//------------------------------// // 3rd Movement // Story: Entombed by Vanity: A Tale of Vampirism in Equestria // by Robotlegs //------------------------------// Rarity quickly found herself on the outskirts of Ponyville and at the edge of the EverFree Forest. Her mind was spinning with a potent mixture of fear, hope, thrill and doubt. It was not the time to slink off in cowardice. She had to see through the promise she made to herself. This is it. Onward! Rarity began to tread through the EverFree Forest, with a cautious but hasty pace. She didn’t want to provoke anything that could be lurking within the gnarled trees. Sunbeams barely penetrated through the thick canopy, which casted strange shadows that made Rarity’s mane stand on end. The thick moss that covered the forest floor like a carpet was saturated with water. Rarity’s hooves sank into the ground with each unsure step. The added weight of her saddlebags only added to her aches. Dreadfully awful! I definitely need a hooficure after this adventure. When oh when will this end? Terrible! A pervasive hum of reigned over the landscape, made by the unseen creatures of the EverFree Forest. The only clearly audible sounds were her breath and hoofbeats. Courage Rarity, just have courage. Put one hoof in front of the other. You’re getting close now. A small dot in the far distance took shape as Zecora’s hut as she drew nearer. Rarity’s once quick place slowed to a crawl when she arrived to her destination. She was panting and her hooves were caked with mud. However her exhilaration was much greater than her physical discomfort. Astonished, she found herself in front of Zecora’s door. I can’t believe it! I made it! Rarity knocked a few times and held her breath. It would only be a matter of time until Rarity’s wish came true. Please be home, please be home, please be home— Rarity heard Zecora walking inside her hut towards the door. Her nervousness started to melt away as Zecora opened it. “The sound I heard was a shock, but it seems it was only a knock!” Said Zecora. “Greetings Zecora. I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time. I wanted to see if you could assist me with something.” Said Rarity with a smile. “Perhaps I can be of help. Let me see what I have on my shelf.” Zecora led Rarity into her hut. It was a simple wooden structure with shelf after shelf of concoctions, potions, compounds, ointments, solutions, tablets and capsules. They were all arranged in alphabetical order in ceramic and glass jars. A few lit candles were all about the room, but the main source of light was the boiling cauldron in the center, emanating a bright green color. The air was filled with the pungent smell of roots and extracts. Rarity found herself coughing a bit. “Now what can I do, to be of service to you?” Said Zecora. “Well, this may sound a bit silly—“ Rarity hesitated for a moment. “I wanted to know if you could make a potion that will lengthen youthful appearance and vigor.” Said Rarity. The words sounded awkward as she spoke them. Zecora chuckled. “Ms. Rarity, from what I see, your motivation is vanity. From all the requests, this is not the worst, and I can say you are not the first.” Rarity could barely hold back her excitement. “Really? So you are saying it is possible?” “Rarity, There are no creams, ointments or sprays, that can make the wrinkles go away. Magic in Equestria is deep and raging, but there are no spells to stop a pony from aging.” Rarity’s heart sank as she heard Zecora’s words. A look of disappointment washed over Rarity’s face. “So I guess there is nothing you can do.” Zecora shook her head. She took Rarity’s hoof into hers. “Do not look for things that are not there, for all you can do is take great care. Aging is the natural order of things. Go against it, and who knows what troubles it will bring.” “Okay, I guess.” Rarity sighed. “I’m sorry I’ve inconvenienced you.” Rarity took out the apples she bought earlier from her saddlebag and set them on Zecora’s table. Please accept the bag of apples for your trouble. Please, I insist.” “Thank you and it was no trouble at all. But you must hurry home soon, for the sun has started to fall.” Zecora was right. The Everfree Forest was not a place ponies wanted to find themselves after dark. Zecora led Rarity to the door and gave her a hug. “If in the future you need assistance, come back again and don’t be resistant.” Said Zecora. “Thank you very much Zecora. I will.” Said Rarity in a pessimistic voice. Rarity couldn’t explain why, but she couldn’t help but feel a bit crestfallen while seeing Zecora’s door close. Oh well, at least I tried. I’d better get going. As Rarity began to retrace her steps, she noticed a thick fog covering the forest previously not there. The Moon also overtook the Sun in the sky. Her walk back seemed much longer than before. The combination of the thick fog and darkness make it difficult to see. Hmm, this scenery doesn’t look familiar at all. Before Rarity knew it, she lost her way. She didn’t want to admit to herself, but she felt being watched by a pair of faceless eyes from the moment she stepped out of Zecora’s hut. She resisted running, for fear whatever may be watching her may give chase. Okay Rarity, don’t panic and don’t freeze. Just remember your bearings. Do I go left or do I go right? This can’t be happening! The ambient sounds that once reigned over the EverFree forest were now overtaken by a peculiar, intense silence. It’s as if the creatures of the forest acknowledged the presence of something much greater and powerful than them drawing near. Even the wind rustling through leaves ceased. A cold sweat developed on Rarity’s brow as her heart pounded through her chest. The muffled sound of hoofbeats was getting louder and clearer. Then the silence was broken. “I believe you’re lost my dear.” Rarity turned around quickly. Her muscles tensed. “Who said that?” Rarity said with a gasp, as she looked everywhere. She was taken aback by a distinctly masculine voice. “Do not fear.” Rarity barely made out the form of another pony through the dense fog. She saw him coming closer to her as she froze in place. It was a unicorn colt, nopony Rarity had ever met before in Ponyville or anywhere in else Equestria. He had a dark coat with a long, wavy mane and tail that was brushed back. Although she could not see it clearly, his cutie mark looked like a coat of arms. He had strong, commanding facial features with deep-set light blue eyes. She was clearly frightened, yet found him mysteriously attractive. “I couldn’t help but hear your plight Ms. Rarity.” “How did you know? How do you know my name?” “I was near your friend’s hut and I overheard your plea. Let’s just say wooden huts let sound, bleed through.” “Well, I don’t even know who you are and quite frankly—“ “Rarity—“ Said the mysterious colt interrupting Rarity. “Your friend is deeply mistaken. Magic to rid you of wrinkles, that is easy. I can offer you that. A look of disbelief came over Rarity’s face. It seemed too good to be true. “Really? Can you?” “Yes, however, I can offer you something even greater along with it. Now ask yourself Rarity, is it growing old you fear, is it death—or both? Perhaps you have realized your own mortality and that is your motivation for your search. The mysterious colt paused and looked at Rarity with a strong stare. “Have you ever wished you were immortal?” Rarity was thrown off guard by the mysterious colt’s question. “Well, of course. Who hasn’t?” Said Rarity with a hint of fear and hesitation. “What good is youthful looks if they can’t be kept forever? This may seem odd but I can offer you immortality as well. You don’t want to just get rid of fine lines. What you really want is to live forever, beautiful as you are, right now.” Rarity blushed. “Immortality?” “Yes, and that’s what your heart truly desires, but you couldn’t bring yourself to admit it. I can see it in your eyes. I can give you what you want Rarity. You can live in beauty forever; you will never tire and much more. You just need to trust me. It’s possible.” Rarity heeded the words of the alluring colt. As much as she hated to admit, he was right about everything. It’s as if he knew what was in her heart and nothing was secret anymore. Rarity couldn’t resist the mysterious colts’ compelling demeanor. The surrounding fog was swirling around her slowly. “Rarity, I know this is much to ponder. When you return here tomorrow night, don’t try to find me. It is I that will find you.” “But—“ The mysterious colt began to back away as his horn started to glow with a dark light, culminating into a bright flash. The intense light blinded Rarity. When she opened her eyes she found herself at the border of Ponyville and the EverFree Forest. She couldn’t recall how she got there or account for the lapse in time. She was baffled at what transpired. Well that was inexplicable. Never a dull moment in the EverFree Forest! He is definitely a most powerful unicorn. Perhaps, he can help me. Immortality may not be so far fetched. Rarity headed back to the Carousel Boutique under the light of the moon. Her mind was swirling with what she witnessed in the EverFree Forest. She had a full schedule of sewing and alterations the following day and wanted to get to bed as soon as possible. Rarity finally reached the Carousel Boutique and opened her bedchamber door. She was glad to be home after a long day that was filled with both the woefully mundane and inexplicably sublime. The sound of her turning the key and unlocking the bedchamber door never sounded so sweet to Rarity as it did then. Home Sweet home. Finally, I can rest my hooves. Oh, and I need to feed Opal; the poor darling must be starving by now. “Opal darling! Momma’s home!” Opal lifted her head and let out a whiney meow. “Yes dear I know your hungry. Just one moment.” Said Rarity as she poured out fresh food and water for her. “Things will be a lot different soon.” Whispered Rarity as she stroked Opal under her chin. After feeding Opal she went to the washroom with the intent of taking a hotter than usual bath. Rarity also purposefully soaked for long period of time to rid her mane and coat of all traces of dirt. She cringed at how filthy the bath water was when she finished. That much filth was on me the entire time? Appallingly horrific! Before retiring for bed, Rarity looked intensely in the bathroom mirror again at her reflection. As before, she took stock of the lines that she felt flawed her otherwise beautiful face. Pesky wrinkles and lines, I may have found the secret to banish you! Rarity climbed into her bed and pulled the covers over herself. The initial excitement over what had occurred in the EverFree Forest began to subside, allowing her to fall asleep relatively easily. Rarity first dreamt about the handsome colt she met in the EverFree Forest. What beautiful eyes. Truth be told, she was attracted to him. But soon her dreams took a more different turn and became nothing short of terrifying. Her lucid dream continued as the night progressed. Rarity dreamt she was in front of a mirror of unfathomable size, surrounding her on all sides. Reflexively she looked into the mirror and saw—really and truly—her face was flawless. Perfection. Absolute perfection. Joyful in the moment, she couldn’t help but laugh. Instead of the sound of her laughter dissipating, it echoed and grew deafeningly loud until it became painful to her ears. The mirror began to crack and crumble around her. She crouched down and covered her head, hoping none of the sharp pieces of glass would fall on her. Oh no! As the mirror crumbled, she found herself on a castle balcony in Canterlot. However, all of Canterlot was not as she remembered it. There was an air of heaviness and from what she could see, much of Canterlot was in ruins. Looking up, Rarity saw Princess Luna’s silhouette in the night sky raising the moon. However the moon had a dark crimson tinge to it, tinting the night sky and all of Canterlot with a mournful blood-red hue. She found the scenery unsettling. Something is afoot. What it going on here? Who she thought was Princess Luna flying back to the castle after raising the moon was actually Princess Celestia in heavy chains and fetters. She had an unkempt appearance and an expression of dejection on her face. It also looked as if she had numerous bite marks on her neck. She landed on a balcony next to the one Rarity was on, breathing heavily from fatigue. “Princess! Princess!” Princess Celestia didn’t respond, much less notice Rarity was close by. Everything was unfolding in front of Rarity as if she were a spectator in a play. Joining Princess Celestia on the balcony was a shadowy figure who encased her horn with a metal contraption, as if to prevent her from using magic. Rarity couldn’t make out who it was, but around their neck was a necklace outfitted with a horn. Rarity’s eyes widened. Is—is that Princess Luna’s horn? Rarity inspected it more closely as best she could from her vantage point. When she came to the realization that it was Princess Luna’s horn being worn as a trophy, the emptiness of Canterlot was filled with Rarity’s agitated screams. Rarity shut her eyes as tight as she could. In that instant of horror, time seemed to stop. If one were to observe Rarity in her bed, they would find her in a fitful sleep. All of her muscles were tensed and she was speaking aloud, acting out her dream in real life. After seeing such macabre visions one would wake up, however Rarity couldn’t. She was unable to awaken and stop the nightmares from unfolding any further. Rarity’s nightmare continued. She slowly opened her eyes and found herself in Ponyville. Just as in Canterlot, Ponyville was a shadow of its former self. She looked up at a murky sky and saw the sun black as pitch, not from lack of sunshine but actual darkness radiating from it. The land was covered in perpetual shadow-light. Unlike Canterlot, there were signs of life in Ponyville, however all the townsponies were downcast and sorrowful. She noticed some of the townsponies also had bite marks on their necks as well. They were all carrying lanterns, for the lack of true sunshine made it hard to see. Bon Bon was walking towards Rarity with her head down. As she approached Rarity, she picked her head up and both ponies made eye contact. A look of terror washed across Bon Bon’s face and she fell. “It’s her! She’s back! Everypony run!” Shouted Bon Bon as she retreated. “Sound the alarm!” Screamed another pony. The bell in the clock tower chimed loudly and a stampede ensued as the frantic townsponies began to scatter. In the commotion, somepony dropped their lantern near a pile of hay, catching fire instantly. Ponyville was engulfed in flames within moments. Rarity was becoming extremely uneasy seeing the chaos unfolding before her. She could only surmise that she was the cause of it, but couldn’t figure out as to why. Why is everypony so fearful of me! I don’t understand! What’s happening! As the smoke billowed and flames rose to the sky, Rarity apprehensively ran to the towns’ fountain to see her reflection in the water. Instead of seeing her lovely face, what she saw instead could only be described as monstrously grotesque. As in Canterlot, Rarity’s screams pierced the air. In the apex of turmoil, Rarity heard somepony speak to her. “Rarity, open your eyes.” Said a kindly female voice. With those words Rarity woke up instantly, throwing off the covers as she sat up in bed. Rarity was gasping for air and her pupils were dilated. She could have sworn her dreams were real, right down to the smell of acrid smoke. It was daybreak and the towns’ bell was ringing. She put her hoof on her forehead as she mentally gathered herself. By far that was the most disturbing of all dreams I ever had! Strange what the mind can conjure up. I garner remarkable dreams come about from interesting goings-on from the day before. That’s it. That’s exactly it. She slowly got out of bed and walked to the washroom with a shudder. I need to ready myself. Rarity had a long morning of sewing but her mind was elsewhere. She couldn’t fully concentrate on her tasks. Rarity felt a bit guilty being so distracted, as a few of her clients made the journey to Ponyville from as far away as Canterlot. As they spoke, she asked to repeat themselves numerous times. Focus Rarity! Her intense visions of the previous night would occasionally crop up as she would sew. Even though she never put much stock in dreams generally, she was still bothered by them. There isn’t even a remote chance that could ever happen! Best not to worry. The day continued to drag on. She didn’t even eat lunch as the anticipation of the coming night curbed her appetite. A good portion of the day was dedicated to searching for sewing materials after she carelessly misplaced them. She was also making numerous slip-ups while sewing. Oh I can’t believe I did that, such a beginner’s mistake. Truthfully, all she desired was the day to end. The only thing pushing her through was the hope of getting what she so yearned for. Immortality and ageless beauty? Unbelievable! It’s now or never Rarity. Oh, is it nightfall yet? The day finally ended and nightfall mercifully came. Rarity closed the Carousel Boutique right after her last client left. She started off towards the EverFree Forest as she did previously. She told nopony of what transpired the night before. She didn’t want to be convinced otherwise or prevented in any way by her friends. It was her decision and hers alone. As the night before, the air was dense with fog and visibility was poor. She trudged through the dense underbrush, which noisily cracked underhoof. Rarity arrived at a clearing and scanned the area for the mysterious colt. Now where could he be? How is it possible for him to find me here? The Everfree Forest goes on for miles and miles. Despite the near impossibility of being found, Rarity waited for the mysterious colt in the fog. Every second seemed as an hour. She was completely defenseless against any and all threats in the EverFree Forest. Her anxiety grew with each passing moment and Rarity couldn’t soothe her frayed nerves anymore. The impulse of fleeing had gotten too strong to ignore. That’s it! I can’t wait anymore! It is too dangerous here! She turned swiftly to run but saw the mysterious colt standing directly in front of her. Rarity didn’t even hear him arrive, much less see him walking towards her. She was both scared and relieved to see him. The air suddenly became cold while the fog began to thicken. “Good Evening Rarity. I hope I didn’t keep you long.” “Hello.” Stammered Rarity. “I assume since you’ve returned, your decision has been made.” His words took on an air of assertiveness as they did the previous night. She lost the mysterious colt in the fog but still felt his presence. “Before I can offer you what your heart desires, I first need something from you my dear.” His voice seemed to emanate from all directions. Rarity was frozen fearfully in place. “What is that?” Said Rarity with a trembling voice. The mysterious colt let out a scarcely audible laugh. “Blood, my dear Rarity.” He reappeared through the fog and Rarity found herself face to face with the mysterious colt. His facial features changed radically. His eye color changed from serene blue to deep red. He flashed a smile that revealed a pair of terrible fangs. The mysterious colt lunged at her, biting forcefully on her milk-white neck. He threw his hooves around Rarity, preventing her escape. The mysterious colt insatiably drank the fresh blood, which gushed from the lacerations. Rarity’s blood tasted sweet to him, a distinct flavor that he thoroughly enjoyed. She struggled to remove him but he was much too strong. Rarity, resigned to her fate, could do nothing but think about her family and friends. She came to terms knowing she would never see them again. This is how it ends. Goodbye, everypony. Her body twitched as the life drained from her neck. As the bleeding went from a torrent to a trickle, the mysterious colt placed Rarity down gently on a soft patch of ground. Her breath was shallow and she felt an unbearable chill. Both ponies were soaked in her warm blood. The mysterious colt wiped the blood from his mouth and leaned into speak into Rarity’s ear. She felt his icy breath on her face. “I garner you felt it would merely take a simple spell to grant your wish. Rarity, my magic is not of this world. In moments of finality, the truth makes itself present.” Rarity’s vision began to dim. “Now, I will truly know what you desire. It is either immortality and beauty or inevitability and death. Just as I drank your blood you must drink mine, however it must be of your own free will. Shall you taste of my blood?” “Yes.” Said Rarity in a weakened whisper. “Drink, and become one with the darkness.” The mysterious colt bit himself near his hoof and let out a pained moan. He held his hoof over Rarity’s mouth and blood slowly dripped into her mouth. She began to drink when she realized what was happening. After consuming his blood, Rarity’s face twisted in agony and she began to convulse. She clinched her jaw tightly. “Rarity, you are now experiencing is a pain beyond all pains. It’s a small price to pay for what you are about to acquire. What you are feeling is normal. Be patient. I will be here with you.” Through the ordeal she felt a strange ethereal sensation of being outside her body. She also felt a deep pain, yet it was not of physical origin. Cold, so very cold— After what was hours, Rarity let out a drawn-out sigh. Rarity slowly opened her eyes and saw the mysterious colt standing above her. “Welcome to your new life Rarity.” Said the mysterious colt with a sly smile. He extended his hoof to help her up. She slowly looked around her surroundings with a new sense of wonder. She felt revived and rejuvenated. All her senses felt heightened. Colors were much more vivid and intense. Sounds were amplified; Rarity heard every creeping thing in the Everfree Forest. Ants walking about her hooves sounded like a stampede. “This feels absolutely amazing! Oh I’m sorry. I never caught your name.” “Please, call me Prince Nocturnus.” He said with a slight bow. “A Prince you say.” Rarity’s ears perked up. “I didn’t know I was in the presence of royalty. I’m sure you know of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.” Prince Nocturnus barely hid his anger. “Yes, yes I do.” Prince Nocturnus replied curtly. “Oh then well—“ “Now Rarity, the sun will be coming up soon. I suggest you find shelter, preferably a very dark shelter. Lets just say, your skin will be particularly sensitive to the sun. Even though you may have much more energy, you will still need your rest. Heed my warning.” Said Prince Nocturnus in a grave tone. The fog began to coalesce around them. Rarity felt a strong gust of wind pass in front of her. “Why do I need to—where did you go?” Rarity found herself alone in the EverFree Forest. Prince Nocturnus had vanished into the fog. Rarity, there is no time to waste! The sun will be rising soon. I implore, you must stay out of the daylight! For a brief moment, Rarity thought she was going mad. Am I hearing things? No my Rarity, I can communicate with you through thought. We have a psychic connection. Ponyville is to your right. Now please, hurry! Alarmed, she started galloping. I do hope this is the right way. Rarity realized it was the fastest she has ever galloped, and most likely the fastest anypony had. She also noticed that she wasn’t breathing heavily at all. Remarkable. She continued her gallop through the Everfree Forest, nimbly avoiding obstacles that would have bogged her down before. Rarity stopped short when she approached a raging river. There is no way I can jump over that! Rarity anxiously looked for another way across. No need to jump when you can fly my Rarity. With you new life also came new abilities. What was impossible is now possible. Rarity was still taken aback that Prince Nocturnus could read her thoughts. She took a few steps back, and with a running start and eyes closed, leapt with thoughts of being light as a feather. She continued to keep her eyes closed with the expectation of splashing in the water. Rarity gingerly opened her eyes and found herself floating over the river on to the other side. Amazing! I can’t believe I’m really doing it! Rarity was startled yet exhilarated that she was flying for the second time in her life. And more so this time, since it was without the use of wings. From her vantage point above she saw Ponyville in the near distance. She landed safely on the other side and continued her way to the Carousel Boutique. If she kept her pace, she could make it to her bedchamber before dawn and not rouse the suspicions of any inquisitive ponies. Rarity reached the Carousel Boutique just in the nick of time. Rarity opened the door and quietly climbed the stairs to her bedchamber. She locked her door to keep Sweetie Belle or anypony else from barging in. Rarity at once walked to her washroom. She needed to clean herself, as her coat and mane were covered in caked mud and dried blood. After bathing, she wiped the steam from the mirror and saw her reflection. It pleased her greatly. Rarity’s face was smooth as priceless porcelain. The wrinkles and lines she fretted over were gone. Her mane and tail looked and felt luxurious. Her eyes were vivid and hypnotic. Much to her dismay, she also noticed the still-fresh bite mark Prince Nocturnus left on her neck. Oh, I hope those marks don’t leave a scar. It would be such a shame after all. Still fawning over herself, she couldn’t help but smile. She noticed her teeth were different as well. She noticed she now had fangs, much like those Prince Nocturnus had. What on Earth! The bell in the towns’ clock tower rang to signal the start of a new day. Startled by the sound, Rarity remembered the advice of Prince Nocturnus and ran to the window to close the curtains. While closing the curtains, curiosity got the best of her. She caught a quick glimpse of the early dawn breaking. The sun not even partly in the sky and the light hurt her. She instinctively recoiled. Goodness! He was right, the sun is overpowering! Rarity quickly climbed into her canopy bed and pulled the bed curtains closed as an extra precaution. She fell back as dead over her covers, eyes tightly shut. Her bedchamber was shrouded in dark silence. Rarity, a pony that looked forward the new day—which reveled in its potential and joy it would bring was now a living corpse. Her bedchamber, a room that at one time was teeming with activity and creativity, had turned into a tomb, and Rarity’s bed, now a coffin.