My Little Pony: The Life and Times of Forestsong

Chapters

Character Compendium
Chapter 1 - A Raging Storm, A Family’s Final Goodnight
Chapter 3 - Learning to Communicate, Hearts Beating as One
Chapter 4 - A Heart to Heart, A Parting of Ways, A Journey Into the Unknown
Chapter 2 - The Awakening, A Fireside Conversation, A Moonlit Meeting

Character Compendium

A note about Kitsune’s in The story

The Kitsune’s in my story follow very much like the kitsune’s in more lore. They have no concept of good or evil, only balance, using their own moral codes to achieve their ends. Taking on the role of guardian’s and ushered to correct an imbalance by others who had become malevolent. But also using them to set up some plot points in my character’s history. If you want to know more about kitsune lore. There are plenty of resources online about them.

The Family of Five Elements

An old family known for their unique ability to sing spells. Known for their Shamanistic ways in combining the five elements, Earth, Air, Water, Fire, Wood to work wonders that even the eldest kitsune struggle to do. Their home was a temple, atop the mountains over looking the forest and waterfalls later named Winsome Falls by the pony’s

Kiyoko (Pure Child) Timestar

The matriarch of a family. Married into the family of five elements by becoming Akihiko's mate. Gave birth to five children. Her specialty was the usage of time and space magic. Her profession was a fortune teller for her race. It was her magic spells used to displace Kohaku’s room from time so that every hour he slept, 3000 years would pass in the outside world. Died of an illness at the age of 1000.

Akihiko (Shining Prince) Starsong

The patriarch of the family, husband and mate to Kiyoko, and fathered 5 children with her. A powerful guardian 9 tail kitsune who specialized in celestial song magic. Teacher to every member of the family for over 7000 years. Took his daughters mate, Starswirl as his apprentice. Died defending pony’s from the Umbra creatures that invaded the valley of three tribes. His final spell shielded the homes of the family’s there putting up a barrier at the cost of his own life. That final spell also laid the groundwork for a final barrier to banish the dark shadows plaguing the world.

Kazumi (Harmonious Beauty) Stormsong

Matriarch of her family, after her mothers passing. Elder sibling at 772 years. Substitute mother for her younger brother Kohaku. Family librarian, second most powerful sorcerer of her family after her father. Specializing in weather song magic. Mate to Starswirl and the

Mitsuko (Light Child) Stonesong

Second oldest sibling at 532 years of age, specializing in stone song music. Uses her abilities to create houses and carve caves.

Kaede (Maple) Torchsong

Third oldest sibling at 240 years of age, the middle child. Specializing in flame song magic used for fighting and combat. A rough and tumble girl who gets into trouble more then she should.

Riko (Jasmine) Riversong

Youngest sister at 120 years. A user of river song magic used in healing. A soft spoken girl who also likes fashion and signing love songs with her brother to the entertainment of others

Special Residence of Ponyville

Silverlay (owned by EStories and used with permission)

A former umbra pony created from the mind and magic of Twilight Sparkle by the use of a ‘seed of darkness’, and named for Twilight's imaginary fillyhood friend. After a long adventure, the love and kindness of the Main 6, Twilight and Applejack particularly, she defied the Umbra leader, accepted love and friendship into her heart and became a true pony and living twin sister to Twilight Sparkle. Silverlay is also the fiance of Applejack

Chapter 1 - A Raging Storm, A Family’s Final Goodnight

= 10,000 years before the founding of Equestria =

High atop the mountains just north of what would later become Winsome Falls. Kazumi, also known by her clan name Stormsong, stood at the precipice of the highest peak as a storm raged all around her, a storm that she had conjured to reflect her current mood. The high winds blew as heavy rain poured down over her fur, as thunder rocked the mountainside and lightning flashed in her eyes. To say she was upset would be a huge understatement. She was furious, even while she retained a calm demeanor on the outside. Not even the cold rain pouring down over her could cool her rage.

The sound of bells came from behind her. Looking over her left shoulder, she saw a pony walking closer. His bright blue robes clung to his well-muscled form as wind blew the cloth wildly around him.

Stormsong looked over her shoulder at the stallion, showing that she recognized his presence but chose to keep her silence. Her nine long tails waved back and forth with the wind, as if orchestrating the storm around them. Looking out over the edge, the two watched the battle below in silence. Flashes of light illuminated various creatures fighting against what could have been their own shadows.

“You’re still not talking to me, are you?” Starswirl asked as he sat down and rotated his shoulders. For the last few days she had kept her silence, every time he tried to talk to her he just got a flash of anger from her eyes before walking away. “This isn’t like you, Stormy. I know you're angry but—”

“Angry… ANGRY?!” Stormsong shouted as she turned her head to the pony next to her. “I needed your support and you voted AGAINST me!” she said, thankful the rain was drowning out her tears. “You of all creatures should have backed me up, Starry,” she finished, bowing her head down.

Starswirl nodded, but kept his silence. It was pointless arguing with her when she was like this. She had to get it out of her system now, or he wouldn’t know a moment’s peace until she did.

“I know why you did it, I understand why it has to be done,” she said, softer but with the edge of her anger still in her voice, looking into the heart of the storm above her. She let out a soft sob. “Even father would agree if he was still around.” Looking down at Starswirl, she used a tail and wiped her eyes, pointless in the rain but it felt good regardless. “But if we do this, our clan will be wiped out. And my brother is still so young, Starswirl…”

Looking out over the edge of the cliff, the vixen just stared into the darkness around the valley. Silence reigned for a moment as she looked out over the ruined valley past the forest. “Is the war going that badly?” she asked, wanting desperately to change the subject.

“Yes. Everyone is doing what they can; the ponies, kirin, griffons, and especially the other fox clans, but unless something is done, no creature will survive. The Umbra will destroy and consume everything, and your clan is the only one powerful enough to stop them.” Starswirl said with a deep, sad sigh. “Your sisters are preparing the spell song to seal them away, and I’m adding my contributions, as little as they are.”

“Hmmm…” This valley, her clan’s domain, had been cared for and protected by her father for over seven thousand years. It was her, and her siblings’, inheritance. Her thoughts drifted toward the ponies that lived there, huddled together fearing for the end of days. “You said something about erasing us from all pony memory... forever?”

“Yeah, as we went to bed last night. I’m surprised you even listened, with the way you ignored me. You gave new meaning to the silent treatment.” The young sorcerer chuckled at the brief sheepish smile that sprang to her lips. “It has to be done. No pony, not even the ones that live under your family’s protection, will forgive the kitsune for creating these monstrosities. It’s better that they just forget.”

“Blast those foolish void foxes of the north, cursing us with all this,” she sighed as the storm slowed with her now calming attitude. Starswirl always did know how to calm her, especially if he was the cause. How she loved him all the more for it. “They should have known better than to give life to their own shadows.” She turned her head back to Starswirl.

“Now, about my brother.” The sharp tone was in her voice was echoed by the thunderclash behind her.

He winced a little, but stood his ground. A smile crossed his lips that made her wonder what was going on in that mind of his. “Come with me, there is something I want to show you,” he said as he started down the pathway from the edge of the cliff. “Hopefully you’ll understand when we get there.”

“Where?” Stormsong said as she turned and followed the pony. Knowing him as she did, he surely had something up his sleeve. All she heard as they walked down from the mountain, though, was a chuckle that she knew all too well.

After a nearly ten minute walk and a few choice teleportation jumps, they came to the base of the mountain and a waterfall lake. “In here,” he said and lead her under the falls into a cave, obscured from the outside world by magic.

Inside the cave was a huge room done up very much like one of the rooms in the temple of the five elements. More specifically, her brother's room. Standing there she examined the oriental style room that her brother loved. Along the left side she saw all the cabinets and drawers that held his clothes and possessions and on the right, a row of four windows. Blinking, she saw that each window showed what was just outside of the waterfall, and under each window was a stuffed animal resembling her and their three sisters. These were her brother Kohaku’s most treasured possessions.

“You’ve done a wonderful job here, making a room just like my brother's,” Stormsong said with a little smirk.

“Look closer, beloved,” was all that Starswirl said as he sat down off to the side.

Stopping in the center of the room, she looked around, only closer this time. On the far wall behind the full wall divider, she saw his huge circular bed. Large enough for at least five full grown foxes. Even on the floor she saw the scuff marks on the bamboo mats where her brother danced on when he was sure nobody was watching. This room didn’t just look like his room, it was his room. Thinking deeply, she sat there in silence, her eyes closed. As time passed she could feel Starswirl’s eyes on her. Even with her eyes closed she could see the smile on his face.

Stormsong sat there so long her legs started to cramp. Opening her eyes again she looked about the room one more time. He loved her little brother like his own, so why would he vote against her the other day, and then do all of this, putting Kohaku’s room in this hidden cave?

Then it finally dawned on her. Turning her head, she looked at her mate with new admiration and understanding.

Oh, you clever pony, how could I have missed it?

“Did you really believe I would let anything happen to him?” Starswirl smiled. “I needed to do something, to appease the others in the clan. And I needed to do something to keep you from blowing up half the mountainside. I plan on using your mother's final spell, the one she created as a failsafe in case something tragic was to happen, to put our little brother to sleep, and thus keep him safe. And those doddering fools will never find out, because the only ones who will know about it will be you, your sisters and myself.”

Stormsong and Starswirl stood there gazing into each other’s eyes. Now that she knew his plan. It made her feel ashamed about how angry she had been with him. Moving in closer Stormsong wrapped her forelegs around his neck and pressed herself in close with one paw caressing up his back. While Starswirl nuzzled his head up against her neck, both closed their eyes and savored the moment they had together.

“Oh Starry, I'm so sorry, I never should have doubted you. You never would have let anything happen to him,” Stormsong starting to cry again, her tears dropping down on to his shoulders. “I was just so..” Her voice was becoming cracked from crying.

“I know, dearest, I know.” Starswirl tried to settle her down yet again, only now with a smile on his face. Leaning in, he tenderly kissed her lips, savoring the sweet taste for a moment before releasing it. “I don’t blame you though, you’ve lost so much the last few years, and the thought of losing Kohaku must be terrifying.”

“How, when did you do this?” Stormsong asked, holding onto him tightly.

“Last night, before we went to bed. It was a simple translocation, I just needed the space,” the pony sorcerer said tenderly. “Your sister Mitsuko helped, she carved out the cave the same size as Kohaku’s room. I’m always impressed at how fast she can work stone with that voice of hers.”

“By the way,” Stormsong said while playfully pushing him away with her foreleg. “How did you know about that spell? I thought the only ones who knew about it were me and father.”

“You talk in your sleep,” Starswirl chuckled as he moved away from her, ignoring the look that she was now giving him, and lightly gave that paw of hers a tender kiss before getting up and moved over to the windows and sat comfortably on a pillow there. “And it was in your father’s journal that he gave me to study a few years back. He always documented special spells your mother made. I thought it would come in handy sometime. And I was right, it will. With your sisters help, and I think we can apply it to the room rather than the individual. Thus, increasing the amount of time that will pass in the outside world in comparison to here.”

“It’s possible. Difficult, but possible,” Stormsong said in a tender voice. “If we’re going to use this plan my sisters and I have a lot of work to do, especially before sunset. So there is no sense in wasting time here.” Getting up, she walked toward the door leading up to the waterfall entrance.

“I want to give our family more time before…” She just couldn’t bring herself to say ‘our final night together’. “I’m not sure how long we’ll set the time dilation, but I think a factor of ten should do it. We can discuss it before we get to sleep,” turning around Stormsong looked over her shoulder “And If you're still awake, it has been awhile since our last ‘make up’ session. Till then, ta.” And with that she walked out the door.

“Thank heavens I got some extra rest last night, I doubt I’ll be sleeping much,” Starswirl said to himself and got up, taking a look around the room. Stopping at the small little bookshelf, he smiled. There were only four books but, to him, it still constituted a library. He was glad that the young boy liked reading so much. Pulling one book from the shelf, he gave a slight chuckle. It was a children’s book that he himself had owned as a colt and had given to his little brother, on his fifth birthday. ‘Tales of Breezy the Bearded Bard’.

Putting the book back, he turned and moved toward the bedroom, when a light blur caught his eye. Half a second later found himself flipping and rolling, landing on his back. On top of him, with two paws on his chest, a young eleven year old kitsune stood over him and firmly pushed him back.

“Gotcha!” Kohaku, affectionately named Forestsong, said with a playful laugh before hopping off and landing on the ground in front of Starswirl.

“Ooof.. that you did,” Starswirl groaned while getting up. “You're getting better at that kid, I didn’t even hear you approaching. I did catch you out of the corner of my eyes though.”

“Yeah, but I still gotcha.” Forestsong said with a smile as he bounced a small green sphere between his three tails. “Father always said I was good at stalking and striking.”

“Yeah, you are. But please keep that to hunting, not scaring the hooves off of me,” Starswirl said as he looked down at the young kitsune, who stood as high as his chest, before him.

“Alright,” Kohaku said with a disappointed sigh. He loved playing that kind of game with his ‘big brother’. Moving to the side and hopping up onto Starswirl’s back, he just laid there. “I’ve seen my sisters rather busy these last few days. Running here and there. Back and forth.” Forestsong sighed, only deeper and more sadly. “Barely anytime to play. And most of the adults in the clan now look at me like they did my father when he laid out on the healing tables.” Closing his eyes he sighed sadly, remembering that horrible day. “Like I might not live past the night. Even my vixen Daisystar, she just closed her eyes and ran away from me. Crying.”

Starswirl nodded softly just walked out of the room and into the mid afternoon sky that had cleared up since Stormsong cooled down. The sun shined down on the two as he just walked around the lake with Kohaku on his back, letting his young brother rattle on.

“Bro, what’s going on? You know, I know you do.” the young kitsune said as he rested his head down on Starswirl’s shoulders and closed his eyes. The light made his leaf green fur seem even more alive and vibrant. “Does this have anything to do with my sister’s mood last night. You know I could hear the silence from that room like one of her thunderstorms. She must have been really upset not to give you any...”

“And that’s where we end that conversation,” Starswirl said firmly, probably a little firmer then he wanted it to be. He knew they were always a very open family, discussing everything, including sex, with a casual air. But still, while he could accept when the sisters in the family talked that way, it was another thing for the young male who had barely reached his teenage years. “Sorry, yes, it does have to do with that. And I promise we’ll all discuss this tonight over dinner.”

Starswirl just continued walking around with Forestsong riding along on his back, something they had done together since he was five. He enjoyed spending this time with little Forestsong, it was always a bonding moment. The young kitsune growing up with all sisters, Starswirl was the elder brother he always needed. And nobody could have been prouder when Starswirl became his sister's chosen mate. Looking into the lake Starswirl chuckled a little at the reflection of the two of them, and softly brushed a hoof along his short scraggly black beard that lined his jaw.

“Why don’t you just shave that thing off?” Forestsong yawned wide as he stretched, then leaped off of Starswirl’s back and came up and sat next to him at the lake.

“I think it makes me look distinguished,” Starswirl chuckled as he sat next to Forestsong.

“I think it makes you look stupid. But who am I to judge, sis likes it.” Forestsong said and leaned down against the edge. His tails swished behind him as he eyed the water, and below it a group of fish slowly coming up to the surface.

Looking down at the young kitsune, Starswirl levitated a small stone and, just as he saw the telltale signs of him about to leap into the water, tossed the stone over Kohaku’s head and into the water, scaring the fish away and splashing a fair amount of water over the young kitsune. He let out a soft laugh as he did so.

“Spoilsport,” Forestsong said through his own laughter. Leaping out, he tackled Starswirl and the two of them spent the remainder of the day at play. Their laughter could be heard all through the forest until the sun had set.

**Midnight – The Next Day**

Forestsong just laid there at the entrance to the cave, watching the waterfall crashing down into the lake below and the shower of of mist that made a pale rainbow in the light of the full moon. He loved the moonlight, how the light always softly illuminated everything it touched, unlike the intense blazing light of the sun.

He wanted to cry, needed to cry but he couldn’t, and he didn’t know why the tears wouldn’t come regardless of how hard he tried. His family had told him everything that had happened in the last few days. In particular the clan’s council meeting, it was no wonder that everyone else in the clan looked at him like he was going to die.

He was thankful that his sisters and his brother cared so much to find another path without the others knowing about it. One where he would sleep through all of this and be able to live his life as they wanted him too. Only, it would be without his family. A family that meant everything to him. Who knew how long he would be asleep, or when he’d wake up? Staring up at the moon he whispered as he crossed his paws together.

“Mother moon, send me your light.

Lend me your power on this fateful night.

I invoke you into my being and soul.

Fill up my vessel, make me feel whole.

I kneel before you in awe and love.

I cherish your protection you send from above.

I ask you tonight to bless it unto me.

My mother, my goddess, so mote it be.”

A ritual chant that his mother’s clan had passed down for generations and his sister, Stormsong, taught him to use anytime that he was scared. And he was, more than he had ever been in his eleven years. To be without his family, it was his worst nightmare come to life. He repeated that chant silently over and over again until words didn’t even leave his lips.

Hearing the soft pads of her paws of his sister Stormsong on the ground behind him, and looked behind at her.

“It’s time, little brother, come with me,” she said softly. Kohaku saw that his sister tried to smile, but couldn’t.

“Okay...” was all Kohaku said, as he followed his sister behind the waterfall, where his remaining sisters all stood waiting for him. Looking around he saw Starswirl standing by himself on the opposite side of the room. He briefly looked at his brother who just nodded at him. This was a moment for just him and his sisters.

“I’ll just be outside. Sleep well kiddo,” Starswirl said moving in closer to the group, giving Kohaku a kiss to the forehead as he continued walking to the door. One final look over his shoulder he smiled, sadly, then turned and walked out into the night.

“We’ll all stay with you until you fall asleep,” Kazumi said as she moved him to the bed and curled up behind him.

“That’s right, little brother. Now come on, into bed with you,” Mitsuko said softly, leading her brother into the bed after giving him a playful swat to the rump with one of her tails, and with Stormsong crawled into it with him both on either side of the young kit.

“Do you want anything in particular?” Kaede softly said as she moved up behind her brother and sisters and rested herself as close as possible.

“A story? A song? Anything to help you sleep easier?” Riko said as she moved into the bed. As each sister moved around their brother, their tails covered him like a blanket.

He felt the warmth of their bodies up against him. Closing his eyes he rested his head on Stormsong’s side and listened softly to her heart beat. He knew what he wanted, he wanted this night to last forever. “A song…” he whispered lightly. The four sisters all looked at each other. They knew instinctively what song to sing, their father’s song.

Together, each sister harmonized with each other as their voices slowly raised into the room. As they sang, a towering illusion of their father appeared, a massive seven foot golden-furred fox with nine tails, each tipped with moonlight silver. His deep golden eyes looked at his son as he began to sing. With each passing moment, the song worked its magic on the young fox. Kohaku’s eyes closed and, as the song reached its end, fell into a deep sleep.

With the song finished and their voices silent, the illusion of their father faded away. Each vixen slowly got up, trying not to disturb their brother, placing a kiss on his forehead as they moved away. Turning off the lights, the four of them all walked out and spoke together with one voice. “Goodnight, Kohaku.” The cave was then sealed away so that nobody other then the four loving sisters and the one pony sorcerer knew where it was. The room was filled with darkness. The only light was that of the moon flooding through the magical windows, resting on the small, sleeping fox.

And so it was. The four sisters sang the Song of Sealing in harmony with the rest of the clan while the young pony Sorcerer pushed his magical abilities to the limit in casting a memory erasure spell. Working in sync, the barrier was cast, spreading out like a spherical shock wave, banishing all the Umbra from the world while at the same time erasing all memory of them and the Kitsune.

With the work finished, all four vixens laid lifeless in a circle around the young pony sorcerer. With careful work he laid each sister in their chosen rooms, and left the temple with a final tearful goodbye as he sealed the temple doors forever. Letting it shift from the physical word and into the heavens where it would never be disturbed.

The Kitsune, who had held reign over the world for thousands of years, agreed that they should now pass from the world. Many, especially the younger kitsune, changed their forms and went out to live the remainder of their lives as ponies or other creatures they could relate to. Others, primarily the older kitsune, chose to ascend past the physical plane of existence. The remainder of the kitsune chose exile in remote parts of the world, hidden from the eyes of other creatures, choosing to become teachers to the younger species.

For thousands of years life continued on. One era ended and another began, and all the while one young kitsune slept soundly. His dreams were filled with his mother, father, and sisters all spending their lives together in an open green field under the light of the full moon.

Author's Note

I want to thank my editor Cyonix

The song that put Kohaku to sleep I got here: The Last Goodbye - The Hobbit - Peter Hollens (Billy Boyd Cover)
Check out Peter Hollens channel, he's an amazing singer.

Chapter 3 - Learning to Communicate, Hearts Beating as One

Sweetie Belle opened her eyes and looked up at the creature who was now over her body. Taking a long look at him, she saw that the creature was male, definitely a male. And taking note of how he was standing over her the way he was, while she laid under him, her blush turned as red as an apple. Her thoughts were all jumbled together. She didn’t know what to think. With her heavy breathing she gulped and without warning, passed out completely. The last thought in her head, that whispered out of her quivering lips was, “Oh please let this just be a nightmare. Luna.. help..” Then darkness.

Kohaku blinked several times. The young mare had just passed out under him. This was certainly a first for him. Sighing softly, he sat down and just looked at her. He did catch some what she said, but from what he gathered she didn’t speak in ponish, or at least the ponish he knew. The only word he understood was “Luna”. And that was a word he was familiar with. Looking up at the moon, he let out a soft sigh.

“Oh, mother moon, what am I to do?” Kohaku whispered to himself as he looked up at the moon he revered so deeply. He couldn’t understand her, and if that was the case, she probably didn’t understand him. Looking back over his shoulder at the campsite, he shook his head. He could take her back, but given her reaction, they might have a similar one. And he certainly couldn’t just leave her here in the open chilled air.

Looking up into the sky, he still saw the dark shaded clouds overhead that were repeatedly covering and uncovering the moon, and the sound of thunder in the distance. It was going to rain. Now he certainly couldn’t leave her outside. His mind made up, laying down, the young kitsune wrapped his three tails around her body and with a few huffs rolled her onto his back. Standing up, he felt his legs quiver under the added weight.

“She’s beautiful, but certainly not light.” Sniffing the air he gave a light purr, feeling himself get slightly aroused. “Oh wow, she smells amazing, no no no,” Kohaku said shaking his head quickly as raindrops started to fall onto his head. “Don’t think about that, gotta get her inside.”

Struggling, he tried to keep his prepubescent mind on task as he walked around the lake and past the waterfall side into the hidden cave were his room was. Reaching it just as the heavy rains started to fall.

Sweetie Belle slowly opened her eyes, unsure of how long she had been out cold. She was pleasantly surprised to find that she was still alive. As her vision came back to her and everything cleared up, the first sight she saw was wooden beams and what looked like a ceiling covered with a set of paper lanterns hanging over head. A soft colored light shining around them, she felt the warmth of a plush blanket over her body.

She realized that she was inside, but it didn’t look like her tent, unless Rarity had done a sudden far eastern decoration while she had been asleep. And knowing her sister that might have just have happened. Closing her eyes she came to the decision that it was all just a dream. No way could she have met a creature like that, perhaps that story of Rainbow Dash scared her more than she thought. She was just glad that the nightmare was now over.

Laying back more she felt her head up against something fuzzy, warm, and apparently purring. Since she knew of no pillow that purred, and Opal wasn’t with them, she became rather startled. Opening her eyes, she looked down. Her blanket wasn’t this thick, or furry. She was covered in what appeared to be in tails, three of them. A fearful shiver came over her body. Gulping, she felt her heartbeat and breathing quicken.

Turning her head, she saw the creature, and apparently where she was. She was in bed, but it wasn’t hers, and this bed was huge. Larger than even her sister’s bed. He was laid out on his belly, his paws folded over each other and his nose practically buried in a book, paying more attention to it then her. While she was laid up against his side with his tails over her body like a blanket.

Panic struck the young mare as she kicked and rolled, practically screaming at the top of her lungs as she rolled over and tripped and fell off the bed. Dashing into the next room, she looked around when she heard something from behind her. Turning around, she saw the unknown creature looking at her softly. His amber eyes shimmered in the light of the lanterns.

“Oh good, you’re awake,” Kohaku said softly, keeping his voice low and gentle. “You scared me out there, passing out like that.”

Sweetie Belle blinked lightly. He was talking, of that she was certain. He wasn’t speaking in ponish, but it did sound familiar to her. “Um.. huh?” was all that she could say. Her breathing still rather quick but as her head cleared, she looked around a little.

Kohaku just watched her look around, taking in her new surroundings as he closed his book, keeping his paws folded on top of it.

“I’m not sure if you can understand me, but please don’t panic.” Keeping himself on that bed, he let her have free reign over his room. “This is my room, I'm not going to hurt you.”

Her breathing was now a lot easier, as she heard him talking. He was talking in a language unfamiliar to her, but she swore she had heard it before. But where could she have?

Looking around she saw a large set of windows and moved over to them. From those windows, she saw the campsite, the three tents, the lake, everything. And it was raining heavily. Looking back toward the bed, she blinked.

Did he bring me here out of the rain? Had she been caught in it, she could have been hurt, or caught an illness. Or even slid down into the lake and… no, she didn’t want to think about that.

Turning back to the windows, she thought back to her fear of him out there by the lake. Her hoof bumped into something under the windows and looked down. There in front of her was a set of four plush creatures that looked vaguely similar to him. But each had a different set of tails and were worn out from play and hugs. Turning her head back to the bed she walked around the room. It was certainly more exotic than other rooms she’s been in.

“Those are mine, they look like my sisters,” he said tenderly. Not wanting to startle her more, he remained on the bed, despite his hind legs starting to cramp up.

Turning back to the male on the bed, she heard him speak again, catching a word that sounded similar to “sisters”. Looking at him, Sweetie Belle moved closer. He WAS speaking ponish, just not the ponish she spoke. Then the young mare realized she had heard that language before. It was old ponish, the word for sisters hadn't changed much between the two languages. She had learned a bit of it during her magic lessons with Twilight Sparkle, but couldn’t speak it.

“I’m sorry, I.. I can’t understand you, ” she muttered softly and looked down.

Kohaku smiled, he saw that sparkle of recognition in her eyes. Slowly moving from the bed he moved in closer as he saw her head bow down.

Okay, she heard me. It’s a start, but how to go from here? Her words mean as much to me as mine do to her, he thought to himself. They couldn’t talk to each other but he hoped they could communicate somehow. Stopping once he got as close as he could, his paws now directly under her field of vision, he purred a little to get her attention.

Sweetie Belle saw those amber paws appear and then looked up. The sound of the purring she had heard earlier caught her attention and she saw now that it came from him. She looked nervously into those bright amber eyes. Gulping loudly, she sat down. Despite having been unconscious earlier, she was tired. This night was certainly taking a lot out of her young body. Looking at the creature she just smiled as she heard him speak again, only now with gestures.

“I know you can’t understand, but my name is Kohaku.” he said and put a paw on his chest then taped his chest and repeated his name again “Kohaku”

While didn’t understand the words she did understand his gestures. He was introducing himself. Moving in, she put a hoof over his paw and muttered questioningly, “Kohaku?” And was pleased to see him nod with a smile. That was his name. Thinking back to what had gone on earlier that night, hearing that name in her head she realized that he had been just trying to introduce himself to her. He wasn’t trying to hurt her, or scare her, or even devour her. That was just the figment of her imagination fueled by that scary story Rainbow Dash had told them earlier that evening.

Oh, how could I have been so scared of him? Sweetie bell thought looking at Kohaku.

Sweetie Belle felt ashamed of herself as she let out a soft sigh. That one little realization had purged her of her fears. Taking a deep breath, she looked up and smiled at Kohaku. While she didn’t know what he was, she now knew who he was. Taking his paw with her hoof she put it on her chest and looked into his eyes “Sweetie Belle” She said slowly, hoping he would understand as she did now.

“Sweetie Belle” Kohaku repeated and was glad to see her smile. Now that I know her name, time to explain a few things. She still has to be confused, particularly about how long she’s been here. Oh! I know, where did I put that journal? Thinking to himself, he looked about and moved over to his bookshelf. His eyes scanned over it casually. Reaching out with his paw he pulled out a worn journal. Gripping it in his teeth he walked back over to the mare. Dropping it to the ground, he grabbed an ink bottle off the desk in the corner and put it next to the journal.

Sweetie Belle smiled. They were communicating. Simply, but still communication. She watched as he walked over to a rather impressive bookshelf. Sitting there, she began thinking to herself.

He must be looking for something, a book on communication perhaps? - a soft giggle escaped her lips - It’s certainly something Twilight Sparkle would do, when it doubt, consult a book. He must be the same. But her thought quickly went south when he dropped a journal in front of her and it flopped open to an empty page. Then he sat an ink bottle down and watched him uncover one of his claws, which was as dark brown as oak bark. Now what is he going to do? While she wasn’t scared of him, she was a little nervous about that claw.

Kohaku dipped his claw, into the ink and began to draw upside down slowly, first he drew a picture of a sleeping pony, then two clock faces, one at 10 and the other at midnight. He pointed to her, then to the pony drawing.

Sweetie Belle watched him draw on that journal page. His artwork was very unique. She had seen far eastern drawings before, but had never seen anyone draw one in front of her. Blinking, she watched his paw point to her and then the picture of the sleeping pony he had drawn. She looked to the side at the clock faces and blinked.

“Two hours? I have only been here two hours?” she asked as she pointed to the clock and then herself, and watched as his head nodded in acknowledgement. Having been gone for such a short time she was certain nobody would know she was missing, as everyone would still be asleep. Letting out a soft sigh, she turned around and walked the length of the room several times before moving to the windows and looking outside of them. She wondered where this place could be because she could hear the waterfall just past the closed door near by, but could also see it clearly in the window as if looking at it from a different angle.

Are these magic windows, maybe? Letting out another sigh she just sat down and looked out them. It’s still way too dangerous to go out there, I could slip and fall, or lose my way with how little light there is. I’m going to have to stay here with him, at least until it’s safe to get back to camp. But for how long? Sis wakes not too long after sunrise and she’ll definitely notice me missing.

Looking off to the side when she saw Kohaku move in closer but slip on the journal, apparently looking more at her then where he was walking. A giggle escaped her lips. He’s a klutz, a cute one too. Hmmm, what’s this? A small green ball, the size of a baseball, popped off the bandanna around his neck and rolled over toward her, bumping into her hoof.

Putting her hoof down so it wouldn’t roll away, she looked up and smiled at him. She thought she might see gratitude in his eyes, but all she saw was fear. She knew that look, it was the same look she had given him the moment they first met. As quick as a flash he got up and slid down in front of her, his two front paws on either side of the small bright green ball. It did shock her, but nothing more so than what happened next.

“Give it back. Please. Oh, please give it back. I’ll do anything. Please!” He said, panicking and silently cursing himself for being such a klutz, he should have been watching where he had been going rather then the beautiful mare in front of him.

Sweetie Belle blinked and sat up straighter. What shocked her wasn’t so much what he said, but the fact that she could understand it, every word.

“I… I can hear you. What you just said, I understood you,” Sweetie Belle said, keeping her hoof on the small green ball and against his two paws.

“Please, just….” Blinking, Kohaku looked up as his mouth slightly opened. He understood what she had said. How was that possible? She certainly didn’t speak the same ponish he did. Looking down he saw that her hoof was just barely touching the green sphere he was trying to retrieve. “You can understand what I'm saying now?” Blinking rapidly, he momentarily forgot about the sphere

“Yes, and I'm not going to keep your ball, I like dolls more,” she said softly. “I just didn’t want it to roll away. I guess it’s important to you? A special keepsake?” the young mare said as she just sat there smiling.

“Sorta..” Kohaku said as he sat up. Looking at the ball then up to her, he kept one paw on it, touching her hoof and the sphere at the same time. Then slapped his head with his free front paw and muttered “Baka!” Idiot in his natural language. How could he have been so absent minded, so stupid? His sisters had taught him this. Just touching the sphere could let any race understand him, and in turn, he would understand them. “Yeah. I'm sorry, it’s very important. I’ve had it since I was born. A gift from my parents,” Kohaku said softly, as he looked at her

“Oh, I'm sorry again, here” she said, rolling the ball back to him. “But, why can I understand you now?” The young mare was confused, as she felt the ball being pushed back under her hoof, by his paw. If he had been so adamant about getting it back, why was he now putting it back under her hoof?

“It’s okay, and this is what’s allowing us to talk. I speak in my language and you in yours. Think of it like a magical translator,” Kohaku said calmly. It was a small lie about what it really was, but it served his purpose. Sense his paw was now on it more firmly he didn’t mind her touching it. “I should have thought of it earlier, it’s something my sisters taught me if I ever meet someone I can’t talk to. But I was rather distracted, I didn’t think you couldn’t speak the same ponish I do.”

“No worries, Kohaku, that particular language hasn’t been spoken in several thousand years. How did you learn it?” Sweetie Belle giggled as she looked at him.

Blinking, he looked rather shocked. Several thousand years. Here it was, confirmation that he really had been asleep for that long. His breathing got heavier. Taking his paw off of the sphere, he walked back and forth, his face in a state of panic, before heading to the bed, muttering to himself in his own language all the while.

“W- why, no no it…” Crawling onto his bed he just laid there. His heart had dropped deeper than he thought it ever would. He had held out some hope that he could still see someone he knew, and remembered. It would also explain why his ‘big brother’ Starswirl wasn’t there for him, he had to have been long dead by now. Burying his head into his blankets, he wished he could cry, but no matter how much he wanted it, the tears wouldn’t come. Why, what was holding them back?

It was then he felt his green ball drop between his legs and a warm body press itself up against his.

Sweetie Belle had seen the shock and disbelief in his face. But it wasn’t the panic of someone who was scared, it was the look of someone who had just realized he had lost everyone he had ever known. She felt his paw leave the ball he had been so worried about getting back, as he turned away and muttered to himself. She couldn’t understand him now, but she could very well guess what he was saying, having seen this behavior in others, and her heart felt for him.

The young mare looked about the room. Everything was very old fashioned, and she had thought it a fashion statement but now she realized that to him, this was modern. He hadn’t just learnt old ponish, he had been alive when it had been spoken naturally. But how? He couldn't have been any older than she was, unless some kind of spell had been placed on him. Using her magic, she levitated the ball and softly walked behind him as he crawled into bed and buried his face into the blankets and pillows.

Crawling up onto the bed she saw him shudder as if he was going to cry, but he didn’t. Maybe he couldn’t, and the thought of that broke her young heart, as tears started to fall from her eyes. Dropping the ball between his legs she nuzzled herself up against him, moved his paw onto the sphere as she rested her hoof on it, next to his.

Looking up Kohaku saw that she was crying, and looking at him in a way nobody ever had before. She was crying because he couldn’t, he felt her hoof over his paw over the sphere. She wanted to be able to communicate with him, even if it didn’t involve talking. Biting down on his lower lip he leaned forward and buried his face into her neck as she wrapped her free front leg around his shoulder.

He was unsure how long he laid there like that with her. Moments, hours, an eternity, at that moment they were all the same. Her head nuzzled warmly on top of his head with her tears dropping down on it. When his heartbeat finally calmed down again, he took a deep breath and looked up into her eyes. They looked deeply back into his. He had been with girls in this kind of situation before. His sisters had often teased him whenever he had brought a vixen over to the temple. It always made him blush, they had been so good at it. While those vixen had always been pleasant company, he had never felt anything with them like he was feeling right now. He recalled something he had heard his big sister Kazumi say to him when he had brought home his first vixen.

“Just be careful little brother, don’t rush into anything. You’re still a young kit,” He could hear her musical voice, that motherly tone he always heard with her. She had been a mother to him for as long as he could remember. “One day you’re going to lay with a sweet vixen, someone who will hold your heart in her paws. It’ll be something special. And when she holds it, you’ll find it’ll want to be held there all the time. Only then should you give it to her. And you’ll find it’ll be the perfect moment for your first kiss.”

His breathing slightly quickened. Here she was, a pony he still barely knew. And already she held his heart tighter than anyone before her. She didn’t know him that much and yet here she was, crying for him. She touched his sphere and he no longer felt panicked, her hoof over his paw. Never had he thought he would feel this way about a pony, but why not? Kazumi certainly had. Leaning up, hesitating for only a moment, Kohaku did what he felt was natural. He leaned in and kissed Sweetie Belle lovingly on the lips, his whole heart being poured into it.

If he had suddenly vanished into thin air, she could not have been more surprised. He had kissed her, and was still kissing her. She saw his eyes and while they weren’t talking, she understood what was going on behind them. He had lost everything, everyone he ever knew. And here she was, crying for him, caring for him, caring about him. And she did care about him, and why not? He had cared for her, after all. Pulling her out of the rain when she had been unconscious. Keeping her warm and comfortable until she had woken up. He had even been patient with her when they couldn’t talk to each other, talking soothingly to her until she realized he wasn't going to hurt her.

She had always had colts wanting to kiss her, to claim her as theirs. But she didn’t want them because they only saw one thing, her body. She was as beautiful as her sister was. She didn’t want anyone who only wanted her because of how she looked. So she never thought about her first kiss with them. Only here it was, her first kiss. And it was with some creature that didn’t just look at her body, but into who she was. She had noticed that when Kohaku saw her, he didn’t see just a beautiful pony, he saw somepony worth knowing, somepony he felt was special enough to give a kiss to. And by his slight hesitation earlier, it was his first kiss as well.

If that was the case, she was going to make it a kiss worth remembering. Pushing into him she felt him roll onto his back with her on top of him. Her lips pressed tightly against his as her body rested onto his. She felt his forelegs wrap around her body as hers did the same. She was unsure of how long they stayed that like. Wrapped up in each other's limbs sharing a first that both would remember no matter how long they lived.

Neither one knew who ended the kiss, nor did they care. They just laid there together looking deeply in each others eyes a smile on their faces. Rolling onto their sides she felt him wrap two of his tails around her body like a blanket as the third dropped the green sphere between their bodies, touching them both.

As the night waned on they talked together. Each shared memories and stories about their lives. As the hours passed as Sweetie Belle started to feel her exhaustion hit her, but she wanted to stay awake. She wanted to learn more about him. Resting her head under his, she yawned wide.

“Get some sleep, Sweetie Belle, it’s only a few hours till sunrise. I’ll watch over you.” Kohaku whispered into her ears as he caressed her back.

“Will you wake me early? I want to make sure I'm in my sister’s tent before she wakes up.” The young pony whispered back.

“I promise, you’ll be back with your family before they wake. Now get some sleep. I’ll be here,” he finished and kissed her forehead just under her horn.

Sweetie Belle felt that kiss and smiled. She felt comfortable, safe and content, and wanting that night to last as long as possible. The last thing she remembered hearing before finally falling asleep was his purr resonating in her ears.

Chapter 4 - A Heart to Heart, A Parting of Ways, A Journey Into the Unknown

“Wake up, Sweetie Belle. The day’s half over, darling,” Rarity said, gently shaking her sister's shoulder.

Sweetie Belle groaned a little, before pushing herself up as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, and then slowly looked around. She was in her and her sisters tent, how did she get here? Looking around, she tried to find the young male she had been with, however he was nowhere to be found.

“You must have stayed up late last night, you were sleeping really deep. It’s almost noon,” Rarity said as she drew the curtains to the balcony, letting the sunlight in. “You must have had a lot on your mind, you were sleeping so peacefully I couldn’t bear to wake you this morning. So I let you sleep,” the older unicorn said with a smile, “but it’s lunch time and I bet you’re hungry. So when you’re ready, come down stairs and we’ll all get lunch together.”

Sweetie Belle smiled. “Y.. yeah. I did a lot of thinking last night. Also I kinda watched the rainstorm we had. I’m sorry for worrying you, sis. ”

“No worries darling, I’m just glad you got it out of your system. Now get freshened up,” Rarity said, giving Sweetie Belle a hug and then moved to the doorway leading to the downstairs. “You know how impatient Rainbow Dash can be.” She left her sister as she walked downstairs and out to the center of the campsite.

Sweetie Belle just sat there in the bed. How had she gotten here, and had it all been a dream? Getting up, she walked to the window and looked out of it, hoping to catch some sign that what she had experienced was real. Looking about, the young mare turned back and looked at the room. Everything was exactly as she had left it the night before, she even walked to the bathroom and saw a full set of towels. Not one missing, yet she was certain she had taken one when she had gone outside.

“Did I just dream it?” she muttered and brought a hoof to her lips. She could still feel his lips on hers, the soft moistness and her heart fluttered like it had when he had kissed her. “No, I couldn’t have dreamed it. How did I get here?” Walking toward the bed, her hoof bumped into something. Looking down her heart stopped cold. It was a plush doll. She didn’t sleep with dolls, she was too old for that even though she loved collecting them. Looking at them carefully, she caught the same scent off of them that had come from him. Looking toward her bed again, there were three more plush dolls under the blanket.

She recognized them, these were the dolls that had been in his room. Each one was made to resemble his sisters. Why would she have them? Levitating the doll on the floor up, she put it on the bed with the others and looked out the window again. He must have brought her here while she had still been asleep. He had kept his promise, as apparently Rarity didn’t know she had been gone all night. But why did she have his prized possessions? He loved these dolls as much as he did his sisters, he had even told her as much.

She decided to think about this later, so she took a quick shower and put on a designer camping vest that she and her other crusaders made for their own cutie mark camp. She walked outside just as she heard Rainbow Dash and the others talking about something that she found odd.

“Iit’s true, that path leading up the waterfall is gone. The only way up is to fly now. And even then it’s treacherous. Lots of loose boulders and vines all over the place,” Rainbow Dash said excitedly. “Aand here I was hoping we could all do a diving contest. I guess that’s out now.”

“Oh that’s alright, sugarcube,” Applejack said as she sat there with a basket over a large fire, filled with plenty of vegetables. “I’m sure there’s a lot more we can do.”

“Yeah, but I was hoping we could have explored up there today,” Scootaloo said as she came up to Sweetie Belle and joined not too long by Apple Bloom.

“Yeah, I heard the view from the top of that mountain is amazing,” Apple Bloom said with disappointment in her voice

“Well girls unless you can fly, we’ll all just have to find other things to view down here,” Rarity said as she took a skewer of vegetables from Applejack once they were finished cooking.

“It’s odd though, I looked yesterday and I swear those rocks and vines weren’t there then,” Rainbow Dash said, munching on her kebab. “It’s like they just sprung up overnight.”

Sweetie Belle looked over at the waterfall, while everyone talked about that mystery of the blocked path. Did he do that? Does he want to keep others from his hideaway?

That thought and many others continued to plague the young mare as the week passed. While they couldn’t get access to the waterfall anymore. They all had a wonderful time hiking and exploring the wooded area, hiking along the other cliffs and playing games of all sorts. And while Sweetie Bell was having a wonderful time, her thoughts kept going back to that first night and her time spent in the cave behind the waterfall.

Without anypony knowing, she had walked around the lake to the waterfall and saw that it had been completely blocked off. It was the night that everyone was packing up, and her thoughts continued to go back to Kohaku. Where was he? She wanted to see him again. She took special care to pack away the plush dolls away without her sister knowing. She didn’t want to have to explain why she had four dolls that she had never had before. At least back at home she could explain that she had made them herself, a small lie but it would keep him secret.

“Is everything okay, Sweetie Belle? You’ve been rather distracted lately,” Rarity said softly and came up beside her sister.

“Rarity, what would you say if I met somepony out here around my age?” Sweetie Belle said looking up at her sister. She wanted to pour her heart out right then and there, but she wasn’t certain how anypony would react. “A special somepony.”

“Oh? Did my little sister find love out here in the woods?” Rarity said leaning in, she did love hearing about these things.

“Sorta. I... it was a few days ago. I keep thinking it was a dream, but I know it wasn’t,” she said and lowered her head. “I haven't seen him since that first night. But he left such a wonderful impression on me. We just laid together and talked our hearts out. We even had a few laughs, he has a wonderful sense of humor.”

“Oh Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said and caressed the young mares hair. “A chance meeting in the moonlight. Sounds very romantic. Was he another camper? Maybe on the other side of the woods?”

“No, it.. he lives out here. Well, nearby.” Sweetie Belle said softly, choosing her words carefully.

“Oh, well this is a beautiful place to live, he must be very lucky that his family chose such a wonderful place as their home,” The fashionista said. “Well, if you found love out here, I’m very proud of you, Sweetie Belle. You’re growing up every day. I’m sure he wants to see you, but you’ve been busy with all of us. And you never know, he might want to just avoid an awkward situation.”

Looking up Sweetie Belle smiled at her sister, she usually did know the right things to say “Yeah you're probably right. It would have been rather awkward. I just wanted to see him one more time before we all left tomorrow morning.”

“Well, regardless if you do or don’t. Will he be on your mind and in your heart?” Rarity said, putting a hoof under Sweetie Belle’s cheek.

The young mare just nodded. “I don’t think I could ever forget him. How he looks, how he sounds, his smell.”

“Then even if you don’t see him again before tomorrow, I’m sure you’ll always see him in your dreams.” Rarity said as she took off her robe and crawled into her bed. “I’m going to sleep. Don't’ stay up too late, darling. Remember, we have to pack up the tents at dawn.”

“Okay, sis,” Sweetie Belle said softly as she walked to the balcony and folded her legs on the edge, laying her head down on them. Looking around, she saw everyone else had gone to bed early. Not surprising as they were leaving in the morning. A week of fun and now it was over. In a few days she’d be back in Ponyville, then back in school a week later.

“I need a walk,” she said softly to herself, knowing her sister was asleep. Slipping on her bathrobe, which of course matched her sister's, she left the tent. Looking up, she saw that the moon was full and bright, just like the night she first met him. Walking to the lake, she looked at waterfall, marveling at how the light of the moon made it look like a sheet of falling crystals.

“Oh Kohaku, where are you?” she asked aloud, hoping that he would show himself. Or she would find at least some sign of the young fox.

“Waiting for you to come to the spot where we met.” A soft voice came from behind her as a tail tip brushed up the back of her neck. The voice, and the upward stroke of his tail, startled her so badly that she turned so fast that her own tail slapped the young Kitsune in the face. Looking forward, Sweetie Belle saw Kohaku sitting on the ground rubbing his cheek where her tail had struck him. “Sorry, couldn’t resist. It’s the trickster in me.” Kohaku said with a chuckle.

“Oh Kohaku, I'm so sorry. Are you okay?” she asked, kneeling down in front of him.

“It’s okay, I’m fine, Sweetie Belle.” Kohaku asked as he stood up and helped her stand up again. The pair looked at each other with smiles on their muzzles.

“Where have you been? I didn’t think you’d show yourself again,” she said in a low voice.

“I’m sorry, I wanted too but… I..”

“You were scared, you weren’t sure of how the others would react to you.” Sweetie Belle said, finishing his thought. Even after one day, she felt that close that she knew what he was thinking.

“Well, given your first reaction, can you blame me?” he asked softly as he ever so lightly rubbed his body up against her side and nuzzled his head up against hers as she did the same.

“No, I can’t,” she said softly, the reminder of their first meeting making her blush, “but I’m glad you're here now.” Looking into his eyes, she blushed again “I… I told my sister about you. She knows I met someone out here, but thinks you’re a pony.”

A light chuckle escaped his lips. “That’s okay. You shouldn’t keep secrets from family. My family never did. We always kept everything out in the open. I have no problems with you telling her about me, or with her thinking, I’m a pony. It would be easier to handle than a creature she probably never heard of.”

Nodding softly, she just leaned against him, her head on his shoulder as she felt one tail rest on her shoulder while the other two wrapped around her tail. She still found his prehensile tails a little marvelous.

“You’re leaving.” It wasn’t a question, she knew it from the facts that presented themselves this past week. “That’s why you covered the waterfall path, isn’t it?”

“Mhmm. Yeah, I am.” Kohaku said sadly as he held her close. “And why I gave you my dolls. I need to learn to live in this world. And I can’t do that from my room.”

“You could come to Ponyville. Learn there,” Sweetie Belle said softly, and hopefully. She wanted him close by and hoped he’d join her.

“I could and I might one day, but not right now. I can’t go with you tomorrow morning,” he said sadly and looked down.

“Why not? Just come back to camp with me. Let me talk to my sister and our friends. They’ll like you.”

“It’s not that easy, I can’t go to the camp with you,” he said as he got up and walked a few steps away.

“Why not? It’s just over there,” she said, pointing with her hoof.

Sighing softly, he turned around and looked at her tenderly. The moon reflected in his amber eyes. “It’s because I've already left.”

Blinking she looked at him. A smirk crossed her lips. This had to be another trick of his, he couldn’t have left because he was right there in front of him. “Okay, then why are you standing right here with me? You couldn’t have left because we’re still here together.”

“Sweetie Belle,” he started. He adored her simple naivety, as well as her playful mischievousness that matched his own. “Do you notice something rather odd about tonight? That we’re talking, and we’re both not touching my sphere. I can’t speak your ponish, and you certainly don’t speak Old Ponish or my language,” he said, tapping the leaf green sphere on the front of his bandanna. “And look up, the moon is full. It was also full the night we met. After a week’s time, it should be starting to move into a waning crescent.”

Looking up she saw the moon, it wasn’t unusual for Luna to keep her moon in a particular phase if she wanted too. Looking over at the lake she saw the moon again, and for a brief moment saw Princess Luna in that reflection, and then she blinked. They were talking, just normally like he could speak ponish. However, she didn’t even question it, why didn’t she, was she dreaming?

“That’s right, my sweet, you’re dreaming, or rather, we’re dreaming. I left earlier this week after blocking off the waterfall. At the moment I’m asleep in the woods on the other side of the mountains,” he said looking at her, answering her thoughts. Moving in closer, he nuzzled her cheek. “I wanted to say goodbye, and I couldn’t do it in person.”

“Why not?” the young mare whispered painfully. She felt as if her heart was breaking in two. “Why can’t you tell me goodbye in person?”

“Because, the last time I did that, It was the last time I saw my father alive, it was the last time I saw my sisters alive.” he said with his head bowed. “I’ve lost so many people, I don’t want to lose you too. I wanted us to have the hope we would meet again,” he finished sadly with a deep sigh.

“Well, at least you care enough to let me see you in some way,.” she said, nuzzling back. “How far are you going to go?”

“I don’t know. I want to search for some sign of my people. If nothing else, I want to learn what has been going on in this world. And the only real way to do that, is first hand experience. Something I learned from my father and my big brother.”

“I understand, we’ll meet again when we’re awake again. Right?” Sweetie Belle asked weakly. She did understand why he was doing it this way, but that didn’t mean she had to like it.

“I promise,” he said positively as he leaned in to kiss her one final time.

“Good, I’ll introduce you to my sister, and all my friends,” the mare said and closed her eyes, leaning in and pressing her lips against his. Even though it was a dream, the kiss was as real as it had been the first time, and when she opened her eyes again she was back in her room, laying out on the balcony. She had fallen asleep right there, a blanket was around her shoulders. Looking up at the moon she closed her eyes and prayed.

“Oh Princess Luna, please look after Kohaku,” she whispered to the moon as a tear fell down her cheek.

On the other side of the foal mountains, young Kohaku stretched as he woke from his sleep. The moon was just slowly going down as the sun was rising. Looking at the moon he smiled softly and whispered with a light melody.

“Oh mother moon hear my plea,

guard my Sweetie Belle and keep her safe for me.

Lead her with your softest light,

and keep her always within your sight.”

He was pleased to find that the moon shimmered as it slowly lowered into the western horizon. Hitching up his rucksack, he moved onward through the forest. He was unsure of his destination, and even less certain about his future.

“Ponyville, huh? I’ll have to make a note of where that is, once I can read their maps.” Kohaku smiled with a chuckle as he continued on down the forest path, his three tails swinging casually behind him.

Chapter 2 - The Awakening, A Fireside Conversation, A Moonlit Meeting

= 30,000 thousand years later =

Sunlight filtered through the magical windows on the wall of the richly decorated tatami room. Till now only the soft gentle light of the moon had echoed through the darkness where the young kitsune slept. The room had been unchanged since the day it had been sealed. A lone kitsune rolled about in his bed before a sudden jolt caused him to scream and push himself up out of the bed. He looked around in a deep panic.

“Kazumi, sisters!!” he shouted as he looked around the dark room. His breathing was heavy and quick as he felt himself panicked from the nightmare that had woken him up. Sitting down on his bed he looked around, panting. As the sleep slowly left him he became aware of his surroundings. He could still feel his sisters around his body, the heavy warmth of their tails, even though they weren’t there anymore.

“Oh.. that’s right.. they’re not here.”

Getting off the bed, he walked through the wall divider of his sleeping chamber into the main room, only to be greeted by the blazing flare of the sunlight coming out of the magical windows. Squinting his eyes, he let them adjust slowly. After a few moments, he opened them again and saw his room, taking another few steps until he heard the sound of music in front of him. He looked up to see his sister standing there, looking down with a soft, sad smile.

“Hello, little brother,” Stormsong said as she sat down.

Kohaku, so glad to see her, dashed forward and slipped right through her, crashing into a pile of pillows on the other side.

“That was rather pointless, little brother. I’m only a magically recorded illusion,” she said, turning around and sitting back down. She looked at her brother, who was now upside down and looking rather foolish.

Getting up on all fours he sat down and looked at his sister, or rather, the magical illusion that she had left behind.

“I know you’re confused, and probably a little scared. It’s understandable,” the illusion of his sister said calmly. “By the time you're seeing this version of me, I have been dead for a very long time. I don’t know how long because I don’t know how long you’ve slept,” the kitsune female said with a small tear rolling down her cheek.

“I’m sure you remember our last conversation at dinner that night. If everything has gone okay, our goal has been achieved and you and this world are safe from the shadows that have plagued it for so long. But that also means you’re now the last member of our family alive,” she continued as she reached out, and although she had no true substance, her paw touched his cheek. “You won’t be alone, Starswirl promised me that he would keep you safe and be your teacher in this new world. And I gave him the tools to do so, if he’s clever enough to use them.”

Kohaku looked at his illusory sister and nodded.

“Please, if you wish us to rest peacefully, do us a favor. Don’t be sad,” Stormsong said as three more illusions came up from behind and sat close to the young kitsune male. Each one placed their paw on his body, resting softly on his shoulders. He could feel the warmth and love that all four females put into their touch.

“Live your life,” the illusion of Mitsuko continued, kneeling down beside her brother.

“Be happy,” Kaede whispered as her tails wrapped around him

“Make friends, and find love,” Riko finished and rubbed her nose up against his.

After that all four girls moved together sat in front of the sealed door, finishing in unison. “And above all else, remember” — smiles came across each of their muzzles — “we love you!” With that, the illusion broke. All four sisters vanished as the door unlocked and unsealed itself. The stone just behind the door parted, revealing a pathway to the waterfall as water-filtered light flooded into the room.

And just like that, he was alone again, only now with hope for the future. Starswirl would be here for him, and be his teacher like his father had been to the pony. Turning around he looked about and saw that his bookshelves were fuller than before, and noted that each of his sisters had added to his collection with their own journals, and more particularly, their fathers. All that knowledge was now his. But it would take centuries to learn, and understand it all. Shrugging, he turned on his paws and moved up to the waterfall and walked outside of it. He blinked fiercely as the sun hit his face for the first time in what seemed like a very long night.

The breeze brushed his fur. Something was off, though, looking around he noticed that the landscape was different. Before there had been a forest all up to the lake; now it was a clear, and open field. Closing his eyes, he shook his head back and forth before opening them again. The landscape had changed. Further proof that what his sister had told him was true, a lot of time had passed. But how much?

Turning his head, he heard the sound of ponies coming up and looked out the other side of the waterfall.

He saw six ponies coming up the clear path that lead up to a large open area. Two were pegasi and one looked to have been dipped in a rainbow, two were unicorns, both dressed up rather fancily, and two were earth ponies, and the two earth ponies were wearing what looked to be identical hats and pulling a cart filled with camping equipment. Blinking, he was rather confused as last he knew, the three tribes weren’t all that friendly to each other. But these six were all traveling and although he couldn’t make out what they were saying, they were laughing together and having a good time while doing it.

Taking another look at the camping cart he realized that his family’s land had turned into a camping destination. How many other changes had been made? Was his old home still there? Looking up, he stepped out of the waterfall, his body shimmering as he cast an illusion that made him blend into the background. The young kitsune started up the old path leading to the Temple of Five Elements, his home.

** Winsome Falls Campsite, Nighttime **

“…and the creature slowly stalked over to the young filly, it’s eyes blazing bright,” Rainbow Dash described in the light of the campfire. Everyone slowly huddled together. “Walking backward the young filly tripped over a rock and fell flat on her back. The creature moved in over her. Its fangs dripped with saliva. She wanted to scream in terror, but couldn’t. And the moment the clouds moved away from the moon, the creature pounced and devoured her whole. When everypony finally arrived, nothing remained. But to this day, if you go walking out alone at night, you can hear a little filly screaming, and the laugh of the unknown creature looking for its next meal! Muahahaha!”

When she finished her story, Rainbow Dash laughed aloud along with Applejack and Rarity, while the three younger fillies huddled together. “So what did you think? Scary enough?”

“Ah say Rainbow, that’s the best one yet,” Applejack said, tipping her hat. “How do you come up with all these stories?”

“Indeed, darling, that even gave me the shivers.” Rarity shivered noticeably, but more from the cool night air then the story.

“Natural storytelling talent,” Rainbow said as she sat down next to Scootaloo. “Besides, what else can I say? I love scary stories. I didn’t scare you too bad, did I, squirt?”

Scootaloo looked up and shook her head. “Not really. It’s spooky, but I’ve gotten used to your stories now,” she said as she gave Rainbow a friendly hit to the shoulder which made Rainbow laugh as Scootaloo was looking over her shoulder nervously.

“I... I’m not scared either,” Apple Bloom said, holding on to both Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

“Well, it certainly scared me,” Sweetie Belle said, moving away from her friends and pushing herself into her sister’s side. Rarity smiled and wrapped a foreleg around her young shoulders.

“Well, you don’t need to worry Sweetie, you know these woods are perfectly safe. No unknown creatures around here,” Rarity said soothingly, caressing Sweetie Belle’s hair.

“That’s right. As often as we all come here, we surely would have seen something before now,” Applejack continued as she put both forelegs around Apple Bloom’s shoulders and hugged her for a moment before letting go. She gave the young filly a playful swat on her rump. “Now, you three go get ready for bed. It’s getting late.”

“Indeed, you three need your rest!” Rarity smiled as she nudged Sweetie Belle toward their oversized dual floor tent.

“You three just want us out of the way to gossip about your special someponies!” Apple Bloom teased as she came up beside Sweetie Belle, who was blushing now as all three cutie mark crusaders giggled, but kept walking. Her friends soon walked up beside her and all three entered the large tent.

“Yeah, why don’t we get to do that with you? We have coltfriends now too,” Scootaloo said, standing next to Sweetie Belle. “Well, all but you, Sweetie Belle. Sorry. ”

“It’s okay. I just want to find one who’s not just interested in my body,” Sweetie Belle said softly. While still a young mare having just become a teenager, she was amazingly beautiful and young teenage colts just flocked to her.

“Don’t worry, Sweetie Belle, you will. Now hurry on, you three. It is late,” Rarity said, hugging her sister again. After that, the three girls moved on, talking together as they headed to the tents.

As the three girls moved toward their individual tents, each one different and suited toward their sisters’ own tastes, they heard the older ponies talking and moved to huddle nearby in the shadow of Rarity and Sweetie Bell’s two story tent.

“So, Applejack, how are things between you and Silverlay?” Rarity said, moving in closer.

“Doing well, loved that new outfit you made for her. She wore it that night for me,” Applejack said with a smile. “Ah didn’t get a wink of sleep, thanks.”

“Well, you’re welcome, darling. I have to say, I blushed for hours when she requested it,” Rarity said with a light blush. “It’s the first time I've made something like that, and it did give me an idea for a lingerie fashion line for couples.

“Speaking of couples, Rainbow, how are you and Twilight doing, hmm?” Applejack said with a sly smile.

The question caught Rainbow Dash so off guard that she practically spit out half the drink she had been sipping and nearly choked on the other half. “Wha—” coughing “—what? What do you mean?” Her face was as red as a cherry tomato.

“Now, don’t give us that, you two have been spending some private time together,” Rarity said, leaning in. “More than usual, too. And especially at night.”

“Yeah, and Silverlay said that her sister now has this sparkle in her eyes and a jump in her step.” Applejack grinned as she moved in close. “The only time we see her like that is when she gets a new book. And she hasn’t gotten one recently. So dish, girl.”

As the three adult ponies got closer, the Cutie Mark Crusaders couldn’t hear anymore. At least not without getting closer and revealing that they had been eavesdropping.

“Aww! We can’t hear anything now,” Scootaloo muttered as she turned to her friends. “Well, I'm heading to bed.” The young pegasus moved onto the cloud tent that she and Rainbow Dash had made after arriving. “Talk to you girls in the morning.”

“Yeah. I'm getting tired myself. Sleep well, Sweetie Belle,” Apple Bloom said, yawning as she walked to her and Applejack’s tent.

“Night, girls.” Sweetie Belle waved to her friends and then walked into the two story tent that she and Rarity shared. After a leisurely time brushing her teeth and putting on a nightgown that matched her sister’s she crawled into her air mattress. Hours passed, but she couldn’t get to sleep. She was still awake after Rarity came in and moved to the dressing room.

The young unicorn, after failing to fall asleep got up and walked to the window of their tent. Rarity came in from their dressing room area in a plush robe.

“Sweetie Belle, you should be asleep, darling.” Rarity said as she moved next to her younger sister. “We all have a wonderful day planned and you should be well rested.”

“I can’t sleep, Rarity, I’m still wound up from that story Rainbow Dash gave us,” Sweetie Belle said. While that was true, she had other things going through her head. She was nearly twelve years old now, and her friends all had coltfriends while she didn’t. At least none that she felt wanted her for, well, her.

“Oh darling, you know Rainbow. All those stories are made up,” Rarity said, soothing her sister and lightly stroking those curls of hers with a hoof. “But I think you have other things on your mind. Are you upset about not having a coltfriend yet?” she said and looked out the window with the young filly who just nodded.

“You shouldn’t be worried about not having that special coltfriend yet.” Pulling her sister into a soft hug, Rarity continued to stroke her hair. “You’re still young, I can see how other young colts look at you. I know it can be flattering. I still get those same looks,” she continued as she sat firmly back and looked down into Sweetie Belle’s eyes as the young pony looked up. “But young colts who just want you for that aren't worth your time or your heart, just remember that.” With a kiss to her forehead she walked off to her queen sized air mattress. “I’m heading to bed now. Be sure to get some sleep, darling. Sweet dreams.”

Sweetie Belle sighed to herself and just looked out the window again. She had a lot in her mind and needed some way to clear it. Tossing off her nightgown she walked over and picked up a towel and headed out the door of their tent toward the lake. The cool night air brushing over her body. She needed to cool her thoughts and what better way than nighttime dip in the shallows of the lake nearby?

Walking toward the lake, she stopped at the edge and suddenly froze when she heard something she didn’t expect, a very loud splash near the waterfall. Sharply looking up, she felt her heart skip a few beats. There was a set of ripples and a splash wave now coming toward her. Something had just dove into the water. But that couldn’t be, it was only the six of them at this campsite, just like every other year. Her eyes suddenly went wide as she saw a dark shadow in the light of the moon come up toward the surface of the water and slowly swim to shore and walk up out of the water.

It was a creature she had never seen before. It was roughly the same size as she was. Its dark fur was highlighted by light amber colored swirls that shimmered in the moonlight. But what drew her attention most were those bright amber eyes, now looking directly at her. She saw its mouth open. It might have said something, but she couldn’t make it out as the soft light glinted off of those sharp fangs she saw. This was the scary story Rainbow Dash had told brought to life. Her eyes went wide with the sudden realization that she might die if she didn’t get away.

A cold sweat hit her body as her breathing increased. She kept her eyes on those amber eyes while slowly backing away. She saw that the creature was also moving closer and closer, its mouth moving; but her heart was pounding so loudly she couldn't make out anything. She was scared, more scared then she had ever been in her life. She opened her mouth to scream, but nothing came out except a squeak. She was so scared she couldn’t even form words. Turning, she ran away as fast as she could. Only making it a few feet before a shadow swiftly moved beside her. The creature was in front of her yet again. Turning to the side she ran toward the water as fast as she could. Her eyes half-closed as clouds moved over the moon, shadowing the whole area. And then there it was again, a shadowy flash beside her and it was in front of her.

Without pausing she turned a third time and ran as hard as she could toward the campsite. And yet a third time, the creature was directly in her path and moving in closer and closer. So close she could hear its heavy breathing. Walking backwards trying to keep her distance, her back hooves caught the crumpled towel that had dropped near the shore of the waterfall lake, flipping her flat on her back.

Like a flash the creature pounced and landed almost on top of her. Its fur was still glistening from the water of the lake and as the clouds cleared from the moon. She closed her eyes and raised her front legs and hooves close to her neck to protect it. If this was to be her last moment, she could hopefully strike back.

As the creature moved closer, she felt it walk over her body and stop. Its front legs were directly on either side of her chest. She felt its breathing on her neck as it sniffed her, as it lowered its head. Keeping her eyes tightly closed she waited for the moment when she could strike, only to be caught off guard by something rather unexpected. She heard him speak. His voice was musical and certainly wasn't malicious or dangerous. Opening her eyes she saw those the amber eyes looking down at her. It was then she heard him speak again. Whatever it was he was saying, she only caught one word at the end.

“Kohaku.”

** Moments earlier **

Kohaku had spent several hours up where his temple home once had been. He was heartbroken. Nothing was left, not even the paving stones. He had noticed a few area markers, but those had been worn down by time. Just how long had he been asleep? He felt his emotions boiling inside of him, he wanted to scream, to cry but couldn’t. Why couldn’t he? What was wrong with him? And where was his big brother? Shaking his head, he stood on the peak until the moon had come out. He felt the chill in the air. It felt like it was the last days of summer, and autumn was soon to come.

He had been born in the start of spring, and adored the changing of the seasons, from winter to spring and summer to fall. It was a balance of nature that always made him feel comfortable and secure. But after seeing his home now lost in time, he no longer felt that security. A deep sigh escaped his lips as he started back down the mountain. The moon had risen high, and it was nearly midnight now as he reached the waterfall where his room had been translocated so long ago. At least he had that, his room and all his possessions. But he would instantly trade them all to be held in his sisters' paws and tails again for just one moment.

Looking out, he saw the moonlight shining over what had once been his family’s land, now turned into a campground for ponies. Blinking, he saw a light shadowy shape walk towards the water. Leaning forward he saw it was a pony, probably out for a nighttime swim. He put his front paws on the rocks just by the top of the waterfall and looked out. The pony was light gray in color with lavender hair, and from the small point parting it, it was a unicorn. A female unicorn, judging by the soft curves. Leaning in, he felt the rock that his paws were on slip. He looked down as just one little phrase came into his head.

Oh fuck... he thought as he felt himself slip from the edge. His young eleven year old mind, seeing the fun possibility, then followed swiftly with CANNONBALL!!! He tucked himself into a tight ball, falling swiftly to the lake below, ending in a quick, loud, heavy splash.

Dog-paddling up to the surface and toward the edge, he popped his head out of the water and as he reached the shallows, started to walk slowly toward the shore. His body dripped water as the moisture made his sleek fur cling to him, making the amber leaf swirls over his body all the more pronounced. Looking up, he saw the pony he had seen from the waterfall top. She was now less then a few feet away, her eyes wide with shock.

“Oh sorry about that, I thought I’d have some fun on the way down, did you see that splash? Was it awesome or what?” Forestsong said as he gave her a grin. It was then that he saw her start to back away, her eyes staying steady with his.

“Okay I guess it might not have been my best but I’m sure it’s still noteworthy right?” The young kitsune said, still grinning as he walked forward. He was trying to be as friendly as he could be. He knew how skittish ponies were.

Blinking, the pony girl turn and suddenly run in the opposite way. Had he said something wrong? Then it dawned on him that he hadn't even properly introduced himself. His sisters would have cuffed him upside his head for being so impolite. Dashing forward, he kept his body tight as he used the grass to help propel himself and then slid into her path.

“Look, I'm sorry, I should have introduced myself. I’m..” he started to say before the pony girl turned and ran away yet again. Why is she doing this? Is she playing a game of chase? If so, I can certainly get into it, he thought as he dashed after her yet again he quickly over took the pony and shot in front of her. His breathing became heavier as he was still a little winded from his dive into the lake water. He barely had time to get words out this time as she turned and ran toward the campsite.

Like a flash, he ran out and overtook her yet again. Few ponies her size could hope to keep up with this kitsune on his own home turf. Standing there in front of her, he smiled wide and started to walk toward her. “Ya know, as fun as this is I am getting a bit winded. I’m..” he started before he saw her move backwards. “Look out!” he yelled as the pony girl back into the crumpled towel behind her and roll and land flat on her back.

Leaping forward with concern as her head hit the ground, he landed almost on top of her. “Hey, you okay? You should watch where you're going,” he said as he just stood there over her, looking down into those emerald eyes. “I’m Kohaku, what’s your name?”

Waiting for a reply, he noticed her legs positioned up close to her body. She was scared. She wasn’t playing with him, she was trying to get away from him. Why, though? He wasn’t going to hurt her. No kitsune would hurt a pony. Speaking softly, he gave her his best smile, then repeated his greeting.

“My name is Kohaku.”