//------------------------------// // Chapter 37 // Story: The Inheritors of Friendship // by NgKQ //------------------------------// The next morning… “There, how does that look?” asked Platinum. “Now no one will ever know that you’re a vampire pony who doesn’t have a cutie mark!” “Uh, it’s fine, I guess.” Platinum had fashioned two cloths around Bloodthirst’s wings and his back to cover his flank respectively. “I wonder what would our friends say?” asked Prudence. “As long as we introduce him properly, it won’t be a problem.” “Well then, good luck with everything!” said Sweetie Belle. “I’m going to find Apple Bloom and Scootaloo today!” “Whoa, good luck to you, too!” Meanwhile, at Ponyville Center… “Hi guys! Sorry to keep you all waiting,” greeted Melody Aurora. “Ay, glad to see you here, Melody,” replied Greenie Hats. “I haven’t been seeing you lately. Where have you been?” asked Raisin Brandy. “Don’t you know that?” replied Melody. “Remember all those two years ago?” “Mm-hmm,” mumbled Pepper Flake. “It’s gonna be bad if you don’t manifest magical talents like I do, particularly time travel like that other me did. That’s why I’m returning to Canterlot regularly to receive special training from Princess Celestia.” “Whoa, that must be awesome!” cried Malinae. “Travelling through time is the most special ability I’ve ever heard from somepony,” commented Peanut Butter. “Anyway, where’s Chaos Control and Beryl?” “And don’t forget Platinum Royale and her sister!” added Thunder Clash. “Speak of the devil, here’s Platty and Prudence!” said Pizza Frenzy, pointing to their direction. “And… who’s that?” asked Fiji. “Hi everypony!” called Platinum. “Sorry we’re late. We had to sort out some stuff in the boutique before we came here.” “Sorting out… because of him?” Melody pointed to Bloodthirst. “Yeah, he’s our guest here!” replied Prudence. “Come on, introduce yourself!” said Platinum gently. “Err, umm, hello… everypony…” began Bloodthirst, stammering. “My name is… Bloodthirst, and I’m…” “He’s from Dodge Junction,” finished Platinum. “That sounds like a weird name,” said Thunder. “What brings you here?” asked Greenie Hats. “He’s here for a tour around Ponyville!” Fiji whispered to Raisin. “I have a bad vibe about this.” She began to walk away. “Let’s go.” Greenie saw Fiji and Raisin turning to leave. “Hey! Where are you two going?” “I got something to do at Sweet Apple Acres. Enjoy your stay!” “But I haven’t got to learn about this guy…” said Malinae. “Then take care, Malinae,” said Fiji. “Oh, if you excuse me, I’m supposed to help out my mom now. See you later, newcomer!” bade Melody as she left. “I suddenly remember something…” wondered Pizza Frenzy. “*gasp* Oh no! The cake!” “How could you leave it baking while we’re off for our meetup?” scolded Peanut. “Sorry fellas, looks like we needa save our recipe. Let’s go, boys!” said Pepper. Almost everyone left, leaving Bloodthirst depressed. “Are they really friends or foes?” asked Bloodthirst. “They’re friends. Maybe it’s because they’re quite busy at the moment, but still we need to meet with each other,” explained Platinum. “Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean that they’re not your friends,” comforted Prudence. “Yeah, I trust you, Big Brother!” shrilled Malinae. “You do?” “Malinae’s the sweetest filly we’ve ever had,” said Platinum. “For a kid like you…” said Bloodthirst, scrutinizing her. At that moment the twins arrived. “Uh, is it just me, or nopony’s here yet?” asked Chaos Control. “They just left apparently,” replied Platinum. “Oh, is it?” asked Beryl. “And, who are you there?” “He’s our new visitor,” said Prudence. “What’s your name?” questioned Chaos. “Bloodthirst. What about you two?” “I am Chaos Control and this is my twin sister Beryl,” he introduced. “We’re children of the Master of Chaos Discord.” “Discord? When have I heard of him before?” “He’s known for spreading chaos for a long time. Now he has truly reformed, thanks to Mom and her friends,” explained Platinum. “I see…” “Since there’s just the six of us here, why don’t we go back to the boutique?” suggested Platinum. “Good idea,” agreed Beryl. Back at the boutique, Chaos asked again. “I was wondering, who are you really?” “You want to know about me?” asked Bloodthirst. “Platinum Royale…” “What is it, Bloodthirst?” “Can you please untie these?” “What are you going to show us?” asked Beryl. Before anyone could answer, Platinum had removed the cloths, revealing Bloodthirst’s bat wings and his blank flank. The other three gasped with surprise. “You’re a bat pony?” asked Beryl. “And you don’t have a cutie mark?” continued Chaos. Seeing Bloodthirst’s face red with embarrassment, Platinum proceeded to explain. “He’s actually a vampire pony.” “Vampire pony?” asked Chaos, puzzled. “I’ve never heard of that before,” said Malinae. “Now you have one here,” answered Bloodthirst, and he told his story to the other three. “That was tragic,” said Beryl. “How horrible,” added Malinae. Chaos proceeded to him. “I know how you feel, Bloodthirst. You know, my father used to be a villain by spreading all those chaos and disharmony, but when my mother and her friends intervened, it took him a while to realize about the importance and the magic of friendship.” “Is that so?” “Trust me, I know you have the will to change. Although it takes time, it’s still worth it.” “And in this process you might be able to find your special talent!” encouraged Beryl. Bloodthirst appeared to be moved by Chaos and Beryl’s words. “I trust you, Big Brother Bloodthirst! You can be a good pony!” pipped in Malinae. “You guys…” said Bloodthirst. “Alright then. But please, this matter is only between you all and me, promise?” “Pinkiieee Promise!” shrilled Malinae. “She’s always the happy-go-lucky here,” said Chaos. “She’s a sweet girl. She never hurts us,” elaborated Beryl. “I see. I seem to have an affection to foals…” “That’s nice.” “Anyway, it’s all set. We can’t let everypony else but us know that he’s a vampire pony! Otherwise he’ll be chased out of town!” declared Platinum. “Too true,” agreed Prudence. “Deal then!” said Chaos.