Kohaku yawned as he lifted his head. The morning was nice and cool a perfect remedy to the humidity of the day before. A perfect morning to kick off summer vacation. The showers had just subsided leaving the whole area rich with petrichor. Overhead he could hear all the avian families just now waking up with their songs filling his ears.
In the distance, he watched as the sun slowly made its way up on the horizon. All the dew and moisture in the air shimmered with colors and wonders most Ponies would never see. Well, those that aren't farm ponies at least.
Already Kohaku could hear his adopted sister start her day. Calling out for all the animals about to come for breakfast. He had to chuckle at her attempt to get Angel to stop being such a lump. He would have gone down to help, but he was more worried that he would end up eating him.
In the deep forest behind him, Timberwolves howled for their young to return to the dens. Ponies wouldn’t be able to hear it, but he could. Thoughts about the forest brought his family to mind. He missed his mother and father and elder sisters. He wondered what they were doing right now. Crossing his front legs he lifted his head up briefly. Yes, he missed his life back in the forest. But Fluttershy was now as much his family as they were.
Overhead he watched as the eagles fly around, one divebombed the roof of Fluttershy’s cabin. Kohaku raised his roof and snatched the basket the eagle was carrying. Inside was a care package of his favorite fruits. Licking his lips he picked scooped out a pawful of berries and started to munch on them ideally.
As he readied himself for the day, Kohaku was reminded about something he overheard his Mentor and Teacher talking about the last day of school. There was a new girl moving into town.
He recalled how boring it found the idea until he heard she had been kicked out of her old school for brawling, mischief-making, and overall bad attitudes. His teacher Cheerilee had found the situation disheartening, but his ears had perked up thinking Finally, someone fun!
Memorizing the date, Kohaku had been counting down the days till this mystery girl finally moved into town. And today was the day.
When Fluttershy exited the cabin Kohaku smiled. “Oneechan!”
“OH Kohaku dear. I’m glad you're up. Could you please see to the predators of my sanctuary today?” Fluttershy smiled as he nodded slowly and leaped down from her roof. Walking up she lightly brushed back his wild hair, hiding a giggle as he half squirmed about with a groan.
“Hai, but I was wondering if I could spend the day in town today.”
“Would this have anything to do with the new girl moving into Ponyville?” Kohaku blushed and nodded slowly. “I see no problem with it. Just make sure you check on the wolves and other predators. Make sure they are sticking to their sanctuary diets.” Fluttershy raised a hoof and looked at him sternly.
“Hai, neechan.” Leaping up he ran off toward the sanctuary only to be stopped by a hoof on his tails.
“You're not planning anything mischievous today are you?” Fluttershy lowered her eyebrows and looked deeply into his eyes.
“Me?” Kohaku leaned back placing a paw on his chest. But quickly lowered himself as he met his adopted sister’s stare. “No. No, I’m not.”
“Good. I don’t need to hear about another incident from Twilight again. Like what happened during your trip to the Canterlot Zoo? Your sister Kazumi had some choice words with me afterward.”
“They never proved that was me.” Kohaku blushed and looked away. After a few moments, he met Fluttershy’s gaze and sighed. “Hai. I promise.”
“Then have a good day.” Kohaku cheered as he dashed off.
Kohaku laughed internally all while he broke up two fights between the wolves and other animals. And made sure they were sticking to a fish diet. The ones that were healed he quickly dismissed from the sanctuary walls. After he was certain things were moving along normally. And the late morning ranger came to keep watch. Kohaku dashed off to Ponyville.
Pearl listened with mounting annoyance as her mother talked with Princess Twilight. While she was over the moon to meet the princess, this was not how she imagined it to go. “Those bozos had it coming and you know it, mom.”
Cirrus groaned, rubbing her snout. “That is not the point, Pearl. All that fighting in your old school? I thought we raised you better than that.”
Twilight shook her head, holding her own thoughts back for the moment. “What did they do exactly?”
Pearl growled. “Picking on anyone smaller than them, or anyone they thought they could get away with it. Once they started on my friends? Big mistake.” She punched her hoofs together.
Cirrus shook her head. “And what about pranking the staff and other students at the meet and greet for your new school?”
Pearl shrugged. “What? I never made them deadly. Much as I didn’t like some of them, even I know better than that. I don’t think Miss Cheerilee is that bad though.”
Twilight sighed. “I’m not sure what I can do, ma’am. Pearl’s heart is in the right place, I can see that. But can either of us claim we were perfect at that age? Even I got into trouble once and a while.”
Cirrus couldn’t argue with that as she looked away, earning a giggle from her daughter. “Perhaps not, princess. But I was hoping you could help maybe… temper Pearl’s enthusiasm, before she gets into worse trouble, or into something she cannot fight.”
Pearl growled. “And why not, mom? You can’t hide me forever. I’m not some priceless antique in the house! Stop treating me like one!”
Twilight stepped back as Pearl took to the air and flew towards an open window. “I didn’t even wanna move to this stupid town!”
Before Cirrus or Twilight could do anything, Pearl was gone, leaving her mother to look forlornly at Twilight. “I am sorry, Princess Twilight. Pearl really was not happy about the move. Among other things.”
Twilight’s ears fell. “I know what that’s like. Spike can tell you how miserable I was when we first moved to Ponyville. Give it time, though. Pearl will come around.”
At the moment, though, Cirrus found that hard to believe.
Kohaku cheerfully trotted about as he made his way through Ponyville. Coming to this town was certainly a huge change for him. But it was one he was beginning to enjoy. Already the telltale signs of his so-called temper tantrum a year earlier was a memory ponies only scoffed at now. Stopping at the center of town he stood still and took a long deep breath, sniffing the air.
Chocolate and candies from the north, he was certain Pinkie was making new cupcakes. He made a mental note to visit there later that afternoon to sample them. The smell of fancy perfume from the east made his tails shiver. His ears already picking up on the yelling coming from the boutique. No doubt his Sweetie Belle had gotten into something she shouldn’t have again. Making a second note to buy her something special to pick up her spirits.
Up and off at the distance, he saw a white streak with a red mane fly toward town. Leaping behind a tree he shimmered his body to blend in next to a hedge fence. Kohaku watched with interest. So this was the new girl in town. His amber eyes took her all in with a smile. She certainly was a looker.
He watched as she kicked the ground and mouthed off like a sailor on shore leave. One of the rocks hit the tree near his head. Nice shot… ran through his head. Staying invisible he watched as she strolled about the town, following her several paces behind. His soft paws barely made any noise. And every time she turned around he blended into the plant life, chuckling internally as she continued to curse.
Throughout the day he followed and kept his distance, wondering what would pique this girl's interest. He watched as she shrugged off the babbling of Diamond and Silver only then to fall over laughing silently as a cherry bomb exploded behind the stuck-up pair. Oh, he was loving this girl even more now. Picking up a small rock, he threw it at a nearby tree that lead to a path into the Everfree Forest.
I wonder, just how fun are you? He knew his promise to his mother kept him from doing anything drastic, but that didn’t exclude him from manipulating events to his liking. He could not hide who he was. He watched as she took the bait and moved on toward the forest with curiosity. And followed silently behind her.
Pearl didn’t know how far into the forest she went. Even growing up in Baltimare, she knew how dangerous the Evefree was, but she just needed to get away from everypony for a while.
She knew she shouldn’t have yelled at her mom and Princess Twilight like that. This was all just too much for her. Getting kicked out of her old school, moving to a new town…
“Nopony ever asked me what I thought about any of it,” she sniffed.
“And what do you think about it?” A silent voice asked from the shadows. The voice moved swiftly around her in a slow circle. “Sorry, it’s probably none of my business but I know what it’s like. Leaving something you’ve known all your life and landing in someplace new. It’s frightening.”
Pearl’s eyes twitched. “Oh, no. I am not hearing voices right now. No. I’m just tired is all, and now I’m hearing things. Yeah. That’s it.”
“Sorry, I’m not a voice in your head,” the voice said with a chuckle. “I’m the one who’s been following you all day. I have to say. LOVE what you did to Diamond and Silver. I never thought they could jump so high without wings. I was right. You're a barrel of fun.”
Pearl did giggle a little. “Yeah. Well, this barrel of fun is about to pummel you, you invisible pervert. Didn’t your parents ever teach you that’s not very nice to do to a girl?”
Laughter escaped a bush nearby Pearl only to move to a tree opposite her. “Ahhh. Yeah, they did. But Oneechan always told me that some girls are a lot tougher than they look. And never approach them normally because they don’t take crap from anyone. So tell me? Are you such a girl?”
“Show yourself and find out,” Pearl growled, rapidly losing patience with whatever this thing was. “Your family is weird if they taught you that.”
“Yeah we always have been a weird bunch,” the voice sighed as a rustling came from behind Pearl. “But I guess the fun of this has kinda run out. I can tell you're getting angry so I’ll come out. Just don’t be too shocked. I know how delicate some of you ponies can be with this.” With a sigh his illusion faded, his shadowy form dissipating as he sat up straight atop a dead tree trunk. The afternoon sun glimmered off his amber-streaked emerald fur. His three tails swished behind him as he offered the pegasus girl his best smile. “Hiya!” He raised his paw as she turned and looked directly at him.
Pearl froze, long-buried racial memories flooding her. Of the time when ponies were nothing but dumb herd animals, easy prey for any number of predators. One look said he could catch her before she got anywhere near Ponyville and safety, and even that was no guarantee. “... eeep.”
Kohaku sighed and groaned. “Oh no…” Two tails swiftly plugged his ears as he knew what was coming next.
Pearl screamed as loud as she could, shock and fear making her jump a good hundred feet in the air, before making a beeline for Ponyville, hoping she could outfly whatever this thing was.
Kohaku shook his head as he leaped forward and bounced upward off several trees. Pole Vaulting off of one he wrapped one tail around Pearl’s waist as he zoomed next to her, and slid down another tree to the ground. The last thing he needed now was a hysterical filly loose in Ponyville. He watched as she pulled and strained to get free of his tail before trotting off into the forest even deeper.
The screams and echoes of forcing him to plug his ears even more it wasn’t until he felt those hooves start to pound on his body that he felt his eye start to twitch. He had lost count of how many times she had struck him now. Why do ponies always have this reaction? Seriously? Deep down he knew the answer but shook his head regardless.
“Let me go, you overgrown fuzzball! You’re not having me for lunch without a fight,” Pearl growled, but it was useless. He was just too strong. She could almost admire how deftly he was now dodging her blows. “Dad’s gonna tan your hide for this!”
Walking out of the forest he felt a hind hoof strike his shoulder as he nodded at the cottage he was aiming for. With a groan, he reached up and knocked on the door.
Fluttershy smiled as she poked her head out of her window and giggled. “Oh, Kohaku dear. Is everything okay?”
Pointing behind him he groaned. “Please make it stop!” His head dropped as another few hooves struck him.
Fluttershy sighed as she shook her head and opened her door. Tapping on Pearl’s shoulder the animal caretaker giggled. “Excuse me, dear, do you mind stopping your assault on my little brother? If you like I have tea and biscuits prepared.”
Kohaku, unwrapping his tails from Pearl’s body, pipped up. “Ooo yummy,” he cheerfully declared and half skipped into the cottage.
Pearl gulped. Now she’d done it. The one pony she never wanted to upset, and now she’d gone and done it anyway. “Um. Not to be rude, but how can he be your brother? I know you love animals, but this is a bit much don’t you think?”
Fluttershy stood there and looked Pearl over slowly. Walking around her for a moment then sat down comfortably on the grass. “So you're the new girl in town. Little brother has been talking nonstop about wanting to meet you. I guess your meeting went a little off. It’s understandable, I remember my first encounter with him. Not as extreme as yours but still unnerving. Please have a seat next to me.”
Pearl gulped and did as she was told her ears twitched as the older Pegasus called out. “Kohaku please bring out the tray on the table.” It wasn't long before Pearl watched as the fox did as he was told. A silver tray perfectly balanced on his back and a cookie in his mouth. Pearl watched in almost awe as he skillfully placed the tray and snacks in front of them before running off into the distance and into a large flock of ducks who all scattered and flew around him. Fluttershy laughing at his antics.
“He’s my adopted brother. I was going to adopt him as a son but officials thought I was just a bit too young for that." Fluttershy laughed as two ducks divebombed Kohaku who deftly dodged with a back flip. “But as a promise I made to his big sister, I look after him like she would. Of course, we aren’t his real family. But they thought living amongst ponies would be good for him.” Holding the teacup expertly in her wings she took a sip. “So how are you enjoying Ponyville? This is your first real day here isn’t it?”
Pearl nodded, doing the same. “Yeah. Some first day too. And I do like it. A lot less chaotic than Baltimare that’s for sure.” She eyed Kohaku with mistrust. “Annoying furballs and all. He did get me out of the Everfree, so maybe he’s not so bad.”
Fluttershy smiled but tilted her head. “What were you doing in the Everfree Forest? It’s dangerous.”
“I have no idea, I can’t even remember why I went that way.” Pearl sighed. “I was just way too upset.”
“About what?” Fluttershy placed a wing on Pearl’s shoulder.
Pearl’s ears fell as she sighed. “I yelled at my mom. You see, I got kicked out of my old school for bad behavior. And I didn’t exactly make a good first impression during the meet and greet here at my new one. I like Miss Cheerilee, but some of those other ponies need to lighten up.” She sniffed, taking a cookie. “Then we move out here, taking me away from my friends and everyone I know? Never ince asking me how I felt?”
“Well, I'm not going to presume to know what made your family move out here. But I do know that parents do things for their children that they won’t understand until they are much older.” Fluttershy sat and watched Kohaku as he ducked and weaved around the flurry of ducks that flew around him with all the grace of a Pegasus in flight. “I never understood why mother and father did things they did until I started looking after Kohaku there.”
“He didn’t want to come to Ponyville either.” Pearl twisted quickly and looked up at Fluttershy. Her eyes never once left Kohaku. “But his family was adamant that he come here. So ever since then, he’s been living with me. It was rough at first. But he’s grown to enjoy this small town. But his first few weeks were a nightmare. So many ponies were scared. Not unlike you were just a small while ago.”
Pearl humphed as she looked out at the fox in the field. His front legs spread wide as he danced and flipped about gracefully. Quirking an eyebrow she took a breath. She knew that form. Her parents had tried to teach it to her when she was younger. It was the Wing and Hoof exercise. A type of old Pegasus martial art to increase balance and strengthen one’s wings for extended flights in harsh weather.
“It took a while but soon everypony found out that he’s just as kind and gentle as I am. And once they learned that, they opened up to him. They found it much easier to deal with his pranks and antics. Even though they give Twilight a daily headache.” Fluttershy giggled.
Pearl couldn’t help but giggle as well. “Okay. Maybe I’ll warm up to him. Just as long as he stops sneaking up on me while invisible. A girl can get the wrong idea from that.”
Shrugging Fluttershy got up. “I doubt you’ll get a promise there. But if he does keep it up. You just let me know and I’ll set him straight.” Putting down her empty cup Fluttershy turned and moved back toward her house. “I have things to do still before the day is done. One thing about small towns. There’s always a lot of work to do just to keep it running. But please stay as long as you like” With that Fluttershy walked into her house leaving Pearl alone with Kohaku who was now walking up toward Pearl.
“You doing okay now?” Kohaku sat down with a heavy breath. A towel appeared in his paws as he wiped his head and shoulders down. “Or are you going to start screaming again?”
Pearl bit down on what she was really feeling at the moment and shrugged. “It’s a racial memory, sue me. I know better now, but what did you expect me to do when I saw someone who looked like they could make a light snack out of me?”
Tossing his towel behind him it vanished in a flurry of green flames as he shrugged. “I have no idea. And you in no way would be a light snack.” He smirked at her with a chuckle. “But I get it. It’s why I went by father’s rules of engagement when meeting ponies. First. Get the home-field advantage. It’s why I lead you toward the Everfree. Second. Establish your good rapport. Granted I kinda failed at that. But we did have a few moments of nonyelling conversation. And third. If they do run, don’t let them escape to cause trouble.”
Cracking his neck a bit Kohaku lay out on the grass. “I should have done a better job with stage two. I kinda put you on edge rather than at ease. And I don’t have the level of patience father has. So I hope you’ll forgive me for that. And I have to say. Getting those two stuck-up fillies to scream and dash with a single cherry bomb. Brilliant. I almost broke my camouflage laughing so hard.”
Pearl smirked. “They had it coming. I never cared who ponies were or their social status. Plenty of my friends are from families those two wouldn’t be caught dead with. And causing trouble is a hobby of mine. I’ve been in more trouble than I care to count.” She poked him. “Stop sneaking up on me invisibly, and I won’t aim any lower. No promises next time if not. A girl can get the wrong idea that way.”
Kohaku just smiled. “No promises. But I am a gentlefox, and I swear that you have nothing to worry about.”
Pearl wasn’t convinced but held it as she scratched her head. “So what’s a kitsune doing living in Ponyville, and with a pony no less? I haven’t seen any creature like you before, let alone talk to one."
He shrugged. “Mother and father thought it would be good for me. That it would give me a different view on life. And they hoped it would smooth out my worst tendencies. My sisters don’t think that is possible.”
Pearl rolled her eyes. “They’re probably right. Hopefully, they’re not as bad as you are.”
“Oh no, they are much better. But after thousands of years of life and learning. They should be.” Picking up another cookie he munched on it. “Kazumi said after a few hundred years here and I’ll come away with some good life experiences.”
Pearl’s coat turned pale as a ghost. Even living in the big city as she had, she knew that name. “Kazumi Stormbringer? She’s your sister?”
Smiling, Kohaku didn’t take note of her pale coloring. “Hai. She’s the current shogun of our family. Being the eldest it’s only natural. She oversees our household and all lands and holdings. Making sure everything runs smoothly. She answers to father and mother alone. After her it’s Mitsuko, then Kade, and last Riko. But ponies most know them by their clan names Stoneshaper, Firestorm, and Wavemender.” Turning he looked Pearl in the eyes and waved his paw in front of them. “Say, you okay? You’re starting to look like someone drained all the blood from your body. Here sit down”
Kohaku helped Pearl into a sitting position so she wouldn’t fall. Pouring her another cup of tea he offered it to her with a few cookies. He watched as she ideally took them. “It’s not easy sometimes. Being the youngest of such amazing siblings. They’ve lived for a few thousand years. And I’ve barely made it halfway out of my first decade. But even now I know I have some pretty big paws to follow.” Taking another bite out of a cookie he flopped back onto his back and looked up at the sky. “And I mean that literally. My father’s paws are HUGE.”
Pearl was only half listening, munching more by habit than thinking. “Your family is going to kill me! I am so sorry! Mom always said my temper would get me into trouble one of these days.”
Quirking an eyebrow Kohaku scoffed. “What? Those lovetaps you gave me. Please. Those are nothing compared to what Kazumi puts me through.” A light chuckle escaped his lips as he crossed his hind legs and folded his front legs behind his head. “Besides, it was my own fault for scaring you. I know just what they would say. ‘You should have hit him harder!’”
Pearl snickered. “Keep it up, and I might.” She sighed. “All my life, I’ve been taught not to annoy or get physical with any kitsune. I don’t know if those stories of ponies doing so and ending up in an unhappy fate are true or not, and then this happens. The universe has it out for me. And they do sound fun if that’s what they’d say. Not sure if I could take meeting them though.”
“A feeling I know well, Pearl,” Twilight said, as she landed next to the pair. “I was shaking in my hooves the whole time. And I thought meeting Princess Celestia for the first time was stressful.”
“OH Hey, Twilight-sama,” Kohaku waved with his tail as he finished his cookie. A teacup held with one of his three tails. “And if you want Pearl, I can introduce you to them. I go home every weekend and holiday.”
Pearl smiled sheepishly. “Um. I’ll get back to you on that. I’m still new around here. I don’t even know where to start with anything.”
Twilight chuckled. “Then you're in luck. Kohaku here has been a part of Ponyville for the last year. And he knows all the best places in town, and even a few most ponies don’t even know about. I think it will be good for both of you to spend time together.”
Pearl’s eyes widened. “Hold it. Me spend time with him?” She gestured to Kohaku, who only smiled. “Don’t I get a say in this? I don’t even like boys like that.” She smiled sheepishly. “No offense.”
“None taken,” Kohaku smirked. “Your not exactly queen of the spring ball yourself,” playfully sticking his tongue out at Pearl who only giggled.
Twilight rolled her eyes. “You always have a say, Pearl. But your little stunt at the meet and greet has set some parents off, and Spoiled Rich is all but demanding your head for your prank on Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Among other things.”
Pearl snorted. “Please. She looks like she’s never done an honest day’s work in her entire life. Those two aren’t any better. About time somepony stood up to them. Might as well be me.”
“And she did it rather well too. I’m glad I supplied her with those cherry bombs.” Both Pearl and Twilight both shot their eyes at Kohaku who just lay there with his eyes closed. “Besides those two fillies needed a good scare. Always walking around like they owned the town. HA. As if.”
Pearl blinked. Those cherry bombs were her own making. A smile crossed her lips as she realized what he had just done for her.
Twilight groaned. “The two of you are going to be the death of me, I just know it. Why couldn’t I have gotten two quiet students?”
Pearl blinked. “Wait. I’m not your student. Why would I be? We barely know each other. I’m too new.”
Twilight smiled. “Perhaps. But I feel it would be good for you. Your mother told me everything that happened in Baltimare. I will not pull you out of Cheerilee’s class, but I think she cannot teach you everything you need to know.”
Pearl thought about that for a moment. A part of her was over the moon about the idea of being the princess’s student. It had been a pipe dream since Twilight had become an alicorn. She finally smiled widely. “When do I start?”
Twilight giggled. “I will need to work things out with your parents and Cheerilee first. So it will be at least a little while.”
Kohaku smiled as he lay a paw on her shoulder. “And while they’re doing all of that, we can get to know each other better.”
Pearl’s eyes twitched. “Great. Lucky me.”
Author's Note
So a ton has changed in this Equestria. Equestria exists within Kohaku's family's domain. His family is in fact the ultimate rulers of the land. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna still rule of course. But even they answer to Kazumi, and ultimately to his parents. It just takes something big for any of them to step in and pull rank on the sisters.
That's what Pearl was so scared of. Youngest as he is, Kohaku is still a member of what is, in essence, the royal family. She was scared to death of what they might do to her when they found out she had attacked him.
