//------------------------------// // Chapter 8: Pest Problems // Story: Rainbow in the Dark // by Raeligath //------------------------------// Upon entering the Apple family home, Scootaloo was greeted by the rest of said family. Sugar Belle rushed to the teen filly, scooping her up in a magical hug. Big Macintosh was not far behind her, looking on with great concern. And of course, Apple Bloom came rushing from the stairs. “I thought that was you!” said Apple Bloom. “What the hay are you doin’ around here, Scoot?” Sugar Belle shot Apple Bloom a disapproving glare. “Apple Bloom, please. She just had a run-in with the ‘Battacabra’ or whatever you’re calling it.” Apple Bloom’s eyes instantly widened. “Aw shit…” “Hey!” Big Mac was now also glaring at her. “Language!” “Forget it, Mac,” said Applejack, setting her crossbow by the front door as she joined the rest of them. “I’d be cussin’ that thing out, too, if it went after any of y’all or any of my friends.” Scootaloo shuddered in Sugar Belle’s grasp, whimpering. “Th-thank you,” she stammered out. “Shh, shh, you’re safe now,” said Sugar, brushing her hoof over Scoot’s mane. “That monster can’t get you in here.” “How’d you get so much on the Bat’s bad side, anyhow?” asked Applejack. “I’ve never seen it go after a pony like that. ‘Til tonight, it's just been a pest at worst.” Scootaloo wrenched herself from the other mare’s hug, stepping back a few paces before steadying herself on the wall. “I, um… wait, you keep talking about her— it like you’ve seen it around before. What gives?” Silence fell upon the home, save for the creaking wood of the floorboards and walls subject to the wind outside. The adult ponies looked between each other for a moment, exchanging tired and harrowed looks. Even Apple Bloom looked to be biting her tongue. Sugar Belle was the first to speak up. “We should tell her, Applejack. It’s not like she doesn’t know now.” “I’d have told her already,” said Apple Bloom, her voice laced with a sarcastic bitterness. “But Applejack said I had to keep it a secret.” Applejack sighed. “Fine, go for it,” she said. And then, under her breath, she added, “Smartass…” Apple Bloom hopped up from her seat and began pacing before her friend, if only for dramatic effect. “So, Scootaloo,” she began, “do you remember that one time we were havin’ problems with them vampire fruit bats?” “Kinda-sorta?” said Scootaloo, raising an eyebrow.. “Well this thing, the Battacabra, started showing up on occasion some time after all that,” Apple Bloom continued. “At first it was like… once in a blue moon, I think? But within a few years, it got more regular. Always shows up at night, never lets us get a good look. And yet, every single time it shows up, next morning we’ll find at least two or three whole trees’ worth of apples sucked dry.” Scoot shuddered. “So… it's attacking your trees?” “It’s attacking our livelihood,” said Applejack. “Even with helpin’ hooves, we can’t sell apples without any juice in ‘em.” “Nopony really knows where the Battacabra came from,” said Apple Bloom, her voice turning a sort of sinister usually associated with campfire tales. “I think it’s some sort of ghost or spirit of the fruit bats, sent back to Sweet Apple Acres for revenge.” “That’s, uh, a theory alright,” said Scootaloo. Sugar Belle snickered to herself and mumbled, to nopony in particular, “Told you…” “Well we ain’t got any others,” Apple Bloom snapped. “Think about it. It only shows up at night, leaves no trace by morning, and we never get a good enough look at it to know what it really looks like, save for the bat wings.” “M-maybe that’s for the best, you know?” said Scootaloo. “I mean, I-I’ve got first-hoof experience with it and let me tell you, you do not want to, erm, see it up close. Not if you want to get a good night’s sleep.” This seemed to have the exact opposite of the intended effect on Apple Bloom. “You got a good look?!” she asked as she bounced in excitement. “What’d you see? Can you see through it? Does it have big ol’ bat ears? Is it like missin’ skin or have bones pokin’ out or—” “Apple Bloom, hush!” said Applejack. “The poor filly’s been through enough tonight!” Her little sister nickered. “I was just askin’. I think I’d know what one of my best friends can handle a bit better than you.” Applejack scowled and grumbled in response. Apple Bloom stuck her tongue out. Next thing Scootaloo knew, the two sisters were literally butting heads and snarling at each other. “Uh, ladies?” said Big Mac, sheltering a rather worried-looking Sugar Belle in his forehooves. Applejack was the first to walk away. “I’m gonna go finish up supper. Scootaloo, you’re welcome to stay the night. I’m sure Apple Bloom wouldn’t mind at all.” Just as she turned to leave the room, however, Sugar Belle spoke up. “Applejack, I— remember what I said when I first found out about the Bat?” “Besides, ‘Hey Big Mac, maybe we should move out?’” Applejack grumbled. “I never!” Sugar countered. “All I said was, well… maybe since I wasn’t here for the original vampire fruit bat ‘incident’, I don’t really get the whole situation. But I highly doubt this is a ghost! It's probably some creature from the Everfree Forest and we should get somepony’s help in dealing with it.” She paused, glancing over at Scootaloo with saddened eyes. “Especially now that we know it will try to attack ponies!” Applejack halted, then sighed. “Sugar Belle, I know you mean well, but I’ve got this! We didn’t build that launcher thingy for nothing’.” Sugar Belle looked back to the pegasus in the room. “Scootaloo, how long was the Battacabra chasing you? Where did you find it?” “I, um…” Scootaloo averted her eyes. “I w-was just out in the woods! Then the sun went down, and, uh, the Batty-whatsit was just like, there. That’s all!” And yet, Sugar looked outright alarmed at even this simple summary. “Okay so this thing is definitely coming from outside the orchard. It doesn’t matter if you have a weapon, Applejack. What about ponies nowhere near the farm?” She stomped a hoof. ”Hell, what if this thing has something to do with ponies going missing lately?!” “No, you’re absolutely right,” said Applejack. “I had no idea it went outside Sweet Apple in the first place. But I’m still worried about causin’ a panic. Who could we talk to about the Battacabra without word spreading through Ponyville?” “Well the Agency, for starters,” said Sugar Belle, “especially if this ties into the missing ponies.” She paused, shuffling her hooves awkwardly. “Also, uh, I want to tell Starlight.” “What?! Why?” asked Applejack. “She’s easily the most magically gifted pony either of us have ever met,” said the unicorn. “Erm, no offense to Twilight of course. If this does turn out to be some sort of ‘ghost’, she’d probably be the most qualified to help.” “Doesn’t she have a school to run?” asked Big Mac. Sugar smiled up at the stallion. “Yes, but I’m sure she could find somepony to cover for her. It’s not like she doesn’t have friends.” “Do you consider yourself one?” asked Applejack. There was another awkward pause. “M-more or less,” said Sugar. “I’ll admit, we don’t have too much in common besides our unfortunate history, but it’s not like I still hold that against her.” “Sometimes, I just don’t get you, Sugar Belle,” said Applejack. She shook her head. “But my brother seems to think you’re alright, so I can’t complain.” The mares exchanged a quick laugh. “Anyhow, I agree we need help,” said Applejack. “I can talk to the suits if you talk to the headmare, but that’s all for tomorrow. Tonight, let’s just stay in where it’s warm and safe. We can talk about how to sound less like a bunch of lunatics over breakfast.” “Sounds good, AJ,” said Sugar Belle. “Thanks.” “Mhm,” said Applejack, turning for the kitchen. “Now if we’re ready to settle down and act like a family for once, I think it’s high time we ate.” Sugar Belle and Big Mac gave their nods of approval, standing and trotting after Applejack. Scootaloo stood against the wall, catching her breath after all the night’s excitement. Apple Bloom started after the others, but stopped when Scootaloo didn’t follow. “You okay, Scoot?” she asked. “Sorry, I… I didn’t mean to freak you out or anything.” “No, it’s not that,” said Scootaloo. Her voice was hushed, and she looked back and forth up the hallway for any sign of adults. “Apple Bloom, we need to talk. Alone.” Apple Bloom glanced over her shoulder, then asked at a whisper of her own, “‘Bout what?” “The Battacabra. I think I know what— who it is. And we can’t let anypony find out. Ever.” Outside the friendly farmhouse, there was an old barn. It was mostly used as a glorified storage shed at this time. The planks of wood that comprised the aging structure were splintering and torn in odd places. The wind carried easily inside, making the whole thing groan as if it were about to topple any moment now. Rainbow Dash found herself behind this forgotten building, unable to move and barely able to see outside of a tight cone of tunnel vision. She had been stuck here for several minutes, completely out of control of her own movement. She was, however, in control of her own thoughts still. “Fae. Fae!! Come on, I know you can hear me!” — Calm down, child. You forced my hoof. — “What are you even doing?” — Saving your un-life, Rainbow Dash. — Fae’s voice was cold and biting. Rainbow would probably have had her tail between her legs if she had the motor control. — Did you not see that pony’s crossbow aimed at you?! — “‘That pony’ is my friend, Applejack. And duh, of course I saw it and the apple that she launched at me. I don’t see how an apple would’ve—” — That apple was on the end of a wooden dowel. At that velocity, had it made contact, it would effectively have acted as a stake, and could have killed you instantly! — “Really? It didn’t even look sharp.” Fae let out a growling sigh. — Rainbow, this is very serious. Now I’m going to relinquish my hold upon your body, but you have to stay hidden, and you have to listen to me. Are we clear?” “I, um… yeah, sure. I wouldn’t want anypony to see me like this anyway.” After a moment, Rainbow fell limp into the dirt and grass below. Her senses faded back into focus as she tested the feeling in her extremities. Everything felt in order, or at least how it should since her turning. “So,” she whispered, “what’s up, Fae?” — Rainbow Dash, I have tried to be as accommodating as I can, especially in light of your ‘status’ before being turned. As of tonight, however, things are going to change. — “Change how?” — That filly knows too much. And I have this feeling that you would not want to see her harmed in any way. — Rainbow scowled. “That sounds about right. Nopony’s gonna hurt Scootaloo if I have anything to say about it.” — See, that’s just the problem. You are still so attached to the life you know and the ponies you care for that it is jeopardizing the masquerade. You may have been able to bluff your way out of discovery before, but she saw. She knows what you are, or at least has a damned good idea. Come daylight, what’s to stop her from telling everypony she knows? — The pegasus’ eyes widened. “What? N-no way. Scootaloo wouldn’t do that to—” — It’s not a matter of whether or not she would, but that she could. — “... you have major trust issues. You know that, right?” — A lack of blind faith in other ponies has kept me alive and free thus far. One day, in your infinite existence, you will realize just how valuable a little paranoia can be. — “Yeesh, you’re starting to remind me of every other threat to Equestria me and my friends ever stopped.” She rolled her eyes. “You ever consider just, I dunno, opening up to other ponies? Treating them nice? Who knows, it could work out for you…” — I have. My House, my family… you’re a part of that now, Rainbow Dash. Perhaps I consider you to be a friend. — “But we’ve never met face to face,” said Rainbow. “Not to mention the whole ‘turning-me-into-a-vampire-against-my-will’ thing.” — I’ve granted you the gift of immortality, endless vitality under the light of the stars and the moon. Are you now saying this is a bad thing? — “Well I’m gonna miss the sun! And I— ugh…” She kicked at the dirt, gritting her teeth. “I absolutely hate having to keep a secret from everypony. And why do I even have to?!” — The last non-vampire pony I trusted, whom I considered my best friend, betrayed me simply for what I was. What we were… — Nothing was said between the two for a minute or two. “Did they have a name?” Rainbow finally asked. — … her name was Nocturne. I thought we were close. Then she led the Agency right to me and the rest of my family. — “I, uh,” Rainbow stammered, “I’m sure she had her reasons. Maybe she thought you could get help, or cured or something.” — She knew damn well there is no cure. And we wouldn’t want one anyway. — “Wait, go back. There’s no cure?!” Rainbow gasped. — Of course not. And be quiet or I’ll take over again. — Rainbow gulped, biting her tongue. The intention was metaphorical, but she was also encountering the problems of still getting used to having fangs. — Like it or not, you’re a vampire now and forever. Sooner or later, some mortal pony will realize just how much of a threat that makes you. Unless, that is, you take necessary precautions. — “Look, I’m sorry Nocturne ruined your friendship,” said Rainbow, now barely breathing a whisper. “But there’s never been a problem me and my friends haven’t been able to work through together.” — Rainbow Dash, if what you’ve told me is true, one of those friends is the very Princess who not only revived the Agency currently hunting us down, but also who guided them to Ponyville. — “... b-but there’s no way Twilight could’ve known—” — There’s also Applejack, who is already well prepared to slay a vampire at a moment’s notice. And these are just the adults you know. What about a volatile teenager? — Rainbow leaned up against the side of the barn. She felt as if she was going to heave. “No,” she said. “They wouldn’t! I—” — Maybe they wouldn’t. But they could. And not only would this result in your personal betrayal, but it could compromise the entirety of House Duskhallow. — Tears began to well in her eyes. “But I… what can these Agency pricks even do?” — If you’re lucky, impale you on a stake. If not, lock you to a magically sealed coffin and throw you in Tartarus. — “Tartarus?! Even if I haven’t, like… I’d never hurt anypony. I swear.” — Don’t you get it yet? It’s not whether or not you would. — “But I could. I could… really mess up somepony…” Trembling, Rainbow looked down at her forehooves. She glanced between them and the barn, then shuddered. “I’m dangerous,” she mumbled. Within the blink of an eye, she snapped her hoof in a sort of back-hoof punch against the barn. The plank she struck snapped like a twig. — We need to lay low and draw as little attention to ourselves as we can. — “R-right.” — For the next few days, you’re going to be ‘home sick’, understood? At least until we’re sure nothing comes of this. Or until we can find a way for you to slip out of the public eye. — Rainbow Dash wiped the bleeding tears from her snout. “Makes sense to me.” In the dead of the night, some hours after an admittedly wonderful dinner of apple stew, Scootaloo found herself tossing and turning on her couch-based bed. Every time she shut her eyes, all she could see were trees, red eyes in the shadow, and row after row of dagger-like teeth. Some of this may have been exaggerated by her imagination. Other parts may have been induced by nightmares from a time she thought was well behind herself. Apple Bloom rolled over in a sleeping bag on the floor next to her friend. She, too, looked far away from a restful night. “You neither?” she asked at a low whisper. “I’m surprised you’re not out already,” said Scootaloo, crossing her arms. “You’re not the one who saw everything.” “My sister’s best friend and my best friend’s sorta-sister is some kinda bat monster, and you’re surprised I’m worried?!” Apple Bloom sneered. “Girl, did she hit you on the head?” “I mean I hit her with my head…” “Uh… what? Why? How?” Scoot rolled over on her side, facing the earth pony. “She did this weird eye thing. Kinda reminded me of Fluttershy’s Stare… it felt like my mouth was saying something I didn’t make it, if that makes any sense.” “It doesn’t, but go on.” “So I did what first came to mind. I… headbutt her right in the jaw.” Apple Bloom winced. “Damn, Scoot. I gotta admit, that sounds real brave of you.” Her voice faltered slightly. “Especially bein’ Rainbow and all…” “Shh!” Scoot hissed, rapidly looking around the room. “Remember, we can’t tell anypony.” “And why not?” asked Apple Bloom. “What if the next pony she goes after ain’t as lucky as you?” The teen pegasus opened her mouth to respond, then quickly shut it and rolled back over, sobbing into the seat cushion. “Scootaloo… I know she’s Rainbow Dash, and you don’t want to get her in trouble or nothin’, but—” “But what?” Scoot hissed. “She needs help, Scoot. If you’re sure she’s still herself…” “I-I know… I’m just scared about what happens if she’s not herself anymore.”