Chapter 5
Apples Lullaby Part 2
“So Kiva has appeared once again,” Celestia said as she paced around her study, the ancient book with Kiva's symbol opened on her desk. She had seen the sky darken and the moon make an unscheduled appearance earlier that day. She looked out the window at the night sky. Hanging in the sky was a full moon, courtesy of her sister Luna. Since Luna had returned, Celestia had been taking her now freed up time to take some much needed rest. But Kiva's return had been preventing her from doing so.
She knew all too well that Kiva's return was a bad omen. An omen she intended to heed.
Suddenly, a cloud of sparkling green smoke flew in from outside. The smoke materialized in front of Celestia into a rolled up scroll. Celestia lifted the note with her magic and looked at it slightly confused.
“Why would Twilight send me a letter this late at night?” Celestia questioned as she read the letter. As she read, her eyes widened in shock. When she finished reading, she rolled the letter up and closed her eyes. She made her horn glow in a golden light for a few seconds before going out.
Within a few seconds, Luna had transported into the room.
“It has been quite a while since you have used our secret signal spell sister. What is wrong?” Luna asked. Celestia showed her the letter, Luna mimicking Celestia's shock.
“This is a most troubling turn sister,” Luna said.
“I agree. However, what troubles me the most is Kiva's actions. From Twilight's letter, it sounds like he's acting as a protector,” Celestia said.
“But how can that be? We remember Kiva being a monster, not a hero,” Luna said. Celestia looked over to a photo on her desk and levitated it towards her.
“I have seen much of Kiva's power and evil. But he is not without weakness. An old friend once showed me that,” Celestia said as she smiled sadly at the photo.
“Sister?” Luna said. Celestia placed the photo back on her desk and began to walk out of the room.
“We need to let Shima know of this development. Come along Luna,” Celestia said, her sister quickly following suit. As Luna followed her sister, she looked back at the photo on the desk.
In the photo was a familiar stallion in a tacky suit playing a violin.
“Is Big Mac doing well?” Wataru asked Fluttershy as the two made their way into Ponyville to get the sign from Vinyl Scratch's music store.
“Yeah. He's pretty durable, so he's able to walk around some now. Unfortunately he won't be able to help out on the farm for a while,” Fluttershy said. Wataru's face fell. He was still hung up about Big Mac getting hurt because he couldn't destroy the Fangire.
“If I'd been a little faster I could've stopped him,” Wataru said solemnly.
“You can't keep blaming yourself Wataru,” Fluttershy said as she tried to comfort the shy stallion. Wataru nodded his head. Just as they were about to cross a bridge into Ponyville, suddenly Wataru's ears rose.
“Do you hear that?” he said. Fluttershy raised her ears to try and hear what Wataru was talking about. She suddenly heard a low rumbling sound.
“Yeah, what is that?” she questioned. As the rumbling got louder, they looked behind them to see a large dust cloud was forming. In the cloud, they could see a large herd of cows running towards Ponyville at top speed.
“Stampede!!” they heard Rainbow Dash yell. Ponies began to scream and run in panic all throughout Ponyville.
Pinkie Pie, in her usual happy-go-lucky fashion was standing still and letting the vibrations of the ground bounce her up and down.
“Hey, this makes my voice sounds silly,” she said in a bouncy and shaky voice.
“Pinkie Pie, are you crazy? Run!” Twilight yelled.
Mayor Mare was trying to calm everypony down while Wataru and Fluttershy stood paralyzed at the bridge like deer in the headlights. As it looked like the cows would destroy the town, they heard a loud “Yee Haw!” from somewhere behind the stampede. Coming up behind the stampede was Applejack and her pet dog Winona, who were trying to herd the stampede away from the town.
As the stampede was quickly approaching the bridge that Wataru and Fluttershy were standing on, Wataru snapped out of his stupor.
“Look out!” Wataru yelled as he pushed Fluttershy out of the way of the stampede. Luckily though, Applejack and Winona were able to herd the stampede out of the way of the town, narrowly missing the bridge that Fluttershy and Wataru were previously standing on.
As the town cheered, Wataru sighed in relief as he turned his attention to Fluttershy.
“Are you okay Flutter.......” Wataru cut himself off as he took in the sight that was before him. Fluttershy was rising to her hooves and shaking off some of the water from the river.
Wataru was awestruck by Fluttershy's beauty at this moment. He had always considered Fluttershy to be cute, but in this moment she looked positively breathtaking. Her mane wet and hanging down in a way Wataru had to admit he found very alluring and sexy. As she looked at him, she unknowingly gave Wataru a rather seductive look.
Fluttershy shook the water out of her mane and wiped her eyes before she said “I'm fine Wataru. Thank you for pushing me out of the way, it was really....Wataru?” Fluttershy noticed that Wataru was staring at her, an awed look on his face.
“Wataru, are you okay?” she asked, waving a hoof in front of his face. Wataru snapped out of his stupor and looked at Fluttershy. Before he could say anything, however, his nose suddenly began to bleed. It was so powerful that Wataru fell backward into the water, his eyes spinning and a dopey smile on his face. Fluttershy gasped in shock as she rushed to Wataru's side.
“Wataru!” she said. Wataru's nose was still bleeding and his face was burning red.
“Father, I have seen a truly beautiful sight this day. I regret nothing,” Wataru thought as he laid there in Fluttershy's hooves.
Kivat watched this scene from the sky and laughed “He really is that stallion's son,” Kivat said as he continued with his fit of laughter.
Meanwhile
The three figures once again stared at the cards on the table. In the cards they saw Wataru lying in the river, his nose bleeding.
The diamond dog sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose “Just great, at this rate he'll turn out just like that old tail chaser,” he said.
The minotaur snorted and nodded at the diamond dog's words.
The green dragon giggled “Hey hey, is it really that bad? He's finally starting to act comfortably around other ponies. That's a big step if you ask me,” he said.
The diamond dog looked at the dragon and said “That's what worries me. He's already let slip his mission to Celestia's neurotic apprentice and his true identity to that Fluttershy mare. Who knows what else he'll tell them?”
The minotaur and dragon looked at each other worried.
“I trust Wataru's judgment, but he has a secret to protect,” he said as his paw began to glow an ethereal blue color.
“We also have something to protect. Or did you both forget our promise to that stallion?” the diamond dog asked as his paw suddenly transformed into a streamlined, blue armor like appearance.
The dragon and minotaur looked at the diamond dog with serious faces as they both began to glow an ethereal green and purple.
Back in Ponyville
After Wataru's nosebleed had stopped and Fluttershy had dried off, everyone gathered around Applejack and Winona.
“Well that was oddly familiar,”Twilight said.
“Familiar!? That was an exact repeat of episode 4!” Pinkie Pie said. Everyone looked at the pink mare confused before shrugging.
“What did the cows say Applejack?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Not much, they were real flustered. All I could get out of them was something popped out of the lake and spooked em'. Y'all think it was one of them Fangire?” Applejack said. Everyone looked at each other worried.
“It's possible. For now, we'll just keep an eye out for anything”.
“Maybe it was that Kiva guy?” Rainbow Dash said.
“You really think he'd do something like that Rainbow?” Rarity asked.
Rainbow Dash shrugged and said “It's possible. I mean we know next to nothing about the guy. Who's to say he wouldn't do something like that?”
“Actually, speaking of Kiva, there's something I need to tell you all,” Twilight said.
The group reconvened at the library where Twilight told them about Kiva's sudden appearance at her front door the previous night. They all looked at each other with mixed looks of confusion and concern. Fluttershy looked at Wataru for an explanation. He mouthed “I'll explain later”.
“Why is he doing all this now? Why not sooner?” Rarity asked.
“I don't know. I've contacted the Princess about it, so hopefully she'll be able to help. Maybe she could send a squad of guards to help,” Twilight said. Everyone nodded except for Wataru.
“Do ya'll think this had somethin' to do with what happened to Big Mac?” Applejack asked.
“It's possible. Either way, for now he's at least starting to open up to us. Plus, from what he said he's serious about getting rid of the Fangire,” Twilight said. Everyone in the room nodded. Applejack looked up at the clock and gasped.
“Shoot! I gotta get back to the orchards. I'll see ya'll later,” Applejack said as she rushed out of the library. Before she got out, Twilight stopped her.
“Applejack wait! Do you need any help at the orchard? We know Big Mac's gonna be out of commission for a while,” Twilight said.
Applejack smiled “Ah appreciate it Twi, but ah got this covered. 'Sides, we're not too busy right now. Just gotta fill some small orders. Nothin' ah can't handle on my own,” Applejack said.
“Okay, but let us know if you need any help, okay?” Twilight said.
“Ah will, thanks Twi,” Applejack said as she darted off.
“I worry about that mare sometimes,” Rarity said. Everyone else nodded in agreement, knowing Applejack's stubborn nature.
Wataru and Fluttershy were continuing on their way to Vinyl Scratch's store after the meeting at the library. As they walked, Fluttershy noticed that Wataru was acting strangely. Well, stranger than usual.
Wataru had been quiet ever since their little scene at the river. For some reason he couldn't look Fluttershy in the eye, and when she did see him look at her a deep red blush creeped onto his face. As they neared Vinyl's shop, Fluttershy finally spoke up.
“Wataru, are you okay?” Fluttershy inquired. Wataru's head quickly popped up.
“Never better! W-why d-do you ask!?” Wataru stuttered. Fluttershy looked at him confused.
“You sure? You're face is beet red,” she said noticing the stallion's blush.
Wataru began to freak out “I-I-I just have a bit of a cold! Yeah, just a cold. Might've stayed in the river a bit long,” he said.
That's when Fluttershy did something that caught Wataru completely off guard. She put her forehead to his and tried to take his temperature.
“Hm. You do feel a little warm,” she said. All the while Wataru was having an internal freak out.
“Okay, stay clam Wataru. Nothing to worry about. You just have quite possibly the most beautiful mare you've ever met pressing her head against yours. This is absolutely no reason to get a nosebleed or anything else or..............think about her mane clinging to her body........or that look she gave you....not now damn it!” Wataru mentally screamed at himself.
“Am I interrupting something here?” Vinyl Scratch said.
“Oh thank you sweet Celestia!”
“Oh hi Vinyl. Just checking Wataru's temperature. I think he might have a cold,” Fluttershy said as Wataru began to sweat and breath a sigh of relief.
Vinyl raised an eyebrow at this, especially after noticing that Wataru had a slight trail of red coming from his nose.
Finally she shrugged and said “Whatever, you're here for the sign right?”
Wataru nodded. Vinyl's horn glowed as she produced the sign and it floated into Wataru's saddle bag.
“Thank you very much Miss Vinyl,” Wataru said bowing.
“Easy with the bowing pal. Also, don't call me Miss Vinyl, I'm not old enough to be called Miss yet. Just call me Vinyl,” Vinyl said.
“O-okay”.
“So Vinyl, why are you running this shop? I thought you had become a DJ in Canterlot,” Fluttershy said.
Vinyl sighed “Well, my pops called me and said that he had finally saved up enough money to open his own music store here in Ponyville. I thought that sounded great, he'd finally be able to quit his crappy job. But, about a month after he'd opened this place he hurt his back really bad,” Vinyl said.
“That's awful! Is he okay?” Fluttershy asked concerned.
“Yeah, he'll be fine in a couple months. But he can't work during that time. So he basically dumped this place on me. I'm glad to help, but I had to cancel so many gigs because of this. I swear sometimes that old stallion can be so-”
“You shouldn't talk about your father that way,” Wataru said. Fluttershy and Vinyl looked at Wataru, who had a somber but serious look on his face.
“Pardon?” Vinyl said.
“You shouldn't talk about your father that way. Think about his feelings. He'd finally been able to achieve his dream, only to have it wrenched from his hooves because of some injury,” Wataru said, his voice growing in intensity.
“I-I guess I-”
“And who did he turn to in his time of need? You, his daughter. You should be happy your father has that kind of trust in you. You should be happy you even-” Wataru said before he caught himself. His face fell as he lowered his eyes.
Fluttershy and Vinyl looked at each other for a second. Both look concerned, even if Vinyl was slightly annoyed.
“I'm sorry, I said to much. Please forgive me,” said bowing his head.
Vinyl approached Wataru. Wataru braced himself as he was certain Vinyl was going to punch him.
The only thing Wataru felt was a hoof on his shoulder. Wataru looked up to see Vinyl smiling at him.
“Don't sweat it bud. It takes guts to say something like that,” Vinyl said as she smiled at Wataru.
“You're not mad?” he said hesitantly.
“Nah. Besides, you're right. I may be annoyed that I had to take time off from my DJ-ing, but it's worth it to help out my dad. You're a good pony Wataru,” Vinyl said giving Wataru a slight love tap on his shoulder. Wataru smiled as he rubbed his shoulder.
Fluttershy smiled as she walked up to Wataru “Looks like you've made a new friend Wataru,” she said.
Wataru smiled at that.
“So you said you were gonna fix a violin with that sign right?” Vinyl asked.
“Yes”.
“Do you mind if I see the final product when you're done? My dad's been complaining about not being able to find a good luthier. If you're works up to snuff, I could hire you out as a violin repairer. What'd you say?” Vinyl said.
Wataru considered Vinyl's words. It was true his business hadn't been doing very well as of late. Not to mention he was running low on food.
After a few more moments Wataru smiled “I-I suppose that could work,” he said.
Vinyl smiled “Great. Just come by when you finish it. By the way, I don't think we've been properly introduced. I'm Vinyl Scratch,” Vinyl said extending a hoof.
Wataru extended his hoof and shook hooves with Vinyl “Wataru. Kurenai Wataru,” he said.
Fluttershy smiled at this display. Seeing Wataru starting to come out of his shell. It had been difficult for her to interact with others after she had moved to Ponyville. But after meeting Twilight and the others, she had started to become more confident. Well, at least in the sense that she didn't cry whenever she talked to someone. Baby steps.
“Well, I'd better get to work. See you again Mis.....Vinyl,” Wataru said as he and Fluttershy began to walk off.
“Oh Wataru, one more thing,” Vinyl said. Wataru looked at her confused.
“You might wanna hide your nosebleed a little better next time,” Vinyl said snickering. Wataru blushed as he wiped his nose.
“What's she talking about Wataru?” Fluttershy asked innocently.
“Nothing!!” Wataru yelled as he blushed. Vinyl could be heard laughing as the two walked off.
As they walked away, Vinyl had a thoughtful look on her face.
“Hm, Kurenai. Where have I heard that name before?” Vinyl thought to herself as she returned to her work.
“Maybe ah shoulda asked Twi for her help after all,” Applejack said as she looked at all the work she had ahead of her. The apple bucking itself was no problem, it was everything else that was.
Contrary to what everyone thought, Applejack's job wasn't all apple bucking. She also had to write up orders, organize documents, make sure the orders were correct, collect payments, and makes sure the rest of the farm and equipment were in proper working order.
Normally this was no problem with Big Mac helping. With both of them doing the apple bucking, with the occasional help from Apple Bloom, they could usually get everything else done no problem. But with Big Mac bedridden, Applejack had to do all of it herself.
Applejack wiped her some sweat off of her brow and sighed “Can't stop now. After ah do this ah gotta-”
“Applejack!!!!” the voice of Granny Smith called.
“What is it Granny!?” she called back.
“Come back to the house for a bit!” Granny Smith called. Applejack raised an eyebrow at this, but walked back to the farm house nonetheless.
When she arrived, she said “What is it Granny? Y'all know ah still gotta clear the south field and write out that order”.
“Oh hush up for a second girl. Ah know all that already, that's why I decided to hire some help while Big Mac's restin',” Granny Smith said.
“What! Granny you didn't need to do that. Ah could've asked Twi and the others if ah needed-”
“Don't you sass me now Applejack. 'Sides, we have a few bits left over from the last harvest so it's no problem. Now quit yer whining and say hello. Come on in deary” Granny Smith said. Applejack bit her tongue as she looked up at the new help.
Through the doorway stepped a pegasus mare maybe a few years older than Applejack. She had a purple pelt, a blue mane, and an ink blot for a cutie mark. She walked with that same kind of haughty grace that Rarity walked with, albeit without some of Rarity's arrogance.
“Hello, my name's Serenity Wave, a pleasure,” she said extending a hoof. Applejack hesitantly shook it.
“Likewise. Not trying to be rude Miss wave, but are y'all sure you can handle farm work?” Applejack said.
Serenity wave smiled “I assure you I can handle whatever is thrown my way. Apart from that, I will mostly be handling the paperwork. Rest assured you have nothing to worry about,” she said.
Applejack looked over the mare once more. She couldn't put her hoof on it, but something about this mare unnerved her. However, never one to be overtly rude, Applejack smiled.
“Alright. Good to be workin' with you,” Applejack said.
Serenity Wave smiled back at her as her eyes flashed for a split second.
“Soon I'll pay you back pretty mare,” Serenity wave thought as she went about her work.
Fluttershy watched as Wataru worked on repairing the violin. She was surprised at just how intricate everything was.
First Wataru had to take the entire violin apart. After that was done, he inspected every part to see what he could salvage. Once that was done, he used the sign he had gotten from Vinyl Scratch and traced an outline of the violin. After that he had to cut it out, sand it, shape it, and make sure it would fit.
Once Wataru had gotten all the pieces together, he put the violin back together and glued it together. After that was done, he varnished it, re-strung it, tuned it, and played out a tune to make sure it was perfect.
After he was satisfied, he smiled as he placed the violin back in it's case.
“Alright, I think that should just about fix it,” he said.
Fluttershy clapped her hooves and smiled “Where did you learn how to make violins?” she asked.
“My mother mostly. She and my father were big music lovers. They both taught me how to play and my mother taught me how to make them,” Wataru said as he walked over to the Bloody Rose.
As Wataru cradled the Bloody Rose in his hooves, he smiled “Ever since I was a foal I've wanted to make a violin to surpass the Bloody Rose,” he said as he began to play.
Fluttershy sat there entranced by the music. She loved hearing Wataru play. Without meaning too, she began to sing along with Wataru's music. Nothing major, just a few light notes to accompany the violin. Wataru heard this, but didn't pause in his playing. If anything, he played even harder, so as not to offend Fluttershy's angelic voice.
When Wataru finished playing and Fluttershy finished singing, the two just stared at each other. Neither said anything, but stood mesmerized at the other.
“Why......why is my heart beating so fast?” Fluttershy thought.
“Why does she have to be so cute?” Wataru thought.
The two probably would've stayed staring at each other for hours had not a knock on the door interrupted them.
“Aw, this was just getting good,” Kivat complained, causing the two ponies to blush. Wataru placed the Bloody Rose back in its case and went to get the door.
When Wataru opened the door, in the doorway stood Serenity Wave.
Serenity Wave smiled and said “Hello. I was told this was where my violin was being repaired?”
Fluttershy walked up behind Wataru and smiled as she saw Serenity Wave.
“Serenity, you're here,” Fluttershy said.
“Hello Fluttershy. So this must be the reclusive thulier you were telling me about,” she said.
Wataru nodded and bowed “I'm Kurenai Wataru, a pleasure to meet you. You actually have perfect timing, I just got done with you're violin,” he said.
Serenity's eyes lit up “Excellent! May I see it?”
“Of course,” he said as he led her in.
“So how do you and Fluttershy know one another?” Wataru asked.
“Serenity and I used to play together with Rainbow Dash when I lived in Cloudsdale. She used to help me out a lot with my shyness too. She was sort of like an older sister. We kind of lost touch after I moved here to Ponyville though,” Fluttershy said in a somewhat remorseful tone.
“Think nothing of it Fluttershy. Besides, from what I'm seeing you've gotten over you're shyness quite well. You even managed to snag yourself a coltfriend,” Serenity said with teasing tone.
Wataru and Fluttershy both blushed profusely and began to stutter nervously as they were caught off guard. Wataru nearly dropped the violin in his stunned state.
“W-w-w-we..I mean....I'm...” Fluttershy tried to say.
“I-I-it's not like that,” Wataru said. Serenity raised an eyebrow.
“Oh? You sure seem like a couple to me. I mean a mare and a stallion, alone in a house together? What else would I-”
“Serenity!!” Fluttershy said as she covered her face with her hair. Wataru tried to cover his face with the violin case.
Serenity completely lost her composure as she began to laugh at the two. Wataru and Fluttershy stared at the mare confused.
“Relax, I'm just teasing you two. I do think it's nice you've made new friends Fluttershy. I remember when we were foals you would always hide whenever Rainbow and I tried to introduce you to new ponies. You've made leaps and bounds since Cloudsdale,” Serenity said as she smiled at Fluttershy.
After everything had calmed down, Wataru opened the violin case and showed Serenity the repaired violin.
Serenity picked up the violin and cradled it in her hooves “It's...it's perfect. It doesn't even look like the same violin,” she said. Wataru blushed at her words.
“You flatter me. It wasn't that hard. I used an old sign from a music store to repair it,” he said.
“Most impressive. I'd expect nothing less from Kurenai Otoya's son,” she said. Wataru perked up at these words.
“You....knew my father?” Wataru said. Serenity looked shocked for a second before she regained her composure.
“There isn't a musician alive who doesn't. They said he was the greatest violinist since the classical age,” Serenity said as she placed the violin back in the case. Fluttershy looked at Wataru with a concerned look as his face fell. Serenity saw this as well.
“I'm terribly sorry, did I say something wrong?” she said. Wataru perked up and shook his head.
“Not at all. I'm glad you're pleased with the violin. However, I'm afraid I'll need to keep it just a little longer....if that's okay?” Wataru said.
Serenity smiled “No problem at all dear,” Serenity said.
“I've waited this long for my time to strike back. I can wait a little longer,” she thought to herself as her eyes flashed for a second.
Kivat watched Serenity from his perch and stared at her intently.
“That mare,” he said as the three ponies exited the house. Once he was certain he wouldn't be seen, he flew off after them.
As much as Applejack hated to admit it, she was happy for Serenity Wave's help. Not only was she able to buck apples almost as good as herself or Big Mac, she was also an ace accountant. After the south orchard had been completely harvested, they had set to work on writing up and finalizing the order. Serenity had gotten it done in practically no time flat.
Applejack and Granny Smith sat on the porch relaxing.
“Ah gotta admit Granny, you were right to hire Serenity, she's an amazing worker,” Applejack admitted.
Granny Smith smiled “See. Ah may be old, but ah know how to pick good help better than cider apples,” Granny said as she knitted.
“Speakin' of Serenity, where is she? She took off after everything was done,” Applejack said.
“Ah think she said somethin' about having to get something repaired or somethin' like that,” Granny Smith said.
“Hm. Well, I guess we'll see her when she-” Applejack stopped as she heard something.
“Y'all hear that Granny?” Applejack asked. She looked over to find that Granny Smith had fallen asleep.
The noise steadily grew louder until Applejack could make out.....music? Normally, Applejack would've just ignored this. However, something about the music drew her curiosity.
As if a puppet on a string, Applejack began to walk toward where the music was coming from.
After walking for what felt like forever, Applejack came upon the source of the music. Standing by the lake, playing a familiar violin, was Serenity Wave.
Applejack wanted to say something, but found herself still entranced by Serenity's hypnotic music.
“It has been twenty long years since I have last played this violin,” Serenity Wave said as Applejack continued to walk toward her.
“My coming here was no mere chance. I owe your mother quite a bit Applejack,” she said as stain glass markings appeared on her face.
“And now I'm going to pay her back in spades,” Serenity said as two glass fangs floated beside Applejack's neck.
Back at Wataru's home, he was laying on his bed, smiling as he thought of the days events. After Serenity's visit to his home, the three had gone to see Vinyl Scratch so she could inspect the violin.
After seeing Wataru's work, and numerous praises from both Fluttershy and Serenity, Vinyl agreed to hire Wataru as her store's official violin specialist.
Kivat flew up to Wataru and perched himself on Wataru's table.
“Hey, Wataru, don't you think that mare from earlier today seemed a little off?” Kivat said.
Wataru looked at the golden bat and frowned “Now what makes you say that? She seemed nice to me. Plus, she's friends with Fluttershy. I find it hard to believe any friend of Fluttershy's could be untrustworthy,” Wataru said. Kivat scoffed at Wataru's words.
“Bah! You're too trusting. That Serenity Wave wasn't normal, I can feel it,” Kivat said.
“You're just being paranoid. Last week you said Miss Pinkie Pie was some kind of psychopath out to turn everypony into cupcakes,” Wataru said.
“I'll admit that may have gone a little too far, but she's still suspicious! How can anyone be that happy all the time!?” Kivat said.
Wataru was about to say something when he suddenly sat up. Going up the stairs, he took the Bloody Rose out of his case and put his ear to it. He could hear a faint humming coming from the violin. Curious, Wataru began to play.
Serenity Wave prepared to sink her fangs into the orange mare's neck when she noticed something was wrong. Her playing seemed off somehow, as if something was disrupting it. Suddenly, a sharp jolt of pain shot through her hooves as she ceased playing.
At the same time Serenity Wave stopped playing, Wataru too stopped. His violin however didn't. The Bloody Rose let out a shrill note that signaled battle. Wataru placed the violin back in its case and rushed outside, Kivat in tow.
Once outside, Wataru flung a tarp off of something sitting in his yard. When he flung off the tarp, it revealed a motorcycle with red casings along the body and frame.
“Do you think this'll get us there fast enough?” Wataru said. Kivat smacked Wataru on the head.
“You dare question the craftsmanship of Motobat the 16th, the greatest craftsbat of the Kivat race!?” Kivat said insulted.
“I....guess not,” Wataru said as he got onto the bike, put on the helmet, and started the engine. Wataru quickly took off towards his destination.
Sweet Apple Acres.
Applejack rubbed her head “Ugh,..what in tarnation just.....Serenity? What are you doing here?” Applejack questioned.
Serenity looked at Applejack with pure malice as she shot an ink ball at her. Applejack dodged the attack as she stared at Serenity.
“What in Celestia's name is wrong with you!?” Applejack questioned. Serenity's face became covered with stain glass markings as a tentacle suddenly appeared from her back and shot towards Applejack. Applejack didn't make it out of the way in time and was ensnared by the tentacle.
“Now, I can finally get revenge for the destruction of my precious violin by that mud pony mother of yours,” Serenity said as her fangs once again came towards Applejack's neck. However, Applejack bit Serenity's tentacle, which stunned the Fangire just enough to let her slip free.
When she landed, she ran up to Serenity and bucked her square in the jaw, screaming “Don't you dare say that about my Ma!!”
Applejack's kick sent Serenity flying into a nearby tree. Serenity got to her hooves, only to hear the crunching of wood. She looked down to see that her violin had been crushed to splinters from the impact.
“You bitch!!” Serenity yelled as her body glowed and she assumed her Fangire form and shot a tentacle around Applejack's neck. Applejack struggled as the Fangire drew her closer.
As this struggle was going on, Wataru pulled up on the Machine Kivaa. His eyes widened in shock when he saw the Fangire turn back into Serenity.
“It can't be,” Wataru said.
“Told you. You're far too trusting Wataru,” Kivat scolded as they continued to watch the struggle. Serenity's fangs appeared close to Applejack's neck.
Wataru saw this and steeled himself “Kivat!”
“Alright! Kivat go!” Kivat said as Wataru gripped the bat in his right hoof.
“Gabu!” Kivat said as he bit Wataru's hoof. Stain glass markings appeared on Wataru's face as his belt appeared around his midsection.
“Henshin!” Wataru yelled as he clipped Kivat onto the belt and let him drop into place. The air around Wataru warped as it broke apart to reveal Kiva.
Kiva rushed forward and chopped the tentacle that had been strangling Applejack. As Applejack wretched on the ground, Kiva rushed towards Serenity, who resumed her Fangire form.
Kiva threw a punch to the Fangire's midsection and followed up with a swift kick to the head. The Fangire staggered back and shot a few ink balls at Kiva, who dodged by hanging upside down form a tree. Kiva swung from the tree and flew at the Fangire, delivering an axe heel kick as he landed.
The Fangire, seeing it was going to lose, shot an ink ball at the lake. When the ink ball connected, the whole area was covered in mist.
“Not this time,” Kivat said as Kiva lifted a fuestle form the left side of his belt. This fuestle was blue and had a wolf head carved into it. Kiva placed the fuestle into Kivat's mouth.
“GARURU SABER!!” Kivat yelled as a shrill noise filled the air.
Inside Castle Doran, the diamond dog looked up as he heard the shrill noise. He smiled as he placed some cards down on the table.
“I guess I will go breath in the air of this corrupt world,” he said as he sprang from his seat, crouching and running his claws along the floor, blue electricity crackling as he did so. The diamond dog snarled as he became encased in a blue aura. Soon he transformed into a blue statue and flew out of Castle Doron.
Kiva looked toward the sky as he saw the statue flying toward him. He lifted his left hoof as the statue flew into his hooves. As the statue landed in his hooves, it folded out into a wavy wolf themed sword. Chains ran around Kiva's body, changing the armor on his left arm and chest a deep cobalt color. Kiva's eyes became this color as well, the image of a blue wolf creature shimmering around his helmet. Kivat's eyes to changed to a blue color as they flashed.
The biggest change however was to Kiva himself. As his armor changed, so did he. His body began to twist and grow as he changed into something different. His hooves changed to long, clawed paws and his tail grew longer and more shaggy. He grew in height until he was about as tall as the Fangire. His helmet remained the same, though it took on a more wolf like appearance.
As the transformation ended, Kiva sniffed the air. After a few seconds, he turned his head sharply to the right, bringing his sword down. Sparks flew as the Fangire staggered back, the smoke clearing as well.
When the smoke cleared, the Fangire stood shocked at what it was seeing. Applejack, still weak, watched as well.
Gone was the pony who had stood there before. Now there stood a creature which reminded Applejack of the old stories Granny Smith would tell her about monsters. Kiva now looked like the depictions she had seen of werewolves.
Kiva stood there for a moment, unmoving as he looked at the Fangire. The Fangire looked at Kiva with fear.
“What the...this can't be possible!?” The Fangire said as Serenity's face flashed along the stain glass. Kiva raised his sword and howled as he rushed towards the Fangire. The Fangire tried to fire more ink balls at Kiva, only to have them slashed in half as they exploded behind him.
Kiva rushed the Fangire as he slashed wildly at the creature. The Fangire tried to run, but Kiva was too quick. Everywhere the Fangire tried to run, Kiva would appear in a flash of blue.
Kiva brought the sword to his chest, pointing the wolf head on the blade's hilt toward the Fangire. As he did, a howl emanated from the wolf head, knocking the Fangire back.
“Now!” Kivat said as Kiva brought the sword's blade to Kivat's mouth.
“GARURU BITE!!” Kivat yelled as he bit down on the blade. Kiva brought the blade to his chest as the day began to shift to night. Blue clouds engulfed the sky as a full moon appeared in the sky.
Kiva placed the Garuru Saber in his mouth and took a stance. Kiva ran towards the Fangire before leaping into the air. He turned his sword towards the Fangire as he fell. Finally, Kiva made contact with the Fangire, splitting the stain glass monster in half as an ethereal wolf face appeared.
The Fangire shattered as a glowing ball appeared from the remains. Quickly the sky changed back to day as Castle Doran descended, gulping the orb down before flying away.
“Make sure to chew properly,” Kivat called to the dragon castle. Kiva's armor morphed back into it's normal appearance as the Garuru Saber flew back to Castle Doran.
Kiva walked over to the injured Applejack, who was staring wide eyed at the armored stallion.
“Are you alright, Miss Apple?” Kiva said as he helped Applejack to her hooves. Applejack nodded as she rubbed her neck. Satisfied, Kiva began to walk back to his motorcycle.
“Wait!” Applejack called. Kiva halted his steps.
“Thank you for saving me, and my family. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't helped,” Applejack said. Kiva looked at the mare for a second, regarding her words. Then he continued to walk toward his motorcycle.
“Please, let me repay you somehow,” Applejack said as he Kiva mounted his bike. Kiva looked at Applejack for a second before his helmeted gaze shifted toward the now broken violin.
After a few moments, Kiva spoke “Do you truly want to repay me?”
“Yes. An Apple always pays her debts,” Applejack said a fire in her eyes.
“So be it. You will not tell a soul about the fate of Serenity Wave or her identity as a Fangire,” Kiva said.
“Why?”
“I have my reasons. Do this and your debt will be payed,” Kiva said as he revved the Machine Kivaa's engine.
“But what if my friends ask me what happened?” she said. As much as she wanted to repay Kiva, she wouldn't lie to her friends.
“You may tell them you were attacked by a Fangire, but that is all. Fair?” Kiva asked.
Applejack looked down in thought for a moment before saying :Ah..ah guess so”.
“Good, then we are in agreement. Farewell Miss Apple,” Kiva said as he sped off.
“So long Apple lady!” Kivat called as the two sped off in a cloud of dust.
Meanwhile in Canterlot
“So he's in Ponyville then,” Shima said as he looked over the report Celestia had sent him as he worked out on an elliptical. However, this time, he was not alone.
Sitting across the room from him lifting weights was a griffin with white and black feathers, also having a patch of gold feathers on his chest.
“Looks like you'll get to test out the new upgrades after all,” Shima said as the griffin dropped the weights he as lifting, the ground cracking a bit as he did so.
“Indeed. This is looking to be a fine crusade,” the griffin said as he put on a sport coat with holes cut for his wings and a tie.
“Remember. You're mission is to stop the Fangire. Leave Kiva be for right now,” Shima said as he stopped pedaling and looked at the griffin.
“Am I understood, Nago?” Shima said. Nago turned to look at Shima. In his talons he held a necklace with numerous buttons on it.
“Of course Chairman. I will do only as my goddess commands,” he said with a smile.
Shima nodded “Well then, you leave tomorrow. Have a safe trip,” Shima said as he resumed his pedaling. Nago bowed as he walked away.
“My battle may be for the goddesses, but I have my own reasons for entering this fray,” Nago thought as he reached into his coat pocket and pulled a gold and black device that looked like a set of brass knuckles.
“Kiva, I will send you back to Tartarus where you belong. Then we'll see who the strongest is,” Nago thought to himself as he took flight, thinking only of how he would defeat Kiva.