Pearl's Beloved Forestsong

Chapters

Chapter 1 - Pain Within a Storm
Chapter 2 - Questions and Concerns
Chapter 3 - Realization
Chapter 5 - Her Fox
Chapter 6 - Concerns and Confessions
Chapter 7 - Her thoughts, His feelings
Chapter 8 - His Vixen
Chapter 9 - Epilogue
Chapter 4 - Lifting the rose colored veil

Chapter 1 - Pain Within a Storm

Pearl ran as hard as she could through the streets of Ponyville. Tears streamed down her face, making her eyesight blurry, hiding where she was going. Not that she cared anymore. She just wanted to desperately get away from the sight she had witnessed. A once beautiful asian gown was in tatters about her body. Thankfully the night was so black. Luna’s moon was hidden by thick storm clouds. Keeping to the shadows she didn’t want anypony to see her.

Never once in all her sixteen years, had Pearl been treated so horribly by anypony. She felt sick, humiliated, and worst of all heartbroken. As she ran, thunder roared overhead only seconds before a heavy downpour drenched the teenager. Within seconds a heavy wind struck at the young Pegasus, throwing her against a tree.

Grunting heavily, Pearl stood up and looked around. The sudden blow caused her to take note of her surroundings. A loud thunder clap caused her to kneel down quickly and raise a wing to protect herself. Peeking her head out from her wing she tried to get her bearings. A sudden flash of lightning illuminated the outline of a cottage with a massive tree growing off the side of it.

Shivering she leaned against the tree as the rain started to get colder. Her adrenaline fueled escape ran to a close. She had traversed the entire length of Ponyville and now found herself near the Everfree Forest. A familiar part of it that she visited frequently. With a low groan Pearl spread her wings out in front of her. With the wind buffering against them Pearl made her way to the cabin. He was one of the last individuals she wanted to see that night. But also the one who could help her the most.

Kohaku laid there on his back in his room. He loved the room more than any other part of the small cozy cabin. Partly because he grew it himself, with a small help from his mentor Twilight. The tree itself was almost as large as the Golden Oaks. In short he had used that old place as the blueprint for his private room. From the outside everypony only saw a tree with a domed canopy set one story above the cabin. But from the inside it was a two story room.

Below was your basic room. Various bookshelves were built into the curved walls, as well as a desk he could actually lay out on. Small hidden windows were set an equal distance apart from each other, just below the second floor. Set on the desk were scrolls and books he needed for the various assignments his mentor gives him on a daily basis. Starting from the door to the cabin was a staircase that followed the curve of the tree to the second floor.

The second floor was a crowning achievement. From floor to the dome top the walls looked to have been made of leaves and small branches. A small crystal shimmered at the very center of the domed ceiling. During the day anyone in here would see leaves with a central three hundred and sixty window. But at night the entire top half of the domed room vanished to give the appearance of sleeping outside. Wind and rain were the same inside as out, but without the damaging or annoying effects.

Kohaku felt the cool rain against his fur without so much as getting wet. The young fox watched in wonder at the storm above him. He could cancel the illusion at a word but he loved feeling that he was outside. He had to give his old Oniisan credit, it was the best sixteenth birthday present Kohaku had received.

The illusion itself never reached past the halfway point on the walls, leaving his various tables untouched. Tables covered with a few books and other nicknacks as a reminder of his old family. The only other furnishing on the second floor was a large circular bed that took up half the room. Pillows piled in the middle gave him support regardless where he wanted to lay.

A heavy knocking coming from the main house brought Kohaku out of his skygazing. Moving to his window he saw a familiar Pegasus shape pounding on the front door. Dashing from his room he quickly made it to the front door, every small nocturnal animal in his path quickly moving aside. Throwing the entryway open revealed his closest friend.

“Well don’t just stand there get in here. Before you catch a cold,” Kohaku said, helping Pearl into the dark house. A few critters poked their heads out of their homes to see what the commotion was. Reaching out with a tender paw he brushed aside her wet hair. “You look like something the cat hawked up.”

“Very funny,” Pearl sarcastically grunted before coughing hard. “I’m in no mood for your jokes Kohaku.” Closing her eyes she roughly batted his paw away from her face, her hoof making full contact with his wrist. “I’ve just had the worst night of my life.”

Nodding a little Kohaku rubbed his wrist a little. His friend certainly knew where to hit and how hard. With a soft sigh he sat in front of his friend, back turned to her. Before she could utter a word of protest, he wrapped all three tails around Pearl’s waist and pulled her in close before standing up on all fours. Leaving the teenage filly on his back.

“What the…” Was all she could get out before a tail around her mussel silenced her. She hated when he did this.

“Well, let's get you out of those clothes and cleaned up before you get sick. Then you can tell me all about your night.” Kohaku’s tail slowly slipped from Pearl’s mussel.

Opening and closing her mouth a few times to loosen the muscles Pearl looked at the back of her friend's head. “You're not going to be joining me again are you?”

“What and being denied the pleasure of helping you recover?” As the pair reached Fluttershy's bathroom he looked over his shoulders. “Parrish the thought my dear. It’s the duty of every shining knight to care for the fair maiden.” His paw lightly touched his chest as he closed his eyes with a smile.

“Shining Knight? You're more like a pestering peasant,” Pearl chuckled along with Kohaku. He always knew how to make her smile. And silently cursed him for it. She didn’t want to smile. She didn’t want a shower, she just wanted to hide away in the deepest darkest corner of the world. However one look into those warm amber eyes and knew in a heartbeat she had been routed and disarmed. “Fine, let's just get this over with.”

Pearl sat there with her shoulders hunched, Kohaku currently humming to one of his favorite songs playing on the shower speakers, while currently and carefully washing along her back. She closed her eyes and slowly raised her face into the hot water flowing over her, her sore muscles feeling a little more relaxed.

“I have to say your rather tense Pearl. More than usual,” Kohaku continued to wash down from shoulders to waist. “I dare say a massage might be in order.”

“Don’t even think about it.” Was Pearl’s reply with a low grumble. She knew his pension for massages. She even enjoyed them occasionally, his paws did wonders with tight muscles. But, while she didn’t mind a shower tonight, Pearl was in no mood for a massage.

Kohaku chuckled and half rolled his eyes. Shrugging a bit he just continued by taking a short, wide bamboo bucket in paw. Then dumped a large amount of hot water over his friend's body. He couldn’t help but notice the hoof prints on her back. And the tender spots where she was likely struck. “So I'm guessing your date didn’t go so well.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Pearl’s voice tightened as she tensed up a bit more, trying to shrink herself.

“Common, you can tell me.” Kohaku placed his paw on her shoulder only to be suddenly knocked to the ground and held down by Pearl’s front hooves. He saw her narrowed eyes and was about to burst into tears.

“I said I don’t want to talk about it! Now drop it!” She shouted and finished her talk off with a swift slam of her hoof into his midsection before walking off into the corner and bursting into tears.

Kohaku didn’t even make the attempt to look or feel hurt by his friend’s actions. Rolling onto his belly he just looked at her. Something had happened, something bad. And while he was used to being her go to punching bag, that look in her eyes showed him she wanted to punch somepony else. With a sigh he got up and moved in closer and just wrapped his forelimbs around her shoulder.

Turning Pearl around he looked into her eyes and held her to his chest. Letting her cry hard as he caressed her mane softly. “It’s okay Pearl. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” After a few moments he pushed her to leg’s length and held a paw under her chin. “Why don’t you head up to my room, slip into one of my night shirts and make yourself comfortable. I’ll be up in a bit with something that will help.”

Pearl bit down on her lower lip. She wanted to leave, to get away, do anything but look into those amber eyes of his. But rather than run like she had before, she just nodded as he walked her to the door.

As he watched Pearl enter his room Kohaku’s friendly demeanor changed so quickly somepony could have gotten whiplash. Something had happened to his friend. Something bad. The torn dress. The markings on her body were made by hooves, she had been fighting. Not so unusual as his friend was a spitfire of a filly. Putting away his sandsoaps with his bamboo rinse bucket he shut off the water. And stood there with a paw against the slate lined wall.

There was also a familiar smell, it was always around stallions when mares were in estrus. A sign of their lustful intent. Somehow a stallion was involved with this. The scent wasn't too strong so he was certain she hadn't been touched by one. But it still lingered on her coat.

As she pushed him down, he saw the markings on her hooves. His friend was skilled enough to fight back. And she had the defensive wounds to prove it. Taking a few long deep breaths, Kohaku left the bathroom to calm his nerves and get something for his friend.

Pearl sat on her friend's bed. Dressed in a large oversized night shirt made of blue silk with pink cherry blossoms on it. Her hind legs were pulled up to her chest with her front legs around them. She heard the storm all around her as she thought about the night. A night she had planed out for weeks. Even went as far to get everything ready by the week her parents were out of town.

How could Lotus do that to her? Seeing her by the lake in the arms of a large stallion was like a dagger to her heart. At first she thought something bad was happening but as she heard their voices. Her wounded heart shattered.

“I thought you weren’t into this?” the stallion had said after the long passionate kiss had ended. “Aren't you dating that lil filly Pearl?”

“Ha, that little skank. Hardly,” Lotus said as she caressed the stallion’s chest with her hoof. “She was just a bit of entertainment I wanted. As if I would ever really hook up with that fox whore. Can you imagine. Interspecies sex, I wonder if she gives it out to dragons too,” Lotus laughed aloud.

“You that sure their having sex? They seem like just friends,” the stallion questioned as he nibbled on Lotus’s ear.

“Oh please, that lowbrow fox is constantly entering and leaving that girls’ bedroom window,” Lotus cooed out. “I’m not blind nor am I stupid. I’ve even seen her going into HIS room at night by window. There’s no doubt in my mind they’re having sex.”

Pearl couldn’t take it. She screamed as loud as she could and charged at Lotus. The pain of her betrayal was boiling in her blood. Running out she slammed her hoof across her former girlfriend’s face. After that her night became a blur. Harsh words and hooves flying about. Their clothing quickly becoming rags hanging from their bodies.

Pearl moaned to herself as she continued to recall the words spoken. Each one tearing at her. She cared for Lotus, loved her to the point of giving the unicorn her virginity. She wasn’t sure when she was pulled away but she felt horrible as she was tossed in a mud pile. Looking up she noticed Red Light and Cloud Dancer. The look on their faces told Pearl she just didn’t loose a girlfriend, she lost three friends. The quartet just looked at the mud stained girl and just laughed at her.

Despite the shower she just had, Pearl felt as if she would never again feel clean. Looking over she saw Kohaku’s prized tanto. A gift Kohaku had gotten from his father on his tenth birthday. Getting up she walked over to it and took the handle in her hooves. Slowly pulling the shiny blade from it’s dark sheith she stared at it. Staring at the silver blade she imagined it sliding across her foreleg. It wasn’t until a soft paw touched her shaking hooves that she looked up.

“Yeah let's leave that alone Pearl.” Pulling the tanto from her hooves, Kohaku replaced it on his shelves and produced a bowl of fruit and a cup of tea.

“I’m not hungry.”

“I don’t care. Eat up. I doubt you had your dinner and I'm not letting you go to bed hungry.” Kohaku set the tray down and then laid out on his bed

Shooting him an angry look Pearl couldn’t help but be touched by his caring actions. At the sight of her favorite fruits and tea, her hunger from earlier that night returned. Pearl just ate as quickly as she could and joined her friend on the bed. Pearl soon felt Kohaku wrap his front legs around her and pull her in close. His head nuzzled warmly atop her own.

He didn’t say anything or even ask any more questions. Kohaku just held her close. It wasn’t long till he felt her tears again on his chest tuft. Each tear drop brought him to a new level of rage for the ones who did this to her. And he would make them suffer for each and every tear she had shed. As he felt her fall asleep, Kohaku kissed the top of her head and followed suit.

Twilight could just scream as she stood there in her nightgown. Lowering her gaze, she looked over at the line of star guards in front of her. At the center was her captain. The one who barged into her living quarters.

“Captain Kirouac, What is so important that you barge into my private living chambers. And go about Interrupting quality time with my family. You best have a very good reason for it or your going to be back on hoof patrol!” Twilight slammed her hoof down on the large desk. “When you took over for Book I thought you were a bit more qualified. Maybe I was wrong.”

Despite being half dragon, Kirouac gulped. He hated infuriating his princess. “I’m truly sorry princess. But there was an assault report that came across my desk. We have three witness’s that place your student Pearl Rose assaulted Lotus Bloom tonight. But we also have another witness, a gardener at the rose park that states Pearl was provoked.

Twilight’s eyes widened as she fell backward into her chair. Her brain trying to process the information. Her student and Lotus had been dating for the last few months. So why would they be hoof fighting each other. “Is she okay? Have the girls been taken to the hospital?”

“That’s the thing Princess. Miss Bloom is in Ponyville general but as for your student Pearl. Well, we can’t find her,” Kirouac gulped. “There have been some reports that says she was running in the direction of the Everfree Forest. Unfortunately it was just as the wild storm was reaching the outskirts of Ponyville.”

Closing her eyes, Twilight felt her heartbeat increase. She knew just how dangerous those storms were. Even adult pegasi wouldn’t dare fly in one at least not with out a barrier spell. Looking up she stared at Kirouac. “Work with the Unicorn recovery unit. Get barrier spells and search the areas. I want my student found NOW!”

“Ma’am, we can’t search it this late at night. Even for a dragon those wild storms are lethal to be out in. But first thing in the morning when the storm passes. We will be able to search.”

Rubbing her temples with her wing tips, Twilight looked out of her window at the storm that almost circled around Ponyville. Even from her castle she saw the flashes of light and heard the loud clashes of thunder. With such high winds and heavy rains, it was inconceivable that her student would be foolish enough to be out there. But she couldn’t take any chances. And she agreed with Kirouac. It was far too dangerous to send anypony else into that.

‘I wonder. If she did go that way, was she running to him?’ Twilight pondered looking at the far wall at the map of ponyville. The only ponies who lived out in that direction were Zecora and Fluttershy. She knew Fluttershy was out for the next few weeks, but her darling little brother was keeping watch. A smile crossed her lips as she looked at the picture of the small cottage. turning to her captain of the guard Twilight nodded. “Alright, I think I know where she’s going, but search everywhere you can just in case.”

“We shall Princess. The unicorn weather predictors say it should pass by morning. And we will waste no time.”

Nodding Twilight turned away. “I’ll be joining you. I have an Idea where she might have gone. So while I check that out, I want you to comb the area just in case. Now if you don’t mind get out.”

Nodding “of course Princess.” Within moments Twilight was left alone in her office.

Taking a picture from her desk she gave a light chuckle. Pearl and herself were eating ice cream at Sugar Cube corner. They were both laughing at Kohaku who had taken part in the frozen treat eating contest. Her young student had chocolate ice cream running down his face and a banana hanging from the side his nose. Which he was trying to get with his tongue. “Be safe Pearl, take good care of her Kohaku.”

Setting the picture down she walked out of her office to rejoin her family knowing Rainbow would be bombarding her with countless questions.

Chapter 2 - Questions and Concerns

“A pox on all roosters,” Pearl groaned as a loud rooster roused the teenager from her sleep. Grabbing a pillow and pulling it down over her ears she kept her eyes closed and tried to drown out the loud crowing. “Roosters?” Lifting her head up she blinked. “Why am I hearing Roosters? My alarm clock doesn't go cock-a-doodle-doo.” Dropping the silken pillow she sat up and looked around.

“I’m in Kohaku’s room? What the buck am I doing here?” Lifting a hoof she rubbed it on the side of her head, which throbbed like crazy. Not unlike the hangover she had the first time she sampled Kohaku’s bottle of Sake. “How did I even get here? Last thing I recall I was… was… what was I doing?” Pulling her hind legs up to her chest she hugged them in that seated position.

Looking down, Pearl found herself wearing one of Kohaku’s night shirts. It was long enough she could just add a belt or sash and it would work as a dress. She didn’t find this too unusual. she usually stole a shirt of his when she snuck into his room. Or staying overnight after a long study session.

“And where is my useless pile of fur anyway?” Pearl just looked about. Kohaku was nowhere to be seen or heard. Just a small pile of clothes with a small note. Scooting closer to the edge of the circular bed, Pearl looked down at the note.

Pearl,

I let you sleep in, after the night you had you deserve it. I tossed out your torn dress and panties. There was no saving them and believe me, I tried.

So here’s something for you to wear. Everything should fit comfortably enough. I'll also go grab a few things from your house this afternoon.

Mischievously yours,

Kohaku

Sighing, Pearl looked at the pile of clothes. She noticed that they were a pair of Kohaku’s old shorts. One of his old silken shirts and a pair of yellow panties. Holding it in her hoof she blinked, shrugging she quickly dressed and walked to the three sixty window. The clothes fit her almost perfectly, save for the shirt which was a little too loose for her tastes.

Watching the scene outside she noticed she had slept half the day away. It wasn’t until she heard music downstairs in the main house that she left Kohaku’s room.

Slowly walking down the hallway she peaked and almost fell backwards in total shock. Dancing across the entire living room area were not one, not two but five Kohaku’s. Each one dusting and cleaning various parts of the room with their tails. All while singing along to a song on the radio. Which she recognized as the kirin pop song Lucifer.

“Oh please let this be a nightmare, if not I'm going to need therapy,” Pearl muttered as she slapped her face trying to wake up.

As the song finished playing Kohaku stood there and noticed Pearl. Smiling, he looked over his shoulder.

“Take five guys.” And with a double clap of his paws the four other Kohaku’s vanished like dust.

“No let me guess, another one of Discord’s tricks you mastered?” Pearl groaned looking at her friend who merely smiled and nodded.

“Yup, they come in handy when doing chores. And with so many, I need all the help I can get.” Kohaku chuckled as he looked Pearl over and nodded. “Looking good, I hope you're okay with the selection I chose.”

“Yes I like it. I’m just glad you take such care with your old things.” Pearl sat down and looked about. The room was spotless, and that’s saying something when you house dozens of small animals in your living space. “But I'm not even going to think about the panties? What, you steal them from an old girlfriend?”

“No, they’re just borrowed. I’m sure neechan won’t mind.”

“Speaking of which, where is she?” Pearl knew Fluttershy barely leaves her home as she was busier than the Apple family on the farm.

“Out on a nature retreat vacation,” Kohaku stretched as he grabbed one of two bottles on a nearby table. “She won’t be back for two weeks. She needed the rest and Tree Hugger had an extra ticket to the resort.”

Looking Pearl over again he motioned with his head and moved to the kitchen with Pearl moving behind him slowly.

As she sat herself at the table she found it filled with bowls of fruit, and several stacks of three inch tall fluffy pancakes which she absolutely adored. Pearl felt her mouth water just looking at them.

“I thought you might want something special after such a rough night.” Kohaku said with little pleasure. Pearl looked at the plate in front of him had something she rather disturbing as he sat across from her. Not so much the hashbrowns or eggs, but it was the several brown charred strips of something that had red jucies pushing out from it. The smell reminded her of when she passed a griffon butcher shop.

Quirking an eyebrow at her friend she lifted it up and bit on her lower lip. “Is that what I think it is?”

“If you mean seasoned seared steak, then yes.” Pearl watched as Kohaku popped one of the strips into his mouth along with a bit of egg. One of the pitfalls of being best friends with a predator type creature. Even after all these years, while she was used to seeing it. It still turned her stomach.

Closing her eyes she piled her plate with pancakes and fruit with copious amounts of syrup and just tried to eat. She still didn’t have much of an appetite. The memories of what Lotus had done to her weighed heavy on her mind. But she knew how hard it was to make those pancakes. She almost set her kitchen on fire trying to make them. And if her best friend was going to this length for her, she didn’t want to offend him.

At the first bite she felt a pleasurable shiver down her back and cursed her friend for being so damned talented.

Twilight stood outside of Fluttershy’s cabin. Looking around she found the storm had ravaged the yard. She knew somepony was going to have one hell of a time cleaning it. She was thankful the cabin itself was spared any damage, save for a few small loose shingles.

Taking a few deep breaths she held her hoof above the door. Scared to know what she’ll find. Is her student hurt, in pain, or is she even here. Taking a long deep breath she knocked three times on the door and stood there. Within a few moments she heard a set of hooves on the other side.

“Who.. Who’s there?” a weak but familiar voice answered. A voice that made Twilight smile.

“Pearl, please open up.” Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. “It’s me Twilight.” Twilight stood there silently for several moments. She was sure her student was going to open the door right away. After a few moments she heard the sound of several locks being undone. And the door cracked open.

“Twilight?” Pearl muttered weakly. Within a moment the door was flung open and Pearl leaped into her teachers from limbs in a tight hug. “Twilight! You have no idea how good it is to see you right now.”

“Oh Pearl.” Twilight softly caressed Pearl’s mane. “I was so worried about you.”

“I’m fine Twilight, please come on in,” Pearl stepped aside and spread her wings out for her mentor. After Twilight was in Pearl swiftly shut the door and relocked it.

Twilight looked over her shoulder for a moment. “You don’t have to go to that extreme Pearl. It’s just me.”

“I know, I’m just… taking precautions.” Pearl shivered and bit down on her lower lips. “Kohaku’s suggestion.”

“Well he always has your best interest at heart.” Twilight said as she walked about the room for a moment before sitting in front of her student. “Not unlike myself. We both care deeply for you Pearl.”

“I know. I know.” Pearl sighed out and sat next to her mentor. Leaning into Twilight’s shoulder, she soon felt a warm comfortable wing wrapped around her. “I take it you’re here because of what happened last night?”

“Yes, I heard about it.” Twilight tightened her grip on Pearl while softly caressing down her back. “I have to say I’m surprised. Would you mind explaining why you went so far as to assault your girlfriend?”

“Ex girlfriend.” Pearl pushed her head against Twilights’ floof and shifted as Twilight nodded slowly. “The two timing trollop.”

“So you caught your girl in the legs of another girl?” Twilight caressed down Pearl’s mane. It was the teenager’s head shaking that brought questions to her mind.

“A stallion.”

“I see.” Twilight nodded slowly in understanding. “I’m so sorry Pearl.”

Pearl sighed, turning her gaze away. “How did you find out anyway?

“Well we received a report about assault, Lotus claimed you assaulted her for no reason. Collaborated by three witnesses.”

Pearl nodded before she pulled away from Twilight and moved to the hanging bird houses. “Oh great, what more can they do to make me suffer. That’s like rubbing salt in my open wound. So what kind of trouble am I in?”

“None,” Twilight sighed as she moved up onto Fluttershy’s sofa. “There’s another witness. One who’s a bit more reliable than a close group of friends and lovers. He said they had been provoking you. You were simply defending yourself and your friends honor, nopony can fault you for that.”

“Oh how rude of me, How could I be so stupid. You’ve been sitting here all this time and I haven't gotten you anything. Granted I’m a guest here myself. Kohaku would flip if he learned I didn’t at least offer you a drink. You know what a stickler he is for that.”

“Indeed. That’s one of the few things Rarity loved about him when he was dating her daughter. His courtesy toward guests.” Twilight laughed along with Pearl but shook her head. “You don’t have to get me anything Pearl. You know I’m surprised you didn’t just come to the castle. It’s much closer to the rose gardens.”

“Well, I, I don’t know. It was late. Going on instinct more than anything else. And I guess I just didn’t want to interrupt you with your family.” Pearl blushed and shifted back and forth.

Twilight smiled as she watched her student. “You could have come in, you’re always welcome. But I’m sure Kohaku was happy to see you. And no doubt you talked to him about last night.” Twilight’s smile vanished as she watched Pearl shake her head.

“He asked me about it.”

“And?”

“I yelled at him, punched him in the stomach then stormed out of the bathroom.” Pearl sat by the front windows and looked out, watching all the small animals graze at the tall grass.

“So you haven't talked about it.”

“I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to forget it ever happened.” Pearl bowed her head. Trying her hardest to hide the tears forming in her eyes.

“Pearl.” Twilight softly brushed her wing against her student’s who turned around and hugged Twilight again, crying hard.

“Why.. Why did she do this to me?”

Twilight shook her head wishing she had an answer for her beloved student. Her wings tightened as the princess held her precious student to her body.

“I wish I knew the answer, Pearl. But how about you and I go out to Sugar Cube Corner. We can talk about it and sample the new recipes Pinkie has created.”

Pearl bit on her lower lip. Looking about, she cautiously weighed her options. She knew her mentor wasn’t about to give up. And she certainly couldn’t silence her the way she could Kohaku. The mention of new baked goods did make her mouth water and it was a while since she spent any time alone with Twilight. With a defeated sigh, Pearl smiled at the closest thing she had to a second mother.

“Let's go.”

Chapter 3 - Realization

Kohaku leaned up against the massive apple tree, a piece of straw hanging from his lips. It was the biggest and oldest tree in the entire orchard. Only his oniisan was strong enough to harvest from it. And even then it took multiple hits to do so. Kohaku, clenching his fist, slammed it hard into the old tree. A strike that brought down a pawful of apples, which landed in the baskets.

Kohaku loved helping his Oniisan. The two of them had been working around the farm together. Even after Mac and Fluttershy had gone their separate ways. Kohaku kept his brotherly relationship. It’s something he needed then, and even more now.

“Upset much little apple?” Big Mac used the nickname he gave Kohaku when he much younger, as he kicked his side of the tree. Forcing more of the apples down into the large circle of baskets.

“Does it show?” Kohaku pressed his head against the warm old tree. He could feel the water flowing inside of it moving up from the roots. The slow breathing of the leaves. The tree was old, but it thrived with as much vigor as the younger ones. Placing his paw where he struck he ignited his foxfire and healed the mark he made.

“Eeyup.” Was Mac’s constant reply to just about everything. Looking off to the side, the stallion took a deep breath and moved closer to his ‘little brother’. “Somthin’s bothering you. And i’m guessin’ it’s filly troubles, right?”

Kohaku nodded slowly.

“A new one or an old one?” Mac picked up a piece of straw and munched on it the same as Kohaku. Pressing his back into the old tree.

“She’s not exactly new or old. She’s just a friend.”

“Pearl?” Mac looked out across the acres of trees. All grown by generation after generation of Apples. Mac understood just how deep Kohaku’s feelings went for the alabaster pegasus. So much so Mac ear twitched at the bitterness in Kohaku's voice as he said ‘friend’.

“She was hurt, Oniisan. She was hurt real bad and she won’t talk to me about it.” Moving over, Kohaku sat himself up against Mac’s body and rested his head on his big brother’s shoulder. A move that was welcomed by Mac wrapping a front leg around Kohaku’s shoulder.

“I know how that feels.” Playfully ruffling Kohaku’s hair with his other hoof. Mac smiled. “My advice is don’t force it. When she’s ready, she’ll talk to ya. And even if she don’t, the best thing you can do is be there for her.”

Sighing, Kohaku nodded slowly and kept his head down. “I can handle her silence, it’s the pain she suffered that I can’t deal with.” With a low growl Kohaku felt his oniisan’s grip around his shoulders tighten. “I want nothing more right now than to hunt down those who hurt her, and repay all that pain ten fold.”

“Now that there is biggest thing you and I share little apple, our tempers.'' The pair looked at each other and nodded in unison. “And those tempers can get us in a lot of trouble. And that’s not somethin I want for you.”

Taking a long deep breath, Kohaku looked up and watched a small flock of birds over the eastern orchard. Getting up Kohaku slipped from his brother's grip, grabbed his basket of apples and pushed it into the cart. Looking over his shoulders Kohaku smiled. “I’m gonna take off if you don’t mind. I need to do something.”

“Your not thinkin of doing anything stupid are you?”

“Oh common Oniisan, you know me.” Kohaku smiled wider.

“Eeyup, I know you. Now answer the question.” Mac smirked and nodded.

“I’m just going to do some hunting,” Kohaku’s eyes met Mac’s. “Since last night I’ve had this overwhelming urge to kill something. Perhaps taking my frustrations out on a jackrabbit or two might help.”

Mac narrowed his eyes and looked deep into Kohaku’s. Sighing deeply he just nodded and moved back to the large tree. “Alright, take care of what you need to do.” turning his back to Kohaku and watched the large apple tree as he heard Kohaku dash away.

“I feel sorry for anypony in his path right now.” Mac sighed deeply as he shook his head.

Pearl moaned pleasurably as she munched on one of Pinkie Pie’s newest cupcakes. She didn’t think that chocolate and cotton candy would ever go together. But somehow the hyperactive baker made it work.

“We should have a few of these packed up for Kohaku.” Twilight smiled as she daybed her lips with a napkin. “You know he’ll be disappointed we came here without him.

“Yeah, but it’s nice to just have a girls day.” Pearl pushed aside her empty plate and sat back in the booth. “We have to do this more often.”

“I agree. So are you feeling better?” Pearl nodded happily as she looked up in her mentor’s eyes. “I’m glad, now we can talk about what you're going through.”

“Do I have too?” Groaning Pearl slumped down a bit. Trying to make herself smaller.

“It will help. I know from personal experience.” Twilight rested her hooves on the table as Pinkie hopped over and took the plates away. “I’ve had my heart broken many times, so I can understand what you feel.”

Pearl nodded and groaned. With another sigh she looked up at her mentor. “Can we talk about it at the spa?”

Twilight's eyes widened with a slight grin. “The Spa? You want to go voluntarily to the ponyville spa.” Pearl just nodded. “You and Rainbow fight me like cats and dogs when I mention going there. Saying it’s too ‘girly’ for you.”

“I just feel like I want to be pampered.” Pearl blushed and bowed her head.

“Sure, let's continue our girls' day at the spa.”

It was true that Pearl openly disliked going to the spa. But like Rainbow, deep down she really enjoyed it. As her and twilight entered the spa, she was bouncing up and down on the inside. As she changed into the plush robe and slippers she felt a bit more relaxed. The soothing music and rich smell of incense filled her head.

As Aloe and Lotus escorted the pair to the massage tables. Pearl happily laid out on her belly as Aloe started to massage over the young girls lower back.

“Mmmm this feels good.” Pearl happily moaned as she closed her eyes.

“It certainly does.” Twilight chuckled as Lotus worked over the princess. “I’m surprised Kohaku didn’t massage you. You tend to enjoy his paws working out your tense muscles.”

“He offered, but I was still so disgusted that Bloom cheated on me with a stallion of all creatures. I just didn’t care for it.” Pearl huffed and hugged the table. Giving a quick grunt as Aloe pressed into a rather tight spot between her wings. “Can you even believe that she thought me and Kohaku were having sex. How could anypony think that?”

“Pearl, I had my suspicions you might not know.” Twilight cooed as her wing muscles were being worked on.

“Know what?” Pearl turned her head to her mentor and quirked an eyebrow.

“Well, there’s been a rumor going around Ponyville for the last two years that you and Kohaku have been… sexualy active.” Twilight sighed out.

“WHAT!” Pearl shot up so quickly that Aloe jumped back. “Wh.. why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“I thought you knew. And I didn’t find out myself till a few weeks ago when I caught my guards whispering about it when you and he were hugging.”

As Aloe pushed Pearl back down and asked the young girl to remain that way. Pearl groaned. “Oh great. That’s just what I need. What more can happen to me.”

“Pearl, you know your friends don’t believe such rumors. Right?” Twilight watched as Pearl just nodded.

“How could such a rumor even start?”

“Well it’s not too far-fetched. Not when you two enter each other's rooms at night through the window. And stay until morning.” Twilight chuckled.

“So we like each other's company, big deal.” Sighing Pearl folded her front legs and rested her head on them. Staring at the corner plant with a small repeating waterfall fountain. “He shows up when I need a shoulder to cry on. Or help with a school project that I forget about. And I go to him when I have an argument with my parents.”

“I know all that Pearl. I’m glad you two are so close.” Sitting up she waved her hoof and asked for the mud baths to be prepared. “You two support each other in ways nopony else can.”

Pearl couldn’t help but nod as she got up from the table and moved to the door. “Yeah.” Pearl remained silent as she and Twilight got into the thick mud baths. The intense heat flooded her body, making her whimper a little. “Just great. My best relationship is with my best friend. I had such dreams when I was with Lotus.”

Twilight kept silent and listened to her young friend. A hot towel covering her eyes.

“I loved her. I could feel her loving legs around me at night. So much that I wanted to feel them all the time. I even decided to give her my virginity. Take our relationship to the next level. Was I wrong in wanting that? To feel loved that way? To be loved that way?” Pearl rested her head back as Aloe placed a steaming towel over her eyes. “But no. She didn’t care about me at all. Stringing me along, believing a rumor that wasn’t true. How am I ever going to get over this?”

“You will, it won’t be easy. But with the support of all your true friends. You will.”

“Was it too much to ask, to be held close by someone I loved. To feel those strong legs around my barrel. To feel a pair of soft lips against my own. To feel a pair of gentle and tender paws against my body and know that they will never hurt me.” Twilight lifted her towel and quirked an eyebrow at her student but remained silent as she talked. “That they will keep me warm and safe in his grip. To love that one creature so much that I will be taken to the heights of ecstasy I've dreamed about.”

“His paws?” Twilight smirked as she replaced the hot towel on her eyes.

“Huh? What about paws?”

“You said you wanted to feel a set of tender paws against your body. And safe with in his grip”

“No, I said tender hooves. And HER grip.” Pearl scoffed.

“Pearl. I’m many things but I’m not deaf.” Twilight sank a little deeper into the mud bath till it came up to her neck. “Something tells me you are repressing something about a certain little fox friend of ours.”

Pearl just laughed and shook her head. “Oh please. Kohaku and I are just friends. Best friends. I don’t have any romantic feelings for him. I’m gay, how could I. it’s not like his hot tight little rump gets me all flustered. How watching him work on the farm makes my wings puff up.” Pearl chuckled before going into a dead silence. Sitting up she felt the hot towel fall into the mud bath. Her eyes wide, her mouth hung open.

Twilight removed her own hot towel and watched her student. That mouth gaping open and closed several times. She knew Pearl’s mind had just crashed and was trying to reboot. Chuckling herself she recalled the many times she had seen Pearl stair at Kohaku’s haunches as he walked away. And even popping a wing boner as the boy pulled a plow across the fields with his big brother. Even she had to admit her student looked rather attractive that way.

“No… no no no.. that can’t be true. Can it?” Pearl whimpered as she breathed heavily.

“Only you can answer that, Pearl. Remember our trip to the Dragon Queen?. You and Kohaku were snuggled up together most of the way on the train. I have never seen you smile so much.”

“So I find him comforting. Big deal. That doesn't mean I’m in love with him.”

“Pearl. I’ve seen you two together. How often do you let any of your other friends shower with you? You don’t do that even for your female friends. I’ve seen you shiver at the sight of a naked stallion, but you don’t once do that with him. Or am I mistaken?”

Pearl’s mouth only hung open as she looked at her mentor. “I… I let him preen me.”

“That there is a very intimate action. Only done by someone you trust completely. Which is why only parents and couples do that.”

“But I’m gay! How… I don’t understand.” Pearl shivered as she started to cry a little. Her mind spinning around.

“Pearl. Would it shock you to know that i’m NOT gay.” Pearl swung her head toward Twilight and stared at her.

“But, you're married to Rainbow Dash. You're both mares.”

“We are, and I find her very sexy. She turns me on in ways no stallion ever could. But, I don’t see her as just a female. I see her as Rainbow Dash. That’s who I’m attracted to.” Looking at her student she gazed into those disbelieving eyes. “True love doesn't have a gender Pearl. The heart will always want what it wants. And mine wanted Rainbow. Yours. Well, only you can answer that.”

“Okay… let's say for the sake of argument you're right. And I love Kohaku more than I ever loved Lotus. It’s not like he loves me the same way.” Pearl flopped back against the edge of the tub. “He told me that himself.”

“Yes, when you were both a LOT younger and didn’t really understand your own feelings.” Twilight smiled. “Remember, back then you scoffed at the very Idea of love.”

“But what if he still feels that way.”

“He doesn’t.”

“How could you know?”

“Because I’ve seen how he looks at you.” Twilight stretched and pulled herself from the mud bath. “He looks at you, the way Rainbow looks at me. I’m going to hit the showers and head on to the cabana. I’ll let you just think about all this.”

Pearl watched as her friend and mentor left the room leaving her alone. Pulling her hind legs up to her chest she hugged them tight. Finding a ficus plant in the corner, she just stared at it. Mulling over her own freudian slip.

Chapter 5 - Her Fox

Twilight purred out as she felt her wife Rainbow nibble along her twitching ears. A blue hoof lovingly moving down her toned belly. “Oh Rainbow.” Twilight shivered as she felt those tender lips move down from her ears. Only to appear again at the base of her horn. Causing sparks of magic to erupt from it.

Rainbow giggled as she heard her wife moan and purr at her attentions.

“Rainbow, I have work to do.” Twilight moaned but made no move to stop her wife.

“Come on Twi, it’s been two days since I’ve held my purple princess.” Rainbow pushed Twilight down on the desk and caressed down those purple haunches. “And you know how worked up I get during those Wonderbolt training sessions.”

“You haven't even showered yet, have you.” Twilight smirked

“You know you love it.” Rainbow watched as Twilight blushed a shade of pink but nodded slowly. Looking at the position her princess was in. Rainbow felt her heart pound heavily. “You look so delicious.”

“So what are you waiting for?” Twilight grinned lovingly.

Twilight let out a gasp as she felt Rainbow move lower down her body. But just before she could feel those skillful lips where she needed it. The double door to her office burst open. Twilight’s eyes widened as she watched the half dragon captain of her royal guard stand there with a dumbfounded look on his face.

“Uh.. princess. I uh. Well.” Kirouac stammered as she shifted uncomfortably.

“Talk about a mood killer.” Rainbow huffed as she folded her front legs over Twilight’s belly.

Rolling over, Twilight got down off of her desk and did her best to straighten out her clothes. Leaning in, she kissed Rainbow’s muzzle. “Later.” she whispered in those blue ears before turning to her Captain.

Rainbow shrugged and reziped her wonderbolt’s outfit and moved to the back wall of the office. Looking both frustrated and understanding. After all, her wife’s duties as a princess were very important.

“Alright Kirouac. This better be good.” Twilight sat in her chair and looked at him.

“We have had reports of active timberwolf attacks near the edge of the Everfree Forest.” Kirouac still felt uncomfortable. Having interrupted something he thought might have been important to the married mares. “I need your authority to enact a state of emergency.”

“Done. No pony is to enter the Everfree Forest until the situation has calmed down.” Twilight took out her stamp and applied it to the propper forms.

“I understand that your student Kohaku is in the woods now. Should we send a few of the sky guards to retrieve him?”

“No, Kohaku can take care of himself.” Twilight held her front hooves together with a smile. “Timberwolves offer no threat to him. They tend to stay clear of my student. What with his power to command plantlife and his skillful application of Foxfire.”

“What about Scoots and her friends?” Rainbow chimed in, causing both Twilight and Kirouac to look her way with shocked expressions. “Uh you do know they went into the forest about two hours ago right?”

“How do you know that?” Kirouac blinked.

“Easy. I saw them move into it as I was flying back from practice.” Rainbow saw a look of horror cross her wifes face.

Twilight spun around and looked at her captain. “Get the guards ready. We’re going in to get my daughter and her friends out NOW!” Turning to her wife she panted heavily “Rainbow. Alert the hospital just in case.”

Rainbow’s look matched her wifes. She wasn’t about to let anything happen to those fillies. “On it.” Throwing open the window, Rainbow dashed out in a beeline to the hospital as Kirouac and Twilight ran out the office door.

Pearl huffed and grunted loudly. She couldn’t fly straight as her tears clouded her vision forcing her to land. Folding her wings against her barrel she stormed onward toward Ponyville.

“Hey Pearl, wait up.” Scootaloo called out landing in front of her friend.

Sweetie Belle quickly teleported beside the pair as Applebloom ran up huffing.

“What was the point of all that? Why did you want me to witness that act.” Pearl screamed at her friends as she paced back and forth before them.

“Well it’s just. We know how you feel about him.” Sweetie Belle moved closer.

Pearl said nothing as she just stepped back and forth between the trees. Her breathing grew heavier by the moment.

“We felt that you should know every part of him.” Apple Bloom placed a hoof on Pearl’s shoulder. Only for it to be slapped away by a wing. Leaving the young earth pony to bow her head sadly.

“I told them to leave it to Kohaku to tell you himself.” Scootaloo sighed.

“Not like you did anything to stop them.” Pearl shot her orange friend a dark look. Her hoof wiping a few tears from her eyes.

“You're right, I didn’t.”

“Well it’s not like he would have told her. He hates showing that side of himself to pony’s.” Sweetie Belle yelled at her friends. “I remember how hard it was to see that the first time.”

“What makes you all think I didn’t know about it!” Pearl growled out.

The cmc’s looked at each other and blinked.

“Wait, are you telling us you knew about that part of him already?” Sweetie Belle looked at Pearl who only nodded.

“Of course I knew.” Pearl just rolled her eyes and sat down, pushing her back up against a tree. “There isn’t much he and I haven't talked about. Plus I’m a girl who has an unnatural obsession with dragons. We all know how fierce they are.”

The four girls all nodded together.

Pearl looked over at her friends with a kinder look. “What I'm upset about isn’t seeing him like that. I was just so sure he was going to let the jackrabbit go. It fought so hard, and I know Kohaku respects that. It was such a beautiful, noble animal. But to go for the throat like that. How could he!”

Pearl looked at her three friends and quirked an eyebrow. Their faces shifted from shame to fear in less than a minute. All of them were looking up past her head. A sudden shiver went down her spine as the sound of heavy growling finally caught her ears. Looking up. Pearl found herself eye to eye with not one, but two massive timberwolves.

Kohaku groaned and sighed. Every muscle ached and felt like it was on fire. After burying his friend, he knelt down and recited a hunter’s prayer. Wishing a good afterlife for the fallen and no ill will for the survived.

Zipping up his filled rucksack, Kohaku slung it onto his back. Before he took two steps he heard the collective scream of four fillies. Lifting his head up, his eyes widened as a cold shiver went down his back. With an irritated groan he spoke a soft word. Sending a flame down his body, igniting his markings. Tightening his muscles Kohaku dashed toward the trouble.

“How much trouble can three girls get into?” Kohaku growled. Why any filly would willingly walk into the Everfree Forest was beyond him. Particularly when Timberwolves were at their most dangerous.

Pearl trembled as she looked at the large timberwolf. It’s green eyes glowing brightly as it’s deathly grin widening. ‘So this is how i’m going to go out? Taking apart by a timberwolf.’ She thought and closed her eyes. Sitting up straight she tried to meet her death with at least some dignity. As opposed to her trio of friends that were screaming as they clung together.

The massive timberwolf howled at such an easy kill. Its massive paw raised up. With a powerful swipe down. The beast blinked only to find his prey was gone.

It happened so fast Pearl couldn’t believe it had happened at all. Just when she felt the touch of the Timberwolf paw against her hair. She felt the wind brush against every inch of her body. Opening her eyes she found herself laying reverse cowgirl on Kohaku’s back. While the CMC’s were hanging from each of his tails. Looking over her shoulder she saw the dumbfounded look on the timberwolves and just how heavy Kohaku was breathing.

“Get. off. my. Back.” Kohaku’s words came heavily as he struggled to stay standing.

Pearl wasted no time in obeying Kohaku’s words. She watched as he loosened his tails as he dropped the trio onto their rumps. She watched as he looked over his shoulder and growled loudly. “Stay here, don’t move.” Before she could utter a reply, Pearl watched as he dashed forward.

Kohaku ran at full speed toward the two Timberwolves. As one slammed downward, Kohaku gripped the paw and launched himself upward. Landing his two rear paws into the second, sending it spirally backward. As he did so, Kohaku launched himself off it’s muzzle and punched hard against the face of the first.

Growling, Kohaku felt a large wooden paw wrap around a leg and squeezed. The sound of breaking bones echoed in his ears. With a whistle he sent a wave of foxfire down his leg, numbing the pain as he twisted and shattered the wooden muzzle of the first wolf with a powerful bash of his three tails. With a second whistle he waved his paw toward the second, sending the shards into the second wolf’s torso like daggers.

Pearl shivered as she watched the fight before her. She watched as the second wolf rushed forward and bit down hard against Kohaku’s chest, sinking those sharp teeth into Kohaku’s body. Even from this distance she heard every snap and crunch as flames erupted out of Kohaku’s markings. She wasn’t sure if the breaking were bones or wood. She watched as Kohaku landed on three legs. Blood dripped down his limbs as he positioned himself once more between the wolves and the fillies.

Somersaulting forward, Kohaku launched himself upward with his tails. With a corkscrew uppercut. She could have been mistaken, but she was sure he had shouted “Shoryuken!” at that time. Shattering the head of the first timberwolf as the second bashed it’s large wooden paw against Kohaku’s midsection. Sending him flying only to land before Pearl's front hooves.

Pearl watched as Kohaku struggled to get back up. But her heart fell as he flopped backward and passed out, blood trickling out of the side of his mouth. With a whimper she looked up and watched as the remaining Timberwolf dashed forward. Her world went in slow motion as it leaped up into the air, only to be struck in the chest by a powerful purple blast of magic. Shattering it into kindling. Looking behind her she found Twilight flying forward toward the five youngsters.

Her vision growing blurry, Pearl swayed back and forth before passing out on top of Kohaku.

Pearl groaned as she woke up in a hospital bed. An ice pack dripped down her face. “What happened? How long was I out?” Sitting up she looked back and forth. “Where’s Kohaku?”

“Pearl, calm down.” Twilight soothingly caressed her student’s mane. “We’re at Ponyville General. You fainted just as we arrived. You’ve been unconscious for two hours now. I have to ask. How are you feeling.”

“Uh, a little woozy. And my head hurts. But otherwise okay.” Pearl sighed out. Resting her hooves on the blanket covering her lower half. “But you didn’t answer me. Where is Kohaku?” Pearl looked into her teacher’s eyes, noticing that they weren't meeting hers. “Is he?”

“He’s in surgery right now.” Twilight sighed, bowing her head. “He was pretty banged up. But don’t worry. He’s a tough little fox. I’m sure he’ll be just fine. You just lay back and get some rest. The doctor’s say you can be discharged in a few hours. We’ll head back to the castle just in time for dinner.” Twilight touched her student’s shoulder for comfort before getting up.

As she reached the door, Twilight saw Pearl looking out the window. She knew she would sooner or later have to punish her young pupil for being in the Everfree Forest. But now wasn’t the time for that. Turning away, Twilight left the room to meet up with Buttercup and Rarity. The trio of mothers facing down their trouble making daughters.

Pearl Heard the door close behind Twilight but didn’t look. She looked at the open window at the horizon. The memory of what had occurred rushing back to her. She watched in her mind how the fight played out. Her heart had never beaten so fast, but it wasn't out of fear.

She wasn’t afraid, she was excited. She was in danger and a three tailed warrior had arrived to save her. Like he always had before, he was always there for her. He was like the samurai of old. His claws were his sword, even as his armor was damaged he never once faltered. Not once giving into his injuries until the very end when help had arrived. Closing her eyes tight, Pearl held a hoof to her chest.

“I don’t know if you're real or not. You’re not my gods, I may not believe in you, but he does.” Pearl’s voice shook as she spoke. “So please Amaterasu, Tsukiyomi. Don’t let him die. I can’t lose him. I can’t lose my fox. Not now.” A single tear streamed down her cheek as she kept her head bowed down.

Twilight sighed as she walked toward Buttercup and Rarity.

“How is she, Twilight?” Buttercup asked softly.

“OH Pearl’s going to be just fine. Like me, she’s worried about Kohaku.” Twilight took comfort in her two friends. Both mothers to the most rambunctious young fillies that ever walked across Equis. “I sent a letter off to Fluttershy. I hate to call her back, but with her little brother in such straits.”

“Now Darling, don’t go fretting over that.” Rarity placed a hoof on Twilight’s shoulders. “I’ve seen Kohaku take a lot of damage from Timberwolves before, and he always came out smelling like a rose. This won’t be any different.”

“I agree. And to be sure, Mac is standing guard outside the surgery room. Ready to tell us at a moments notice if he’s okay.” Buttercup giggled. “Mac and AJ both adore Kohaku like family. I’m glad that they’ve both ‘adopted’ him as part of us apples. I would have done the same had I not seen the love Fluttershy had in her eyes for the boy. She’ always acts more like his mother then his big sister.”

“Something closer to what his birth sisters have done for him in the past.” Twilight looked out the window towards the afternoon sun. filling the horizon with shades of rich amber. A blessing for her student by his sun goddess if there ever was one.

“I also sent a letter to Applejack. But it’ll take time for it to reach Appleloosa.” Buttercup sighed. “I hate calling her back from a rodeo but knowing her devotion to family, she would want to be here.”

“Oh most certainly Buttercup darling.” Rarity also looked out of the window at the sight. “She’d be insulted if you hadn’t sent her that letter.”

The three mothers all watched the afternoon sun for a while before turning their gaze at three frightened fillies. Each one looking at their respected mother as if they were about to be executed.

“Shall we now deal with our rebellious daughters?” Twilight suggested as she stared down Scootaloo whos’ small wings flapped harder than a nervous humming bird.

“OH yes darling.” Rarity’s eyes met Sweetie Belle’s who appeared to be trembling the most.

Buttercup only nodded as she tilted her hat up and looked deep into Applebloom’s eyes. Causing the filly to look side to side out of the corner of her eyes, contemplating escape.

Fluttershy moaned pleasantly as the hot water bubbled all about her body. Easing every sore mussel, releasing all of her tensions. This past week was sorely needed for the animal caretaker. Granted she hated deceiving all of her friends and loved ones, but it was for a good cause.

Fluttershy knew that nobody would question her choice of relationships. But doing so much for so many, She wanted to be a little selfish and keep it to herself. Despite her beloved’s insistence. Listening to the clops on the marble floor the pegasus girl let out a tender purr at the feeling of a soft leg rubbing down her neck to her floof. And the soft sweet gentle kiss she received. A kiss that always tasted of sweet apples.

“You gotta letter.” the hefty southern accent whispered as the mare laid down on the marble floor. “It just appeared over the bed.”

Fluttershy took the open scroll and reached back with a wing to caress her apples neck. “Thank you sweetie.”

Opening her eyes Fluttershy felt a soft cheek up against hers for a moment. Turning her attention from her mare to the scroll, the caretaker started to read carefully. It was certainly from Twilight. Not surprising as Fluttershy did leave her friends a location to send any letter via dragon fire. Wondering what prompted her friend to send such a rushed note made her read on.

As Fluttershy reached the end of the letter, her breathing was heavy as her face dropped a bit.

“You okay sugarcube?” Applejack asked as she kept a firm grip on her marefriend. “I take it, it’s not good news is it?”

“No… my lil Kohaku… he’s in surgery. He was injured by a timberwolf.” Fluttershy turned around and gripped the edge of the hot tub. Tears welling up in her eyes. “I knew I shouldn’t have left. I should have stayed.. Should have…” a hoof planted on her mouth stopped Fluttershy from talking. Looking into those leaf green eyes, Fluttershy calmed herself.

“Now don’t be talking about that. Kohaku knew you needed this restful trip. I did too.” Applejack caressed Fluttershy’s cheek and neck tenderly. “We don’t know what all happened. But first things first is we need to get you back to Ponyville asap.”

Helping Fluttershy out of the hot tub, Applejack nuzzled her again and took a step backwards. “You don’t worry about anything but packing. I’ll get things going. Once you're gone I’ll settle things here and follow along after you.”

Applejack turned to leave when she felt Fluttershy rush up behind her and hug the farm pony from behind.

“No… I want us to go back together. I.. I need your strength to get through this.” Fluttershy muttered into the back of Applejacks’ neck.

“You do realize what that will mean right?” Applejack sat there with her marefrient hugging her tightly from behind. Those wings touching her front legs sent shivers across her body.

“I was going to tell everyone once we got back anyway… Well, tell Kohaku at least.” taking a sniffle she pressed herself harder into Applejack’s back. “I just wanted one more week with you as a secret. All to myself with nopony passing judgement.”

Applejack knew nopony would have ever passed judgement on the pair. The only one who might have had hard feelings was her brother Mac. But once he found out, he was happy that she and Fluttershy found each other. And was happy to help keep the secret. A secret she hated to keep, but for Fluttershy. Applejack would find a way to pull the moon from the sky for her if she asked.

“It’s okay Sugarcube. I understand completely. Now. Let's get ourselves back to our loved ones. Before I find myself a reason to delay the trip by a few hours.” Blushing, Applejack slipped herself from Fluttershy’s grip and looked over her shoulders.

“And like I said. Don’t fret any. Your little fox is going to be just fine.”

Chapter 6 - Concerns and Confessions

Twilight tapped her hoof rapidly on the ground as she stood in the waiting room. It had been hours since Kohaku had been taken into surgery. Closing her eyes, the princess took a long deep breath and let it out slowly as a doctor walked in.

“Princess Twilight,” Dr. Fauna smiled at her. “Good news. Your student is out of surgery. We just moved him into recovery.”

“Wonderful. Thank you Dr. Fauna. May we go see him?” Twilight breathed a heavy sigh of relief as Buttercup, Rarity, and the CMC’s all smiled.

“Unfortunately without permission from his legal guardian. That is going to be a no.” Doctor Patch sighed out.

“We sent out a notice for Fluttershy to return. But it might take her some time.”

“Well until her return I’m afraid you’ll just have to wait.” Dr. Fauna made a few marks on her clipboard.

“Well, is there anything you can tell me about his condition? As his mentor and princess I think I deserve that right.” Twilight remained her calm exterior, but on the inside she wanted to shake this doctor furiously.

“That I can do.” Smiling Dr. Fauna nodded. “Just come to my office and I’ll tell you what I can.”

Twilight nodded and waved her wing back. Looking over her shoulder. “You all stay here, I’ll be back shortly.” Twilight sighed as she heard a collective moan, primarily from the CMC’s. Following the doctor Twilight was led to a small cramped office with a small desk and a window.

“Sorry, since I don’t work here at the hospital much, the office they gave me isn’t that big.” Dr. Fauna sighed as she sat down in the comfy chair. With Twilight sitting directly in front of her.

Twilight understood. Being a veterinarian she wouldn’t be a regular at Ponyville General. In fact she only had one regular patient that brought her here. And he was currently in recovery.

“Well the good news is, he’s going to live. The surgery wasn’t easy. He had multiple broken bones on his limbs and his ribs. And a broken nose. Several bruises on his lungs and various organs. My question is how long was he fighting those Timberwolves. Many of these injuries are days old.”

Twilight listened carefully to what the doctor had to say about her student’s injuries. And about how hard the doctor worked to set things right inside of Kohaku’s young body. She made a mental note to talk to Kohaku when he got better about taking reckless actions like he did. Yes it had been to save his friends and the filly he loved, but there were better ways to go about it.

“What I’m most worried about is Kohaku’s internal magical pathways. The unicorn surgeon I was guiding found that many of them were torn open.” Dr Fauna sighed and produced a picture from her drawer.

Twilight felt as if all the wind had been punched out of her. As a former unicorn and current alicorn she knew how damaging this could be. “How bad is it?”

“Well Doctor Pathway said that they blew to internal stress. That young Kohaku had been pushing his magical powers well past his limitations.” Fauna pressed her hooves together. “Pathway did manage to patch them up, but unless he gives them time to heal. Kohaku might never again be able to use magic.”

“So I have to find a way to keep my student from using any magic.” Twilight groaned as the doctor nodded. “I think I might have an easier time understanding Discord.”

Pearl groaned as she tossed off the blankets and pulled herself out of the bed. Looking around, the room was dark and very quiet. Stretching her wings a little, the teenager kicked open the door and looked side to side. She had been laying about all day, and refused to do so any longer.

She wasn’t bored so much. After all, they had an excellent library at the hospital. But she was worried about her friend.

“Excuse me.” Pearl called out to a doctor who rushed past Pearl without so much as looking in her direction. Looking the other way she saw a nurse also galloping down the hall. “Hello, could you help me!” Reaching out, Pearl felt her hoof pass right through the nurse’s body and fell forward onto her face.

Blinking a few times Pearl questioned how she could have done that. Hearing a thunderclap behind her, Pearl leaped to her hooves and looked side to side. Feeling a cold breeze down her spine she turned around and met a shadowy figure. A powerful thunderclap erupted from the creature's body as it started to move closer.

Taking a few deep breaths she was reminded of her first Nightmare Night in ponyville. While she wasn’t the little filly she was then. She certainly was still scared. Reminded of talks with Kohaku, she used her fear and pushed forward. Pearl extended her wings and flew down the hallway.

Doors were nothing more than streaks of white and grey as she flew as hard as she could. A thunderclap in front of her caused the filly to turn hard left. She didn’t know where she was going. Only that she had to escape the storm behind her. Questioning why a pegasus would ever run from a thunderstorm. Even one shaped as it was.

Feeling the burn on her wings, Pearl felt a powerful strike to the muscles between her wings. Not unlike how Kohaku did when loosening the knots in them. The force of the blow sent her sliding down the hall and through a door, stopping just short of a hospital bed.

Groaning, Pearl got up and was met with a shock. There on the bed was Kohaku. Tubes were running in and out of his limbs and nose. A constant beeping from the heart monitor made her ears twerk.

“Who would have guessed I’d end up here.” Pearl whispered as she leaned into the bed. “No lie Kohaku, you look horrible. But what did I expect?” Looking at Kohaku, she sighed deeply, almost expecting an answer. “Alright I expected you to just jump from underneath the bed I was in and say ‘gotcha’ it was all just a joke.”

Reaching out with her wing, Pearl caressed Kohaku’s muzzle.

“Please tell me this is just a joke Kohaku. Please.” Bowing her head, she heard the sounds of a thunderstorm once more. Spinning around Pearl watched as the storm that was once just a pony like shape mass, now looked more graceful. Nine long tails swished behind it.

Rubbing her eyes she saw the form it took was a very large and intimidating nine tailed fox. And by the curves it was most certainly a vixen.

“Go away! You can’t have him!” Spreading her wings, Pearl lowered her shoulders and spread her legs in a defensive strike position. Kohaku had protected her, and even if it cost her life. She was going to protect him. “Leave him be, he’s hurt. Find some other creature!”

Pearl trembled as the storm just looked at her, it’s lightning grey eyes almost smiling. The storm vixen pushed past Pearl with the ease of a breeze through a tree canopy. Deforming and then reforming on the other side of the bed.

Pearl watched as one of it’s huge paws caressed Kohaku’s cheek. All about outside the hospital was the same storm that chased her down to Fluttershy’s cabin. Tilting her head she just shook her head.

“Who…” Pearl couldn’t get the words out. She watched the Storm Vixen lean down and kiss Kohaku’s forehead and motioned for Pearl to come closer. She didn’t know why she obeyed, but she did. The storm vixen had taken one of Pearl’s hooves and placed it on Kohaku’s limp paw. Bowing her head it turned and moved to the window.

For an instant lightning struck outside, giving Pearl a glimpse of the vixen behind the storm. She had seen that face before. Kohaku always talked about her. Why wouldn’t he, she was like a second mother to him. Feeling her head grow dizzy, Pearl passed out with her head landing on the bed.

Kohaku groaned as he lay there on the bed. The bandages wrapped tight round his chest, restricting his breathing. Keeping his eyes closed, he lifted a paw up to the center chest.

“Rin, Pyo, Toh, Sha…” Before he could utter another word. His body erupted in pain as if struck by lightning. His screams echoed through the room and down the hallway. The markings on his body flickering in and out. After a few seconds had passed he collapsed on the bed.

“Wha..?” his breathing quickened. It was then he could feel it. He was cut off from his magic. Even from the sounds of the potted plants around him. Which usually were a harmonious melody, were now filled with static.

The door to his room suddenly burst open. Two familiar mares came rushing in, a nurse and his beloved mentor.

“Is everything okay?” Nurse Blue Shield asked as she checked her patience vitals while Kohaku just shook his head. “What's wrong?”

“My magic… I. I can’t.” Tears started to well up in his eyes until he felt a familiar set of hooves gripping his paw.

Resting his paw down, Kohaku looked down and saw a sight he never thought to see. There was Pearl, resting on the side of his bed, tears streaming down her face. His pain filled scream had woken her up. Behind her was Twilight nodding in understanding.

“Nurse, may we have some time alone with him?” Twilight stopped the nurse from continuing.

“Alright, he looks okay. Just a little magic backlash.” The nurse sighed out. “Please have him refrain from trying that again.” Nurse Blue Shield spun on her hooves and walked out, closing the door with her magic aura.

“Kohaku, do you remember what you did?” Twilight sat on the other side of the bed, opposite of Pearl and touched her student’s shoulder.

“Yeah, something insanely stupid.” Kohaku bowed his head. Taking his paws he folded them as he sat up. “I was tired, sore. My magic was spent. And despite all of your’s and my father’s teachings, I did something I shouldn’t have ever done. I burned my mana to the ground.”

“Well yes. But you also saved your friends' lives.” Leaning in Twilight nudged Kohaku’s cheek. At the same time he felt a tear streaked face bury itself in one of his tails. “I’m very proud of you, my student. And your insane luck seems to have held out. If you can avoid using magic for the next month, you should have your magic back in full swing.”

Kohaku smiled and nodded. “If my sisters or my papa was around, they would have healed the damage easily enough.” Looking up into his mentor’s eyes he sighed “I know the procedure, but it looks like it’ll be a month before I can do it.” Looking forward into the darkness he let out a light yell and fell backward.

“What the buck am I going to do for a month! No magic. No tricks. Its’ going to be torture.” His tail grabbed a pillow and pushed it against his face. Causing both Twilight and Pearl to laugh loudly.

“You mean I might have a day without having a heart attack?” Pearl laughed out as she gripped the pillow with her teeth and pulled it away from Kohaku. Flinging it to the foot of the bed. “Sounds like a vacation to me.” Pearl laughed at seeing the face Kohaku was making.

“Twilight?” Pearl looked up at her mentor and sighed. “Could you leave me and Kohaku alone. Please?”

Twilight looked at her young student and smiled. Nodding slowly she walked to the door. “Remember Pearl, he needs his rest.”

“Don’t worry I’ll make sure he doesn’t move from this bed.” On hearing that Twilight left the room. Pearl turned back and slapped her friend's front leg hard, harder than she meant to.

“You foolish, stupid, thrill seeking royal pain in the flank.” Leaping up onto the bed pearl griped Kohaku’s hospital gown with both hooves. Lifting him up off the bed and lowered her nose to touch his. She glared into his eyes. “What the living buck were you thinking. Do you realize how scared I was. Not knowing if you were going to die or not.”

Kohaku blinked at seeing the storming fury in her eyes and gulped. He had only felt this kind of rage from one individual before. The only living creature he ever feared. “I…”

“Shut it!” Pearl half shook him up and down as she vented her frustrations. Tears falling from her eyes as her voice half cracked. “What were you thinking damn you. Why didn’t you just grab us and run. Why couldn’t you just hide us. Why fight off two bucking timberwolves to the death.”

Kohaku remained quiet, watching her eyes as the cryed. His chest feeling heavier out of guilt.

“Why, Why did you do it. Why burn through all your magic like that.” Collapsing hard she buried her face into his neck.

“Wow Pearl.” Kohaku chuckled weakly. His front legs wrapped around her barrel and pulled her in tight. Once comfortable, he caressed her mane lovingly. “You’ve never gone off on me like that. I swear I was worried you might throw of a lightning bolt or two. So why all the storming fury?”

Lifting herself up from his strong, warm grip. Pearl looked into his eyes. Her heart never beat as fast as it did at that moment. Slugging his shoulder hard she pushed him down with both front hooves.

“Because I love you!” Finally. She had said it aloud to him. With one confession, her whole body felt as weak as a newborn foal. “I love you. You stupid fox.” Bowing her head, her tears dropped onto his hospital gown.

Kohaku opened his mouth and closed it instantly. He had heard her say those words so many times in the past. Only now did the carry a different weight. So much his heart skipped a beat. Praying that it meant what he hoped it did, he cupped Pearl’s cheek with a paw and looked into her eyes.

Leaning up Kohaku pressed his lips against hers. He could taste the salt from her tears but it only added to the sensations.

Pearl looked into his eyes and felt the warmth of his paw against her cheek. She felt her heart skip a beat as he leaned up and pressed his lips against her own. A heavy shiver went down her spine as she felt her heartbeat increase. Leaning in Pearl kissed Kohaku back with as much passion as her years attributed her. And she wasn’t disappointed when he returned it.

Twilight stood there outside the door. Listening to Pearl berate her best friend over and over again.

“You sure we should leave them alone?” Buttercup asked as the room suddenly went silent.

Pushing the door open she found the two engaged in a very affectionate lip lock. Smiling Twilight closed the door and ushered her friends down the hall.

“Definitely. He isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.” Grinning wide, Twilight felt like skipping down the hallway.

Chapter 7 - Her thoughts, His feelings

“Uggh!” Leaning back, Pearl half slid into her chair. She slammed her book closed before pushing it across the table.

Twilight looked up from her desk toward her student and quirked an eyebrow. “Everything okay Pearl?” Was her most spoken word set for the last two days. Lowering her head down she waited for the reply she knew was coming.

“No.” Twilight blinked and looked up at Pearl who just shook her head.

“So what’s wrong Pearl.”

“Do you think I’m a little too plain looking?” Pearl self consciously ran a hoof down her mane. “It’s been two days sense I kissed him. Confessed my feelings to him. And he’s barely said anything in reply.”

Sighing deeply, Twilight put down her quill and looked at her student. “Pearl. You are a very beautiful young mare. There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that Kohaku thinks so too. You should have seen his tails puff when you two were kissing, it was adorable.”

“Really?” Pearl gave a half smile as she stared at her mentor.

“Yes, in fact if I’m not much mistaken, your wings started to stiffen up a little too.” Twilight winked “Or was I mistaken?”

“He is a really good kisser.” Pearl half giggled blushing a deep pink. “Who knew a tongue could maneuver like that? And those paws, how they maneuvered along my body. Touching areas even I didn’t know existed. I swear I just about...” Shaking her head rapidly side to side, Pearl pulled together. “It’s been two days since then. Why hasn’t he said anything to me.”

“Well to be fair, he has been unconscious most of that time.” Twilight smiled seeing Pearl huff. “Probably the result of your kiss, or his body trying to manage without magic.”

“Let's just say it was my kissing that did it.” Pearl smiled as Twilight laughed aloud and agreed.

The two mares laughing together stoped as the doors to Twilight’s study were suddenly thrown open.

“Twilight!” Fluttershy shouted, louder then the alicorn had ever heard. “Where… how is… Kohaku.” As Fluttershy reached the large desk she collapsed next to Pearl. Putting both front hooves on Twilights desk, Fluttershy pulled herself up.

“Easy there sugarlips.” Applejack chuckled as she walked into the room. “Hey Twilight, Pearl. Hows Kohaku doin.”

“Applejack. Fluttershy. How was your little ‘secret’ getaway.” Twilight giggled as Pearl just sat there with her mouth hung open.

“You knew?” Both Applejack and Fluttershy stared at Twilight as she nodded slowly.

“I knew.” Twilight reached out and closed Pearl’s mouth as she came up beside her student. “It wasn’t hard to figure out. Especially Kohaku mentioned it to me.”

“He Knew!” The pair looked at each other and blinked.

“OH dear. We were always so careful though.” Fluttershy blushed almost as red as an apple.

“I know I was.” Applejack rubbed her head a little.

“I think you two underestimated how sensitive Kohaku’s sense of smell is.”

“I think we did. I know we shower well enough after except for…” Applejack’s eyes widened.

“That night in the straw barn.” Reaching out with a wing, Fluttershy slapped Applejack’s shoulder. “I told you I heard somepony. But no, you said it was probably just Winona.”

“Wait, you two are together!” Pearl gasped, finally finding her voice as the pair nodded. “Kohaku knew and didn’t tell me!” A low growling rumble escaped Pearl’s throat.

Twilight just shook her head and chuckled at her student. Turning back to her friends she smiled.

“Well nopony else knows apart from us. But I'm sure they would enjoy hearing it from you two. And Pinkie would no doubt throw a celebration for you two as well.” Pulling up a seat for both of her friends, Twilight sat down next to her student. “But for the reason you're here. Kohaku is just fine. He escaped death’s grasp easily enough, but he’s still going to have a rough month.”

“Why’s that Twilight, boy can heal himself up right quick.” Applejack tilted her hat up a bit.

“Except that he can’t, his magic pathways were severely damaged.”

“How did it happen Twilight? I thought Timberwolves stayed clear of my boy.” Fluttershy bit on the edges of her front hooves nervously.

“He was protecting us.” Pearl sighed, bowing her head. “Scootaloo, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle convinced me to go watch an area where Kohaku is known to hunt. We all got into an argument and drew the attention of timberwolves. So Kohaku. Already hurt, rushed out and burned through his magic protecting us all.”

“I shudder to think what might have happened if I had been a split second too late.” Twilight sighed and bowed her head. “But thankfully all is well. He’s still in the hospital and should be able to be discharged tonight. I was going to invite him here but since you’re home now. It’s right he should be there with you Fluttershy.”

Nodding, Fluttershy turned to Applejack “I’m going to go check up on Kohaku. Will you get things settled at my cabin sweetie?” Leaning up, Fluttershy nuzzled Applejack’s neck affectionately.

“Of course I will. You go on now.” AJ chuckled, giving her marefriend a playful swat on the rump. The farm mare smiled as she watched the love of her life gallop out the door. Turning on her hooves, Applejack moved towards the door herself.

“Applejack!” Pearl leaped up. Causing AJ to spin around a bit. “Do you mind if I help? There’s something I want to talk to you about.” Looking over her shoulder, Pearl glanced at Twilight almost asking permission. To which the princess nodded.

“Sure, there’s a lot to put away so I’ll be glad for the help.” Pearl gleefully jumped up and down before running to Applejack’s side. “So what do you wanna talk about?”

Pearl blushed and sighed. “Kohaku.”

Twilight watched the pair walk out of her office and went back to her chair. Looking up at the sun, the Princess thought back to her younger days as Celestia’s pupil. “I sometimes wonder how you managed to put up with me all those years ago.” Laughing internally she shook her head and went back to her overdue paperwork.

“You know you had me worried sick.” Fluttershy half scolded as she fluffed Kohaku’s pillow. The sound of his groaning almost made her smile. “Taking on two alpha timberwolves while injured. What were you thinking?”

Kohaku half shrank into the bed. “Ane…”

“Don’t you Ane me Kohaku. You're still young enough that I can put you over my knee.”

Kohaku just crossed his arms and sighed as his big sister pulled the blankets and sheets from the bed. He watched as she placed new ones on as the nurses in the room just looked at each other. “I didn’t mean to scare you like that.”

Snapping the sheets she pulled the edge up to his waist. Turning her cerulean eyes to his and smiled. Reaching out with her wing she caressed his cheek. “I know. But I still see you as that little twelve year old boy I adopted. I chose to be your big sister rather than your mother because that’s what I felt you needed.”

“And you just had to take that cue from Kazumi.” Looking up at her, he smiled. “You sure you're not her in disguise?”

Both Fluttershy and Kohaku laughed aloud as she shook her head. Fluttershy sat herself on the edge of the bed and caressed Kohaku’s hair with her hoof. “You’ll never know. But I do love you as much as she did. What do you suppose she would have done to you in this situation?”

Kohaku shivered and half glanced out the window. “I shudder to think. I once snuck out of my room after bedtime to sneak cookies. I couldn’t sit for two days afterwards.” Reaching down, Kohaku rubbed his bottom. “I still feel it sometimes.”

“Well you're just lucky you survived.” Fluttershy sighed. “And sense you saved your friends. I’m not going to punish you. I think you’ve learned your lesson.” Kohaku nodded.

Looking up, Fluttershy glanced at the two nurses. “You two can go back to your duties now. I’ll take care of my own child.”

The nurses opened their mouths to voice their opinions. However, one look from Fluttershy’s eyes made them all think twice about it. With a nod Blue Cross and Blue Shield left the room as quickly as they could.

“So,” Fluttershy’s look changed from that of a concerned mother to an adoring sister so quickly, Kohaku’s head spun a bit. “You and Pearl huh.”

Kohaku blushed and nodded slowly. “Yeah. I’m still in that state of disbelief myself.”

“Well she’s a wonderful girl. You should consider yourself lucky.”

“I do, it’s just...” Kohaku sighed.

“Yes?” Fluttershy leaned in.

“She said she loved me, I think she wanted me to say it back.” Kohaku smirked a little. “I’m not sure I know how.”

“Just say the words. I’m sure that’s all you have to do.” Fluttershy watched as Kohaku’s face turned almost blank for a moment. “You’ve told girls you loved them before haven’t you?”

Kohaku just shook his head slowly. “Told them, not really. Like I said I’m not sure I know how. How do I honestly convey how I feel with just three little words?”

“You do love her don’t you?” Fluttershy watched as Kohaku nodded his head slowly.

“Of course I do.”

“You told Sweetie Belle right? Just tell Pearl the same way.” Fluttershy blinked as she watched Kohaku turn away. “You never told Sweetie Belle?”

Shaking his head slowly he sighed. “She knew. She always knew. My kind is monogamous. Yes, before mating we can have multiple lovers. And it’s never questioned if we loved them or not. They just knew. I never once questioned that my sisters loved me, or you. Even Sweetie Belle. She always found ways of showing me. You all have.”

Fluttershy kept her silence as she listened in.

“But then again Sweetie Belle knew a lot more about my race then Pearl does. I can tell her, even show her. But would that be enough? Enough to show her what’s in my heart, my soul.” Sighing, Kohaku bowed his head. “For the last year and a half now I wanted to show her. That I thought differently about her. She and I have so much in common, yet different enough. Enough to…”

“Make her your mate?” Kohaku just nodded slowly

“Yes, but we’re still very young. I’m not planning anything so outrageous yet. That thought has crossed my mind regardless. I’m surprised I had that though, being so young.”

“Well you’re not that young, all boys your age have those thoughts.” Fluttershy pulled Kohaku in closer, resting his head under hers as she just caressed his back.

“I mean young for my kind. I shouldn’t have the thought of mating for another few centuries.” Hugging Fluttershy tightly he nuzzled his head under hers. “Do you think living amongst ponies for so long now has been changing me?”

“Maybe. For the better I hope.” Looking out the window, Fluttershy became thoughtful. “You know. If you’re having trouble saying the words. There is one way you can let her know. One she would never question.”

Pushing away he looked at Fluttershy, looking rather nervous. “But should I? There would never be going back after that. She’ll never look at me the same again. Not when she sees…”

A hoof lovingly placed on his lips silenced Kohaku. As he looked up into Fluttershy’s eyes. “Isn’t it worth the risk?”

“If you had one, would you show Applejack?”

Nodding Fluttershy got up. “I would, because to me, she’s worth the risk.” Moving to the door she stopped at touching the handle. “I can bring it here if you like.”

“No, this isn’t the right setting. And it’s way too valuable to be in such a public place. Father said if I ever did something like what you're suggesting. It has to be in someplace special.”

“Wise words, do you have such a special place?”

“We do.” Looking out the window Kohaku watched the birds fly about in a graceful show. It was only interrupted by the sound of his stomach.

“Sounds like somefox is hungry. I’ll go get you something to eat.” Opening the door Fluttershy looked back at her little brother and surrogate son. “Anything special you want?”

“Yeah but I’m not sure where it is right now. I do hope they took that sack back to the cabin. I’d hate for the meat to spoil.”

“I’ll inquire about that, but till then. How about a nice sesame, almond salad with a cranberry vinaigrette?” Kohaku only nodded softly as he continued to watch out the window. Fluttershy smiled. She had given him a lot to think about.

“Oh yes, don’t think I’m letting you off the hook for spying on me and AJ in the straw barn.” Fluttershy giggled a little, she watched as that brought a smile and sly look to his eyes. Closing the door behind her, the motherly Pegasus went to get her boy dinner.

Pearl helped Applejack as she folded various dresses. Biting down on her lips, the young Pegasus looked up at the older mare.

“Kinda quiet for some filly who wanted to talk.” AJ chuckled as she put away Fluttershy’s clothing. “You wanted to talk about Kohaku? So how about talkin already.”

“Sorry. This is kinda new for me,” Pearl sighed. “I’m wondering how Kohaku feels about me. I told him I loved him, but he hasn’t said the words back to me.”

“Is that all? Shoot I know that boy loves ya.” Applejack closed an empty suitcase before sliding it in a storage closet. “You must have seen how he looks at ya. He never looked at anypony else that way.”

“I know but, why doesn’t he just say it.”

“Ya know boys, sometimes it’s those three little words that are the hardest to say aloud.” Walking over, Applejack placed a hoof on the girl's shoulder. “Doesn’t mean he don’t love ya.”

“I guess. Maybe it’s just my last relationship playing with my mind.” Pearl sat up on Fluttershy’s bed. “No doubt you heard what had happened.”

“Eeyup. From Pinkie no less. Also been hearing the rumors they’ve been spreading about ya both.” Pearl blushed and shyly shrank away. “Oh don’t worry, I don’t believe them. I don’t think any of your friends do either.”

“Yeah, I’m grateful for that.” Looking about she found nearly all of the outfits and clothing had been put away. “I’m gonna go have a long flight. I need to clear my head.”

“Have fun sugarcube.” Applejack chuckled as she watched Pearl leave. Turning back Applejack started to put away the more intimate apparel.”

For what seemed like hours, Pearl flew over Ponyville with practiced grace. The wind lovingly caressed her body, the air cooling her body and soothing her wing muscles.

Maybe I’m overthinking this. Pearl thought to herself. I know Kohaku does love me, that kiss he laid on me. Woof. I’m still getting shivers from it. Now I understand why Sweetie Belle liked kissing him so much. And to think I once thought it disgusting.

Pushing herself up higher, Pearl arched herself backwards and into a barrel roll. Spinning toward the ground. She pulled herself up again and spread both wings wide, gliding on the currents.

I just don’t get why he won't just say it. How can it be so hard to say three little words. Lotus and I said them all the… Pearl blinked and sighed. Shaking her head. Maybe that’s it, yes she and I said it all the time, but it’s clear she never meant them. Not like myself.

Landing at the edge of a small natural hot spring, with a wide waterfall, Pearl smiled wide. Thinking back she remembered the night when he tricked her into skinny dipping with him. Always so sly and sneaky. Laying on the edge, Pearl swished the hot waters. It would be easy to dive in. Let the hot water wash away any doubts, fears. But it just doesn't feel right without him here. Maybe when he gets out of the hospital, we'll come here and relax. And talk. Talk about this new relationship we have. And pray it’s not some trick he’s playing.

Looking up at the clouds Pearl grinned. “Ha, he’s too good natured to do that to me. Besides, he knows I’d kill him.”

Pearl lounged about in the hot springs. Two days had passed since she was last here. Normally she wouldn’t be in it without Kohaku and part of her felt guilty for being in it now. But he had sent her a note saying he would be there by noon, so it did help alleviate most of it.

“Pearl!” A familiar voice called out from the path.

Turning around she crossed her arms on the edge of the springs. The sight before her made Pearl giggle a little. Kohaku was resting on the back of Big Mac, still partly bound in bandages, his rear left leg still bound in a cast. The pair of them moving up to the springs at a smooth trot. Attached to one of Kohaku’s front legs was a decorative chest.

“Alright here ya go Little Apple.” Mac chuckled as he helped Kohaku down off of his back. Kohaku laid on his belly and set the chest between his front legs.

“Thanks Oniisan.” Kohaku and Mac affectionately nuzzled each other's necks. “Aj said she’d come pick me up later this afternoon. I know you have that date.”

Smirking, Mac chuckled. “Okay, you two have fun now. And don’t go tellin Aj about it. You know how she gets.”

“I won’t, I kept their secret, I can certainly keep yours.” Kohaku chuckled and turned his attention to Pearl who blushed.

“So who’s he dating?” Pearl pulled herself up and out of the hot springs. The cool air made her shiver but that quickly vanished as she nuzzled up against Kohaku.

“Not tellin. At least not yet.” Kohaku grinned and nuzzled Pearls’ neck. His grin quickly vanished as he stared down at the decorative chest in front of him.

Pearl looked down at the chest. It looked to have been grown rather than crafted. Resembling a small tree stump. “So what’s in the box?”

“I know you’ve been stressing a little about me not saying the words, I love you.” Kohaku turned his gaze into her eyes. “I’m still not used to how ponies do things in regards to dating. Amongst my own people it’s easy. If you're with someone, you love them. It’s never questioned, never doubted. But it seems that ponies like to doubt it all the time.”

“I guess I can understand that. Look at me and Lotus. How that turned out.” Pearl rested her hoof on Kohaku’s paw. “I just want to be sure, even if it’s by those words.”

“I know, and I do love you Pearl. But to convey it with just words. It’s not enough.” Opening the chest, Kohaku sighed. “So I brought this.”

Pearl blinked as she watched him open the chest to reveal. An ordinary forest green play ball. Barely larger than a soft ball. “A toy? Seriously?”

“That’s no toy Pearl.” Taking the sphere in his paws, Kohaku raised it to his lips and blew on it. A small flicker of emerald flame escaped his lips. Making the ball shimmer with an amber light. “This. Is me.”

Pearl quirked her eyebrows and smirked. Waiting for the punchline. But when she saw how serious his eyes were she looked back at the sphere.

“Only neechan knows about it. I’ve never even shown this to our mentor Twilight.” Kohaku’s voice became softer as he lowered his head. “This sphere holds a part of my own soul.” Closing his eyes Kohaku continued on. Feeling the soft touch of Pearl's front leg up against his made him feel more comfortable.

“When my kind are born, these spheres come into existence. And we guard them with our lives.” Looking at Pearl he smiled. “Sometimes they’re larger, or smaller. They can appear as crystals, or playthings. And we even use them as playthings. Among our own kind it's nothing out of the ordinary. But amongst others, should any creature get a hold of this. They can force us to do anything they want. Be it good, or evil.”

“So why are you showing it to me?”

“Because I trust you Pearl. And I want you to understand my feelings. And this is the fastest way for you to do so.” Pulling the shimmering sphere closer to his chest he sighed out. “Hold out your hooves. And you may want to brace yourself. It can be rather intense, you are after touching the deepest part of me.”

“Have any other ponies done this?” Pearl held out her hooves but shivered. Almost scared to the point of running away.

“Only one other, my old oniisan Stary.” Kohaku smiled as he remembered the day. “You and Twilight-sama know him as Starswirl the bearded.”

Pearl blinked as she looked at the green sphere. “What happened after he touched it?”

“He became my sister's mate. After he stopped babbling like a crazed librarian.” Chuckling Kohaku held the sphere over her hooves. “But just relax and open your mind. It’ll be easier.” Seeing Pearl nod, Kohaku dropped the sphere into her hooves.

Chapter 8 - His Vixen

Pearl ideally dangled her hoof along the top of the cool river. Off in the distance, she could hear the roar of a waterfall. The same one she and Kohaku came to every morning. This was becoming a ritual for the two of them. Every morning, they would walk to this spot in Fluttershy’s sanctuary. He would sit under the waterfall for hours on end while she would amuse herself.

Pearl never talked about what she thought of while he meditated. And he never asked. It wasn’t necessary, as they both knew. She was recovering from what she saw in his spirit ball. Cataloging and filtering it in her mind so that she could make sense of everything.

When that glowing sphere touched her hooves, Pearl almost passed out from the onslaught of images and feelings. When Pearl had recovered, she saw things easier. He instructed her to breathe and not close herself away to what she was experiencing. Sure. Easy for him to say.

Rolling onto her back, Pearl looked up at the clouds rolling in from the Everfree Forest. Closing her eyes, she pictured what she had seen all those nights ago. Images of his family. Memories dating back to when he was no larger than his father’s massive paw. Those mattered little, but they were fun to watch. He had been a pain in the flank all his life, just like his father was. That brought a smile to her face.

It was the memories Kohaku had of his sisters. How they touched him, talked to him. Nuzzled him, their voices conveying everything. Kohaku never, ever, once questioned their love for him. He had no need to. He felt it with every waking moment. Words were unnecessary. Even his parents never said them aloud. She saw it in the way they looked at each other. The playful way they would feign biting at each other's necks.

She still told him she loved him, and every time he gave her a look. How she had missed it so many times before. It was always there, even when they were just friends. That look was identical to how his father looked at his mother. So now when she tells him and he looks at her, Pearl smiled and happily slugged his shoulder and went about her day. She no longer needed him to say it. She knew.

Stretching about, Pearl yawned and pushed herself up with her front legs. “Gahh Just how long is he going to stay up there?” Turning her head, Pearl looked at the waterfall. “I’ve been thinking half the day away already and I'm getting hungry.”

Hearing a few shufflings behind her, Pearl turned and saw Twilight coming up the pathway. “Oh, hey Twilight.”

“Pearl.” Twilight smiled and nuzzled her student before sitting down next to her. “Hasn’t he invited you to meditate beside him?”

“OH yeah, every time.” Pearl leaned into her teacher and sighed. “I tried it once, first day out here. He got me into position. Slowly pushed back the wooden shelf blocking the seat. And in half a second, I screamed bloody murder and bolted. I then spent half an hour chipping the ice that had formed on my wings.” Shivering, Pearl remembered the moment fondly. Even now. “I know he says it’s good for training the spirit and all. But how in the seven hells can he stand being in water that’s below freezing? I’m a Pegasus, resistant to cold weather. And I couldn’t take it for less than a second.”

Laughing, Twilight wrapped her wing around Pearl. “Well, to be fair, he had been training under ice cold water since he was a kit. Something his father got him started on. Of course, he only usually does two to three times a year. And Kohaku strictly forbidden females to be anywhere near him.”

“Yeah, he told me about that. Not sure why though.” Pearl huffed. There still were secrets to unravel in that wild mind of his. “I even took a chance and asked Sweetie Belle. She just gave me a horrified look and clammed up. Asking me to never bring it up again and left.”

“It’s not my place to say Pearl. When he’s ready to tell you about it, he will. Just know that if he says stay clear of this place. You would do well to listen.” Pearl just nodded slowly. “Sweetie Bell didn’t and almost paid a price too steep to mention.”

Pearl understood partly. Whatever happened was bad, not bad enough to break them up, as she learned they still dated afterwards. But bad enough to keep it quiet. “So I take it you’re here to drag him back to the doctor’s for another treatment session.”

“I am. The third in many, many treatments.” Twilight’s her voice filled with optimism, but still held a lot of worry. “There’s still so much we don’t know about Kitsune magic. His pathways are so different from ours, but the Doctor is confident that he’s making progress.”

“Pah,” Pearl spat as she got up and started walking toward the waterfall. “You know he hates it.” Twilight nodded as she followed Pearl.

“Even with the last three sessions, Kohaku can barely manage making a sphere of flame. And even then it hurts him” Pearl kicked a stone into the waters of the flowing river. Keeping her sight away from Twilight to hide the fact she was near tears. “He’s been complaining that he can’t even hear the forest any longer.”

“I know, I hate it too Pearl.” Stopping in her tracks, Twilight looked up and saw Kohaku. Seated cross legend on a flat smooth stone. Gallons of freezing water striking the boy’s compact frame. Even with the force on his shoulders, he never once shivered or crumpled. His eyes closed as his front legs rested on his folded hinds legs. His paw palms upturned with this thumb touching the center finger. Even from this distance, she saw his focused breathing.

Pearl stood by Twilight and looked up at her boyfriend. Pearl just shivered at the sight of him. “For all his mischief making. It’s hard to believe he shows such focus. Even after all these years.”

“You still see him as that annoying thirteen-year-old, don’t you?” Twilight smirked.

“Yeah. I do.”

“So do I.” Twilight sat down. “Of course, I still see you as that sweet little thirteen-year-old girl who graced the steps of my castle so long ago.”

Watching Kohaku, both Pearl and Twilight’s eyes widened as he thrusted both his palms outward before pressing together. They both knew what was going to happen. Kohaku was going to attempt his healing spell. With the memory of the last time he attempted it fresh in their minds, they took to the sky hoping to reach and stopping him in time.

Kohaku kept his breathing slow and steady as he set his focus inside of himself. The force of the water on his shoulders and the roar of falls soothed to a tender touch and a whisper. Ones that reminded him of his big sister Riko. He missed her waters, but here he felt connected to her. He wished with all his might that she was here with him now. Her healing touch could have cured him in an instant.

“Oh, little brother. Did you scrape your knees again?” Riko soothingly caressed her five-year-old brother’s back as he cried. Reaching down, she ran her paw across the red patch on Kohaku’s legs. As the water she conjured touched his fur. The wound healed. “There. All better.”

In the blink of an eye, her paws tickled along her little brother’s sides. Making him laugh uncontrollably. Her own laughter mingled with his. After they stopped, Kohaku lay out over his sister’s chest and she ideally teased his short hair.

“Thank you, sis.”

“Anytime, my little Kohaku. Remember, I’ll always be here to heal your wounds. And make you feel better” Feeling a kiss on his forehead, Kohaku nuzzled his sister before he fell asleep for his afternoon nap.

“I’ll always be here. Even if you can’t see me.”

Those words had always echoed in his ears when he was by a forest river. His sister's waters. Lifting his head up, Kohaku let the waters clear the tears from his eyes.

I’ll always be here, even if you can’t see me. I will always be here to heal your wounds. Her words echoed in his mind. He wanted to break into tears, to curl up and cry out for her. Cry out for them all.

He wanted to hear them. To feel their touch once more. Yes, he had Fluttershy, the Apples, Twilight and even Pearl. He was grateful for their love and comfort. But they couldn’t make him whole again. Not like they could.

In the distance, he heard the soft steps of hooves on the stones. And knew Pearl and Twilight were coming to get him. Yet another pointless treatment by that quack of a magical surgeon.

Please sister, I need you. I can’t do this, I can’t hear my forest. Kohaku pleaded in his mind when another mind touched him. I can’t hear the sturdiness of our sister's stones. The warmth of sisters ' flames, even the fierce protection of the storm. Worst of all, not your sweet waters. I feel lost in the dark, with no light to guide me.

Oh my little brother, the melodic voice rushed with the water on his shoulders was only a whisper. I would never leave you in the dark. You know what to do. Your words, my power. Like we did before.

Kohaku took a deep breath. Praying he didn’t imagine the voice, Kohaku thrust his paws out and formed the hand sign. As he spoke, Kohaku’s tails formed the seals.

“Rin, Pyo, Toh,” Kohaku waited for the initial pain that came so recently, but there was none.

“Sha, Kai, Jin,” Nearing the end, he tried to feel out for the warmth of his sister's magic. Tears welling behind his eyes. Praying he wasn’t going crazy and that it was his sister that spoke to him.

“Retsu, Zai…” Taking a long deep breath, he focused everything he had.

“Zen!” in a heartbeat. His whole body felt like it was on fire. His markings blazed almost as bright as the sun.

A focused mind and a sturdy soul can bear any pain. The firm voice of his father echoed in his mind. And like the great oak that survived your sister's lightning, you, too, will grow stronger. Have faith, my son.

Gritting his teeth, Kohaku felt himself slip from his body. For one shining moment, he touched his paw to his father’s amongst the stars.

Pearl and Twilight hovered there before the waterfall. It was only for a moment, but they both could swear that there was a fox made of water behind Kohaku. By the shape, it was certainly female, her paws around his shoulders and her head down on his. Before they could blink, the water fox had vanished as the waters glowed. After clearing their eyes, they heard a loud excited whooping.

Flying down Twilight and Pearl saw Kohaku slowly spinning about on the stone he had been sitting on only moments before. Three brilliant emerald flames spinning about around him. An enormous grin on his face.

“Kohaku, be careful. Those stones are…” Twilight began, only to see her student slip and tumble into the small pool at the base of the falls.

“Slippery.” Pearl groaned as she finished her mentor’s sentence. “Why do I love him again?”

“Because he makes you feel special.” Twilight had to suppress a giggle as Kohaku surfaced the pond with a fish lodged in his teeth. Its tail slapping the side of Kohaku’s face. Her ears perked up, as Pearl couldn’t contain the laughter. “And he knows what it takes to make you laugh.”

Sighing, she just shook her head and flew down. “You have a knack for driving me crazy, you know that? Do you honestly work at it or is this some natural ability you never told me about?”

Spitting out the fish, Kohaku dived. A few seconds after, the fox leaped out of the waters and landed on the surface of the water. His paws emitting a small emerald flame around them. Walking along the water’s surface, he met his girlfriend and lifted his head up to hers. Their noses almost touching. “Oh, I certainly work at it. If I didn’t, you’d get bored with me.”

Puffing up her cheeks, she sucked in and stared down at him. That smug smirk on his face. The mischievousness in his eyes. The way his tails swished about. He was an ever present pain in her flank. Reaching out, she slugged his shoulder hard enough to make Kohaku stagger, only to catch him with the other front leg and pull him in close.

Tilting her head to the side, Pearl planted a deep kiss on his ever sweet lips for a few seconds before pulling back. “If you ever scare me like that again.” her eyes narrowed as she kept the firm grip on her left front leg.

“You’ll kiss me harder than that?” Kohaku grinned wide.

“I hate you.” She sighed out before pushing him away. Kohaku splashed down in the water, treading it slowly.

“No, you don’t.” Pearl rolled her eyes and turned away, but gave him a smile over her shoulder before flying off to the shore.

“You have to be glad that he’s back.” Twilight whispered to her.

“Yeah, but I don’t want him to get an inflated ego.” Pearl smirked back at Twilight.

“Kohaku, what happened? That was some impressive magic. Especially with your injury.” Twilight stood on the edge of the pond as Kohaku left it and shook himself dry. Pearl and Twilight using their wings to shield themselves.

“I’m not injured anymore. I can hear it all again, Twilight-sama. The forest, the trees, the leaves, the grass. A symphony of music pouring into my head again. I was so scared I’d never hear it again. I felt as if I was fading away. Dying.” Kohaku kept his gaze up at Twilight as he felt Pearl rest her head down on his shoulder. A comforting alabaster wing wrapped around his chest. “Now, thanks to my sister. I’ve never felt so alive.”

“Well, I still want you checked out by the doctor. And then I want you to tell me all about it.” Twilight firmly put her hoof down on the ground.

“Alright, but I owe a certain pegasus girl something for putting up with my foul attitude all these weeks.” Kohaku rested his head up against hers and purred loudly. “How about a bit of lunch at the Hayburger?”

“How about at that new cafe that opened?” Pearl playfully nudged Kohaku.

“Eh, why not. Rarity said good things about it.” The pair walked together along the edge of the river. “But we’ll have to stop off at home first. I’ll need to change into something they’ll accept.”

“Oh Celestia, they have a dress code, don’t they?” Kohaku nodded slowly.

“Yeah, it’s the main reason Rarity loves that place so much.”

“Fine, let's forget that place. The Hayburger is just fine. I heard they have a few new items on the menu.” Pearl sighed. She disliked dress codes as much as Kohaku did.

Twilight smiled as she watched the pair walk off. “Now I understand why Celestia said I should have a drink cabinet. Those two.” Shaking her head slowly.

“Oh, I don’t know. I find them rather cute. He needs a strong filly to keep him in line,” a soft voice said beside Twilight.

“That’s true. And no filly stronger than her.” Twilight smiled, tilting her head. After a few moments, she blinked and turned her head to see a fox made of water only slightly larger than herself. The water vixen smiled before the water broke apart, like a balloon being popped. Sitting there with her eyes wide, Twilight just took a deep breath.

“I need a drink.” Watching the river flowing about, she watched a fish wink at her. “Maybe a double.”

Pearl comfortably rested under the large oak in the Ponyville park. One hoof on her belly, the other tenderly caressing Kohaku’s back. Her fox stretched out on his belly. “Thanks for the wonderful lunch, Kohaku. That new veggie burger was amazing. So juicy and flavorful.”

“Yeah, that new recipe really worked out.” Kohaku purred as he felt that hoof along his back. “I don’t think I've ever felt so full before. I doubt I'll be able to eat dinner tonight. Shame too as Oneechan is making her vegetable melody stew tonight.”

“Well, it’s your fault for eating two of those burgers.” Pearl playfully slapped his side. “And a large basket of onion rings as well? I thought I was dating a fox, not a pig.”

“Hehe, yeah, you're right. But I needed to replenish my energies. That was a lot of magic I dispelled earlier.” purring louder, Kohaku felt Pearl’s hoof play at the base of his three tails. The tips of them flicking wildly. “Pearl, you know what that does to me.”

“Yes, I do. You’ve tormented me for years. Now it’s my turn. Being your girlfriend now means I have so many ways to make you suffer.” Pearl giggled, trying to sound evil, but at the sound of his chuckle proved she failed.

“And you're not going to go easy on me, huh?”

“Never, would I be worth your time if I did?” Pearl rested her hoof on her belly with the other one as Kohaku rolled onto his side and looked at her.

“Truthfully?” Pearl nodded. “I’d drop you like a sack of stones if you did. My sisters never made my life easy. Loved yes, but never easy. So I expect that from my girlfriend.” Rolling over the other way, Kohaku lay out between Pearl’s legs, his head resting on her lap.

“Have you noticed our relationship hasn’t really changed all that much?” Pearl rested her head back against the tree, thanks to Kohaku, the spot where her head rested was now as soft as a pillow. “We do the same things we did weeks ago. I’ve seen other couples change when they get together. I know me and Lotus did. Why not with us?”

“Well, tousan said the best relationships are between the best of friends. Even Applejack says that dating your best friend means you never have to live up to some expectation the other might have about you.”

Pearl nodded slowly. “Yeah, mom and dad say the same thing. I mean, I’ve seen couples go all sex crazy about each other. Constantly kissing, touching, pushing each other to get between the sheets.” Kohaku arched his head a bit and looked up at Pearl’s face. “Don’t get me wrong, I love how our relationship is right now, but you haven’t made even one attempt towards sex.”

“Well, I will not lie. Sex has crossed my mind. Surely you caught how my tails puff up when you move or bend a certain way.”

“Yeah, what is up with that? It’s almost like how we Pegasus ponies have our wings pop out when we’re…” Pearl watched as Kohaku’s eyes slightly shifted off to the side. “It’s the same, isn’t it? Your tail boners are the same as our wing ones?” Kohaku nodded slowly. “Then I'm super flattered. Cause you seem to pop a lot of those around me.”

The pair lovingly laughed together as the afternoon sun drifted along the sky. After a few moments, Kohaku turned around and got up on all fours again. Slowly crawling up over Pearl’s body.

Pearl smirked as she playfully feigned protest as he got closer and closer. Her hooves weakly pushed against his chest as Kohaku got closer and closer. After a few slow moments, their noses touched.

“Oh, my Celestia! As if fucking a fox isn’t bad enough. Now you're doing it in public?” A harsh, mean girl's voice rang out in the secluded part of the park. “You really are a freak aren't you Pearl.”

Pearl groaned and closed her eyes. She was in no mood to deal with this. Turning her head to the side, she saw Lotus standing there. Her black unicorn stallion, Thunder Thrust, standing next to her. His bright yellow mohawk mane almost blinding her. Red Light and Cloud Dancer were off to the side, giggling.

“Hello Lotus.” Pearl half growled between her teeth. She wanted nothing better than to get up and tear that mean girl unicorn apart, but a gentle paw firmly kept her down.

Leaning in, Kohaku kissed Pearl’s cheek and nibbled her ear for a second. “Leave this to me.” Standing up, Kohaku turned and looked at the quartet before him. “So, what brings you out here? Taking your pet for a walk?” Kohaku turned his gaze to Thunder, who half growled.

“Hardly. My stud here just finished treating me to lunch at that new fancy cafe.” Lotus smirked, running a hoof along Thunder’s neck. “We just couldn’t help but notice you and your whore pass the cafe and head to the Hayburger, of all places. I’m surprised they’d even let you in smelling like wild animals.” Light and Dancer both laughed aloud with Lotus. “So why don’t you and your whore leave the park to real ponies.”

Pearl growled and leaped up, intent on tearing Lotus’s head apart. Only to be held back by Kohaku’s tails.

“You know, I’d rather she be my whore. Then that bastard side slut.” Kohaku motioned toward Thunder. Kohaku watched as Thunder moved up and gripped Kohaku’s silk shirt with his right hoof.

“What did you call my girl punk?”

Kohaku looked down and then back up. “Remove that hoof. Before you lose it.” Narrowing his eyes, Kohaku looked into Thunders. “There’s a special reason I was born with razor-sharp claws and fangs.” Smiling, the light of the sun glinted from the ‘knives’ that had been unleashed.

“Teh,” Thunder spat as he lifted his right hoof up. “You don’t scare me, punk. I’ll beat you so bad your parents will feel it. Oh wait, you don’t have any parents. That’s why you were adopted by the weakest pony in all Equestria.”

Reaching up, Kohaku unleashed his claws and wrapped his paw around the hoof at his neck, the blades lightly cutting into Thunder’s hoof. “Lets not make this into a dick measuring contest between us. Because the word around the forest is you don’t have the equipment to satisfy a bunny let alone a mare.”

Thunder roared out and thrust his hoof forward only to have it pass through Kohaku’s head. Chuckling off to the side made the stallion turn his head. Only to see Kohaku standing there munching on popcorn.

“You lil fuck, I’m gonna…”

“Fuck me up? I’ll pass. After all.” Kohaku's smirk grew larger. “Why would I want to be in the same situation as Light and Dancer?”

As Kohaku smiled. Pearl, Lotus, Thunder all turned and stared at Red Light and Cloud Dancer. The two mares blushed and looked at each other.

“OH you didn’t know that Thunder here impregnated both those girls there?” Kohaku chuckled as he walked up toward Lotus. Who stared at her two friends with betrayal?

“Are you sure?” Pearl asked as she looked at two of her former friends. “They don’t look pregnant.”

“Oh, certainly mares have a unique smell when pregnant. And they reek of his sex, which means, he rutted them as early as this morning.” Kohaku half held his paw over his nose.

Pearl couldn't help but giggle at the thought. This was the sweetest revenge she could have ever thought of. “I guess now you know what it feels like, Lotus. Someone you thought you loved betraying you.”

Lotus looked between her friends and her stallion. With a disgusted look, she slapped him hard across the face. Turning to her so-called friends, the frustrated unicorn just stuck her nose up and walked away with her tail between her legs. Light and Dancer quickly dashing off, embarrassed.

Thunder just stood there in disbelief. Turning toward Kohaku and Pearl, he roared out. “Your fault!” a blast of magic struck pearl on the chest before turning toward Kohaku who had vanished from sight.

“Where did you go, you little punk? You ruined everything. You and that little slut. I’ll destroy you both for this!” Looking around, he turned back toward Pearl and charged her. Before he could take two steps, Thunder found himself flipped over and a strong kick slamming into his midsection. Sending the brute slamming into the trunk of the tree Pearl was leaning up against.

Opening his eyes, he found Kohaku there, standing over him with a paw poised at his jugular. Gone was the innocent look he always sprouted. And what replaced it would haunt Thunder for the rest of his days. As the stallion felt the razor-sharp claws against his throat, slowly slicing in and drawing a thin trail of blood. He looked into the emotionless eyes.

These were the eyes of a skilled hunter, a practiced killer. A creature who would think nothing of killing him in an instant. Thunder’s heartbeat roared in his ears as tears fell from his eyes. “Please… I… I don’t want to die… please don’t kill me.”

Kohaku looked down at Thunder. How easy it would be to end this pony's life. Digging his claws in harder, he heard Thunder’s whimpers grow louder as the scent of urine came from behind him. “I would. I would love to kill you. And if you ever show yourself around Ponyville again, I will without hesitation” Kohaku’s voice was as sharp as his claws. “You should really grow a pair. After all, every creature I hunted and killed. Died with their dignity intact.” With a swift swipe upward, Kohaku left a deep slice up Thunder’s cheek to his eyebrow.

Moving over to Pearl, Kohaku looked over his shoulders. “Now get. Before I change my mind and kill you now.” The teenage fox didn’t even bother to look to see if his prey had heard him. The look of a hunter so swiftly changed back to the gentle face he sported. It made Pearl’s eyes spin. “Are you okay?”

With his paw held out, Pearl could still see a small trace of blood on it. Blood he shed for her. She reached out hesitantly but placed her hoof on it, anyway. It was so easy to forget what he was. Always so gentle with smaller creatures. Watching Thunder dash off faster than Rainbow could fly reminded her of just how scary Kohaku could really be. “I’m fine. Just shaking up. I’ve had rougher hits from bunnies.”

Kohaku laughed and pulled Pearl in close. With a Roll he moved up under her and stood up. Leaving Pearl on his back.

“Hey, I can walk you know.” She slapped his shoulder.

“Oh, hush and let me do this for you.” Kohaku chuckled up at her as he made his way through Ponyville. The pair got a few odd looks and, on over one occasion, whispered conversations started. “Think they're talking about us?”

“The oddest couple in Ponyville? No doubt.” Pearl sighed as she rested her head on Kohaku’s shoulders. “But I have a feeling by tomorrow, they’ll have something more interesting to discuss.”

Nodding, Kohaku watched as the birds flew about in the sky. As they reached the border to the Everfree Forest, Kohaku turned and walked down a small pathway that would lead up to the cabin he called home. “So when do your parents get back?”

“Tomorrow,” Pearl sighed. This was the longest they ever spent away on business. “I miss them. But they wanted to include a few days of ‘rest’ before they came home.” She heard Kohaku chuckle.

“Neechan and AJ are going to be spending a few days out at the Farm’s guest house on the northern side of the Orchard.”

“Big harvest?” Pearl nuzzled her head against his.

“Yeah, but I think they just didn’t want some alone time for a bit of private bucking.” Stopping at the porch, Kohaku felt Pearl’s weight shift off of him. “It thrilled Miss Buttercup when she heard about AJ and Neechan. Even asked when the wedding will be. I never thought a pony could blush so much.”

“Are they going to get married?”

“Yeah, Mac said he was helping AJ shop for a ring earlier this week.”

“That’s wonderful. Looks like you’ll have a vast family again.” Pearl watched as Kohaku sat on the porch futon. Pearl slowly moved up and sat next to him.

“Yeah. I’m excited about that. The Apples always made me feel like family, and now we will be.”

Nodding, Pearl watched with Kohaku as the sun slowly lowered down the horizon. “So I take it’s just going to be you tonight alone here, huh?”

“Yeah, since you’ve stayed at the palace.”

Biting on her lower lips, Pearl just looked at Kohaku watching the sun. Seeing him put Lotus, Red Light and Cloud Dancer in their place. Not to mention that worthless wimp Thunder. Her heart was still beating fast at seeing all that. “You know. I don’t have to stay there. It’s more convenient as it’s closer to home.”

Turning his head, Kohaku looked at Pearl. “Well, you're always welcome to share my room with me. Not like we haven't done that before.”

“I know. But you see. After watching you today. And before against those Timberwolves. Well.. I.”

“What are you trying to say, Pearl?” Kohaku smirked. His nose caught the scent long before they could say any words.

“Are you really going to make me say it?” Pearl looked into those deep amber eyes and knew the answer. “Of course you are. You live to make me suffer like this.”

Playfully pushing her on her back, Kohaku walked up over her body like he did earlier at the park. His nose dabbing hers. “I do, it gives me a bit of a thrill.”

“Alright, here it is. I want to be your vixen tonight.” As soon as the words exited her mouth, she blushed as red as her hair.

“You know what you're asking, right?” Kohaku lightly nudged her chin with his nose as he kissed slowly along her neck.

“Yes, Don’t treat me like a pony tonight. I want.. I want to know what being a vixen feels like.” Pearl closed her eyes and felt her heart pound in her chest. “You know how tough I am. I can take it.”

“You know, the last time I heard those words was from my Oniisan Starswirl. And he underestimated my big sister Kazumi.”

“I trust you,” Pearl whispered softly as she wrapped a leg around his neck. Her hoof lightly and lovingly caressing his shoulder. “You won’t hurt me. You’ll just push me to the edge. I know you’ll never let me fall.”

“Not now. Not ever.” His eyes looked into hers as he leaned down and kissed Pearl passionately on the lips.

“I thought you were going to lock that door?” Fluttershy huffed as she walked side by side with Applejack.

“I thought I did,” Applejack sighed. “Who knew the lock was broken?”

“I can’t believe it. Your mother saw us both in that… position. I’ve never felt more embarrassed.” Fluttershy lowered her head so that her mane would fall down over her eyes.

“Now buck up sugarcube. Our night’s not over yet. If we can convince Kohaku to spend the night out. We might be able to salvage it.” Applejack took her hat and placed it on her marefriend’s head. “Won’t be hard either, him and Pearl have been getting closer. Even dating now.”

Stopping at the entrance to her cabin home, she nodded. “Yeah, he’s very understanding. And he knows how active we are. I’m sure he’ll have no problem with it.”

“There ya go now. Look lights on, so you know he’s home. Let's go ask him.” Fluttershy just nodded.

Taking hold of the door handle, she found it locked. Nodding again, she always taught him well enough to keep the door locked if he was alone. Grabbing the spare key from under the welcome mat. The lovebirds flung open the door and walked in only to stop dead in their tracks.

“Eep…” was all Fluttershy could say as she backed out of the house and pushed her back up against the exterior of her home.

“Deja Vu.” was all Applejack could utter as she saw Pearl. Laid out on her belly on the sofa, blushing redder than her mane.. Sharing a look, Kohaku, his paws resting on the small of Pearl’s back, and Applejack just nodded to each other. Closing the door, Applejack relocked it and turned to her marefriend.

“I think we should find ourselves a nice hotel room tonight. Or ask if Twilight might lend us one of her royal suite’s.”

Fluttershy just kept blushing as red as Pearl had. Applejack just shook her head and scooped up her marefriend on her back and returned to Ponyville.

Chapter 9 - Epilogue

Kohaku purred contently under the shade of the grand willow tree. A fresh bowl of his favorite snack food resting beside him. The soft whisper between the trees told him they were prepping for fall. Which meant school would start up soon. He questioned if he should go to the school at his age. But he enjoyed spending time around others his own age. It would also give him more time to snuggle up against Pearl during breaks.

Kohaku had a laugh when Fluttershy told him how Buttercup had interrupted her and AJ only hours before they showed up at the cabin, accidentally doing the same to Pearl and himself. His oneechan had repeatedly apologized for interrupting him and Pearl that night.

Kohaku wouldn’t have minded if they just walked in and did what they wanted. But he had to remind himself he was amongst ponies and not his own people. Despite what she had walked in on, she was happy he loved Pearl enough to do something so intimate together. Even if AJ thought they should have been married or at least engaged.

The soft steps of hooves on grass perked his ears up. He smelled the sweet flavor that hovered in the air. A loud grunt emitted from his girl’s mouth as Pearl had kicked a fallen branch. “Upset?”

“No. I just got back from telling my parents about, us.” Pearl sighed and flopped down on top of Kohaku. She had to smile at hearing that sudden oof from him. Seconds before the warmth of his front limbs around her shoulders.

“How did they take the news?”

“Oh usual, they were happy that we finally announced that we’re a couple.” Pearl rested her head under his and nibbled against his neck. “Have we always given off the vibe that we’re a couple?”

“Beats me. I was just going with the flow. But I wouldn’t have doubted it.” His paws caressing over Pearl’s shoulders as he felt her mane up against his nose. The floral scent of her shampoo filling him. “How did they take it when you told them what we’ve done?”

“Mom was okay with it. As long as we were playing it ‘safe’.”

“And your dad?”

“He said and I quote, If that fox gets you pregnant before marriage I’ll tear him apart.” Shaking her head, Pearl closed her eyes. “I told them they have nothing to worry about. But you know pony parents.”

“Hmm” Kohaku nodded.

“So how long before your next…” Pearl’s voice slowly went to a whisper.

“Not for another week, it will not be easy for me now.” Pearl nodded.

“Well, I’ll find something to occupy my time. Twilight and Sunset have been telling me about this discovery they found in the Canterlot restricted section. Some kind of doorway mirror.” Pearl’s hoof lightly circling against Kohaku’s chest tuft.

“Well, I’m sure with your help, they’ll figure it out.” Kohaku purred deeper. “So want to do anything special?”

“No, just hold me.” Pearl whispered as she felt his front legs gripping her tighter.

“Well, I have a present for you. I wanted to get this to you earlier, but you know.” Kohaku chuckled as he pulled a brown paper-wrapped package with one of his tails.

Like a foal on Heartwarming, Pearl tore into it only to find an old beaten up soft leather-bound book. “OH wow. An old journal.” Pearl smirked as she opened it, finding each page filled with tiny letters she learned were Kanji. All alined in a thin vertical line from top to bottom of each page. “And it’s all filled out, too. How special.” Tilting her head, she looked at Kohaku and smirked. “Some gift.”

“It belonged to my father, passed down from his father. Who got it from his father.” Kohaku lightly licked her lips. “It’s a generational journal. Containing the knowledge of three generations of my forefathers are written in there. It was past to me when my father…” Kohaku closed his eyes and turned his head away.

“Then you shouldn’t give it to me. Not if it’s so special.” Pearl pushed the book into his chest with her hooves.

“Well, I thought this book would help you with your greatest ambition.”

Pearl blinked. It was no secret that she desired to become the world’s greatest dragon scholar. “And just how is this book going to help me with that?”

“Because it’s filled with the knowledge pertaining to one subject in particular.” Kohaku sighed. “It’s a subject I care little for, but you love almost as much as me.”

Kohaku watched as Pearl’s eyes widened and started to sparkle. Her hooves trembling as she held the journal and looked down at it. “You mean to tell me. That this journal…”

“Holds over five hundred thousand years of collected knowledge about dragons. Everything you could ever want to know is in this journal. From diets to mating habits. Things ponies could never know on their own. Secrets dragons will never reveal about themselves. Both eastern and western dragons.”

Pearl felt lightheaded. Looking down at the journal that, to her mind, was the most valuable book in existence. She had researched for weeks just to find books that held only a fraction of the knowledge ponies knew about dragons. And now she was handed the key to her dreams in one small book.

“How, how can so much knowledge be in something so small.” Pearl opened it to the first page and stared at it. “I can’t even read this.”

“I can help you there.” Reaching down, he pulled a long, thin piece of crystal. Holding the gemstone over the first line of Kanji, he whispered. “Say the following. Hon’yaku.”

“Hon’yaku?” Pearl said and quirked an eyebrow. Her next question lost as the gemstone glowed. Suddenly around her were thousands upon thousands of large scrolls. Each one swirling about. Pearl watched as Kohaku reached out and flicked his wrist to the side. As he did so, the scrolls moved up, down, side to side. Where his paw moved, so did the scroll wall.

She watched as he took a large scroll in his paw and placed it down on the ground. Opening it, Pearl found that it was in perfect ponish. “How?”

“Thank my great-grandfather, Katsuko. He designed the spell that made reading this book possible. He believed that all knowledge should be shared equally. So the crystal he created can translate into any known language. So long as that race speaks the words I told you.”

“OH Kohaku. Thank you so much.” Pearl dropped the book and crystal. As the book closed, the scrolls all vanished. Leaning in she gave her beloved fox a kiss for the ages. “Tonight, you better hang onto your tails. Because you earned yourself something really special tonight.” With a wink, Pearl had to stifle a giggle at the smile Kohaku had.

Twilight sighed as she sat in her favorite reading chair. A glass of hard liquor hovering nearby and an open copy of Daring Do across her lap. Every time she closed her eyes recently, she saw that fish winking at her. Her scientific mind was finally broken. Fish could wink and could wink at her.

It had been several days now. And already Twilight had all but emptied her liquor cabinet. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo could only blink at each other as they saw what had happened to Twilight. Rainbow did her part and hid the key away, while Scootaloo did her best to help her mom come to terms with whatever it was she was going through.

Chapter 4 - Lifting the rose colored veil

Pearl huffed as she laid there on the large cloud bed in Scootaloo’s large room. Pearl had to admit being the daughter of a princess had perks. For two days now she had been a guest at the castle as Fluttershy’s cabin was completely empty. Kohaku was nowhere to be found. On a table in the living room, she found a small note and a saddlebag.

The note stated that he had gone hunting and would return in a few days. Looking at the saddlebag, she found it was one of hers. Inside was several day’s worth of clothing. Like he said, Kohaku got her clothes. Since her parents were abroad on business she went to Twilight and took up the offer to stay there till Kohaku had returned.

For two days she agonized about her feelings. She loved her friend deeply. Had so for years, but when had those feelings become romantic? Even wondering when his stupid pranks went from annoying to funny and charming. She had even taken part in many of the pranks, coming up with many of her own. She even enjoyed laughing with him when somepony fell for them.

“Hey Pearl.” Scootaloo chimed as the orange pegasus entered her room. “You still wrestling with your feelings?”

“I love him.” Pearl muttered as she didn’t notice her friend enter the room. “I love him and he’s not around for me to tell him so.” Grabbing a pillow, Pearl tossed it across the room and sat up with a cross look.

Scootaloo smirked as she watched one of her pillows fly halfway across the room. “Is that a yes?”

“No, I’m certain now. I love him.” Pearl sat up and hugged another of the fluffy pillows.

“Great,” Scootaloo laughed out. “I’m glad to hear it. Say why don’t you come downstairs. Bloom and Belle are here. There’s something we want to show you.

“What is it?” Pearl sighed and placed the pillow back where it belonged.

“Nope, not telling. You’ll just have to find out when we get there.”

Pearl smirked at her friend and followed along. Meeting Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle at the castle entrance. She embraced them both with playful laughter. Not long after she found herself following behind the trio. Perking her ears up she watched them talking amongst themselves.

“She’s not ready for this Belle.” Apple Bloom sighed out. “Remember how you reacted to seeing that part of him.”

“Well if she is going to start a romantic relationship with him, she needs to know that part of him” Sweetie Belle signed out while looking over her shoulder as the trio moved through the rough path of the Everfree Forest.

“It’s not like it did you any good.” Scootaloo sighed out. “Besides I think this is something he should tell her about.”

“He won’t and you know it.”

“Okay girls, what’s up.” Pearl stopped and sat down. “I’m not going any further until you tell me what’s going on.”

The trio looked at each other and nodded together.

“We’re taking you to a little hideout near a clearing. Lots of animals roam it and you might even see Kohaku as he hunts.” Sweetie Belle smiled.

“Okay then. Lead on.” Pearl smiled at her friends. Looking at their eyes she saw the same nervous look when they mentioned Kohaku hunting.

Kohaku comfortably lounged in a bed of wildflowers. For two days now he had been hunting his prey. His muscles were sore, his paws ached, his body was exhausted from lack of sleep. And he never felt more alive. He had chosen well. His prey was smart, and quite elusive. Sipping on a homemade smoothie, Kohaku watched the clouds in the sky as they floated past.

“How are you holding up?” Kohaku sighed out as he rubbed his shoulder with a sore paw.

“Not bad,” an unseen voice replied from the bushes. “I have enough strength for one final run. Beyond that…” the voice went silent as a sigh caught Kohaku’s ears. “My mate thought I was crazy when I told her about this arrangement.”

“Really?” Kohaku rolled over onto his belly, and stared at the thick bushes.

“Yeah, but after I explained everything to her. She agreed that this was best. Now she can remember me as I truly am, and not the pathetic creature I was going to be.” Kohaku heard his friend shift as a pair of brown eyes looked back at him. “Speaking of mates, how is that sweet filly you keep mentioning every night.”

“She isn’t my mate.” Kohaku folded his front legs and rested his head down. “Not that I wouldn’t be thrilled if she was. She’s smart, beautiful and is a raging spitfire who calls me out on everything I do. How could I not fall in love with her? But she just went through a painful break up. I want to ask her out, to make her feel loved. Show her that there’s somecreature who loves her deeply. But I feel as if I would be taking advantage of the situation.”

“So? When my mate was left by her then lover, I swooped in and made my move.” The unseen voice chuckled. “Find a date spot that means something for you both and take her there. For me and mine it was this lovely little foraging spot she goes too. We spent hours there talking and before the night was over. I had my mate.”

“Hmmm” Was all Kohaku managed to get out before taking a long deep breath. “I’ll think on that.”

“You do that, and above all. Tell her how you feel. You may strike out, or you may win the carrot patch. But either way at least you will let her know how YOU feel.”

“I’ll do that.” Getting up Kohaku stretched a bit. “You ready?”

“Yeah. One final run. Let's make it a good one.” The voice said as he sat up. A pair of long ears poking out of the bushes. “Five minute head start?”

“I’ll make it ten. As long as you give me a good fight.”

“OH I will. Like you told me when we started this two days ago. I’m not going to make this easy on you.” the Jackrabbit laughed. Seeing Kohaku nod he dashed out into the thicket at top speed.

Kohaku watched his prey run out. Leaning against a tree he slowly counted in his head. As he counted, thoughts of Pearl entered his mind, Bringing a smile to his face. As the counter reached six hundred. All thoughts but one left his mind. His eyes became hard as the smile vanished from his lips just before he dashed out after his target.

Pearl and her friends laid out comfortably on the wooden platform overlooking the small clearing. Pearl admitted this was a beautiful area, so much so that she almost forgot she was in the Everfree Forest. Small animals skittered about, fish leaped out of the water to catch bugs flying overhead. And the calm of the place relaxed her already tense nerves.

She made her decision, she was going to tell Kohaku just how she felt. Yes she was putting her heart on the line, but she was certain that he would reciprocate those feelings. As Pearl watched over the valley from that tree post, a large jack rabbit dashed from under the bushes

The Jackrabbit had to be at least a hoof taller then she was. It’s long ears swept back down it’s head. She watched as he panted heavily looking around furiously. His powerful legs bounding him to the center of the valley in only a few hops.

“That has to be the largest and most beautiful Jackrabbit anypony has ever seen!” Pearl exclaimed. To which the CMC’s all nodded in agreement, aweing at such a majestic creature. Pearl soon felt the air in the area grow thicker as a blackened creature pushed its way out of the thicket. It was slightly smaller than the jackrabbit, but she could see how strong it was by how well the beast carried itself. Thick layers of mud and grime covered its entire body, making it impossible to see what exactly this thing was. But she knew in a heartbeat that it was hunting the jackrabbit.

Pearl watched as the Jackrabbit looked both ways and then behind him. He was blocked at every corner. The dark creature stalked slowly, its sharp teeth glinting in the light as it growled ferociously. A sharp bark got the Jackrabbit to cower slightly as the dark hunter came closer and closer. Pearl wanted to look away but something in her heart told her not too.

The large jackrabbit backed away slowly as it’s predator moved in closer, step by step. Just as the large lapine slipped onto it’s rump. The blackened beast leaped forward. It’s dark eyes sparkling with the lust for the kill. Just as the beast was over the rabbit, it was met with a powerful upward kick to it’s nose and jaw. Sending it flying backward.

With a flip in the air the predator landed on all fours and before the beat of a heart. Dashed forward swiping at the prey with claws unsheathed. A quick spinning kick from the lapine sent it’s hunter speeding toward and slamming into the very tree Pearl was in. She felt the sudden vibrations on the platform.

Keeping her eyes open she watched as the Lapine and unknown wolf-like creature dash toward each other. Their front paws met in a show of force so great all other animals left the valley. Pearl didn’t know how long she had been watching this. But she felt as if time had suddenly lost all meaning. All there was at this moment was a brutal fight between life and death. With the winner not yet decided.

Pearl watched the two continue to fight paw to paw. The predator leaping in with a spin kick only to be met by a large lapine paw across his nose with an audible crack. The force of the kick sent the predator backwards into a shallow river. She gasped as the thick mud slipped down revealing Kohaku. Blood streaming down from his nose.

Pearl shivered as she watched the two circle each other. Their eyes shimmering with a desire she never realized. This wasn’t a simple hunt. This was a fight to the death. In the jackrabbits eyes was a desire to live. But in Kohaku’s eyes she saw something she could never think was in him. The desire to kill.

Pearl turned to her three friends, her face livid with anger. “This is what you wanted me to see…” she whispered through her teeth. The three CMC’s all nodded. Pearl turned her look back to the fight below.

On the ground the jackrabbit was slammed hard against the trunk of a large tree. Kohaku was moving in closer. His eyes sparkling with lustful desire. Pearl watched as he stood there looking down at his prey. The lapine bowed its head slowly. Her heart was beating wildly. It looked as if Kohaku was going to let his prey go. But her spine went cold as Kohaku lunged forward and sank is teeth deep into the jackrabbits neck. With a swift jerk, he snapped the lapines spine, killing it instantly. As her fox lifted his head up, she watched as he licked the blood from his lips. A look on his muzzle that reminded her of sexual release.

Tears streamed from her eyes as she stood up and flew away as hard as she could.

Kohaku groaned loudly. Falling onto his belly he looked up at the jackrabbit. Bowing his head he heard something from above. Turning his head, Kohaku watched as a familiar trio took a zip line into the trees.

“Oh wonderful. Just what I need.”