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// Entry Three: A Night in Trottingham 
// Story: Blood Runs Cold 
// by Philosophical Tree 
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        Another two years passed. Princess Luna kept me under close watch during that time, especially after another incident involving three vamponies and getting myself ambushed. It wasn’t my best moment, and Luna was none too pleased. My ears will never truly recover from the tirade. You haven’t quite heard the Royal Canterlot Voice until you hear it at point blank range. 

        Also during the two year period, my training intensified. My crossbow was always by my side, and Luna’s magic and knowledge was constantly flowing through me. Oddly enough, the newly awakened spirit bond between us had a strange side effect, one which Luna found quite amusing. My mane color changed literally overnight. What had once been forest green was now a bright silver. I was somewhat disappointed, as I thought - and still think - it looked ridiculous, but Luna seemed to think it was hilarious. 

        “Oh, come now, Shade. It looks rather dashing on you.” She teased. I rolled my eyes, looking over the latest headlines in the paper. There was nothing interesting, which didn’t surprise me in the slightest. Just some ramblings about the latest Canterlot policies, who was the newest Best Young Flyer, stuff like that. It was when I turned the page that I spotted something very interesting. It was hiding among other stories, but a certain description caught my eye..

        “I think we have another Phantom,” I said, levitating the paper over to Luna. “Take a look. The condition of the body matches.” Luna glance over it and frowned.

        “In Trottingham, no less. Shade, thou knows how we feel about this.” I shook my head.

        “I won’t hear it. I have to get out there. Ponies are dying because I’m not doing my job. And I’m not doing my job,” I stopped, leveling a glare at Luna. We’ve had our fights, sure, but this was different. I felt so much fury, so much anger. And all of it was directed at her. I don’t know what made me so mad, but I knew in my mind that it was wrong. Nevertheless, the next words out of my mouth were, “Is because you are too frightened of what might happen to me.”

        I braced myself, knowing full well that such a statement, in older days, had gotten ponies killed. I knew that the Royal Canterlot Voice was to follow my impudence, but I didn’t regret it. She needed to understand. And, no matter what it took, I would make her understand.

        But she surprised me. I saw a smile appear on her face, and she laughed. She genuinely laughed. It wasn’t a cruel or forced laugh, it was a mirthful laugh, one that had brightened my mood throughout many long years of training. My glare faded into a look of confusion. 

        “Um... did I say something funny?” Luna shook her head, still laughing. I rolled my eyes and waited for her to finish her fit.

        “Nay, nay. It’s just... Thou looks so amusing when you get very serious.” I spluttered. I couldn’t believe she had just said that. It wasn’t even like she was trying to avoid my question. It was as if she just hadn’t been paying attention.

        “Did... did you even listen to me?” I was too shocked to yell. Luna nodded, still trying to hold back more laughter

        “Yes, yes,” She giggled out. She paused, composed herself, cleared her throat, and then continued. “Yes. And thou art correct. We are being a little... overprotective of you. But thou does not understand. Thou does not know why. Thou hast no idea...” I saw something in her eyes at that moment, and instantly regretted ever getting cross with her. There was such sadness, such loneliness in those blue orbs, I wondered how she managed to get up in the evening bearing such pain.

        “Luna... I... I didn’t...” She raised a hoof, cutting me off before I could formulate an apology.

        “No... no, thou wert right in thy anger. We were wrong. But thou must understand... being the master of night... when everypony, even thine own sister, takes their rest... it has made us rather lonely.” She closed her eyes, and I could tell she was fighting back tears. “You were our first real friend in a very, very long time. And we were afraid of losing you, to the point where we let our fear cloud our judgment. We shall not make the same mistake again.”

        “I’m sorry I didn’t know this before, Princess, but you know as well as I do that I have to get back out there. It’s been four months. Four months cooped up in here. I have to do what I was made to do.” Luna sighed and lowered her head, nodding in resignation.

        “Thou art right. But we are still uncertain. Just please be safe.” I nodded. I knew that time was not on my side, so I called upon Luna’s magic and teleported away. The night was still young, and I had to find the Phantom quickly.

        A Phantom is the name we gave to the vamponies who held a higher rank among their brethren. It appears that with every successful pony that the vampony managed to convert, the stronger it became. It’s eye color also changed as well. Interestingly enough, though, when a Phantom was slain, every vampony that it had converted perished as well. I’m still not sure how that worked, but it was a pleasant surprise. 

        As I landed in the streets of Trottingham, the moon full and bright above me, I quickly took in my surroundings. The streets around me were deserted, gently lit by some torches near the sidewalk. Some of the buildings still had lights shining from their windows, but most were dark. It wasn’t hard to see that there was nopony else awake and on the streets, but I still took the precaution of casting the shadow cloak spell and getting off into the shadows of the buildings. I stood near the edge of the sidewalk, gazing around in search of my adversary. 

        ‘Any sign of him?’ The flame ignited as she spoke, and I felt her presence wash over me. I still wasn’t quite used to it, but it was something I couldn’t live without anymore. Her magic abilities and advice were so useful to me that I don’t think I’d still be alive without them. As it stood, I couldn’t see anything, and that’s what I told her. I think I heard her sigh in relief at my words. ‘Alright, just be cautious. We don’t need you getting killed out there.’ 

        ‘Got it, Princess. You just watch.’ I walked off down the street, glancing down every alley and into every dark, shadowy place I could see. Nothing moved. Nothing shifted. There wasn’t so much as a breath of wind in the air around me. And that was disconcerting to me. I knew that the Phantom was there. I just couldn’t see him. 

        Throwing a glance over my shoulder and seeing nothing, I sighed and lowered my head to the street. ‘Where in the name of Tartarus is he? I know he’s here.’ I looked up as I heard a noise to the left of me. There was light in one of the street level windows, and through it, I saw a truly heartwarming scene unfold. A young unicorn stallion, nineteen by my guess, was carrying a blanket through the air over to a mare - I assumed that this was his wife - who was laying on a nearby couch. She looked tired - and sweet Celestia, was her mane a mess -  but was still smiling at a small bundle in her forehooves. I couldn’t see it clearly, but I made an educated guess. A baby foal was a big chore, especially in the early years of life. It had been like that for my parents when my sister was born. 

        The stallion laid the blanket over his wife and pecked her quickly on the muzzle. He sat next to her, keeping watch as she and the foal drifted off to sleep. After a short time, I could tell that they had both entered Luna’s dream realm. He seemed to know as well, so he extinguished the lamp that had been providing the light. The room, and street outside, became dark. I sighed inwardly, my smile dying with the light. That was something I could never have. With my line of work, a family would only be put at major risk. It was something I dearly longed for, but knew would never come to be. 

I turned back to the street, and almost instantly heard incoming hoofbeats. They were still a way off, but it was a lead, so I took it. I trotted off in the direction of the noise, keeping my eyes and ears open for anything. It wasn’t long before I saw the source of the noise.

‘Spotted a lone mare. Not the target, eyes are normal. Wandering the street alone so late at night? Something’s up.’ I thought. Luna grunted in assent.

        ‘Keep an eye on her. She may lead us to the one we seek.’ I nodded and watched her. She trotted down the street a few paces, then ducked down an alley. I watched until the last swish of her tail had faded into darkness, then followed. I hadn’t gone more than a few paces when I heard a second set of hoofbeats, coming from the opposite direction. I turned to look.

        ‘I found him.’ I told Luna. ‘I think that he’s connected to the mare. If he is... she’s in for a world of pain unless I stop him.’ 

        ‘Then hurry. Follow, and watch what he does. Remember, a distracted enemy is the easiest to strike.’ I quickly followed as the Phantom as he ducked down the alley after the mare. It was very dark, but my night vision was keener than a cats - constant time in the dark does that to you - and I was able to keep up without arousing attention. It wasn’t long before the Phantom reached the place where the mare was standing. It was then that I got my first real look at her.

        She was a pegasus, and a quite lovely one at that. She had a golden coat, complemented by a crisp, silver mane. It appeared that she wasn’t very wealthy, judging by the state of her coat and mane. And her eyes... I was thankful not to see any streaks in those lovely, emerald pools of light.

        To say I was infatuated would have been an understatement.

        Anyway, she had just turned to see the newcomer. Of course, I remained unseen. Luna was still watching my movements from the spirit bond, and I could feel she was tense. I, however, tried to relax. The easiest way to reveal yourself by accident is to be caught on edge. I needed to wait for things to unfurl, then make my move.

        I sidled up to the side of them as they began their conversation in low voices.

        “Do you have it?” The Phantom was asking. His voice was deep, cold, and definitely not Trottingham in origin. It struck me as odd at the time. What would he be doing so far north? It became somewhat clear as the mare lifted a wing to reveal a saddlebag she was wearing. She reached into it and pulled out a scroll of parchment.

        “Yeah, it’s here. I still don’t really understand why you want it, anyway.” Her voice wasn’t bearing a Trottingham accent either. I didn’t care, her voice was so sweet and gentle. But I shook myself out of my trance. I had to stay focused. She was in danger...

        ‘Are you laughing at me?’ Luna instantly tried to cover her giggles the moment I relayed that. Of course. The spirit bond, no matter how useful, did have its downsides. I rolled my eyes and focused back on the conversation. I had missed the most of what the mare was saying, but not all of it.

        “... and it’s just an old treasure map. Probably not worth anything. I also don’t understand why you wanted to meet here... at night...” She shifted uncomfortably as the Phantom examined the scroll. He smiled and turned back to her, setting the scroll aside.

        “This map is more valuable to me that you might ever imagine,” He growled, taking a step towards her. I noticed that two small lumps had appeared on his back. Not only that, but his color seemed to be fading. “And why meet at night in a dark alley? No witnesses.”

        ‘Oh crap.’

        It was then that I shifted position, placing myself between the mare and the Phantom. Both of them seemed startled, but the Phantom seemed almost livid at the sudden appearance of a potential threat. He couldn’t clearly see me, but the shadows had obscured the mare from his vision. 

        “What treachery is this?” He cried. I thought the statement was rather cliche, but didn’t have time to think about it. I dispelled the shadow cloak and stood, facing my foe. He had fully transformed, and to say I wasn’t scared would be lying. Nevertheless, I drew my crossbow and held my ground. This mare would not die, no matter what happened to me.

        “Not treachery. I guess you could say ‘Divine Intervention’.” It was a play on an old concept embedded in some ponies. There were those who regarded Celestia and Luna as gods in those days. Of course, this is untrue, but there were ponies who believed that. And, judging by the look on the Phantom’s face, he got the message.

        “You. This night just got better for me. I can’t wait to tell my lord that I was the one to finally drain your blood.” He growled, readying himself for his lunge.

        I had leveled the crossbow at his head, but knew that firing would be pointless. Phantoms were wicked fast unless stunned, so I waited for the roar of the Phantom, and then the lunge. As he lept, I rotated the crossbow and swung hard. Unfortunately, I missed. His aim wasn’t much better, but he managed to slash me in the jaw. A small gash was my reward for my carelessness. I ignored it. Only the bite transformed, and his face was way too close to mine. 

        I swung the crossbow again, this time connecting with his side. The force of the blow knocked him away, but didn’t do much to stun him. He lunged again, slashing at my side. He managed to nick me, but I ignored it as well. Training with Luna really paid off sometimes, and my focus proved that. A third swing of my crossbow finally managed to hit him in the face. It knocked him flat on his back. Quickly I swung the crossbow about, bolt side facing him. 

        By that time, he had recovered enough to rise to his hoofs, only to find my crossbow was pointed between his eyes. I saw a flash of panic appear as I pulled the release. The bolt struck true, killing him instantly. His body fell, making a soft thump as it hit the ground. Not too far off, I heard two more similar noises.

        ‘That was far too close, Shade.’ Luna scolded. I rolled my eyes. 

        ‘Just a couple of scratches. No big deal.’ I heard a huff of indignation from the other end, and then silence. Her presence didn’t leave, though.

        I sighed and sheathed my crossbow, turning about to face the mare. She was petrified with fear. I stepped over, waving a hoof in front of her face. No response. 

“Hello? You alright?” At the sound of my words, the mare collapsed. I smirked. ‘Well, that’s to be expected. I’m bringing her back with me, alright? I need to ask her some questions.’ I heard giggling from Luna.

‘Is that the only reason you want to bring her here?’ I growled at her remark, turning about to find the scroll that the vampony had wanted so badly. Fortunately, it hadn’t been damaged in the scuffle. I hefted it up and tucked it away in the saddlebags I wore. Then, I stepped over to the mare, placed a hoof on her shoulder, and teleported the both of us back to Canterlot. The streets of Trottingham were safe once more.

For now.



__________



I was pouring over the map when the mare finally awoke. We were in Luna’s room, and the night princess had her attention fixed on the map as well. It was a moment before either of us realized she was awake.

“Where am I?” She asked. I turned to look at her. She still looked scared, but seemed to be alright otherwise. Smiling, I turned away from the table and beckoned her over.

“Canterlot,” I replied as she stepped over, sitting beside me. “Specifically, Princess Luna’s room. Don’t worry, you’re safe here.” It was then that the mare noticed the princess. She bowed quickly under Luna’s hard stare. I just watched. Luna frowned for a moment, then smiled softly.

“Rise, young one,” She told the mare, her voice uncommonly gentle. “There is no need for that here. We are glad to see that thou art well. Pray tell, what is thy name?” The mare smiled at her words.

“Calm Breeze,” She replied jovially. Luna made the other introductions, then asked how she was feeling. Breeze was still smiling as she replied. “I’m alright. But if it wasn’t for Shade here, Princess. What was that thing anyway?” I frowned, turning back to the map.

“It was a vampony.” She gasped and I nodded, grimly. “Yes, they are very much real. And for some reason, interested in the map. What’s the significance?” She frowned and shook her head.

“There is none. This map is just directions to an old ruin.” She leaned over the table and pointed with her wing at a spot on the map labelled “Hall of Undoing”. “The region is just north of Manehatten. I’ve been there. Yeah, there’s a ruin, but you can’t get in, even if you wanted.” Luna and I were both surprised.

“Why is this?” Luna beat me to the question. Breeze just shrugged.

“There’s no door. I checked around the entire ruin. There’s nothing there, Princess. It feels... wrong, though.” She paused, searching her brain for the words to say. “That’s why I kept the map. It feels like there should be something more, something there, and yet there isn’t. It also feels dark... like there’s something evil trapped inside, waiting to come out. Something terrible...” She shuddered visibly, clearly unsettled by her memories of the place. I cut in before Luna could ask her anything else.

“There’s something that bugs me, though,” I said, more to Luna than the mare. “The vamponies want this map. They still want me dead, too. So, whatever’s inside this ruin,” I tapped my hoof on the spot. “We have to find it first.” Luna nodded. 

“And quickly. The vamponies have been getting more active. They’re getting bolder. We fear it will not be long before a full scale attack is launched.” I nodded at her words, something burning inside me. I wasn’t sure it was time to say it, but Luna needed to know. 

“Indeed. But there’s something about that you’re not going to like.” She tilted her head, and even Breeze seemed intrigued. “There’s a pattern to their attacks. You know about that cult that worships you, the Lunar Convent?” Luna nodded. “Out of all the recent victims we’ve been seeing, there’s been a pattern with some of them. Eyes gouged out, throats slit, blood completely drained. And every single one killed in this manner was a member of the Lunar Convent.” I walked away from Luna, towards her room’s balcony. I waited for the question. 

“What does it mean, Shade?” She finally asked. I sighed.

“They’re targeting you, Luna. They want you. And they’re sending a message.”