A secret long kept by Luna is coming back to haunt her, and threaten Equestria
Long ago, before her transformation into Nightmare Moon, Princess Luna struck a deal, a deal meant to save Equestria. A deal that she didn't share with even her beloved sister. A deal that was meant to save the nights she had worked so hard to create.
Princess Luna reached a compromise with a species of monster that had once stalked her nights: The Vampires. A promise that both sides kept for centuries...until one night, in Ponyville, it's shattered, and a pony is found dead.
At Twilight Sparkle's insistence, Luna brings her into the most closely kept secret of Equestria, and unwittingly, into the center of a conflict ready to boil over once more.
It was a dark and still night; even the moon didn't seem to shine as brightly as most nights. Not only that, but the clouds were moving, obscuring the stars and even the moon at times. While Ponyville didn't have much of an active night life, even those few ponies who relished in the moonlight seemed to think that tonight was a good night to stay at home. The streets were quiet. Well, mostly quiet.
Jade Dream kept looking back over her shoulder as she walked. She'd summoned a small orb of light that glowed a light green to light her way, but the way it was casting shadows was making her uneasy. "Silly." she assured herself, as she went on. It was just her magic, nothing more. If she hadn't stayed out so late at that party, she wouldn't have this problem right- She whipped around, swinging the light to and fro. She was certain she had heard something behind her. A wooshing sound, like a pony dropping down from the sky. She couldn't see anything or anyone, so she slowly turned back around. Her house was only a few more minutes ahead; she'd feel better once she was inside. In fact, Jade could see her roof now. Just a few more steps...
A chill went up her spine, and she froze, her heart pounding. Her head inched around, and the last thing she saw were two glowing red orbs...
Twilight groaned, turning over in bed. What had awakened her so early in the-
Knock, Knock, Knock.
A few moments later, her bedroom door swung open. "Twilight!" Spike said, running over to her and shaking her. "Twilight, wake up!"
"Spike, it's too early. What's going on?" Twilight murmured, trying to pull the blankets over her head. She resolved, for the forty-seventh time, to stop staying up into the wee hours of the morning with a book.
Spike only shook her harder, out of breath. "Twilight, the guards are here! A pony-a pony-dead!"
The covers shot up, falling down on Spikes head. By the time the dragon had freed himself, Twilight's brush was hitting the floor and the pony herself was gone. Twilight arrived at the castle doors just a few moments later.
"Princess." the lead guard bowed. "I'm Lieutenat Stalwart Stand; we've already contacted Canterlot, but as the closest Princess, we felt you should be informed of this as soon as possible."
Clearing her throat, Twilight nodded, trying to put on her best Princess voice. "Very g-I mean, thank you, Lieuteant. If I could ask you one favor? Please go and get Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity-"
"Pinkie Pie and Applejack? I've already dispatched guards to each of their homes. They'll be meeting us at the scene." His voice cracked a bit on the last word, and he turned around abrubtly. "To be honest, Princess, we've never seen anything like it. Please, follow us." The three other guards moved into posistion around Twilight, and the five of them started down the road.
As they walked, ponies came out from their homes and businesses, muttering to each other, and the number of ponies increased as they went on, until they came upon a small crowd. The ponies parted, revealing a terrible sight.
A pale green unicorn was laying on the ground, her eyes frozen wide in fear. Even from the distance, Twilight could tell that she was no longer breathing. She moved past the gathered ponies, stepping over the tape that she'd never seen used and joining her friends.
"H-how could this have happened?" Fluttershy asked; her voice was shaking as she looked down at the body of the unicorn. Rainbow Dash was patting her back, and she looked up.
"Doesn't matter, does it, Twilight?" she asked. Her own voice was tight, and it was obvious she was holding back tears. "We're going to find whoever, or whatever, did this, and make them wish they were dead."
Applejack pulled the two of them away, looking up at Twilight with an expression that wasn't hard to read. Even Pinkie Pie wasn't her usual energetic self; it was like a solemn gloom had come over the town.
Twilight stepped a bit closer to the unicorn...Jade Dream, she thought it was. A jeweler pony; Rarity had bought a few gems from her...it was bizzare. The way she was lying, it was as if she had been simply tossed aside. Twilight looked her over, studying, trying to find some clue. "Have you determined a cause of death?"
"Not yet." Stalwart responded. "The medical ponies did a prelimary exam, but they've never...never had to..." he shook his head. "All they found were two small wounds, here." he pointed at Jade's neck. Twilight leaned in, narrowing her eyes. She could see a pair of puncture wounds, close together. "An animal, perhaps? A venomous snake? But..."
"That is quite enough." a voice boomed out. The crowd parted again, much wider as another three ponies came unto the scene. Princess Luna, flanked by two of the Night Guard. "We're going to be taking this poor pony back to Canterlot. We will inform you once we know more." she nodded at her guards, who picked up Jade and loaded her unto a nearby cart. Twilight followed, going over to Princess Luna. "Do you have any idea what could have happened?" she asked, a ray of hope shining for a brief moment.
Princess Luna shook her head. "You should not concern yourself with that, Twilight Sparkle. We will handle it from here." without another word, she turned away, and took flight with the guards, headed in the direction of Canterlot.
"What was that all about?" Rarity asked, watching the figures disappear into the morning sky. "I didn't even think Luna would be awake right now..."
Twilight watched them leave as well, lost in thought. Luna was being even more cryptic than usual, and on a matter of such severe import. "I'm not sure, but I'm planning on finding out. You five stay here with Spike. If anything else happens, he can send me a letter."
"And where are you going?" Rarity asked, turning to Twilight, who was already on her way out of the crowd.
"To Canterlot. I need to speak with the Princesses."
"That was a bold move. Sure to draw attention. Are you certain, Your Majesty?"
"The time for patience is over; for too long we've allowed ourselves to be bridled by other's rules. If all goes as planned, we will regain our rightful place, and the Council will be dissolved."
"What if all does not go as planned? We risk too much."
A soft chuckle followed. "We must risk much to gain much. Already, events are unfolding to our benifit. By the time the moon is new again, we will have won."
Twilight kept her distance as she followed behind Luna. She was certain that she had lost Luna before, but had nearly run into her coming out of a room in the basement of Canterlot. Since then, she'd been using scrying spells to watch her from afar, keeping just close enough to lay eyes on her if need be. So far, she was pretty sure that she hadn't been detected.
"How long do you intend to follow us in circles, Princess?"
Ouch. Busted. Luna had stopped, turning her head to look over her shoulder. Sheepishly, Twilight Sparkle approached her.
"I'm sorry, Princess Luna." Twilight started, with a heavy sigh. She'd run through a few things to say if this happened, but now, none of them seemed sufficient. The look of disappointment on Luna's face was too much for her. "I just...this happened in Ponyville. I have to know, I just have to. Call it caring about my friends, or being a Princess, or..."
Luna held up a hoof with a heavy sigh; it seemed like she was pondering something herself. Finally, she spoke. "We understand. It's a heavy burden to be a Princess, one you are just starting to understand. For many a year, we have carried a burden, kept secret even from our own sister..." now it was Luna's turn to look ashamed, her head hanging.
Twilight couldn't help but feel bad; she reached out for Luna comfortingly. "I'm sure you had some reason. Does it have something to do with what happened back in Ponyville?"
"Yes. We are afraid it does...as this now directly affects you, we are prepared to show you our secret, if you vow to keep it." Luna replied, looking up. There was a hint of desperation in her eyes, but it was well hidden behind determination and courage. Twilight only saw it because she had carried the same look on her face, many times. She gave a single nod in response, and Luna smiled slightly, leading her onward.
The two mares soon reached a small room, where a circle engraved with a crescent moon was embedded into the stone floor. "Remember, Twilight Sparkle. Remain silent, and remain respectful." Luna cautioned, as she took her place.
"What you mean? What is this secret of yours?" Twilight asked, joining Luna inside of the circle. Luna's horn glowed, and there was the unmistakable flash of teleportation. When it cleared, they were in the center of a circular chamber, the stone walls moist. Deep underground, probably no physical entrance...Twilight looked up, and nearly gasped out.
Seven pairs of red eyes looked down at her, each one belonging to a unicorn with a pale coat. The one in the center, a male unicorn with a grey coat, looked to Luna.
"You have brought an outsider into the Council Chambers. This is in violation of our pact, Princess. Unless this one is an offering?" a slight smile crossed his face, and Twilight could swear one of his teeth poked between his lips. This was...this wasn't possible.
Luna stepped forward, all business again. "We have brought Princess Twilight Sparkle here because one of her subjects was killed last night, by a vampire. As such, she has the right to know of the nature of the pact, and of it's violation."
The statement caused a stir in the room, the seven ponies briefly conversing with one another before looking to Twilight Sparkle. A pure white mare to the left of the first spoke next.
"Very well. Princess Twilight Sparkle, first allow me to say that your eyes are not deceiving you. All seven of us are vampires, and moreover, are the current rulers of all vampires in Equestria." She gave the same sort of smile that the male had given her.
"I thought that vampires were a myth!" Twilight cried out, and Luna raised a hoof, shaking her head.
"No, Twilight, they are very real, and once were very feared. Many ponies died to feed their bloodlust, and they came close to dominating the land. Celestia and myself were unable to find a way to permanently stop them..."
"...until we were approached by Princess Luna with a deal. A compromise. We would be allowed to live in peace, as long as we dissolved the royal families and stopped hunting ponies for sport." The pale mare spoke again, still watching Twilight. "Now, we feed only enough to sustain ourselves. A pony wakes up in the morning, still tired, and we live on. Our strength is diminished, but it was preferable to war."
"If what you attest is true, Luna, then one of our number has disagreed." Another mare, close to the end of the line, added. "According to the rules of our pact, then it is our matter to deal with. The culprit will be found and punished...with lasting death, as we agreed."
Luna nodded, but Twilight wasn't satisfied. She took a step foward, ignoring Luna's warning glare.
"So what am I supposed to do? Just sit and wait until you find them? By that point, they could have already-"
Before she could finish her protest, Twilight was pulled back by Luna, and given a look that brokered no argument. "Twilight. Wait for me at the castle. We will explain more at that time." a moment later, Twilight was teleported back to Canterlot, still fuming. It was almost half an hour later before Luna appeared as well, looking very tired.
"Princess..." Twilight started, but Luna cut her off again.
"We warned you to be quiet, Twilight." Luna admonished. "There are rules that these creatures follow, rules agreed upon long before your birth. It was the only means of achieving peace...and this is not the first time they've been forced to deal with one of their own."
Twilight wasn't completely reassured by Luna's statement, but she was slightly calmed by it. Sometimes she forgot how long Luna and Celestia had been alive, the history they had seen. Luna had convinced these...creatures to stop hunting ponies, to live quietly. "I can trust you, Princess. But if vampires are real...I'm not sure..." she shook her head, and Luna put a hoof on her shoulder.
"You should go home and get some rest, Twilight. The Council knows how to handle these situtions. If anything else occurs, you will be the first to know. Remember: Tell no one, not even Celestia, what you have seen."
Twilight nodded. She was feeling a little tired after meeting actual vampires, and some time to clear her head would be most welcome. "I'll remember." she said, giving Luna a small hug. "Goodnight."
With that, she turned and headed towards the castle exit. On her way, though, something out of the corner of her eye caught her attention; a rustling like a curtain blown in the wind. Glancing in that direction, she saw that the door that Luna had appeared from earlier was now hanging open. Curious, she approached the door, looking inside.
A stone staircase led down, deeper into the castle depths. Looking over her shoulder, Twilight began to walk down the steps...
Twilight followed the steps down into the castle, her heart pounding. This wasn't right; whatever Luna was doing down here, she had wanted to keep it secret...
Then again, someone else might already be down here. That could explain what she saw. It could have been someone sneaking through the door and leaving it unlocked.
Twilight went back and forth between the two frames of mind, until she reached the bottom of the steps. There was a small room, and against the back wall, a large, locked box. That wasn't what had gotten Twilight's attention though.
What got her attention was the figure in front of it. A pony dressed in a long, black cloak, though the bump in the hood indicated that it was a unicorn, and it was much too small to be Luna. That, and it was using it's magic to try and break the box open.
"Hey!" Twilight said, moving closer to the figure. "What are you dong down here?"
The figure stopped, glancing back. "You..." she said. It was a mare, her voice low and husky. She looked over at the box for a moment, then turned her head back towards Twilight, a short laugh coming from beneath the hood. "A fortunate night." she went on, turning around to face Twilight, though her face was still obscured by the hood.
"What do you mean?" A chill went up Twilight's spine, a feeling of dread filling her; her horn lit up by instinct. "Why are you here, and what's going on?"
"Rebirth." the figure said, throwing back her hood. Twilight's vision was suddenly dominated by a pair of glowing red eyes that grabbed her gaze. She pulled her head to the side, trying to escape their pull.
"No. Look deeply." the voice cut across her awareness, and Twilight's head turned back, gazing deeply into the red glow. The eyes were so bright, and so deep...
"Good. Keep looking, let yourself be pulled in. You cannot resist, so just surrender and be consumed." The glow filled her eyes as she kept on looking, and then it started to fill her mind. Twilight felt as if those eyes were capturing her thoughts, her awareness, and soon it was all gone, leaving just that red glow, which faded soon after, leaving just the hooded pony in her vision.
"Twilight." the voice said, "I have taken your will. You will now do as I command."
Twilight nodded slowly, dazed. She knew, somehow, that it was true, that she must now obey the commands of the hooded pony.
"Open the box."
Twilight approached the locked box. It was a simple enough task, when she got close to it. The lock lit up with the purple aura of her magic, and she could feel the tumblers responding, sliding into place until the lock clicked open. She swung the box open and saw a pony lying there. Jade Dream...the pony that had been killed...she felt a brush from behind her.
"Well done. Turn around."
Twilight turned, and again, she saw the red eyes. This time, though, the image of Jade Dream lying there was before her eyes well. Jade Dream, killed by a vampire...it was like a splash of cold water on her head. Twilight could feel her focus coming back to her, see the pale face behind the eyes.
A laughing face. "You're stronger than I expected, Twilight. Unfortunately for you, I have what I need, and now I can take what I want."
A mouth. Oh, it was a wide mouth, with sharp teeth...coming closer to her. There was a flash of red before her eyes, and a pinching feeling. The world wavered for a few moments, then slid upward. There was the briefest of whispers.
"...see you soon..."
"Twilight!"
Twilight's eyes snapped opened, and she tried to get up. An armored hoof pressed her back down, and she found herself looking into the green eyes of a Night Guard. She glanced over at Luna. "Whaaa...what happened?" she asked, shaking her head.
Luna was looking past her, and Twilight followed her gaze. The box was still open, and as Twilight stood up, pushing the guard away, she could see inside.
The box was empty. Twilight shook her head, looking back. "Luna...there was a vampire down here." her eyes widened, and she reached for her neck
"The skin is unbroken, Twilight. We've checked several times." Luna finally looked at Twilight, her brow furrowed. "I don't understand. Why would a vampire take the body?"
"Well, doesn't a pony killed by a vampire become a vampire?" Twilight asked, puzzled. That had been one of the overarching themes in the vampire books she had read.
"Of course not."
A new voice cut across the room, and a pale pink unicorn with red eyes entered.
"Do your wrappers turn into ponies when you discard them?" she asked, as she approached the box. "Your glasses spring to life when emptied?" the unicorn shook her head. "Why would we want our food to be anything but food?" she turned to Luna. "I apologize for my lateness. It took forever to get the information on the deceased."
Luna nodded, then turned to Twilight. "Twilight Sparkle, I'd like you to meet Lone Blaze. She'll be working with you to investigate both the death, and now...theft, of Jade Dream. Lone Blaze, this is Princess Twilight Sparkle."
Lone Blaze gave the slightest of nods. "I'd say, it's likely this madpony just wanted to suck the last bits of blood from their victim. It's not often we get to drink as much as we like..." she had been staring at Twilight's neck for a few seconds, then caught herself. "They won't stay in Canterlot, too dangerous and too close to Luna. If I had to guess, they'll stick to their new hunting ground."
Twilight nodded. "That makes sense, if they're establishing a killing habit, then they'll want a familiar-Ponyville!"
"Come on now. It's late." Fluttershy urged the cat into her home, looking up at the stars. Normally, she allowed her kitties to roam freely, but this one had hurt her paw a few days ago, and it was still healing. "You don't want to...to..." she looked back again, her brow furrowed. A chill had just passed by her, but she hadn't felt a breeze. How strange. "We better hurry." she told the cat, nudging her tail with a hoof.
The chill came again, and Fluttershy realized, it wasn't passing her, it was rushing over her. What was stranger was that it was familiar...like a long forgotten friend. A small wooshing sound cut through the silence, and Fluttershy glanced back, nervous.
The cat scampered as Fluttershy froze, her eyes wide. She was looking directly into a set of glowing red eyes like none she had seen before. The gaze pierced deep into her, reaching in and drawing out that chill, coaxing it to grow...
"Princess Sparkle!"
Twilight turned around at last; Lone Blaze had been following her the entire way back from Canterlot, trying to get her attention. Of course, with her friends in danger, she hadn't really been paying attention to the cries, but now that she had confirmed Ponyville was still there, and the residents didn't seem to be in any more of a panic then they were, she was willing to devote some time to whatever the vampire was trying to say. "Yes, what is it?"
Lone Blaze caught up, shaking her head. "You can't just go rushing off on your own. Whoever this vampire is, they're clever and powerful. You've already felt their gaze."
"Yeah, I was going to ask, what was that about?" Twilight said, shaking her head. The feeling of her mind being ensnared by the vampire was still fresh, and she had a hard time shaking it off. "They just...they controlled me so easily..."
Lone Blaze smiled slightly, her eyes glimmering "Twilight Sparkle. Do a little dance." her voice had a certain echo to it, and Twilight found herself in the middle of a jig. She caught herself and gave Lone a glare.
"My apologies. I'm trying to prove a point. Kill a random pony." The echo returned, but Twilight only gasped, taking a step back. "Vampires can influence your thoughts and actions, but there's not one that can force you to do something utterly against who you are. At least, not anymore."
Twilight resumed her walk. "What do you mean, not anymore?" she asked.
Lone Blaze sighed, her brow furrowed in thought. "They mentioned the Royals, correct? The head of the original six vampire clans and the strongest vampires. It was said they commanded every other vampire by the nature of their blood, and at their full strength, their gaze could make a pony do...anything"
Twilight shivered; the temperature around them had dropped several degrees in a matter of seconds, it seems. "If they're so strong, why isn't Equestria under their control?"
"Survival, simply put." Lone Blaze explained, as they approached the castle. "The war between our races was inflicting a heavy toll, but the Royals weren't willing to compromise. Most of them were killed after we made the Pact. Oh, hello there."
"Hello..." Fluttershy said, shying away from Lone Blaze; her eyes had filled with something beyond her normal fear. She was terrified of the vampire.
"Well. I suppose I better begin my investigation." Lone remarked, after a few moments of silence. "Remember, you two. Stay together."
Moving over to Fluttershy, Twilight nodded. "Of course. Fluttershy, why don't you come inside, tell me what has you so worried?" she ushered her friend into the castle.
"Well..." Fluttershy started, as they walked in. "I wanted to talk to you as soon as possible. Last night, I was tending to my animals, when...when I saw something. Something like your friend, there."
A vampire? It could have been the one that attacked Jade Dream and herself! Twilight quickly looked Fluttershy over, but didn't see any marks or wounds. Breathing a sigh of relief, she asked "So what did this something want?" she asked, once they arrived in the central room.
"You."
The cowled figure was sitting on the central throne, clearly waiting. Twilight stepped back, her horn glowing, but Fluttershy was still walking forward. "Fluttershy, get away!"
"Why would I do that?" Fluttershy whispered; her body was changing as she advanced, just like it had during the mishap with the fruitbats. By the time she reached the figure on the throne, Flutterbat had returned.
"I have to admit." the figure remarked, sitting up properly "I was surprised that what I sensed wasn't a true vampire. But it was a simple matter, after my last meal, to fully awaken your friend." she patted Fluttershy on the head.
"Jade Dream...you killed her, and used that power to take control of Fluttershy..." Twilight gasped.
The figure laughed, and shook her head. "No, no, no, my dear. That sheep didn't have nearly enough life force for that. It was your blood..." she licked her lips. "A shame we were interrupted earlier."
Twilight's hoof went to her neck at once. But there hadn't been a mark. Luna had checked herself! How could this vampire have taken her blood?
"Simple." The figure threw back her hood, revealing the pure white mare underneath. "You're wondering how I drank your blood without leaving a mark? Those of Royal Descent have a few...abilities, as I'm sure you've recently been made aware. That's how I'm controlling her." she motioned at Fluttershy. "As a newly born vampire, her mind is naturally subservient to me."
"You...you're on the Council..." Twilight realized. "You're..."
The vampire sighed. "This is getting dull, and it's not like our time is unlimited." her eyes glowed brightly, filling Twilight's vision again.
Not this time...Twilight focused on her friend, on Fluttershy who needed her. Her eyes slid over to Fluttershy...only to be met with another set of those magical eyes.
"Look back, please...it'll be easier if you don't fight it..." Fluttershy whispered with a smile.
"Quite true." the vampire agreed, Twilight's gaze pulled back to hers. Once again, Twilight was pulled into those eyes, her mind buckling under their raw force. There was no use in fighting it, it was too powerful. Submitting was all Twilight could do before something so overwhelming.
The vampire beckoned, and Twilight walked towards her, enthralled. She stopped before her own throne, and the vampire stroked her cheek with a hoof. "So very beautiful...offer me your neck. Offer me your life."
There was nothing to do but to obey. Twilight tilted her head, exposing her neck to the vampire before her...and the vampire took the invitation. Her teeth sunk into Twilight's neck, and drank. Even as she felt her life ebbing away, taken by the vampire, Twilight couldn't pull away. All she could do was stand there until she lost her strength, slumping into the vampires embrace as she continued to drink from her.
Once the vampire was finished, she dropped Twilight to the floor. Looking down at the prone alicorn, she smirked, blood dripping from her lips. Twilight was still, her heart slowing to a crawl...and then stopping. The vampire stood up slowly, a blood red glow around her horn.
"Now, then. Rise. Heed the words of your Queen, and join my ranks of the undead." the vampire laughed as the glow surrounded Twilight's body, which stood up before her. Her eyes opened, now an empty red as she stood before her new Queen.
Twilight was...aware. Barely. The chill that had been haunting her all day had become glacial, and she couldn't get her thoughts together. She knew she was standing before Fluttershy, one of the guards...Sanguine Glow, her Queen.
Her Queen. Of course. She had been gifted with the highest honor a Royal Vampire could bestow, to be reawakened into the night, to serve in her undying court. She immediately fell to her knees once more. Her mind was still fogged, but she knew one truth: Queen Sanguine would lead her in the right direction.
"Ah, my children...the hour of our return is at hand, thanks to you, my devoted servant..." Sanguine lifted Twilight's chin with a smile. "For now, we hunt, and plan. We still have one more obstacle left before we can reclaim our rightful throne..."
"Twilight, I've done some research, and-" Lone Blaze stopped in her tracks, several feet from the castle. All around her, ponies were going about their evening routines, completely unable to see what Lone Blaze was staring at.
A shimmering...darkness had enveloped Twilight's castle. "Stupid. Stupid stupid stupid!" she said, stomping a hoof and drawing a few curious glances. She should have vetted the castle to begin with, should have stayed with the Princess. A brief glimmer of hope remained in her mind that Twilight would still be alive, but it had been hours. If the killer was in there, both Twilight Sparkle and her friend were dead. This wasn't going to be fun to explain to the council...or to Luna, for that matter. Perhaps if she dealt with the killer herself...it had been months since she'd fed, but she still had enough strength to...she started as she felt a hoof on her shoulder. Oh no...
"We can see it as well." Luna remarked, somber. She studied the castle for what felt like hours, then turned away, taking a deep breath. "We have made...a terrible mistake."
"Yes. You have."
Both ponies froze, turning back to look at the castle. A white unicorn was standing there...flanked by a pale yellow batpony and light purple alicorn, both with red eyes.
"I've been working for years to rectify your mistake." the unicorn said, grinning as she approached the two. "How you defanged my kind, stole our rightful throne."
"Sanguine Glow...? You're on the council. You've supported the reform, spoke out against the old ways." Lone Blaze said, shaking her head; she was taking position in front of Princess Luna. "Why?"
Sanguine laughed. "Oh, poor innocent Lone Blaze. In a better world, you would have been quite influential, perhaps even made it to Royal...given proper tutelage." she looked to Luna again. "I knew I couldn't overcome the Equestrian Army on my own, nor the more moderate Vampires. So I waited, and moved my pieces into position. One by one, the other Royals fell, and now this entire kingdom will be mine. You can rule under me, Princess. I know that you still crave the darkness, in your heart."
Concerned, Lone Blaze looked over her shoulder, knowing how persuasive Sanguine could be. It seemed like she didn't have anything to worry about, though, as the look of pure fury on Luna's face told it all.
"You speak of things you know ill about. You have this one chance to remove whatever spell you have on Twilight and Fluttershy and submit yourself to the judgement of the council." Luna's voice was flat and cold.
"Spell?" Sanguine said, looking stunned for a moment before laughing again. "This isn't a spell, this is me graciously accepting the gift you've offered." she nodded at Twilight, who stepped forward. "Twilight Sparkle has been reborn this night, and she will serve me now. Isn't that right?" she asked, ruffling Twilight's hair.
Twilight made no motion to escape the attack on her styled mane, merely responding. "That's right, my Queen. I am yours to command..."
"Well! We have a lot to do, so it won't do to linger here." Sanguine said, looking back at Lone and Luna. "Last chance to join me before the big show!"
"Whatever you have planned, we will stop it." Luna said, horn glowing. Before she could lower her head and cast the spell, there was a bright flash, and all three were gone.
Twilight stood by her Queens side, looking out over the milling ponies.
"Choose one. Any you like." Her queen commanded, and Twilight's eyes scanned the throng. Her gaze finally fell on a passing blue mare, and she followed her; her queen was nearby, in the shadows. It seemed as if Twilight had chosen well: the mare soon turned down a street on her own.
"Do it." her queen whispered in her ear, and Twilight pounced. In a single tackle, she had pinned the pony to the ground, and her fangs grew out; in another moment, she had latched onto the ponies neck, drinking her blood. It tasted so warm, so sweet...
As she drank, feeling the life of the pony being drawn into her, Twilight could also feel the coldness settling into her, the haze slipping from her mind. In it's place were sharp, simple truths. She was a vampire, a thrall blessed to be under the direct command of her queen. She didn't have a former life, she was...
"Twi...light?" The mare looked up at her with wide pink eyes and a shocked expression. Friend. This was her friend, her...Twilight stumbled back, the blood dripping from her lips. She could sense her Queen's disappointment, but the once sweet taste burned her mouth now. She couldn't drink from this mare...
"Finish it...kill her, or I will. Slowly." her Queen stated, taking a step forward to make good on her word, before the shuffling of steps caught their attention. "Bah! You're strong enough yet. Let's proceed with the plan."
Twilight transported herself and her Queen to the next location, getting just a glimpse of the three ponies rushing to the scene. She shook her head quickly, trying to clear the haze that had come back. If she could just think clearly, she could save her friends...
"Is she going to be okay?" Applejack asked, hanging her head. The others gathered around seemed to be unable to speak as they looked to Luna and Lone Blaze.
Taking a deep breath, Lone nodded. "She is. Twilight took very little blood from your friend...I wonder why."
"Isn't it obvious?" Pinkie said, her smile returned as rapidly as she had lost it. "Friendship!"
Lone Blaze stared at Pinkie Pie, confused. "Friendship? That means nothing before the force of a Royal...moreso one who has feasted on Alicorn blood. With Princess Twilight as her thrall..."
"She's not gone."
All the eyes in the room went to the door, where Rainbow Dash was leaning against the frame. She was looking weak, but there was a very real fire in her eyes. "Twilight would never betray us. I know it...she's still in there."
"Rainbow Dash is right. Sanguine can't take away who Twilight Sparkle is." Luna said. "She was there for all of us, and I think it's about time we returned the favor."
A cheer went up among Luna and the other four, with Lone Blaze smiling a bit.
"Maybe we can pull this off. Maybe we can-" she stopped, looking to the window. From the center of town, a red beam had shot into the sky, and was descending, forming a dome over Ponyville. "Now what...?"
She didn't have to wait long for her answer, as a voice filled the town. A very familiar voice...
Ponies of Ponyville. Hear my words. Heed them. Your rightful ruler has returned to claim her throne. Submit to her power, serve her, and embrace your new lives.
"Embrace our new lives..." the response rose up from around the town.
The six ponies in the room all looked to the window, confused. "What is that?" Rarity asked, as they went to the window, seeing dozens of ponies walking out of their homes.
"Of course...she's using Twilight to project her will over the town." Lone realized. "They'll all be enslaved, and with a town to feed on, she'll be unstoppable..." she turned back to the others. "We have to do something before it's too late."
"Don't worry." Luna replied firmly. "These ponies have proven to be up to the greatest of challenges."
"That's right." Rainbow said, pushing herself up with a wide grin. "We'll stop that vampire and save Twilight, no matter what it takes."
The glow from the dome pulsed, and Twilight's voice could be heard again.
Your wills are no longer your own. Come, come to me and submit yourself to the Queen.
"Whatever we're going to do, we better do it fast." Applejack said, nodding. "Come on!"
All of the ponies headed to the door, and Luna stopped. "Rainbow, you're still weak. It could be dangerous for you; we are going to be fighting powerful vampire, after all."
Rainbow stopped short, shaking her head firmly. "No way. Twilight's my friend, and I want to help her, too. Besides, I want to kick the flank of the pony who's trying to turn her against us!"
"Sorry, Rainbow, but the Princess is right on this one." Applejack put a hoof on her shoulder. "It's not your fault. We'll bring her back, though." she nodded encouragingly.
Rainbow folded her hooves. "Fine. But if this all doesn't stop in half an hour, I'm coming after you." she flopped back into bed.
"Deal." Applejack said, laughing a bit. With that out of the way, the five left, headed for the center of town. All around them, ponies were headed the same way, their eyes glowing red.
Pinkie shuddered. "Girls, this is way creepy...and I don't think I like the voice in my head."
"...what?" Luna said, turning to Pinkie. "You're hearing a voice in your head? Please tell us it's not-"
Pinkie gasped, her eyes widened and starting to glow red. She turned and walked slowly away, towards the town center.
"Of course...we're getting closer to the source of the magic..." Lone Blaze realized. "It will be harder to resist. You have to focus your minds!"
"I'm tryin', but..." Applejack said, her face scrunched up. "But it's too hard to fight...argh..." she straightened up suddenly, joining Pinkie. Rarity followed soon after, and Lone Blaze looked back at Luna, fearful.
Luna shook her head quickly. "I can feel Twilight's magic, but even as an Alicorn, she's still not as strong as I. Come on!" she and Lone Blaze followed behind the others, trying all they could to rouse them. Nothing worked, and soon they had arrived at the castle, where Twilight was standing next to Sanguine, her horn glowing red. Fluttershy was rounding up the entranced ponies, sorting them into groups.
"Ah, excellent. Bring them here, my dear." Sanguine said, nodding at Applejack and the others. They mutely followed Fluttershy to the front of the crowd. "Now, then...Twilight..." she guided Rarity to the front. "I believe this one has something to say."
"Yes...Twilight. I offer myself to you." Rarity said, bending her neck.
"No!" Lone Blaze cried out. Twilight bent over...and looked back up again as a spectrum of color burst the sky; the red shattered and the clouds parted.
"Twilight!" Rainbow said, landing in front of the Alicorn and hugging her. "Don't worry...I'm here."
"R-Rainbow Dash?" The glow faded briefly from Twilight's eyes. "I-I'm sorry...what I did...ah!" she cried out, holding her head.
"Twilight is a vampire...which means she belongs to me. Kill her, Twilight Sparkle. Do as your Queen commands!" Saguine said, pointing at Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy was flying up as well, fangs bared.
All at once, everyone covered their eyes as a blazing light filled the square. The sun was overhead, and a figure was descending from on high.
"No!" Sanguine dived for Twilight and Rainbow, only to be blasted back by a golden aura.
Princess Celestia landed before the gathered ponies, her horn shining as she glared at Sanguine. "Vampire...creature of darkness. You dare walk among my subjects?" she lowered her horn. "My sister showed you mercy, I understand. You should have taken it."
Sanguine laughed, shaking her head. "You fool. I have a Princess of my...own?" she looked up at Twilight, who was hunched over Rainbow, her body shaking. "How?"
"What you always missed, Sanguine." Lone Blaze said, as she approached. "Why we accepted the bargain, why the Council was formed. You never understood it, and that's why you lost today." She turned to Celestia. "I know you were not a part of the pact made, but I ask you to honor it. Sanguine is for the Council to punish, and the harshest sentence shall be passed upon her."
Celestia turned to Lone Blaze, lowering her head. "I will honor the agreement made by any Princess of Equestria. Besides that..." her eyes fell on Twilight and Fluttershy "I think we have our own matters to attend to."
Fluttershy sat up, holding her head. It felt like she had been sleeping for days. "Angel, I'm sorry, I'll...huh?" she asked, looking around. She wasn't at home...she was in Canterlot! She jumped out of bed, only to be caught by Luna.
"Oh...Princess. Thank you. I don't know..." she shook her head, trying to remember. Luna smiled.
"You were under a deep spell, but it has been reversed. Come, you've awoken just in time." Luna motioned for her to follow, and the two mares walked down the halls towards the throne room. Near the door, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Spike were waiting for her; they all smiled broadly when they caught sight of her, coming in for a hug.
"Fluttershy, you don't know how great it is to see you." Applejack said, ruffling her hair. Pinkie Pie squeezed her harder.
"G-girls, thanks...I still don't understand what happened, but..." she glanced around, worried. "Where is Twilight?"
That one question darkened the mood in the room, and Luna stepped forward. "She's just inside..." she opened the throne room door, revealing Celestia on her throne. Twilight was standing there, along with a strange pink mare. "Has everything been arranged?"
Celestia nodded solemnly. "Yes, it has. Dear sister, all of this could have been avoided if you had just told me what had happened." she sighed, bowing her head. "I thought that I had earned your trust."
"It's my fault." Luna said, going over to Celestia. "I wanted to prove myself, and I was afraid if you found out...they are still my subjects, Celestia. Even they desire freedom."
"Freedom." Celestia said, rising. "...is a high demand to make for those who feed on the blood of others. But..." she smiled slightly. "It is not outside of possibility. Twilight, while I was able to reverse the spell that transformed Fluttershy..."
"I know." Twilight replied, with a heavy tone in her voice. "I am...I'm no longer alive. With Sanguine dead, her spell over me is broken..."
"And a seat on the Council has been opened." Lone Blaze said. "Princess?" she asked, looking at Celestia.
Celestia nodded. "As a Representative of the Council of Shadows, Lone Blaze has requested that Twilight Sparkle join the Vampire nation and serve on their council." she turned to Luna. "The treaty that created the council, however, was signed by you, and not myself. It is for you to decide."
"W-wait. You mean, Twilight would leave us?" Rainbow asked, in shock. "She might be a vampire, but she's still..."
Luna cleared her throat, looking down at the two vampires before her. "It is Our Will that Princess Twilight Sparkle, formerly Princess of Ponyville, serve on the Council of Shadows..." she turned to the other ponies "and join Us as a Princess of the Night. It is long overdue that our two kingdoms be joined...if Twilight Sparkle wills it."
Twilight smiled for the first time since Ponyville, hugging Luna. "It would be my honor, Princess."
"Thank goodness." Applejack said, as the others came in to join the hug. "I thought we were about to lose ya for good again."
"I'm probably going to be busy for awhile." Twilight said, as the hug broke. "I have a lot to learn about being a vampire still...about controlling my new instincts."
"Something I will be happy to teach, Princess." Lone Blaze said. "And I believe you'll find that most of the other vampires are not like Sanguine Glow. We've learned to live in peace, these past centuries. For now..." she smiled. "Spend time with your friends. I'll remain in Ponyville until you're ready to leave. Just to make sure you don't slip up."
"Thank you. And thank you." Twilight said to Luna. "Come on, girls."
"...so do you like, still like candy?" Pinkie Pie's voice could be heard as the group left, and Luna turned to Celestia.
"How can I expect you to forgive me, Sister? My...pride very nearly cost us dearly."
Celestia's eyes were on the door by which Twilight and the others left, and she let out a heavy sigh, looking to Luna. "You did what you believed was best. I am not immune to mistakes myself...but we both made one good choice." she smiled, looking back up. "We put our faith in Twilight Sparkle. Whatever lies ahead, I'm sure she can handle it. I believe you'll find her to be an intriguing student."
Luna's eyes widened, and Celestia nodded.
"She must learn to be a vampire, but also, you have accepted her as a Princess of the Night. You must teach her things that I can not know. Besides, I have another pony who's waited for me long enough."
Luna smiled, taking her seat next to Celestia. "You always did have good taste in students."