//------------------------------// // Part 5: A Shy Victim. // Story: Vamp Pinkie // by Paganbrony //------------------------------// Vamp Pinkie. Part 5: A Shy Victim. Pink had stopped on the edge of the Everfree… After a moment to sniff the air and enjoy the sensation of the quiet tranquillity she was again steadily approaching the home of Fluttershy. Pink’s temporary shelter in the potting shed had quickly lost its appeal so after deciding to sate her unrelenting hunger Pink chose the one pony she knew for sure she could be alone with. As Pink reached the mare’s home which was a beautiful cottage she marveled at the sight, it was bathed in moonlight and with its lights on stood against the night sky. Pink reached the front door and with her emotions suddenly wavering she prepared to strike quickly before her ‘victim’ could scream or react at all. She knocked firmly and readied to pounce, the door opened wide the light from indoors illuminated Pink bared her fangs as she reared to strike… …And… …Nothing… Confused Pink relaxed back onto four hooves then sensing a pulse glanced down as a small white rabbit stood frozen stiff as it held the door open. “Angel who’s at the door…?” Upon hearing Fluttershy’s voice Pink hesitated then hid her fangs deciding to try to get inside for an easier time of it. “…Pinkie Pie…!” Fluttershy was instantly through the door but hesitated upon seeing her in the light of the doorway before giving a gentle hug to Pink. “Oh you came… I’m so glad…!” Fluttershy turned and went indoors intent on helping ‘Pinkie’ who missed the hesitant sound hidden in Fluttershy’s quiet voice. Pink however stood motionless at the threshold of the door… “Fluttershy…?” “Yes?” “Can I come in…?” “Yes of course…?” Fluttershy looked her over she frowned momentarily then smiled as she apologized for her lack of manners; Pink merely stepped inside and shut the door behind her. Outside after being knocked there by the closing door the little white bunny stood shaking in fear, his animal senses had overloaded and as panic set in he willed his body to move. Time passed slowly that night as a purple unicorn was once again fleeing for her life from a very hungry and determined Manticore. Applejack and company all stayed at the farm bedding down for the night the three Elements of Harmony each alone with their thoughts the cutie mark crusaders asleep dreaming of kung fu and fangs. Pinkie Pie was still alone in the old barn and in the midst of planning something big. Midnight… The witching hour… Also the point that Pink had to call a break. From the moment she had reluctantly sat down all her plans had gone out the window, Pink had decided to play it safe and wait until any chance of a late visitor interrupting her was past, then find a better place to hide afterwards. Fluttershy seemed stronger willed in her own home, her confidence meant Pink didn’t have to strain to hear her talk, but she did just that talk…! Pink’s temples were still hurting as after Fluttershy returned from the kitchen and was disappointed that Pink didn’t want a cup of tea as she once again attempted to jog in her mind what an amnesiac Pinkie Pie would have forgotten. The Elements of Harmony, the Parasprite’s invasion, Zecora, parties oh so many parties, a magician called Trixie, Appleloosa and a quickly skipped over Great Galloping Gala. After all that she’d mentioned Discord, Pink knew Discord from her world and she couldn’t wait to tell him he was a garden ornament, she smiled as Fluttershy told of his defeat. The momentary thought of home caused Fluttershy to ask if she was ok after a pained look crossed her face. Two in the morning and Pink was exhausted beyond anything she’d ever experienced, her nerves were shot as outside the bunny tried yet another method of entrance having gotten exhausted banging on the window, the door and all kinds of things outside from the racket he’d made for hours straight. Pink was surprised as Fluttershy continued to ignore him stating he’d be okay and would only be in the way as he was boisterous around guests. Pink stared straight at him as he gestured pure evil at her through the glass. “Um could I ask you something…” Pink turned away from the window to face Fluttershy as she saw the smiling yet nervous mare take a breath as Pink nodded slowly. “Do you remember anything yet?” Pink tried to come up with an excuse but failed miserably, all that life all those memories that could have been hers! It sounded like this Pinkie Pie was living something Pink had never ever would have conceived not where she was from… Pink realized she’d been quiet too long. “No I don’t…” Fluttershy looked strangely relieved and perked up as she saw her tea cup empty, as she went to the kitchen, Pink followed her. Fluttershy stood in the kitchen getting the kettle ready and preparing the tea for the pot. Pink drew closer slowly, silently, her natural stealth allowing her to get right up next to the unknowing mare. Fangs bared Pink readied to strike… She felt the warmth from her body, could hear her heart beating strong and rhythmic, she could smell her mane, so pure she thought... Pink hesitated as for the first time in her life she felt sympathy…? No… She felt evil…! And wrong, that’s what she was… Wrong. Pink had problems with emotions before this world but since her arrival she had suffered increasingly from conflicting emotions, emotions she knew little about, as she stepped back she knew her kind were demonic but couldn’t shake the feeling she wasn’t purely demonic any more… That was if she truly ever had been… “The teas ready so shall we sit down?” Fluttershy turned and stood facing her guest strangely wasn't surprised at her being in the kitchen or so close, Pink’s mind had failed her, her feelings tearing her apart… Joy, safety, hunger, happiness, lust… Hatred and self loathing…? Joy at what she wondered? Why was she happy? Why did she feel so safe here? Fluttershy sighed deeply, not in frustration but an understanding of sorts at the flicker of confusion on her guests face as she obviously was wrestling with something in her mind. “What’s your name…?” Fluttershy smiled gently as her guest mouthed wordlessly for a moment before looking away eyes closed head down, “What gave me away?” Pink’s voice rang of complete surrender. Fluttershy blushed and shyly pointed at… Pink’s flank where her cutie mark rested… The three little cartoon style bat shaped ballons stared back their little greens eyes and wide mouths fangs and all, in Pinks mind mockingly they laughed at her mistake. “That…” “Oh…” Pink blushed at her stupidity… How could she forget that damn Blood mark…? It had caused no end of amusement to the others of her kind… “Wait how long, have you known…?” “Since you arrived, I didn’t see it when we were outside earlier.” “I’m sorry I lied.” Pink meant it, and it frightened her. “It’s OK, so are you one of Pinkie’s sisters? I haven’t met them yet but you look like her twin, except the mane of course.” “No… I’m… Well I was brought here by magic… From another world…” Fluttershy face hoofed gently as she narrowed down the possibilities… “Let me guess… A pony named Twilight…?” Pink just nodded dumbly as her mind stopped working but still her mouth moved and sound came forth. “I’m from another world…” Tears poured down her face as she broke down, “I’m not meant to be here, I d-don’t want …” She paused briefly then wailed… “I don’t knooow!!!” Fluttershy moved straight away and embraced her guest in one swift motion and made small smoothing noises, Pink just stared into space for a moment then recovered slightly. “Pinkie…” *Sniff* “Just Pink…” “I-Its nice to meet you Pink.” Pink just closed her eyes as Fluttershy continued to soothe the troubled pony. It wasn’t long before they were once again sat in the living room, but this time together on the small sofa Fluttershy owned. As Fluttershy sat quietly listening Pink relayed the story of how she’d been surrounded by magic then appeared inside a burning room, in a library of sorts, then awkwardly lied about why she’d lost track of Twilight afterwards. “Oh dear...” Fluttershy said as a small smile flitted across her face despite her trepidation… “She ran away from you didn’t she?” “N-no… We got separated by the crowd! I’ve been just wandering around exploring this place since!” Pink couldn’t look at the yellow Pegasus as she continued to lie until... “W-Wait…?” Pink’s hearing caught up with her, “W-why would she run away…? …Like I said… I-I lost track of her”. Fluttershy gave her a sympathetic look. “Its alright you know, to admit what you are scared her…” Pink just sat dumbfounded. “What d-do you mean?” “W-Well…” Fluttershy visibly pulled herself together and with every ounce of courage said in her lowest squeakiest voice… “Because you’re a vampire …” Pink just sat stunned, she knew… She knew and she still sat there, no screaming or pleading, just sat there drinking tea and beaming a gentle if slightly forced smile. “Aren’t you scared?” Pink asked confused but curious why such a timid and fearfully shy pony was acting as if she was just talking to a juvenile delinquent instead of a bloodsucking creature of the night. “I’m a monster…” Pink rose up and tried to put on her scary face but failed miserably as Fluttershy put a hoof against her chest and pushed her back down again. “I don’t think you’re a monster, a monster would have just hurt me already…” “But how did you know? I don’t understand, you’re supposed to be afraid of my kind, all ponies are… That Twilight was.” Fluttershy turned away from Pink slightly and pointed to the nearest wall, upon which hung a large mirror that reflected the whole room, especially the sofa with its one visible occupant. Pink just hung her head… “I’m not a very good vampire am I…?” “Oh I wouldn’t say that, I am scared…” Pink frowned. “Not exactly terrified are you… Just scared…” Pink watched Fluttershy have another sip of tea. “I mean you’re not shaking in your hooves screaming for your life.” Fluttershy hesitated a little. “I could run around screaming if you like… I-If it would make you feel better…?” “Make me feel better?” Pink gave one last attempt at looking scary and then as Fluttershy just squeaked slightly so she sank into the sofa her confidence her anger and her evil persona left her again. Fluttershy leaned closer to the now utterly crushed vampire and slipped a hoof around her shoulders, “Its OK, I’m here, you can tell me what’s wrong I’ll listen if that’s OK…?” Pink’s tears continued to flow steadily as they had throughout the conversation, but now they were out of control as she hugged Fluttershy words escaped her. It had been a long night and Fluttershy couldn’t help but yawn as she eventually drew back from the embrace with Pink, the vampire had cried herself out and was now just quietly staring at the mirror as if willing it to reveal her image to the room. “Pink…” Fluttershy whispered softly, “What’s wrong…?” The look her guest gave her nearly broke her heart, “F-Fluttershy, what do I look like?” Fluttershy blinked confused. “Y-You don’t know?” “I can’t remember it’s been so long Pink whispered.” She looked Pink up and down as she realized her guest although the spitting image of Pinkie Pie, was painfully thin, her mane and tail were unkempt and dirty, her coat was decidedly grubby and her tears had left dull pink streaks through the grime. “W-Well you could do with a little cleaning up…” Fluttershy tried jokingly noting the wince from her guest, “I’m sorry, that isn’t what you meant is it.” “No… But I get the point…” Pink replied as she managed to look even more depressed, Fluttershy silently cursed her stupidity before she remembered something! “Wait here…” She said as she moved off the sofa and ran up to her bedroom. Pink waited silently until she returned with a large book in her mouth, as Fluttershy resumed her place on the sofa she opened the book and began leafing through it, Pink saw brief glimpses of photos of a younger Fluttershy, but in every one she was alone until a blue mare with a rainbow mane started to appear then other ponies began to fill out scenes. After a few more flips Fluttershy found what she was looking for. Pink watched as Fluttershy turned the book to face her and pointed a hoof at a picture in the bottom right corner of the page. The photo was of a pink mare sat scowling at the camera, her expression one of pure discomfort, her mane was straight and pink and she noticed she had three balloons for a cutie mark. Fluttershy spoke as the vampire frowned. “That’s Pinkie Pie.” Fluttershy nervously shifted a little as she continued. “Pinkie’s mane isn’t usually like that but when she’s depressed or angry it goes like that… It took ages to convince her to let Rarity straighten it for a picture.” She smiled softly, Fluttershy pointed to another photo where the same pony was smiling and had a mane that looked like an explosion in a cotton candy factory. “That’s what she looks like normally.” Pink pointed a hoof at the previous picture. “But you’re saying that’s what I look like?” Fluttershy nodded then added. “If you weren’t so …” “Vampish…?” Pink said hopefully. “Dirty…” That was the reply as Fluttershy noticed the smudge marks on the sofa. Pink’s expression dropped even further down the ladder of depression. “Sorry…” Pink said as she saw what Fluttershy was trying not to look at. “It’s OK…” Fluttershy hesitated then added. “But you’re not!” “Huh?” Pink looked up as her companion continued. “When did you last eat…?” Pink looked away sharply then replied softly. “A while… Why?” Pink tried to ignore Fluttershy’s look of concern but failed miserably… “OK, OK…” Pink thought for a second then… “About three months.” The gasp from Fluttershy forced Pink to look at her; the yellow Pegasus had a look of horror on her face mixed with confusion. “But why so long? A-Aren’t you any good at hunting?” Pink just sat eyes wide staring at Fluttershy… “O-Of course I am, I just wasn’t in the mood I guess…” Fluttershy was about to question this when Pink spoke first. “Anyway to feed I have to bite a pony, it’s good if I haven’t right?” A brief hopeful smile crossed her face. “Well not if you make yourself ill…” Fluttershy responded angrily as she crossed her forelegs. “But …” Pink tried again. “No buts, isn’t there a way to feed without biting some pony? Can’t you eat other things?” Pink again paused for thought, “Well normal foods out because I have no way for my body to process it, and as far as I know there’s no substitutes, its blood and that’s it.” “It doesn’t have to be pony blood though, mice and rats, bunnies, goats, any warm blooded animal… Otters birds…” Pink’s eyes glazed over slightly as Fluttershy was shocked at the very thought of her multitude of animals served on plates, with tears welling up she silently mouthed ‘bunnies’ … “B-but why can’t you what did you say… Oh yes… Process normal food?” Fluttershy asked hurriedly, her knowledge of vampires severely limited by her inability to watch horror films or read scary stories. “I’m a vampire…” Pink saw the confused look on Fluttershy’s face. “Because I’m dead… No bodily functions…” Pink shuddered, she hated to think about it that way but it was the truth. Flutteshy’s reaction was slow. “Oh!” she said, then “OH!!!” “You really don’t know jack about vampires do you?” Pink waited for her to lose it, to start running around screaming or just to try and get away, what she wasn’t prepared for was Fluttershy to lay a hoof on her chest wait a few seconds, then start weeping and to wrap her forelegs around her and keep repeating over and over. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry…” “Y-you don’t have to be sorry, it’s OK really, it happened so long ago.” “That not t-the point…” Fluttershy wiped away her tears as she untangled herself and sat back slowly. “S-So what now…?” Pink asked desperate to change the subject. “Now you have a bath.” Fluttershy replied as she composed herself. “A bath…? …Are you serious…?” Pink amazed asked, “How did you get to that idea?” Fluttershy was trying her best to ignore her natural instincts after the whole being dead part had finally sunk in, she knew here was a pony in need of a friend and a little help, she was no Rarity but Fluttershy knew any pony no matter who (or what, her subconscious added) would feel better after a hot bath, especially she thought since she obviously hadn’t had one in a while. “It just came to me.” She replied defiantly, besides she wasn’t sure how much dirtier her sofa could get but it was on its way. “I look that bad huh?” Pink replied a hurt look on her face mixed with resignation as she studied her coat realising it was all matted and filthy. “N-No… It’s just …” Fluttershy neglected to finish, asking instead. “Where did you sleep last night…?” “I’m a vampire Fluttershy…” “S-Sorry I meant yesterday...” Fluttershy blushed as she corrected herself. Pink sighed deeply, embarrassed at the truth she yet again hesitated. “Its okay if you don’t want to …” Fluttershy began but Pink cut her off. “An old shed”. “Oh my, no wonder you’re all dirty.” Then a thought occurred to the Pegasai. “Is it OK for you to have a bath, you won’t melt will you?” “That’s witches.” Pink huffed slightly annoyed. “Oh good, well wait here, I’ll come get you when it’s ready.” And with that the host disappeared leaving Pink to sit bewildered, scared and more than a little shocked at how events had turned out so… …So strange she thought, not at all what she’d planned as she once again looked down at the picture of a straight haired Pinkie and wondered if she really did look like that, a single tear hit the page as the confused vampire waited with no concrete idea why or how it had gotten to this point. Upstairs as she prepared the bath Fluttershy knew that she was doing the right thing, but couldn’t help but silently pray to Celestia for guidance as she wondered what her friends would say about the inner strength and resolve she was showing despite the urge to run to them screaming. All across Ponyville its inhabitants slept peacefully blissfully unaware of the events at Fluttershy’s home or the fate of the town’s librarian who was still deep in the Everfree Forest no longer being chased but still exhausted and now swearing profusely at the note stuck to Zecora’s front door which read… “On vacation, please hold mail until I return from my nation.” As Twilight calmed down a little, she turned towards home and after kicking a random plant pot to pieces to lose some of the pent up aggression she felt she began to walk, all the while hatching a plan to repair the damage done.