Chapters Author's Note
Okay, so this is my attempt to a better story than what I had in Love Taketh Me. Clearly I flunked that so hard I could not bring it back.
Well I do hope this is better than the idea of the antagonist finding out he isn't human. I'll leave you guys and girls to decide on that.
Oh and Fausticorn is in this, just to let you know.
Anyway, that is all.
Oh and leave some feedback, whether it is to criticize or praise.
Enjoy.
Prologue
The streets of Canterlot were full and surprisingly silent to the unpleasant sight of their queen. The first day of spring was supposed to be the fresh start of love and appreciation of the greens that rose from under the blanket of winter.
The skies, however, were growing heavy and grey with rain clouds produced by the natural power of their goddess.
This would not be abnormal weather to the citizens of Canterlot, if it were not caused by the injured mare's magic. Had she been in better condition, the weather would be bright and sunny for all to see.
But, alas, her focus remains on limping to her castle.
"What in Tartarus?" Fancy Pants whispered. He stood distantly from the panting alicorn as the rain started to pour on him and everyone that was not quick enough to shield themselves.
Twas a terrible day for the mare, a day that has taken a piece of her heart.
At least that is how Madam Faust felt at the moment. Should her mind be more weary she would have described to herself the pain and suffering she endured only mere hours ago. Perhaps the pain in her body made it impossible to think other than what she witnessed during her dimensional travels, but she would rather be on the subject than thinking about what was brought upon herself.
Her quiet and peaceful travel from dimension to dimension was the very reason she miraculously fought off more than she could handle. Her fellow immortals, her fellow True Gods, were not exactly happy with what she has done to them. Had they known of her sudden appearance, the situation would have gone better than anticipated.
She could hear them right now, with the power of dimensions in her control. All can be heard from world to world, and at this moment her ears picked up one voice that made her blood boil.
"Damn you to hell, Faust! I will find that boy and eradicate their species!"
The Queen of Equestria huffed. A few drops of blood fell out of her mouth as the stairs to the castle came into her hazy view. At least she had the energy to limp up the steps and continue carrying the precious cargo she was given by her deceased friend.
The moment, however, could not be the same as it was before. While she adored the child on her back, resting so cutely with his thumb in his mouth, a small piece of her mind remained behind on the subject at hoof.
Why did it cost so much to save something so little?
After leaving her subjects to wonder about her condition, Madam Faust made her way to the doors. Whereas four guards stood in place, stunned of burns and blood in her matted fur, one special captain found himself to be the lucky one that gets to act in haste.
"Queen Faust?" the Captain of The Guard gasped; void of all courage, for he was seeing the most powerful being in Equestria glare down at him with near spiritless fury.
"Open...the doors...now...Shining Armor." she panted, before dropping some blood from her muzzle to the top of his helmet.
With not another moment to waste, Shining Armor ordered his soldiers to open the doors and close them as quick as they could. He, as well as a couple other guards, rushed to the throne room to alert their princesses of the dire situation that has all of Canterlot on edge.
After a minute of struggling to the nearest column, said mare gently placed herself against it and slowly descended to the cold floor with the small bundle still on her back. Thus she took her first breath of recovering and mourning. Her mind slowly drifted to the last memory she had of the council, and needlessly focused on the one that started all this.
She remembered her friend's plea before death came and took her:
Take him and run, Faust. Run now...RUN!
Her lip quivered as the tears made their way out. Just thinking about what her best friend said made the fury in her heart die as quickly as she pondered her new responsibility. Even with many millennia to harden her heart, Faust could not hold in the agony of losing her oldest friend to the monsters they trusted all these years.
"Dammit!" she cried angrily, with recognition of her sleep spell still active on the boy. "Dammit, dammit, dammit!" she repeated with each punch she made to the floor.
A crater was now in front of her, created by the sheer strength in her body.
Unfortunately it proved idiotic and downright stupid. Her hoof was now fractured even worse, and the pain that already coursed through her body was now ten fold for her emotional outburst.
"Mother!" two voices cried whilst the sound of hooves clacked closer and closer to her. Having magic to slowly heal her, the queen stood up with less struggle and turned to the owners of the voices she recognized so easily.
The many years of being away from home did nothing to her memory, not a bit. The same alicorns she gave birth to and raised still played freshly in the depths of her mind. There was no dull moment of confusion or wondering of the two mares that stopped all their activities to see what it is Shining Armor meant.
"Daughters." she happily whispered. Seeing her two daughters made her day, a rare reunion between her and her daughters is just what she needed after going through so much.
Surprisingly she sighed, then giggled, and nuzzled the two alicorns as they stood before her in astonishment.
"Mother;" her pink mane daughter said roughly. "What in the name of Tartarus has happened to you? You look as if you just went through a battle for your life."
"I did, Celestia." Faust heavily breathed. "I did go through a battle for my life, and someone else's."
"What happened?" her younger daughter asked, forgetting the P.S.P. she just dropped from her magical grasp.
Faust found this to be quite annoying. While she was happy that her daughters showed so much concern for her well being, the least they could do is give her a simple 'Hello' or 'Greetings Mother'. Even with so much injury, it still hurt the alicorn to be standing before her daughters without a simple greeting in return.
"Yes, hello to you, Celestia." she said flatly, then turn turned to her blue mane daughter. "And hello to you, Luna."
"Nevermind formalities. Tell us what happened to you!"
Eventually the three alicorns made it to the dining hall for a much more private conversation about what is going on with her. She drifted through her explanation as the two sisters tended to her wounds by sharing their magic with her. Slowly but surely there was nothing more than a few bruises and cuts left throughout her body.
But one thing still remained, and Luna was pointing her hoof at the creature whilst the last bit of her reserves poured into her mother's horn.
"Mother," she said softly. "What exactly is that thing you are holding in your wings?"
"This, my daughter, is a very special creature that is rare to find. This boy is the offspring of a very dear friend that gave her life to protect him. And now he is my responsibility, for he is the last of his kind." the queen panted through her sadness, tears still falling while the room went silent.
As Celestia and Luna remained unheard in their shock, a small whimper from the bipedal creature alarmed the queen. His small bit of noise foretold that the sleep spell had worn off, in which did not sit well with Faust.
Oh no. How am I gonna explain to him about-
"Huh?" the little boy whimpered. He slowly fluttered his eyes and yawned a squeak to the one holding onto him so tightly.
During this small display of cuteness, Celestia and Luna caught sight of the unique features he possesses, and immediately adored him.
Whether this was to happen or not, Faust did not really care about how they acted towards the child. With their attention completely on the awakening child, she did not have to worry about explaining what has happened in the last twenty-four hours.
"Oh my gosh!" The Molesting Princess squealed, before throwing a hoof to her mouth to try and muzzle her giddiness. "Those tails and ears...they're so adorable!"
"He's so small and cute." Luna added. "And look at his whiskers. He has to be the most adorable little creature I've ever seen!"
As both princesses drew closer to the boy, Faust could not help but feel protective and angry. She sensed how frightened the child is and wondered if it was really a good idea to bring him here. With Celestia's reputation preceding her, the option of sitting for the boy would only make the queen have a heart attack.
Besides, Celestia is not the type of mare to babysit, nor is Luna. Though they proved to more than adequate in befriending the terrified boy, there was still the fact of him being under the care of a gamer and a molester.
Truly it was a hard moment for the mare, for no one else could reach her expectations.
She pressed her hoof to her forehead and sighed. "I must be insane if I am to leave him here so that I can rest for a few hours."
In the end it was her and her alone for the task of tending to the boy. And with this in mind she made it very clear for her daughters to be silent by shutting their mouths with magic. Of course that did not sit well with either princess, but what could they do when any form of aggression would scare the poor dear?
Fortunately for the two sisters...silence is golden.
"Hello, little one." Faust cooed into his furry ear. She watched as he twitched his ears and held onto her fur with his tiny hands, unaware of his claws scratching her skin.
The little boy looked up to her. He tilted his head to the alicorn, not even knowing how much cute he became by folding his left ear in the process.
"Hi." he said, curiosity now playing the moment with Celestia and Luna muffling their voices. "Are you a pony?" he asked.
"Yes I am. I'm what is known as an alicorn." Faust said with a weak smile; brow cocked slightly in the midst of his moving. "How did you know that I am a pony?"
"Mommy left books on different animals for me to read."
"Can you tell me your name and who your mommy is?"
"I don't know who my mommy is. I always sit in the castle with Mr. Mole watching me. My name is Leo, but do you know who my mommy is?"
He doesn't even know his own mother. Oh my immortality, she was right. His existence was kept secret for his safety...But that damn Lamia betrayed her.
Faust furrowed her brow and proceeded to stand up with Leo still in her wings. She looked up to her daughters and frowned. "I'm going to take him to a doctor so that he can get the proper vaccinations. When I return I want us to close the rifts and destroy any connection we have with Earth."
"What!? Why?" Celestia asked, only to be stricken with horror.
"Because the Spirit Council went against the treaty we have." she used her magic to cover Leo's ears. "They killed his mother and attacked me in the process. Their goal was to take him and harness his power for their ambitions before killing him. But Kiyomi sacrificed herself to protect him."
Celestia gasped; the rhythm of her heartbeat skipped maybe twice before she saved her crumbling composure. Never in the history of Equestria did another worldly species defile the treaty they've upheld since the beginning of time. It shook her to her core, for it is the only thing that could make her afraid.
"You don't mean-"
"Yes I do, Celestia." Faust interrupted; her eyes now glowed with anger whilst holding the child in her wings. "As of right now we are closing off all gateways to our world, including the one to earth. The Spirit Council has betrayed us and their own kind, so it is only beneficial for the sake of this child that our dimension becomes independent." Finally she released the young boy's ears and allowed him some freedom to move and make himself comfortable.
Curiously he grunted through his struggling of the powerful wings holding him in the darkness that's been too familiar for too long. He wanted to be given the light of being able to do what he wants, to see what is outside of the walls of his old home, to wander around without someone to stop him.
The castle was perfect for that; there wasn't anyone to stop him from just getting a peek of the new world around him. Maybe he could find out who his mommy is, maybe she would finally reveal herself and play with him?
"I can't see." he groaned while pushing his head between her wings, before getting enough room to stick his head out and glimpse the room he has yet to see.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Faust chuckled, with a single tear of joy falling from her muzzle. "Here-" she opened her wings a little more, allowing his arms to poke through as well. "Is that better, little one?"
The boy smiled and moved his gaze around the room. He saw a large room with columns and tapestries of exquisite designs as the smallest bit of sunlight broke through the rain clouds and beamed through the nearest window with its warmth licking his skin.
It was astonishing to see the room so big and tall. In his eyes it was a fortress that needed to be explored of every inch.
"I think he likes the castle." Celestia giggled behind her hoof.
The little boy turned to the alicorn and asked, "This is a castle, a real castle!?"
"Yes it is, honey. It is your new home now." Faust answered.
The boy blinked in uncertainty of those words; his curiosity brightened to the alicorn now nuzzling the back of his head while he was still within her grasp. A new home was nice but still strange in his little mind; there wasn't any other place he's been to since the day he could remember having Mr. Mole for a babysitter.
The large house in the forest was always his home. He had never been outside of it until meeting the mare that barged into his room and touched his forehead with her horn.
That was all he could remember before waking in this place. But now he was with a wandering mind and soul that crave the satisfaction of seeing what is beyond these walls.
However, one thing still bothered him about this...
"Ms. Pony,"
"Yes, Leo?"
"Who is my mommy? I've never seen her before."
Faust contemplated that question with a careful collection of the many events that have transpired throughout the day. Cautiously she stared into the eyes of this adorable creature and found his curiosity to be just as big as the sadness of not knowing who his mother is.
The spark of his life, the joy as a child; there was nothing like it. His purity was so powerful that she could not resist smiling with the serenity he deserves. She wanted to be angry at him for just a moment, but the idea of taking it out on an innocent child made swayed her from so much as scowling at Leo.
Besides, how could she be mean to that cute face?
He's so cute!
Sadly the moment was ruined by the little one waving his hand in front of her while repeating, "Ms. Pony, who is my mommy?"
Thankfully the queen snapped out of her stupor and returned to loving on the boy as if he were her own. Both nuzzling and hugging him without restraint, Faust hummed a soft moan of delight for her satisfaction of having a child in her hold once again. Whether it was thinking about her friend or the traitors to their own kind, she remained delusional to his adorable stare.
"Oh Leo," she cooed between two soft kisses to is cheeks. "I'm your mommy, my little fox."
Faust happily sighed in her dining hall, the drama was finally coming to an end. Her near death experience became a subject swept under the rug, not just a hidden truth. Her nobles, however, were frantic about their queen previously walking their streets with the mysterious creature that is in her eyes right now.
Leo, her little fox, walked and sometimes stumbled onto one of his many tails while Celestia and Luna laid on their bellies to play with him. He did his best to remain balanced and aware of his swishing tails but found it to be impossible with no control over them.
"Stupid tails." he pouted as he kicked one away, only to have it fall back in front of him.
Finally he gave up and landed on the floor with an audible thud. He crossed his little arms and puffed his cheeks in frustration of having no way to explore when his tails keep getting in the way. He felt angry for having these fluffy appendages, but the royal sisters had similar thoughts that are different from his.
"His pouting is even adorable!" Luna squeaked to his right. She cupped her cheeks and squeaked at the little boy as he grumbled some more about his tails, "How could anyone want to be cruel to such a cutie like you?"
Leo paid no mind to the blue alicorn. He remained planted on the floor with the stuck on though of pouting and fitting about the annoyance of having no real ability to walk without trouble from his tails. If it was up to him about having tails, he would have someone remove them.
"Oh look Luna," Celestia cooed whilst giving him a soft nuzzle to his cheek, "He's mad because his tails are tripping him. Isn't that just precious?"
Leo didn't like the fact of Celestia pointing out his predicament as something cute and adorable. It agitated him to be unable to walk properly, but to have two ponies cooing about his problem like it is nothing made it worse.
He turned to the pink mane princess and stuck his tongue out, followed with a loud "Phbtbtbtbtbt!"
Faust immediately threw a hoof to her mouth to muffle her snickering. She watched with enjoyment as her oldest daughter recoiled from the child's unfriendly response of spitting raspberries. Her eyes were wide and the crown on her head had fallen off, the response making her not so friendly now.
Luna, however, fell onto her side and laughed hysterically while the little fox found the determination to stand up once more and stumble towards the Alicorn Queen. He wanted nothing more with the shocked princess, his tolerance of all the cooing and affection died down as soon as Celestia irked him over his problem.
"Bahaha, he spat raspberries at you!" Luna laughed while pointing a hoof at her sister, the shock still across Celestia's face as a large gawk, "The-the cutest little creature in Equestria glared at you and...and-" Luna held her breath and looked to her sister, an overflow of tears now starting as she lost the battle to not laugh anymore. "BAHAHAHAHAAA!"
"It isn't funny!" the Solar Princess snapped, but her sister continued to laugh, "It was rude and downright disrespectful. I was just finding him to be so adorable."
"You're right, dear sister." Luna chuckled, only to laugh once more. "TWAS HYSTERICAL!"
"No it was not!"
"Yes it was!"
For the next couple of minutes Faust watched her daughters argue. It amused to see both princesses acting so childish while Leo made his way towards her. Pit-pat, pit pat, pit-pat; that was the sound of his naked feet when he walked with a hand holding onto the table cloth for balance.
"This brings back memories." she sighed while levitating another bite of her salad, remembering the many days of her daughters running back and forth through their old castle to chase one another for ridiculous reasons.
She could see them now, both fillies of the past angry at one another as they took turns chasing each other for revenge. Her memories became a ghostly visual that curtained the world around her, a scene of Luna running from her big sister for painting her face with enchanted, blue paint.
Her ears flicked to each scream Luna gave while darting around the table, the sounds of a family coming together when Equestria was still young.
Mommy, help! Tia is gonna banish me to the moon!"
She quietly giggled to the memory as it vanished from her sight. She glanced back to her troubling daughters as they let go of the argument over Leo's response being funny or rude. They stood up and took their seats to their mother's sides while the little fox looked up to her.
He desired to be at the table while obtaining nourishment for the growing hunger in his tummy. But the chair was too high for him to jump or crawl on. So he grabbed onto her red tail and cutely said, "Mommy, I'm hungry."
Faust perked up to those words. She slowly lowered herself as far as she could go without falling out of the chair and smiled warmly to the little boy.
"Hungry," she chirped as her horn glowed a bright red, "Well let's get you something to eat while we wait for our guests to arrive."
Unbeknownst of the red aura outlining his body, Leo became airborne by the gently grasp of the alicorn's magic while the butler next to her bowed. He didn't notice Faust's magic holding him until his eye level matched hers, resulting a short panic of having no way to catch himself.
Sadly he began to yelp and whimper to the mare. His sudden display of fear alarmed the three alicorns as he tried to reach for anything that would help him not fall or float higher. Unfortunately it was Luna's mane that got caught in the midst of his quick snatching.
"Ow, ow, ow,!" Luna yelped while trying to release her mane, "Let go of my mane!"
"I don't like being high! Put me down, mommy!" Leo yelled fearfully, tears starting to form in the corners of his eyes.
"Sorry," Faust said, before bringing him close to her chest. "I didn't know you hate heights, honey." she lowered her muzzle to the top of his head, calming him with very loving nuzzles. "I promise I won't lift like that again."
The little fox looked to Luna and saw how she was holding back a tear from all the harsh pulling he did to her mane. She groaned and mumbled while rubbing the back of her neck to soothe the excruciating pain.
"That really hurt." she sniffled; the crocodile tear filled Leo with guilt as the butler was ordered by Faust to bring out a proper meal for him.
It almost broke his little heart to see the beautiful princess whimper with a few strands of sparkling hair in his hand. Staring to the tuft in his palm, he was unhappy with himself and slightly disgusted to have his panic attack harm the blue mare. Sparkles within the tuft were slowly dying as the magic died in the strands, giving it a lifeless look as the color faded to a dull gray.
"Now that's funny. How does it feel to be laughed at, Luna?" Celestia snickered, receiving a hard glare as Luna's response.
Leo wasn't finding it funny though; the thought of hurting this magnificent pony brought out the courage to jump onto the table and walk across it.
This confused Faust and Celestia, his sudden approach startling the Lunar Princess. Until he hopped down into her seat and wrapped his arms around her leg for the strongest apology hug he can give her.
"I'm sorry for pulling your hair, Ms. Luna." said the guilt ridden boy. "I didn't mean to pull it. I was just scared of floating in the air."
Luna slightly retreated with a bewildered look as the little boy kissed her leg. She felt almost uncomfortable with the child hugging her, but the second kiss he planted to her chest rid her of the negativity she has over having her mane pulled.
A warm and tender nuzzle from Leo made her heart skip a beat as her sister glared. His care and affection for the mare brought out a great deal of jealously from Celestia.
"Well isn't that precious?" Faust said rhetorically.
Neither Luna nor Celestia had anything to say to the little one. Their minds were too fixed on the way he was opening up to the mare as she stared at him so quizzically. Perhaps it was the way he countered his accident with such a powerful care for Luna. Maybe by some circumstance it was the way he plays favorites with her?
No one knew at the moment. They did, however, know that right now it was Luna's turn to be given the affection while there is still time for them to be alone in the dining hall.
Celestia, on the other hand...Well...
"Celestia, dear;" said their mother as she touched the Sun Goddess' hoof, "Are you alright? You seem flustered."
Celestia looked away from Leo and Luna and huffed a deep breath of frustration. Her expression gave away all that is needed to know about her disposition just now. She was jealous and unhappy of being treated opposite of what her sister is receiving. It irked her to be mistreated while Luna is receiving all the attention and love of their new friend, to be shunned so quickly.
It reminded her of the many years Luna hid in her shadow when they were younger, before the time of Nightmare Moon. Being ignored and pushed away like this, treated unfairly and considered invisible to the world; all of this drove her to a small tension of anger as the little fox made an effort to cuddle the Lunar Princess.
Sadly she responded with a pouty expression, "How come she gets to be his favorite and not me?"
"Oh, is my big sister pouting?" Luna mocked, a disheartening smile started to build on her blue lips as she nuzzled the child, her encouragement of his affection creating sparks between her and her sister. "Does Leo like me more than the Great Molly?"
"Luna...Enough!" Faust ordered with a stomp of her hoof. She stopped that fight rather quickly, but now targeted the boy in her daughter's hooves.
"Leo, say you're sorry for being mean to Celestia and give her a hug." said the queen; her tone much calmer but still just as threatening.
Seeing as how the Alicorn Queen can be scary when she needs to be, Leo did not argue with her. He quickly rose from Luna's seat and carefully walked across the table while the butler returned with a hot meal prepared for him. With each little stumble over his tails he chipped away the alabaster alicorn's jealousy and found a special place in her heart.
But what he didn't know is that behind the eyes of this frustrated mare was a lion waiting to pounce its prey.
Unfortunately for their little fox, a massive flourish of Celestia's wings knocked him off his feet. Both startled and scared by the unfolding, he responded by scooting back but found it to be too late.
"Celestia!" Faust and Luna yelled.
Before Leo could run or jump away, Celestia snatched the child into her winged grasp and launched her muzzle into his neck. Her wings tightened around him, practically squeezed the boy into her chest, and with it came the soft moans of one pleased princess holding her favorite creature.
"You are just the most adorable thing!" the Molesting Princess cooed.
"Tia! Don't squish him!" Luna barked, only to receive raspberries for a response.
"No, Luna. It's my turn, and he will snuggle with me!"
"Oh you two," Faust sighed as they began arguing over the boy, "I just hope that Twilight and her friends will be better for him."
To Be Continued...
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Author's Note
Finally got another chapter one out for you guys and girls to read. I do apologize for taking so long, but I had a root canal today, and the meds were making me a little loopy.
But I'm here with another chapter. So please enjoy and leave some feedback about it.
Chapter I
Leo awoke in the same large room Celestia carried him in by her wings. His tails stretched as far as his arms and legs would, and yet he still felt awfully tired from the stressful endure of having needles stuck into his skin. It was odd to him. He never felt this tired before and had just woken up from a nice nap in his little cave of pillows.
He always loved crawling into small places and hiding in them, but unlike what he usually wakes up to, he found himself corrected of what lays on top him...and under him.
He yawned into one of his hands and looked up to a very loving muzzle rubbing against his cheek. He could not make out what was touching, for he still had trouble opening his eyes and rubbing out the sleep blanketing them. And yet the warm touch felt better than the confusion of feathers over and under his body.
He yawned again and, by his complete instinct, nuzzle the lips that continued to move across his skin. His whiskers tickled the loving pony as she curled her wings to hold him close. Pulling him close to her soft chest, the Dirty Minded Goddess answered his nuzzle with a short giggle and gently pushed her nose against his.
A feeling that made the princess feel more loved than by any stallion she's slept with. It was not the kind of love that lasts for a day, but a love that made her feel appreciated and wanted as the pony she is.
"Hello cutie." Celestia cooed, "Did you have a good nap in my wings?"
Leo looked down to where his body should have been but saw two incredibly big wings wrapped around his little body. The only thing that was visible is the tip of his tails and maybe a few strands of fur that came off. He followed the trail of feather until the connection to the mare holding him gave realization.
Barely able to process, Leo decided to still his mind and just let the warmth of feather and fur rub his body. Until something below him pressured in his waist and continued to grow. He recalled from what Mr. Mole told him about the pressure in the lower half of his body and proceeded to wriggle free from Celestia's grasp.
Said mare blinked in uncertainty of this. She removed her muzzle from the child and arched her brow as he grunted for freedom.
"Everything alright?" she asked quizzically.
Leo finally got his arms free and pushed out of her wings. He gave the princess a pleading look as the pressure in his body started to hurt.
"Gotta pee." the little fox said.
Celestia flinched at those words. She had realized that Leo's entire time in Canterlot had not one session of using the bathroom. Her brain finally clicked to this as the boy found his freedom with a hop off the bed and rather funny dance.
Celestia could only chuckle at the boy as he looked at her for the location of a nearby bathroom.
"Miss Celestia." he whined.
"It's over there, honey." she pointed at the door next to her wardrobe.
Once those words processed in his mind, Leo made a remarkable dash to the alicorn's bathroom, leaving a small line of smoke in his path and an echoing sound of a bullet. Which by the way startled the princess greatly.
Screeches from him stopping abruptly were heard before he slammed the door shut, a sound that disturbed the princess as she stood up and stretched her wings.
"How the hay did he just do that?" she waved a hoof through the dissipating smoke, reassuring herself that this was no illusion. "Nopony can leave smoke in their path. Was he partially on fire, or did he somehow use magic to make it so the air breaks down and creates pure smoke?"
Leo was well on his way to relieving himself of the urge to pee. He jumped up and poked the button that locks the door, barely hitting it with his index finger. He was small, perhaps too small for most things that are within this castle, but that didn't stop him from trying.
It was strangely quiet when he did this. He did not hear the princess nor see her shadow from under the door. Usually an adult would be waiting at the door for him to finish; it was how Mr. Mole made sure he was okay, but Celestia was not near.
It became awkward for him, so awkward that he forgot how bad he needed to pee.
"Miss Celestia is weird...but nice." he told himself.
He turned around and found the solution to all his problems shining before him, glowing in the marble room as it enraptured his mind with the display of columns, a tub that is a pool in his eyes, and a sink that carried many different bottles. He ran up to the toilet and immediately did his business, the following sounds of relief were like music to him.
Leo remained in position for a good thirty seconds before zipping his pants and checking that none of his tails slipped out the hole in the back. That is until he encountered a serious problem with the toilet.
"Where is the handle?"
Leo looked up and to his frustration found the mechanism hanging five feet above his head, dangling on a steel chain.
He gave the handle a flat glare and said, "How am I supposed to reach that?"
Before his mind could start turning all the gears that have yet to move, a quick idea sparked above his mind, as a metaphorical lightbulb. He looked around the toilet and saw that it was just right for him to climb.
He eyed Celestia's toilet and gave it a determined smile. The little devil in his head was now beating his conscience senseless, removing all sense of safety.
"Mr. Mole is not around to keep an eye on me. I can do what I want, and right now I am going to reach that handle, no matter what."
Leo closed the lid and proceeded to scale the toilet with his hands and tails. A feat that only his kind can use when needing to reach high places. He momentarily forgot about Celestia and focused on the handle that is hanging away from the toilet, ignoring the dangers of standing five feet off the ground.
"I don't need help."
At this point he was on the tank and reaching out to the handle with all the stretch his arm would give. He groaned and spat raspberries as the frustration continued to build.
All he had to do was grab the handle and pull it down to make his pee go away. But it was just far enough to keep him away from his goal, far enough that the most he could do is poke it with his middle finger.
Of course it just had to be this close yet this far to him. Leo silently cursed himself for being so young and small. He quietly complained about being runt that the other spirits picked on in school. And he specifically made sure to whine about being the smallest spirit in the castle.
Finally he got ahold of the handle with one, then made the immediate jump to weight it down. Victory was his and he could taste it, like a strawberry sundae.
Until...
"What the heck?" he looked up to the chain, and again, to his frustration, realized the problem.
He was not heavy enough to pull down the chain.
"That isn't fair." he exclaimed, "How am I supposed to pull this down when...when..."
His mind finally went to work on what was about to happen. The grip he had on the handle was slowly slipping as the shadow of his cuddly friend appeared behind the door.
"Leo," Celestia knocked three times, "Are you alright? I heard you yelling just now."
Leo was just about to say something to that but remembered how he was barely hanging onto the handle by his hands. He looked up and gasped as he lost his and fell from to cold, marbled floor with a hard thud to his head. It made him yelp and groan, but not before rolling onto his tails in a very uncomfortable way.
Celestia was quick to use her magic on the door for entry. She forced her way and ran inside to see that Leo was sitting on the floor with his hands over a bump that was already forming. She couldn't comprehend why he was on the floor and about to cry; it was just a simple bathroom break, right?
"Leo?"
He looked up to her, tears imminent.
"I-I fell and hit my head on the fl-floor." he choked on his breath as the tears started pouring down his cheeks. "Why am I-I too sma-small to pull a handle?"
A sudden flash of the boy's pain made Celestia remember when she was just a filly trying to do things on her own. She saw how much he wanted to let it out, how he wanted to let his frustration explode, but would not because he does not want to be seen as a weakling. And that is what the princess understand more than anyone could. The feeling of being small and weak and unable to do tasks without help. She knew how hard it was to feel powerless, but being his size meant different to her.
Leo was not a pony. He was something else, something smaller, and it drove him up the wall right now.
"I hate being small!" as fast as he screamed those words, the white hot anger in his hands was suddenly gone.
Celestia sensed his feelings and faltered to picking him up with her wings. She didn't want Leo to cry, not for being unable to flush. She quickly pulled the handle and carried him back to the bed, nuzzling his head the entire time. Which was more confusing than the last emotion she felt.
She didn't just adore him for how cute he is, she cared for him with genuine feeling, something she's never felt for any male before.
"It's okay. Calm down." she cooed, pecking his cheek while healing the bump with her magic. "There's no need for tears when Miss Celestia can fix it."
Leo hiccupped a few times.
"It's okay sweetie. Just calm down."
Leo suddenly felt the warmth of her wings washing over as he focused on the soft tune of her voice. A hum, a heavenly, gentle, smooth hum from Celestia graced his cheek. Everything, his frustration, the change into a life full of ponies, even the dislike of being smaller than everyone, it all went away in just mere seconds of the princess humming such a loving tune.
Celestia continued to hum this tune and snuggle the little fox with all of her gentle power. She nuzzled and nuzzled until his whiskers dug into her fur and scratched against her lips; at least that is what it felt like to her.
"Feel better?" she asked.
Leo nodded, and to her surprise crawled up her chest and did the most stunning thing anyone could do to her. Stallions of many generations have tried this, stallions that were desperate and loveless, but none of them were able to get close to Celestia's emotions...nor her lips.
Standing on the tips of his toes, the little fox reached up, pecked her lips, and rubbed his nose against hers; such is the way for his kind, but not in the way his beautiful friend expected. Foxes were known to be mischievous yet very loving to those close to them; it was the way Celestia knew from a few encounters over the years of her eternity.
But Leo was not any normal fox, nor a full-formed fox, and that is what made it most interesting about him.
His arms wrapped around the alicorn's neck as far as they could reach; unknowingly, he stunned his friend with his affection. He continued to push his nose against Celestia's and give her the biggest hug he could give.
"You're nice, Miss Celestia, and pretty, like Miss Luna."
Celestia smiled warmly, not a hint of deviousness behind her eyes. She never had someone compliment her like that; at least not so genuinely. The stallions she spent her time with would give dramatic details about her figure and personality; oh how she would shine brighter than her own sun, oh to the sparkle of her glistening body, and whatever rubbish they could say to butter her up.
It's not like it worked anyway. But Leo, oh that darling boy she adores, had it just right with such simplicity in his compliment.
"Oh am I now?" Celestia asked, holding the boy at her eye level, "Now you are just a sweetheart to an old mare like me. You're going to be an eye catcher when you grow up."
Leo simply giggled and rubbed his ear. His blush said what Celestia needed to know about her little friend when it comes to having pretty ladies around him. He answered the alicorn with a short smile as her muzzle touched his lips in return. He accepted the nose kisses, something he enjoyed receiving.
This went on for a few more seconds, but it quickly ended at the sudden lick of something hot, fresh, and nearby.
His ears perked up, his whiskers twitched with his nose, flicking the princess just enough to itch her nose. The scent was close, the aroma was very strong, and he could not resist sighing to sweetness that calls to him. Like all animals, Leo had an enhanced sense of smell, a sense that benefited him at the perfect time right now.
"Leo?" Celestia's voice did not register. He only heard the little devil in his mind tell him about the treat that is waiting to be engorged by him.
Leo hopped out of Celestia's grasp and proceeded to sniff the air, catching the scent by the end of its tail. Motivated, he got on all fours and started following the trail to the door that leads out of the room, with Celestia following him.
"Leo," Celestia repeated, worriedly, "You're acting strange. Is everything alright? Are you feeling well?"
Leo jumped and grabbed the doorknob, pulling it down with just enough strength to unlatch it before kicking away with the other door. Once it was open he looked back to Celestia with the most adorable look of determination on his face. If it wasn't for how cute he looked just now, Celestia might have worried about his falling causing some sort of damage.
"I smell cake," he sniffed the air again, "No," his mouth started to water, "I smell...chocolate cake....with chocolate frosting."
Celestia's ears perked as well. The kind and gentle Celestia was instantly buried under her massive addiction for sweets and replaced with the old mare that everyone knows.
She leaned down and managed to say, "You smell cake right now?"
"Yes, and it is fresh." Leo quipped.
So Leo can smell food...Oh him and I are going to be the best of friends.
Celestia smiled evilly at the boy, or so she tried but failed to do so. Instead she remained as warm as possible behind that mask of hers, while fighting the urge to use her silver tongue to win some cake.
"Leo, Sweetie," Celestia nudged him out the door, "How about you take Miss Celestia to the cake? If you do we can go out into the garden and share it."
"You got it, Miss Celestia." Leo started running as fast as his feet would let him. "Follow me!"
"Onward, you little rascal."
Lead me to the goods, you adorable sweet tracker.
To Be Continued...
The warm afternoon air ran through Leo's hair as he dodged two of Canterlot's finest chefs. Celestia's sun beamed through the windows and blinded most of the workers from catching or hurting the little troublemaker, teasing them with her power while her little sidekick held onto the golden prize they've been searching for.
The treasure that makes Celestia drool was in her reach and getting closer by the second. She could smell the sweet scent of fresh chocolate frosting, a smell which she enjoyed the most.
"Where is that thing at!?" the head chef yelled, forcing his sunlight blind eyes open to see where the little fox ran off too.
Celestia peered from around the corner and snickered at the chef, her silence broken as the spell died in the knick of time. She knew the chefs all too well for their overly dramatic attitudes.
They are so easy to fool.
"Miss Celestia, I got it!" Leo ran around a mare covered in flour and dove into the safety of what is the underside of the alicorn's slim belly. Holding the freshly made cake with both arms, he fought with himself to keep balance so that the cake does not slip out of his hands.
The Solar Princess let out one last snicker before using her magic to teleport Leo and herself to a safe location, surprising the one that came to her mind before she saved Leo from The Head Chef's frying pan wrath. They teleported into the room of their favorite gamer and proceeded to laugh as their arrival set off her sensory.
It was the safe haven for every pony that is well within right to enter her Mare-Cave. Nobody dared to enter this one part of the castle because of the rumors that spread after her return from the moon. Guards would dart past it, maids would leave necessities at the front door, but none would even knock on the door.
This place was a nightmare to them, a place where the monster inside frightened a rookie for his brave mission of asking for a date. But like those who dare to interrupt her, they fell to the hellfire of her anger and never looked the same.
But to Celestia it was just another room that she can enter and hide in. Which was what she and Leo were doing, because the chefs would surely tell the queen about this.
Meanwhile. Luna was well within the second chapter of Okami when her favorite fox-boy laughed and accidently bumped her Pony Station Four. The two shared this moment while the tip of their karma backfired with something ferocious.
"Oh that was funny. I haven't had that much in years." Celestia had a hoof over her eyes. She was doing her best to wipe away the many tears that were making it hard to see. "Di-Did you see that mare when you blew flour into her face!? She was so shocked that she put you down!"
Leo nodded and leveled himself to giggling in the loving wing of his alabaster friend. Happily, he snuggled into the alicorn's underside and disappeared behind her wings as the cake was magically cut into nine perfectly shaped triangles. Celestia was the first to lift a slice, but to her own surprise it was Leo she gave the slice too. He did a splendid job in making her day and retrieving the goods, so it was only fitting that he gets the first bite.
"A toast..." she levitated the cake into his hands "...For making me laugh and feel like a filly again. Oh Leo, you are going to make me a very happy mare for all the years to come, just as long as you don't prank me."
"Don't worry, Miss Celestia. I won't prank you, Miss Luna, or mommy." the little fox replied before taking his first bite.
"M-my game!" Luna finally made herself present by darting to her tipped console. Hearing the disk scratch after the console fell off its stand, Luna felt irked and utterly horrified to have her progress just seconds away from a checkpoint. If she could reach the checkpoint she could have the ultimate technology that ponies invented during her banishment.
Auto-save.
"No, no, no." she continued to sputter as the console was put back in place and the disk was spat out. Using the light of the T.V. instead of turning on the lights, The Gaming Princess checked the second side of the disk and mentally prayed for Leo to not have done damage to her precious.
Reflecting the screen of her one hundred inch flat screen, Luna came across a deep ring within the disk. Said ring was right in the middle of the disk, as clear as her sister's day.
"Hi Miss Luna." Leo peeked over the bridge of Celestia's wings and smiled warmly, his slice of cake already devoured. "Want some chocolate cake? Miss Celestia and I took it from the chefs before they took it to some guy called BlueBlood."
Luna glared at the child from the corner of her eye, a shadow of blackness overcoming her body as the disk was dropped. She turned her gaze completely to the boy, glare becoming scowl, while Celestia took caution of what was happening.
"You..."Luna pointed a hoof at the boy, her anger destroying his wonderful smile. "...Scratched up a rare game. That disk was worth almost four hundred bits, and you scratched it!"
It had been a long time since Luna became this angry over a video game; at least that is what she thought when it was just a month ago. Protectively, she tightened her wings around the boy and narrowed her gaze, a snort or two coming out as she put down her second slice.
"Luna," the princess said firmly, almost threateningly. "He didn't mean to scratch your game and you know it. He's just a little colt that is excited and happy."
"What?" Leo's ears folded to the back of his head, his eyes locked onto the blue alicorn. "Did I break something just now? I didn't mean to, Miss Luna."
Celestia frowned to the alicorn as she stomped towards the cowering boy with the intention to roar her frustration. Her wings shot up and glowed a threatening dark blue, her eyes burned white, and all the care for her new friend went out the door. She was mad, if not angry, at the boy, and she showed it without regard of him being just a colt that was recently accepted into the family.
Leo retreated behind Celestia's wings as the Lunar Princess stopped with all the magic in her body flowing out in a dark manner. He quivered in the safety of his friend as she nuzzled his head and pecked it. Luna was supposed to be his friend, but here she was acting so mean to him by looking so scary.
She looked like a monster that comes out of a closet to eat you up, but to Celestia she was becoming the monster that made her room off limits.
"Luna, enough!" Celestia said loudly, her wings unfolding when Leo pushed them apart and made a quick run for the bed.
Quickly, he crawled under and scooted into the darkness until it completely engulfed him. If it wasn't for his tails being so big and fluffy, he would be invisible to the princesses.
"Get back here, you little cretin." Luna growled, her magic materializing through her mane, stretching massive lengths that began to slither under the bed.
With his eyes closed and his entire body curled up, Leo started to cry as his blue friend lifted the bed and dragged him out by his legs. Young and ignorant, the little fox succumbed to his fear during Luna's little tantrum. She held him in the air by his waist and pressed her muzzle against his nose, the scent of mints masking the vegetable pizza she ate half an hour ago.
"You scratched my game, Leo." she growled, brink to shaking him for it. "That game was expensive, and I only bought two nights ago. Now I have to preorder it again if I want the special edition."
"Luna, stop it! You're terrifying him!" Finally the elder sister intervened by snatching the whimpering boy away from Luna. Surprisingly, she shoved Luna back and said angrily, "Are you out of your bucking mind!? Leo is just a little colt; it was an accident that he bumped your game."
Luna huffed and growled as it struck her over the head like a hammer beating a nail. She didn't want to admit it or listen to her sister, she did that enough already, but her actions made such valid points. She made her own bed and now she had to sleep in it.
It was a game, a great game at most, but it wasn't worth the price of frightening the boy that has such a good heart.
Finally, after coming to realization, Luna's scowl disappeared, leaving a horrible frown for the boy to see. Her guilt weighed her down as she instinctively reacted by unfolding her wings to take him into her grasp. Her sister, on the other hoof, had something different in mind for their little friend.
"I don't think so," Celestia said scathingly, retracting the boy to her chest. "You frightened him and became a bully over a game."
"Sister..." Luna paused, hesitant of sticking her wings out to the boy, "...Please."
Seconds of massive silence ran between the two sisters, their eyes never leaving one another. It was hard for Celestia to think about surrendering Leo to her sister, seeing as how she went crazy over a disk. It ran through her mind that Luna was possibly not the best mare to leave Leo alone with. But she had to remember that her own antics have made her the same way, so it only made her pot caught in the black kettle.
"Leo," Luna reached for the boy, but his hands swatted her wings away. "Oh honey, I am so sorry for scaring you like that. I was being a mean mare over something stupid."
Leo kept looking away from the alicorn, ignoring her. He held onto Celestia's feathers and dug his face into her chest for comfort, but found only the space between him and her growing.
Celestia, with her chocolate covered muzzle, slowly reached out to Luna and said, "Leo she is saying she's sorry. Now you know Luna did not mean to act so mean, don't you?"
Pouting at the alabaster alicorn, Leo gave a huffy, "Yeah...I guess."
That got Luna to smile a little before the tears started to sparkle in her eyes.
"Leo," Celestia drawled firmly, "You know she didn't mean to scare you. Now would mommy want you to be acting mean to Luna when she is trying to make up for her mistake?"
Defeated by his memory of getting a shot, Leo imagined that same stern look and immediately sighed to the alicorn as she released him into Luna's wings. Quickly, the Lunar Princess cleaned her mess with a wave of her horn and made her way to the beanbag chair Faust gave as a Hearth's Warmth Eve present.
"Oh I really am sorry," Luna cooed, while sinking into said chair and popping an E-Rated game into her console. She grabbed her console and gave Leo a loving kiss to the cheek as Celestia grabbed the other beanbag. "Can we still be friends? I don't want you to hate me or be afraid."
"It's okay Miss Luna." oh how those words brought her great joy, "You just scared me, but please don't do it again."
"I won't, you adorable tike." she pecked his cheek, then put the controller into his hands while her shared divided the cake. "Now what do you say you spend the day with me while we wait for my friends to arrive? We can play video games and do other fun stuff until Twilight Sparkle and her friends come see you."
Leo looked down at the controller and gave it a confused look. He was curious in every way he could be, but his response is what Luna wanted to hear, not his expression to her controller.
"What's a video game?" he asked.
Shocked by that question, Luna spewed her drink and choked, the look of absolute astonishment as the game started.
"You're kidding, right?" Luna asked flatly.
Leo shook his head, thus the Solar Princess found it hilarious for Luna to be with the biggest newbie in all of Equestria. What's worse is that she would have to let him learn by letting him play. And that was not something she wanted to do, not when seeing others mess up is like having a knife cut off a limb.
I have to teach Leo about video games. she thought, her hooves dragging over her eyes. This is gonna be the longest afternoon in the history of my gaming.
Oh this is gonna be torture to Luna. Celestia mentally giggled, She hasn't taught anyone since Twilight Sparkle made her World of Warcraft game crash.
Is a video game some sort of candy? Leo thought, Wait...is a video game the weird thingy I broke just now?
"Okay sweetie, I guess I have to show you." Luna adjusted herself in her seat, allowing the little fox to lay against her side. "This is a controller, and all these buttons allow you to do something with the character."
"What's a character?"
"Oh dear..." Luna facehoofed.
"And so the terrible journey of teaching Leo about video games begin, starring Luna: The Mare Who Could Not Teach My Pupil." Celestia hosted in a mock tone, receiving a hard glare as her sister's response.
"Oh yeah?" a series of pops and crack could be heard from Luna's neck, determination in her eyes. "Okay Leo, let's get down to business, starting with the basics of this game."
"What kind of game?" Leo asked.
"The best video game to have ever been made by Square Enix...Kingdom Hearts."
"Leo, how old are you?" Celestia asked out of the blue, licking her lips of the frosting.
"Six." Leo chirped.
Six. Which means twelve more years... and you're legal. Celestia giggled in her mind.
To Be Continued...
Faust stared down at the bed by Luna's obsidian colored fireplace. The T.V. and game console were still on, but no one was using either of them. Surprisingly, the queen was in a rather awkward situation of judging her daughters as more than they should be, more than what they are in the eyes of every pony that has seen them.
It was confusing and also emotionally warming, but Faust did not dwell on it too much. She was having too much fun seeing her daughters act so mature and kind to such a sweet boy.
Leo was fast asleep, cuddling between the two princesses that could not keep their hooves off of him. It was so sweet to see them like this that Faust had an ache in her smile. Luna spent a good portion of her time teaching Leo about video games, and it turned out to be quite pleasing.
But now she was busy brushing his tails with her personal hairbrush while Celestia plucked a few hairs from his head, removing the longer stands that stuck out.
"Another nap?" Faust quietly chuckled, leaning over to give her new son a kiss.
Careful not to wake him up, Celestia leaned away to give her mother enough space to kiss the child's cheek. "He had a bit too much fun playing games with us." she replied in a hushed voice. "And we might have introduced him to soda."
Faust gave her eldest daughter a cheeky grin. "And a freshly baked cake from the royal kitchen. Blueblood informed what happened after the chefs told him about a multi-tailed thief in the castle."
Celestia was about to counter, but found herself silenced by her mother's hoof.
"It's quite alright." Faust whispered, "Blueblood will get over not getting his cake for his party with the nobles immediately. And he is well aware of our little prankster having such a nature. It is, after all, what they do when they're not busy protecting guardian angels."
Luna and Celestia raised their eyebrows to their mother. They did not understand what she meant by Leo having the nature to prank others, nor have the comprehension to what it means for 'them' to protect guardian angels.
Both princesses frowned at their mother. They knew now that she was keeping secrets from them, secrets that need to be shared with them while Leo is asleep.
Seeing their dislike, Faust sat on her haunches and took in a deep breath. "I suppose I should explain myself about what Leo is?" she said questioningly, receiving slow nods as their daughters' response.
"Okay..." she coughed lightly and ruffled her wings, removing a handful of feathers that were supposed to be preened hours ago. "...Let me just say that the reason why I rescued Leo is that his mother was an old friend of mine. I have known Leo since he was just a pup in his mother's arms, because I would visit their dimension and speak with her."
"But what is he?" Luna whispered, eyeing the boy to make sure was not waking up. "These tails, ears, and whiskers tell us that he is some sort of fox, but the claws and fangs are a mystery to us."
Looking into the fireplace, Faust gave a deep sigh. "Leo is something very special, but there are others who do not want him to be special. So they killed his mother and tried to kill him for the power that he does not have."
"What?" Celestia gasped. "There are monsters that would hurt this adorable boy?"
"Not monsters....Mortals, Spirits, and Demons." Faust clarified. "Leo's mother was a very powerful spirit that watched over the mortals. She was the watcher of guardian angels, protecting them from demons that would try to kill them and influence mortals. You know that I was created, not born, right?"
Celestia and Luna nodded.
"Well so was she, and together were known as The Creator's left and right thumbs. We kept the balance as co-ruling goddesses; our jobs were to keep the universe in balance and protect the mortals. In a world called Earth, I was one of ten great powers, but I was The Alicorn of The Universe, and she was known as Queen of The Kitsune, The White Faced, Golden Haired, Nine-Tailed Foxed."
This was alot for the princesses to take in, but they had better understanding of it; mainly for the simple fact that their mother somehow makes sense of things.
Celestia tilted her head in a semi-sarcastic manner. "And that is?
"A guardian of heaven, an agent of the light, serving under the angels. Leo's mother, however, was the first spirit to have been created, so she had rank over The Creator's Angel's. She guided the good souls of kind hearted mortals to the angels so that paradise can come. As for the other souls, she...sent them to a place known as hell."
"Hell?" Luna questioned.
Faust took in a deep breath. She collected her thoughts from the memories that scar her mind and said reluctantly, "Hell is a place where all the bad souls go when they pass into the afterlife. Unlike Tartarus, Hell is an endless and eternal prison for the souls that have committed evil. It is a place that I once visited with The Creator, for he was teaching me the balance of good and evil."
"You...visited?
"Yes, I spent a day there, but it felt like an eternity." Faust's eyes widened at the last memory. As though it were only yesterday, the fires of damnation burned in her orbs, reflecting the most vile and disgusting punishments that a sinner can receive.
All those souls reaching out to The Almighty, begging for his forgiveness as the iron bars burnt their skin to a crisp. They were reaching out to him and to her, pinching the smallest strand of the alicorn's tail before the demons of their crimes dragged them back into the darkness.
Even now, the horrors gave Faust a sinking feeling in her stomach.
"So many lives mortals were burning and rotting in cages, pleading for God to help them. I pray that The Creator will never take me there again."
"Mother?" Celestia reached out to Faust with a slight tap to her chest. She poked her twice before a response was given.
"I'm fine, I'm just fine." the queen breathed heavily. "Anyway. Leo is here because the other spirits think he has her power. But in actuality he does not and never will, because The Creator only gives great power to first-born spirits."
The remainder of the conversation went dead as Leo woke up from his sugar-crash nap. He yawned and rubbed his eyes as the two manes that blanket his body slithered off and returned to their wavy forms. He blinked once and looked up to a smiling mare that was most eager to hold him in her wings.
"You're quite the sleeper, aren't you?" Faust chuckled.
"Mommy." Leo grumbled tiredly, her scent being the answer to who she is. He was so groggy that he could not make out the alicorn, but the smell of lavender in her mane gave it away.
Mommy was a word that got the alicorn the hardest. Even when her little fox has already called her that so many times, Faust could not fully embrace the reward that comes with this child calling her 'mommy'. It felt so very right, but also very confusing since motherhood has not been on her list in over three thousand years. She could not remember the last time she held her own babies in her wings, and yet the feeling was like instinct.
Feeling the tears to swell, Faust had to take a moment to calm herself before making a scene. She wiped the tears from her eyes and inhaled a shaky breath before hugging the little fox closely to her chest.
"Yes my darling, I am here. Mommy is here." she cooed softly to his ear; voice heavy with joy over that one word.
"Mommy, I don't feel good." Leo's stomach started to growl and gurgle as the doors opened. His eyes dilated as the one that entered Luna's bedroom stomped inside with am empty cake platter.
He was a pure white unicorn with a magnificent tuxedo to go with his charming figure, but not with his foul attitude. He glared at the three ponies as Leo drew their attention, feeling unattended when he is actually the most spoiled of family.
Growling angrily, he dropped the platter and stomped in front of his great aunt. Vladimir Blueblood was his name, but right now he was known as the pain in the flank that is getting in their way.
"Aunt Fausty," he whined like a little colt, "The culprit of my chocolate cake is still amongst us, and the chefs have yet to make another cake. Where exactly is this vermin so that I may lock him up until he rots to the bone?"
Faust, Celestia, and Luna would have given Blueblood pieces of their minds, but Leo was top priority at the moment. He was cringing and hugging his stomach as the heaving of his chest turned to gags and coughs. It went on for a minute before he finally leaned up and looked over he alicorn's wings, lining his firepower to the one that is as clueless as any snobby noble.
"Aunt Fausty!" Blueblood snapped, "I am talking to you, and I demand that-"
"Bleeegh!" a splash of brown and red flavored soda shot out of the boys mouth. He had no time to react or gain control as the alicorns around him stared in utter shock of where his vomit landed.
Chunks of cake and undigested frosting splattered over the flabbergasted unicorn, his tuxedo and white coat barely having white. Blueblood just stared at the boy as it continued with another heave and cough, while Faust dangled him with her wings. She wanted no part of it on her body, but she also didn't want to drop him for releasing the problem onto the one that gives her so many headaches.
Celestia was dumbfounded by karma's sudden choice of hitting Blueblood with such nastiness. Luna, on the other hoof, was just glad that none of the vomit got on her floor or on her bed. In a weird sense of gratitude, the Lunar Princess was thankful for her hated nephew wearing such an absorbent piece of clothing.
The horrors were finally over, and Leo was left to wipe what is on his chin with the only spot on Blueblood that is not covered.
A small patch of blonde hair.
"I feel better now." Leo chirped, patting his stomach as Blueblood fell shook like a leaf. The little fox looked back and sniffed the unicorn; his nose sealing itself before he could pinch it.
"Holy moly," he coughed, "You need a bath."
That was it. That was all it took for the alicorns to lose themselves in such a marvelous moment as a maid entered. Celestia, Luna, Faust, all three of them, fell onto their back and guffawed at Blueblood as he sputtered about having vomit splashed all over his groomed tail. He turned away and walked out of the room as the little fox tilted his head in confusion of this, forgetting whatever it was that infuriated him in the first place.
"Le-Leo puked on Blueblood..." Celestia muffled her voice, but it was just too much for her. She could not help enjoying such a fantastic moment of Blueblood's Blunder. "BAAHAHAHAHA!"
Luna took it upon herself to pat the child's head while the maid walked inside. "Well done Leo. You have made our lives so much better with just that!"
"Ri-right on his face too." Faust wiped away her tears just before having to regain her composure. Unfortunately, it was short-lived; there was another in the room, and she just happened to be sending a message.
But it didn't, for she got the honor of seeing the cutie that everyone wants to cuddle.
Carrying a warm smile, the brown furred maid bowed her head at the three alicorns. "Your majesties, I am here to inform you that Princess Twilight and her friends are in The Throne Room. They await for you as I speak."
"Already?" Faust chuckled. She found it hard to not laugh a little. "Very well, we will be out there in a few minutes."
Not saying a word, the brown furred earth pony took her leave for the remainder of her shift. Meanwhile, Leo was scooped up in Faust's wings again and carried to Luna's bathroom.
"Let's get you cleaned up before the others see you." she looked back to her daughters. "Daughters, would be so kind as to help me clean up Leo? A little magic from all three of us should make this go by quick."
"I call grooming his tails." Celestia chirped, following her mother into the oversized bathroom.
"I wanted to groom his tails." Luna muttered.
Meeting the mares that protect Equestria was...interesting. There was a great deal of tension in the dining room when Faust, Celestia, and Luna entered with Leo walking behind them. He was firmly grasping Celestia's tail when Faust went ahead to introduce him to The Main Six. He would have stayed at his mother's side, but his nervousness of meeting strangers made it impossible. So for comfort of the situation, he latched onto the second biggest pony and refused to let her go.
Leo was still in a little trouble for stealing Blueblood's cake; at least he was in Blueblood's perspective. Celestia, Luna, and Faust, however, were quite to have the little kitsune steal and vomit the cake all over the spoiled unicorn. If it wasn't for Blueblood being so damn obnoxious, and Leo being so adorable, Celestia would be facing some sort of punishment.
Luckily, Blueblood is that bad and that obnoxious.
Anyway. Leo remained attached to the Molesting Goddess as her student entered with her friends. Next to her, but only for the sake of protecting Leo, was the blue alicorn with her mane a little frazzled from cleaning Leo of the very little cake vomit that landed on his freshly cleaned shit.
Magic or not, it was still disgusting to clean such bile off of the boy.
Leo felt his waist grasped by a yellow, sparkling aura as The Main Six bowed to their queen. None of them, not even Twilight, dared to lift her their gaze off the floor until it was allowed by Faust. They had great respect for the alicorn and felt it wrong to not show said respect when she is the source of everything that's made them heroes.
"Queen Faust," Twilight felt the soft nuzzling of her queen. A motherly touch that made her chuckle as Faust gave into remembrance of all mortals being her children; at least in some small perspective. "It's good to see that you've returned again."
"Yes, it is very good." Faust replied.
The queen eyed each of the element wielders and beamed a warm smile as the maids returned with refreshment. A slightly early dinner was being set as was Leo's chair been enchanted to fit his small size. Twilight was about to speak, but she caught a small glimpse of the boy's tails and became mesmerized by it.
She was going to question it, but was interrupted by her energetic friend, who happened to not know the boundaries of personal space.
"Is that him!?" a Pink Earth Pony asked loudly. Pinkie Pie was her name, and she bolted around Celestia to get her hooves on the kitsune as he flicked his tails in a nervous fashion.
Luckily for Leo, the aura that was wrapped around his waist lifted him above the pink menace and onto Celestia's back. He was saved from a tackling hug that would have squeezed the cuteness out of him, while Pinkie Pie rolled into a column and crashed. Nothing was hurt or broken, but to be denied the little fox was a big no-no on the princess' part.
"It's alright, sweetie." Celestia craned her neck just enough to nuzzle the boy's leg. He was hiding deeply in the alabaster alicorn's mane, his eyes being the only sign of his presence. "You have nothing to fear. Pinkie Pie is just very excited to meet you, because she loves meeting new ponies."
"But I'm not a pony." Leo whispered into her ear. His head popped out of Celestia's mane, revealing his almighty adorable face to the six mares that are eager to meet him.
A collective 'Awwww' passed through the dining room. Twilight and her friends eyeballed the kitsune with an unbearable urge to snuggle the dickens out of him.
Realizing that he was in open, Leo yelped at the six ponies and dove back into his hiding spot while Faust approached him. Like any normal fox, he was nervous and slightly afraid of the newcomers. So he did what he was taught to do when strangers come around. He hid away in the shadows behind Celestia's mane and waited for them to go away.
Unfortunately...
"Leo, it is okay." Faust cooed beneath a few strands of her daughter's mane. She slowly the alicorn's hair until a defensive Leo was found. "Oh honey, they're not going to hurt you. These girls are nothing like Blueblood."
Leo, with his adorable glare, poked his head again and leaned into Faust's ear. He cautiously stared at the pink one, waiting for her to strike.
"The fluffy one scares me a little." he growled, or at least tried, but found it difficult to growl when his voice is a comparison of a squeaky toy.
"I wanna see the little fox, I wanna see the little fox!" Pinkie Pie repeated as her friends did their best to hold her back.
Faust looked back at her son and giggled as her magic lifted him from Celestia. She licked the boy's cheeks before setting him down on the floor for The Main Six to see. She nudged Leo closer to the mares and spoke as the plates were being set on the table.
"You have nothing to be scared of." she whispered, pushing the kitsune closer by the inch. "These ponies are just as friendly as the others you have met."
Friendly these ponies are. For within a minute of seeing Leo in all his glory, a yellow Pegasus joined her pink friend in bombarding the child before he could so much as blink. As if it was just yesterday that she met Spike, Fluttershy crouched to the nervous boy and babied him.
"Oh my gosh. Is this what a kitsune looks like, your majesty!?" she blurted in the midst of nuzzling the top of his head. Fluttershy was long gone in the cuteness, just like the princesses were, and possibly still are. "He is so cute!"
Leo perked a smile at the Pegasus for the compliment. He relaxed a little more while rubbing his cheek against the mare's leg. Like Celestia and Luna, she had a very soft and extremely smooth coat of fur. Her nuzzling was not bad either, but she could lay off a little so it doesn't have a sand paper roughness to it.
Next was white furred unicorn with a stylish, purple mane that appears to have taken hours to perm. She was not so upkeep around the princesses anymore; there was a new sparkle in her eye, and its name was Leo. Had she been the first to have nuzzled him, the possibility of stopping and leaving Canterlot without him is slim to none.
Rarity was her name, and she was all over that boy like her friend was. Unfortunately, so was the rest of the gang.
"He is such a little cutie," Rarity received a hug on her leg for that one, causing her to smile widely as the princesses fought the urge to take him back. "Oh look darlings, he likes to hug too. Now aren't you just the most adorable thing we have ever seen?"
"I've never seen such in my entire life," Twilight said out of the blue. Quickly, she picked up the boy and stood on her hind legs, rubbing cheeks with the giggling kitsune. "But it doesn't matter right now, because he is so adorable!"
"Yeah, he is pretty cute." a blue Pegasus agreed, receiving a playful glare from Rarity.
"Oh really, Rainbow Dash?" Rarity mused, "Because it seems that you and Applejack are having a difficult time fighting the urge to love on this magnificent creature."
"I want to hold him, I want to hold the cutie-pa-tootie!" Pinkie Pie zipped around her friends, but found no open spot to grab the boy and express how cute she believes he is. "Girls, let me-Now you know that-I WANT TO HOLD THE ADORABLE THINGY!"
Lost in her own addiction of cuteness, Pinkie Pie stuck did a high dive into the group, tongue sticking out in the process. She broke the group apart, in which disturbed her friends more than she could know. Her crash knocked Leo away, pushing him so hard that he rolled into Fluttershy's chest.
This made the Pegasus yelp before the same aura that had Leo wrapped around her for a brief moment. It was no longer than a blink of an eye that Fluttershy was gently lifted and returned to her friends, while Leo was taken back into the warmth that is near-flaring for Pinkie Pie's poorly impulse action.
The remaining minute of Faust's calm and collective demeanor slowly cracked under the pressure of allowing others to touch the child. Although her daughters are allowed to touch the boy, having Twilight and her friends act so giddy right now made it near impossible for the godly nature of a protective mother to not come out.
She was a lightning storm in her universe, a living embodiment of ultimate power, readying to strike down anyone who dares to touch her little fox. It was her nature as an alicorn to be overly protective of her newest child, but she could not show it as she wants to.
Gritting behind her closed lips, Faust contemplated her thoughts as the girls glared at their sheepishly smiling party pony.
She just wants to hold Leo, not hurt him. Stay in control, don't overreact, keep yourself-
"POOF!"
Faust's ears perked at the familiar sound of her old friend, who just so happened to appear in front of her, with little consideration of what is happening.
Choking back the urge to torment these ponies, he respectfully bowed to his superior and said with a toothy grin, "My Dear Fausty, such an honor to see you in Equestria once more."
"Discord." Faust said flatly.
"The one and only." he chuckled, "Unless you know of another Draconequus existing in Equestria?"
Discord, The Sprit of Chaos, her greatest friend and rival. In all her years as the maker of Equestria, Faust had to be appreciative of the Draconequus acting so immature when around her, even if he is a troublemaker. He was the first thing that came to mind when she requested for God to give her a balance in the universe. Although it wasn't as planned, Discord became that imbalance that gives her reason feel and express things.
Though her daughters and subjects are not so thrilled for his entrance, she could a warm smile and talk to him as though they just met yesterday.
"Making troubling again, Discord?" she asked kindly.
Discord waved his bear claw in a pish-posh manner, "Oh you know, just spreading a teensy bit of chaos to keep things not so perfect."
Chaos...Imbalance... Suddenly, the alicorn had a thought running through her mind. Said thought was dark and cruel, but also very funny in some standard.
When was the last time Discord had a taste of his own medicine? she could not remember when the smiling spirit had a little chaos put into his own life, thus a devilish grin grew across her face. Everyone was confused and nervous to see the alicorn act so strangely just now.
"Oh Discord~" she sang beautifully; The Draconequus eyed her, confusedly. "I have someone you need to meet, someone who can spice up your life."
"Oh really?" Discord mused, "Tell me who it is you-"
"Look what I got!" she lifted Leo to eye level with her magic, placing him midair, just inches from the Draconequus. "Meet my new son, Leo!"
"Hi!" Leo chirped.
Discord ceased all movement, eyes bugging-out in a cartoon fashion. His scales went pale, the tooth in his mouth fell, and reason for seeing the alicorn shot out the door. He had not seen such a creature in a long time, probably close to ten-thousand years. But now he had one levitating in front of him, smiling warmly and giggling at him.
Oh the torture, the cruelty of this world! Why must Discord, The Spirit of Chaos, see such a thing when he was about to bring a little chaos in Faust's day!?
Was this some cruel joke, or a ploy to-
"You're funny looking." Leo patted his nose, ignoring the twitch in Discord's eye.
"Uh...Discord?" said Luna, with her brow cocked.
"My mortal enemy." Discord groaned. His color started to return. "A Keeper of Balance...A Nine Tailed Fox."
"And since you're here, you can help me raise Leo!" Faust quipped, receiving a deep glare as the Draconequus response.
"Come again?" he asked in a goofy tone.
Faust chuckled evilly. "Congratulations, Discord, now you no longer have to spread chaos. Instead you get to experience what it means to be an uncle."
"Hi Uncle Discord!" Leo said warmly before hugging Discord's neck.
Torn of his sanity, stripped of all his fun, the Draconequus took in the full impact of what Faust just did to him. He was now a role model to a child that's been his mortal enemy since the day he first met them. His life was officially over; there was nothing left to do except feel the weight of responsibility come crashing down on his head.
Sadly, he thrust his arms into the air and screamed to the universe, "NOOOOOOOO!"
To Be Continued...
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Author's Note
Just to warn you before reading this chapter, I did say religion will be in this story. It was in one of my blogs, but there will not be alot of religion, just enough to make a clash of beliefs.
Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter VI
Leo clapped Faust on her shoulder hard enough to draw her attention from the pink pony that's been giving him a big smile. "Mommy, I don't like the way she's looking at me. She keeps smiling and smells like bubblegum." He whispered as the alicorn perked her ear to listen, his hand tightening around her hoof as indication of how uncomfortable he felt.
Faust giggled to Pinkie Pie as the rest of the group took their seats at the dinner table. "Honey, she is just very eager to have some fun with you," She replied angelically. "Pinkie Pie is a kind and gentle filly that loves making new friends. You should give her a chance before assuming bad things."
Leo tried not to mull it over, but the way Pinkie Pie kept closing in made it impossible to think and feel differently. His tails swished and flicked as the Element of Laughter grabbed her chair and hopped in it to scoot closer to him. Inch by inch the pink pony made her way towards the Kitsune with a look of pure innocence—if that is what you would call it.
For the first time since she'd made real friends and found acceptance with them, one for the many ponies that love her but cannot handle her infinite energy, Pinkie Pie had a reason to unleash all of her joy and giddiness. She looked down as if she might fall out of her seat or accidently sit on the queen's tail. A mere gaze to reassure herself that nothing bad is about to happen.
Leo moved his hands to his head and scratched in confusion of the filly's actions. He covered the small bump from falling in the bathroom, as if he had a huge nail stuck in him. He half expected to feel a terrible headache to rush him when he touched his bruise, but nothing of the sort came to him.
He sniffed the air around Pinkie Pie, after catching a sweet scent, something unfamiliar yet very ensnaring to his childish mind. Why does she smell like bubblegum?
His fingers bunched the material of his shirt into fist and he looked around slowly, carefully, wanting to know how much room he has to run in case things got worse. Unfortunately he felt his breath caught in his throat after looking back up to find Pinkie Pie starting at him from a very short distance.
"You are so cute that I can just snuggle you all day." Pinkie Pie cooed excitedly.
Leo felt his inner fox leap forward as if to protect him. He was startled to the point of yelping when the pink pony's eyes were inches from his, and it was impossible to protest the jump in his heart when she startled him. He found it easy to shoot out of the alicorn's wings with a simple leap to her other side.
"Back off bubblegum head!" he barked while changing into his fox form again, his little paws carrying him as fast as they will.
"Hey, I just wanna hug you!" Pinkie Pie yelled, while sprinting for the boy. Considering it would be another twenty minutes before dinner arrived, she kicked her legs into high gear and made a speedy burnout as the little fox ran to the other side of the table.
Applejack—bless her heart—sighed into her hoof while the two circled the table and leapt and dived under it. She didn't know what to think about this. "Ah never thought a small critter like him would make me pass out. Darn change he did was somethin' else."
Rainbow Dash nodded. There was note of guilt in her voice that mixed with her hidden desire to cuddle Leo, but no one knew that; at least not yet. "I can't believe that Discord knows what he is. Usually he beats around the bush with telling us stuff, but he went straight to the point."
Discord tittered his amusement in the welcoming gazes of his friends, his seat being next to Faust, who just so happened to be blushing while looking at him. "I know many things, my dear Dashie. A god like myself has near-infinite knowledge of the many things that are both in our universe and outside of it. And Leo just happens to be something I've known for a very long time."
"I'm quite surprised of his existence," Twilight admitted. She looked the chamber, drawing most of the attention to herself. "None of the books say anything about an animal or thing known as a Kitsune. And from what Discord spoke of, it makes me eager to study a little more about him."
"Leo is not an animal or a thing, Princess Twilight," Faust said calmly, although her feelings spoke opposite towards Twilight's words. She held a steady gaze at the purple alicorn, but underneath those warm eyes were many forms of spite for hearing how she degraded the boy as a mortal creature when he is the son of the First Nine Tailed Fox. "He is a young spirit of great things and a rarity that is more honorable than ascension to an alicorn. A Nine Tailed Fox is a powerful and loyal spirit that will love you, follow you, and protect you with its life. So please remember that research should not get in the way of befriending my new son."
There was silence when Faust finished speaking her mind. She held up her tea cup, needing to wet her whistle, and sipped as the purple alicorn took her words to heart. Twilight had nothing to say to the mare. She was speechless and very embarrassed to have assumed that Leo is a wild animal or a foreign object than someone with feelings. Her eyes moved back and forth as the little fox scurried across the floor, dodging the Earth Pony every time she leaped at him for the most powerful hug her hooves can give.
Leo's eyes went wide, almost bugging out when Pinkie Pie recovered from sliding into a column. It's official. That pony is not normal!
"Come here, you little fluffball," Pinkie Pie giggled, her hooves leaving tread marks as she sprinted towards the panicking boy. "Give your Aunt Pinkie a big hug!"
In that instant, a small current of magic ignited from within Leo and travelled to his tails, as if it were a spirit crawling his skin. His heart raced and his eyes dilated as the spark bloomed into a full-fledged aura of pure yellow, There was a stirring of the alicorns and Draconequus when this happened. Faint sensory of his fear activating his hidden power. Faust wrapped her mind around this and immediately reacted with angst and worry of her son making the biggest mistake in his life.
She gasped softly. "He's about to use his chi on Pinkie Pie."
Discord leaned back in his seat and smiled again, inhaling the scent of the power that is not magic. "Oh this is going to be good. I wonder what technique he will use."
Leo tipped his tails into a the shape of a cross and yelled at the rushing mare. "Rai Sen Zogra!" And with it came out a short burst of yellow energy morphing into a glass-thin barrier.
Faust's eyes widened to saucers, her heart racing as she instinctively rushed between the two. "Oh shit, he knows how to put up a barrier!"
She sprinted at lightning speed and stopped faster than anyone in the room could blink their eyes. Her wings sprung forth and caught the pink mare before she could touch the barrier that had yet to fully close around Leo. Said barrier glowed a strange, blue lightning through the tense air, and the Mane Six all thought how insane it was for the child to produce something of unknown caliber.
"No, Pinkie Pie!" Faust barked, before tossing her to the ground and rearing up to intimidate her into ceasing her actions.
Pinkie Pinkie looked up to the almighty alicorn shimmering great magic before her. She studied the aura lapping at the shore of the mare's horn and lost all of her determination to hug the little fox. She did not think the queen would ever act so aggressive with her little ponies, but this said differently, and it was not in a positive manner.
Faust remained on her hind legs for a few more seconds before lowering herself to move beside her. She relieved herself of the tension with a loud sigh and stood next to her for a loving nuzzle, looking a little like a mother that loves all of her subjects, as if they are her children.
"I am sorry, Pinkie Pie," Faust cooed, removing all fear within the Element of Laughter. "I had to stop you from touching the barrier Leo made. It would have electrocuted you, maybe have burnt you, if you were to touch it."
The logical response from Pinkie Pie was cocking an eyebrow at the alicorn. "Huh?"
"That was interesting," Discord said, tapping his chin as the room fell heavy on Leo's shoulders. "A young Kyuubi No Kitsune using ancient techniques. Now where do you think he learned such powerful chi?"
"Chi?" Twilight and her friends questioned, their eyes darting the frightened boy, who happened to be backing away as the queen silently approached.
Faust nodded and ran her magic through her feathers, dissipating what she channeled on accident. "Yes, Discord, it is strange that Leo is able to use such techniques, especially one that is a class three of the Lamia Clan." she stated ever-so fluently. Finally she backed him into a corner, one with no openings whatsoever, and laid on her stomach to meeting the boy's sparkling gaze. "Leo, where did you learn to use the Rai Sen Zogra? That technique is only known by the Lamia Clan, and I do not recall you speaking of someone teaching you."
Leo looked away and whimpered. Faust did not follow his gaze to the wall, spreading trouble around the fox. She covered his back with a soft wing and pulled him close. His cheek became coated with her muzzle, loving nuzzles to help him speak the truth.
"Leo, who taught you such powerful chi?" Faust asked calmly, although the burning stare in her orbs said otherwise. "Did this 'Mr. Mole' teach powerful chi, or was it someone else?"
Applejack at this point leaned towards the pink haired princess and whispered, "Uh...princess, do ya have any idea wha' yer mother migh' be talkin' bout?"
Celestia shook her head. "I have no idea at all, Applejack. Chi is something new to me." she answered. "I only know of magic, and I'm thousands of years old."
"Clearly our mother is still keeping secrets; wouldn't you agree, sister?" Luna asked.
"The man with the red horns taught me," Leo answered. His eyes became beady with tears as the alicorn quirked her eyebrow at the boy, uncertain what he meant by 'the man with the fork'. "He taught me stuff while Mr. Mole went out in the woods to get vegetables."
"The Man with The Red Horns?" Faust said to herself. It took her a brief minute to think about what he meant, and when the light bulb above her head flickered, so did the blazing fury and terror of a thousand hot suns. She gasped at the cowering Kitsune and darted her glare to the only god that understands what he just said.
Discord, Master of Mischief, God of Chaos, leaned up from his chair and glared hatefully at the alicorn. His blood ran cold and the hairs on his skin perked at the one name that matches such little description. Only he and Faust knew exactly who it was that Leo spoke of, and by the gods did it infuriate them to know that the greatest evil has been seeing the boy.
Their eyes locked together, and thus came their unison of the word, "Lucifer."
"Lucifer?" Luna questioned her mother, "Who is Lucifer?"
Discord turned to the blue alicorn. "A fallen angel that now rules a place known as hell. He is known as Satan, and he is my disowned father."
"And he's been seeing Leo," Faust reminded him in a harsh tone. "Discord, you know there is only one reason why that bastard wants Leo."
"Yes," Discord said with a nod, "He must have been preparing Leo so he can possess him."
"Possess my darling Leo?" Celestia and Luna said in unison. "How?"
Discord nodded at the Alicorn Queen, understanding the only way it was possible for such a monster to be near Leo. "Are you able to perform such a feat?" he asked.
"I can do it. I am one of God's thumbs after all," she said quickly. "Just have the Castle Gardens cleared within the next hour, and retrieve a Bible from earth. I trust you to be swift with ripping open a dimensional rift and coming back before anything can come through."
"As quick as your daughter scarfing sweets." Discord chuckled, before snapping his fingers and disappearing in a flash.
"Queen Faust, what are you and Discord talking about?" Rainbow Dash asked. She'd had enough of intrigue and mystery of their strange behavior.
Faust, with Leo now in her wings, scooped him up and turned to the blue Pegasus. "Forgive me for the confusion, but I must go do something that is done on Earth, something that should have been done to Leo when he was born." she replied.
"What?" the entire crowd asked.
"...I'm going to baptize Leo."
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Author's Note
Well it certainly has been a little while since I've uploaded two chapters in the same week. But, hey, that means I'm on a role and getting back into my writing obsession funk. YEAH!
Anyway, hope you like this chapter. But I must warn you that is sad and depressing. You might hate me for it, especially when you see the picture I used to detail the pain our Draconequus is feeling.
Stay Pony, my friends and fans.
Discord's Heartache
Discord slumped in Faust's chair as she ruffled her wings and contemplated the reason for his presence. He crossed his arms and huffed lightly expressing great dislike of being stuck in a room with the one mare that understands him, truly. "Okay, so you call me into your room, and you have yet to fully wake up. Just what is it that you want from me?"
"I did not summon you for anything that you can give me," Faust said regrettably, gazing through the window to the world she now rules without distractions. Her heart began to pound, almost leaping out of her throat. "I summoned you for a very important reason, and I did not want the others to know, not even Celestia and Luna."
Discord could tell she was serious, and he was surprised that Faust would go to the link of keeping secrets from her own daughters but not from him. "What's so important that you cannot tell your own daughters?"
Faust slipped her hoof into her mane and pulled out a crumpled envelope with his name written on the front. "I dragged you into this, because I wanted you to be part of Leo's life for her. Now that Mithra is gone, Leo is all that remains of the her bloodline, and I need you to help me keep him safe."
Discord frowned at her. His amber eyes had gone multifaceted as the alicorn turned to him, much like a dragon's, but then changed back. His eyes locked onto the envelope with a deeper, almost sane look shocking the mare. His uneasiness took her courage away.
Faust looked down at the letter, her eyes swimming with sorrow. "I know you and Mithra never got along when we were much younger. You two were completely opposite of one another, and it drove you crazy, because she would try to balance what you corrupt." she chuckled at the letter, sadly. "You never did see eye to eye."
"Well that's because I am the Spirit of Chaos, and she was the Spirit of Balance. Though we were newborns learning about ourselves and becoming a family, she would always annoy me with her constant pestering of my fun."
Faust found herself smiling at the Draconequus. Her eyes met his. "You keep trying to imply that you hated our sister, but I know you better than you think. I know in your heart you loved her, because she would pay attention to you when no one else would, not even the angels."
"I'm the Son of The Fallen Angel. I am the Chaotic Angel; what did you expect from those weaklings?" Discord said sarcastically, although the look on his face said he was defensive.
He inclined his head slowly. "Beside, Mithra never gave a damn about me. She just pitied me."
"You're wrong, Zachary." Faust approached. Discord groaned at his old name, a low warning note of how impatient he was becoming and had Faust believe he needed to know the truth. "Mithra cared about you more than any of us ever did. My feelings may be different, but she thought of you as a little brother that needs guidance."
She held out the letter and sighed, "She loved you the most, and this letter will prove that to you."
Discord cocked an eyebrow, before taking the folded parchment into his talon and unfolding it, tears dried in certain blotches of ink. "A letter, really?"
"Just read it," she demanded. And so he did. . .with a heavy heart to grow.
Dear Zachary
If you are reading this, then the worst has happened. I have passed into the afterlife and Faust has taken my son, your nephew, to your world.
I'm not sure how to start, but I'll go with what I have to say as your big sister.
These several generations have broken us apart as a family, and it has changed us for the worst. Our bond is broken, hatred lives between us for petty reasons, and I am the one at fault. I have failed our brothers and sisters, but, most importantly, I failed to be there for you when you needed me the most.
Faust told me everything that has happened to you. You lost your godly form and became a mixed creature of anger and spite. Your powers have transformed you into a beast that cannot be understood by mere mortals. For that, for failing to rescue you from your pain, I am truly sorry and hope you will forgive me. If not, then I ask that you do not inflict your hatred upon my only child.
I don't know if she has told you, but his name Leonardo Zachary Kitsune. I gave him that middle name. . .because he reminds me of you in so many ways. Your innocent smile. Your pranks. Those rare moments of you holding onto me when things took a turn for the worse. You were such a troublemaker, but you always came to me when the others picked on you.
Funny. . .To think my little brother, Little Dissy, the runt that no one expected to become great would actually grow to become a god, equaling my potential.
You really grew up, didn't you?
Zachary, as much as I wanted to strangle you at times, you have always been my favorite little brother. I know it must have been hard to have me as a sibling. Always watching over you. Acting like the mother you never wanted. There must have been many days where you were at the brink of giving me a piece of your mind, but you never did.
I. . .I never meant to abandon you during the Limbo War. I never meant to leave you in those twisted infernos your father made to torture the bad souls.
I'm sorry. I am so sorry for everything you endured.
I have always loved you, and I always will. There is nothing you can do that will make me stop loving you. I know it is too late to make things right, but at least you know the truth.
Now I must bid you farewell, because you have a new role to play. A role that needs to be filled, for the sake of my son.
Zachary, or Discord now, whichever you like the most, I have left you everything I possess. Leo's belongings are with the possessions. All you have to do is throw this letter into a fire, and the enchantment I placed on it will activate.
If you'd like, you can use my journals to find a way to change back into your old self. I highly suggest it, because Faust loved staring at your backside.
You should take her on a date, for me, please.
One more thing; there needs to be someone who can be the other half that balances reality, so I am passing my title to you. Zachary, I am claiming you as my successor, as The Master of Light and Darkness. And from this day forth, Faust, The Master of Time and Space, shall be your other half, and you two will keep Equestria and my child safe.
I love you, Zachary. May we cross paths again and be a family once more.
With eternal love, Mithra.
Faust watched with great sorrow as Discord dropped the letter onto the floor, tears brim. She could tell by his silence he had a change of heart, but to his credit, it wasn't hard to feel differently.
Discord turned away and sank back into the chair, trying not to choke on his own emotions. He had no idea how Mithra could think of him so positively , but there was no telling what that kitsune can do. He stared out the window as if dead, his eyes open and staring, yet they were not his eyes. Not him at all. Faust had touched and called to him with open wings and loving nuzzles to make him come back to her. The tears were blinding, and she had no control over it.
"Discord. . .Zachary. . .Zachary!" she yelled in his ear.
He looked at Faust's grief-stricken face and then down to his own talon and paw. Anger started to show. "That damn woman and her sympathy," he growled, sadly, as if fighting the pain. He was realized he was hiccupping. He was getting angry for the first time in thousands of years. And it was all because of her . He shot a glare at Faust, feeling confused and furious. "Damn that fox to hell. She just has to see the good in everything and bid farewell with loving words."
"Zachary," Faust sighed, "It's okay to be angry and hurt. It's okay to feel—"
"No," he arose from the chair, fuming his rage. "I do not feel such things for Mithra. I don't give a damn about her or that little brat you call her son!"
"Zachary, just—"
"Stop call me that! My name is Discord, the Spirit of Chaos!"
"You're also Zachary, the Angel of Chaos, and my friend. There is nothing you can do to change that!"
Discord choked several times, clearing his throat repeatedly, determined not to break down and cry. He wanted Faust to believe there was no part of his heart for Mithra. He wanted her to see the monster he became, after escaping Limbo. The thought of being emotional made him nervous. He had already defeated those emotions, right?
Faust's large wings wrapped around Discord so unexpectedly he nearly jumped out of his skin. She caught his paw and held it with her hoof, blood trickling into her fur. It was warm—warm enough to make her shiver with delight. She had not felt this touch for so long.
"It's okay, Zachary." she soothed, while nuzzling his back. "It's okay to hurt."
Discord went to howl at the alicorn, but his breath caught in his lungs. His strained now. Turned raspy and hoarse. Faust could feel his body shake beneath her wings as if a cold snap just bit him, yet only his breathing told her what needed to be said. Discord was not just in pain for losing Mithra, he was in agony for their goodbye being in a letter.
Then she really felt it. All the pain and suffering. Discord's heart was broken.
Discord closed his eyes and held his head low. "Was she properly buried?"
Faust shook her head. "The traitors, our fellow firstborn, cut off her tails and kept them as a trophy. Her body was torn apart and burnt afterward." Those words came off her tongue as toxins from the deadliest reptile. Her body shivered at the memory as Discord fell to his knees with both talon and paw desperately wiping away the tears.
Discord shed his own bravado and fell to his knees. He had fallen to the heartache and sobbed with Faust during the first hour of Celestia's sun. The truth was Discord did not hate the woman what happened. He was hurt and angry. Angry at himself for being so careless about his own sister. Now she was gone and never coming back.
"I'm sorry, Faust. . ." he broke off. "I should have stayed on Earth with her. I should have been there for Mithra. I've failed as god and a brother."
"We have both failed," the Alicorn Queen clarified, before taking in a deep breath. "But this is not the end of Mithra. We have her son with us, and we will keep him safe forever."
Discord snapped his talon and activated a soundproof spell of his own caliber. "Damn those traitors!" he cried angrily. Sadly. Scornfully. "Isaac. Joseph. Risa. Lesly. DAMN YOU BASTARDS TO HELL!"
"Sweetie Belle, are you finished packing?" Rarity asked obnoxiously as the breaking point of her suitcase was almost met, sewing equipment organized but crammed into the only thing she could find. "Honestly, how does a filly your age pack so much stuff? It's as if you have a hoarding issue?"
Sweetie Belle entered her sister's work room with a bemused look on her face. She carried with her one suitcase, full of clothes, crayons, and paper, and stopped at the edge of the doorway for her own safety. Her big sister, being the too-prepared mare she is, quickly levitated her eight bag down the window to the air chariot that was prepared by the Queen's command. Her friends, Twilight, Pinkie, and Applejack sat comfortably in the oversized air chariot as Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy helped their purple-scaled friend find a place for the final bag.
"You accuse me of hoarding?" Sweetie Belle looked around the room, confusedly, to see there was not a single needle or twine of thread to be found in the room. It was completely emptied by the Fashionista, unfortunately. "You cleaned out your entire room of your sewing stuff and cleaned up twice for some snobby prince."
Rarity managed to break the awkwardness with a loud gasp as the final bag was tied to the chariot. Thankfully, Rainbow Dash was going to fly with Fluttershy carrying Spike on her back, because the guards were already seeing the weight limit of their flying ability put to the maximum. They could carry both princesses and the queen across the country if need be, but they were much lighter than the many machines the Element of Generosity had at her disposal. Gulping with fear of the weight overbearing their short travel, the six Pegasus in gold armor mentally prayed to the heavens for the strength to reach their destination safely.
"This is no snobby at all, Sweetie Belle." Rarity stated dramatically, rushing the filly to emphasize her words with a frightening staredown. Sweetie Belle retreated as their eyes locked, but her rump backed into a corner. "In fact, the prince we are going to see somepony who is just about your age."
"My age?" the little filly tilted her head, receiving a nod from the purple-mane unicorn.
"Yes," Rarity nodded, before falling into the same warm, lovey-dovey sensation she felt when Leo hugged her the first time. Her eyes widened to dinner plates as her smile reached its breaking point. Sweetie Belle started to worry as she saw this.
"Oh you will absolutely adore the little prince. He's not a pony like us, but he is just the cutest thing you will ever see in your life. He's on par with Spikey-Wikey, actually; even Twilight agreed with me."
"Traitor!" Spike yelled at the sheepishly smiling alicorn, his eyes burning with a newfound dislike for the Kitsune he has yet to meet.
"Wait," Sweetie Belle drawled, her chin resting against her hoof. "If he isn't a pony, then what is he?"
"He is something the Queen called a Kitsune;" Rarity replied. "Now I'm not what that entirely is, but the most I understand of it is Kitsune are ancient fox spirits that have a mischievous nature for pranking."
"Like Rainbow Dash and Discord?" Sweetie Belle questioned. Rarity shook her head slowly and groaned at the idea of those two teaching the boy how to be a master of pranks. But only time could tell.
"For Faust's sake, let's hope neither of those two teach him how to prank." Rarity uttered, before grinning like a Cheshire cat. She looked away from her little sister and plotted somewhat deviously of the encounter to come. And let us hope the cutiepie is not suited to a noble or a royal. I may have lost my chance, but that doesn't mean my little sister is without the chance to a happily ever after.
"Rarity, we're going to leave without you and Sweetie Belle if you don't hurry up!" Rainbow Dash yelled from the window.
"Coming!" Rarity chirped.
After locking her door and double-checking that had everything needed, Rarity climbed aboard the air chariot with Sweetie Belle deeply nestled in her underside for comfort. Sweetie Belle was a filly of brave stunts, but never did she ride an air chariot to the castle. The most she knew about it is you get really high in the air; at least that's what Applebloom told her.
"Nervous?" the Fashionista nuzzled the scared filly, receiving quick nods before her tail was pulled over to shield her eyes.
"First time?" Twilight questioned with a smile.
"Yes."
With the air chariots fast on their way to Canterlot, the girls relaxed on their ride. But little did they know who was making his way into the castle while a few of his brethren waited on the streets.
"Almost ready for the attack." a cloaked male whispered, strafing from his path as guards walked passed him, his hoof firmly tucking away a steel dagger as its black crystal hummed with terrible incantations. He chuckled to himself. "Soon, very soon, the queen and princesses will become my breeders, Equestria will be mine, and every mare will belong to the Caribou."
***
"Why are all these ponies here, Miss Celestia?" Leo looked over the alicorn's wings holding him close to her chest as the nobles split into two groups, their firmly locked onto the Kitsune. Celestia eyed every jealous mare in the room with triumph and enjoyment, her giggles echoing throughout the throne room as the rest stared at him in disgust.
"A princess must listen to the voices of her subjects; and they are here to talk with me about anything." She craned her neck and nuzzled the boy but kept her eyes on the envious nobles, who happened to be love-struck with motherly love for him. "It is not the best part of my position, but it will be just fine with you here to keep me company."
"How long will it take?" he asked cutely with a tilt of his head. The mares cooed at his adorable response to the Sun Deity, but none of them dared to approach for a single touch.
"A couple of hours, maybe three or four if there is much to discuss."
"But that will take forever," Leo whined whilst struggling to escape her grasp. Unfortunately, Celestia had a strong hold on his midsection, and she was not going to be merciful. "And I want to go play right now."
A smirk of satisfaction crept across Celestia's muzzle as she reveled with the blackmail given to her an hour ago. She spun the boy in her wings and lifted him to her eye level. Their eyes met, and she pressed her nose against his for a nose kiss.
"You're such a cutie when you want to be," she cooed, but Leo was not falling for it. He could feel a disturbance with the mare as the pink in her eyes glimmered with devious intentions. "But you promised me lots of cuddles and snuggling whenever I want them. Otherwise, I'll just have to tell Blueblood chopped off his mane."
Leo narrowed his gaze at the smirking princess, his eyes speaking a blatant challenge to her bluff as the noble waited impatiently. "You would not dare." he whispered.
"Try me," she whispered in return, smiling triumphantly. Leo simply glared at her and clenched a tight fist with care of the claws coming loose. "And don't make me use mother to make you behave, because I will."
"You're a big meanie. . ." Leo said in a deadpanned tone, Celestia giggled quietly and ran her muzzle across his cheek without a single care of the nobles seeing it happen. She herself was much more content with being who she is rather than what others want to be. The judgmental stares did not bother her, as she thought about her first moment of intimacy with the boy being a deep cuddle when he comes of age for dating.
"Yes, but you know I love and adore you." the Solar Princess said in an angelic tone; that which made the Kitsune groan in annoyance. "Oh, behave yourself for a few hours. If you do, I'll take you to Luna for video games."
"Where is Miss Luna?" Leo asked in a curious tone, his gaze gained an arch of the right eyebrow as he looked to his sides for any sign of the blue alicorn. "Doesn't she wake up at the same time you do?" Celestia laughed lightly and resumed holding him.
"No, Luna sleeps differently than you and I." the alicorn replied. "She has to stay up late and finish where I left off in court, but she should awaken in a couple of hours."
Leo rested his chin on her wing and gazed flatly at the crowd, accepting his inevitable defeat. He muttered so quietly Celestia could not make out what he was saying as the first bell echoed outside. Once it did, most of the nobles straightened their posture and gained full composure. Unlike the wives though, they were too distracted by the boy's adorable struggle from the Solar Princess' quick pecks to his head. He pressed his hands again muzzle, but it was not enough to keep her at bay. He began to blush.
"Aaaawwww!" the mares cooed.
"Miss Celestia, please stop that." Leo demanded as another peck to the cheek happened. He went to pinch the alicorn's cheeks to get her attention, just like Mr. Mole did when he was learning magic, but his ears perked to the silent glide of metal. He stopped fighting and immediately acted on instinct, his demonic orbs dilating to the unsheathed metal.
Guards were at all four corners and beside the throne, but none of them possessed a weapon of any sort. They were clad in their armor, but possessed no such weapon that is metallically forged; and that is what made Leo worry. He started using what his friend taught him whenever danger is on the prowl. He began to focus his sight and hearing on the crowd, ignoring the world around him. Everything seemed to turn black as he observed the crowd; even Celestia holding him no longer registered in his mind. The entire world was more clear than a blank sheet of paper.
During this time of silence, Celestia, the guards, and the nobles eyed the boy with curiosity and concern. They could see the amber in his eyes brighten as his tails were slowly engulfed in bright yellow. Every hair on his body became this color, even his hair, but no one had any idea why he was suddenly changing hair color. It worried every single pony that the little prince was experiencing some sort of illness or transformation.
"Leo, what's wrong?" Celestia looked down to see his claws were out, and the pain of them pinching her delicate wings registered. She dropped the lowly growling boy and watched him rise to the top step, ignoring the small drip of blood from the wing joints. She starting to feel afraid and decided to use her magic to call for help.
Mother, are you there? she asked in the back of her mind. Unfortunately her connection did not just go to Faust but Luna and Discord as well. Mother, I need you.
Celestia, I am busy. Faust sighed. What do you need?
Something is wrong with Leo. He's suddenly become silent, and his fur has changed color.
Changed color? Discord butted in, which made the princess frown. What kind of color did he change into?
His fur became bright yellow, but it is strange. His eyes are glowing similar.
Similar, Faust gasped, causing her daughter to worry a little more. And does he happen to have his claws out?
Yes,
"Is the prince alright?" a Pegasus guard whispered as the source of the problem made it past the front of the crowd.
The cloaked male looked up and immediately flinched when his eyes met Leo's in a locked match of territory control. His body froze at the intensity of Leo's stare, unable to control himself as suspicion from every pony redirected itself to him. He tried to look away, but something inside the boy glued kept his gaze in place. His body started to shiver, as did every breath in his body.
What is going on with me? Why am I afraid of that thing? He was trembling now.
Celestia too became weary when her little fox began to prowl on all fours and growl threateningly. Leo was not at all the angel he's been since day one, not in the slightest. It scared her—No, it terrified her in some way. This was not the affectionate prankster she knew him to be. This was something else, something dangerous, something. . . animalistic.
"Your majesty?" one of the nobles called out, snapping the cloaked male out of his fear as a spark of red light opened and closed in an instant, revealing a very troubled Faust and Discord at the bottom of the steps.
"What's going on?" she asked the crowd, but it was too late for her to realize what was happening. The male beneath the shadow's eyes widened in anticipation, his next breath a gasp, and he drew his blade with swift motion.
The nobles saw this and began to scream, before scrambling in terror.
"An attack!" one of the guard's screamed, kicking off the ground at a high rate of speed as the alicorn saw the black crystal extend purple bolt to every unicorn in the room.
"No magic for you!" the male cackled, and then threw off his cloak, revealing himself to be a very old reindeer.
Faust and Celestia went to react in self-defense, but the first flicker of magic was quickly negated by the bolts launched at them. Their horns redirected the magic to every nerve in their bodies, creating the most painful spasm in their muscles. The same happened with every unicorn and Pegasus in the room, and they screamed in agony while falling to their sides.
"The queen and princesses are now in my possession, Lord Gazellor!"
Chaos spread throughout the room, ponies struggling to escape or stand as the reindeer wasted no time enacting his plan. He approached the teary-eyed queen with ill intention and laughed. He loved seeing her so weak and helpless, the satisfaction almost intoxicating. It was by far the most historical moment in all of Equus, and he was the first to make it happen. To bring down the very maker of this world.
"Leo, run!" Faust panted through her pain.
"So that's his name," Gazellor mused, touching the mare's plot as the sound of his small armada attacking the outside reached his ears. "Well I must say he is quite unique for an odd creature. Maybe I'll keep him as a pet, so he can see me breed that succulent marehood of yours."
"Don't. . . you touch him!" Celestia coughed, only to hear herself talking. Gazellor was paying no attention to her; at least not yet. He was more focused on the growling boy prowling towards him.
"Leave my mommy alone!" the little kitsune spat, drawing out the magic he was taught. The tips of his tails were now consumed in blue fire as the situation burst through the doors as six mares and a filly.
"Princess, the castle is—" Twilight Sparkle broke off at the sight of everyone but Leo and Gazellor lying on the ground. She gasped and started to panic when the oversized reindeer turned to them with a deep, lustful stare. Her friends were just as shocked of the attack already reaching the throne room, expect for Rainbow Dash. Yes, she was more stunned of what took place just as the boypt from the top step with all his might.
"You ruffian, how dare you!?" Rarity yelled angrily.
"Yer gonna get what's comin' to ya, ya varmin!" followed by Applejack.
"Oh very nice," Gazellor hummed, unaware of the boy launching at him with his index and middle fingers aflame and pointed. "More mares for breeding, and one of them being Princess Twilight Sparkle. You'll make excellent bait to draw out the Crystal Princess and her Prince."
"Leo!" Rainbow Dash panicked, taking flight to catch the boy. Thankfully the crystal had a short radial blast, but to Gazellor it was more than enough to take down two of the monarchs to gain the upper hoof.
Or so he thought. . .
"I'll have real fun with you, Sparkle. But first I'm going to—"
"I don't think so!" a lightly masculine voice barked, startling everyone, including Leo. Said voice became a blur that flew from behind Leo's ear and grew into a divine woman. "Do it now, Amy!"
Suddenly the boy was whisked away in a blur and reappeared next to the mystery person, his powers instantly locked away by a ring now on his middle finger. The dagger Gazellor possessed was in the hand of their savior, and she crushed it with a simple squeeze, destroying the effects of the crystal.
"Taken down by a reindeer. I'm very disappointed in you, big sister." the woman giggled, holding a large brush with both hands. She smiled brightly in the sunlight as her faithful guide hopped from her shoulder to tip of Leo's nose.
"What did I tell you about losing control of your instincts, young man!?" the tiny, masculine voice screamed at a decibel only Leo and the woman could hear. Leo smiled gleefully as Faust, Celestia, and Discord recovered quickly, which terrified the enraged reindeer.
"Mr. Mole!" the little fox laughed at his infuriated teacher jumping on his nose.
"IT'S HIRASHI JYOGA MOLE, YOU INSUFFERABLE PRINCE!"
"Just who the heck are you!?" Gazellor yelled, drawing all attention to himself. He withdrew another knife from under his cloak and pointed at the woman, his eyes burning with hatred. "Tell me and I will not cut out those eyes in your disgusting face."
"Impossible," Faust and Discord gasped, disbelieving the goddess before them to be here. "AMY!"
"Not just Amy," the woman said in a tone more angelic than even Celestia's. She wore a perfect smile and giggled at the reindeer as he grind his teeth in denial of losing.
"I am the Celestial Goddess of Earth's Sun and Moon, the index finger of the Lord's left hand. I am Amaterasu, Divine Goddess of the Celestial Brush."
"What!?" Celestia screamed.
"Are you kidding me right now!? Discord exclaimed angrily, throwing his arms in the air dramatically. "It was bad enough having the furball in my life, but now I have the divine bitch and the parasite as well."
"I'm over ten thousand years old, you bastard." Hirashi yelled. "Show some damn respect to your elder!"
"Enough talk," Amaterasu said sternly. "I believe this unholy filth needs to be taught a lesson, and I think five thousand spankings from me will do the trick."
"Oh dear," Gazellor muttered, before praying to the heavens that his comrades would come save him. He began to sweat profusely during his short search for his allies, but they were nowhere to be around. The only thing he could see were monarchs around him, Sweetie Belle and the element wielders gawking in confusion of this new goddess.
Author's Note
Finally got another chapter out, though I should have done so a long time ago.
Well. . . hope you like it.
Old Friends and Origins
Faust flared at the leader as he stood before her, his hooves shaking in the shackles as the guards restrained him with rope. "You have some nerve invading my kingdom; and to think you were going to try and enslave us as your breeders, I don't know how I should punish you."
She'd thought about this ever since Amaterasu appeared in her throne room. She had to completely embrace the fact that her ally saved her and her ponies from a dark fate, but it was not as easy as the others made it out to be. She was the goddess of this world. Her purpose in life was to be the deity of this world, a symbol of peace and an unstoppable force, one with the greatest honor. And yet, she was embarrassed by this mortal, if not humiliated. No one had ever brought her down. Not even Discord. Such frustration ran through her veins and boiled.
"I say we send him to the deepest circle of hell." Amaterasu suggested in her spirit form, carrying a very Leo on her back as Higarashi worked his magic on destroying the crystal. Though he was tiny in the eyes of Twilight and the others, his knowledge of magic made him a strong ally and a good source for information.
"That would be too easy," Discord intervened, a smug grin worn on his lips. "I say we cut off his antlers and make him plow Applejacks farm with them. She does need help planting more trees."
"No!" came the high pitched voice of the Kistune, his tone filled with anger as the group watched him slide off Amaterasu's back. He approached the defeated Caribou with his claws out.
"Leo?" Faust said, but he ignored her, something she found to be more disturbing than Celestia setting her heart on the boy when he comes of age.
Leo stepped forward quietly and thought about this monster trying to hurt innocent ponies. Though he was just a child that barely knows the meaning of right and wrong, it did not sit well with him that a mean monster wanted to pick on his friends and family. He had to grasp the truth of monsters existing in Equestria. It is how life works; and although the Queen of Equestria is not his birth mother, she was still the closest thing he had to a loving mother. No one could understand that better than him. Not even Celestia and Luna had the right idea to what he felt right now.
Leo's hands curled into their near-deadly shape while the Caribou paid no attention to him, only to his captured allies as they were dragged into the dungeons. The little boy glared up to him and growled cutely, but also with enough of a tone to make it sound dark. His eyes swam with an ocean of rage and hatred for the fool. Faust was not his real mother, but he loved her like she was. She was his mother, his mother fox, and the best friend he never head, and this bastard had the gall to hurt her.
That hatred also ran in his veins. The more he looked at this guy, the angrier he had become. That reason was there, running beneath the surface of his young heart, calling to the divine power in his little body. It didn't have to be much, but it was decided. It was his choice—like giving up of one's soul. Faust and Amaterasu could see his extremely rare gifts show like they were meant to.
His birth mother had been a very powerful force, and now it was all his. Her ability to cross between realities from long distances and destroy anything within her power did not die with her. It had not come to its end from the betrayal of her comrades, rather start a new beginning in the body of that boy. More, Faust knew that her little fox had been given a special connection with the living and dead, but it was not showing yet. She hoped it would, but much later in his life.
Amaterasu was like her sister, she could grow any plant, and sometimes, plants would respond just to the sound of her voice. But to see the boy grow fresh green grass beneath his naked feet. . .
"What in the hay. . ." The guard closest to the leader broke off when Leo growled and a small flower sprouted from the top of the flower, a red rose to be exact.
Twilight and her friends gawked as he clenched his fists. Wind blew in out of nowhere and surrounded the boy, gusting his fur almost violently.
Discord, and Amaterasu knew the strongest of Leo's emotions was with Faust being injured and him not having the speed to stop it. This made them slightly afraid. They would need everything in order to help this boy learn where his limits could cross—unless, like his birth mother, he had a stubborn nature to go with his mischievous attitude.
Leo had fought through the fuzziness in his mind and thought about the best way to get revenge on the Caribou Leader. He had chosen poorly what to do. Just a simple technique he was taught by the all-knowing flea when they were still student and teacher. Faust and the others could see behind the boy's silence what he was about to do and feared the worst.
"Why did you hurt mommy and the others?" Leo asked in a hollow tone, shaking uncontrollably whilst jerking from the hoof that touched his shoulder. Celestia's hoof. "Mommy did nothing to hurt you or make you mad, so why did you hurt her and everyone in the throne room? Why did you hurt my mommy and Miss Celestia? Why did you hurt them?"
The smile growing on the Caribou's snout felt infuriating to him. His nerves had been all over the place, but once that smile appeared and he was chuckling evilly, all Leo could do is cry and clench his teeth, scowling at him, and fighting the animal inside him that begged to claw out the monster's eyes.
The leader leaned down as close as he could before the guards jerked on the ropes tied to his collar. He let in a deep breath and brought himself satisfaction of getting under someone's skin, even it was an ignorant child. He was a young Caribou in the making, yet his knowledge was old, and matched perfectly what his deceased father taught him. He could torment and tease anyone with the right motivation; and what better way to make the little prince grieve.
The guards surrounding him did not look to their angered queen. They did not have to ask what needed to done when he came close to Leo.
"I doubt that a brat like you would ever understand, but I will indulge your little head with my reason. Let's just hope you can process it. . ." he replied, coughing into the only hoof that is free to move slightly in the shackles. Celestia, like her mother, did not want Leo to hear the reason behind the attack, but she turned to her mother and saw received a nod of approval, something she unexpected.
"I am a Caribou, a dominant species of Equestria, while your 'mommy' is just like her fellow ponies, an inferior race that has nothing better to do than breed our children. We did it with the Jayponese and Prench when the Discordian War happened, but your dear mommy ended our conquest and forced us to live in the badlands. We had everything we wanted. We had mares to rut to our hearts content, but she took it all away."
"Because you enslaved them," Faust clarified. "You tried to make my little ponies into rutting slaves for your dark purposes, so I did what was necessary."
"It doesn't matter, because you're still inferior to us. And one day, one day, we will rise up again to rule over Equestria."
"You're all monsters," the queen spat on him, disregarding all formality as the little kitsune hung his head. A dark shadow hung over his heart while Faust lost herself to the past. "You and your kind are nothing but disgusting beasts that I should have destroyed all those years ago."
"Well we're still here. . . slut!"
Leo put down what Celestia told him about controlling himself, exactly where he stood. He was without good conscience as the grass beneath his feet turned black and withered. He kept tightening his fists, holding them tight as blood dripped to the floor, saying without words how angry he was. Faust, Amaterasu and Discord focused their gazes on the boy just as hard as they did with the Caribou, conveying their worry. None of three expected this much emotion or that amount of power to already show. They did not feel any darkness behind it, but all the same, it worried them.
Leo stepped into the Caribou's personal and glared up to him with intense fury. "You hurt my friends and my mommy because you think you're better. You are just a big bully," he spat before raising his bleeding fist. "AND I HATE BULLIES!"
The Caribou cocked his brow at the boy, uncertain if he really was going to try and hit him. "Are you stupid, or did you forget that I am ten times your size? I could step on you and—"
"Leo, no. I taught you better!" Higarashi screamed from atop Faust's head, but it was too late.
Leo chanted the words and aimed at the beast's chest, swinging with all his strength.
"TENKUU-KOBUSHI!"
The air surrounding him shift and molted to Leo's fist at the very last second, compressing into a heavy vacuum before making contact with the Caribou's chest. He pushed his fish, knuckle bearing into fur, and thrust quickly just above the chest cavity. Like a cannon going off, the force of the blast went through the Gazellor and sent him soaring into a wall. The guards were very lucky to have the ropes snap; otherwise, it would have been a big mess. At once the ponies felt the shockwave urge them to move back. They stumbled, the shock nearly throwing off their balance.
"JERK!" he screeched, his scowl extremely deep and intense.
The group gawked together and most were uncomfortable by Leo's punch. The guards could actually feel fear for the poor soul they have to pull out of the wall. They had faced so many enemies in the past, some being tyrants and monsters, but to see this much damage done in a single blow astounded them.
The back of Faust's neck tingled, another subtle warning. She approached her growling son and sank to her stomach and went very still with holding him back. The guard closest to them took a few steps back and clearly did not think he was going to be of any help with the little prince. He relied exclusively on his queen, just like the rest of the guards. Though it was their job to protect and advise, what good would it do to advise a child with that big of a temper?
"Leo, you need to calm down!" Faust circled him with her wings in order to hold him back, but he struggled through the anger and her grasp to reach Gazellor. He squirmed and yelled as Celestia and Amaterasu approached to help, though Celestia was more on the line of using different 'methods' of calming him down.
Sadly she could not, just think to herself He is going to be my stallion!
"Let go of me. I wanna hit him again!" Leo screamed before having his arms restrained by the alicorn's magic, forced to press against his sides as she nuzzled him. "Let go, momma! Let go! He's a bully and I hate him!"
Faust ignored him and inched past the intensity of his spirit. She was now deep in the inner circle of his power. This was where the fox inside him would be dormant, sleeping peacefully, perhaps in the darkest corner of his mind, but that was not the case at all. She did not have to see but feel his raw energy.
She felt the emotions of her son grow. Strong. So strong for a small boy. His tears burst through the dam like a river out of control. She held him close and fought down the need to vomit at her own failure. She had not counter on feeling his just because they were in close proximity, but it was so intense.
"It's okay," she cooed whilst planting tender kisses to his cheeks, avoiding the whiskers. "He's not going to hurt anypony again. Leo, it's fine now. You can calm down."
Drawing several deep breaths, Leo continued to cry in his mother's wings. Twice, he choked on a single thought and spun around to cling on Faust's chest, but she saw this was going to happen and trusted her instincts as a mother. Both times she saw it happen and suspected there was something wrong; that the anger inside him was to curtain the reason behind his sudden tantrum.
"Leo, what's wrong?" Her voice wobbled. She held back a lump in her throat. She knew it was bad, yet she hadn't imagined—this.
Leo did not move or give away that he was hurting on the inside. He kept his eyes close. His head down. But he felt safe with her to tell the truth.
"I don't wanna be alone again," his face was so ravaged with pain, Faust and Amaterasu wanted to cry. His eyes were swollen and bloodshot. Clearly he had been holding back a fear no one could see until now. "It was so empty in the house, and now that monster wants to take you away. I don't want you to be taken away. I want you, Miss Celestia and Miss Luna to stay!"
The girls, at this point, wanted to drop to their knees, hug the boy and comfort him. How could a little boy think like that and hold it in? How much did that fear eat at him? Shaken and stricken with guilt, Twilight pressed her hoof to her mouth and studied the depth of his fear. She could see where she went wrong in judging the boy to be a possible danger to society.
Tears fell all around as the boy's cries echoed across the castle. He stayed as close to his mother as possible, but it was not enough to take away the fear, even with her nuzzling and kissing his cheeks.
"I have failed." Higarashi whispered. His head low. Shame reflecting in his eyes. "Forgive me. . . Mithra."
"We will deal with those monsters later," Amaterasu said as she sat next to her fellow goddess. "Right now you need to take care of him, and we need to explain everything with your daughters and those other six over there."
"Thank you," Faust whispered.
"You are welcome, big sister."
After a brief clean-up of the destruction and informing the guards to keep the boy's tantrum a secret, Faust found herself approaching Luna's room with a now-slumbering Leo in her wings, tears dry and sticking to his whiskers as she opened the door. Celestia had warned her little sister with a small letter of what has happened. Twilight expected the Lunar Princess to be fast asleep since the daytime is her time to sleep, but Celestia made sure that the letter she sent gave a loud wake-up call.
"Why are we going to Princess Luna's room?" Rainbow Dash asked, flying next to the queen as Luna stood at the door with no crown on her head. In fact, she had no royal garment whatsoever and looked exhausted behind her bemused look.
"Who wishes to die first?" she asked in a hollow tone.
Knowing the weakness to her daughter's life and joy, she beamed a cheshire grin, lifted her wings a little, and showed the napping Kitsune to her. "I come with the offering of a little fox that just had a very rough morning. If you let us enter and speak privately, I will allow you to cuddle and sleep with him."
Luna looked down to the boy and up to her mother. "He may be the most adorable thing in existence, but that will not save you."
"I will buy you that new Fallout game you want and allow you to have the first date when he comes of age."
"Hey!" Celestia yelled, unaware of the small grin growing on Luna.
"Deal, but the location is my choice." she stepped aside, gesturing to enter. "Please make yourselves comfortable. Do ignore the root beer cans on the floor."
Entering quickly yet quietly so as to not disturb Leo, the entire group found different places to sit, though the minimal trash around them was very unnerving to Rarity and Sweetie Belle. Faust drew them in whilst giving her little fox to the Lunar Princess, wings extended and a gentle slide into her grasp as Amaterasu gazed at them.
"So this is Little Lulu from all those years ago;" the Sun Deity whispered, though it was loud enough for everyone to hear. "And look how big she is now. You've certainly grown into a beautiful mare just like your sister," she pinch the rim of a can and scrunched in disgust. "Though you could use a lesson in keeping your room clean."
"I'm sorry, but who are you?" Luna asked, brow cocked and horn tipped with magic as a precaution.
Amaterasu giggled lightly and took a seat in the beanbag chair behind her, ignoring the stern glare from the blue alicorn. "Let's just say that I am your long-distance aunt."
"But you're not a pony."
"No, but I am just like your mother. I am a first-born goddess of my species, and her and I were made by the same father."
"What?" Luna turned to her mother, confused as anyone can be.
"You'll know soon enough, but first I want to remove all doubt and mystery." Faust coughed, before clearing her throat. She pondered deeply where to start and how to make it subtle with everyone, while Luna found herself back in her own bed with the cooing Kitsune firmly grasping her chest. She took that as a victory over who is his favorite and stuck her tongue out at her jealous sister, who happened to be pouting. "Now I suppose you all have questions relating to Amaterasu, Leo, and myself."
Everyone but Discord and Amaterasu nodded.
"I'd thought so," she inhaled a deep breath, afraid to speak the story of her origin and relation to the all-mighty wolf. But this was not something to be hidden; the secret needed to come out so her daughters and Twilight and her friends could understand what makes Leo so special. "Well then I will start from the beginning. But before I tell you I must have your word that you will keep this a secret. It is for the sake of Equestria that nopony outside this room knows the truth, understand?" She focused on Rarity's sister, knowing the temptation to tell is hard on a filly. "Do you understand little one?"
Sweetie Belle nodded and hid behind her big sister, fearing the stare of her queen.
"Very good. . ." Again she recollected the past as though it were yesterday. She took another deep breath and cleared her mind of everything else, knowing this would need her undivided attention. "Now to start, but which beginning?"
"Just start from our birth;" Discord suggested, which was the best idea he'd ever had. "It's best that way."
"Yes, and thank you." Faust nodded. "Now then, you all know that I am the first alicorn and your queen for it. It was I who made this universe and this world. I created the Unicorns, the Pegasus, and the Earth Pony with pieces of myself to create life, but I was not born out of nothing, nor was I just a goddess that's always existed. I was created by powerful being, and so was Amaterasu and Leo's real mother. We are what you call the Firstborn."
"The Firstborn?" Twilight and her friends questioned a little too loudly. It had stirred the little fox, but not enough to awaken him. Thankfully Luna was quick-witted and placed a mute spell around him.
"Yes, we are the first of our species," Faust nodded and then turned to her sister. "I am the first pony to ever exist. Amaterasu is the first wolf. And like us, there are many other creatures that are Firstborn. We are the first gods of our species."
"There are gods that are not pony?" Rainbow Dash questioned. Faust gave her a quick now.
"Yes, and in the beginning of our birth we were the guardians of a powerful species known as humans." Faust said calmly, though it was not easy. "We, the Firstborn, protected the humans and served the one who created us. We served a powerful force that we call God as his protectors of the Mortal Realm while his angels protected them in a drift known as Limbo. We co-existed with the angels and helped them defeat malevolent creatures known as demons, because they are monstrous creatures that wish to infect anything with their evil."
"Are all demons bad?" Fluttershy asked.
Faust shook her head. "No, but those that are good were judged harshly and forced into exile by the humans."
Amongst the talk, Twilight found the queen's choice of words more intriguing by the minute. She found herself admiring her and Leo all the more. She knew there was a mystery behind the two, but this so valuable with it's information that she could barely hold herself back. Just knowing there is a world beyond hers and the mirror astounded her. And the birth of Equestria being the creation of her majesty, Twilight was at a loss of words.
"So what happen to yer co-exist'n with these hoomins?" Applejack asked.
Faust sighed with shame in herself. "Our coexistence came to an end when I created the first unicorn;" she replied in somber tone. "It was on the eve of the great flood and that monster was cruel to the humans. When the great flood happened, all mythical beings were forbidden refuge. Most of them died, while Amaterasu escaped to the heavens and I travelled across dimensions with Discord to create Equus."
"Discord, you're a Firstborn?" Pinkie Pie asked in her most chirpy voice.
Discord gathered himself close to Faust, sheltering his own mind with his unforeseen circumstances of the past. He stirred with regret and crossed his arms, every protective instinct telling him to run away. His heart actually raced with fear. Still. . . he wasn't about to let anyone or anything make him seclude the truth. He had chosen the higher road to save himself and Faust from the terror he was born from and had undergone a drastic change.
"Yes, but I'm not part of their family;" he said before Amaterasu could speak for him. "My origin is from the darkest realm. I am the Firstborn of the most vile and cruel monster to ever exist; and it pains me just to tell you that."
It took a great deal of discipline for Discord to stand there proudly and allow the girls look at him so worriedly. He respected their concern, but he did not want to be pitied, and did not feel he earned it in the first place.
"Back to the story," Faust coughed. "After I made Equestria, Discord and I sought creating new life by combining our magic and memory. Every creature you know is a copy of the original from Earth."
That got the girls thinking long and hard while Celestia put herself into the conversation.
"That would explain Hearth's Warmth Eve," the Solar Princess said. "But that does not explain Luna and I's birth, nor does it give me any relief. Leo is still a big mystery to me."
"Oh that is simple," Faust giggled into her own hoof. "On the first year of Equestria, I was bred by a unicorn who went by the name of Terra Nova. Lovely stallion, but he was a mortal. As for Leo, I think our little friend should be the one to explain."
None of the girls knew what the alicorn meant, until Higarashi leaped off her head and landed on the desk next to the bed. He stepped up to the gang and crossed his arms in a proud manner as all eyes focused on him. "That indeed will be where I come in to explain. Leo is my responsibility after all, and no one knows him better than me."
"Okay, so what is up with the little guy?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Why are Discord, the queen, and Ama—what's her name—making Leo out to be so special?"
"That's because he is special, just like Celestia and Luna." Higarashi replied with a big smile, feeling accomplished as the all-knowing flea he is. "Like those two, Leo is a child of a Firstborn. But that is not the only reason to why Leo is so unique."
"What's the other reason?" asked a yawning Luna.
"Leo's mother, Mithra, was the strongest of the Firstborn. She could do things not even Ammy and Faust can hope to do," he added before giving the red haired alicorn a stern glare. "And if what we saw is a sign, then Leo may be just as powerful as her."
"That does not explain how special he is."
"Sorry, I'll get back on track." he chuckled, and the became very serious with the girls. "This is the reason for it all. . ." he took in a deep breath, terrorizing them with suspense. "Leo is like Celestia and Luna—a god—but his power has no limit, nor restraint. Like his mother, his power will continue to grow and evolve. And let me tell you, there are some very bad people who would like to have him as a weapon."
"Like who?" Celestia questioned.
"The other Firstbornm, Faust and I's siblings;" Amaterasu reprimanded. "It would give them so much pleasure to control Leo and use him against us."
"Let's not forget demons," Faust said.
"Or my father," Discord added.
"He—especially him—would be the worst one to have control over Leo." Higarashi exaggerated with hand imagery. "If that bastard possessed Leo, Heaven and Hell would be thrown into chaos and absolute destruction."
"Why is Discord's dad so terrible?" asked Twilight.
Discord smirked at the purple alicorn, though it was more intended to express regret rather than joy. "Because my father is Lucifer, the creator of Hell."
"And the one who murdered Mithra." Amaterasu said sternly, thus making Twilight and her friends gasp.
Author's Note
Surprise. Another Chapter.
Expect a surprise character to come into the story. A trusty friend of mine requested it, and I could not say no since he said "Do me a solid."
Anyway, enjoy.
P.S. I'll be on Fanfiction for the rest of the day to start a Naruto Story requested by "So and So". I can't go into much detail, but I can say that it involves a disowned and homeless Hinata meeting a tailed beast that is free and looking for Naruto.
Romance between Hinata and Naruto along with Female Kyuubi and mystery tailed beast. Along with disband of Team Seven.
You know where to find me.
Surprise Visit
Later That Same Night.
Leo was caught between two of the softest wings and damp from relentless licks to his cheeks. The Lunar Princess had taken on new feelings for him and planned to harness them. She had never felt this way for a male before, not even with those she found to be infatuated with. Luna had spent centuries burying the idea of love and happiness to keep herself as well as her sister ideal for the crowns they wear. But that tiny bundle of cuteness resting against her chest was proving himself too much. He was something special to her, something she did not see in stallions.
Although he was a small boy, Luna had great knowledge about her. There was more wisdom behind her eyes than her own sister; in some ways, she was smarter than Celestia. Not for politics or diplomacy, but through seeing who someone truly is on the inside. She had seen a very powerful trait inside the free-minded fox. Yet there was no fire to what she saw. Like the little fox was before she awoke him with another lick, the 'piece' she witnessed behind his eyes was lying dormant, sleeping for however long it must.
Luna was stoic about the little kitsune fluttering his eyes to her. She was a gentle mare and she been wanting a companion for generations, wanting and waiting from she shadows of her guilt and regret. Having these feelings was very complicated and scary, but for all intents and purposes, she would make this boy her best friend and become more when he comes of age. The Nine-Tailed Pup would never know the Lunar Princess to mount a deep desire for him. All he had was being so adorable that he cannot have a moment of peace without someone wrapping their around him.
Luna rested her chin against his forehead. She would never let a moment go by without some form of affection. She would rush to his side the moment she knew he was alone; she would—if not already—be at his side just to soothe bad tension when things get too rough for him. She could not do less for him, especially after finding out the extremely short invasion of the Caribou.
Holding him closely, she rose out of bed to get some fresh air. The window creaked ominously. Creepily. Just like in her video games. The sound sent a chill down the princess' spine as she remembered her console still on pause after having the crap scared out of her. Not literally, mind you.
The night sky became clear very slowly and thank her mother anyway, the moon had been risen as if it was in touch with Faust. Luna felt her mother's powerful magic radiating off the moon and stepped outside, on the balcony with Leo in her wings, on hoof going across his cheek.
There was curiosity in the boy's eyes as he looked up to the moon. He did not move. Luna could hear his amazement of her celestial body glowing brightly over Equestria. She coughed nervously and blushed, but why? Why did seeing the boy look at her moon in astonishment embarrass her?
Leo glanced at her and pointed a finger at the moon. "What is that big thing in the sky?"
Luna looked down at the little fox. She raised her brow, holding a still expression as he waited for an answer. She cleared her throat. "You do not know what the moon looks like?"
Is this child playing games with me, or is he serious about not knowing what the moon is? she scolded.
Leo rose out of Luna's wings. He climbed till he was on top of her head, gazing so purely at the bright moon. "That's what the moon looks like. Wow, Mr. Mole told me the moon is really pretty, but I never thought it would be so big and bright."
Leo pressed his lips together and studied the moon. He was suspicious, be he wasn't certain of the rumor his caretaker told him. Clearly there was frustration in his expression. Luna could see it. Did he change his mind and have doubts of her great moon? Dislike? If so, that did not bode well for what she had planned. She needed to look as naïve as him, oblivious, someone who might be slightly ditzy, just to protect herself from what she assumed to be a child's ridicule.
She held her breath as he jumped off her head and landed on the railing, his tails firmly grasping the cold stone to keep him from falling into the courtyard.
"Is it true that the moon is made of cheese?" Leo asked as he crossed his arms and glanced into her eyes. "Mr. Mole says that the moon is where all cheese comes from."
Luna gave him a bemused look, one that most would find to be cute; except for Leo, he was a little nervous after asking that question.
"The moon is not made of cheese, nor any dairy product you might find in Equestria," Luna assured him solemnly before confronting the subject with distaste. "And do not believe everything your 'Mr. Mole' say. Should you have questions about the moon or the night, then ask me."
"Okay, but why?" Leo asked in a cute voice, with his head tilted to the right. "Are you some sort of all-knowing night pony?" He looked up to the stars as she snorted out of aggravation. The night sky was something remarkable to the boy, mostly incredible, something so great he was almost tempted to watch it until the sun comes up. "Not that it is a bad thing, but Mr. Mole said he was the expert of everything." He glanced again at the Lunar Princess, only to find her glaring at him. "Are the stars balls of light trapped inside a web of darkness?"
Luna gave him one last look and groaned loudly before scooping him up. "Alright little one, you should be resting after the day you've had. But after hearing those words from your mouth, you are going to get a crash course of the true meaning to day and night." She shut the windows behind her and then placed Leo on the bed. She took a careful look at the boy. He appeared to be wide-awake.
"Honestly, what do you know that is fact?" Luna asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She rubbed her head as he sat patiently sat on the bed, ignoring that something was scratching the top of his head.
Leo put a finger to his bottom lip, pondering deeply. "I know that mommy is not my real mommy and the weird wolf lady is my real mommy's sister. Plus she is a mommy as well, but the wolf girl is not with her right now."
Luna went to scold the bathe for what she believed to be his sarcasm when she focused on that last part. Another child of a first-born, she'd thought as he continued stating what he knows. Luna barely heard a thing he said. She was too deep in thought of the other goddess potentially keeping a secret child from everyone.
"I also know that I can't use my powers too much or I'll get really sleepy. I know some math and reading. And I know that you have a weird shadow hanging over you all the time."
Luna looked down at the boy with a brow raised in confusion. "I have a shadow hanging over me all the time?" she asked, receiving a nod from the little fox. She turned to the mirror he pointed towards, confused and slightly worried.
"Yeah, you have a pony shadow hanging over you." Leo chirped, and then proceeded to wave at the mirror, though there was nothing the Lunar Princess saw. Nothing but herself and him. "She's really pretty, like you. Her eyes are blue and she has big blue hair that is wavy like yours. Look, she's waving at me right." He smiled warmly at the shadow. "Hi weird shadow pony."
Luna's previous thoughts had gone out the window. Her gaze jumped up to the top of the mirror, and she found Leo was looking at a pair of deep blue cat eyes. Her smooth features were expressionless, but her piercing eyes saw far too much. Luna's heart gave a jolt in her chest as Leo hopped from the bed to the top of her head, a quick move that nearly startled the alicorn. Her breath was caught in her throat as the shadow attached to her lingered out of her mirror.
There, in the mirror she uses to perfect herself, barely touched in the mast of magic, was a tall mare telling orbs of the purest blue, drawing the eye of her vessel. The shock made Luna nearly lose her balance, almost mashing the kitsune into the closest wall. When she moved her hooves, stepping back, the shadows grew and sprang up around her as if she'd never taken a step. The eyes of her bane were completely full after a moment.
Luna raised herself, wings open to shield the boy. "Little one, how long have you been seeing her?"
Leo shrugged, annoying the princess a little. "This is the first time I saw her. Why, is she a bad pony?"
"He is not a normal creature," the shadow predicted, it's voice being feminine. "In fact, I doubt I have ever seen something so strange. Tell me; is this something you have adopted, or is he a new pet?"
"Neither," Luna replied.
The shadow thought about Leo, curious of his form, before waving him off and coming to full form. "It does not matter, though it is surprising that he can see me. Nopony should possess such an ability. Not even you, Lulu."
Luna said nothing. She feel the air growing heavy their way when she took a deep breath.
Leo hunched over the alicorn's head for a better look. "Who are you?"
The smiling alicorn stepped closer, giggling. "My, my, my. Such a curious little creature, and very cute. Don't you know the story behind Nightmare Moon?"
"No, he doesn't," Luna answered for him. "And you will not be the one to tell him."
Nightmare Moon gave an inelegant snort. "Save your breath. I only appeared for the thing on your head." She took another step, ignoring the threatening aura of her maker. "Tell me your name and what you are, you delicious furball."
Laughter bubbled up in the boy and he found himself eyeing the mare teasingly. "I don't feel like telling you my name or what I am."
Luna's laughter joined his as the Mare in The Moon flinched at those words, and she was happy to see and hear how carefree Leo sounded. "It would seem that he is not in the mood to comply. Strangely, I like that look on your face."
Nightmare Moon immediately scowled at the two, drilling spite into their eyes. "And why would you not tell me your name or what your species is?" She asked in a threatening tone. "Do I need to rip the information out of your skull with my magic?"
Leo shook his head and nuzzled Luna. "Because you did not please. And," he added. "Mr. Mole says you must says please when you want something."
This was a turn of surprise for Nightmare Moon. A strange creature that is not afraid her, but is mocking her with simplicity of mannerism. She was adept at using her power to get what she wants. She was already more than capable and apparently far too good at fear. She cocked her head to the left and stood in front of the princess and the kitsune. Curiosity began to shine in her eyes as he smirked arrogantly.
"You are really brave or really stupid." Nightmare Moon said bluntly, eyeing the boy with different intention and perspective. "Tell me your name so I may know who it is that does not fear me."
Laughing, he leaned over the Lunar Princess and gave the dark alicorn an eskimo kiss. He watched with delight the blush smearing across her cheeks as he gave her a boop to the nose. "You still have not said please. I'll tell you if you say it nicely."
Nightmare Moon gently swatted his hand away and laughed. Not cackle, but laugh, and it shocked Luna to her core. Nightmare Moon caught the boy's eyes reflecting her and brought the conversation to the warmth of her amusement, her tongue gliding across her lips as she eyed him with hungry curiosity. "Nopony has ever done that to me. I don't know if I should take you for myself or destroy you. I really do wonder what I should do."
"Well destroying someone is very mean," Leo said with a deep pout, his arms crossed as the alicorn laughed at his adorable expression. "Besides, you'd make Mr. Mole mad if you did that. He would kick your butt all over this castle and make you like it."
"Okay, this by far is the most fun I've had since I destroyed the old castle," Nightmare Moon said, joy coiling in her like warm cider. This boy changed her day just by seeing her and showing more backbone than anyone; even Twilight and her friends did not have this much courage. She couldn't understand how she could ever feel happiness. She brought fear and terror, but this boy made her feel alive. She almost loved watching her attempt to invoke fear fail miserably. "Very well then, may I please know your name and species."
"Do not answer her!" Luna snapped, but was ignored by the smiling boy.
"My name is Leo, and I am a Nine-Tailed Fox." He said proudly before looking back at his tails, which were swaying happily from the fun he had with this mare. He had forgotten that he was not fully grown and blushed. "Well. . . three tailed so far. I have to wait until I'm older to get all my tails."
Nightmare Moon found herself awing over this boy, deep belly moans of delight, something she had never done in her life. This was a new experience for the alicorn, and it brought forth a new desire she was very uncertain of. Still, there had been no such feeling until Leo.
Surprisingly, the dark alicorn removed Luna from the conversation by using a spell that would wear off at dawn. She caught Leo in her wings before the Lunar Princess fell hard, holding the boy as if he was her own personal toy. Leo fell to silence under the onslaught of her merriment.
Nightmare Moon let out a soft coo as the touch of his fur tickled her snout. "A fox that would rather torment me than be afraid. You really are an odd creature, Leo. It is so very tempting to take you with me and see if your courage is as strong as I think it is."
Suddenly the nuzzling from her stopped, and she set him next to the slumbering princess. Nightmare Moon gave him a haughty look and swept her magic down on his body, forcing him into sleep as adeptly as any magic user could do, except with hundreds of years of mastery.
Leo tried to stay awake, but his eyes were closing as fast as she was gone, leaving him to wonder in those few seconds of consciousness what she was going to do.
"Miss. . . Moon . . ." He fell asleep against Luna's side, tails curled around his small form as the dark mare giggled.
Nightmare Moon leaned into him, brushing at the top of his head with a gentle kiss. "But taking would be too much trouble for me, knowing Faust, Celestia and Luna would hunt me down." She turned away and closed her eyes for a moment, making a comfortable return to the shadows, this time, leaving through the window.
"I will enjoy watching you grow, Nine-Tailed Fox. Also, the moon is not made of cheese. The sun is."
Rarity slammed her hoof down hard on the table of the few sewing tables she found free to her usage, gripping the newly designed emerald encrusted cotton and turning it over to the correct side she lined out with white chalk. The vest in front of her fought hard against her needle, an audible crack in her neck signaling how determined she was. She kicked her seat away as Spike did his usual assistant work with fetching the necessary components she calls for.
"Finally through!" she exclaimed, holding up the small garment to her eye level, a cross of black thread pulling the seams around the shoulders together without any tear. She began to work on the next piece, sweat on her brow. "Now I just have to sew the back together and I will be finished with everything but the collar."
Spike retrieved more thread then glanced over his shoulder. "You've been at it for hours now, Rarity. How about taking a break?"
"I'm perfectly fine Spike," the frustrated mare insisted, but how unkempt she was said it all. She tried to push the needle into the next seem, but her magic was fairly loose around said needle, her focus diminishing by her headache and lack of sleep. "It will not be much longer. I just have a few seams left, and Sweetie Belle's dress will be finished."
Spike tilted his head. "Why do you need to make her a dress?"
Rarity stopped what she was dong and sprang from the table, glaring at her assistant. She couldn't keep herself tamed, not could she remain calm.
Alarmed, Spike turned back to the fabrics on his side of the room, his whistling the only thing to keep him occupied.
"Leo is a prince, an oddly appealing prince, but still a prince." Rarity said, indicating great interest. "He is in the same age group as Sweetie Belle and there is a possibility that she may have her happily ever after, which is why I am going to do everything I can to help make it happen."
Spike had nothing to say, only knew that it was going to probably be a bad idea.
***
The uneven rhythm of snoring awoke Faust from her deep sleep and filled her mind. Her eyes slowly opened. She looked down at the source sleeping in her bed with his long body curled around hers. Tangled hairs in his goatee circled the end of her man, slipping carefully when he loosed his hold on her. Beneath the cover, both of them were locked together, needing their touch to better their new day. She caught glimpses of him smiling peacefully, undeniable happiness, as clear as the sunlight shining through the curtains. It made her smile too.
Faust's wing moved against his chest when she turned to snuggle in his neck, the smallest of giggles, a simple nuzzle to the spirit's skin pulling him out of his dream.
Immediately he snapped his eyes open and saw the smiling goddess hugging his back. A cool breeze of her breath fanned his skin. He wondered when they climbed into bed together.
"Faust," he said nervously, a hum from her voice telling him she was awake. "When did we get like this?"
"Last night," she yawned, still smiling. "We were talking about Leo and Amaterasu, and I asked you to stay for the night. You were awfully tired."
Discord had a blank look about him as he attempted to process what happened last night. He could not recall anything but their conversation before he tiredly climbed into bed with her.
"Did we do anything?" He had to be sure with the mare nothing other than talking happened.
Faust shook her head.
"Unfortunately, we did nothing but talk." She groaned, holding him tightly. "Now go back to sleep, it's barely morning. Celestia and Luna can handle Leo for the day."
Discord did not argue, although it felt awkward to sleeping with her. Still, there was something in his gut telling him that Celestia and Luna were not trustworthy watching the pup.
***
The sound of bird chirping outside the window pierced Luna's ears. Lazily, she opened her eyes to the morning light beaming across her flank as she processed her snuggly friend snoring lightly in the comfort of her wings, while maids were doing the jobs and exchanging whispers.
He's not even a pony, the first maid glanced at Leo, unaware that the princess was peeking through her lifeless mane. But he's so bucking adorable.
Do you think he's up for adoption? the other asked.
He is the queen's son,
I didn't even know we had a queen.
Her duties are far more than just watching over Equestria. From what I heard when I listened through the keyhole, she's apparently an almighty goddess and the new prince is a god as well, but he's the last of his kind.
Poor thing, he must feel lonely.
Oh no, get this. I heard that the queen has feelings for Discord.
"Harlots," Luna scoffed after they left the room, "they have no business with mother or Discord, and they certainly will not snake themselves into Leo's good grace." She nuzzled the fox lovingly, making him yawn so adorably that she had to nuzzle him again. "He will be mine anyway."
The slow rising of Leo's eyelids cut through the silence, the fluttering so cute it was like a knife severing the alicorn's tension. Though in his human form, he stood on all fours and stretched like a cat, underneath Luna's wing and warm gaze. Like her, he did not recall what happened last night.
"Good morning little one," Luna cooed, licking the back of his neck like a loving mother would. She could not stand to see part of his hair unkempt. "Did you sleep well?"
Still in his drowsy phase, the young fox look up to her with half-lidded eyes and smiled.
"I slept fine Miss Luna. You were really warm and soft."
She took that to heart and hugged him just as he finished stretching his tails.
"You flatter me little one," she giggled before holding him to her eye level, "but let's be honest; who is softer and warmer, my sister or I?"
Leo didn't seem to have any problem thinking that over. He knew that there was comparison or competition as well when he was with either princess. More than once of his moments to snuggle with the alicorns he had taken remembrance of which pony was better than the other.
He replied with his smile, and given that he was merely a pup, he could only hope the would suffice for Luna.
"Well Miss Celestia is bigger than you, so she's softer and warmer. But I think it's because she has a big butt." He told her with complete honesty, which did not amuse the princess, except the part about her sister having a large rear.
Still. . .
"So my sister is softer and warmer," Luna repeated glumly. She was about to fall into depression when the little pup leaned in and licked her nose, causing her to blush a shade of light blue.
"But you're prettier than her," he added. "And you're dark blue, which is my favorite color. Plus you sparkle like stars, and it's really cool."
Luna said not a word, in her mind she screamed like a school filly that was going out with her school crush. She tossed the boy upward, and luckily, caught him before he landed on the bed. Everypony knew that he bed was extra soft and bouncy, and by her mother's horn she was not going to let bounce off the bed and crash on the floor.
"Take that sister!" She said proudly, hoof-pumping excitedly.
Leo just sat in front of the mare and watched as she acted like a weird pony. He wasn't sure what she meant, but it must have been important to her.
"Ponies are so weird."
Luna realized how foalish she was acting and ceased all form of boasting. She smiled sheepishly at the boy and blushed a second time whilst taking her mind to more important matters, such as last night being a complete blur to her.
"Leo, do you recall anything from last night?" She asked in a serious tone.
He shook his head and replied, "I only remember going to bed with you and waking up now."
"That's strange," she puzzled her chin. Leo was jumping on the bed with giddiness, but he needed to sit with her to solve this mystery. "I don't remember entering dreams either."
"Maybe you were too tired," he suggested.
Luna wanted to agree with that, her conscience however, kept telling her there was more to it. Her mind was blank though, as untouched as a sheet of paper and I made her all the more curious. Still, she had to step back from the subject for herself. She wanted to enjoy the day with Leo and rub in her sister's face that she was the prettier mare.
"Let's jus forget about it;" she waved it off. "How about we get cleaned up and go have breakfast with Celestia?"
At that moment there was a familiar face poking her head through the door. Her lips curved into a bright smile at the sight of her supposed future coltfriend shifting into his fox form to clean his ears.
"I see somepony is awake," she greeted joyfully, her presence bringing some mischief out of the lunar alicorn. "Did you sleep well with my sister?"
Luna chuckled quietly as her sister entered, the cheshire grin growing slowly.
"We slept very well my dear sister," she said clearly for the pink haired mare to hear, in hope she would be jealous. "We snuggled under the covers and I told him some scary stories next to the fireplace."
Leo gazed at Luna quizzically while the molesting princess shot her a dark glare. Tension started to rise between both sisters. He felt them tremble with aggression, their possession becoming instinctive, but he did not retreat, rather he faced both subtly so his affection was shared. "We did all that?" He hopped onto Celestia's back and nuzzled her, feeling she was left out.
Luna's nod gave him more confusion. "We did little one, and you were so scared of the cupcake story that you cuddled in my chest the entire night."
"You should no better than to talk about such stories," Celestia chastised. "Some of them are true, and you could have given Leo nightmares."
"Nonsense," her sister said with a proud tone. "I am the Goddess of Dreams; there will be no nightmares in Leo's dreams."
"That's not the point." Celestia said flatly.
Luna laughed, turning her focus back to the fox. Her soft lips brushed a tender kiss over the bridge of his nose. She winked at him before fetching towels for the both of them.
"Anyway, shall we make our way to the royal shower?" She asked with faux-concern for Leo, aggravating her sibling. "I would like to help you wash your tails before breakfast."
This completely lured the inner mare in Celestia. She flicked her mane back with her hoof, while using her magic to levitate the fox into her open wings. She felt she was losing the battle.
"I'll join you in the shower," she told her Luna sternly. "I have no faith in you washing his tails. You still need help from me to scrub the knots you have in the morning."
Leo found that he was having a difficult morning as he tried to hurry along with his breakfast. At first it was nothing special and particularly quiet, acting like himself with Celestia being awfully affectionate amongst the small gathering of ponies he met days ago. Awkwardness flowed around the dining hall with whispers and strange comments that he had to block by pressing his hands onto his ears. Like pins and needles, his hearing was flooded with the voices of every servant and guard that took a great deal of interest in him.
After quietly munching on some of the sandwiches that were prepared, the annoyance of strictly vegetables shifted his behavior in a not-so friendly way. He found his body swelling with temptation and instinct for something that has protein. There wasn't a single piece of meat on the table though, and he was still hungry.
"Do we have any fish?" he asked, surprising both princesses as they tried to enjoy peace and quiet. Remembrance flowed back with swiftness, and the two sisters found it awkward that they were not intuitive of his canine appetite. Surely they did not forget that he was a meat-eater in the first place.
Luna shook her head at the boy, disappointing him while the staff looked at the boy in fear. "We do not carry any meat products in Equestria. We are herbivores, as you can see, and any form meat in the castle is frowned upon."
Leo was not happy about that and decided to interject with his own statement. Hopefully he could convince him otherwise, or it was going to be a long day for him.
"But fish is what I eat the most. Mr. Mole says that it's the most important food source in my diet."
Luna stayed relaxed, but deep inside, she coiled in disgust that he ate meat, and she was read and more than willing to change the boy's diet to keep pones from speculating about his habits. She might not be his mother, but Faust was not around to make the rules right now.
"We'll just have to change your diet then," she smiled lovingly and nuzzled the frustrated boy as he pushed his plate away, rejecting the salad Celestia set on his plate.
"Perhaps some fruit will help curve your appetite for meat."
Leo just sat there with his arms crossed and his tails flicking back and forth, pouting and grumbling underneath his breath while Luna Celestia looked to one another for an idea. It was a long moment of silence between them and the annoyed pup before they were greeted with the smell of something sizzling. Putrid it was to the ponies, but for Leo, it was a heavenly aroma that made his mouth water and the muscles in his jaw tighten.
He went to looking up and over his chair, when out of the blue came Amaterasu in an apron and a steaming hot salmon with lemon juice gazed over it and broccoli on the side. Leo sighed with content, as though he had died and gone to heaven. He wiped the saliva from his mouth and slipped back into his seat before sinking rather abruptly to the scent.
"Here you go," the goddess cooed lovingly, nuzzling the top of his head as the princesses grit their teeth angrily. She gave both alicorns the challenge of earning Leo's love and friendship by picking him up and setting him in her lap before he could feast. "How about we have someone feed you? This is an awfully messy fish and you don't need to stain your tails."
"Where did you come from?" Luna asked hatefully, watching as her little fox succumbed to the busty deity feeding him. There was no greater hatred than to watch this stranger take her companion and manipulate his love and care like that. Besides, she wanted to be the one that feeds him!
"From the kitchen," their fellow yet much more ancient goddess replied.
Celestia glared at her for the apron and asked why she was wearing it in the place, followed by the statement of being a deity so cooking was something she does not have to do; that's what servants are for.
Amaterasu delightfully chirped with an evil grin, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Didn't your mother teach you that when you were fillies?"
"So the reason you are here in our is to win him over."
"No, I'm here to honor his mother's request of watching over him."
"So cooking him breakfast. . ." Celestia was interrupted by the woman's annoying laughter.
"I suspected you would not have any meat prepared for him, so I took a salmon from one of the ponds in your garden." Amaterasu gave her an innocent smile, and then winked at Luna, intentionally infuriating her while Celestia watched with disgust of the idea that she was losing to this broad. She couldn't be, she was sexier than that dog!
"You cannot deprive Leo of fish," Amatearsu pointed out, purposely angering the princesses. "It is the main source of food in his diet. Taking it away means you're taking away serious nutrients his body needs to grow. You could make him malnourished or very sick if you do."
Leo nodded in agreement and added, "Plus it's really good."
Celestia and Luna sank in defeat and decided it was best to keep their mouths shut. Both were hurting internally from this new rival of theirs getting the best of them, of which killed their moods for today. Finding not a reason to even look at he boy for attention, they hung their heads and returned to food on their plates, which somehow did not taste as good now.
Witch. . . they thought together.
The throne room remained quiet for the princesses to taste the sour defeat of their new rival, but they were not prepared for the next pony that followed his personal guard. All of their attention was now on this particular stallion, their eyes narrowed while wits were about them, as if they were ready to put an end to him.
"Nephew, care to join us for breakfast?" Celestia asked, matching the calm and cold expression of her family and staff while Leo started to grin. He laughed with Amaterasu upon seeing the unhappy prince with his new hairstyle and almost fell out of her lap when he saw how infuriating it was.
Hm. . . he seems to be better looking, now that he looks like the backside of a mule. Luna thought amusedly while on the outside she had an expressionless face.
It was then the eyes of the fox and the stallion locked in a clash of indifferences, and all of hell was going to break loose.
"Y-You!" Blueblood exclaimed in shock and anger, his usual façade of arrogance not attainable while the young pup kept smirking like that.
"Y-You did this to me!" stuttered Blueblood in a furious voice. The staff could not believe their eyes, but if only they knew what the princesses saw in that boy's actions towards their nephew. Still, he was quite amusing to watch, perhaps the funniest thing to happen in a very long time.
How can that little beast just sit there and smile? Why, I will have him caged and dropped from the highest cliff for this! Blueblood though before visibly releasing his rage on the child, while the others tried to come to terms with this snickering.
Meanwhile, because of Blueblood making himself the center of attention, nobody noticed Leo hop off Amaterasu and approach the prince with Higarashi on the top of his head.
"You're going to be the death of me," Higarashi slapped his forehead and sighed as the two creatures came close. "Why did I have to volunteer watching over the boy?"
"Hi there," Leo chirped, waving a hand at the enraged prince with his best innocent look. "You're really funny looking. What happen to all of your hair?"
"What happen!?" roared Blueblood, towering over the child as the rest of the royals watched carefully. "As you can see, I have no mane and most of my tail is missing. And I know it was you who did this to me, you insolent freak!"
"But how could I do it when I've been with Miss Celestia and Miss Luna?" asked the fox as a couple more ponies entered the throne room. It was not thought possible, but somehow it got much better with Rarity and Sweetie Belle watching from the corridor.
"Are you sure didn't miss with a pair of scissors?"
Blueblood screamed at the top of his lungs in pure fury, no longer able to contain the unbearable humiliation. It felt like his reputation was crushed, he could feel everyone's laughter by their looks. The pain was intolerable.
"You. . . are going to pay for ruining me." Blueblood growled dangerously with a grim expression. He roared again after rearing up to punish the boy.
A sense of danger came to the fox as everyone watched in horror. Leo wasn't anywhere near as big and they doubted if he could fight with him. They rushed to his aid, wanting him to get away without a single hair on his head touched until it was too late to stop the stallion from making a grave mistake.
Leo sat there and waited, counting the seconds ticking by as he heard his tiny mentor give a battle-cry, accompanied by the tiniest speck launching off his head into the hoof coming down on his head at the last second. Blueblood breathed happily for his victory, his deep ego swelling as he looked up to his aunties charging at him.
His hoof was stopped though, by. . .
"Those who dare harm last kyuubi," Higarashi growled at a decibel that everyone could hear, surprisingly. "SHALL BE PUNISHED!"
The echoing roar of the old flea boomed across the halls as he gripped the arrogant prince by the heel of his hoof. He shed all sense of manners and mercy, turning into the ancient fury Amaterasu had remembered. His voice was raspy and hoarse, but strong choking the princesses with fear.
He knew damn well what he was doing. Every ounce of his strength. The sound of his ridiculous battle-cry. The way his eyes shined with the fire of his long life, even when his body creaked with old age. He had his heart and soul in one while showing the entire the skeptics what he could do.
Celestia and Luna fell back from Blueblood being thrown over the pup and through a wall. Neither could respond to the flea's monstrous power, couldn't even find a faint flicker of words while the room fell in silence. Leo took that as something funny, for it was the risky part of his prank on Blueblood. Still, he did not expect his mentor to throw a pony through a wall.
"That will teach him," Higarashi said sternly, crossing his arm and holding his head high with pride. "And let that be a lesson to everyone in this room."
"That was totally awesome!" Rarity said out of character, her dream of revenge fulfilled. She wanted to give this hero of hers a token of gratitude, but there was one problem —she could not see him.
Celestia and Luna were still dumbstruck by Higarashi's display of power. They waited for Amaterasu or one of the members to shake them free of this confusion and awestruck.
"Yes," Leo hissed, secretly pumping his fist before noticing Rarity and the unicorn beside her. When he did though, he felt something surge in him.
He rose slowly with the filly watching him, this time ignoring the ear-piercing roars of every pony cheering in assumption that he'd somehow tossed the unconscious Blueblood like a ragdoll. The instant he his eyes locked hers he became aware of the world going silent to his benefit, but why?
A fox with meaning, he approached the unicorn without fear and crouched on all fours in Celestia's sunlight beaming on him and her. He did not even register that Rarity was greeting him, almost as if she never existed in the first place. He moved very slow, circling her with his scent, his mind held captive, recognizing these emotions as something oddly conditional.
"You're pretty," he exchanged a blush of shock with the unicorn. "What's your name?"
Rarity squealed excitedly in her mind while Celestia and Luna added the filly as another rival for the boy. Amaterasu, on the other hand, was a little happy that he'd set his eyes on someone around his age. Now if only she could get the princesses to keep their hooves off the child, but she knew better than to get between them. Besides, if what she was seeing turned out to be true, then there was the possibility of the alicorn facing rejection in the future.
"S-Sweetie Belle," she stuttered nervously, hiding behind her sister when it was too much for her to handle.
She peeked around and asked cutely, "What's your name?"
"Leo," he took in her scent, acting on his instincts. "You smell very nice."
Shocked, Sweetie Belle came back around as fast as she ran behind her sister, not sure if this fox was being a nice or being weird. She knew this was how some stallions acted, but for this to happen to her, and it coming from a fox with a many tails. . .
"You think I smell nice," she looked away with her blush now turning crimson.
He nodded.
"You're really weird," she giggled, but in a good way.
Abruptly he dropped the nice act, which confused everyone since it was nothing crude or mean, rather adorable. Proudly, or cutely in his case, he struck a pose with his tails thrust in different directions and his chest puffed. At that point he was making mares swoon over his cute tough colt act with the filly.
"Hey," he held his head high for Sweetie Belle. "Weird is the new normal and better than being like that guy over there." He pointed at Blueblood, who was imprinted in the next wall as guards tried to pry him free.
Sweetie Belle smiled, stricken with great interest of the slightly funny prince.
"Are you hungry?" Leo asked, his fur the only thing preventing his crimson to show. "There's plenty of food."
"We are famished," Rarity chirped, already taking her seat while Sweetie Belle realized she had been left alone with the fox. She smiled triumphantly at both alicorns as Leo showed Sweetie Belle to the table like a gentlecolt.
"In your faces," she whispered, invoking the wrath of her princesses.
Celestia and Luna exchanged determined looks and nodded in the midst of this predicament. They knew that being princesses and older mares was not going to cut it, nor was the snuggling and cuddling. They had to change tactics before it was too late.
"This means war." They told one another, meanwhile the completely ignored Higarashi hopped into Amaterasu's hair and decided to take the day off.
"I'm too old and small for this crap."
Author's Note
Yes, this is different from the blog I made if that snippet.
Truth is, that last snippet was a lie. Don't take offense, but I wanted to know which readers are faithful and which ones are just here to read what they expect.
I'm glad that only one dropped me because of that snippet. Thank you everypony, all 443 of you.
As for the one that dripped me for that fake snippet. . . . Shame on you.
Author's Note
By the almighty gorgeous plot of Nightmare Moon, it's in the feature list!
SWEET. I DID IT!!!
Anyway, this is where I'm breaking into the teenage years. Of course, this does not mean things are ending any time soon.
Nope. Big development for the story. Lot's of snuggly and furry moments. I'll make sure to find some drawings of each character in their teens and post them later.
Also, even if this is not good taste to some readers, please honor me with the 300 likes goal I'm reaching for.
Enjoy.
A Few Years Later. . .
Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apploebloom stepped outside to scan the area around them. These young mares still had an uneasy feeling that signaled trouble—and it was much stronger in the open air—yet none of them could get a direction of their fear.
Scootaloo swore softly. "Come on, we don't his help to get to our homes. This isn't his bad situation," she said. "Seriously, we're not fillies anymore."
Applebloom took a slow, careful look around the school premises. "What do you want us to do? Run out in the open and hope for the best while we're live targets?"
Scootaloo's first impulse was to say "buck yes", but made her hesitate. Her wings ruffled and bent feathers formed in the edges.
"We're not going to get far if we keep standing here," Sweetie Belle pointed out.
"Sweetie Belle?" Applebloom said. Her friend knew her and waited patiently for the unicorn's decision.
"Come on, let's just—" Sweetie Belle found herself interrupted. Whatever she was going to say had been robbed from her voice by the hoof that grabbed her and pulled into the open. Of course, she yelped as this hoof became a whole pony that despised waiting, or being told "no" so many times.
Her friends yelled her name, but she was petrified by the stallion that tossed her onto the ground and now towered over her. Even as she knew her yelp would reach the one she needed, there wasn't much confidence in him coming to help her.
"Why haven't you given me an answer?" Omega Wing asked the cowering yet angry teenager. "I've been waiting since last week."
Applebloom and Scootaloo came to her rescue and stood in front of her to stop the yellow Pegasus.
"She has told you no a bunch of times already," Scootaloo explained.
"Besides, who would want to go out with a jerk like you?" Applebloom added.
Even as those words uttered his mind, denial burst through the pony's mind and he became angry. "Well I'm not taking no for an answer; she has no one else lining to ask her out and I doubt anypony will."
A chill went down Sweetie Belle's spine as she stood up, standing between her fellow crusaders. "That's because you bully anypony who tries to get close to me. You bullied Pipsqueak when he was just talking to me." This was a true accusation with no denial, for he smiled at her. "Omega, just give it up already. I'm never going to be your marefriend."
"Well you don't have a choice," Omega growled, nearing the teenagers as they readied themselves for what was coming over the roof of the school. If it hadn't been for that shadow looming there, none of them would have been as brave as they were now.
"YOU'RE GOING TO BE MINE!"
A gust of wind whined through the air even as Omega prepared to pounce his prey. The shadow landed behind the crusaders, so that his presence made the stallion have second thoughts. A whip of his tails and everyone had their attention directed to him, his large size instilling terror for the bully looking up to him. All nine tails curled protectively around the girls instantly and a familiar alicorn with large wings jumped down from the top of his head.
"You must be really stupid," this alicorn hummed. "Because these three just so happen to be our best friends, and we don't take kindly to somepony bullying our friends; especially my good buddy here."
Omega cowered as the large canine licked the crusaders affectionately, their laughter bringing a feeling that was warmer than all the fur on his body.
"Leo. Cut it out." Applebloom giggled, nuzzling the monstrous fox's nose whilst letting his tails lift her onto his back. There was something about getting piggyback rides that made it fun, but to ride on a fox that could shift his size in an instant. . .
"So warm," Scootaloo had to admit to herself that it was almost as fun to fly as it was to ride him. Almost. She could not fight rolling over and letting the comfort wash over here.
Finally, Sweetie Belle walked up his head and planted a soft kiss, whispering softly, "Thanks for coming down to Ponyville to pick us up." She loomed to the frightened bully with a hard glare, but if she hadn't she would've noticed how embarrassed the young fox was by her token of gratitude.
Her eyes narrowed to his face, the smile fading immediately as she watched the princess give the boy a good lesson. Leo did as well, but with his cowls raised and a snarl that would make some ponies crap themselves, like Omega Wing, just for example.
"Come on Flurry Heart," Leo said in a deep voice that made Omega flinch. "Leave this jackass to simmer in his own. . . filth."
He pointed out the pancake size of poop that was molded to Omega's rear, his face contorting with disgust as the smell permeated his nose. Holy moly. . . And I thought waking to Celestia's morning bathroom break was bad.
"We're going to leave now," Flurry Heart informed the pony, leaning down to his eye level whilst ignoring the foul smell. "But let's get one thing straight. If you ever bother our friends again, then I'm gonna sick my friend on your butt and watch as he grinds your bones between his teeth."
Omega inhaled sharply, looking past the princess to her large companion who had winked at him and snapped his jaws. He feared the worst as his imagination took him to those glistening teeth dripping with saliva. He looked away to face the young princess with his word that he would leave them alone, but she had already left him to join her fellow teenagers.
She reached over Leo's ear, grinning at the pony. "And by the way, you're not in the same league as the guy Sweetie Belle likes."
"Not fluffy enough." Scootaloo's voice was mocking.
"Nor cuddly." Added Applebloom.
"Let's not forget about the licking." Flurry Heart reminded.
Sweetie Belle was no longer in her quiet behavior. She dragged herself to the far end of the fox prince and dragged one of his tails over her head, but it did not hide her blush as the girls finished mocking Omega. The fur was slung low on her face, hiding her expression. She was unready to deal with her emotions.
"Anyway," Applebloom laughed, patting Leo on his head to grab his attention. "Let's get going. We have to get our things before we go to Canterlot for the week."
A yip was made, this time from Sweetie Belle gripping his tail too hard. The pain carried the mournful note as he took the pony by her barrel and held her to his face. "What was that for?"
Sweetie Belle smiled sheepishly and said with a silver tongue, "Your tails are fluffy."
"Well be careful please," Leo complained, setting the unicorn on his head. "You already know how sensitive my tails are."
"I'll be more careful," she added.
"Good. Now let's get going." He began his walk towards Ponyville. For the first time he abruptly snorted on Omega and walked away, moving away and across the meadow to leave the pony in wonder. He was usually adamant inflicting his own method of fear on the poor fools that disturb his group, but he felt there was no need to challenge him, not when he was the most abnormal alpha male.
His long, thick fur was brushed in a glowing yellow over some red strands. He looked over his shoulder and caught glimpse of the girls bunching his fur into messy pillows, now resting peacefully on his back.
He swore he could see Sweetie Belle flickering some magic in the air around her horn as she blushed with her eyes on him. Flurry Heart growled quietly at this while Applebloom and Scootaloo continued talking about the plan of action while in Canterlot. Some ideas were not so innocent, as it involved the fox prince being the main target.
Flurry Heart grumbled in her own mind. Great. I have them to worry about. It was bad enough with Aunt Celestia and Aunt Luna having the hots for him.
"So what are you four going to do while staying at the castle?" Leo asked whilst passing some ponies who waved at him. Of course, he waved back, but it wasn't so easy with his size. One wrong move and he could leave a house in shambles.
"Do you really think we're going to tell you?" Flurry Heart asked sarcastically, leaning over his head to look at the prince in his right eye.
"I was just curious as to what you'll be doing. Do you have to keep so many secrets?" Leo frowned at her wink and giggling. "What is so funny? Are you messing with me?"
Scootaloo approached this time and nuzzled him. "Guys don't ask girls what they'll be doing at sleepovers. It's really weird, and you're a guy."
Leo laughed at his fellow teen and did not hesitate telling her. "The only weird thing to me is waking up every morning in either Celestia's or Luna's room— mostly Celestia's. And that's just waking up before realizing that she is snuggling my normal size."
"She's the molesting princess for a reason," Flurry Heart mocked, smiling at the fox as he snorted. "Didn't the guards tell you about that?"
"Yes, but the worst part is she's been clean ever since I got all of my tails; even my mother is telling me that I should take her as serious as Miss Luna."
"Sounds like a love triangle," Scootaloo snickered.
Leo had to agree with her on that, but he had his mind on other things. He stared to his right, towards the open range whilst listening to the deep green grass crunching beneath his paws. He studied a particular scent his nose caught at the edge of Ponyville. I know this smell, but it's been a long time. he told himself, but the source indicated his assumption with a giggle only he could have heard.
He gazed past Fluttershy's cottage and watched as a dark figure stood in the edged darkness of the everfree forest, her deep blue eyes expressing desire as she blew a kiss to him before disappearing. Leo took his time thinking about the familiar pony, hunting in his mind leisurely for a conclusion, almost dropping down on Big Mac's apple stand. Thankfully the harsh bonking from Flurry Heart's hoof broke his concentration, as well did the laughter of the crusaders.
"No daydreaming, chauffeur," Flurry Heart said, nuzzling where she hit him. "We've got places to be and a whole week of spending time the castle. So quit the trotting and move a little faster."
Insulted, he took her request and blew it back with a deep snort. "I may be a giant fox, but that doesn't mean you get to boss me around like I'm your servant. Besides, I'm older than you."
"Still more mature," Flurry Heart coughed, invoking his frustration.
"Are you done or do I need to make you walk the rest of the way?"
He caught the little note of mumbling in her voice. He brought a tail as warmth to her body, for it was fall and the temperature was already decreasing from the pegasi building clouds, his tail brushing gently over her head and back. "I hope she and Discord are not going to be pissed at me for leaving Canterlot."
He stopped walked at that moment, planting himself in the ground, beside Rarity's house while Sweetie Belle spoke for her friends.
"Why would they be mad at you?" She slung herself off of the fox, just as her question reached his ears and a very particular goddess made her appearance. Sadly for Leo, it meant having a lecture or the wrath of this being, as it was her duty of a guardian.
Or so she made others presume. . .
"Because he's supposed to have someone escort him," the goddess cooed warmly with a smile, her large, beastly form shadowing the teenagers as she watched the boy she considered her own pup, pale when he looked back. "He's not allowed to wander alone, as he is the last of his kind. And we can't lose him now can we?"
Tears swam for a moment in Leo's amber eyes but he blinked them away as fast as he made his retreat, and a painful to the scruff of his neck, his worst fear holding him midair while the girls took their chance to hop off.
You know better than to run from me, young pup. she projected with her mind, giggling madly as her prey kicked his paws in the air. Must I remind you again that you're forbidden to be alone when outside of Canterlot.
"I'm fifteen and capable of taking care of myself," Leo protested, although it did not help that his friends and most of Ponyville were laughing at him. It was normal for this to happen, given that growing with the ancient wolf gave them better perspective and understanding. Still, it was amusing to have a peaceful beast torment their prince like that.
Amaterasu felt she was humiliating him enough, but she made sure to drop him to make her point of how frustrating it was track him down. She licked him, pouring that motherly love he hated for others to see. She was gentle and smooth and insistent of nipping a tuft of his fur to untangle it, her instincts as a mother sweeping her into cleaning the top of his head after the knot was removed, yet knowing she stole his dignity.
Leo clung to the ground for a minute when she put her paw on his back, struggling to escape the wolf as the laughter continued. He wanted to run and hide, as if home was now his sanctuary. He snorted on the girls closing around his head, surrendering just as the cleaning stopped.
"Do you not properly clean yourself?" Amaterasu asked in her normal voice, brushing a long lick behind his right ear. "You have dirt where it is impossible for us spirits to have."
"It's hard to clean all this fur when you have so much," the fox prince grumbled.
"Well from now on, any time you take a bath you will bathe with me. You're not doing a good job." She told him sternly, nipping the boy's ear to get her point across. To her enjoyment, Leo yelped at the painful pinch and found the strength to escape.
"I'm not a child!" Leo barked.
Amaterasu laughed softly. "No, you're a pup that needs to appreciate having someone like treat you like her own son."
He tilted his head, puzzled. "I have a mother already."
"Yes, and she's waiting for me to bring you back," she informed, emphasizing her words with a hard nudge to the boy's chest, which knocked him onto the side of his stomach.
"Oh look at you now. You're left side is covered in dirt that I have to lick off!"
"Bath time!" Flurry Heart laughed.
Leo gave the young alicorn his glare. "Shut up and help me!"
"Not when this is so funny."
Leo was about to retort when his ears picked up a high pitched screech of untold fury grew from the castle. He shivered at the feminine voice booming his name. Only one goddess could make such a voice, and he was not ready to face her wrath.
LEO DEL SOL. I'M GOING TO MURDER YOU!
He looked up to the now bemused Amaterasu.
"What did you do to Celestia?"
He laughed nervously. "Filled her shampoo with black paint and super glued her crown."
After mumbling every foul word he could think of that would fit Amaterasu, Leo had ended up in the garden by the much larger spirit now walking away to leave him at the mercy of his mother and possibly potential mate whom she deemed very unworthy of his love, but it was his choice and she had no say in the matter. Both mares glared daggers up at the boy as he shrunk to his bipedal form.
While the case of pranking the perverted princess was spreading across the castle, Faust was busy keeping her daughter at bay after finding out what the mischievous spirit had done. She was going to punish him for escaping the castle again, but first she had to deal with the matter at hoof.
"Are you. . . happy with yourself?" Faust asked, turning to her eldest daughter who had fire raging in her eyes and possibly a mane to go with it.
Leo merely smiled at the queen and scratched the back of his head.
"Honestly. . . with everything I have done to other ponies and how well my tricks have turned out, I feel that I could have done worse to Celestia," he admitted, chuckling lightly, much to Faust's surprise. As for the molesting princess, she was now grinding her teeth and had her mane ablaze. Perhaps as a teenager with nothing to do, he was more than satisfied with the attention, because he rarely got his mother to talk to him. As the only child of his species, it was hard to be seen the same as the others and given the same things most children get from their parents.
"This is not okay," Faust told him sternly, holding part of her daughter's mane after it returned to it's normal state. "This is going to take weeks to remove. She won't be able to leave the castle without everypony laughing or looking at her awkwardly."
"I think its a good look on her." He laughed.
"My mane was perfect the way it was originally!" Celestia barked, causing the young prince to flinch and retreat a little as she towered over him.
"Do you have anything to say to this? Anything at all?" His mother asked, but she was not in high hopes of her young pup showing a little maturity and accepting responsibility.
"Should I raise the dead for the princess of goth?" Leo asked, before falling over in a fit of laughter.
He held onto his sides and guffawed at Celestia for her response being a rage-filled scream before storming back into the castle, but not before looking back and yelling:
"You better punish him or I will. And I promise you that he will not be the same!"
As a result, the queen of equestrian was left alone with the laughing prince wiping tears from his eyes and picking himself up, with her pondering how she could properly punish the boy. She sat comfortably and rested her gaze on Leo or stared off at the guards soaring by as the flourish of his tails filled her mind. No words were exchanged, only little bits of her silence such as sighing and staring at him disappointedly. Leo wouldn't have cared if someone else was like that, but this was his mother who looking at him so. This went on for an uncertain amount of until she stood up, draped a wing across his shoulders said with a gentle voice:
"Leo, come with me. We need to talk."
Her words sank deep into the depths of his mind and he could feel the wonderfully soft wing pulling him close to the alicorn as they walked inside. Faust sighed deeply and nuzzled, unsure of what she could say to the boy that would help him mature a little see things her way slightly. She did have to give him credit though, nopony had the courage—or in this case the balls—to prank the very princess that has her eyes and, surprisingly, her heart, on him. She was feared for a reason.
Stirred by the short walk they made to the throne, Leo began worrying that the alicorn was going to really give him a fitting punishment. He returned to reality though when Faust sat with him on the throne and took off her crown. After enjoying a couple minutes of silence and no one to come barging in, especially Blueblood, she looked down at him and asked in a soft tone:
"What am I going to do with you?"
"I thought that was established when you adopted me?" He initiated a chuckle, but it was stolen by the sadness in her eyes as she held him closely.
"Leo, I need you to start acting like a prince," she said seriously. Leo took a few moments to collect his thoughts and actually ponder what she meant.
"You're fifteen years old now and going into high school. Yet you act as though you're ten, and that cannot keep going on." She continued. "I need a grown stallion here to take care of things while I am away, but I have to rely on Celestia and Luna while you go about making trouble."
Leo remained silent but twiddled his fingers as she went on lecturing him.
"I know it's part of your nature, but I really need you to mature and be the responsible one." She took a breath, thinking about how she could convince him. "Luna focuses on her video games and Celestia concentrates on. . ." She blushed and had Leo say it for her.
"Getting in my pants."
"Exactly." She groaned.
"So is this another talk with my mother or the queen?" Leo asked bravely, surprising the alicorn so much that she flinched and retracted the comforting wing she had on his back.
"Of course this is a talk with your. Every conversation we have is!" She proclaimed in a very hurtful tone, nuzzling the boy deeply as he looked."
"It doesn't feel like it," he sighed, resting his chin in his palm. "We never spend time together. You're always busy with nobles or spending your free time with Discord."
"But Leo, we. . ." Faust stopped with a blank page for a mind, closing her eyes and exhaling disappointment at her obliviousness to the boy's antics. Of course, he would spend most of his days pranking everyone around the castle or spending time with his friends, because the only time she gives him attention is to help, teach, or punish him.
She knew perfectly well now Leo was not acting out to be a punk. He was still a child and he wanted his mother's love and attention, and she had been failing miserably at it so long as she had work on her mind, which was all the bucking time.
"It's fine," Leo told her as he stood up to walk away. "I'll go apologize to Celestia and clean any mess that was made in her bathroom."
On his end, his mind and heart was already deprived of hope. With an impossibly stubborn alicorn for a mother, who only focuses on her job rather than her family, Leo was eager to get away before any tears were shed behind his glasses. However, the first step down those stairs was stopped short by Faust standing up and putting both wings around him. Silence reigned as he felt the warmth of her lips on his cheek.
The troubles of his indifference had been a very long journey for the queen; probably more difficult than accepting that she will never see her fox sister ever again. But as she had expected over the years, the life of mother was harder now with the pressures she'd yet to reveal to Leo.
Both the kitsune and alicorn stood still in the quiet light of that empty throne room in the middle of the castle. Much of their embrace was comforting, and even a little heart-wrenching for them. There was a moment of regret on both ends as he turned to the mare.
She clenched her teeth, for her pup to be in tears, by her own mistakes, was a sting worse than leaving her daughters.
"No, none of that," she cooed, licking the tears off his cheeks before pressing her head against his and whispering:
"Hey. . . I'm sorry. I've let my work best me and relied on the others to help you. And that isn't right of me; there are things a mother must do herself, and I know you need much of it because—"
"Because I'm a fox," he interrupted, stepping away to face her properly and get the matter of his problem out there in a stern voice:
"I don't understand, mom. I don't understand why you are so adamant about keeping me safe. I can grow to the size of a house and use my powers to defend myself. So why is it that you are afraid of me going out alone?"
Sighing again, the queen of equestria put her wings on his shoulders. "Honey, you are the last of your kind. You are so special that words cannot describe the meaning of your purpose here. But there are bad ponies out there, ponies that could take you away from me."
Leo groaned. "I don't see the point in anypony wanting me. I'm just a kid who got the title of prince because you adopted me."
Faust smiled, giving the boy a genuine laugh. "Do you see other ponies that can verbally communicate with animals?"
"No,"
"What about ponies who can run at impossible speeds and leap from building to building?"
"There aren't any."
"Or give life to plants?"
"Hey, that was an accident!" Leo barked, but she was right. Only he could do those things; sure he was similar to Fluttershy in animal communication, but only he could understand what they have to say.
"No, that is how gifted you are." Faust pointed out with a hoof on his chest. "Your mother's gifts were given to you, and those are just a few to the many things you will do when you're older. You have so much potential, and I don't others to use you or hurt you for it. You're part of a much bigger picture that will be revealed in due time, but for now. . . I want you to come to me when you're in need of my attention."
"That's easy for you to say," he sneered.
"No, because I'm going to listen from now on." Faust continued, ignoring his sarcasm. "I've ignored you for quite some time and it's going to stop. Starting now, we're going to interact. . . as mother and son."
Hearing those words, Leo took a breath—noticed with trepidation in how uneven he took in that air—and grinned up to his mother as she took him for one more hug.
"I'll drop my work to the secretary," Faust continued. "And we can find things to do. Just give me some ideas after you go apologize to Celestia."
He paled and shivered at the idea of seeing his perverted friend as the grin his mother wore became something of evil smile. It was just how he had expected to be punished, but he didn't think she would make him.
"So do I have to go to her room? Because you know how she gets when it's behind closed doors," he said, eyeing the corridor that was occupied by a certain pony spying in the shadows, her lust-filled eyes the only part of her to be seen as she giggled lustfully. "She's even watching us right now."
"Yes, and you must be her servant for a whole week," she added, and his eyes grew to dinner plates. "That means cleaning her room, cooking her meals and anything she desires."
She turned to said pony with a malicious glare. "And you will not try anything with Leo. He is still too young and I don't want you taking his purity."
"I can't make any promises." Celestia giggled, winking at the nervous teenager who had already shrunk to a normal sized fox and hid behind Faust.
"Oh you will abide to this rule," the queen threatened. "Because if you don't, then I will personally see to Leo having a mare his age. And I'm pretty sure you don't want Sweetie Belle to win."
"You know!?" Celestia barked.
Faust nodded gleefully and nuzzled Leo. "Of course I do. Why do you think I allowed that sleepover for tonight?"
"Mom!" Leo yelled, returning to his bipedal form as Faust laughed at them both.
"So you do have a crush on her." Faust confirmed, watching her pup turn red while Celestia growled dangerously and approached with ill words.
"Why wasn't I informed of this sleepover?" the perverted princess snapped, glaring at the boy as he gave her a bemused look.
"Because you would try to get in the same bed with me."
"But you've slept with Luna!"
"No," he shook his head. "I've napped with Luna, and all she does is cuddle."
Celestia went to remark on the things he'd done in the past with Luna, such as the kiss he received last year and how unfair it was, but to everyone's surprise, a large explosion shook the castle and one draconequus could be heard screaming across the entire kingdom. Said scream echoed so far that it reached Sweetie Belle's ears as she sat on Amaterasu's back for the trip to Canterlot.
"What was that?" Faust asked, and then the bulb clicked.
She looked down to her son who was smiling sheepishly, and asked: "What the hay did you do?"
Leo was about to answer, but the victim of his second prank stormed into the room and glared at the boy with the intent to kill. He approached quietly while carrying guards who were stuck to him by the various flavors of gum on his body.
"Exploding gum, my dear boy." Discord said frustratingly, towering over the kitsune.
Uh oh Leo expected severe punishment from the spirit of chaos, and cringed for it come. But the only thing he received was a pat to the head and a chuckle from his uncle.
"You're lucky I'm married to your mother," Said Discord, grinning maliciously. "But just so you know, you have declared war with the king of pranks."
"You've got gum in your nose. . ."
Leo would always come to the conclusion of his handiwork in the castle and curse at himself why he would give into his urges when he was bored or having the itch to make someone's day hard, and he knew for the fact of it being in his nature, so why did it eat him away in the end. Whatever the reason was, a normal day such as today felt incredibly annoying, which was saying something because, like he was as a pup, he hated the morning routine in the castle and wanted nothing more than to ruin it. But, even so, that was not the case with him right now. He had things to do and a certain alicorn to apologize too before enjoying the remainder of his day. Sure, he owed Discord an apology as well but he was declared the enemy in the upcoming prank war.
As depressed as he was whilst walking through the corridor with his mother at his side, holding his arm tenderly, Leo took great issue in the tall, sexy princess that he teased possessing the most heinous of ideas to push the limits of his male urges and the boundaries of Faust's rules.
"My servant has finally arrived."
Oh how he cringed at the loving and erotic voice of his first morning victim as she approached in a robe and comfy slippers, so much so that he felt compelled to change back into a fox and make a run for the hills.
"Kill me now." He turned away from the scrutinizing eyes of his perverted princess and sighed. The poor soul. With a simple lick to his cheek, Leo was suddenly paralyzed with shock and every ounce of his hormones surging to the lower section of his body, a loud drawl of his uneasiness breaking the atmosphere before Faust stepped between him and her with a stern glare.
"You will behave, or I will suit him with a filly his age." She told her daughter, who was pretending to act innocent.
"Both of us will have a wonderful time when the girls arrive. But do you prefer shirtless or clothed while acting as my servant, Leo?" Celestia asked, leaning in to the teenager for loving nuzzles, when in reality she was really whispering in his ear:
"Hope you're ready to become a stallion.—my stallion."
Words like that used to be common with the molesting princess, every guard in the castle was told that. But having this boy in her life, Celestia had spoken quite proper over the years and kept the secrets of her desires to the ears of her foxy prince.
He gulped and prayed for mercy, just as a comforting wing pulled him into the only pony that is safety and security.
"After the sleepover." Faust told the alicorn sternly.
. . .
Leo felt a large surge of nervousness travel into his tails. He was so certain only his quick wits and sharp mind could oppose the molesting princess when the time comes. He hadn't considered how lowly the mare he'd teased over the years. He was deep beneath the castle, hidden from the eyes of his precious mares whilst meditating with Higarashi. The symbolic winds in the crystal caverns soothed his nerves as the ancient sat on his nose, talking to him as though they were master and apprentice.
The young kitsune kept his balance, using the tips of his tails to hover off the floor of the cavern, listening to the songs of crystal so that he could work on his sense of sound, which was still his biggest weakness. If he wanted to gain his mother's attention, he would have to do as she expected, and become the prince he was very determined to be. Everything in him wanted approval and acknowledgement of the mare he calls mother.
His breathing was slow and steady, maintaining a good flow to avoid shaking the flea off his nose, pressing his hands together so that the flow of his spiritual energy from one palm to the other. He had no choice but to stop his shenanigans and find peace after having his core shaken by the perverted alicorn. The moment she whispered those words in his ear he knew his chastity was in jeopardy.
"You've waged war with your father and future mate," Higarashi pointed out, chuckling to himself. "Tell me, what good does pranking Discord and Celestia bring when you know they will return the favor?"
As much as it stung the young prince, Higarashi had a point. The years he'd spent with this family was getting to a point that he was not ready for. The more trouble he caused the more he drew in the royals. But he didn't want to be forgotten by his parents or seen as a fling for the princess. He kept meditating, forcing himself to be calm and careful. Using the finer channels of his body to burn away the uncomfortable feeling of Celestia claiming was difficult with his thoughts sizing to his emotions.
Leo used his tails to move around the cavern and find more space to concentrate, his motion similar to a spider, carefully avoiding the crystals, rather drifting through the movement in an effort to keep from falling. The movement slowed with his energy and then stopped with Leo being closer to a familiar presence that was watching from the door. His sense, however, were locked around stilling his mind and body of the solar princess abusing his upcoming servitude to take him completely.
There was a small stillness from the flea that boded ill, but the kitsune continued his work, burning away the emotions and thoughts , narrowing his focus on the lack of flowing energy as quickly as possible without releasing an aura that would alarm Amaterasu and Faust. What he didn't realize though, was the tiny parasite observing him with fondness of the control he had.
"You've come very far in your studies, farther than what I expected." Hiagarshi complimented, patting his pupil on the bridge of his nose. He smiled warmly and then returned to watching the teenager. "Having control of yourself and your energy, you may be ready for the next lesson I have for you."
"Another meditation lesson I suppose?" Leo questioned, though the lack of enthusiasm was there in his voice. Higarashi laughed as the presence at the door reached his senses. He heard a giggle, then the clopping of hooves, before seeing the very mare that was keeping a secret with Leo. He turned his attention back to the silent kitsune.
"Actually, I was thinking that in the next month we could start with some minor spells." He said with some excitement, knowing it would quite interesting to see the boy using his power.
"What kind of spells do you have in mind?" Leo asked, opening one eye to his teacher, who was quickly pondering the idea he had in mind.
Higarashi scratched his chin at the various spells he'd thought of Leo trying, and replied with a quizzical stare:
"I figured we could start with your fire; that seems to be the most logical. There will come a time when you have to fight and relying on your fox form should not be the only option you have. It will be difficult, but the sooner you master your element the less risk there is of you having an accident. Fire is the most destructive element."
Leo pushed aside the growing memories of that power, the years of terror he had of calling on that ability. He hated the flames. The red-orange flames and white-hot energy coursing through his veins. Always inside of him, he felt said power smoldering, waiting for the chance of him erupting by mistake again in whatever method possible, whether intense passion, his lack of awareness to his emotions or an intense release of anger like the first time. He nearly forgot to control the energy leaping through him, ready to burst and burn whatever it touches.
But without warning, wind gusted against his face, large flaps of wings sounding in his furry ears. He opened his eyes to a beautiful mane of blue and stars and a gentle kiss against his lips as Higarashi giggled. The kiss was shocking, and the one who stole his focus appeared in peace with this intimate touch, nipping hungrily at his bottom lip as if she would devour. This time, Leo knew he was in trouble and had no chance of making any excuse. He had his teacher now sitting on his head and watching the mare part from him with a content smile and lustful gaze about her. With trepidation, he descended to his feet and breathed heavily as the mare fell with him for the sweetest of nuzzles.
"Good evening, Foxy." Luna cooed, ignoring the sheer terror on Leo's face as he sputtered. He tried his best to inform her she made the mistake of kissing him, but her hoof touched his mouth and the master on his head was laughing with her.
"He is very aware of our relationship." She told him, and the young prince plucked the flea off his head to look at him. Higarashi was not the kind of immortal to be pricked, but he was having too much fun with the boy's expression.
"Mr. Mole," Leo exhaled fearfully. "Please do not—"
"Oh hush your mouth, boy," Higarshi chuckled with a wave of his hand. "You do not have to worry about me informing your mother. I've been aware of your relationship with Luna."
Leo's breath caught in his throat. "When did you know about Luna and I secretly dating?"
"Oh please. I may be old but I'm not ignorant," Higarshi warned the boy, wiggling a finger at him. "That convention center you attended with Luna was all it took to see that you two were dating. Plus I was in your ear when you two kissed in the carriage."
Leo's eyes bore into Luna's with surprise and concern, making her want to steal the moment of truth, but she remained very still against his chest and played with his tails, determined to keep him in place as the sleepover came about in her mind.
"You do realize that sooner or later you will have to tell Sweetie Belle, don't you?" Her tone was seductive. Accusing.
He nodded, scratching the back of his head fiercely.
"You sure you're alright with it, the whole pack thing?"
Leo's concern tickled her like the first time. She even giggled under the touch. Beside the possibility of trouble brewing, her eyes went up with warmth to the teenager as he pondered how he could confess to the unicorn. Immediately, a wild idea enveloped her.
"I would figure, Leo, that sometime during the sleepover you could be dared to a confession." Luna suggested, her voice smooth with the effort to keep from laughing at the boy. "Otherwise, you will be facing the consequences of hiding it any longer. Our relationship is still very young, and I have no doubt in my mind that she would understand that you would rather form a pack."
Shock showed on Leo's face.
Luna stepped away from the prince but nuzzled into his hand, clearly trying not to laugh. "You are making things very difficult with yourself. You forget that herding is a very common practice."
Leo sent the princess a very sour look. "Yes, but if she was alright with it, how am I supposed to devote my time to both of you without concern of you or Sweetie Belle feeling neglected?"
"That has already been solved, my dear prince," Luna said irreverently to her coltfriend, winking at the boy as he tried to wrap his head around the situation.
Leo's expression never changed as he walked around the crystal cavern with Luna closely behind him, but that laughter of hers was contagious. Leo tried to hide his own amusement, glaring at a vague reflection of himself, but in the end he knew Luna far too well not to have some matters of planning to help him with the unicorn
"I feel that I'm betraying everyone," he said aloud. "I know herding is normal, but we're remaining a secret to everyone, even Celestia. And to be honest, she's done much better over the years in being faithful."
Luna heard the sincerity in his voice and knew it had nothing to do with fearing what his friends and family would think of him. Leo just did not like lying to those he loved.
"If it would make you feel better, I could speak with Sweetie Belle. We are good friends," Luna suggested. "And I have no doubt that she would be more understanding with me."
Leo nodding in understanding and smiled at the alicorn. "You think she will listen to you?"
She reared up and pressed her chin to his shoulder, facing her own reflection, her heart stuttering again at his own, reliving that moment when she took his lips and hand. She nodded slowly, smiling in the end. "Who else would be best to explain it to her?"
"Nobody would be better than you." Leo gentled his voice.
"That's what I thought."
Leo chuckled at her sarcasm, but what he didn't see beyond their reflections was a pair of deep blue eyes glowing from behind a castle. The figure giggled quietly and licked her lips with a ravenous hunger for the prince before shrinking into a purple a mist and disappearing through the ceiling to await for the party to come full circle tonight.
It is almost time. . .
. . .
Leo took a deep breath and let it out as the doors of Canterlot were opened with his strength, his tails firmly wrapped around the doors and pulling them apart as the girls walked inside with the Amaterasu reverting to her less intimidating form to ease the guards that were shaking in their armor. Surrounded by his mother, father and the royal sisters, Leo was still very nervous to face his first crush. He didn't want her to hate him in the very end. He wasn't certain though, what the danger was, or how he could help himself.
"I see everypony has made it safely," Faust said as a fifth member of the group appeared from behind Amaterasu, her luggage all-but crushing her until Discord sent it to guest room with a snap of his talon. "Tell me, was the trip here enjoyable?"
"Not with the wind messing up my mane," Flurry Heart complained, but nobody paid her any attention.
"Hey girls," Leo stuttered, waving a hand at his friends while the mare who was inclined to join sped around the teenagers to hug the prince. Of course, there were guards to block her from reaching Leo, but Faust made quick work of that.
"Enough of that," the queen said with a commanding voice, allowing the purple mane unicorn passage. She nuzzled the mare while the others bowed to her. "My apologies, Rarity, these are new recruits from the Crystal Empire."
"No apologies necessary, your majesty." Rarity replied with a wave of her hoof, but as soon as Faust turned her attention to the girls, Rarity tackled the boy into a bone-crushing hug.
"Hello Aunt Rarity. . ." Leo wheezed. He lifted his head and coughed for air, patting the fashionista with his hand. "Auntie. . . can't breathe. . ."
Celestia and Luna made quick work of freeing their prince from the clutches of Rarity, but it did not go without the trouble of this mare somehow having the strength of an ox as she hugged, kissed and nuzzled him.
"Would you be so kind as to not suffocate him?" Celestia advised, glaring at the element of generosity.
"That depends," Rarity snipped, grinning from ear to ear as she faced the alicorn in a deep staredown. "Would you be so kind as to not attempt claiming him in every moment you are around him?"
"Ouch." Sweetie Belle whispered to Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. "Talk about a low blow."
Leo shook his head at the two and stepped between the mares, pushing them apart before things were to get physical. "Okay. Okay. We're here to have a good time, not fight and bicker at one another."
"Indeed," Rarity agreed. "But I do hope that you were not planning for this sleepover to be just you and the girls. As much as I trust the queen and king, Sweetie Belle is my sister."
"Sis!" Sweetie Belle screeched, her cheeks blazing while everyone got acquainted with one another; even the spirit of chaos was showing some maturity to Rarity.
"How goes fatherhood and being a king?" The element of generosity asked. Discord pushed both talon and paw across his head frustratingly.
"It goes better than expected. Faust let's handle the nobles that wish to complain, while Leo keeps to his antics of pranking everypony in the castle." He replied calmly. "His latest prank took me a full hour to clean, even with magic."
"What did he do?" asked the mare, tilting her head at the bemused spirit.
"He made a bomb out of gum and stuck it in my crown. Imagine walking through the castle with guards stuck to you."
Rarity could only giggle at him and feel a little proud of the boy. In all her years of knowing Discord, she never expected him to fall for such a lowly trick.
Almost Time For A Sleepover
Author's Note
Before assuming the Naruto thing, I am telling you right now that Naruto is not involved in this story at all. Not a single sentence or paragraph.
Kyuubi No Kitsune is an actual term to Nine-Tailed Fox, and I am using facts about the creature through mythological books in my study and on the internet.
So what happens in the end will be explained in the next chapter.
Now please refrain from referring to Naruto, because there is not a shred of Naruto in this story. It is a story of my own design and desire.
Please enjoy.
Almost Time For A Sleepover
The cool, refreshing water in the garden broke and splashed upon each jump and roll of the young prince's beastly form, ripples coasting over the side of the pond as Leo freshened himself with the childish urge to cool off his fur and act cute around his friends and family, especially around his marefriend and potentially second mare to join him.
Tails flailing happily, the kitsune's fun coated Luna with sun-glistening water whilst giving him a sleek appearance underneath the fur that made Sweetie Belle blush, brilliant shading of his red fur before he rolled in the pond again and took a drink to quench his throat from all the talking lately. Leo was treated to a near breathtaking creature in the water, one of the many reasons he chose to act like a pup and draw Sweetie Belle's attention.
Which was actually quite a success from the given shades of red on her cheeks and the swishing of her tail.
With one last turnover to cool off his back, he stepped out of the pond and walked past the group to find some open space and opted to push everyone away when they tried to follow. Shaking his head, he waited for Luna to inform them that he needed to dry off before catching his breath and allowed himself to bask in the chilly combination of wind blowing through his fur, which chilled the water on his skin. This was very often with the teenage fox, as he had so much that it was often for his Aunt Rarity to groom and trim his entire body. Of course, she was paid handsomely by Discord with enough bits to cover her bills and leave some for her own personal uses, along with any fabric she desired appearing in boxes at the snap of his talon.
After a few moments to himself and with a snort to clean the water that reached his nose, Leo stretched his hind legs and proceeded to shake himself, sending droplets of water across the garden, into windows and waking a pegasus guard that was lying in a tree to use his lunch break for a well-deserved cat-nap.
It didn't take long for said guard to wake up with a startle and fall out of the tree. He crashed on his rump and stood up with aggravation as the group watched him. He had every mind to give the culprit a piece of his mind for ruining his sleep; that was until he turned to the fox prince and realized he was caught red-handed by his king, queen, the prince and Princess Luna, who were all curious.
"Guard," Faust approached the now saluting pegasus with a deadly look about her. "What were you doing in that tree?"
The guard gulped his fear. "I was taking a nap, my queen. It is my lunch break and I needed to rest my eyes a little."
"Lack of sleep?" Leo said out of the blue, approaching him casually as Faust watched with curious eyes. The guard nodded lightly and sighed to the ground, releasing his posture after the wave of exhaustion weighed him down. Leo's mind wandered to the lack of posture with this stallion and observed him with keen eyes as his mother watched him carefully.
He towered over the pony trying to hide his fear, but he could practically smell said fear beneath the cologne that was masking his body odor and diaper smell. He craned his head and saw underneath the helmet a serious case of exhaustion in this guards eyes, bags drooping as his eyes burned with redness and irritation to the wind. His hooves were shaky, but not from the fear of having such a large beast stare at him with such a narrowed gaze. The fact was his lack of energy and awareness of the situation.
Mind on a stable answer, the damp kyuubi reached over the stallion's head and bit on the comb of his helmet whilst carefully avoiding his tails hitting anyone that was behind him. He pulled the helmet off the pony with ease and dropped it to the side before gazing into the tired eyes that were wide with worry.
"What is your name?" He asked in a tone that shocked his mother and father. His cheerful and wild nature was replaced with a much more mature personality that threw everyone for a loop as he stared at the stallion. He sat on his haunches and tilted his head, waiting for an answer with his tails flowing back and forth, a similar expression to the tilting of his head but left unknown to most ponies. Save for his mother and the only princess who actually understood him, Luna.
"My name is Alum, your majesty." The guard replied with a respectful bow. "I apologize for the trouble I am causing. I assure you that it will not happen again."
Leo did not appear very convinced, as he stared down at the stallion returning to his hooves with narrowed eyes. He took this as his moment to act like the prince his mother desired, but he wasn't so sure of himself that it was the right thing to do. He trembled a little, yet kept it hidden from everyone while making his own decision.
"I smell used diapers on you," Leo took another sniff to confirm his suspicion. "Do you have foals?"
"Two, your majesty." Alum said with a yawn, his exhaustion clearly showing now.
"Where are they now?"
"With the sitter as we speak."
Alum attempted to retrieve his helmet when Leo nodded, but the strong paw of his celestial superior stopped him and left everyone in question as silence was given in response. Leo continued to stare down at Alum, his gorgeous yet extremely intimidating eyes gazing straight into the pony's soul. The majority of the conversation left his friends and family tense, as it was a conflicting act of kindness he never expressed to anyone but those he cared about, but he was slowly growing on the pour father.
"Take a couple days off," Leo conceded, shocking the group. Faust turned to him with questions of her own, being essentially in height of the prince due to him lacking the desire to be any larger. She knew he wasn't the kind of child to make such statements, and it concerned her.
"I. . . I'm discharged!" Alum exclaimed with wide, beady eyes. He feared this would happen and was about to kneel to the prince again to beg for his forgiveness and a second chance, but Leo was quick to silence him with surprising affection. Leo nuzzled the guard for a moment to distract him from the tails that were opening the clips of his armor and removing it for all to see. He slowly disrobed the stallion, and then set the armor aside.
"You're a single father who is raising his foals," Leo pointed out with a serious tone in his voice. "Go home and rest for a couple of days. Then you can return to do your job. That is an order from your prince."
"Well this certainly put a damp on my mood," Discord whispered bemusedly to the crusaders and Luna, his foul attempt of water balloons filled with glue ceased by the lack of satisfaction he would have of soaking his son. How could he prank the boy if he wasn't his chipper, wild, obnoxious-self, and with Faust looking at him with such praising eyes?
He sent them away with a snap of his fingers. He really hated that Leo was acting like a grown fox.
"So. . . I am not discharged?" Alum broke his silence as the two royals chuckled, although for different reasons.
"I did not say you were discharged," Leo clarified, the twitch in his eye hidden by his tail flourishing across his face. "I said for you to go home and get some rest. And you know what, spend some time with your foals and see if that sitter can go on a date."
Alum had to resist the urge to choke on his nerves or blush at the prince as he stood up to make his way into the castle for a quick packing of his belongings. He stopped though, for a moment to stare at the fox watching him carefully before turning away to see Ponyville preparing for a storm that was brewing as scheduled by Rainbow Dash, who was currently catching the attention of everyone but Alum with her yelling and demanding for the weather team to pick up the pace.
"Thank you, prince." Alum sighed, leaving the royals to their own affairs. He shut the door behind him without batting his an eye again at the kitsune. Leo immediately shrunk to his bipedal form and fell to his backside with a deep sigh of discomfort as Faust relieved herself of her own benevolent nature. She unwind with her son, sitting next to him as the change of personality hit the boy hard.
"That sucked," Leo commented, flicking a rock over the balcony with his claw. "Being grown up is harder than it sounds."
"Oh but you did very well," Faust said humorously, not believing that it was difficult for her child. She nuzzled him lovingly and curled her wing around his torso bring them close as the storm grew stronger with each cloud that connected at the command of the pegasi. "You gave an exhausted guard some well earned time off and advised with a casual approach to his personal life. I am very proud of you."
"Yeah, don't get used to it." Leo snorted fire, though by accident as it was not in his control. He couldn't help it though. He was a kyuubi and fire is his element, but no one had been teaching him manipulate it in a safe manner. He didn't even realize that he snorted such flames until they disappeared right in front of him.
Faust left that statement in silence and gazed with him to the world before them while the others joined in the merriment of his actions. Discord, however, looked at the boy with incredulity. As it went through his head, the demand that his wife made had just shown and he was not liking it at all. He loved the boy, but he didn't want to lose his partner in crime.
It wasn't until Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Scootaloo squeezed around the prince that anyone really noticed what was different about the teenager, and ruined the moment of silence. All three crusaders narrowed their eyes on his pant leg and immediately tugged on it, jerking the yelping boy onto his back completely and pointing out the now obvious problem that was currently wrong with him.
"Your clothes are torn," they said in unison. Leo was not happy that they did this to him, but it was a very good thing they found the large rip that went from his knee to the bridge of his tails, which revealed more than he wanted and left quite a pair of lustful hungry eyes zooming in on his open cheek with binoculars.
"I will own that flank." Celestia giggled quietly, before disappearing into her room to prepare for tonight.
Leo was quick to wrap his tails around his waist and legs before standing up to hide the problem, his cheeks burning as bright as the fire he accidentally released.
"Did you grow again?" Faust asked, like any giddy mother would. However, Leo was not fond of the idea and expressed with much aggression towards the group as they shared the laughter of him ripping his pants. He was on the verge of crocodile tears while the laughing ponies and draconequss drew the attention of a certain celestial wolf that was passing by. She stopped to see what the commotion was all about and got a good idea what it was after seeing the way Leo was standing.
"I can't help it, okay!" He snapped, but they kept laughing. "When my tails grow, so does my body."
The laughter went on and on with Amaterasa giggling into her hand until she couldn't breathe. Something about the teenager stopped her as well, and it did the same for the rest of the gang after she spoke up and pointed to the mesmerizing wonder. The celestial being gasped as she approached to confirm her suspicion. She took the tail that was on her mind and gently caressed it as the tip carried a glowing orb that appeared out of nowhere and continued to float above a few strands of hair, pulsating every so often for no apparent reason.
It was enough though to draw the attention of both goddesses, who were now hugging the boy tightly and squealing as they jumped for joy.
"What is going on!?" Leo screamed, only to be heard on def ears by both females.
"He got his first one!" Amaterasu chirped, touching the orb with Faust. It jolted them, but the pain did not matter. They were too happy for the boy to realize the jolt they received.
"Discord," Faust squealed, tugging the tail hard enough to make the prince yelp. She shoved in Discord's face and drew the eyes of her daughter and the crusaders. Leo simply fell to the ground and grumbled. "He got his first starball!"
"Starball?" Luna queered to her mother. Clearly getting no answer from her, the lunar princess decided it was Discord's turn, but he obviously not happy to tell her what it was.
"It's something a kitsune earns as they age; there is one to go with each tail." Discord mentally slapped himself and sighed at the solid ball of energy. "Great. Now we have to give him the talk."
"The talk?" Leo cocked a brow at the spirit. "What talk?"
"Who do you think he will give it to?" Faust asked her fellow sister, grinning from ear to ear.
"I don't know, but he finally got his first one!" Amaterasu yelled.
"This is going to be a long sleepover," Discord sighed.
Leo was always jokingly antagonizing his friends and family and ask himself why he would continue to do so when everyone was not enjoying his antics, and he knew for a fact that it was to get the attention they deprived him of over the years and treat him like a ghost most of the time. Those reasons hurt more than any form of pain he could endure, or so he thought. Whatever cruel fate given to him in the near future, it was nothing compared to having all the attention he wanted now, and some more with his predicament making him the laughing stock of the group, which was saying something because, like it was as a child, he had the mares all over him in the worst way possible and could not escape.
"Maybe we need to start him on a diet."
Oh how he hated his mother right now, so much that he felt so compelled to glaze her throne in glue and watch her royal highness start her duties with having her posterior stuck to the chair.
"This is too small as well." He tossed a white shirt over the wardrobe curtain after tearing it with a simple flex of his back. Ignorant kitsune. Snickering into her hoof and with a wave of her horn, the torn cloth was levitated into a hamper that was full of torn clothes that Rarity personally designed, a loud grunt coming from the fox prince as he tore a pair of pants next.
"Your body has matured as it should. Maybe next time you will tell us when your clothes start feeling tight?" Faust implied, watching the shadow of her son like a puppet show as it tossed more clothes across the room after having the stitches ripped. Days like these were not very amusing to the alicorn considering she'd been getting a few pounds on her rump lately—not that Discord minded. Making love to her was all the same. Plus he loved staring at that royal tush, like right now. Still, having small clothes now being Leo's problem, the mighty goddess could not help herself having a few laughs here and there.
"How was I supposed to know that my body would suddenly grow like a weed!?"
The girls rolled their eyes and watched as Luna fetched the last drawer of his attire and teleported it behind the curtain, her secret coltfriend accidentally tripping over the drawer and coming into view for all the mares to see his half naked body. He was thankful for his tails covering the regions that must not be seen, lest he wanted to spend the rest of his day running from the already drooling Celestia who had her rump firmly planted on his bed to hide her enthusiasm. Leo's gaze met the rather amused eyes of his parents and royal sister, save for Luna as she was not mentally prepared to see the teenagers tush when he stood up and forgot to control his tails to keep it covered.
"The naked prince." The crusaders giggled.
"Looks tasty," Celestia said, winking at the boy before he rushed behind the changing curtains.
"Does everybody need to be in my bedroom to see what I look like without clothes on!?" Leo pulled the curtains closer in a flash of magic, his entire body now protected by three layers of curtains before the molesting princess could see through the gaps. "Can I have some privacy for pete's sake?" He asked, specifically glaring over the curtains to the mare he pranked licking her lips expectantly.
"You have the curtains, son. We need to be sure that you have not a shred of clothing that will fit you, and it's very funny seeing you act this way." Discord said, walking around the curtains to check the remaining pairs that had yet to be touched. Leo trusted him not to be mean or cruel since he was suffering already, and thank his lucky stars he wasn't.
Sadly for Leo, Discord left him with none of the clothing that remained intact and tossed them into the hamper before anyone could get a say in the matter and crossed his arms.
"Yeah," he drawled. "The boy has a fat butt."
"I DO NOT!"
"None of his clothes fit him anymore, except for those elastic shorts Rarity made. We're probably gonna need her to come up to the castle and take measurements."
"Was his growth spurt that much?" Amaterasu asked. Truth be told, Leo was having trouble fitting those due to how much his tails had grown; there was little room to fit them through the hole in the back. Both the prince and king were irritated by this and not very enthusiastic of having the fashionista pay a visit.
"I see," Faust pondered, watching from behind the curtains with said shorts his only piece of attire saving him from being completely nude. She had a thought come to her and decided to test it out as a theory before taking any further steps to having new clothes made. She took a glass of water and levitated it to her confused son as he cocked his head at the beverage floating before him.
"Try to drink the water." She requested. It was a hunch on her part, a vague memory of the boy's mother when they were children learning about themselves. She could only hope that it wasn't as bad as she was believing.
"Alright, but may I ask what this has to do with needing new clothes?" Leo asked for clarification, unaware of the glass cracking in his grasp. He tried to drink as he was told by the alicorn, but the glass shattered into a million shards and spilled the water onto his feet. It startled everyone but Faust and her fellow gods.
She nodded her head after watching the flabbergasted teenager turn his hand and saw that he was unscathed. Her theory was now a conclusion and she had a great deal of work ahead of her.
"I was afraid of that," she said to Amaterasu, who nodded as well and replied in a calm tone:
"His growth spurt has affected him more than we anticipated."
"What just happened?" Leo asked worriedly. He had no clue what he just did and was actually afraid to do anything at the moment. It was the first time he'd smashed something, and for it to happen when he was just trying to take a sip of water frightened him a little.
"It's alright honey. Your body is undergoing some changes we expected to happen, but the speed of your growth has taken us by surprise. It is something all kitsune go through during their second stage of puberty. It's very common. You're just going to have to keep your strength under control while the rest of your body finishes growing." Faust instructed calmly, draping a wing over the scared prince, adjusting some hairs that were in his eyes. Leo did not acknowledge her, rather stare at the glass shards on the floor.
"How long will this be?"
"It will only take a few days for your changes finish. In the meantime, we'll have to monitor you for any abnormalities. Now don't be alarmed, but you will have your first cycle during the summer."
"Cycle?" Leo questioned. Sadly, he was the only one that knew what she meant. Everyone had a good idea what the queen was telling him and blushed altogether. Well, save for Celestia, as it made her more aroused to hear that the boy she's had her heart set on was now becoming a grown fox. She could barely restrain herself as the conversation continued between the boy and alicorn.
"Yes, but don't be alarmed." Faust tried to reassure him, but her attempt was making the situation worse. With no idea how to tackle the subject, she decided to take a seat with the boy and tackle the problem head-on. She was not sure how her son was going to take the pressure of being a growing boy that will have needs.
"How do I answer this?" She asked out loud, tapping her chin repeatedly. As if to answer her question, Celestia gave the prince a very blunt answer without thinking what might happen if Leo did not take it well. She grinned that infamous lustful smile everyone knew but remained in her seat.
"It means you're going to start mounting mares."
"WHAT!?" Leo's eyes expanded to balloons in a comical fashion at Discord's leisure, his chaos magic lightening his mood a little with some fun on the boy as the room fell silent with Faust and Amaterasu glaring at the princess.
"Thank you, daughter;" the queen said through grit teeth. "What would we do without somepony as blunt as you?"
Celestia through her hooves up in front of her. "Hey, don't get mad at me. You know this is something I want anyway. The sooner he reaches the proper age the sooner I can lay claim on him."
"Sometimes I wonder if you have any dignity, dear sister." Luna sighed, shaking her head at the laughing princess.
Any control Leo had left over himself receded as fast as his brain processed what the solar mare stated. He was trying to contain his emotions but was not faring very well with all the mares he liked staring at him with different expressions. It was bad enough that the crusaders and Flurry Heart heard her, and having Luna blush with him doubled the embarrassment, but to see the mare whom he pranked with hair dye wink at him and lick her lips lasciviously.
His face turned as red as the flames he could create.
"I'm going to see Aunt Rarity!" He spat out furiously, shoving his mother aside and making a break for the window, startling his friends and family as the windows burst accidentally. It was not his intention his to shatter the glass with a pulse of his spiritual energy, but even his abilities were not safe from his growth spurt.
With one, lightening fast movement, Leo leaped over the balcony and instantaneously changed into his fox form and took to leaping from roof to roof, leaving everyone to see his backside.
"Perhaps I should have remained silent." Celestia said rhetorically, earning scowls.
"Ya think!?" Everyone snapped.
It had only taken a few minutes for the prince to take on the busy streets of Canterlot before coming to screeching halt in front of Rarity's shop, where it was packed with ponies making demands and tossing tickets for orders that should be finished. He had to stand on his haunches to peek over the crowd and see his fashionable auntie behind the desk and finishing purchases. She did not look too good though; at least in his eyes she was not the same mare that always kept herself pristine.
"Aunt Rarity!" He yelled, but the horrendous crowd of angry buyers hushed his voice.
He did not wait for the line to decrease. He took possession of the situation and summoned an uncontrolled amount of energy to his throat and carried it in a booming shout that would surely ring the ears of every pony in the room, but he did not think about the consequences. He was desperate for clothes and to avoid what Celestia told him for as long as he could, even if it meant enduring a few a hours of being a statue so Rarity took his measurements.
Inhaling the deepest breath his lungs allowed, he released the booming demand.
"EVERYBODY SHUT THE BUCK UP!
If he had been any louder the entire building would have collapsed, but he was lucky enough that the crowd blocked most of the vibrations. There was no sound in the boutique after that bold order, not even a cough or a sniffle but eyes sharp and crucial on him as the mare he needed looked up after rubbing her ears of the pain. She was shocked to see the kitsune in her shop.
"Leo?"
When he was certain no one would pipe up and had taken enough attention off the mare, Leo returned to his bipedal form and hopped over the crowd. His movement was smooth and elegant, as if he had control over the gravity, floating graceful through the shop and landing on the table to crouch in front of the unicorn. His body was drenched with sweat from how nervous he was, a common thing for the boy.
"Aunt Rarity, we have a problem!"
"A problem?" She cocked her head, staring at her nephew and his lack of attire, save for the shorts that were barely holding.
"Yes, a big problem." He said dramatically. "I had a sudden growth spurt and now I'm too big for my clothes. I need new ones right now, please."
"All of them," she shivered at the horrifying statement. "Even that neighish silk robe I made you for your birthday."
"Tried it, ripped it when I stretched." He got on his knees and clapped both his hands together. He shed his dignity fast. "Please, I'm begging you. I don't want to spend the entire weekend in my fox form. If I do, dad might try to prank me with flees!"
"Alright, just calm down." Rarity snapped, levitating Leo back to his feet. She turned to the crowd after releasing and announced to her customers. "Everypony, we are closed now due to royal business."
It did not take long for the crowd to take their leave, but none of them were happy with the prince or his rude demand to the mare. If it were someone else who acted to uncouth, they would have been given the biggest chewing and ran out of the shop. This was royalty though, they could not say or do anything about it.
Having just Leo and herself in the shop now, she turned the sign to closed and turned to her antsy nephew tapping his claws on the table, her eyes critical and harsh as the nine-tailed prince twitched anxiously.
"Alright, how in Equestria did you outgrow your clothes?"
"Super growth spurt," Leo responded dramatically. "Just ask my mother when she gets here."
"No, you start talking." She demanded. "Now!"
Interrogating the only friends outside of Leo's royal life wasn't something Celestia never thought to find herself doing, let alone in clear sight for anypony to see. Her desperation however, was as thick as her desires to bed the young fox and test those tails of his.
"Alright, out with it!" Celestia demanded angrily, glaring at the three teenagers that she knew could rival her. "Tell me your relationship with Leo, and don't leave out any details."
Whatever she hoped to get out of the girls was beyond impossible. They turned to one another, but Applebloom and Scootaloo smiled briefly before deciding to cooperate in giving the princess a few tugs at her heartstrings. Even Luna herself was smiling inwardly at the proud fact that her own sister was so insecure as to interrogate three fillies, and only one of them having the same intentions as her.
It was sad indeed when the Princess of Molesting would stoop so low. Not even Faust could hide her disappointment before walking away to let them sort out who likes her son more.
"He's just a friend, but we like to think he's our cuddle-buddy from all the time we spend together after class." Scootaloo started, watching as the left eye of the perverted alicorn twitched.
Luna could not help snickering behind her mane.
Celestia couldn't believe it. She was in competition with three brats that have been stealing her fox on every occasion they can get, snuggling with him and possibly doing who knows what. Her lip began to quiver as she thought about how vulnerable Leo can be when he is pushed to lewd ideas with body language. She personally knew the young prince was jello whenever she attempted to get him in bed for more than just cuddling and a few one-sided kisses, but here was three girls possibly doing the same thing behind her back.
She was startled out of her raging jealousy when Luna elbowed her side and nuzzled her neck. She gasped and watched in confusion as the younger princess comforted her with understanding wings.
"Celestia, remember who you are speaking too about our little fox," Luna said softly, giggling with the girls as her sister realized her actions and looked away with a huff. "They are teenagers, barely starting the wonders of a higher education. Their minds have yet to fathom what it means to mature."
Applebloom glared at the alicorn for that one, ignoring the hidden wink Luna gave under her mane. "And what makes ya think Leo is into old mares?"
Luna suddenly found herself despising the farm pony and proceeded to continue playing their little game with much desire to show them who Leo really likes, without making it obvious of course.
"Who says he desires a filly his age?" she countered. "I heard he wants a mature pony that is a little more developed ."
"Oh really?" Scootaloo snorted, getting right into Luna's face. "Then why does he choose to bail on a couple of princesses to spend all of his time with us?"
Luna cringed with her sister on that one, knowing darn good and well that was a false strike, but a good one nonetheless. They knew Leo spent every single day of his life with them and would split his time snuggling, cuddling, or just wasting the day or night away to show they are loved and wanted. Luna knew better than to fall for that trap though, she had to keep a cool head and be the bigger mare around these ponies lest she wants to found out as Leo's first mate. The papers would certainly not take too kindly to a reformed princess dating an underage prince, and there was no telling what her or sister would do.
Unfortunately, Celestia had to act no better than these girls and take it too far with them. Luna braced herself for a tiff with words but remained in place and watched the argument escalate.
"That is what you truly believe—that Leo prefers the three of you?" Celestia bellowed in a hardy laugh. "Please, we spend day and night with the boy. And we take turns sharing a bed with him, cuddling all night, beneath my sister's beautiful sky while you continue helping others discover their special talent."
Those words went right through Sweetie Belle, striking her inner desires with a dull blade that twisted in her heart. Her mind was set though, with a sudden burst of determination that might rival Applejack's stubborness.
Luna almost jumped out her skin as she saw that pain and determination behind the singer's eyes, scaring herself with vast thoughts of the young unicorn having the potential to steal Leo away from her. Having said thoughts run their head, she spun around and for a moment she had to flap her wings to make sure she was calm enough to fly away. It dawned to her at the same time though, in front of her were the possibilities of a filly much younger than her taking what matters most to her.
"Luna?" Celestia attempted to stop her, only to meet a gust of wind blowing her dyed mane into the crusaders faces.
"I must tend to something." Luna said out loud, soaring off the balcony.
Celestia raised an eyebrow at the confusing alicorn and shook away those questioning actions, her attention set back on the three pains in front of her, glaring hatefully up to her while a certain troublemaker watched through the window with a bag of popcorn to share.
"This is going to be a fun sleepover," Discord said, tossing more buttery kernels into his mouth. "Almost makes me pity for Leo, but that boy needs to suffer for turning me into a walking gumball."
"Are they not aware that Leo can start a pack with them?" Amaterasu asked, snatching the handful Discord had and eating it without a care for the glare he gave her. "Seriously, how ignorant can these ponies be?"
"I would not call it ignorance." Discord disagreed. "If anything I would say it is a conflict of love."
"Love?" Amaterasu questioned with a smile, turning to the king as he crossed his arms. She was surprised to see that he was smiling not at the crusaders, but the last pony they would expect to have such a powerful emotion.
"Haven't you noticed that Celestia has been solely focused on Leo?" He insinuated with a chuckle.
Amaterasu looked away and pondered to herself. She smiled to her own admittance of seeing through the problems of the alicorn to the brighter nature that had grown over the years. She almost wanted to admit that her brother was right, the last pony expected to love anybody was much more behaved than normal and focusing herself on winning the kitsune.
Then there was a single doubt that sprouted in her mind, and it made her frown.
"Do you think she could be faithful to Leo?" She asked, watching the black haired pervert continue throwing insults at the crusaders.
Discord shrugged at this and answered as best as he could.
"I'm not sure, but I do hope that she can. After all, breaking the trust of a kitsune is impossible to repair."
"Not to mention a very angry mother would most likely kill her." Amaterasu implied, shaking at her head at the idea of Faust going off the deep end.
Meanwhile in the quiet city of Canterlot, Leo found himself at the mercy of Rarity's work after she closed the store and took him to the back of the boutique for proper measurements. His hopes for new clothes diminished when she got to his neck and snorted, her frustration obvious to him before the scissors were levitated out of the third drawer.
"You are going to need a haircut before I start with your clothes," he winced at the sound of said scissors and prayed for his mother to save him, but there was serious doubt that she could save him from the fashionista.
He turned to the unicorn patting the only seat that could hold him and looked into the mirror with shock. His growth had not just gone to his body but to his hair as well. He could barely see through the hair in his eyes and notice that it was almost touching his waist. His tails were much more fluffy than normal with loose ends sticking out. He was a mess, and it irritated him to see how much his growth spurt was affecting him.
"Come. Take a seat." Rarity chirped, giving the boy no chance to fight like he usually does. She levitated him into the chair and proceeded with covering him and combing that mop of hair out of his eyes before taking a hairband to find her stopping point at the length it needs to be.
Leo felt like a prisoner after the first snip was made, his abnormal hair now at shoulder length as he gripped the chair. He hated nothing more than getting his hair cut, especially when it was only a week ago that he had to suffer through this. It was a long and annoying process with his aunt always finding ways to style it and make him look fabulous. But given the circumstances, he was desperate to look normal before the sleepover started tonight.
He cringed when another long strand was cut and the scissors got closer to his furry ears. He tried to fold them back to his head out of fear that Rarity would cut one of them, but he was forced with magic to keep them straight.
"Stay still darling, or I will snip an ear." Rarity said kindly, staring at him in the mirror as he whimpered. "Oh hush now. You have nothing to fear. I have cut your mane ever since you were a pup."
"Yeah, and you style it every time." He commented, making the mare stop and giggle for a moment.
"A prince must look his best," Rarity cooed whilst removing most of his overgrown fluff around the left ear. "Even when he is around the filly he likes."
"Not just her," Leo mumbled and looked up, before perking up and saying. "Hey, are you going to be a the castle tonight?"
"I did not plan to be," Rarity shrugged. "But since you asked, I suppose I could put my schedule aside and partake in this sleepover Sweetie Belle suggested."
"Wait," Leo blinked at her reflection. "I thought you were the one that suggested the girls had a sleepover at the castle."
"Oh heavens, not at all." Rarity shook her head and began to work on the other ear. "Sweetie Belle was the one who talked your mother into it, something about how it is unfair that you spend most of your time with the princesses."
Leo felt like a jackass at that moment and wondered just how much that girl liked him. He couldn't ask his fashion aunt though, as it was learned from personal experience that a secret to Rarity is a secret that will go to her grave. Plus if he couldn't get her to spill the beans on how to make the chocolate he loves so much, then it was pointless.
A twitch of his ears had him out of that deep thought. With one ear clear of all the extra hair, he could hear the front door open and slam shut with a mare storming inside and calling his name while Rarity stopped to listen. He tried to leap out of his seat but was met with his aunt still using her magic to keep in place. Thankfully the mystery pony up front had a powerful scent, and he recognized it to be the only pony in the world who stays up late to play video games with him.
"Back here, Luna." He called out, and as soon he did, the blazing speed of a needy alicorn came full force with the princess bursting through the curtains to find him under a hostage situation with a pair of scissors.
"What's up?" He waved a hand at her.
"Princess, what a pleasant surprise." Rarity said with a giddy tune to her voice.
"A fair welcome to you as well, Generous Rarity." Luna replied with a slight bow of her head, making the white mare blush. "Tell me, are you almost finished with Leo?"
"I'm afraid I just started, princess." Rarity replied, before returning to her work. "Honestly, his mane is so long and unkempt that I may need time to fix it."
"Can't help it, auntie. I hit a growth spurt." Leo chirped with a smile, receiving a light tap to his head that made Luna giggle as she found a comfy place to sit.
"Hush now, this is a delicate procedure. I do not want a single hair to go unchecked." Rarity was finally getting serious with removing the extremely long hair, and ceased talking casually with her nephew as she levitated the electric sheers out of her personal bag.
Leo could the fear disrupting his control over being in his bipedal form when the sheers were plugged in and pushed against his neck, the sound making his skin crawl as he looked down to the mess that was around his seat.
"How in the world does a growth spurt cause this much trouble?" Rarity asked, albeit a rhetorical one that made her more frustrated.
Leo shrugged his shoulders at the mare, his tails twitching with anticipation.
"I don't know, I'm not control of my body."
"I said hush now," Rarity scolded, turning to her new guest who was examining a few of her tools. "And princess, if it isn't too much trouble, could you be a dear and watch over him while I fetch the shampoo in the front? I am afraid there are knots in his mane."
Luna was more than to do so. She smiled and watched as the unicorn left the room before getting out of her seat to approach the grumbling teenager twiddling with his tails. Her chipper attitude dissolved into a serious frown before grabbing his attention with a peck to the cheek.
"We have a problem," she whispered. "My sister is using our activities to her advantage."
"Activities?" Leo cocked an eyebrow at the alicorn.
"Yes," Luna nodded. "She told the girls that you share our beds. It's upset Sweetie Belle greatly, and I am certain she is now determined to take you from us."
"You've got to be kidding me," the young fox groaned. "She has got to be the biggest loudmouth in all of Equestria."
"That's my sister for you," Luna giggled, knowing it was going to be a long day for Leo. "But do not fret, I have faith in the young filly."
Leo wanted to agree with the princess, but he wasn't so sure that Sweetie Belle would be so understanding that he was already in relationship with Luna and possibly going to have one with Celestia. Herding was an ancient law that still existed, but it was not used for hundreds of years and known as a taboo method for continuing a noble house that was short of descendants that could uphold the name.
He slammed his head against the shelf in front of him and whined as Luna comforted him.
"I hate being me right now."
"Well I love you for being you," Luna sighed contently as she wormed a kiss to his lips. "And besides, if she doesn't agree to a herd, you still have your princess of the night."
"Yeah, but we have to be careful." Leo reminded her. "If anyone finds out, we're going to be in serious trouble."
"I wonder what my sister would say if she discovered our relationship." Luna wondered, only to have her foxy prince laugh and tell her the obvious.
"Simple, she would throw a tantrum and cry to mom for you to share me. And after that, mom would ground us both from seeing eachother."
Author's Note
Already had this almost completed. Figured I get it done tonight before checking the vote count on my last blog post.
Enjoy.
Bows and Enemies
The Chamber of Hell
A cold and decrepit figure left the twisted and depraved ninth circle of fire, his fingernails gouging the eyes of an unlucky sinner who committed a heinous crime. Though his body was separate from his, the reputation that perceived hell was not exaggerated with this thin demon that lust for the screams of his prisoners. He took great pleasure in his victim trying to cry for help, a sickly grin cracking on his face, showing the frozen souls he made into razor-sharp teeth to tear the flesh of the man he recently decapitated with a single bite.
He built the ideals of eternal punishment with the influence that would rid the smallest of hope and the faith of the creator would be broken on the first into fire. He planned on writing every torture that blossomed into his mind for later uses, but for now, he had a meeting to attend.
"Should I be worried?" He asked in a broken, echoed voice, staring at the slender figures clad in obsidian based armor.
"Lord Bagan, we advise that you do not overstep your boundaries," One of them cautioned, their voice grim. "He has become very agitated lately."
Bagan, the Lord of Suicide, chuckled before opening his cloak, which revealed an endless pocket of trapped souls swirling in the blackness before he reached inside. He grabbed a handle and tossed them into his mouth as a snack. He listened to his own teeth cracking each one individually, like a nut giving under pressure from a nutcracker, the screeches and cries of pain reverberating his taste for suffering.
He tossed the head in his hand and nourished the slimy taste with a bit of the blood dripping off his hand. It's not my fault we lost that damn brat to the horse. He really needs to learn to take a chill pill.
The guard to his left muttered a curse beneath his ragged breath. "It's the same thing with the king. When are we going to get a break?"
"Good luck with that," Bagan mocked, alarming the guard that he was not on deaf ears. "Getting a break might as well be finding a way to the heavens and ripping it apart." He began to recall his short-lived time in such a sanctuary. "Damn, I miss that big puff of cloudy pleasure. If it wasn't for Faust and Mithra joining that almighty asshole during the war, we would have been living like gods."
Bagan laughed as he regained his composure. He wiped the blood from his lips with back of his hand, his eyes glowing a deep orange, the pupils curved and sharp. "You two would have loved the heavens. I still can't count how many angels I fucked."
"We're here," Both guards said as they stopped at a pair of bone-structured doors, the cries of help echoing through them for a moment.
The doors slowly opened with the numerous chains that held tormented souls, a crack of fire from the warden and their charred, exposed spines ruptured with the everlasting agony of an eternal flame that could only be doused by the king himself. They're cries of pain lasted as long as the doors opened before the unholy terror roared at them with his mighty voice.
"SHUT UP!"
Bagan tilted his head to the left to avoid a man that was judged for his mass murders and now flying through the air after the King of Hell shouted so hard that the chains ripped out of the flesh, leaving a rain of blood before he crashed into a wall and exploded into a gory mess of organs.
"He's just irritated," Bagan commented, although the scene in front of him was not irritation at all.
The ancient demon stepped in and waited for the guards to shut the doors before approaching his king, who was, without a doubt, in a very agitated mood and not stopping anytime soon. Stepping into the dim light of the council chamber, he came upon hundreds of ripped, burnt or crushed humans and mystical creatures groaning in their suffering, reaching up to him for mercy while their punisher continued to pummel a female Lycanthrope against a column for showing a shred of hope.
Hope was supposed to be like water in the pits of hell—it's not meant to exist. However, there was always a defiant soul that manage to keep a grasp of their free will and fight the demons of hell. The King of Hell, on the other hand, was not one to sit idly and watch someone make a mockery of his empire. He dealt with them personally, just as he had dealt with the Lycanthrope by tearing her head off to start his conversation with Bagan.
"You're late." he remained still in the dark to hide the blood that stained his armor. "Perhaps I should have Ecthalia follow you around and make sure you do not waste my time."
Bagan chuckled at his growling leader, the piercing orange eyes meaning little to him. "Time is but a joke in our world, my king. It does not exist, so how could I possibly be late?"
"Do not joke with me, Bagan, or you will be the next sack of meat I crush!"
"As you wish," Bagan bowed for a moment. "Now how about we get down to business."
"It's simple," Lucifer replied. "The remaining myths that have not sided with us have made some means of escape to their fellow sisters. They plan to help the boy grow."
"Oh dear," Bagan mused, pretending to care. "That could be a problem. Should I use the rift to observe him?"
Lucifer shook his head. "No, I want to see how he develops. It's not every day you see a myth with so much potential."
"That could be bad though." Bagan reminded him. However, the smile on his king removed what little doubt he had in his empty chest.
"Well let's just see how he is," Lucifer said, levitating an orb and giving it a little tap which made it project the image he wanted.
Meanwhile in Canterlot
"You are not leaving until I am finished and that is final!" Rarity exasperated with hairbrushes and scissors levitating around her. She would have given anything for a chair that was enchanted to strap a pony—or fox in her case—to the seat and keep them as still as a statue.
Silence and a bemused look. That's all she can hear and see while standing between the newly groomed prince and the door to his escape.
"I will crap on your floor!" Leo shouts not in fear but anger, still scratching at the bows in his hair while his marefriend continues to lie on her back, holding her sides and laughing at his new look.
This was an expected response to the fashionista, but she was prepared. She knew his weakness and had it quickly heated on her oven.
"I was right to assume that you would fight with me when the bows were added," She lets out a sigh as she focuses on the platter sitting at her table, bringing it to her with the aroma hitting the boy's nose. "Which is why I had this cooked for your next visit."
Leo's vision shot from the smirking unicorn to the reheated yet finely smoked delicacy floating to her side, it's sweet smell punching him again with the glaze of lemon juice dripping off the fins and mouth. He realized his aunt was dead serious about getting him to wear bows but was too fixated on the treat that she was teasingly holding out for him with her magic.
Rarity could see the pleading look in Leo's eyes as he licked his fangs like a predator. He could deny him this. Oh, she could do it and smile about it without a shred of regret. The fact is, she knew that brute force was not her forte' and he was a very agile boy and trying to capture him was just plain foolish. Not even the help of Princess Luna would be enough, so she had to outsmart him.
He begins to whimper like he did as a pup and reaches out to the platter, his instincts kicking in at full force.
"Is our sweet little fox hungry for some smoked salmon?" The smell was enough to make her vomit, but she had to be strong if she wanted to finish.
Though he was still in his bipedal form, Leo was somehow able to make the same yip he would in his fox form when he was desperate for attention or impatient at dinner time. It was adorable to the mares that he was so easy to manipulate and giggled at one another as he stood in the same spot with pleading eyes and a quivering lip.
"Sit." Rarity points at the chair.
With that said, Leo made haste to his seat in front of the mirror and planted his rear in it without argument. He put the towel she used to keep the cut hair off his neck back on and sat very still as the two mares approached him, his treat going to Luna for safekeeping before he could snatch it from her.
Rarity wastes no time resuming her work, but she does nuzzle his head and whispers: "Good boy."
That got a grunt out of Leo as he watches his uptight aunt cut more strands of his hair and puts another yellow bow in. He wishes he had turned back into a fox and just remained that way, but it was too late and he was not going to let such a rare treat escape him. He was going to endure the pain of looking feminine and ignore everyone when they see him back at the castle. It was fish after all.
Still, it was wrong to be a teenage boy with bows in your hair.
Once the last bow was in, Leo opted for some unknown force to appear from the sky and strike him with the power of a thousand alicorns to end this unending nightmare of feminism. He mustered every ounce of willpower to not rip the bows out and burn them to a pile of ash, and then take the salmon after it had been teasingly calling to him. Stuff your emotions was a serious understatement, as the boy had taken the treat in one gulp and chewed furiously, bone and all as Rarity and Luna awed at how adorable he was.
"Doesn't he look smashing?" A tick mark formed on Leo's forehead after Rarity asked that question, and he then stood up from his seat to quickly revert to his fox form and find a dark hole to hide in forever. Unfortunately, changing into that form left strands of fur inside his new attire after slipping out of it.
I will never show my face again. He made sure to shrink down to a normal fox and crawled behind the curtains as bystanders passed by and got a glimpse of his new look. The laughter could be heard across Canterlot.
Rarity inhaled sharply after sweeping the mess off the floor and groaned at finding Leo's clothes on the floor and him hiding with his tails sticking out from behind said curtains, swishing and patting the floor aggressively. Given that two hours of hard work should be appreciated, he could have at least gone upstairs to strip and change back before hiding from the world. But considering this is her first real victory against the boy who put glue all over her bed, she would not scold him when he is already suffering enough.
"Perhaps you will learn not to prank the mare who makes you clothes." She insinuated, grabbing a nearby camera and preparing her shot.
Leo did not have to think very long to understand that his aunt had gotten her revenge for his pranks and immediately shot out of the curtains with nothing but pure rage and humiliation on his face. He leaped close to the unicorn to give her a trim with the hair trimmer, but he was blinded by a sudden flash and slid across the floor into a hamper of dresses that Rarity decided to redo.
"This will make a perfect Hearth's Warming gift for Discord." She giggled, holding the picture after it finished printing for Luna to see and compliment:
"Discord will be most pleased."
"This is supposed to be the last of the kyuubis?" Bagan questioned with a blank stare and turned to his king who was still trying to process what he had just seen.
Bagan turned back to image inside the orb and grinned. "Well at least when you take possession of his body, you will be a very pretty overlord."
"Don't make me incinerate you." Lucifer threatened.
Author's Note
I said I’m back and I meant it. I may have already done two chapters of Seasons of Darkness but that doesn’t mean I’m ignoring my other stories.
Now enjoy.
And before anybody says anything, this story is based off a Kyuubi but not Kurama from Naruto.
It’s a completely original idea from a long time ago which his own story that will unfold.
No anime references of any sort. I’m going with the more mythological approach in combination of spiritual power and not magical power.
Territorial Nature
Leo remained silent during his walk to Sweet Apple Acres with Luna and Rarity sitting high on his back. Rarity however kept herself a more proper position to appear as if she were a goddess amongst the ponies, riding a grand beast she conquered earlier with food while simply enjoyed the view.
It wasn’t often that the town saw Leo in his more beastly state but nopony was against seeing the fox spirit march down the street in what they could describe as an amazing site to behold. Even some of the foals tried to jump on his tails or hang to be playfully dragged across the ground.
Who could resist such fun with a gentle creature?
“Your fragrance is simply divine, nephew.” Rarity complimented, basking in the homemade strawberry shampoo she forcefully used on him earlier, earning a low huff from the boy.
Leo’a mind was screaming to wrap a tail around the fashionista and take her a for ride she would never forget, and probably never forgive him for. However, Luna was with them and he knew better than to do some pranks when she was in the vicinity.
His mother was one thing, but Luna had no problems smacking him across the head should he get out of line.
And he almost did get just that, a stern glare of disapproval from the alicorn as he manipulated a tail to reach for the alabaster unicorn. His mind blanked at the thought of her giving divine punishment.
Luna shook her head slowly and pointed the farm closing in sight, an intimidating grunt that made the boy rethink his actions and bemusedly stare back at said farm that was currently getting a massive hall of apples carted into the barn.
“I wonder how Applejack has been doing since her injury.” Rarity pondered, reminding everyone of the incident that took place thanks to Leo’s last shenanigan at the farm.
He began to sweat at the memory of his heavily carbonated cider bomb during Applejack’s big sale last month and almost tempted himself to simply turn around and avoid what he felt would be an awkward gathering, especially after the beating he received from Faust.
Unfortunately the distance was closed with Big Mac seeing them and giving a gentle wave before calling for Applejack. Said mare walked out of the barn in time of her apple harvest and greeted the young spirit with a smile as he stopped before her brother.
“Hey y’all.” Applejack approached the nervous fox and giggled at the bows she knew had to be Rarity’s work.
She giggled at the bemused prince as he tried once more to remove them, only to have his paw smacked by the fashionista.
Years of practice with the mischievous Kyushu gave Rarity what she believed to be a developed sixth sense as she calmly denied every attempt to remove said bows with a simple sway of her hood without even looking. Not a bat of her eyes or a even a quick turn and she was keeping her hard work safe while Luna descended from her beastly friend, albeit annoyed with having to remove some strands of fox fur from her hair with a wave of magic.
“What’s with the fancy stuff on Leo?” The farm pony chuckled whilst listening to the boy’s growls increase.
“A prince must look his best Applejack.” Rarity replied with pride, swatting his tails this time around while adjusting one of said bows with a little magic.
It was almost frightening to see the unicorn possess such grace and focus.
“Take them out!” Leo commanded, his voice booming across the hills and startling everyone, even himself.
Never before did he reach such a decibel and it showed to all in his expression that it wasn’t meant to happen. His growth spurt was definitely showing and have great embarrassment to where he shrunk in defeat while gently lowering his fashionable aunt with a couple of his tails.
Still in his fox state, Leo nervously yet carefully nuzzled his farming aunt as she adjusted her hat.
It was a surprise that it hadn’t blown off her head.
“Sorry auntie.” He apologized, calming himself to better his control.
“What in tarnation was that?” Applejack questioned with a raised brow.
“Growth spurt.” He answered, only to have that questioning look from her deepen. “Apparently I’m growing again but this time it’s affecting everything.”
“Another one?” Applejack pondered this for a moment. “Didn’t ya just have one?”
“He’s not like us.” Luna answered for the kitsune tenderly, watching the defeat of this problem overcome his usual giddy behavior. “Mother did say it would take a few days but he will have to be careful. That’s why I’m partially here, to monitor and help if I can.”
“I’d say he needs a lot of help.” Big Mac finally spoke up, and pointed to the fields behind the group.
Everyone looked back and saw that across the hills to Ponyville a path of fox prints that cratered and cracked the ground all the way to the farm. Luna was not surprised by this when she experienced her own in the past, but the other mares gawked at the raw strength it would take for the boy to do such a thing.
Now they wondered how damage he unknowingly caused back or town….and in Canterlot.
“Oh jeez….” Leo sighed, smacking a paw on his forehead. “Aunt Rarity, will you please make me clothes when we get back to the castle?”
“Of course nephew.” The unicorn answered, nuzzling his leg before turning back to the Apple siblings. “Applejack, the girls are already there. Would you like to join?”
“I’d love to but I gotta finish my chores around here.” Applejack said with a sigh yet carrying her signature smile. “This farm ain’t gonna take care of itself.”
“Ya can go on to the sleepover.” Big Mac said out of the blue, getting eyes all eyes on him as he emptied the cart. “There ain’t much left anyway and it’ll give me a night to go do my own thing. Go have a fun.”
“But Mac-“
But nothing.” Big Mac interrupted, his face blank yet underneath a stern brother making the mare be silent. “I’m gonna haul these apples in and finish with feeding the pigs. Go have fun. I’ll let granny know.”
A smile crept the earth pony, and she hugged his neck before pushing her bucket to him and wiping a few beads of sweat off.
“Well I could use a hot bath and I haven’t used the castle baths in a long time.”
“Wonderful!” Rarity chirped, then turned to her foxy nephew with anticipation.
Leo tilted his head at the mare in wonder of the unicorn before the mental light bulb sparked and he realized what she desired of him. It should’ve been quite obvious when the trip back home was going to be rather long should he not accommodate a more luxurious method of transportation.
“We’re waiting darling.” Rarity cooed, poking the boy at his leg.
Perhaps it was the cute way his auntie had in making so many biddings, but he wasn’t opposed to giving his loved ones a lift back to the castle, especially when it was most amusing to see her act so high and mighty .
Still, he had great respect and love for the unicorn. Not to mention he was taking no chance of getting out of line and facing the punishment of no new clothes or his mother.
He knew better than to disrespect a lady, especially a proper lady.
“Okay.” He chuckled with a toothy grin, surprising the mares with his canines whilst returning to his large fox state once more to accommodate their travel.
Maybe it was silly to lift all three mares to his back with the use of his tails, but it brought joy and a sense of worth to have others ride him since he did so for many years as a pup.
“Excellent, let us be off!” Rarity chimed, pointing to the castle in distance.
And so with a neutral expression yet an understanding of his situation, Leo proceeded the return to Canterlot with a little more trepidation in his walk. Unfortunately the amount of care he put into controlling his size and strength rewarded him with more cratering of his paws and a deeper dislike to this growth spurt of his.
Likely the best choice for him would be to take on his bipedal form, but he couldn’t find it in his heart to tell the mares, and so he continued to comply to the contentment of them talking whatever it is mares talk about and enjoy the cool breeze flowing through their manes.
Safe to say that Applejack was enjoying herself the most, lying on the midsection and just listening to Rarity gossip about clothes.
Suddenly the prince’s ears stiffened to a familiar sound, and he stopped to look up at the source of said sound while hearing the girls ask why he wasn’t moving. It was only by Luna understanding him a little better that she drew Rarity and Applejack’s attention to the sky that held a dragon flying over.
Said dragon didn’t leave them unnoticed however. It stopped and remained in the air to glare at the group with puffs of fire in its breaths.
It was no mystery to the residents of Equestria that even after Ember took the throne that many dragons would separate and find their own land to reside. And those who did expected some resistance or an offer of hospitality from the queen.
What they didn’t expect though was a very young and very territorial prince that took their kind as a threat after hearing the gruesome history they created in many stories from the draconequss he calls his father.
Sparing no time for talk, Leo’s hair stiffened and his hackles rose with the return of his own fire flaring with each breath he took as the mares realized the severity of their situation. Luna was the most sensible with the idea that the dragon was simply passing by, but that didn’t mean a thing to Leo.
“Leo-“ She tried rubbing the top of his head tenderly to draw his attention. “It’s alright. Maybe it’s just flying over.”
Leo heard the alicorn, but he dared not take his attention of the dragon for a second and added the claim of these lands with dragging his protruded claws across the ground. He didn’t care the trouble he might have been causing with his claim but he wasn’t going to let a dragon cross his land without knowing of his presence.
This was his mother’s kingdom, but it was his territory as well and he did care about the residents.
Seconds went by with the two glaring at one another until it was decided by said dragon to continue it’a flight to the outer lands north of the territory line. Slowly it shrank in the distance before disappearing behind clouds and leaving the prince to calm himself and huff with irritation.
Luna felt it necessary to continue stroking the kitsune’ head even when he finally calmed and resumed the return to Canterlot. Unfortunate for her though we’re two mares staring worriedly at the quiet boy.
“What the hay was that?” Applejack asked loudly, receiving no response from the boy.
“It’s normal with Leo.” Luna answered, her strokes turning lovingly with gentle massage at the top of his nape. “He is still a male and much like many creatures, they have a sense of ownership to land they reside on.”
“He’s very territorial.” Rarity added being the second best of the three with knowledge of the prince. “It’s not his kingdom, but it is his home. Right princess?”
“Correct.” Luna nodded, running her hood to Leo’s back now. “And by nature a beast will guard it.”
Applejack had nothing to say or question about the boy taking her through Ponyville now with the townsfolk watching. Their presence however was kept undisturbed with the glare everyone saw on Leo and remained distant as he passed through carefully.
The farm mare realized she had not been around like the rest of her friends and missed some details about the boy she calls her nephew, although over the years it felt like he was her son with the time they did spend together being memorable.
Concern brushed her mind as she looked back to the confused townsfolk watching them leave, her thoughts deepening at the dragon having drawn such a dark nature out of Leo.
Hope we don’t run into that ever again.
Author's Note
Took me long enough but here it is. The next chapter. Enjoy.
Concerns
The ascending walk through Canterlot streets with nobles strewn about and disregarding both the fox prince and the lunar princess was an insult that could backfire should either of them decide to show authority. The sight of snobby uptight ponies either ignoring or glaring at the boy would play as a reminder that needed addressed to Faust. Shame of having such a bad reputation for no reason was almost heavy for the prince as he tried to carefully step over a group that found it amusing to purposely shuffle wherever his paw was going to land.
The obvious thing to do would be stopping and finding another way to home without causing an ordeal with the snobby nobles when all they would do is complain to the queen, but one particular unicorn was thin with her patience and took it upon herself to lean out from atop Leo’s head with terrifying scowl that could match Fluttershy’s.
She had enough of the blatant disrespect towards her nephew.
“DEPART OR I WILL BUCKING HELP YOU.” Rarity roared with all the strength in her voice bringing the city to a complete halt, tick marks swelling on her head as Leo wrapped a tail around her so that she didn’t fall.
The nobles remained still and aghast of the popular fashionista, unsure as to why she was riding the princes and then realizing Luna was right behind her with a scowl of her own.
Patience had now broke.
“THATS IT!” Rarity barked, her horn brightening before she grabbed the upright ponies by the hoof-full in her magic and scooted them onto the sidewalk.
Leo didn’t waste any time of hearing the nobles berate the angry mare forcing them to make-way of if their ascension, but actions carried consequences that would no doubt stir bigger trouble than any pony was ready to deal with.
A glint in his eye and a grunt perking his ears, Leo tilted his head to an earth pony tossing a rotten tomato that flew directly at his alabaster aunt and struck the side of her face with a loud splat. Rarity’s yelp revived the earlier feelings as he watched her scream about her eye burning with Luna magically summoning a towel and bottle of water out of thin air to help her.
The nobles laughed at the suddenly teary-eyed unicorn, but Leo didn’t remain still to this disrespectful action. This was his aunt, the same mare that made him clothes all his life, would cancel all her plans and run to the castle to repair or clean any special attire that needed attention when the maids couldn’t figure out how to clean them.
This was his family who just had her beauty smeared, and it angered him greatly.
“LEO DON’T!” He heard Applejack snap, but the instincts already washed over the boy’s sense of right and wrong.
The furious kitsune reached out and snapped his teeth at the earth pony, forcing them to fall back in the cart of rotten food and whimper beneath the grotesque pile. The three mares tried to bring reason to the fox as he leaned in until his breath was felt by said pony, his eyes burning brightly while fire pursed through his lips.
“Pick on me all you want. ” His vocal change… a deep and terrifying decibel that purely intimidated the earth pony into defecating on the sidewalk. ”But if you ever do that to my aunt again, I will bite you in half.”
The earth pony made no response other than quiver as Leo returned his attention to the rest of the nobles.
A pondering thought of how he should treat said nobles crossed his more peaceful nature, and he suffered a defeated breath in realization that no progress would be made this way.
The fuming whispers of the generous unicorn were made dull with Leo taking her in his tail to bring her eye level.
Confusion he could see before gently licking her once to remove the remaining tomato off her cheek.
“Nephew!” Rarity gagged, pushing the wet muscle away and revealing her wildly strewn hair from the saliva.
“Sorry,” he grinned, licking his own lips. “Can’t help grooming.”
And she couldn’t disagree with the fox prince. It was always in his nature to clean or even groom his loved ones and it was a nature he couldn’t control most of the time.
Still the boy could at least be more proper about removing the disgusting redness and causing a mess with her mane.
Disgust was her expression from the mild amount of drool she magically removed as Leo resumed his ascension to the castle, this time making his presence known with a more intimidating nature about his walk. Ponies waste no effort, this time, to make haste and remove themselves from his path.
So why did it feel wrong?
Defeated with emotional tension, Rarity looked back to find the incident more harsh than what was let on with the street scarred by Leo’s claws having left scars in the pathway.
Scars that which were far deeper than any other time she witnessed his strength in full size.
This concerned not just her but Luna as well whilst gazing to the ponies that were staring in fear of the damage and then to them, whispering to one another too lowly for either pony to understand before they disappeared around the next corner.
“His growth may be more dangerous than mother expected.” Luna spoke quietly to the unicorn, having caught her attention.
Luna turned her gaze back to the prince’s head with Rarity following, concern now obvious in her expression.
“I don’t think he knows what he did.” Rarity added, and soon both mares leaned over to check the boy’s paw.
Their concern became worry, a gasp from both to the realization that said paw that damaged the road was unscathed. Now a chip or scratch in the tips of his claws from what they could see.
“He’s getting stronger-“ Rarity added, turning her gaze to the agreeing princess.” Perhaps too strong for him to control outside of the castle.”
“I agree,” Luna nodded. “But those ponies did invoke his anger after what they did. It was only natural for him to display his authority.”
“Yes-“ Rarity sighed, thinking about the kitsune that was laughing with Applejack. “But if he were to lose his temper then the consequences could be disastrous on his end.”
Luna hadn’t thought about the impact of the boy making a minor mistake of himself, denial clashing with her logic as she stared down at the boy’s fur in wonder of the possibilities that could happen.
Leo was kind and gentle, a prankster at heart with every intention of making jokes of the ponies in the castle. But, nonetheless, Rarity was absolutely correct about their favorite prince being a danger, and not just to the citizens but to himself as well.
Leo wasn’t a pup anymore and she knew that all too well, but the chances of him making a mistake were greater now with his growth and it had to realized sooner than later with how the short span of time between the farm and the city already displayed two obvious reasons.
It hurt to embrace the unicorn’s truth, but Luna did with a deep sigh and nodded to her.
“He needs to train and master himself before somepony gets hurt.”
“Any suggestions?” Rarity asked staring with the alicorn at the back of the boy’s head.
Silence overtook both mares as they approached the castle doors with the guards kneeling to Leo.
Luna pondered for what felt like forever, and grasped many ideas that she would likely share with everypony, but interruption came with the doors of her home opening to reveal her mother, and still blackened-mane sister, waiting for them on the other side with Twilight, Shining, and the crusaders behind them.
Luna’s mind did not alter with the gentle descent to the floor, her spine and wings tingling at the smooth softness of Leo’s retracting tail before he returned to his bipedal form.
All attention drew to the prince, his favorite stallion approaching to offer a hug that followed with a classic noogie.
“Ow!” Leo tried to slap the hoof but was too slow and groaned at the laughter surrounding him.
“How are you doing Leo?” Shining Armor asked, still teasing the boy and examining his physique.
“Just fine.” Leo answered with irritation laced in his tone, his tails flicking in show of his emotions. “Except for one problem.”
“And what’s that?” Shining’s smile did not disappear like his teasing, but there was definite concern in Leo’s expression.
Luna interrupted and stepped forward, her wing draped over his shoulders and all eyes on her.
She inhaled a breath of courage for what she needed to say.
But why was it fearful to speak the truth when this was trust given to her by her mother? This was her task: to monitor the boy and bring about the facts that were blatantly obvious.
Was she perhaps worried that it would anger the boy she loved, or perhaps it felt like betrayal?
Regardless, they all needed to know.
She peered to her mother, hoping for the best.
“Leo’s growth is not just his size.” She spoke, receding a nod from Faust but confusion from the others. “His strength is growing as well and it’s becoming a danger with how uncontrolled it is.”
Nothing more than a hum from her mother and sister, but a sidestep from Leo had drawn her attention to his shocked expression and the immediate removal of her wing with his hand, his grip somewhat tight and painful yet not enough to make her express the pain.
“You knew?” His expression the same as tension grew between him and Luna.
Eyes had now fixated on the alicorn having approached the again and take his hand in her wing with a closeness that brought suspicion to Faust’s mind.
“Leo-“ Luna breathed, gathering her emotions as she stared at the now bewildered angered fox. “I say this with the utmost care, but it is there. Your growth is affecting you so strongly that you have no control over your own strength.”
“No control?” He questioned, breathing sudden denial with a chuckle. “Luna, I’m perfectly capable of keeping myself in check. I’m not losing control.”
Luna’s concern did not fade as he stepped away and summoned a flame with the snap of his fingers, his toying of his natural power making her worry much more.
“Leo, please-“
“No.” He interrupted, tossing said fire up and down in said hand. “I’m just fine and-“
Great fire…… streaming flames of dangerous heat suddenly bursted forth from his hand and shot to the ceiling with great force that blew right through the marble above and left a hole in the second floor of the castle. His eyes widened in shock whilst the screams of many maids above struck his ears.
Everyone looked up in shock as the maids peered over the hole, guards following the former captain in a rush to check the damages as silence drew between the kitsune and the alicorn.
“Well that was quite interesting.” Discord echoed before he appeared in the main hall, his gaze fixated on the hole above.
“See!” Luna said worriedly, having earned Leo’s silence. “Your size isn’t the only thing growing. Your power is as well and it almost hurt somepony!”
Truth was harsh no matter how gentle it was spoken, and Luna did as softly as she could to help the teenager realize his lack of control. Yet, even with the trust of his secret marefriend, Leo was stricken with anger to that truth and expressed it towards her, even though said anger wasn’t meant for the mare sharing hurt across her eyes.
Young yet strong, the relationship of the two was all Luna could care for whilst she watched Leo look down at the floor and growl. She loved this boy and didn’t want to hurt him, but he had to know, no matter the results, that he was indeed a powerful being that was unable to maintain his control.
“Leo, please don’t be angry with me.” Luna breathed, unable to move in fear of the assumed response that flooded her thoughts.
“I’m not. I’m mad at myself.” He answered, which ended Luna’s concern but added her to the confusion in the rest of the ponies around him.
This answer helped Luna take his hand into her wing while Celestia and Faust draped their own across his back and shoulders. Even Applejack approached and held his hand other hand worriedly in her hoof as he mustered the courage to speak his mind.
They knew, however, from experience and didn’t let him answer.
“It’s alright sugar.” Applejack told him with a tender smile. “Nopony can keep themselves in line when they grow. Twilight struggled when she became an alicorn.”
Leo’s anger faded somewhat at that truth.
“She’s absolutely right.” Celestia added. “Twilight was far from controlling her magic when she was my student.”
Her added giggles lightened the mood for the boy. “Why the first time I tried teaching her levitation, she through an entire bookshelf at me, and I was knocked out cold for two days.”
“Aunt Twilight did that?” Leo question, having received only the reveal of a scar on Celestia’s head when she moved her crown slightly.
This reveal was a comforting revelation for the prince, but worry did not leave his face. He destroyed a piece of his home; and although it was easily fixable, he was still scared of the fact that somepony could have been hurt and it showed.
“Leo-“ Faust brought his gaze to hers with a lift of chin. “You’re a very powerful spirit that is young and naive of yourself and that is not your fault.”
“And you have so much to learn,” Discord added, his finger snap having added a summoning of two bracelets he clicked to the boy’s wrists. “But for now, let’s keep you in check with these.”
Leo was not unfamiliar of the gold bracelets. He remembered them all too well from the various times he was grounded from using his powers for disobeying or playing one too many pranks. They regulated his energies and he felt them reduce what felt to be the flow of his spiritual energy.
He hated said bracelets for many years, but today he was content not having the ability to use his abilities, especially his fire.
“Thanks.” He whispered with pat to his head received by the spirit of chaos.
“Well now,” Faust said to break the ice.” Perhaps it’s best we enjoy this gathering at the start of lunch. Anypony hungry for some sandwiches?”
“I can definitely eat.” Leo piped up, walking away away with most of the gang following, except for Luna, who happened to be stopped by her mother.
Luna looked up to find the seriousness of her mother that frightened most ponies, gazing down at her.
“What did you see out there?” The mighty goddess whispered after the hall was empty.
Luna’s fear dropped with a sigh. She thought her mother figured out her and Leo’s relationship, and relief swept her mind as she gathered the mental evidence to share.
“Let’s go somewhere private first.” She answered, receiving a nod from the queen before disappearing in a spark of magic.
