that Zecora?" Twilight asked as she slid back down from the kitsune's head, eventually coming to stand in front of her large paws. There was a zebra indeed, chatting cheerfully with a cup of tea in her hoof. She seemed to have a tea-party of a sort with the Elemental Spirits. "I don't think they are drinking tea."

Kyuubi held her forepaw against her muzzle as her face turned green. Do you remember how I told you that Zecora is a master alchemist? Seeing a nod as Twilight's face didn't look any better, she added, I believe my spirit friends got to liking it. She gently patted the unicorn on the back, encouraging her while pushing her forward. So yes, she’s serving them specially brewed chemicals rather than tea.

“So she’s serving them chemicals rather than tea?” Twilight gulped and walked forward as the spirits spotted her and waved their odd limbs. "I must say, no book I ever read mentions a tea-party like that."

Kyuubi smirked and joked, Oh sweetie. You have seen nothing yet. Just wait until you see my tea-parties with the sea-serpent. He's a very talkative and classy fellow.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Yeah, sure..." There was no way she was going to believe in something as silly as that. She’d sooner drink whatever horror it was that Zecora was serving the spirits.

Suddenly, Zecora called out “Kyuubi and friend, come join me. For you I have made my special tea.”

Twilight looked back up to Kyuubi who simply lowered her massive head down and softly nudged her along with an encouraging smile.

Epilogue

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Tails of Innocence

Epilogue

3 Years before Nightmare Moon’s Return

A long dining table stood in the middle of the spacious room, hosting two alicorns as Celestia and Cadence sat on their cushions. Two teacups, one cake with two slices atop smaller silvery plates lay before them, alongside more healthy vegetable soups.

With Cadence foalsitting Celestia’s students, her Royal Highness felt more relaxed with her schedules. Though she still allowed herself time with her students while keeping monotony and boredom at bay.

After taking a graceful sip of her cup, selecting the hot liquid, she asked, “Are you getting more comfortable around Kyuubi? What do you think of her? Isn’t she just precious?” A warm smile was present on her lips.

“Precious doesn’t do her justice,” Cadence said, using a napkin to wipe soup-leftovers from her muzzle. “For a self-proclaimed magical-pony-eating-predator, she’s very peaceful and calm. She often seems afraid of herself and thinks she needs to keep herself in check. But really, she’s just a big sweetheart.”

Celestia’s ears drooped as her facial expression shifted to less happy. She sighed. Even after five years, Kyuubi still hadn’t forgiven herself.

“The odd thing is that she’s more open with Lily. She acts as if she’s being Lily’s adoptive mother, which is quite heartwarming. It reminds me of how you took me in after the banishment of the Crystal Empire.”

So I am not the only one to notice. Celestia nodded. “And how does she get along with Twilight?” Celestia asked, quickly changing the topic rather than recollecting her past failure. “You once said that Twilight is fascinated by kitsune’s magic. Has it developed into friendship yet?”

Cadence shook her head. “Unfortunately, Kyuubi keeps distancing herself, most likely afraid of hurting her as she did with Sunset. Once the fascination died down, they were acting more like fellow students rather than friends.”

“So Twilight is still alien to the concept of friendship. You know why that’s indeed most unfortunate.”

“I wouldn’t say alien, exactly. Aside from Spike, she seems more open to other ponies and is no longer as obsessed about studying and books, just not open enough for true friendship.” Cadence picked up her soup bowl with her wings, drinking and eating half of it in record time. She licked her lips and wiped her muzzle with a serviette, sighing in satisfaction.

Cadence continued, “In my personal opinion, I think Lily has a better chance of gaining Twilight’s friendship. They seem to have developed a healthy rivalry and often train together. While Lily had a big advantage at the start, being older and more experienced, Twilight is now getting the upper hoof due to her being incredibly gifted. She knew less but learned faster than any guard I’ve ever seen.”

“Healthy rivalry indeed,” Celestia said, reminding herself of Sunset’s competitiveness towards Kyuubi, hoping things would turn out better this time around. “Though I would prefer if they competed in learning and mastering spells and overall knowledge, not wrestling with levitation versus hooves.” She glanced at her forelegs, wondering if her earth pony magic would be a match for Lily’s if she put in the efforts.

“Oh come on, Auntie Celly, Twilight can now lift around twenty-five tons of weight with her magic and is still improving, and Lily can lift ten tons… fifteen with self-cast boosts. She even said that Kyuubi could ride her.”

Celestia and Cadence laughed, thinking about the two-ton fox balanced on a single paw atop the walking filly, and then how this large kitsune had ended up behind the smaller gifted ponies.

Still, Kyuubi had five tails at the moment, and in the story of her past, she mentioned a gigantic kitsune with nine tails. Only time seemed to limit Kyuubi’s true potential.

Celestia looked at the window, thinking back to the mark of her sister on the moon. Deep inside, she hoped Kyuubi would grow powerful enough to save Luna. Or, at the very least, assist Twilight in recovering the Element of Magic. The seal was but a few years from breaking after all, and all she could do is have faith in her students.

Faith. For some reason, it made her think of Kyuubi. If there indeed existed a force, a deity that granted the kitsune power, maybe it could aid her in this critical moment? Whatever was the case, she could only blindly hope.

“Auntie.”

“Y-yes?” Celestia asked, awoken from her thoughts.

Cadence blushed, tapping her forehooves against each other. “I... I got an opportunity to get to know Twilight’s brother on many occasions, and I am starting to like him. Not just like, but like love-type of like.”

Celestia blinked. Cadence had many admirers over the centuries, sometimes returning their feelings with more than a century of grieving in between and sometimes a few offspring that went away to live their own lives. With a very long life-span, getting close to a fellow pony proved somewhat painful. Was she ready for another relationship after her last love turned out to be a changeling?

“Are you truly feeling ready to open your heart again?” she asked, giving the smaller alicorn a firm but soft glance.

Cadence smiled back softly as she placed a forehoof on her chest and nodded. “After foalsitting Twilight for so many years, I got very close to her family. My heart opened to them on its own. I know where it will lead in the end, but I’m not somepony who can share my entire life with just one love and lay in a grave by their side. All I can do is treasure my memories and honor the memories of those who have passed away, and I feel that closing my heart would be a mistake.”

“If this is what your heart is telling you, then go right ahead. Shining Armor knows that you are an alicorn, so there’s no need for you to hide in a disguise of another pony race.”

“Yes, but this would mean that my secret would come out,” Cadence pointed out, her face showing a sign of panic.

“Maybe it’s about time I announce to my Equestrian subjects that I am not the only alicorn in this kingdom. If my students succeed, there will be three,” Celestia said with a reassuring smile as she stood up from her seat and placed a comforting wing on the smaller alicorn.

“Or things may go wrong. Equestria was a stable nation for centuries, and in the following years, many changes will take place. What if the outcome is far from what we expect?”

“Then we can only try to adapt and make the best of it. Whatever happens, we must be strong and have a strong resolve,” Celestia said, maintaining her smile as she looked Cadence in the eyes. “We will help each other, and I have two wonderful students to rely on. We’ll get through this.” She smirked. "Besides, I believe it was you who told me that we can't change the past, but we can shape the future. Have you not?"

Cadence nodded, her expression once again calm. “Will you tell Twilight about Nightmare Moon?” she asked, causing a big shift in the princess’s facial expression.

Celestia gave a troubled sigh. “You know why I can’t.” She looked at the ceiling, trying to hide her uncertainty and guilt. She had already told Kyuubi about Luna and the oncoming danger, and she had asked her not to let Twilight know. While Kyuubi needed to know what to expect so she could use her magic for the confrontation, it was different for the unicorn.

To unlock the Element of Magic, Twilight needed to form true friendships. She couldn't force it out of necessity. Keeping her unicorn student in the dark was more than necessary, though it wouldn't hurt to observe her from a distance, ready to join in just in case things went wrong.

"I am sorry. I think I broke the mood with this question. I know, how about I tell you a silly story Kyuubi told me."

Celestia lowered her head and nodded. "Please, do share."

Cadence smiled. "It is a story about someone called the 'Sage of the Everfree.' After hearing the cry of a lost child, this sage aided the child, keeping it safe."

The taller alicorn nodded as she raised her teacup, taking a slow sip. With all this intense discussion, her tea and her food got a little cold.

"On the way towards the exit, they heard a cry for help. The sage rushed to save him and found a young pony merchant trapped by a manticore," Cadence paused, taking a bite of an apple, crunching it for a moment.

"Let me guess," Celestia said. "This sage defeated the manticore and saved the merchant, and then escorted them safely out of the Everfree."

Cadence gulped and shook her head. "Not really. And this is the weird part. This sage offered its arm in exchange for the pony's life."

Celestia did a spit take with her tea with some cake leftovers, her eyes became wide open as the pupils inside her eyes shrank in size. Her brain struggled to comprehend what she’d just heard.

"When I asked Kyuubi why this sage didn't just scare this manticore away, she just told me that it would leave the predator hungry and that he would just hunt someone else instead." Cadence raised a forehoof to her mouth, giggling, failing to notice Celestia’s trembling. "Therefore, this sage saved the ponies, filled manticore's belly, and then grew its foreleg back, giving everyone a happy ending." She chuckled again, once more failing to notice Celestia's quivering lips. "I must say, your student has a very wild imagination."

The aura of golden magic around the teacup vanished as it crashed against the floor, staining the marble floor. No more than a few seconds later, Celestia fainted, her head slamming into the cake before her.

Cadence blinked in confusion. “Did I say something wrong?”

“I can’t believe you grew so much!” Rosey shouted, jumping up and down in attempts to boop the kitsune’s muzzle. She stood up on her rear hooves and held her forehooves as if welcoming a hug. “I mean, just look at all that fluff!”

Kyuubi just gave a fond roll of her eyes. We have been over this. I swear you say it every time we meet. She stood at the entrance into the observatory, the final part of her tour. Her male friend was a night-pony at heart, so it made her happy for him. Working at the observatory had to be a dream come true.

What was much more surprising was finding out what Rosey had gotten for herself.

Her female friend wore bronze armor, real armor, not just the decorative set used by the Royal Guard. Leg protectors and enhanced steel performing more than a decorative role. Despite looking heavy, Rosey ran and jumped in it with little difficulty, not slowed down in the least.

The female unicorn stood on her rear legs and placed held forelegs on her sides. "I see you can't take your eyes away from my mighty armor. By all means, admire it all you want." She rolled on a single rear hoof, exposing her rear and then her back as if she was a model. "Do I look cool, do I look cute, or do I look good?"

Not just good. You look great! So much cooler! Kyuubi said, clapping her forepaws in applause. And to be honest, you were always super cute. She caps that off with a wink.

Rosey rolled on a single hoof again, directing her attention to the unicorn stallion. "See Nightbright. You should learn from Kyuubi how you compliment a lady."

"Oh, please. Everypony is cute to her," the stallion retorted. "I think she called ponies cute more often than they called her fluffy."

The kitsune rubbed the back of her neck, blushing. You're not wrong. She winked again. But calling another super cute is a privilege I reserve only for my favorites, and Rosey is top tier super cute for sure.

"You convinced me," Nightbright deadpanned. "I will take notes from now on."

Kyuubi looked down again at her female friend, who still maintained a balance on her two legs. She lowered herself to get a better view, and added enthusiastically, Looks aside, you're the first member of Equestria's Special Forces. Your armor reflects your new status as a Knight Templar, and I'm beyond proud. She closed in, pushing Rosey with the tip of her nose, causing her to lose balance and land on her four. Your enthusiasm and endless stamina have finally paid off.

Rosey turned around and booped Kyuubi's nose with her armored hoof. "It is all thanks to you. Ever since Lily broke through the castle's defenses to save you, and thanks to your negotiating skills, the princess approved of creating special forces."

She backflipped, using self-levitation to slow down her descent. "Being in the Royal Guard was just too boring! Becoming a Knight Templar is a different story. And once Lily becomes our commander, not even a large rampaging dragon will be frightening."

The kitsune patted her nose with a paw, having experienced her friend's strength and the durability of her armor first-hoof. She looked to the side, glancing at her silent friend. Nightbright wore a violet robe filled with a star-constellation while glasses rested on his muzzle. His smile was much wider than what she remembered seeing in the past. She was interrupted when her muzzle was hugged firmly by Rosey, feeling the cold metal sink into her fur.

"I'm so glad you're back. Please don't leave us ever again, Kyuubi." The armored mare closed her eyes in bliss as she rubbed the fur with her cheek.

The kitsune would gladly have nuzzled her back. But alas, her muzzle was now trapped, held firmly by her enthusiastic friend. Instead, she just closed her eyes as well and smiled warmly, getting lost in the moment.

"I second that." Second pair of hooves wrapped around both Rosey and the side of Kyuubi's head. "I may be opposite to Rosey at showing emotions, but even I took your disappearance hard. It is good to have you back again."

Make that three. A whimper left Kyuubi's mouth. Her ears dropped, her smile fell. I missed you both so much! Even if I separated myself for your safety, it still hurt. She sighed as much as Rosey's grip allowed her. I'm sorry for leaving without saying good-bye.

"You better be! You would be a poor friend if you weren’t," Rosey complained.

"Rosey..." Nightbright tried to interrupt but was ignored.

"If you run away again, we'll go with you. We'll talk some sense into you and bring you back," Rosey said, her voice breaking down as she resisted the urge to cry. She soldiered on, tightening her hug.

Don't worry, Rosey, I'm done running. I know how much you all trust and care for me. I decided to accept that. Kyuubi placed her big right paw on Rosey's armored back. I will be as helpful as I can and try to never become a threat. Despite trying to keep her emotions in check, a few little tears fell down her closed eyes. And if I fail, I will accept the consequences. Just no complaining on my behalf or anything if that happens, all right? If you trust me so much, you have to take both the good and the bad. If I eat somepony, I deserve to be judged and punished. No exceptions, no excuses.

"You just spent over twenty years in the most hostile place in Equestria to keep yourself from doing just that. Give yourself a break," Nightbright said, only to be pressed into Kyuubi's fur by her left paw. "We got your back, and you got ours. If you get into trouble, we'll be there for you, remember that." The trio kept sharing a happy embrace for a long time before breaking away as Rosey and Kyuubi wiped tears from their faces.

"So, hey, how about another ride? For old time's sake," Rosey said, bending herself as if preparing herself for climbing.

"Now, now, my strong sweetie. One time a day is enough," Nightbright said as he pulled back Rosey's hooves. He lowered his head politely. "I apologize."

Don't. After helping raise Lily, Rosey's enthusiasm is no longer as overwhelming. I always enjoy being with my best friends.

Rosey used her magic to free herself from Nightbright's, then pulled the stallion close. He yelped as she pressed his muzzle against hers, then delivered a quick kiss in the cheek and nuzzled his blushing cheek. "You need to loosen up more, honey. You're too stiff."

Kyuubi giggled. I see you wish for some time alone. Please, enjoy yourselves.

Rosey wrapped her forehoof around Nightbright's neck, pressing his cheek against her neck-armor. "Oh, we will. Next time we'll tell you about the adventures we had during our honeymoon. There's so much to tell." Nightbright’s expression hinted that there were some things that he didn’t want to be told.

Kyuubi closed her eyes, focusing magic into her tails as she summoned a portal. She waved farewells at her old friends and then walked inside, stepping onto the familiar carpet of the renovated ruins of the Royal Castle. Stars shone brightly from above as part of the roof was still missing, while the throne room proved spacious enough for her sizable body.

Sure, she had a room set up for her inside the Royal Castle, and Celestia's bedchamber was always open to her, but reducing her age over and over became very tiring. She was already big and was still growing, something she had gotten used to. And she didn't want to make a mess just from being at her full size. An accidental flap of her tails was enough to push aside tables and even shelves filled with books.

She let out a small whimper at the idea of eventually becoming too big to fit inside the castle at all, or ANY building. She thought she was a fortress now, and she’d eventually become an actual one if her growth were anything like Ninetails’ own. But that was hopefully decades or even centuries off.

On the positive side, that will probably make a lot of ponies who enjoyed her fur very, very happy, and she liked seeing little ponies happy. And who knew, maybe one day she would grow a tail that would make casting age-spells a breeze. As a long-lived kitsune, she had all the time in the world.

Or did she?

She approached the window, glancing at the castle on the mountain. It was a proud new home for Lily and her family, as well as the studious Twilight Sparkle, her two oldest friends, little Spike, Philomena, and her kind-hearted mentor. She was slowly warming up to Shining Armor, and she was coming to like her mentor’s niece, Princess Cadence, too. Deep in her heart, it was a place she was becoming more and more determined to keep safe.

Kyuubi smiled, feeling the cold wind rub against her fur. There was this feeling of freedom she missed from time to time, making her come back into the Everfree Forest and visit Zecora. And she was more than happy to return to Canterlot and reunite with her friends.

The kitsune didn't need to choose between freedom and friends. She had both.

She looked up at the raised moon, a prison that was on the verge of collapsing as she could sense the seal reaching its limit. The time for the encounter was drawing near. Was she worried? Not in the least. She had finally finished a spell that would save Luna for sure.

Feeling the growing responsibility she was soon going to face, she dropped to her knees, bowing flat on the carpet while keeping her forepaws together. She was going to pray to God to aid her when the time was right.

The moment she closed her eyes and prayed telepathically, a sudden feeling of weakness overcame her, causing her to sink into the land of dreams.

Kyuubi woke up, wordlessly screeching in panic as sweat covered her entire body, her breathing heavy and eyes wide. The dream, no, the nightmare was something she didn’t expect. But it wasn’t a nightmare but a vision.

Are you willing to face cold and loneliness? Do you wish to endure years of struggle and hardship for the sake of another? She recalled messages from her dream, one after another. She saw herself cast a prepared spell before a tall armored dark mare, an alicorn towering in this very throne room.

What followed were repetitive questions and warnings, each one asking her if she was willing to suffer, to make sacrifices? How much was she willing to give up for the sake of another?

She took a moment to calm down, trying her best to recall the nightmare, but whatever taste of hardship and suffering she experienced in it was now a blank slate. One thing she remembered clearly. It was her casting the same spell that she has been working on in past years. The one that was supposed to save Luna from her corruption.

But what frightened her to the very bone?

How much am I willing to suffer for the sake of another? she thought, wondering about all the questions that she had somehow perfectly memorized. Everything now made sense. It was a message from God. He was telling her that the spell she worked on will indeed save Luna, but it will come at a price. She will need to experience long-lasting hardship in exchange for Luna’s freedom.

Kyuubi gulped as her ears drooped. She curled herself, moving two of her tails under her head as she nervously stroked the third one with her paws. After all the time she spent with Celestia. Decades filled with affection, care, teachings. She was determined to save her sister, so if that was the price, she was willing to pay it.

However, there was more than one way to save Luna.

If there’s no other way, I’ll help the corrupted suffering soul, even if I’ll need to face great hardship in return. But I think it will be best to keep this spell as plan B.

She slowly closed her eyes, trying to fall asleep, hoping that the nightmare wouldn’t repeat itself.

I was so eager to save Luna, but now I feel doubt and fear. When the time comes, when I will confront Nightmare Moon, will I falter? She grit her teeth. Now was no time for doubt. Too many counted on her.

Eventually, she found her resolve again, concentrating on a portal back to Canterlot. She walked through, thoughts of Princess Luna and Nightmare Moon moving to the back of her mind. As she approached the dining hall, not wanting to make the princess wait, she met her at the entrance.

Why was Celestia looking at her with narrowed eyes? And why were there cake leftovers decorating her face? Kyuubi knew Celestia liked her cake, but that seemed a bit much.

"My dearest Kyuubi." Celestia spoke, her eye twitching, "I heard this rather... odd story about how you fed wild animals in the Everfree with your limbs."

She nodded. I did it to save somepony, what about it?

Cadence, who was still sitting at the dining table, immediately straightened up and looked at her with a face of pure shook. Her face instantly turned green.

The taller alicorn raised an eyebrow. "What about it? What about it!?" She took a deep calming breath. "Why in the name of... all that is good, did you think such a thing was acceptable?!"

Kyuubi sat and tapped her paws together. It left the predators filled, so that's less prey they needed to hunt and eat. And I experienced merely several seconds of intense pain before I healed my arm. It was a small price to pay.

"A small price!? You call severing your limb a small price?" Celestia stood on her rear hooves and spread her wings for balance as she pointed at her. "You see absolutely nothing wrong about it!?"

The kitsune tilted her head to the side in confusion. Unlike other creatures that would experience pain for minutes, hours, or even months, she just needed to do so for several seconds. Not to mention, it was a fitting way of atoning for what she did to Sunset. She brightly smiled at her dear mentor. I see nothing wrong with my actions, my Little Princess.

Cadence fell to the side of her cushion, fainting, her spread wings now resting on the floor.

The taller alicorn seemed to shimmer with intense heat as she glared back with fury and anguish in her eyes. A few tears started forming in her purple gaze.

The princess struggled to comprehend her student’s logic. Her emotions had been roiling inside her since she heard that awful tale, but now she learned what her beloved Kyuubi had done to herself directly from her mouth. How could her student see nothing wrong with it? And to top it all off, cheerfully calling her by that nickname as if they were discussing a sort of charity. A darker part of her mind realized to Kyuubi it was indeed a simple charity. It made Celestia nearly senseless with heartache. Why had no one told her of this sooner?! Why had she not heard!?

As kitsune’s mentor and caretaker from the youngest age, it was up to her to guide her mind in the right direction. She knew that Kyuubi was different from ponies so her mindset would be different as well, but not to such a degree. Blaming Kyuubi for being clueless or blaming herself for her lack of insight wasn’t going to accomplish anything. She learned long ago not to fall into that trap. What needed to be done was a long open-hearted discussion and a lecture her student will never forget.

Kyuubi fidgets in place, wondering why her words upset her mentor, whose face scrunched up as she shut her eyes. Even more worrying, Celestia’s head began turning a dangerous red shade, the large kitsune could almost hear a proverbial tea kettle going off. She felt the need to apologize, to salvage the situation and make amends even as her mind still struggled to figure out why she was apologizing.

Celestia took a deep breath and let out a long exhale before staring hard into Kyuubi’s eyes, the kitsune’s discomfort only growing as silence took hold of the hallway.

She yipped upon being enveloped in a great golden aura, her entire mass raised above the floor.

Celestia took off from the dining hall entrance with Kyuubi in her grasp. "Kyuubi, we need to have a long, long talk."