//------------------------------// // Chapter 11 // Story: A New Life for Bloodthirst // by NgKQ //------------------------------// The events beginning this chapter take place two weeks after the end of The Inheritors of Friendship. Melody Aurora was in the castle library, sorting out the books as usual. Bloodthirst was helping out. “Over there, please, thank you,” Melody said. “Pepper Flake was right. You really worked without fuss.” “Hehe, I know,” replied Bloodthirst. “You know, until know I still can’t really believe on that latest title.” “It’s an honor, actually,” replied Melody. “Really, not many of our ponykind get to receive and enjoy this title. It’s really hard to achieve it, let alone a hard job to maintain and keep your reputation.” “I see about that.” “Really harder especially when somepony’s a princess,” added Spike. “The perk is, many ponies can get to recognize you, even those haters.” “Like, seriously?” asked Bloodthirst, squinting. “C’mon, you know that… uh-oh, ah, AH…” “Oh no!” exclaimed Melody, and quickly cast a barrier upon the books as well as herself and Bloodthirst. Just as Spike burped, the dragon breath flickered everywhere. Just as the flames disappeared, they saw a letter flutter down to the ground. “It’s Princess Celestia!” remarked Melody. “What is she trying to tell me or Mom?” “Just read it and see…” said Bloodthirst. Melody levitated the letter. Spiked joined with them. “Dear Princess Melody Aurora,” she read out. “It is with great pleasure that I am cordially inviting you, your family and your friends to attend the engagement ceremony of your brother, Prince Orion Galaxy and Honey Drops on the weekend… What!? My brother’s… engagement ceremony!??” “Yes, Melody?” Twilight came over as she heard her daughter’s cries. “We’re going to an engagement party!” cried Melody as she showed her the letter. “*gasp* Is it?” she asked, taking the letter over. Together, they read the rest of the letter. I know that you will be as excited as you are upon reading this letter. I sure do know too that this is another good way to celebrate this peaceful moment. You are encouraged to invite your friends to come over and help out with the preparations. I have also sent invitations to the Crystal Empire, Griffonstone, Yakyakistan and the Dragon Lands on the upcoming ceremony. I hope that the engagement ceremony goes on without a hitch, and I’m looking forward to welcome everyone to this joyous occasion. See you all very soon. Yours, Princess Celestia. “My gosh,” beamed Twilight Sparkle with glee. “This is truly amazing…” “Err, Princess Twilight, are you being carried away?” asked Bloodthirst. “Oh, sorry,” she spoke to him. “But this is the pride of a mother, seeing my children growing up every day, and then meet the ponies of their dreams…” Melody could only blush and giggle. “I guess it’s time to tell our friends,” she said. On noon the next day, everyone was on their way to Canterlot. Along the way, everyone chattered happily. “I just can’t believe it,” beamed Thunder Clash. “Orion’s gonna be married soon, I’m so hyped to even think about it!” “Hello,” said Fiji Appleoak sarcastically. “You’ve been saying this dozens of times after Melody Aurora’s ceremony. Don’t you think everypony around will get bored listening to this?” “Hey come on, don’t say like that,” retorted Pizza Frenzy calmly. “At least, he’ll never stop saying this until he really is tired of it.” “Of course, you two are besties, you know each other well,” remarked Beryl. “I always see the both of you together most of the time, of course, sometimes I don’t see you two together, particularly the time when Thunder Clash went hiking to Griffonstone…” “Yeah, those scones sure look tasty,” Peanut Butter said. “How wish I can get to there everyday for them…” “In your dreams!” laughed Raisin Brandy. “But seriously, I wish scones can be sold in Ponyville…” “I got that covered actually,” replied Twilight Sparkle. “Gilda wrote to me. She said that she’ll be supplying scones in packets to be sold in grocery stores.” “Amazing,” beamed Pepper Flake. “I want to taste them as well…” “Actually you should give credit to me,” said Pinkie Pie. “I was the one who improved the quality, with a piece of friendship!” “Yeah, I can agree with that,” added Rainbow Dash. “You know, Gilda was supposed to be a meanie with us, but now, she’s friends with us again.” “I am still amazed by the fact that she’s the mayor of Griffonstone now,” added Greenie. “Her children were nice, too.” “Maybe,” pipped in Malinae. “They can visit us someday?” “Perhaps they will,” replied Applejack. “Don’t worry. They’re invited too to the engagement ceremony,” assured Twilight. “You’ll get the chance to meet them.” “Wow, this is making me super-duper excited!” exclaimed Sonic Flash, and everypony laughed. At the front end of the coach, Bloodthirst sat looking out of the window. Platinum Royale noticed him, and approached him. “Come talk with us,” she began. “You know you can’t just isolate yourself. Others will think that you’re weird.” “It’s not that I’m weird,” he sighed. “I must find more answers about my clan’s history. I’ve searched everywhere in Princess Twilight’s library but there’s no answer!” “This is bad,” Melody sympathized. “Maybe, you can try out your luck in Canterlot. The library there should probably give you some clues.” “I think so,” he replied. “But with you guys trying to help out on the engagement ceremony I don’t think there’s time for me to search about it.” This made both Melody and Platinum feel unsure. “We’ll see what we can do,” said Melody. “Perhaps Princess Celestia can exempt you for this.” Soon the train arrived at Canterlot. Everyone quickly alighted, and made their way to the castle. Princess Celestia was waiting for them. “Good timing,” she said to the group. “I am very pleased that all of you can make it to do the preparations.” “May we see how’s everything prepared?” asked Twilight. “Sure. Follow me.” They all came to the usual ballroom where the Grand Galloping Gala was usually held. Its decorations were halfway through, with decorators putting up royal banners and buntings. “So… majestic,” gasped Pepper. “How grand it is…” said Soarin. “We are beginning the engagement ceremony in two days. Within this period, you are kindly reminded to help watch over and assist in the preparations.” “Yes, Your Majesty!” said Greenie Hats. “We’ll do exactly as you wanted,” promised Prudence Aura. “That’s very good.” She then turned to Bloodthirst. “It’s a pleasure meeting you again, Bloodthirst. Melody Aurora has been writing to me on your livings. Have you been learning a lot?” “Yes, Princess,” he replied. “There’s something troubling him lately, Princess,” said Platinum. “He wants to know more about his clan’s past, but there is little or no knowledge we can find.” “I see,” said Celestia. “I am actually giving break times for you while helping with the preparations. You can check out the castle library afterwards, if you have the time. Princess Twilight or Prince Orion can show you the way. I think it may shed some light on your past. I’m interested to know it too, but sadly, since that great rebellion, the entire clan of vampire ponies soon began to go extinct, and all the records kept were slowly disappearing. As a result, nopony today really knows about the history of the vampire pony clan, or even their society.” “That’s terrible, actually,” said Melody. “There’s only one way to recover all the information. But not many ponies know of the vampire ponies. Therefore, this recovery process is difficult.” “I see about that…” murmured Chaos Control. “However, I believe there might be some detailed records kept in my archives. Therefore, if you have the time, you may enter the castle library to search the information you wanted.” “Thanks, Princess.” “In the meantime, I have to help the arrangements for the ceremony.” She turned to Twilight and her friends. “Twilight, and all of you, come with me. We’re going to discuss about the ceremony schedule.” “Right, Princess,” said Twilight as they all leave. “Well actually,” began Chaos. “Princess Celestia does have a point. I don’t really see anyone knowing Bloodthirst’s ancestry.” “That’s true,” agreed Melody. “If we can’t find any clue we’ll be like missing something from a pack!” “I really hope there is a miracle,” said Bloodthirst. “I really am desperate to put an end to my doubts.” “We sure will,” promised Platinum. “For now managing the preparations is the hard thing.” “How about getting to the castle gardens?” asked Melody. “I was thinking of taking a stroll.” “Sounds pacifying. Let’s go,” agreed Chaos. The four strolled at the garden, enjoying the flora everywhere. Soon, at a corner, they found Orion Galaxy, with Honey Drops and talking to Meadow Charm, leader of the female royal guards. “Orion!” called Melody as she rushed over to hug him. “Hey, Melly,” he replied, stroking her head. “You guys came!” “I would say, congrats on your engagement ceremony!” Chaos told them. “Thank you!” beamed Honey Drops. “It’s still a long way to our marriage. We have plenty of things to arrange, apart from the Grand Galloping Gala in a few months.” “She’s right,” added Meadow Charm. “This is going to be a period of excitement for us, with a number of huge celebrations in a row. Princess Melody, again, your own ceremony was an extravaganza!” “Heh-heh, I know,” she giggled. “I was quite proud to help restore peace in Equestria.” “You should keep your pride and reputation shining,” said Honey Drops. “Don’t tarnish it badly!” “She knows exactly what to do!” said Platinum. “She’s my friend, after all!” Everyone laughed. “Why don’t we have some lunch at the royal dining room?” Orion asked. “You guys must be tired after a long journey. You probably deserve some treat.” “That sounds brilliant!” agreed Chaos. “I was looking for something to pacify my hunger, too!” Soon everyone was at the dining room. As everyone else chattered, Orion sat next to Bloodthirst. “So,” he began. “How was your experience after a few months staying? My sister has written to Princess Celestia on your daily actions, and I have read some of them as well.” “Everything’s normal. I made lots of junior friends, I found a part-time job, I participated in several adventures. It’s just that something’s been bothering me lately.” “What is?” “Ever since my expedition with Rainbow Dash and Chaos Control, I’ve always been wondering on the history of my clan. I’ve searched the library, but so far, there’s nothing I have found.” “I see about that. Don’t worry. The ceremony’s only on the day after tomorrow. You can still have time to get into the castle library to do some research. I’m sure Princess Celestia has given you the light to enter the library.” “Yeah, she told me.” “In the meantime, I would like to take you to visit somepony my sister and I know well.” “Really? Who is it?” “She’s the librarian of the library in Canterlot, and also my mom’s old friend. Everypony calls her Madam Moon Dancer. She knows me and my sister well, and so does her entire family. Her husband even served as the royal guard. He apparently knows my father well, too.” “Have you told her about me?” “Yes, they knew, they asked me by chance, on how my sister’s living there. Madam Moon Dancer says she is eager to meet you as well, so I’m taking you to see her later in the afternoon.” “Is she fine?” “Mom says she used to be grumpy,” explained Melody. “After an incident to make up with her lost party, she began to be more socialized.” “This is interesting. I wonder how would she greet me…?”