The run down castle

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I woke up on something that didn't feel familiar. My bed was supposed to be soft and covered with sweat due to how hot I got under the covers. It felt as if my bed was hard as a rock and felt so cold to the touch.

I just knew this day was going to suck. I feel like an old man who hasn't taken his pain medication. What even happened last night for me to feel like this. Did I go drinking? Wait, I'm the designated driver all the time so that couldn't be the case. I'll figure it out later, right now I have to get up.

That reminds me, where is my alarm clock? It should be going off right now because the sun is shining in my eyes even with them closed.

I rolled over onto my stomach to push myself up, which seems more comfortable than laying on my back because normally it is the other way round. When I pushed to get up, I felt something wrong but nice at the same time. My legs felt like they were fully extended when at the knee it should be bent. It felt so natural and yet alien at the same time.

I open my eyes to see such an unfamiliar place, grey stone walls towering over me that looked to have seen better days due to all the cracks in them. An unstable looking roof looms above with massive parts of it that is just open air. Surprisingly the windows looked alright but had cracks spiderwebbing all over each pane of glass. There seems to be a pedestal on the other side of the room, with what looks like five branching off arms and a stone sphere on the top of it all. There even seems to be battle that happened here as there was what looks like a bluish helmet and breastplate lying on the ground not too far my current position.

I went to get up on my legs but when I pushed with my arms, I wasn't able to keep my balance and fell over. Damn, it was like my torso was heavier all of the sudden, I must have gotten drunk if I ended up like this. I went to cover my face with my hand, but something caught my eye. Something fuzzy, like a dog's paw with even pads that they have too. Am I being attacked? No, the paw just stopped as a stared at it. I tried to move my hand towards it, but it started to move away as if I was scaring it. This is weird, it is almost as it is mimicking my movements, wait where is my hand I should be able to see it, but it is nowhere in my line of sight. Something doesn't feel right, I went to follow the leg of the paw down to its source but all I found was a shoulder that was way too close to me, wait a body too. Oh God, what has happened to me?

Keep calm! I have to find anything that is reflective NOW! It can't wait I have to know, wait the armor look like it was still in good condition maybe it is still reflective enough to see. I tried to get up and walk but that only ended up in failure. I wasn't moving by means of walking, but I can try to shimmy over to it in a weird crab walk that I would get laughed at if anyone saw me. I got there in a longer time than it should have been, as what once was a five second walk was three minutes of unsteady shimming.

I had time to think in that time and I didn't want any scenario going through my head to be true. What I saw only confirmed my fears, what I saw was canine like head staring directly into my soul. The eyes where too big to be anything but cartoony canine and the muzzle was a bit on the short side short but other than that there was no mistaking it for anything else. The ears gave it away to what I have now become, a fox with too big of eyes to be any fox from earth unless there is any species I didn't know about. I did the only thing logical thing to do, Scream.

I screamed until my throat hurt. I need to get a better look at me, but I have to keep CALM! The armor didn't provide me any colors other than light blue and a darker blue when I look at the reflective surface. I decided to look at myself as best I could, I could see that I was a Lightish red/brown coat with a cream almost white under coat and on the paws. The tails? Yes, multiple tails had their tips be the cream color also. A Kitsune is fox with multiple tails, I'm now a fox with multiple tails, nine in total. Am I a kitsune now? Maybe but I hope I'm not and this is just a fever dream.

OKAY KEEP CALM! Everything is alright, your just delusional. That has to be it. I mean this doesn't make any sense, so this has to be my eyes playing tricks on me.

What now? This place doesn't seem like it has seen anybody in years so waiting for anybody to help me doesn't seem like it is in the picture at the moment. Okay first things first learn to walk to where I can actually get somewhere in a moderate time. Second thing look out the windows for anyone to help me. Three I don't have a clue what to do maybe I'll try yelling or walking I don't know yet, but I'll figure it out after steps one and two are done.

The first attempt ended with me landing face first into cold stone floor. Damn this might be harder than I thought. After a few tries I manage to get a somewhat decent walk, not very fast but just enough to not fall, so I went windows to look out some of the windows. What I saw only filled me with dread as there was nothing for miles except trees, it just so happens that this stone building is in a middle of a forest. I could walk right past a village and never even know it! Well, I'm so boned!

Okay calm down there is no need to get worked up over your life getting up ended and thrust into the middle of nowhere in a new body. Who am I kidding, freaking out seems like a perfect reaction to this. Once I got my breathing back under control, I started to look around for anything that would point toward civilization. All I got from this room was dust.

The armor looks like it has been shined not too long ago some maybe someone was here, I mean why would they leave armor lying around. I could wait until they got back, but it looks like the armor has been thrown around a bit with the dents it has maybe I should put them in pile for the owner and I could hitch a ride with them out of this place.

Okay maybe that is stupid to think they'll come back if they left it here in the first place, but wishful thinking keeps the nerves at bay, I hope. When I get a closer look at the helmet it doesn't even look like anything I've seen before. The helmet has three holes, two long and narrow at the back with one circular hole in the middle front. The nose piece goes out further than it should have for a human, this on goes out instead of down. It almost looks like something you would put on an animal.

I went to pick it up but just as I touch it exploded into a purple mist that flew right at me. More came from nowhere and swirled around me until I couldn't see sunlight. PANIC! no wait where did it go? It was gone, almost as fast as came.

What was that and where did it go, I didn't see it fly off into any direction, but it couldn't just disappear in an instant. I mean what even happened to the helmet one second it was here the next it is just exploded into a cloud of purple mist. That is one way to make sure no one steal it but I think there are better ways of making sure than it just disappearing.

All that was left on my mind is what the hell is next. The only way out is the door which looks like it has seen better days. Though it looks like the door is rotting I could still make out details engraved on it. On one side it shows a sun and a unicorn with wings that surround it in a half circle. The other side is the exact same but with a crescent moon.

The door was heavy and very creaky when moving it but at least it could move. It revealed stairs that descended in a spiral. At least it was made in stone, so it looked stable enough to walk on. Though when I tried to do down, I realized something was wrong. With my head now lower than my back when climbing down giving me a sense of vertigo, this caused me to stumble a bit down the stairs.

"Fuck!" I screamed out as I hit my nose against the wall. I managed to catch myself and stop myself from falling any farther. I cover my nose,

Okay, let's try a different way by going tail first, this seems to work but it was a slow process. At the bottom was just a hallway with two doors on the left and at the end is an open doorway that led to what seems to be a courtyard. Inside the first door was nothing special, just a dark empty room. The second room was not much better, the whole ceiling collapsed in it.

What I thought was a courtyard turned out to be more of a throne room. Torn banners of the sun and moon, tall roman like pillars, raised stairs to what looks like what was once was two thrones. One throne was almost intact with a dark blue aesthetic with a crescent moon engraved on it, but the other was badly damaged that any resemblance to what should have been a throne was no longer there.

There were even more hallways, three more to be exact, one directly in front of me and two farther down towards the thrones. To my left there was a grand entrance, I could even see that it led outside. Now I know how to get out of here but not where to go.

The sun seems to be descending towards the horizon so it must be getting late, and I don't want to be in the forest when night comes. I guess I have to stay the night and gather supplies for my eventually journey out. Well, this day just getting better and better.

The hallway across from me looks promising. The hallway seems to be not too dark that I can't see. Around thirty feet down it looks like a T shape. There were several doors, but when taking a look inside it seemed to be a large barracks or armory though I can't really tell. There seems to be racks everywhere for weapons or for resting. Most wooden seems to have rotten to a point of being unrecognizable to even tell what should have been here.

Taking a right down the hall only leads to a pitch-black hall that even bats would have a hard time seeing in. To the left the hall was brighter but not by much. It had a hole in the ceiling letting the evening sun in through, so it had more of an orange tone rather than cold grey. What was decorating the hall was more interesting though. There were paintings, that while having seen better time still showed their contents, of which were the most confusing. Each had some sort of horse with wings and a horn or blue or white coloration in poses surrounding the sun and moon. Whoever made this castle really loves these horse creations, is it their family crest or something.

There was something else that seemed out of place in the hall. Where there would be knight armor of a biped line the halls in like a movie, there was quadrupedal armor there instead. It seemed to something a horse would wear into battle but didn't quite match up to what I remember it to look like in any movie or museum. This armor looked like if someone tried to make knight's armor into horse armor. It had small slits where the eyes should be for protection and metal plate the go around the whole body where even most of the legs were covered.

Whoever made this place really likes their horses. The whole place is designed with horses everywhere, from statues to even the armor. I don't even see a single bust or painting of the kings or queens that must have been here. I'm pretty sure that in history that rulers like to show off their accomplishments or to make them look good. This place is making less sense than the blue armor exploding in my face.

Most doors in the hall had nothing important or just inaccessible to begin with. This is beginning to be tedious, how am I supposed to find supplies in castle so old and run down anyways. This is just me exploring and wasting time. I've got nothing to show for it but a short introduction to a long dead culture probably.

Damn, the sun is not coming through anymore, I can't see anything well. Though the next door I opened yielded results but not what I was looking for. It was bedroom that filled with more symbols of the moon though there was no sun so that was new. The bed seemed to be in good condition and the room was decorated with small trinkets that long ago should have passed into the pages of history. There was even a mirror in pristine condition with no cracks or dust. The bedframe was fancy, defiantly one a noble would use, with tones of engravings of horses, crescents moons and stars this seem like something a master woodworker would make.

The bed itself was squishy but filled with dust so when you pressed on it would fill the air making me sneeze uncontrollably for a moment or two. Other than that, it seemed to be good enough to sleep on and have a roof over my head. With the sun no longer shining I won't be able to explore more than this, so this is my best bet.

The bed was more comfortable that it had any right to be but finding a sleeping position was a different question entirely. The tails I had were making it difficult to even lay down. Laying on my back only put pressure on them, on my sides they crush each other, laying on my now belly was the most comfortable but not by much. I never really liked lying face down but with how my neck is now I believe it might be bearable.

It was oddly silent as I lay there which I know is unnatural but gave me a sense of peace. My day has been hectic already and I need some rest before I start to go crazy. I wish I had a pillow but I fine with just a bed, the fur is keeping me warm enough so no need of a blanket. I just wish I could wake up in my bed away from this nightmare.

The Endless Forest

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Stop it sun, I don't want to wake up, your shining is unappreciated here. I still have a few minutes if my alarm clock hasn't gone off. Wait alarm clock, didn't it not wake me up yesterday? Maybe I shouldn't trust the thing to get me up. Wait what happened yesterday?

I shot up immediately to confirm my thoughts. This day just got worse as yesterday's event showed to not to be some hallucination or fever dream. Fuck, don't you know I have a job to get back to? I went to school to get my degree and I still have to pay it off. Wait, if they can't recognize me does that mean I don't have to pay it off, because if it did this would be a good trade off maybe.

Quit that, get your priorities straight. I look like a nine tailed fox and the first thing you think about is work. I did like my job, good pay too. Shut up, get back to the no longer hallucination fox you have become. I was still in the moon covered room. I could probably get a better view of what I looked like in the mirror. Nothing really changed for my body or face from when I took a look through the helmet, but I have striking bright blue eyes. I always wanted bright blue eyes but having bright glowing cyan that were very anime like instead of more human like brown eyes was weird.

First thing first, I'm still inside the castle and have no direction to know where to go. The castle seems to have no goodies for the trip and no maps. This is fine, I could just walk until I find a river and follow it downstream, hopefully finding civilization. Do I even want to be found? I would be most likely hunted but I don't know how to hunt without my rifle. I guess I would either learn really quick or survive of scraps people drop and hide when they get close. The problem with that is that I seem to be rather large as the bed was only able to barely fit my new body so I must be huge if that is a king-sized bed.

Okay, so maybe hiding would get very hard in a city. Next is maybe posing as like a demi-god or something and eating some of their offerings. Yeah, not a good idea, that is where the government just snags me away and experiment on me. I guess the best option is to go with hiding in a small local village that has a forest nearby until I at least learn how to hunt. May God have mercy on my soul, I could barely shoot at a deer without almost bursting into tears and the thought of doing it now really makes be uncomfortable.

Fuck, this seems like my life just got a lot worse. What other curveballs will life give me to make any worse. Shit, Murphy I'm sorry, please I didn't mean it! I just somehow know I just made my day worse. I have to get out of here though and actually find a river before I starve to death. Back at the throne room there seemed to be a door that led to the outside, that seems to be a good place to start.

The hall seems more or less the same but greyer than they did last night. That's good I don't want this to be some maze runner like thing where it shifts at night. The way to the throne room was uneventful, the paintings still made me think of the culture this place once held. The suits of iron were very medieval European looking along with the architecture. This place looks old, so I somehow crossed an ocean to Europe. I hope I at least ended up in Great Britain where I can understand the language fully.

The throne room was the same as the first day. The entrance was still open, so I snuck a quick peak outside. There was still a huge forest but also a mote or ravine with one bridge I didn't want to cross with my new body or my old one if I had it. I just had to invoke Murphy. With my luck so far, this bridge is going to be my only way across, great. I'm wasting daylight, get walking and find another way across if there is any.

The entrance had steps down, crap. Well, at least they were like five steps so it can't be that bad. Getting down was no problem but I think I have found my new nemesis in the upcoming future. The grass needs a good mowing but other than that it had no flowers or bushes. The pathway even seemed to be in good condition, not too overgrown with only a few patches of long grass here and there. The path led me to the bridge but as I got closer, I could see that it, unlike the path, was in very bad condition. I looked along the large ravine that now is in front of me. If I fall, I will most likely die or break everything in my body.

I don't even see the ends as it curves in around the castle. I'm going to have to cross it at this very run-down rope bridge that might snap once I put any weight on it, fuck me sideways. Breathing in slow and then slowly letting go, I put one foot/paw thing on the first plank. It held, so I put my weight on it and still did. This is a surprising turn of events. I tried another, then another and then another. They all held pretty well with just a few creaks along the way. the worst part as when I got to the middle the wind started to pick up and sway the bridge making crossing it sketchier than it was before. Holding one paw on the railing I managed to get across fine. I really hope this is not a regular occurrence.

Now I had an entire forest to get lost in, wonderful. The path was way more overgrown once you got to the trees, but it looked passable compared anything else. Looks like I'm being driven down a certain path, I really hope I don't get jumped. The tree blocked the sky from my view only letting in very few rays of light through giving the atmosphere a very scary movie like vibe. That is one way to describe this place, it is a set of a scary movie in a forest. Ha I could be set in the Blair Witch Forest, she does things at night so as long I get out of here before than I'm good, right?

This place is more peaceful than I thought it was going to be, I can still hear the birds and crickets so there seems to be no predators nearby, or at least I think that is what it means. There is still no river in sight though which could be bad, but this path must lead to somewhere if it was made in the first place. I don't like walking; I wish I had my Monte; I wish I was home; I wish I was with my family right now. What would my family think when they saw me? Mom would probably baby me more saying that I shouldn't have never left her side while dad would yell at me for not being careful then give me a hug. Avery would give me a makeover because I was now cute enough for her bows.

During my reminiscing, the forest has grown quiet, as if all life just stopped. This doesn't look like a good sign; I can feel my hairs stand up. Something must be stalking me. I start to look around for anything, but nothing shows up. This is not good; it must be in the shadows where I can't see it. I quicken my pace while diligently searching for anything that stands out amongst the endless forest around me. Now look what situation Murphy put you in when you called his name you moron.

There! Glowing spots of green in a pair of two. What is that? They are surrounding me on three sides! What do I do? Shit this is bad. The opening must be a trap, why would they leave that open if they were hunting. Fuck, I have no choice do I if I want to live, do I. Either way I think I'm boned. I took of sprinting down the opening as fast as I could, dodging trees as I went along. I can hear them chase after, their howls of excitement sending chills down my spine.

They're catching up, I can hear their panting coming closer, wolves are hunting me, a fox, great. There must be some way out of this, I can't die here. Wait I hear running water, a river! How is that going to help me now, I don't know but I make a beeline for it. I slide to a stop along the river, almost falling in, it was fast moving and very wide. The trees break to allow for the sun to shine through so I can now see my attackers. I'm dead now, am I? I turn around to face my pursuers and what I see is shocking. They were wolves alright but not of flesh and bone but of wood. They had glowing green eyes and were larger than any wolf I've encountered.

These wooden wolves have slowed down, now surround any means of escape that didn't involve drowning. They seem to be very smug about the corning of their prey. Damn bastards probably think this is funny with how they're howling.

"Well bastards, you've cornered me; you happy!" I shouted, "Don't look so smug, I've barely been like this for a day so it's not surprising that this happened, honestly."

The wolves obviously didn't respond to me, but I did get a head tilt from a few of them. What are my options here? It's either drowning or being eaten alive. I hate you murphy. I'd rather have a small chance of living than no chance.

"You fuckers think you got me, but I don't think so. I won't let you eat me," I stated, "In fact I'd rather drown than having my worst nightmare come true."

I began to back up into the freezing water looking straight into the eyes of the wolves. I can already tell the current want to drag me down stream. I turn around fast and jump as far as I can in to avoid the now oncoming attacks from the wolves. The attacks barely miss me, but the wolves also fall in struggling to stay afloat. I also struggle to stay afloat due to the newness of my body but dogpaddling barely keeping above the water line.

I was thrown around the river as the current dragged me down stream and even under. I could only focus on nothing but staying afloat and every time a surface I scream for help, even knowing I'll get none. My nose and throat burn for the water and screaming. The water is even picking up speed, dooming me as I could barely now surface for air.

I was now in shadow as I went deeper in, finally succumbing to the onslaught that wanted to drag me under. I try to find my way back up to the surface, to get some air that I desperately needed. It was hopeless as I even didn't know what way was up in the first place.

I feel something grab me. Shit, did I just run into the river kraken? It starts to pull me as I struggle against it. It pulls me out into the open air, allowing me to catch my breath with a big gasp. A coughing fit soon followed my newfound luck. I soon notice I could feel and hear wind blowing upon me. I could see the trees below me and hear flapping of wings. I was being held by something with large talons and scales. I screamed and began struggle to get away which might have been stupid from this high up.

It began its decent towards the ground rapidly. I struggled with all my might but was unable to escape. The flapping of wings increased as we went in for landing. It soon landed in a clearing, holding me in one of its claws with the other three letting it stand. It brought me to its face allowing to see its brown lizard like eyes with dark red and tan scales. It growled out something and started to lower me to the ground.

He let me go and I got to my feet immediately, facing him. There before me was large dragon, that there is no doubt. The dragon was spiky along his back and chin. His horns were curled forward. This thing if it wanted could kill me now, but for now it just stared. It just stared at me for a long while before closing its eyes and lowing its front half to the ground in a bowing motion.

"What are you doing?" I questioned.

I only received growling in response, though it seemed confused.

"Hey, thanks for saving me my name is Kevin, What's yours's?" I asked.

Another round of growling, but this time it seemed more frustrated with the way it was clawing at the ground.

"Okay, I'll call you Smaug for now, do you know where any town or city is by chance?" I questioned. I'm calling him Smaug due to its color resemblance to him.

This only made Smaug more frustrated growling fast and clawing the ground harder. Smaug might not like my questioning, so I better stop. Smaug then lit up as if an idea popped into its head. Smaug tarted to draw a squiggly line, two straight one right next to each other and what I think is me with the multiple tails, or that might be a sideways tree. Looking back up at me expectantly for me to get the idea.

I think I know what Smaug wants me to do now. Pictionary. I start to draw a castle, then road, next a river, then tried to draw a confused fox but it looks really bad and then a house. Smaug looks so confused from this turn of events. It took a few minutes before he stared to draw a fox, then an arrow pointing to the house. I nod in conformation. Smaug seems to get a smug impression on its face and started pointing off somewhere to my right. Smaug even gave me a little push in that direction. I think I get the idea.

"Thank you Smaug, I could have never survived without your help!" I yelled out as Smaug flies in the opposite direction. I guess I have to go where Smaug pointed.

The trek was not that hard as the forest seems to clear up the closer I got to the edge. I started to see square boxes in the distance, those could really only mean those are buildings, I'm saved! My luck has finally changed, I might live to see another day!

The Village

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I Just saw a dragon! I mean you only see those in myths and legends! I always wanted to see one! How was that even possible? Dragons don’t exist! It was even intelligent enough to talk to me! It gave me a fright with its unscheduled blow dry when it saved me from drowning. I’m still a little soggy from it though at least I’m not a wet dog. Now I’m frazzled and in need of a good brushing.

If dragons exist now and are intelligent, where did I end up? I can’t be anywhere back home because I live in basically a desert, and I think Europe doesn’t have mythological creatures that they have been hiding in the countryside. The buildings in front of me don’t even seem to be very modern with their thatch roofs but they did come in a variety of colors. From blue to pink and everything in between. Some of them even have white picket fences with nice front yards full of grass.

This place looks like early Surburban life in America with how they’re houses are set up. The roads are still made of dirt and looked like they have horse pull carts here and there. This place looks like someone took Europe from a few hundred years ago mashed with America from eighty years ago. I didn’t see a single person out and about. It almost felt like a ghost town but the sound of laughter off in the distance filled the atmosphere with hope. Is there a festival going on right now? I think I need a new plan of interaction. If dragons exist now, this could mean other myths will come to life. If I somehow ended up in a D&D like world does this mean I would be safe enough to show myself?

The dragon bowed to me when it put me down. What does that even mean? Myths tell of kitsune being tricksters. I don’t remember them being gods for worship. This could be bad if I show myself to them and they only see my “trickster” nature, but why did that dragon bow in the first place. It makes no sense. Dragons in myth are either wise or unstoppable death machines with enough gold to crash the gold market if they ever chose too. They are also fiercely independent, only gathering to procreate. Nothing in legends have ever pointed them out to be submissive to a fox.

This place is just getting weirder the more I think of it. First it was the castle with their obsession with horses, next is wooden wolves that tried to eat me, a dragon who talked to me and now a suburban medieval Europe. My original plan was more based on back home and not a D&D world. This might mean I need to change my strategy of interaction. It might be better to talk directly to them than it is hide and eat their trash, though that is plan b if I get run out.

I can still hear the laughter down the road. I have a choice to make, and I don’t like either. With it being midday, I think have more time until the festival ends, so I have time before I have to choose. It might soften the blow if I walk in on the festival and interact with them. They would probably think I was a part of celebration and invite me. This relies on too many assumptions though and I don’t like it. I don’t want to be eating trash though so it might be my only chance to get in good with them. Hopefully they accept me enough that I could get a job.

God, I’m going to hate this, but I really do have to talk to them. I guess I follow the road down. There were even more houses of differing colors, some even had gardens in the front. I looked at the side of a mailbox to find that I couldn’t read any of the writing on the side. While it looked Latin based it was not in an order I can recognized. The numbers on the houses though were very much roman, and not the typical one and twos. It had X’s, V’s and I’s for which I am grateful for one of my teachers teaching how to actually read them. This house’s address read five thousand four hundred and fifty-seven.

Now I just wondering who would use such an inefficient system of counting. Well at least it is a good sign that I could read something even if it is so minor like numbers. It’s a start but not a very good one. I have to move on before the celebrations end if I’m going to get a good impression. I followed the sound of laughter down the road, I could start to see more commercial building, but most seemed to be closed for today. The tables out front of what seemed to be restaurant were way too low for even a normal human to use. The signs out front were unreadable but I starting to see a trend with horses on their signs.

This might be the extension of the horse society I saw at the castle. I starting to get a bigger picture of what is going on here. I don’t want it to be true but with seeing a DRAGON it probably is. I don’t even know how they would make a society with their hooves. This might mean they are more likely to accept me though but on the other hand it would mean there would be no humans. I really don’t know if this is a good or bad thing.

I got to see what is going on though. Moving down the street through colorful building led me to the middle of town where all the festivities were going on and what I found, while surprising, was not unexpected. I saw small colorful horses swing dancing which I have no idea how they even have the balance for. The festivities even included small game booths with Prizes that look right out of fair back home. There were also shopkeepers that I supposed yelling out to get people to buy their food. In center stage, was building in what I assumed a square horseshoe shape in a shade of tan with the balcony being used as stage for this consort.

The music was sounded like some country and light rock mixed together, not unpleasant to the ear. There was even a banner spanning from the one side of the building to the other, though what it said was lost to me as I couldn't read it. It could have been what the holiday was or the band currently on the balcony for all I know. None of them seem to notice me at the moment which I guess is a good thing. I kind of want a better look at the band as I hear guitar and guessing from the population in front of me, I want to know how they play it with hooves if they are these horses.

I started to move forward into the fray. The first person to spot me was a yellow coated horse with a mocha-colored mane and his first reaction was to stare right at me in shock. Well, he's not screaming but him staring is not a good sign.

"Umm, hi there," all I got was a blink, "I'm new around here and I really hope you can understand me."

Again, I got no response. I heard what sounds like a neigh off to the side, so I turned to faced it. What meet me was a stark white Unicorn! This one look more female with its eyelashes and deep blue mane. She was pointing at me now with her mouth agape. She then franticly starts to talk very fast and bowed as deep as she can. She even yelled at the man I just meet and that shook him out of his stupor with him now bowing. This did not go unheard by others until everyone was staring a bowing. I think I either just killed the festival or now am the main point of it.

I saw regular horses, but some even had horns or wings on them. All of them stopped what they're doing. This is not what I expected at all. I was expecting some looks not them worshipping me. This is making me uncomfortable with them like this. I thought to wave, and they took this as a sign to get up but none of them took their eyes off of me. What looked like an old horse with wings in black robes and hat with a pendant with nine waves surrounding a circle like a sun. He even had what looked like a bag you would put on a horse on his sides. I think he might be a priest from the looks of it. He even spoke for a little bit though I don't know if it was to me or the crowd.

"Umm, what did you say?" I questioned

This seemed to puzzle him, before he sat down to get at his back pulling out a book from his bags. I want to know how he is holding it though, so I stare at his hooves as it magnetically held the book. He flipped it open, how, and started reading for a little bit until what it looks like he found what he was looking for.

"Wel-we-welcome how-hoe-home lie-low-lord," he said very shakily as if he was unsure of his response. Good thing is now is that they speak my language even if it is not common and only spoken by the clergy. Bad thing is that he called me lord for an unknown reason.

"Thanks for welcoming but I don't own land so I'm no lord," I responded clearly confused at his statement. This even confused him further. I don't think he fully understood what I said, I could have guessed that he was proficient in English from the way he spoke it. Well, there goes any hope of quick communication.

"We wou-wow-wood-would li-like to inv-invitation into homes fo-or fea-feast," this time he was even jumbled and now afraid with ears laying back his head. Wow that is kind of cute.

"Lead on," I said trying to speak in a calm demeanor even with the staring freaking me out. I even raise me hand/paw thing in a sweeping motion as if to say go on. He seemed to get the idea and did something similar to follow me motion with his hoof. I did as I thought he intended, and he seemed to perk up at that. He was leading me towards the tan horseshoe building which might be the town hall due to its size in comparison to other buildings around it.

The crowd parting letting us through, but they are still STARING! What is their problem? Never seen a giant fox that is double your height and looks down upon you. The priest yelled something out that made the crowd start cheering. Fuck I hope they aren't cannibals, wait that doesn't work because they are a different species from me. Horses are also herbivores. I got a look at their sides and noticed most of them even have a tattoos or pictures on their ass, they had all different types from carrots, ha, to what looked like a mug. Why they had them is another question to add to the growing list I wanted to ask.

Entering the building, inside wasn't anything fancy but had a nice grand hall for events. With tall pillars on the corners and a marble floor this room is most likely meant to impress anyone coming in. I hear the boom of the heavy oak doors closing behind me with the muffling of the cheering voices. I could still see a couple looking through the windows trying to get a good look at me, but the priest led me ushered in quickly and up the stairs to the second floor away from some observers. Red carpet covered the ground upstairs with the same tan walls of the outside.

He led me down the hall into what seemed like an office. This office had very little furnishing with only a wooden desk, two potted plants in the corners and a cabinet for papers. He rummaged the cabinet for some paper and when he had some walked to the far side of the desk. He grabbed what looked to be a quill and ink out of the desk drawers and went to work writing something. I just sat like a dog on the other side of the desk not knowing what he was doing.

After a while he finished what he was writing and moved to get another piece of paper. He took out his book that he had earlier and started to write something. He soon than gave me the paper. It read Welcome to Hoovesdale, Lord Kitsune.

The Note

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Hey, he can write in English what a boon to me! What does he mean by Lord Kitsune though? I mean that isn't my name, my name is Kevin Fahren. Going off of the English definition of lord it is either a landowner or like a god. This is a priest saying it so I might lean heavily on God, but I didn't think posing as a god or spirit would actually work. Also how did he write so smoothly on the paper with his hooves of all things?

I tried to pick up the quill that was handed to me, but paws aren't great for picking things up and I spilled ink a crossed the paper. I got a look of annoyance from him but once he realized I was looking he quickly change his tune. What dude this is hard without hands! I got a way to stabilize to pen when holding in-between my little toes and two paws. Never thought I would be writing two handed, but I guess it have to work for now.

I started to write how Greetings back to you, I am confused on why you called me lord kitsune as I am no lord, and my name is Kevin. Short, simple and polite, best way to get on one's good side. I handed the paper and pen back to him. He took one look at my handwriting and looked at me with disappointment, not even hiding it this time. I'm sorry dude I never had good handwriting but that was before I had paws to deal with. If you wanted the best handwriting I've ever seen, find very small letter Tavin, he could fit a five-paragraph essay on half a sheet of paper while I took three.

He started to compare what I wrote to his book, I think it is a dictionary, and the further along he got the more confused he became. At least his looks of confusion and disappointment are not as bad as my father's that one time I screwed up. My father's looks were legendary for their effects, the priest's look just doesn't compare. He started to write. I do knot under know what Kevin mean. Does mean original name?

What? He was doing so well in the first half; I should have expected it with how he was stuttering and how simple the sentences were. So, his grammar is in need of work, great. Original name? What does he mean by that? I think I have to change the subject if I'm going to get anywhere with this guy. I took then pen and wrote. What is your name?

That seemed to have cheered him up! Divine Seer, my lord.

Umm, what? That's his name? Kinda reminds me of a book I read with the naming scheme they have being on the nose. Does that mean he is a seer and can see the future. I might just ask that. Divine Seer, what a lovely name. Does it mean that you are a seer and can see the future.

That seemed to get a chuckle out of him. No, me got from believing in your glory.

What the fuck is he talking about? My glory? I lived in Idaho where nothing happens! I did nothing important to get any glory! Okay calm down, breath. He believes me to be his god, so I'm fucked when he figures it out that I'm not. I have to bite this in the butt immediately if I'm going to let him down gently instead of pulling the rug out from under him. Fuck I'm going to break his heart. I'm sorry sir but I'm not Lord Kitsune. I'm a regular person who has lived a regular life. I have not brought glory to my family or name. I am not your god.

Just as I finished another horse came in with a mailman looking outfit. A female pink fur and blue mane pegasus. Divine Seer and her started talking to each other. Once the finished, Divine gave her the first note and gave her a slight bow. The pegasus responded by giving him a deeper bow. She turned to me and gave me a bow and quickly ran out after a few words. That was cute but I didn't like the bow, I'm no GOD!

I turned to face Divine and found him reading. The look of concern on his face would break any heart who looked upon it. Valient Kitsune, you return from the nineth realm, the scenes you saw are not true. The nineth is chaos realm, the land of discord, none who enter leave unharmed.

Well fuck you too for saying my life before hand was a lie. Shit he is making excuses for me not being his god. What I say is true, I am not your god. I even had family who loved me in this nineth realm.

While saw is real, it no true. The realm was taken by angry god. Vengeful god. You went in to stop him.

So let me get this straight, Kitsune went into this nineth realm to fight a god.

Yes, you went in realm to not only fight a god, but the god of Chaos.

Oh, great so I supposedly fought their version of Satan. Fuck me, he is not backing down on me being Kitsune. Fine I'll back down for a little bit just to stop this. Say I believe you on my mind being altered by this realm, does this mean I can order you to stop and take me outside to see the world.

The sour look I received is so precious on the little horse. I didn't know old horse men could be so cute. Yes, but I highly disagree. You will be riot to ponies. Wait till royalty arrives.

Yeah, I don't think I want to explain to the highest power in the land that I'm a fraud. Shit is that what the first note was, to get the royalty down here. I so fucked if they arrive soon. wait I didn't see any planes so it will take them time to get here, I just have to find a way so sneak out before they arrive, but I have time. I don't even think the wings on these horses even work with how tiny they are on them. While I value you opinion, it will due me no good being locked up in castle waiting for royalty to save me. I'd rather be with the people than in here when they arrive.

That seemed to shock him enough to agree to let me out. He got up to make his way to the door, I went to follow. I feel like this will be my final breath of fresh air I will ever take before I get beheaded for heresy against their god. I mean I have time to enjoy the sights and then run before they arrive right?

The Feast

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Even after all that time communicating with the Divine Seer there was still people at the door waiting for us to exit. Most have restarted the festival, thank God. Though a good thing is when I exited, they cheered and didn't bow. Some of them are even beckoning me to play some of their games. Divine Seer looks uninterested, but I can't hold up the hospitality that the others are showing me.

What is odd about the games is how similar they are to county fair back home. Throwing games that I don't know how they would play with hooves, water gun games, and prize games. Is that horseshoes? That is kind of funny that they have horseshoes considering that they're horses. On that note, do they have to wear horseshoes, or do they walk barefoot or hooved? Won't their hooves like get all banged up? I'll have to ask later.

Oh, look they have plushies for prizes! I love plushies let's see what they have. They have wolves, dragons, horses, elephants, griffons and more. It's funny how they have some predators in their selection considering what they are. Wait what is that in the sky? What, how can they fly with those wings? How are things being levitated up in the air with nothing supporting them? How are these horses doing all this? If they can levitate and fly, I may have to revise my time of escape to be much sooner.

Wait who is tapping me on the shoulder? Divine Seer, what does he want? He has a notebook with him, and he wrote something. The young, fun days. Celebrate arrival of new age. Old men reminiscing of their days long past, same in both worlds.

What new age are they celebrating? I start to write. I wonder if it is like New Year's or the fourth of July with how things are set.

We celebrate return of ruler; she was gone for long time but returned. Good to know that a new ruler has returned. Hopefully it is not like Napoleon coming back to France because I don't want to get suck in the middle of a war with every nation against me.

Cool, what is their name. Who says curiosity killed the cat, plus it would help to know who returned for later.

Princess Luna returned to her sister, Princess Celestia. Would help to know her sister's names. Good to know. Oh, look there are a lot of children staring at us. It would be creepy if they didn't have puppy dog eyes staring directly at me. These children look so cute! One of the little ones, a cream and brown maned unicorn, came up to speak with me.

<Hello lord Kitsune, can you tell us about your adventures please,> it looks like she asked me a question, though I don't know what she said. I looked towards Divine Seer for some clarification. He seemed to get the message.

They ask if you can tell story of how you got here. Divine clarified. That shouldn't be too hard, not a lot happened other than my close venture into god's territory. I started to write down my story so far talking about the castle, the walk in the forest, the encounter with wooden wolves and the dragon saving me. Divine Seer seemed to think for a while before telling my story to the kids.

<Today we have witnessed the glory of our Lord Kitsune, God of order, coming back to our realm. He has faced many trails over the years in the ninth realm that have weakened him. Even still he had enough will to come back to let us behold his glory! He returned from his exile in the most dangerous place in Equestria, the Everfree Forest!> that seemed to get a gasp out of them, <Not only that he was brutally attacked by Timberwolves, but he also fought bravely destroying the abominations that were created by the evil necromancer Bone Saw!>

I don't know what he said to get all the kids scared. What is he saying? <He fought hard but was overwhelmed in his weakened state. With his back to a river, he would stand his ground no matter the cost. When all seemed lost a mighty dragon came done to save him. With fiery heart that burned so hot that none of the wolves would survive for attacking its lord. Having saved his Lord Kitsune, the dragon flew him to our home for us to bath in his light! Kitsune has chosen to greet his subjects that he loves! So, love him as he loves us and show him the glory of the ponies we have become. Show him the love of what we have created!>

His last statement seemed to ignite cheering from all around us. I haven't even noticed others stopped what they were doing to listen to Divine. What did he say to ignite this crowd? Nothing I did would be worthy of praise. Please don't say he embellish the truth to make me more god-like, he must have. I might have to talk to him about that. I tap him on the shoulder and then point at the notebook. Did you tell them I did something God-like to get them to cheer like that.

He seemed confused by what I wrote. No, I told ponies to show you our realm, I want to show you our culture and our lives.

Oh, how nice of him but he is leaving out how he portrayed me as a god. He is going to be a pain in my ass with how he is portraying me. I will take up his offer of seeing how this world works, plus free food is free food and there is nothing wrong with that. I can see some of the horses even beckoning me to come with them. If this is anything like the fair back home, it's going to be fun.

I began to play some games, even won a plushie of a fox; what foxes are my favorite animal. The food was interesting with it being completely plant based. They had equivalents to hot dogs, cheeseburgers and more. The taste could be better, but I don't think they want their food to taste like meat in the first place. The day so easily turned to evening, bringing a nice orange glow to the plaza that everyone was now gathering at. Everyone was now getting a partner and I'm left with no one, so I walk my way to the back to just watch them. They begin with slow music that sound very familiar to what I hear in those cheesy romance movies my mom loves.

The way they slow dance is weird, two of them stand on their hind legs hold the other one up. It works but the way they look, belly to belly, doesn't look appropriate for a public setting. No, shut up idiot, stop thinking of these things. That's disgusting to even think about. I wish I knew how to dance but I won't even try with these new legs. At least there were others like me on the outside watching. Though the way the inside is looking into their partners eyes with a dreamy look in their eyes, almost makes me jealous that I don't have a partner back home.

The dance went on for a while, long enough for Divine to find me and watched with me. I took a glance at him and found that his eyes were a bit watery. Did he lose someone? At his age I would expect to lose someone I love. I moved a bit closer to him and wrapped my tails around him to give him a Sudō-hug. He turned to look at me with surprise, gave a little nod and leaned slightly into me. After all he has done for me, he deserves it, just for a little bit though. We stayed like that up until the dance was over.

The dance floor was soon evacuated, and a lot of tables were brought out to fill it. They even brought out food, was this the feast he was talking about earlier. It doesn't look like they have potatoes, damn. We all got seated, with me being the closest to the town hall. Divine Seer rose up to say something to the crowd, and everyone closed their eyes and bowed their heads. Shit, they are prayer. Quickly doing the same as to not be single out myself.

<Amen,> the people repeated back. After that, conversations resumed, and people began eating. I just sat back and looked around for a moment. These people look so happy, with their smiling faces and their loving laughs. I don't think I can leave in the middle of the night without saying goodbye to them, I don't want to break their hearts.

I just sat back taking in the atmosphere while eating small bites. The food tastes a bit wonky but that could be my new taste buds. I wish I was home with my family having this moment with them. I miss them. I got a tap on the shoulder by Divine. Are you fine, my lord? Your eyes are water.

Glad to know he cares about me; I quickly wiped my eyes and wrote back. No, everything is perfect.

He drew close and laid his head on me. I guess fair is fair, so I lean back into it. We spent most of the feast like this, both of us taking small bites. We didn't write much but there wasn't a need to. I don't want to break his heart; I'll stay for as long as I can. The night soon came, and cleanup was soon called. Everyone pitted in to help, though my help was limited. Soon everyone went home, and I was led back into the town hall. Instead of taking a left up the stair we took a right. The hall was lined with doors though most we ignored. halfway done the hall Divine stopped and opened the door to the left and ushed me in.

I sorry for bad room. No time to make special for you. He looked sad at that, but I gave him a little pet on the top of his head to show that his efforts were not in vain. He even seemed to like it for the way he smiled. I closed the door after he let me to my own devices. The room as he said was nothing special. While I have to guess why they made door twice the size of any one here it is convenient to not duck every time I go into a building. The bedroom was Lighty decorated with carpeted cream floors, a small mirror and a regular king-sized bed and not the fancy one at the castle. There was even a dresser even though from what I have seen no one wore clothes. A small window in the corner gave me a look into the village, showing me all the lights quickly turning off as people went to bed.

I stumbled my way into bed, the day has been tiring to say the least. In the beginning I was almost killed and the next I'm socializing with the townsfolk. This bed even has a blanket, even if it is awkward to get it over me even though it doesn't even fit over the tails. I like this place even with giant wood wolves that try to kill you. I would probably bring my sister Avery here for the nice vacation she deserves. I wish I could get back to my family. With the thing I have seen some of these creatures do, I could probably ask one of them to open a portal back.

I'll come home back to them one day though. Just not right now, my pillow is calling, and it must be answered. It wasn't long before I fell into a deep sleep.

The Arrival

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God, I'm burning up right now. This blanket needs to go. One quick movement would have thrown it off, but it got stuck on something. Fuck, I don't want to get up. Stop shining sun, go back to night where I can sleep for a little longer. Dammit, I'm not going to get back to sleep, am I?

I hate mornings. The birds are singing today, just like home. Home! Shooting up and quickly checking my surroundings. Why am I still in this place? I just want to go home. Looking towards me bedstand I see Fang my little fox plushie staring at me with that little smile of his. Why are you so happy? I talking to a plushie. Am I still sane?

Let's have an existential crisis later, getting up to get some breakfast now. I hope they have a pancake equivalent here with syrup and peanut butter. OH, right the blanket. Where is it? I turned my head to look for it and didn't find it on the floor. It got caught on my tails. Get off of me you hot piece of Cotten. It took a little bit of shaking like a dog to get it off. Thankfully no one saw that.

Okay it is time to go downstairs to find Divine, my now unofficial translator, to have him help with breakfast. The question is though is how am I going to open this door? It has a doorknob, wish it had the lever, that is round and smooth. I have paws that don't grip things like human hands. Every other time a door came in my way someone has opened it for me. Can I grip things with my mouth like foxes do, and if I can, do I really want to use my mouth to open a door, sounds disgusting.

I didn't have to ponder long as someone else opened it for me. It was a brown and blonde unicorn mare who opened the door. To say that it was awkward staring at each other was an understatement. The thing that was fortunate for this situation is that I now don't have to open the door. She seemed perplexed on what to do now. All she could do was wave me to follow and go down the hall towards the opposite side of the stairs. I grabbed Fang really quick with my tails and hurried to follow her. I like my fox.

The mare stops and turns around. She smiles sheepishly at me and points the other direction. She seems to have lost her way for a second. I smile in return and head back towards the stairs. I hear her mumble something to herself, before we hit the stairs. What I see at the bottom of the stairs is not what I wanted though. Divine Seer was talking with a white unicorn stallion with a blue mane. He was wearing purple armor with a gold lining. There were some other guards wearing what looked like gold armor on but the one next to Divine looked very important.

They noticed me with the help of the young mare right next to me calling out for them. Fuck, I should have left last night. How did they even arrive so fast? Was there a garrison nearby? I'm so fucked. Breath in, breath out. Do as the romans do when in Rome, if Rome was a horse kingdom. Divine is waving me over to him, I don't really want to join his smiling face. God, I hate my new life. I have even denied my divinity, and no one would listen!

As I walked closer the new unicorn saluted me, which was new, before going into a deep bow. He even started to start speaking which I'm sure was filled with a lot of boot licking of this god Kitsune. I just tap him on the shoulder to shut him up and lift his chin up to stare right into his deep blue eyes. He seems unsure of what to do now and scared that he might have done something wrong. I turned to Divine to asked, "Who?"

That seemed to get him out of his funk and to franticly start writing something out while even saying, "Sorry, lord!" He showed me what he wrote, This is captain Armor, he from home city Canterlot. He bring you to rulers. Please he didn't mean harm.

I started to chuckle a little bit at the end. Like I could do anything to this guy, he could probably kick my ass back to Idaho if he wanted to. I quickly started to write, He did nothing wrong; I was looking into the eyes as the eyes are the gateway to the soul. That is some bullshit I heard long ago, what I was really doing was seeing how he would react to me in an uncomfortable position. He did nothing to me, so that might be a good thing.

He knows of your condition; he has asked you to go to him to Canterlot. I don't think he requested; I think it is more of an order. I give him a nod and he started talking to this captain Armor. Wait, what the hell does he mean by my condition. He better have not said the bullshit he said to me in the office to him. I am not Kitsune who has lost his mind in this ninth dimension.

Wait they are moving towards the door, quick I got to follow them. The sun blinded me as I stepped outside. There are people outside and a lot of them. They are all gathered outside of empty semi-circle in front of the town hall. In that empty space was a gold Chariot. Why would they use chariots? Questions for another time. I even hear wailing and cheers; the fuck is going on. I can't get a straight answer from either this Armor guy or even Divine as they are making a beeline towards the chariot. I have to speed up not to get left behind.

Two pegasus horses started to hook themselves to the chariot while captain Armor got in with one other armored regular horse. Captain Armor motioned for me to hop on while Divine just had his head down towards the ground. I stopped because I know him enough to know that something is wrong. I lift his head towards mine to see his eyes crying. I don't want to leave you too buddy, though I didn't know I have made such an impact on you. "Don't cry my little Divine, you were there for me as I was to you when we needed it. We will meet again soon."

That seemed to cheer him up a little bit, he seemed to get the message even though I know he didn't understand everything I said. Then he started smiling manically and turned to Captain Armor. <Captain Armor I'm coming with you to Canterlot. This is not a debate as I am the only one here who even knows even a little bit of the ancient language.>

<Father Seer, while I like your determination, I have to decline your request. Due to Lord Kitsune's weight and size there won't be enough room for you, my men will be very tired before we even Reach Canterlot and your extra added weight will only make it worse for them.> Divine and Armor were now staring daggers at one another, neither one backing down over something.

<Captain Armor this is not a request this is an order. What does "Guardian of Heaven," mean,> Hey I understood that, but the context is lost.

<Father, Princess Celestia knows of the ancient language and is fluent in it, she would even know how to transfer our language to him. You also have responsibilities here father. Think of your brothers and sister at the church who need your guidance. You can't leave them here alone they will be lost spiritually without you. Father, I understand your request but think of what the ponies around you need. Today should be a great day for all of us, do not let them shed tears in your name.>

<I am dying Captain; I have known for a while. I have lost my wife and children. I have lost much in my life. I have had great moments of happiness in my life. I have trained my successor to become the next father of Hoovesdale. I have thought my life was tragic. I have even cursed Faust's name for my greatest failures to protect my family. I have lost my way and faith for years. I have been going on without a purpose for a while now. I would have silence myself long ago, but I felt as if I had a greater purpose in this life other than the great symphony of tragedy it has been. I only asked for you to consider a dying stallions request, to die knowing he served as his lord's guide,> The entire town was died silent after Divine's speech. That even got the stoic captain to falter.

<I'm sorry father I didn't know.>

<It is okay my son, I ask of you to consider my request,> The captain seemed unsure of what to do for a second.

<Captain Armor, the father can take my place. I can make my way towards the nearest train station in Ponyville,> The horse in the chariot spoke up.

<I can't have you do that private Spear; I can't leave you behind, we have regulations on this,> Responded the captain.

<Sir, just this once I believe we should make an exception to the rules, and I believe we should ask Lord Kitsune if he prefers the father to stay with him,> The young Stallion answered with full conviction. They all turned to me to look for an answer that I didn't even know what the question was. Divine started to write something on his notebook and hooved it to me.

Lord Kitsune, I asked to come to you to hometown Canterlot I will lead you and tell you of the places. What does he mean by that. I don't even know what he said, mostly. Come to me to this Canterlot, does he mean with me. Does he not know the word with. That is kind of funny. Sure, why not, he seems like a cool guy. I write as much, and he seemed as elated about this fact.

The regular armored horse got off and Divine took his spot on the chariot. Huh is that what they were arguing about. Seems kind of pointless if you ask me. Divine turned to face the crowd and start his long speech, <My fellow Equestians, this may be the last time you see me. Do not cry for me, I have lived for a long time and now it is my time to return to Faust, but first I must be the guide to her lost son. I have trained sister Prophet to replace me, and I give my thoughts and prayers to her spirit to guide yours towards the holy path. I may have not followed my own teachings and I may have not trodden the holy path. Faust knows of my sins, but she gave me task I must complete. May Faust give her love to you and may you give your heart to her.>

That seemed to get the crowd the stomp and howling. The captain seemed to say something to the two pegasus hooked up to the chariot. They opened up their wings and started to run forward. I don't like where this is going as I quickly grab onto the railing in anticipation of what is to come. As quickly as they started, they lifted up into the sky. I'm glad for the howling otherwise they might have heard my scream as we took off. I held on to that railing for dear life. I don't like heights, never did. Both the captain and Divine looked on the edge of snicking with a little bit of concern added in. You knew this was going to happen you DEVILS! Okay don't look down, don't look down. You're okay, just breath in and out. Don't look down, whatever you do just don't look down.

The flight was terrifying but uneventful for the most part. I just kept my head down, so I don't see my impending doom miles below me. I got a tap on my shoulder, it was Divine. We near to Canterlot. You should look.

When I got enough courage to look, I saw something that would have been in fairytale story. It was a city on the mountains. It consisted of two large platforms, how they stayed on the mountain I do not know. The lower one consisted of housing from what I can see though I'm not sure. The top platform consisted of taller buildings but the one that stood out the most was a large marble and gold castle. This must be the Canterlot I have been hearing about. The place where the princesses and rulers are. Where my doom awaits, and it is getting closer

The Golden Throne

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The castle was even more lush and luxurious up close. The walls looked like they were made of marble and the railings and accents of purple and gold. Whoever made this place had enough money to make a quarter of the castle gold. If I went back home with all this gold, I would be rich and crash the gold market in the process. If this is what the royals flash, what else do they keep in the vaults. I might just ask.

Why is there so much gold here Divine, back home this would be too expensive for even royals. That seem to confuse him. I'll let him stew over what I said for a little bit while I look more at this castle, wait no palace. It looked to have a massive garden and hedge maze too. For a city hooked onto a side of a mountain they made sure that who ever lived in this palace had enough space. It even reminds me of the palace in France, Versailles I think it is called. Damn, that is a lot of money that went into this place.

I got a tap on the shoulder from Divine, Gold is standard, cost not much, look good in sun. leader says we will land shortly. I feel like a codebreaker figuring out the enigma code sometimes when he writes. Sure, the meaning is there but half of it is scrambled and sounds like it is coming from a child. Why does gold cost nothing? Have I been told a lie on how valuable it is? I mean I know there is a lot of it but if they use it as a building material, what does that mean for back home?

I didn't have much time to think of what I been told as they did fast dive towards a platform. It was a pretty good size platform and looks like there are other chariots too. Too bad I didn't get over my fear of heights. It almost felt as I was weightless but locked in place by a seatbelt. Even Divine seemed like he might throw up. The smirking little unicorn captain on the other hand is trying to look stoic but secretly laughing at me. The bastard.

We landed with a quick little hop. God I'm going to throw up, never again will I get on a flying chariot ever again. I hate flying. I didn't even go on airplanes back home; I would just drive all the way to where I needed to go. I hate this horse society already if this is the main vessel of transportation. quickly hopped off the damned thing just to throw up. I got a little pat on the back by Divine who doesn't look that much better than me.

I even hear yelling behind. Taking a glance revealed this Shining fellow to be chewing out the pilots? What would they even be called when they are up front pulling. Still, they deserve it. They might have killed Divine and I with that stunt. Maybe only me as Divine has wings, even if they do look very fragile with how thin they are.

Looks like the greeting party is here. There were tons of guards towards the gate, two lines of guards on both sides of the gate facing inwards. At the gate had two giant horned unicorns, one was taller white unicorn with a flowing rainbow mane and the other was pink and shorter. The mane is blowing in a very shallow wind not enough to have it flow like that, how is that possible. The pink one looked like they were about to explode with nervousness but the white one was stoic. They wore crowns and what look to be a chest plate thingy around their necks. Definitely royalty. They must be Celestia and Luna if I remember right. Divine told me about how one just returned home. I wonder which one is which?

<Announcing Lord Kitsune, son of Faust, God of Order, creator of will and the guardian of life,> Jesus did they have to be so loud. The captain went up and talked a little bit to the princesses. God, I wish I knew what everyone was saying around me, it is almost like at my first job. I hate drama. Wait was that the captain taking looks at the pink one, and she knows with the hot look in her eyes when she turned to look at him. They defiantly have a thing going on. The white one didn't notice! How that was so obvious that the captain has the hots for her sister.

"Equestria welcomes you Lord Kitsune, I am princess Celestia, high priestess and Alicorn of the Sun," the taller white one said. She even did a little bow. Fuck. So, she is this Celestia I have heard about and that must mean the other one is Luna.

"I am princess Mi Amore Cadenza or Cadance for short, Alicorn of love," the shorter pink one struggled to get out with a bow. Who the fuck is that? I don't remember hearing about her. I turn to Divine for a second to see if he knew anything about this. I think I scared him a little bit with how he was now hiding behind his book.

"Hello, my name is Kevin Fahren and I think we have a massive misunderstanding on our hands," yeah being called their lord and savior is defiantly a misunderstanding. I'm just glad someone can understand me now.

"All will be answered shortly, Kevin. Will you please come with us, and we'll answer any question you would have," this Celestia asked. I don't have much to do other than follow them, wait they have Wings?! I just hope they have no one nearby when I tell them that I'm a joke. They started to lead us through the gate and through what looked like a courtyard for training the guards. Though none were training with all eyes on me, I hate this attention I'm getting.

"I heard that you had a sister named Luna, may I ask where she is?" I asked innocently. That got Celestia to stop for a moment. Candance just gave me a puzzled look, damn I thought she was fluent too.

"My faithful sister Luna is recovering. She is currently recovering from her sickness. She won't be able to speak directly to you for the next week. I'm sorry you won't be able to speak to her," there is more to this story than what she is saying. She sounded like a politician with that half-truth. We'll see what you're hiding. The inside of the castle was absolutely gorgeous, old paintings of battles and notable figures plastered the walls, purple carpets with gold rims, stained windows, statues and artifacts littered the hall's edges. It would have looked like a fancy museum of ancient history. I love it!

"This place is beautiful, almost Like I'm walking through time. This place must be rich in all the history it carries," That got a chuckle out her stiffness but miss pink pretty princess must have not understood what I said so she had it get repeated for her. Her face grew sour for a second and then returned to normal. Huh, what was that all about.

"I do make sure that history is preserved here for all to see, and they do make good decorations to an otherwise empty castle. Though I have to admit it does get a bit dull with time," how could she say that? This place would be a gold mine for any archeologist. She suddenly stopped and turned to look at me, "This realm has many treasures and artifacts but with a lifespan as long as mine I have seen most of them in action, I have memories I don't wish to remember connected to some of them."

With that she turned and started to walk off. What did she mean by a long lifespan, how old is she? More questions to add to the bucket but I'll keep my mouth shut as those eyes showed the first sign of pain in them. I honestly lost track of where we are going, this place is a maze in disguise.

They lead me to a what looked like a throne room. On the other side of the room was an elevated gold throne with a sun emblazoned on it. The room was wide and had what looked like rows of seats on either side of the room with a carpet running down the middle. That wasn't the most spectacular thing about this throne room. No, it had to be the massive, stained windows that showed what I presume to be legends or history on them. Some showed what seem to be heroes, other showed major events. There was one with a snake looking creature with different parts mixed together. Those all paled in comparison to the one above the throne.

The center held a nine tailed fox and on each of his tails held a ring with a starry space in between each. These rings held what looked to be a realm of land. In the top corners held the sun, left, and moon, right. The fox stared down at three of the horses, one of each race I've seen except the horned pegasuses I just met, with a motherly looking expression. Surrounding this all was another horse with a horn and wings, this time white with a red mane, soundly sleeping.

"That is the masterpiece of pleasant touch, her lives' work. She called it 'Faust's dream'. It is said to magical in nature as others couldn't recreate any of her works, even today. She had a way to bring out emotions like no pony else. I remember when she asked to create it hundreds of years ago. I almost said no. It is awe inspiring is it not?" Celestia asked.

"Yes, I have to agree with that. It is the most awe inspiring here, the others hold important event, while this one has something else, I can't put my finger on what it is."

"You aren't the first one to try to decipher what she meant when making it, it has lasted through many conflicts and never been broken. Even today when I look at it, I could only see the creation of all of the nine realms and those who inhabit them. The plan of the creator Faust and her son, Kitsune, the ones who molded all of us to life," Fuck, "But now we must return to business, one of them is language. I do believe you know nothing of the Equestrian language, which is an easy fix if I have your permission."

"You would be correct, and permission to do what exactly?"

"Magic has advanced far ahead of where it was four thousand years ago. I will want to use a knowledge transfer spell, what this will do would transfer knowledge of any subject to another. While this a dangerous spell to those unskilled, I have perfected it and request to access to your mind. It will hurt as knowledge would have to be processed, but with a connection to two minds it will process faster," the fuck does she take me for, even I know the dangers of mind magic and there is no magic back home only theories by enthusiasts. Well, that confirms my thoughts that magic actually exists here though.

"I don't trust a lot of people messing with my mind," there is more danger in this type of magic than any other.

"Understandable as mind magic was thought to be illegal back then, though it would be faster than having you learn through tutoring," good point, last time I tried to learn a language I just couldn't, "I would also point out how I see your anger of not being able to communicate properly."

No shit but fucking with my mind is a dangerous trade off lady. One I don't think I want to take, "The risk could be too high, even with trained professionals, things could go wrong."

"The operation would be simple, transplanting a language is a fairly simple process, it won't interfere with any other part of the brain but the one for communication. This has been experimented on and be repaired many times throughout history, if this operation fails you won't become mute," I guess that helps. If that is true, there is little downside. They are still fucking with my mind though.

"Are you certain this will be safe?"

"I have been able to use this spell with foreign dignitaries for over a thousand years. I was even there for its creation by Starswirl the Bearded," I really don't want to go through this, but being able to talk would be great.

"I'll allow it on a few conditions, one you don't look at any memories and two you will not imprint anything else. It is hard enough to have a doctor work on your brain as it is."

"I agree to these terms as that was not my intention. I will ask you to lay in the center of the room, I will inform Cadance of our actions," I hope I don't go braindead from this. I did as she said and laid down.

<You know the dangers of what this spell can do AUNTY, not only does it rewrite his mind with different signals it could cause brain damage on a scale so devastating that it was basically outlawed. While I don't doubt your skill with magic, I suggest we don't experiment with Lord Kitsune's mind. Killing a fragment of Kitsune won't go well with Faust or the true Kitsune,> The pink one, Cadance, basically shook the room with how loud she was. She looked frantic too. I should probably reconsider. The question is a chance to actually communicate or have a small chance to die.

<I understand the dangers of what the spell can do, I was there when it was made and regulated. I also know the legends of the fury of Kitsune and how we we're created. I won't go in blind immediately; I will test how his mind works then work my way from there," I take a look towards Divine for any input, he looks concerned and gives me a slight nod. He then walks up to Celestia and whispers something. She nods in response and moves over to me. She laid down in front of me and put her horn to my head, "Lord Kitsune or Kevin, I can sense your distrust and uneasiness to this request. I can understand my request is dangerous. If you want to back down from my request, I understand. I wanted to give you the gift to speak to your subjects of the eighth realm," fuck it.

"I said I'll allow it as I'm terrible at learning languages, but after I have to talk to everyone about this image I have."

"I believe this would be agreeable. This land has changed much in your absence, your image is the least of your worries."

"Yeah, we'll see. Okay let's get this over with before I go through several months of tutoring," With the light of her horn we started, at first nothing happened. It started slowly, it felt like a warm was crawling along my entire brain. It was like a small headache; hey this is not too bad so far. Then as fast as an Feight train it went to searing pain. I couldn't think, I couldn't scream. Make it stop, I don't want to do this anymore.

Calm

Of Light and Love

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God my head is killing me. It feels like migraine. The worst one too at that. If I knew it would cause this much pain I would have declined and done the harder route of learning the damn language, then I could tell them to fuck off. This world in general needs to learn that I'm not their damn savior. I could barely get out of bed to work a nine to six.

*tap* *tap*

Hey that hurts. It almost feels like a rubber hammer. I couldn't even move to swat them off.

"Did she kill him?" asked a sheepish young girl.

"I didn't kill him! I was doing a standard spell I've done for hundreds of years!" a more authoritative voice exclaimed.

"You should say that to Faust! I bet she would be so forgiving when she learns you killed her SON!" responded the girl.

"Watch your tone, Cadance," started the commanding voice.

"Like Tartarus Celestia! Faust would bring down a thousand curses upon our land for killing him! You want me to remain calm at this fact!" this 'Cadance' screamed. Gah, my head, why can't they argue quietly.

"How about we all just calm down and actually check if he's dead," a familiar voice said. It almost sounds like Divine. I slowly got control of my paws and started to rub my temples.

"Calm. CALM! He just collapsed right in front of us from a mind spell! That could only mean one thing, we killed him! Everypony knows this!" 'Cadance' exclaimed loudly. "His mind would be shattered and dead with only his body living on for a time! We have thousands of years of history on the study of mind magic to prove this!"

"I have studied this spell of hundreds of years, and I can tell you I did not mess the spell up! I did it correctly, but his mind was shielded so I have to Improvise on the spot! Even then the safeties on these spells should have prevented this!" 'Celestia' yelled. God they are getting too loud.

"Then why did he collapse if the safeties should have 'prevented' it! You know as well as I---" 'Cadance' started.

"ALL OF YOU SHUT THE FUCK UP" I yelled out. That shut down their screaming match. Thank Christ, the ringing in my ears and mind was getting unbearable.

"He's alive!" all of them exclaimed loudly. Why can't they be quiet? My head hurts too much to yell again.

"Unfortunately," I responded. It got quiet after that, but not the good kind of silence of understanding but a more somber tone.

"What did he say?" Cadance asked, breaking the tone of the room.

"He said something about it being not in good fortune," replied Celestia. Not quite but close enough.

"Why would he not be happy to be alive?" asked Cadance.

"It's because this day has been terrible, and I want it over quickly. Not to mention the migraine I have right now," I stated. I tried to open my eyes, but the light was too blinding, so I quickly shut them again.

"Cadance, he understood you! See my spell was successful!" exclaimed Celestia.

"If it was successful, why can't he speak it? Why did he collapse? You failed and you don't want to admit it," accused Cadance.

"Ladies just shut up. Fighting will get you nowhere," I said to them. It sounds like the petty fights I had with my sister back when I was younger.

"Lord Kitsune, I do not understand what this shut up means. I know the words but do not understand what they mean together," Celestia said.

"It means be quiet harshly. So, if you could do that, that would be nice," I responded.

"What did he say?" Cadance asked. Even with their lower voice level, they are still way to loud.

"He is telling us to be quiet and not to fight."

"Ohh, why did it sound so harsh?"

"See how he is holding his head; he has a migraine I believe due to the spell."

"Yes now shut up, you're still too loud," I said. Celestia gave me huff, now that she knows what I mean. Even with my harsh warnings they kept on bickering. Who knew royalty would more human than the stiff boards they are portrayed. I felt a little tap on my nose. Would it be muzzle now? I don't remember the right term for it. I was able to open my eyes to look upon Divine trying to get my attention.

"You dropped this my lord," Divine said while holding my fox plushie, Fang. I quickly held out my paws to grab hold of him. I need some cuddles right now. It reminds me of home with the plushies I'd like to collect. I miss home. I just laid there for a little bit before my migraine went away. Divine never said anything as I laid there, he was just silently staring at me with a concern expression, I think that what's that face means. It's nice to know he got my back. I finally got my wits together to get up very Shakely.

"Thank you Divine, I really needed that," I said as my three legs wobbled as they struggled to stay standing. Divine gave me a nod as he helps me keep my balance. It took a minute to get Fang back in my tails where he won't fall out again, for some reason him being there makes me feel better.

"It is my pleasure to help you as we are both children of Faust. She would want all her children to help when others are in their time of need," Divine stated. I have a feeling that isn't the only reason he did it. Fuck, why do I have to look like this 'Kitsune' fella. I'd rather not be their next messiah, that would really suck. I looked over at what was now a quiet room, the two royal members were now looking sheepishly at me while bowing.

"We would humbly like to apologize for our behavior Lord Kitsune," stated Celestia. What?

"We were out of line and did not care for your health as we should have," started Cadance.

"We apologize on behalf of Equestria so that you may not curse our lands," Celestia said.

"We must recognize our responsibility as the rulers of Equestria, so we ask that you not turn your ire towards our ponies."

"We ask of you to curse us for our sins and not the ponies below, for they have not sinned as we have."

"We will take the consequences for our lack of action in your time of need."

"We only ask of you to spare our ponies from your wrath," Celestia finished. I just sat there and stared blankly at them. I have no idea what to do in this situation. There was an awkward silence as I stared at them.

"Are you sure he can understand us?" Cadance whispered to Celestia. She tried to keep this conversation more or less secret but fail miserably.

"I was sure he responded to you; if he can't, we might have a problem," Celestia stated quietly, she only moves her mouth we she said this unlike Cadance sneaking looks at Celestia. I think I should butt in before another fight breaks out.

"I can understand you perfectly fine, though I don't know how. The reason I didn't respond is that I don't know what to do in this situation," I clarified to them. They both looked horrified by my answer. I don't know why as I'm trying to figure out what they mean by that weird little skit they did.

"Lord Kitsune," Divine started, "May I interject? Before you cast your judgement on our faithful rulers, I must tell you that Princess Celestia has served Equestria for over a thousand years while Cadance has just started serving our nation forty or so years ago. They have served our nation faithfully and honorably for their time over our nation. Please take mercy over their sin."

I notice two things in that sentence, one of them is how he said Celestia. He said it with scorn, I wonder what that is about. The other thing I noticed is that the big white and rainbow one is over one thousand-years-old! Holy shit! She is old enough to have seen the black death. No wonder she said some of those items outside have bring unpleasant memories. I look at all of them trying to decipher what exactly they want from me. All of them were looking at me with nervous expressions. I have to at least say something.

"To curse a people for an action of one is a crime against nature in of itself. As the father's sins are not the sons. Atlas the most painful punishment for sins is to learn and make sure the sins you committed never happens again. Learn from today and adapt for tomorrow," I said to them. Fuck, why did I have to get philosophical on them.

"You speak wisely my lord," started Celestia, "We will learn from our mistake today and do better tomorrow."

"I repeated what I learned from the greatest philosophers I know. These are not words of divine nature but a natural truth. Please call me Kevin," I told them while holding out my paw in what should have been a handshake, but they just stared at the paw puzzledly. Do they not know what a handshake is? "Hold out you leg."

Celestia did as I said and held out on of her legs. I moved my paw to her leg and shook it. Celestia seemed amazed by this newfound gesture. Have they really not seen a handshake before?

"This gesture is more intimate than I imagined. It hold more meaning than a simple bow but not quite as close as a nuzzle. What do you call it Lord Kevin," She struggled saying my name. I guess if they don't have hands a handshake would not make any sense to them. I do need to have them stop calling me lord though, baby steps.

"It is called..." I started before being rudely interrupted by shouting outside the door.

"Aunty Luna you must be returned to bed; your condition will worsen if you keep this up. Put down that sword! This is a weapon free area! Guards help me secure her back to her bed! She needs to recover from her injuries," shouted someone behind the door. I could even hear some sort of a scuffle behind it.

*Bang*

The door was slammed open, hitting the walls hard enough to crack them. What stood before us was now a dark blue with a light blue maned winged Unicorn. Some guards and a white unicorn fell from the door with her. She looked determined to find something. She must have found it as she stared right at me.

"Luna please don't," Celestia pleaded.

"Tis isn't thy decision to make," Luna said. She walked right up to me with her sword of a dark blue with crescent moons carved into it. It had a slight curve to it; it reminds me of a scythe. It even had red specks on it, and they look recent. It was held aloft by a dark blue glow that also emanated from her horn. She walked right up to me, staring me down as if nothing else mattered. As she got closer, she raised her sword. Just a few feet away she swung down. I flinched.

*Clang*

The sword hit the ground in front of me and Luna bowed as deep as she could. Luna started to speak, "Lord Kitsune the creator of the Nine Realms, the Guardian of Heaven, the God of Order, Balance and Will, son of Faust. Our life is now forfeit for we have sinned. Our sin is too great to be forgiven. We have broken the natural law of the land and done thee greatest evils. We have betrayed those who we love for our lust for power. We have done unspeakable evils in the name of power. It is thy judgement we seek, for only thou can cast proper judgement on the damned."

The room was silent as they waited for my answer but all I could think of was one simple word. Fuck.

The Decision

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Silence surrounded me. None dared to move. I could do nothing but stare at Luna's bright blue eyes. I didn't know what to do and no one is giving me any answers. Luna suddenly looked down at the floor in shame, probably thinking I would curse her or something.

"Lord Kitsune please take..." Celestia started before being interrupted.

"You know the rules! It is not your place to intervene! You have no right over our Lord and Savior!" exclaimed the white and blue maned unicorn. If a subject can speak to Celestia like that, I just stepped into a cultural landmine. No one dared to speak after him. I looked around for any clarification, but none was given. I was up a creek without a paddle. I could hear sniffling from behind me. What the fuck is going on!

Okay, history minor please help me here. One, from what I can tell this society is more like feudal Europe than originally expected. Two, this must be some sort of honor trial or something with how she gave up her sword. That's all I got so far. Turning my head to look at Celestia for at least some sort of hint. She looked down to hide her crying face. I looked around to see if they would give me something, but every single one of them either turned away or hide their face from me. Even Luna did the same.

WHAT am I supposed to do here!? None of this makes any sense! First, I get told she just returned from something then all of a sudden have her kneeling in front of me begging for my judgement for a crime she committed. What is going on!? Come on think, there has to be a reason for this. Let's think, she has been gone a long time for what I hear, and if she is the sister of Celestia she must be at least as old as her, maybe. She may have been gone centuries due to the old celebrating her return and not scolding her return. It seemed Divine was happy for her return.

She asked for judgement for her crimes, she even said some were too severe to be forgiven. Does that mean she murdered someone? If she did, she seams remorseful. Wait a second she said something about her lust for power and betrayal, did she betray Equestria and go into exile? What the hell did she do?

"Umm, I have one question for now, if you'll answer it," I started.

"We'll answer any question thee may have," she stated. She didn't even let me finish before she answered. She didn't even lift her head to look at me.

"I also have a request, this is for," I once again started.

"Anything for thee, our lord," She interrupted. Fuck, that's annoying. You know fuck it, I'll just strong arm my way through this. I haven't gotten anything done with trying to be nice about things, just dragged around from place to place with everyone taking my words as holy gospel. Might as well use it to get through this, just this once.

"First, don't interrupt me again," I could see her try to say something but quickly held her tongue, "Second, lift your head so I can see your eyes."

She did what she was told and look right at me. What I saw was horrifying, she looked like a ghost. Her face was frail and bony. It looked like she starved herself. Her eyes were bloodshot and had a thousand-yard stare. I had to take a deeper look at all of her. I did not like what I saw. Her fur hid most of it, but you could still see how skinny she was. Her legs were shaking and look just about to give out. She looked like she went through hell. What the hell happened to her?

"You don't look so good; I think it might be best if you got some medical attention," I stated.

"We do not require the help of a healer, we'll hold until thy judgement has passed," she said firmly. It doesn't look like it. Time to ask to big question, we'll see what I'll do from there.

"My question is simple, that does not mean it has a simple answer. What did you do?" I asked calmly. What was not calm was the response as I had multiple people start rushing to answer it.

"Please take mer..." Celestia started.

"...total eclipse..." said Luna.

"...You interrupt our Lord!" said the white unicorn. They kept talking over each other so where I didn't even know what they said. Fucking hell.

"Everyone SHUT THE FUCK UP!" I shouted. That got their attention, it seems that they got the message. Fuck it I'll go Celestia first.

"Celestia, you go first and say what you have to say," I order as I pointed at her. She got straight to the point.

"Lord Kevin, I princess Celestia of Equestria ask you to find a better source for her crime than her, she will embellish her crimes to make herself look guilty, please take mercy on her," she asked.

"Okay, next! White Unicorn," I said pointing at him.

"Our lord, Son of Faust," he started before being interrupted.

"Stop the formalities, state your name and what you were going to say, and do it in the language Celestia was speaking in," I order. That seemed to confuse him.

"Uh okay. Lord Kitsune my name is Blueblood, of the Celestial bloodline. We must ask of you, something we deeply apologize for, to resist taking information on Luna's crime from those who wish to see her free or indicted. These would be from the royals themselves and anypony close to the crown," this Blueblood stated. Anypony?! Really?! Puns?!

"Then who would you suggest?" I asked him.

"We have nopony in the castle that can fulfill this request, the only neutral party would be the nobles of the griffon empire my Lord," he stated. Griffons exist! I really am in a fantasy land of talking creatures.

"So what you're saying it that there is no one here to give her a solid case," I stated before moving on, "Luna that was your name right? Why are you doing this and what did you do?"

"Lord," Celestia started before I gave her a harsh look.

"I gave you time to speak so I will give her time to speak. Any objections?" I asked harshly. All I got were shakes of their heads, " Good, you may speak Luna."

"Oh, father of heaven..." she started before being interrupted.

"Did you not hear what I said? No formalities, they are not needed nor wanted," I stated.

"Oh Lord Kitsune, as we said before our lust for power driven us to given up thine morals. We have almost brought destruction to our kingdom due to our rage. We betrayed our sister and attacked her. We sought the crown and almost killed our sister. We were punished for our action by a thousand years on the moon. We do not think is enough for our crimes. Our jealousy was the culprit, a deadly sin that took hold of our mind. We bear our sins out for thee to judge," Luna said.

"Why do you speak like Shakespeare?" I asked. I got a very confused look from her.

"Who is Shakespeare? If thee are talking about our speech tis what we speak to a superior, is it not?" she asked.

"No, it is quite outdated," I remarked, "If you are more comfortable speaking this way that's fine but try to speak more like your talking to a friend."

"Ugh, yes my lord," Luna replied.

"Drop the my lord crap," I order with a slight huff.

"Um, yes my... yes Kitsune," she said with a slight hiccup. Close enough for now. She wishes for my judgement, she won't get, well she'll get it in a roundabout way.

"I must ask, what have the people have to say about your return?" I asked genuinely curious.

"We, ugh I do not know. Their reaction when we encountered them was confusing," she admitted.

"From what I can tell they have accepted your return. We I came across a village they were having a festival in your honor," I told her. She looked at me with a look of wonder. Now for the killing blow, sliding the blade back to her, "The people seemed to forgiven you, but you said you betrayed your sister is that right?"

She looked down in shame and said, "Umm, th-you're correct, it is our greatest shame."

Glancing at Celestia, I could see that she has some hope for what I am about to say, "I want you to take a deep look at your sister, has she forgiven you? I'll leave you two to make your amends if you haven't yet."

I started to walk toward the giant doors, I was sick of this crap. Once everything calmed down, I'll come back. Taking a look at everyone gather I pointed at the white unicorn who looked important and knew how to speak to me, "You, Blueblood right? Point me towards a room I can use."

"Yes your Majesty!" He responded. I took a glance at Divine who just stood there, I motioned him with my paw to follow and he obliged. I even got to witness Celestia almost tackle hug her sister to the ground muttering things so fast that it was incomprehensible. I have to bite the bullet sooner or later but right now I just want some peace and quiet.

"Celestia, we'll have to have a talk about my image later," I told her. I could see her wince and nod at my declaration, "I'm just fed up with this crap."

She seemed to not understand my last sentence but I to ticked to care. I turned to exit, ignoring everyone else. I just followed Blueblood out, he seemed to know where he was going. It was practically dead silent as we walked for about two minutes.

"Your Majesty," Blueblood started before I interjected.

"I'm not your damn lord, so stop calling me that," I said angerly. I could see him gulp at that. What was surprising was hearing scribbling, it was quite loud. I looked over to see Divine slightly behind walking on three legs while hold his book in one hoof. In his mouth was his pen and he was furiously scribbling things down. I stopped to ask him, "Divine what are you doing?"

It took him a little while to respond but once he finished, he said, "My lord, wait no uh Kevin I have been writing all your conversations down, not only for the public record, but to help me understand as while I am fluent enough to read the ancient language I do not possess the skill to speak or understand it."

"Ohh, makes sense. Though if you would like us to slow down to for you to keep up just say something," I told him. He gave me a nod. When I looked back at our guide, I could see a slightly ticked unicorn. With a huff he turned around with a huff.

"Father, I understand that you do have a decent relationship with his majesty but to call him by his name is unfaithful. You should know the consequences of your actions, Faust does not like those who disrespect her son," Blueblood told Divine.

"First off, I told him to stop with the formalities as I have done the same with you. You are just hard of hearing and won't listen. Second, why should I care if anyone calls me by my name. Divine has been my guide throughout my journey here, if anything he deserves more respect from you," I said raising my voice one octave.

"Yes my lord, wait uh, feathers. We have almost reached our destination, we didn't have enough warning to give you the room you deserve but a royal suite used for dignitaries of other states are the only ones available. We are sincerely sorry for the inconvenience, uhm Lord Kevin," he cringe as he spoke. He lead me to a shiny brown door. It didn't look too extravagant, good.

"As long as I have a pillow to scream into, I'm fine. Now if you could find Divine a place to stay, that would be greatly appreciated," I said as I opened the door. I looked back at them and said, "Just to be clear I don't want luxury, right now I need peace and quiet. Call me when dinner or something is done. Also I'm not your fucking lord or your fucking god."

I didn't have enough time to get their reactions before I slammed the door and locked it. Starring at the door, I let out a sigh of relief. I get some peace and quiet for a few hours maybe. I'm exhausted. If this is what is like to make important decisions that can ruin someone's life, I don't want it. Taking a look around I was disappointed. What I thought was going to be a small room was larger than my apartment! There are even doors leading to other rooms! How big is this suite! This would have cost an arm and a leg back home! The room's floor looked like marble for peats sake!

The room was plush full of amenities! Full length mirror with a drawer full of what I can assume to be makeup and curtains that had a gold trimming. The bed while in the main room's wall, was plush full of fluffy pillows and silk blankets. They even looked like they had gold trimmings. Everything had gold trimmings to contrast the white marble. I opened one door, and it was a giant bathroom with what could be the size of a swimming pool bath. The other doors led to a giant closet that I have no idea what they use it for and a lounge with a giant glass window to stare down upon the city.

Moving back into the main room, behind the curtains lay a small balcony with a section of the railing gone. At first this seemed stupid. I mean it was a small semi-circle with a jutted-out piece sticking out but as I drew closer there was a sign saying that to not push pass this small rope if you don't have wings. Was that just to jump off and fly, I guess if they could fly it would be easier to just jump off rather than climb or take off from the balcony with it being so small compared to the rest of the room.

It was a nice room all things considered. I made my way back to the bed before throwing myself on it. I wiggled my way in to what I believed to be the comfiest and grabbed a pillow. Shoving it into my face I let out a blood curdling scream. With my frustrations vented, I threw the pillow across the room and laid down for some well-deserved rest. I can deal with this later, right now is a time for Zen and peace.

The Misunderstanding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*knock*

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

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

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

*wiggle* *wiggle*

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

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

*click*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Return of the Savior! Wait ME?

by NnoDragonEclipse

The run down castle

The Endless Forest

The Village

The Note

The Feast

The Arrival

The Golden Throne

Of Light and Love

The Decision

The Misunderstanding