//------------------------------// // The Road paved with Good Intentions // Story: Bloody Tears // by NintenES //------------------------------// Part 11: The Road paved with Good Intentions ~A little thousand years ago~         A stallion was in the library. He was intently studying the various tomes and scrolls on equine anatomy. He was writing down his own thoughts and notes on a scroll, his deep scarlet magic making the pen jolt and dash this and that. He glanced at his own work to ensure that it was at least legible, though with this meager lighting, that was a monumental task. He yawned, and looked at the candle beside him, his only source of light in the room. Or what used to be a candle. Now it had melted into a blob of wax covering the candlestick. Sighing deeply, he knew he’s going to be reprimanded by the maids for wasting candles on his late night studies, and for the mess he made on the table. He yawned again, needing no timepiece to tell him that he was up far too late for what is considered to be healthy. He closed up the tomes and rolled up the scrolls, and put them on their proper shelves. His own scroll he rolled up and put inside his saddlebag. Making one last check, he hoisted the bag onto his back, and blew out the candle. Slowly in the coolness of night, he made his way to his room. Though his bag only held only one scroll, the hours had fatigued him. It didn't help that his room was also quite a ways from the library. “If you spend so much time in that library, you might as well sleep there!” he can hear the maids scold him in his imagination. However appealing that is, he very much preferred his goose-feather bed over the hard wooden tables and chairs. Though he probably should request for a different room. However, his ears now picked up another set of hoofsteps in the hallway. Perhaps his weariness and the darkness was playing tricks with him, that he was merely hearing echoes of his own steps. Testing this theory, he stopped. Nope, somepony else was also walking around at this hour. “Stay calm, you tomfool,” He told himself. “Surely it is but a maid, or a guard making their midnight rounds.” He thought out loud as he resumed his journey to his room, though with a quickened pace. He made a turn, and ran into her. The Lady of the castle, Princess Luna. “Your Highness! I’m so, so, sorry!” the stallion exclaimed. While the Stallion was slightly taller than most of his peers, Luna towered over him, and had barely moved from his collision. In contrast to his own pale ashen coat, Luna had a very dark coat, such so that she blended with the darkness of night. With her sparkling mane and tail and green eyes, it would be very easy for one to confuse her for a spectre floating in the night. “Please excuse your humble servant for asking, but what are you doing at this ungodly hour?” She became disheartened at this for some reason, “Ungodly hour?” she repeated back to him. “Should it not be we that asks thee for what thou does at this hour?” “I apologize your highness for speaking thoughtlessly, for his body and mind is weary. Your humble servant had studied late, your Highness,” the stallion explained quickly. “Regarding the hour, your servant was on his way to his bedchamber to rest.” “Is not thy bedchamber quite a ways from here?” Luna asked him. “Hast thou considered requesting a room that is closer?” “Thy servant had considered doing so in the morn, yes.” the Stallion replied, sweating though the night was cold. “Please excuse your servant.” He moved quickly passed her, trying to avoid her gaze. “Halt.” If her appearance and stature commanded fear and obedience, her voice doubly so. “We are in need of an escort.” “Surely your highness is in no need of company of one such as your servant.” the Stallion said as he shook in his horseshoes. “Nay, we insist.” Luna said with a soft grin. “Perhaps we might enlighten thee on what we do at this... ‘ungodly hour’ whilst on our way to thy chambers.” The Stallion gulped, “If you surely insist, I am but your humble and lowly servant.” “Excellent.” And so the two resumed their travels. The Stallion had no interest in sparking any conversation, so Luna asked him a question. “Tell us, hast thou gazed upon the stars at night?” “Not really. To be honest, I have been focusing too much on my studies to even look up.” he said to her. “Tis a common thing, to not see the stars, unfortunately.” Luna sighed, “I have labored each night, composing the stars in the sky in their array. With their numerous lights, I have recounted tales of heroes from before ponykind’s first word was written. And yet do ponies see this wondrous splendor? Nay, for they have chosen to sleep under roofs instead of my stars.” “But what about their dreams? Are you not also the patron of dreams as you are the night itself? Should not their rest bring you joy?” “Indeed.” She nodded. “And yet... when they dream, they dream not of the night, or what it is like to float among the stars. I alone save them from the plagues of the dreams, and yet should they rise from their slumber to greet the dawn? I am not thanked for protecting them, ensuring that their rest was peaceful. Nay, instead they praise my sister, as if they fear each sunset was their last. My guardianship has protected thousands of our people, for thousands of nights. And I have yet to hear one pony, on one night, thank me.” Her voice wavering, she continued, “Tell me, servant, who prays to me?! Show me a warrior who brings justice in the name of the moon! Tell me, if I truly am my sister’s equal, then is not my duty as vital as hers?! Tell me of who, were I to go to that distant undiscovered country, where no traveler ever returned from, would remember me?!” “I... I know no one, my lady.” the Stallion confessed. “If only there is a way that I could help.” “Really?” Luna turned to him, “Thou would do this for us? But thou art but a physician. However we could...” “Yes?” “We could give to thee a... token of our power. As a sign of thy knighthood.” “I would do anything to serve you Luna. I swear on my life that will use this power to glorify your name, and bring about a better world.” As soon as he was finished with this oath, Nightmare Moon smiled. Her fangs shone in the moonlight. “Excellent, morsel.” “Wha- ARGHGLE!!!” He didn’t even have time to question, but it was answered when Nightmare Moon was suddenly on top of him, her fangs buried deeply in his neck. And yet confusion racked his mind. Was not Luna standing before him? Where and how did this demon of a mare appear? He tried to call out for help, instead he uselessly gurgled. Not that would have helped anyway. After all, was it not discussed a few minutes ago how few ponies walk at night? The Stallion, realizing this, attempted to buck Nightmare off. At best, he only managed to make her moan with pleasure as she drained his blood, and with it, his strength as well. His heart, once furiously pumping as a response to the fight, was now withering and weaker until it became black and shriveled. The world around him was turning and twisting as he feebly tried to keep stay awake. Nightmare Moon finally released him from her maw. The corpse hit the stone flooring with a soft thud. “Mmm, like a finely aged wine. You’ll make an excellent knight, Bleeding Heart.” was the last words he heard before giving up his last breath. And that is how Bleeding Heart was knighted, and died.         Twilight looked about the decaying stone walls and fountain. It all seemed familiar. “Wait, isn’t this where the Elements of Harmony were being kept? Then that must mean I’m in the castle ruins.”         Then with a loud bang and red light, Bleeding Heart appeared before her. “Lady Twilight Sparkle, welcome to the castle of Everfree, or the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters if you prefer. Just as you welcomed me to your home, let me welcome you to my home.” he bowed, “Though I must confess, I wish that you would have seen this place when it was in it’s prime. And that you had not have to arrive in such a... hasty manner, but we get by with what we can.”         “Enough courtesy, where’s Rainbow Dash? Is she okay?” Twilight pleaded with him. “Please tell me she’s alright!”         Bleeding Heart sighed, “...I’m sorry about your loss, Twilight.”         “What?” Twilight whispered, eyes widening. “You don’t mean...”         “I couldn’t save her. After I teleported you, Princess Celestia had already found Rainbow Dash before I could.”         “No...”         “Rainbow Dash’s fate lies solely in Celestia’s mercy... I’m so sorry Twilight.” Bleeding Heart said slowly.         “No! She can’t be...” Twilight shouted, her voice wavering, “It... it wasn't her fault!”         “Of course it isn't.” said Bleeding Heart. “But regardless of what Rainbow Dash may or may not have done, she is still a vampire. And Celestia has no compassion towards our kind. Come with me, it’s rude to keep the others waiting.” He turned and walked towards the stairs to the lower floors.         “Wait, others?” Twilight said.         Bleeding Heart looked over his shoulder and said, “What, did you think you were the only victim to Celestia’s tyranny?”         Though the red glow of Bleeding Heart’s horn guided them down the stairs, the room at the bottom was illuminated by torches. There were numerous ponies in warm light, Twilight gasped as she recognized some of them, “Sparkler? Carrot Top? Cheerilee? Is that you?”         “Twilight! Oh wow, normally I’d say ‘Thank Celestia you are alright,’ but considering the circumstances...” Cheerilee greeted her. As Twilight approached them, she noticed that their eyes were bloodshot, at least what she could tell from the lighting.         “What happened?”         “What do you think happened?” Carrot Top replied, “We got bit by some goon, and then suddenly Princess Celestia appeared and started to burn everyone that got bit.” “She’s not kidding. I saw her incinerate a somepony, just like that!” said Sparkler. “Excuse me if I’m having trouble believing that Princess Celestia would do that...” said Twilight. “Look, I’m having a hard time believing it too, but she was frying people left and right. The only thing she cared about was if we were a vampire or not.” Cheerilee replied. “Yeah, and worst of all, it ain't even our fault!” said Sparkler, “It’s all Luna’s fault, or should I say, Nightmare Moon’s.” Twilight felt there was something off about their voices, like it was stilted. “...Is something the matter Twi?” Carrot Top asked. “N-no, I’m just... having trouble taking it all in.” Twilight lied. “You and me both.” said Sparkler. “Anyway, how many ponies survived?” Twilight asked. “Not sure,” Bleeding Heart replied, “I could only save so much from the initial attack. When Celestia entered the scene, I could only help the stragglers. The rest are probably caught up by Luna and Celestia by now.” “And what are you planning on doing now?” “It’s a straightforward goal,” Bleeding Heart replied, “but we need your help Twilight.” Twilight stared at Bleeding Heart skeptically, “What is it? I not going to jump into agreements without reading the fine print.” Bleeding Heart smiled, “I told you, it’s simple. We destroy the Princesses.”   “What?! Why? That would destroy Equestria!” Twilight gasped, “The Princesses are practically synonymous with the Kingdom of Equestria.” “Of course it would.” Bleeding Heart calmly replied. “But is that not the way of progress? To put away the old and bring forth the new? I shall reforge Equestria, mending and purifying it into a new kingdom, to become the ultimate utopia! A land where no one has to fear death. No more will lovers be separated, friendships lost, or families broken. We will all be immortal, living in harmony forever! Wouldn’t such sacrifice be worth it, Twilight?” “But is this really necessary? Can’t we convince them to leave us alone?” Twilight suggested. “You've seen how Celestia treats us as monsters, as if we were a cancer upon the world. To Luna, we are seen only as drones and slaves to use for revenge against her sister. But vampires are really neither; we’re not monsters, but we are not truly ponies either. We are something more, something better! Our magic and strengths can rival that of the alicorns! Luna may have made us to be slaves, but with this power, we can create and rule a utopia where life is eternal! We can make a paradise that will last forever.” “But you told me that Celestia was too powerful for me...” “Yes, because you were not ready... yet.” Bleeding Heart corrected. “I cannot defeat her either, but with our combined power Twilight, we can defeat both Princesses! That is why I chose you. I knew that you have the potential to change the world. Please, join me, and together we can create a perfect, everlasting world.”         “Know what? I think I understand...” Twilight started, as Bleeding Heart smiled. “...That you’re crazy!”         “Excell-... wait, what?” Bleeding Heart’s smile disappeared, leaving a confused look in its place. “You heard me, I don’t think your motives are purely altruistic, you just want Equestria for yourself. I know it wasn't Princess Celestia that attacked me and Rainbow Dash. Nor it was Princess Luna that attacked Ponyville. It was you!” Twilight pointed accusingly at Bleeding Heart.         “What?! How did you know it was me?!” Bleeding Heart replied utterly flabbergasted. “Your masks and acting skills were impressive, Bleeding.” Twilight smiled. “But it was oversight on some details that did you in. For example, it is virtually impossible to hide one’s own horn color by themselves. Not even Changelings are capable of performing this, and they’re naturally talented at the art of mimicry. Another source of magic is needed, such as enchanted items, but only if they are extremely powerful. I've seen Princess Celestia use magic plenty of times, and I know it’s a soft yellow color, but the Celestia that attacked me in the forest? Her magic color was red. Just like yours, amazingly enough.” “W-well...” “Besides, if these girls are telling the truth, then Celestia has no qualms disintegrating vampires. But, that was the case, then why am I still alive? The only spells I noted were fairly novice, they lacked refinement and control, they were only dangerous because of the magic power of the user. Celestia surely wouldn't toy with me when she knows my potential, so why all the fire and flare when she can execute me nice and clean? So that leads me to conclude that this ‘Celestia’ was nothing more than an amatuer and a fool that just as likely burned herself as she would me.”         Bleeding Heart’s face turned into the most beautiful shade of purple and red. “I am not some amateurish simpleton! I could have burned your horn off, you harlequin dunce!!!” “But that’s not all,” Twilight continued, “I could literally smell her breath when she was right on top of me, ready to burn me alive. Like... blood oddly enough. Now why on earth would Celestia’s breath smell like blood, hmm? Surely Celestia isn’t a vampire herself, is she?” “Just because my breath smells like Celestia’s doesn’t mean-” “I’m not finished yet. THIS is the real kicker: you just told me. Twice actually.” “I...” Bleeding Heart paused... and realized that his follies, “That I did. Well, you certainly read me like a book Twilight.” “Yeah, and I found it’s characters flat and two dimensional and story clichéd. Though one thing confuses me: twice now you could’ve killed me and yet instead you put all this effort into converting me to your cause. Why? I mean, I get that you have some vendetta against Princess Celestia, but wouldn’t killing me be a quicker way to get revenge?” “...Did you think I was lying about needing you? Or did you think that you can deny my offer?” Bleeding Heart smiled cruelly. He suddenly fired a bolt of magic at Twilight. Twilight deflected the bolt with a well-timed barrier, and countered with her own bolt at Bleeding Heart. But then Cheerilee jumped in the way, taking the brunt of Twilight’s magic. “No! Cheerilee!” Twilight shouted when she saw her fall. An yellow pair of hind hooves kicked Twilight in the face, followed by a blinding show of sparkling lights, dazing her further. Bleeding took advantage, and fired another bolt at Twilight, sending her flying back into a wall. Twilight groaned as she picked herself up, and saw Carrot Top and Sparkler, eyes glowing red. “What the... What’s gotten into you girls?” said Twilight, “Why are you fighting for him? Bleeding Heart’s the one who caused all this!” “Save your breath, Twilight, their body and minds belong to me!” laughed Bleeding Heart. With that, Cheerilee, Carrot Top, Sparkler, and other vampires surrounded Bleeding Heart. “Please, snap out of it!” she begged the few that she knew. Not wanting to harm them, Twilight tried to shoot around them.         The vampires had other ideas. No matter how hard she tried, Twilight couldn’t get a clear shot at Bleeding Heart, everypony keep jumping in the way. Others surrounded her and attacked from different angles, forcing her to focus on defending herself instead. Amidst the chaos, she could still hear Bleeding Heart’s voice whisper into her ear. “Give up.” She continued on. The horde was seemingly endless and tireless. Every time she knocked a few away from her, more quickly took their place. Sweat rolled down her head as the voices inside of it echoed, “Why continue? It only leads to more pain.”  Twilight reacted too slowly, and paid for it with a kick to the face. “It’s for the best. Don’t worry, your friends will be joining you soon... Isn’t that what you want? To be with your friends forever? If you had joined me, none of your friends would ever feel the pain of losing a loved one.” Twilight realised that she couldn’t stop Bleeding Heart, not here and now anyway. But with the hordes continuously attacking her, she can’t focus on teleporting out. She decided instead to try to clear a path to the stairs. If she could just get out of this dungeon, she might stand a better chance... She saw an opening, the stairs out of the dungeon. If she could just run fast enough, she might be able to teleport and warn everyone. She took her chances, galloping up the stairs. However, a errant step, caused by somepony shifting the bricks right under her, caused her to trip and hit her head on the stairs. It was enough for the other vampires to grab a hold of her and drag her back down. “...I’m sorry Rainbow Dash, I should have listened to you.” Twilight thought as she finally succumbed to the horde. The weight of dozens of ponies that were now on top of crushed her between the cold hard floor. “And now both of us had to pay for it.” she thought somberly as Bleeding walked up to her. With his forehoof, Bleeding lifted Twilight’s face until they were looking at each other eye to eye, Bleeding smiling as cruel as ever. “I wasn’t lying when I offered you to join me at my side to rule Equestria, but you just had to go and act like a stubborn mule, didn’t you? Fighting to remain loyal to those who abandoned you is... somewhat admirable, something I’ve done once a long time ago, until I realised that it was stupid. Where are your friends now, Twilight? Where’s your precious teacher?” Twilight stared at him in the eye, “I will never join you! Princess Celestia will defeat you, you said it yourself, you don’t have the power to face her one on one! Even if I can’t, she’ll make sure your world will never be created!” Bleeding Heart laughed, “Don’t you understand? This little song and dance we did back there is a dress rehearsal for the final act. The part where the alicorn princesses die by the hooves of that onced loved them, to make way for a new era.” Twilight promptly responded by trying to tear off that stupid smug smile right off his face. With a sudden burst of strength she managed to jump towards Bleeding Heart, slipping past all the vampires holding her back. Before he could react, Twilight chomped on his mouth and nose, making him scream like a little filly in her mouth. Bleeding’s minions all grabbed Twilight again and attempted to pull her off of their master’s face. Twilight only released her grip when she tasted his blood, which as Twilight just discovered, vampire blood tastes vastly different from mortal blood. It was the most rotten, disgustingly sick thing that Twilight had or will ever taste, and so Twilight threw up in Bleeding Heart’s mouth as she released him. Bleeding Heart held his wounded muzzle, cursing like the saltiest of sailors in between wiping his face off and spitting the vomit out of his mouth. Twilight gagged and spat out the lingering taste of vampire blood out her mouth as she replied, “You came into my house and bit me, so I figured I would return the favor.” Bleeding Heart face turned towards her, eyes filled with volcanic rage. He kicked her in the face, hard enough that Twilight almost blacked out. Bleeding Heart turned back to face her again, his muzzle still bleeding the black liquid, horn now lighting up in a dark red color once more as he pressed it against Twilight’s forehead. Twilight Sparkle let out a blood curdling scream. Time passed in odd ways for Rainbow Dash. She wasn’t sure how long she was out, it could’ve been anywhere from a few minutes to several months. All she was aware of half-blindly staring at a huge ball of fire that could’ve cooked her alive (or rather undeath, considering her current condition.) And now it was just darkness. However, she started to hear Twilight’s voice, echoing in her mind, quiet as a whisper. “I’m so... Rainbow Dash, I s...ld have li...ed to y... A... no... bo.. of us h... to pay ... it.” it apologized, but Rainbow Dash could barely understand what she was saying, what with all the echos making her own words incoherent. “Twilight? Where are you? Are you okay?” Rainbow Dash called out. She couldn’t see Twilight anywhere in her dark dreamscape. She heard a blood curdling scream. “Twilight!!!” Rainbow Dash woke up with a start, catapulting her to reality. Her body rebelled with sensations of pain all over her body as she sat up. Hazy memories of what happened before seemed almost dream like to her. Almost instinctively though, her hoof reached up to her neck and brushed the scars made by fangs. Some of the pieces became clearer. Rainbow Dash looked around the room, noting that while she was likely in a hospital room, but the wallpaper was unrecognizable. As much as Rainbow Dash hated to admit it, she was a “frequent flyer” to the Ponyville Hospital, what with all the stunts she was trying to pull. So naturally she was accustomed to the rooms they used. Besides, the beds here were too comfortable to be in Ponyville. “Oh goody, you’re finally woken up.” said a rather dry, familiar voice. A curtain to the right of Rainbow Dash was pushed aside with dark blue magic, revealing that the voice came from Luna, who was lying on a similar bed and wearing a back brace. “GAH!” Rainbow Dash jumped up straight on her bed, “What are you doing here?!” “What am I-” started Luna, looking at Rainbow Dash as if she were insane, “You put me here, you chicken-brained addled dodo!” “Oh... yeah... that’s a thing that happened.” Rainbow Dash ashamedly admitted. “So uh... How’s the recovery?” For a moment, Rainbow Dash could’ve sworn that Luna had suddenly gained hate-powered laser eye beams, though with her glare, it probably was the same thing. “Swimmingly.” she said slowly. “In fact, that’s what I’ve been doing while I’m not trying to figure out a way to save everyone from being a vampire.” “Um right... uh, do you know where the heck am I?” Rainbow Dash said out loud. “What, no guesses?” Luna replied, “You are in Canterlot Castle, in the Private Royal Hospital Wing, Room 0103.” “Wait, Canterlot?!” Rainbow Dash stuttered, color draining from her face. Some of the hazy memories were recalled. Namely of who tried to kill her. "If I’m in Canterlot, then She’s here..." Rainbow didn’t want to take any chances and took a leap towards the the nearest window... and discovered that her wings were bound by bandages, and smacked her nose on the window. “You are in no condition to leave, Rainbow Dash,” Luna said, with a slight smirk, “besides which, why do you desire to leave so soon?” “Because your sister tried to cook me Kentucky-style in Everfree Forest, that’s why!” Rainbow Dash said, still trying to look for an exit. Maybe she can risk going out the door and... “Celestia? Trying to kill you? What sort of head-trauma induced madness is this?” Luna asked, slightly confused. “For if Sister truly wished for your death, why would she have you under the care of her staff, reserved solely for the Royalty that live here and those who serve them? Or that what you meant when you referred to the hospitality from the province of Kentucky?” “I don’t know!” Rainbow Dash replied. “Maybe she wants me awake and healthy before she watches me squirm and scream when I’m getting burned alive!” She suddenly dove for the door, running out of the room... and right into Princess Celestia, who unwittingly blinded Dash again. “F*yay*, my eyes! It burns!” Rainbow blindly squirmed and screamed, Celestia’s presence burned her alive, when Luna finally caught her with her magic. “I highly doubt such action would relieve your pain. If anything, it might agitate it further.” said Princess Celestia. “Here-” Celestia’s horn glowed as it pulled out a pair of sunglasses and placed them on Rainbow Dash’s face “-try this instead. Though I’ve heard that it still isn’t a good idea to fly towards the sun with them on anyway, Icarus.” Celestia gave a slight smirk at her own little joke. “Ha. Ha.” Rainbow Dash said flatly. “You’re hysterical.”         “I thought that was a bit funny too!” said Pinkie Pie as her head peeked around the corner of the hallway.         “Pinkie?” Rainbow Dash asked. “What are you doing here?”         “Worrying our hides off about you and Twi.” said Applejack. Her head, as well as Rarity’s and Fluttershy’s, peeked over the corner on top of Pinkie’s. “You two go missing for half a day and nearly got yourself blown to pieces with Twilight nowhere to be found!”         “Yes, and you spouting out bits of slander against Princess Celestia in your waking moments raises some... concerns, Rainbow Dash.” said Luna.         “What?” Rainbow Dash asked Applejack, “What do you mean you couldn’t find Twilight? Me and Twi were fighting Celestia before I got knocked out!”         “But that’s impossible,” said Rarity, “Celestia was here the whole time. She was the one who sent the Wonderbolts to investigate a fire in Everfree Forest, where they found you.” “Yeah! A fire she caused!” “...Rainbow, are you sure you’re okay?” Fluttershy asked cautiously. “Because what you’re saying is uh...” “Cuckoo crazy!” Pinkie Pie finished “Yes, I’m fine!” Rainbow Dash angrily responded. “I almost got my ass toasted in a huge bonfire! She was trying to burn me and Twi spouting stuff like ‘vampires are an abominations, they can’t live in society’ or ‘you have failed me Twilight Sparkle, blah blah blah, BURN!!!’” “Darling, it’s just that what you’re saying is impossible.” Rarity replied. “Celestia has been in the castle after the attack on Ponyville. Ask anyone. That, and no pony had an idea where you two were, since Twilight literally could have teleported you two any where.” “Then who the heck tried to kill me and Twilight?!” “Well obviously this means that it was Princess Celestia,” said Pinkie Pie, “from an alternate universe where all the good guys are bad, and the bad guys are good! I bet she's a shameless communist tyrant too!” The sound of everyone groaning and slapping themselves on the forehead responded to Pinkie Pie’s conclusion. “What?” “Rainbow Dash, the Celestia you fought, what was the color of her magic?” Luna asked. “You mean the whole horn glowly thing? It was red I think, like a dark red.” “A dark red? Like... Blood?” Luna pressed on. “Yeah, why?” “Well mostly because my magic is a pale yellow, not a deep red.” Celestia replied. She then demonstrated by lifting up a nearby plant. “See? Light yellow.” “Yeah, except you were trying to burn all the things.” Rainbow Dash snorted. Celestia sighed as she lit a leaf on fire, showing that her magic still didn’t change color. “Oh. Well... oops?” Rainbow blushed. “That still doesn’t explain who could’ve tried to kill Rainbow Dash and Twilight disguised as Celestia.” said Applejack. “I mean, it could’ve have been a random changeling, ‘cause I doubt they know anything about vampires or what happened last night, at least not so quickly.” “Nor do we have a motive; what could anyone gain from making Twilight and Rainbow freaking out that Celestia tried to kill them?” Rarity asked. “Actually, I believe it would have been Bleeding Heart that you fought against,” said Luna. “He does have the magic strength from the vampirism to perform such feats of illusion, since as you recall, one of his minions was disguised as Nightmare Moon to terrorize the citizenry. And if he’s trying to recruit ponies to his side, what would bring them to his side better than if Princess Celestia decided to kill them all?” “And If I recall correctly, the Wonderbolts didn’t find any other survivors...” Rarity said slowly. “No!” Fluttershy unexpectedly shouted, “Twilight can’t be dead! Not again!” “Actually, I doubt Bleeding would want to kill her, so he probably captured her under the pretenses of saving her from Celestia. Though one shudders to imagine what he will do to her if we are correct in this presumption.” “But does Twilight know whether or not it actually was Celestia that tried to kill her?” Rarity asked, “I mean, we all know that she’s a smart girl, so maybe she’ll be able to figure it out?” “I’m not so sure, Rarity.” replied Rainbow Dash. “I got duped, and she was freaking out as much as I was. She probably still thinks that it was Celestia. She probably fled elsewhere if she saw the Wonderbolts flying in.” “You don’t think she would actually listen to him, do you?” Rarity asked. “Hey, I’m not saying that!” Rainbow held up her hooves defensively. “But we have to consider the circumstances,” spoke up Luna, “Twilight is emotionally vulnerable from losing control of herself and turning one of her best friends into a vampire, and from ‘Celestia’ attempting to kill her for it.” “The heck are we waiting for then?” said Applejack. “Let’s go look for her, and get her back. We can’t let that leaching varmint turn her evil!” “One problem with that,” said Celestia, “Any suggestions on where she might be?” “Erm... uh... I don’t know? She might still be in the forest?” Applejack replied quietly. “That’s just it, we don’t know.” Celestia stated. “It was a ridiculous stroke of luck that we found Rainbow Dash, alive- er- undead no less. One could presume that Twilight is in the local area as well, either dead, or is scared out of her mind and is hiding, listening to every lie Bleeding is telling her. As such, finding Twilight is only a secondary objective.” Everyone in the room stopped and stared at Celestia. “What?!” said Applejack. “We have enough on our plate at the moment as is; we’re still trying to get a proper head count of the victims, and if anyone had gone missing. We just now have a slightly better idea of the number of vampires there are at the moment, most of which are probably still situated near Everfree Forest and surrounding provinces.” “Yeah, so we know where they are hiding, let’s get in there and go get ‘em!” Applejack replied. “No, we’re going to focus on increasing surveillance on the area, fortifying all potential targets, and attempt to trap Bleeding Heart and force him to fight out in the open. Attempting an assault or a rescue operation now would be suicide.” said Princess Celestia. “Let me get this whole thing straight;” Applejack said slowly as she glared at the Princesses, “this Bleeding Heart fellow effectively sucker-bucks us in the face and your plan is to wait and let him try that again?!” “That really isn’t a flattering way to put it...” “No, but it is the truth!” Applejack snapped back, “And on top of that, we’re sacrificing Twilight to do it!” Princess Celestia slammed her hooves, “Twilight is an unfortunate victim of the attack, along with everyone else at Ponyville.” Celestia let the words sink in before continuing. “If we were to go into the forest now, the vampires will not only be able to match pony to pony, they will have field advantage as well. While you’ve expressed your concern for Twilight quite clearly, I doubt that she would want you all dying senselessly for her sake.” “Really? Come on, Rarity and Pinkie have fought off dozens of those guys, right? I’m sure that trained soldiers can take them out. Come on, back me up here.” “Well, yes...” Rarity hesitantly replied, “but just think about it for a moment dear. We’re no longer fighting in an open town square, but in the forest where there are plenty of hiding places for them to strike from and retreat to, and they probably have a better idea of the area than we do. That’s not optimal fighting conditions, that’s a setting for one of those horrendous horror movies Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash watch on a Saturday!” “Specifically, ‘The Forester.’ Though I don’t think any of these guys are going to be using chainsaws and wear hockey masks.” Pinkie Pie added. “On top of that, think of how Twilight herself will react when she sees the Equestrian Army performing a marehunt for her.” Celestia continued, “If Bleeding Heart convinced her that I really did go out and try to kill her, she’ll assume the worst and either flee or worse, fight back, before we could explain to her the actual situation. And if we’re wrong, and the fire killed Twilight, then this entire hypothetical operation would all be for nothing!” “But... but...” Fluttershy whimpered, “It’s Twilight. She’s our friend. We can’t just... leave her, not even knowing if she’s still alive... can we?” Princess Celestia sighed and rubbed her head, “I’m sorry, I know that it’s hard. To be honest, I don’t like it either. But in all likelihood, there’s really nothing else we can do for her. If we find and stop Bleeding Heart, we might be able to save Twilight Sparkle. Please, her sake, if any more of you become vampires, or worse, die, then the chances of Twilight being saved becomes slimmer.” “...I hope she’s alright.”