“I would like to thank each and every one of you all for attending this humble gathering.” A large nine tailed fox spoke from a balcony looking down at the group of well groomed and dressed group of fox. “We are all here to celebrate my fourth son’s 20th birthday. Sarin, step forward.” This nine tailed fox also happens to be my father, not of blood relation though. He adopted nine sons: the oldest being 27, the youngest 14.
I made my way forward so that I was standing from the crowd and in my father's full view. Quickly I gave him a formal bow. he was very insistent that all who approach him bow or else punishment would be served on the spot. The oldest of us nine has scars to remind him.
“Rise, Sarin. Tonight is yours.” He gave me a warm smile. “Now go and enjoy the night. My gift to you shall be bestowed upon midnight.”
When he finished his little speech those who have attended parties such as this made their way to the back while those who wished to show their enthusiasm to the royal family gave a joyful cheer. Personally I would prefer they stay quiet, I never liked much attention.
“Thank you father.” I quickly came out of the bow so that I could disappear into the crowed of vulpin. I can’t stand to stay under his gaze for too long; even those closest to him fear what he can do.
As I made my way through the crowd, the smells and noise painfully assaulted me as I tried to escape. Every noble I would pass would give his or her congratulations and every so often they would even try to introduce me to a daughter or two. It’s not like I don’t like meeting a new vixen or two but it just gets plain annoying when the same people have tried the same thing with each of my brothers.
As a hole opened up in the crowed I quickly took my chance to escape to the ocean front. Looking out over the ocean the moons rays escaped the cloud cover to reflect off of the waves the gentle rolled onto the sand. The smell of salt filled my snout as a cool breeze swept over the shore. But as quickly as I found peace it had gone. Behind my I could hear another fox approaching as the clouds closed in on the moon. Taking in one last breath I turned to face the intruder.
“Sarin?” Vule, the oldest of us was carefully walking towards me. “What are you doing away from the guests?”
As the moonrays broke free of the cloud cover once again I could clearly make out the large scar that covered his muzzle. His pure white fur almost seemed to glow in the moonlight. If it wasn't for the his scar he could have easily been the most known for his looks.
“I-I just had to leave, I had another headache coming on.”
“They should end soon enough.” He replied. “After all my magic induced headaches didn’t stop till I was 19.”
Turning around to look out over the ocean again I laid down on the cool sand. Vule quietly approached to stand next to me.
“You know, you should be happy. Father will be giving your royal ring to you tonight, your first taste of real vulpin power.” His smile turned into a toothy grin.
“It’s not like I’m not happy about getting my ring...” I continued to stare out into the ocean letting the waves put me into a trance.
“Look, if you worried about messing up like I did don’t, as long as you bow when you approach him you're going to be fine.” He started nudging me to get up.” Now come on, lets get back to your party.”
"Fine fine, but you have to promise to stick with me, if I have to suffer from the nobles persistence so do you."
"You’re such a cruel little brother you know that?" He smiled as we made our way back to the party.
Upon returning to the party, Vule and myself headed straight for one of the servants who was serving grapes. While we snacked on the grapes a few nobles would stop for a small chat about their business or investments. I never was one for that sort of stuff though, each and every single one of the nobles who would talk to us about such things always wanted a favor or two.
“So Vule, what-” Turning around I found that he was gone. “Vule?”
“I hope your having a wonderful birthday Prince Sarin,” A feminine voice sang out from behind me.
Ohgodohgodohgod. Slowly I turned around to see a dark teal vixen in a dark blue silk cloak.
“Thank you Kiera.” If there was one vulpin I could stay away from it would have to be her. It’s not that she’s ugly or unworthy but she is just so persistent to the point that its annoying. Father just so happens to think she is perfect for one with my personality, whatever he meant by that.
“So are you excited about getting your first ring?” a grin spread across her muzzle revealing her teeth.
“Oh..um y-yes, though I’m still unsure what type of specialization it will give me.”
“I’m sure that it will be something extraordinary. After all, you are the emperor's son.”
“Ya...extraordinary...say, you haven’t seen my brother Vule, have you? He disappeared on me during some important business.”
“Important business? When I found you, you were stuffing yourself with grapes.”
“Right...Well anyways did you see him?”
“Yes, yes I did, as I was walking over he noticed me and ran off.” Such a wonderful brother he is.
“So um...hey I should be heading into the palace to find my father, you now, for the ring bestowal.” I really did need to go find him so I was not late, but it also makes for a good excuse to get away from her.
“Okay, well let’s go then, I’m sure your father won’t mind if I tag along.” She ran ahead a short distance and looked at me expectantly.
Of course she didn't catch on, that or she just didn't care. I walked up beside her and we made our way into the palace."Stupid vixen."
“I’m sorry, I missed what you said at the end there Prince Sarin.”
“Oh...um...nothing sorry, just thinking out loud.”
"If you say so."
As we made our way through the doors Kiera’s eyes lit up with amazement, most vulpin who enter the palace are guards or they had a granted visit with my father. I guess it would look amazing to anyone who has never seen it. The floors are a silver marble that shines so much that you can see your reflection, the walls are pure white with masterful engravings of the city spread across their glossy surface. The ceiling was much taller than any vulpin could hope to reach, on the ceiling were multiple mirrials of the royal family.
Looking down as we walked I saw myself looking right back at me. Most of my fur was a grey that could be mistaken for white, though my legs and tip of my tale were black. My eyes were light green with golden flakes, our father says I was chosen to be adopted because he liked my eyes, lucky me.
Kiera must have noticed I wasn’t paying attention to where we were going because she stopped letting me run straight into her side. She stifled a giggle as I came back to reality.
“Prince Sarin, I’m sorry for interrupting your thoughts but I really have no idea where we’re going.”
“Oh um... yes sorry, just follow me and stay close.”
“Oh trust me, I will.” She gave me a sly smile as I instantly regretted my choice of wording.
Looking around I noticed we missed a turn that we should have taken to get to the balcony my father was on. Motioning for Kiera to follow we made our way back. As we approached the stairs that lead to the balcony a guard came scurrying down almost running into us.
“Oh Prince Sarin, I was just sent to go find you. Emperor Ahrain requests that you join him on the balcony.” he looked at Kiera then back to me. As I made my way up the guard blocked Kiera’s path. “I’m sorry m’Lady, he only sent the request for the Prince.
“Well I’ll just have to meet up with you after you get your ring now won't I?” Kiera spoke up.
“Ya...sorry Kiera, don’t want to make my father upset though now do we?”
She made a pouty face before walking away.
Making my way up the stairs, I stopped before the door at the top that was guarded by two heavily armored vulpin. The one to the right gave me a nod, I quickly knocked on the door.
“Come in.” My fathers voice called out from behind the door.
As I opened the door I was met with a lavishly decorated room, on each side was a well crafted lounging bench covered in a red plush. Directly ahead of me were red drapes that were parted to reveal my father lounging on a purple and gold couch. A servant was feeding him fresh strawberries. I steadily made my way to him, stopping a few feet back to bow.
“Rise Prince Sarin, come join me, I will be starting shortly.” He motioned me to sit on a similarly color chair next to him. I quickly made my way up onto it.
“Tell me Sarin, have you been enjoying the night?”
“I have Father, I also wish to thank you for hosting this party for me.” This seemed to make him happy.
“Good! good. Now, it is to my understanding that you are still receiving your magical induced headaches, correct?”
“Y-yes, you are correct.”
“Well then, I must ask that you refrain from using the ring during one of your headaches for fear of permanent damage to yourself.” I gulped as I imagined the horrors that could become reality.
"D-damage?"
"Yes, not so much as physical but more mental." He smiled. "Do you remember what happened to that black coated vixen a few years back? That is what can happen."
Having him refresh that memory made my hair raise on my back as a chill swept across me. A few years back a feast was being hosted by my father, many of the top nobles were invited. A noble's daughter had just recently received her ring, she failed to tell everyone thought that she was still getting her headaches. During the feast she was asked to show off her specialty by my father. She quickly obliged without saying a word, as she did though her nose started to bleed heavily and she broke down into fits of laughter and agonizing screams. Instead of helping her though my father sat back and laughed saying how naive she was to not simply tell the truth.
“Well then, I say it’s about time to start.” He looked straight at the servant who was feeding him. “Leave us.”
The servant nearly jumped as my father spoke, quickly scurrying away out the doors. Slowly my father got up from his couch and walked to the front of the balcony. As he did the crowd almost instantly got quiet.
“I ask that you all gather round as I bestow my fourth son with his first royal ring.” He looked back to me and motioned me forward as he used his magic to levitate a heavily decorated box onto the balcony railing.
Walking up the the railing next to my father I was met with many hushed whispers of excitement. In the very front I spotted all of my brothers, Kiera was standing next to Vule wearing a grin that looked like it hurt.
“Tonight Prince Sarin, my son, you shall recieve your first ring as by tradition of the Vulpin people.” The crowd quickly stopped their whispering as my father looked straight into my eyes. “This ring though shall not be one of commoner standard but of royal, as I open this box you are to choose the ring that calls to you and only the ring that calls to you.”
The decorated box appeared in front of me. It slowly opened as my father’s magic enveloped it. Inside must have been a hundred or more rings, each a different shape. The rings were mostly made of pure gold or some sort of gem. One ring caught my eye right away, quickly I lifted it out of the box. It was a sapphire ring with what looked like three perfect canine teach equally spread around it to shoot off from the ring. The box quickly closed and my father overpowered my magic and took the ring from my grasp.
“Prince Sarin, you have chosen your ring and now it will be bound to you. Forever this ring shall be a part of you and can never be removed.”
I watched and the ring was put on the end of my tail, it quickly expanded and shrunk to the point of being skin tight. Suddenly I felt my paw being lifted into the air, receiving a sharp prick. A small drop of blood floated away from my paw and was absorbed into the ring that was now on my tail.
“It is done. Your first and last ring is now bound. Now go my son, serve the empire with any new-found powers.” The box disappeared with a flash and the crowd below started to cheer.
As we walked back away from the balcony my father spoke up, “That is quite an interesting ring you chose. Not many vulpin choose an end piece as their first. Now don’t keep your brothers waiting, I’m sure they are excited about finding what the ring has granted you.”
As I made my way down the stairs the two guards gave their congratulations. Upon reaching the floor I was met by a group of vulpin, all of which congratulated me until Vule pulled me out.
“Come on Sarin, the rest of us are waiting at the shore.”
As we approached the shore I spotted the rest of my brothers...and Kiera. Of course she would be with them, she did say she was going to meet up afterwards. When I got close enough all of them looked to my tail in wonder, after all only my older brothers had their ring.
“I say, that ring is just beautiful Sarin,” Kiera spoke as she stared at the ring.
“I don’t know, looks like it was meant for a vixen if you ask me.” Trin, one of my younger brothers, said with a mischievous smile.
“I always knew you were vixen-like Sarin,” Vule added in.
The rest of the group responded with fits of laughter as the blood rushed to my cheeks. Even Kiera laughed at me and she is always trying to get me to like her more. I can’t really say I was happy with anyone of them.
“Look, do you all want to help me or not?” I spoke with a growl slipping out from my clenched teeth.
“Geez, calm down Sarin, we were just joking around. No need to get upset,” Trin quickly replied.
“Well come on then. Start trying different things.” Doren, the youngest of us, spoke up.
“Well, where should I start? Just trying random things isn’t the most effective way to do this, is it?” I asked.
“Well, try a few simple things like creating fire or shaping the sand,” Vule said.
The group made a half circle around me as I laid down in the sand to concentrate. First, I started with focusing on a single spot in the sand willing it to combust...asking it to combust? Nothing, the sand didn’t even go up in temperature. Next, I focused on a small pile of sand, trying to form it into a square. I was rewarded with the sand floating up in my magic grip but nothing else.
“Well, I guess controlling earth is out, or were you trying to make fire?” Kiera asked as she got closer.
With a defeated sigh I gave up, “I tried both, guess those two are out of the question.”
“Well try imagining different things, like making wind,” Vule suggested. “We also might be thinking too vague. It’s possible that the ring gave you control over a certain material like sapphires. We might have to try specifics”
“That’s going to take foreevvvvverrrrrr,” I whined as I rolled onto my back to look at the overcasted night.
“Well we can try different things every day till you find out. It would also be perfect to spend time together.” Kiera said.
Looking at Kiera I whimpered as my tail went in between my legs. “Did you say every day?”
“Yep! I promise you I will help find out what your specialty is.” She sounded a little too enthusiastic.
“Great, I might as well go completely vegetarian while I’m at it too.” I swung my tail to the ground in annoyance.
Vule’s eyes grew large at first while watching me then quickly smiled. He motioned over the other two older brothers and they all started whispering, looking at me then to Kiera. All were wearing a wicked smile as Vule called Kiera over and started whispering to her.
Kiera reared back a little. “Are you sure?” Vule gave her a nod. ”Well if you think so. Fine.”
“Oh Sarin!” she sang out as she walked over to me until she was standing over me. “Your brothers told me a little interesting secret about you and a certain doll. I thought that dolls were for vixen, but sleeping with one every night? Vule was right, you are very vixen-like.”
My eye twitched as I rolled over shooting dagger at my three older brothers who broke out laughing, “You told her about that!” I started giving them all a growl as I slowly walked up to them, tail raised in the air. “I can’t believe you all, you promised me that you wouldn’t tell anyone!” I was practically yelling at this point baring my teeth.
The three of them stopped laughing as their eyes turned into saucers, in fact everyone's eyes bugged out. They weren’t directed at me; they were looking behind me at the ocean.
Turning around I found that in my anger the ring started to glow and many small masses of water were floating; all about the size of a golf ball. Turning back to the trio of brothers I took another step forward.
"So um...Sarin, guess making you mad worked huh? We did just help you find your specialty so you're still not mad are you?" Doren, my second oldest brother asked as he slowly backed away.
Staring at the three in sullen silence I flung the water at them, or at least I tried to fling the water at the three only to have most just drop to the ground and a few fling off in random directions. A few of the stray masses of water hit me. Effectively soaking my fur to the point it was dripping wet, forcing my teeth to chatter as a breeze swept across the shore.
Everyone but Kiera broke out in laughter. Slowly, she approached me. " Well, we may not need to find your specialty anymore now this means we can spend time with each other, that is to help you learn of course."
Standing there I just gave her a deadpan stare, her grin wasn't really setting well with my mood. Turning around I made my way for the palace, I needed to get away from them, not to mention that this water didn't smell the best. Just thinking of a nice warm soaking made me pick up my pace, leaving my brothers and Kiera on the beach.
The next day I awoke in my bed, snuggled up next to a large vulpin doll. With a quick look out the window I could see that it was late morning. In a flurry of fur and blankets I landed on the floor with a thud. Not even ten seconds later a light knock on the door echoed through the room.
"Prince Sarin?" The voice came from behind the door. "Are you alright in there?"
"Yes yes, I'm fine, I just...tripped." The door opened to reveal a guard in black and silver armor.
"I'm sorry to impose but I came to tell you that lunch is about to be served, seeing that you missed the morning meal I thought I should tell you."
"Yes, thank you now please leave me, I have much to do." In a panic I blocked his vision of the doll on my bed.
"As you wish." The guard saw to his way out.
To close, way too close, I should never have slept in this late. Planting my self down in front of a mirror I began to groom my coat. Being satisfied with my work I took the time to admire the sapphire ring on my tail.
Sticking my nose in the air my mouth began to water, the smell was divine. The royal chefs really deserve a raise in their pay. Slowly my thoughts came back from the smell of food.
Wait...If the smell of food has already made it’s way into my room that means I’m...
“You’re late Prince Sarin.” My father spoke as I gave him a bow.
“I’m sorry father, it seems that I fatigued my magic last night.” Taking a peak around I could see that most of my brothers have already left.
“I have figured as much, now rise Sarin.” Upon looking up at my father I could see he was not angry. “After you have finished eating I will be personally assisting you on your first royal duty, you will find me in my study when you are finished.”
“T-thank you father.” Quickly I took my seat as a covered platter blinked into existence in front of me.
Lifting the platters lid I was greeted with some fresh grain, red berries, and a well seasoned chunk of rabbit. Using my magic I plucked a few of the berries into my mouth as I cut the rabbit into small chunks. Levitating a chunk of the rabbit in front of me I figured that it was Vule who had a hand in saving me some food.
Looking up to thank him I dropped the chunk of meat upon seeing him clearly. His face and fur was tinted red, three large gashes covered his whole face. His right eye was swollen closed as one of the gashes seemed to run straight through it.
“V-Vule?” I quickly lost my appetite as I studied his wound. “What happened Vule?”
Everyone remained quiet, I could feel the tension in the room rise. All the brothers who remained were busy studying their half full plates of food. A cough echoed through the room as Vule slowly looked up to meet my eyes. His usual look of kindness was replaced with a mixture of sorrow, hatred, and regret. He just sat there staring at me, the emotions showing no sign of letting up.
“Doren?” I quickly looked to him for an answer, yet he remained quiet.
“Kive?” Slowly I looked to third oldest brother but was only met with silence.
“Will anyone tell me what happened?”
“Sarin,” Doren spoke up, “I think it would be best you not find out. Now go find father, you don’t want to keep him waiting.”
“Oh...Okay.” Climbing down from my chair I made my way for the exit. Before closing the door behind me I took one last look back to see that Vule still held his gaze. Slowly I closed the door, blocking it out.
I eventually came upon my father's study, guarded by the usual entourage of guards. As I came closer the smallest guard, a captain nonetheless, approached me.
“Prince Sarin, your father is not in his study at the moment.” A magically projected voice emanated from the guard.
You know, I always hated officers. Not that it is really their fault but because their armor keeps them from moving the jaw the helmet was enchanted to project a voice so the officer could speak. The voice is just too freaky, like a hundred vulpin talking at the same time completely in sync with each other.
“Thank you, Captain...?”
“Captain Ahliona, sir.”
“Very well, Captain Ahliona, do you know where he might be?”
“Yes Prince Sarin, I’m to take you to him, so please follow me.”
For a guard in heavy armor he...or she...can move quite well, it almost amazed me on how fast and agile the guard turned. As we made our way through the palace I couldn’t help but ask.
“Captain, if I may, where exactly are you taking me?”
“I was instructed to take you to the northern temple.”
“But...the temple is restricted to all but my father and his personal guard.” I was starting to get uneasy about this.
“Yes, but it was the emperor who instructed me to personally take you to him there. I can tell you he was not angry, in fact he was in quite a pleasant mood.”
For the rest of the walk the guard remained completely silent, making our way out into the palace gardens I could see the high gates of the temple on the opposite end. As soon as we came upon the gates to the temple we were stopped by four guards completely adorned in black armor glossy armor. Nervously I looked around expecting my father to show. Instead, a guard in the same black armor but with blue trim greeted us.
“Prince Sarin, Captain Ahliona, I am Major Loce.” He too was outfitted with an enchanted helmet, sending a chill up my spine as he spoke. “If you would follow me, I will to take you to the Emperor.”
As soon as he stopped speaking the guards made room for the both of us, leaning towards one of the guards to get a better looked I noticed they all had two rings on their tails, one of which was uniform with the rest. It was a simple gold ring but on the ring had a red rune that glowed even in the light. Noticing I was falling behind I rushed up to catch up to the two officers. As we walked through the temple I gazed on what could only be described as a miniature paradise.
Plants of all sizes and colors adorned the halls, vulpin made waterfalls flowed into small streams around the walkways. As we entered the temple I was met with a rainbow of colors as the sun’s light filtered through large colored panes of glass, which in return reflected off of the flowing water and onto the ceiling.
As the two guards stopped I nearly ran straight into the Captain. I blamed myself for not paying attention.
“Emperor Ahrain is straight through these doors. Do not keep him waiting, I would hate to see his good mood ruined.”
“Yes sir.” The captain spoke as he, well actually she, took off her helmet before the doors opened.
Inside the room where no windows but it still had the same flows of water adorning the paths. On the ceiling where large blue crystals that illuminated the room. The room really felt empty compared to the rest of the temple though. As we made our way farther into the room I spotted my father standing next to a large engraved ring that adorned the floor. In the middle of the ring was a paw sized blue gem, next to my father's feet was a green gem of the same size.
As we came closer my father looked at the both of us expectantly. Then it hit me: I was still standing while the captain was bowing. Quickly I bowed, trying to remain as formal as I could.
“Rise, both of you.” His voice seemed different, almost threatening.
“Before I continue on you both must be bound to a promise.”
Two golden rings materialized in the front of us both. They were the exact same as the rings that the guards had on their tails.
“This is your one and only chance to back out of this, if you choose to leave there will be no consequences. If you choose to stay these rings shall be bound to you by me, they are to insure that you never speak of what you will learn.”
To say that this decision is hard would be an understatement. I always liked secrets, I was good with them too. But this, this just felt different, I didn’t like it but at the same time I can’t see myself passing this up.The captain made her decision first.
“I will take the vow, Emperor Ahrain.” My father seemed pleased at her decision, but by her answer this put the pressure onto me.
Stay or go, stay or go, stay or-
“Prince Sarin, I will not wait all day for you to make up your mind.” His voice was calm, almost relaxing.
“S-stay, I will stay.”
“Good, I’m glad you made the right decision. Now I require a drop of blood from the both of you, raise your right paw.”
The captain rose her paw straight away, I, on the other hand, was a little more hesitant. When I had my paw fully raised in front of me my father’s eyes flashed red as I felt a prick on my paw. Just like last night a drop of blow floated away from my paw and onto one of the golden ring in front of me. As the blood touched the ring it boiled away, being replaced by a glowing rune symbol.
“Now that you are both bound, anything that you learn here today can never fall upon the ears of another vulpin. If it does your punishment will be severe, I promise that.”
The rings rose up and slid over our tails, both tightening to the point of not coming off but not causing any harm.
“Now Sarin, I’m sure you're wondering exactly what your duty has to do with the temple. To keep it short, your brother has failed me in the past so you are to take what would have been his. Also your...new talent holds much potential, that is with training of course.”
“You mean this was suppose to be Vule here instead of me?”
“Yes, he would have been here today if he had not failed me in the past. In all truth the one who holds this duty is most likely to become the next emperor, that is, if I choose to step down.”
“Father, I-I must ask, how did you find out about my specialty?” I can’t say I was happy about all of this, but I don’t really have a choice.
“Your brother’s spoke to me of it during morning meal, unfortunately though your brother did not agree with my decision on you coming to the temple.”
“Enough questions for now, I have a few things to show the both of you and some explaining on what your role is here Sarin.” My father spoke again as he waved the both of us over to a table.
As I got closer I could see a large map sprawled out, covering the whole table. What really confused me though was what was on the map. Growing up we were all taught that the vulpin empire was the only land mass on the planet, but what I saw here begged to differ. My father smiled at the two of us, no doubt pleased with our bewilderment.
“This-this can’t be right, can it?”
“I can assure you captain, this map is quite accurate.”
I was at a complete loss of words, to see a map that told me that everything I knew about the world was wrong was hard to believe. But to have my own father tell me that it was right just made me feel small, so very small.
“H-how come the empire doesn’t know of this?” I asked.
“Simply because I do not wish them to know, there is no need for my subjects to think there is a different life outside of the Isles.”
“E-quest-tria? Such a large mass of land really exists out there?” My mind was starting to go numb.
“Yes, Equestria is quite larger than our chain of islands, you will both learn much about the outside word. That is, if you are able to keep that information inside the temple itself. Now captain, the major will explain your job here, do see him.”
“As you wish sir.” Taking one last glance at the map she made her way out of the room.
I stood there staring at the map for an unknown amount of time before my father interrupted my minds implosion.
“Now Sarin,” My father walked over to the ring with the gems on the floor, “how about we get to introducing you to the leaders of Equestria?”
“Like...other Vulpin royalty?”
“Royalty yes, vulpin....no.” With a paw he touched the green gem, which in response began to glow and give off a low pitched tone. Suddenly the blue gem in the middle of the ring started to glow.
Slowly I walked up to stand next to my father, unsure of what to expect. Other than all of what I was taught is wrong, things started to make sense. Things such as in why Vule was giving me that glare, this also made me fear what he would do.
