//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Secrets in the Night // Story: Fangs of Vengeance // by MaskedPony //------------------------------// Three days have past since Vinyl saved Rainbow during that one night. While Vinyl was adjusting to her Vampony self and her Vampony abilities, she had to figure out her own schedule everyday. Her reasons is so she can have time to go hunting and do her Vampony duties at night so she can come home and get sleep. Simultaneously, Octavia saw Vinyls daily schedule she made for herself, and thought it was a prank or some kind of joke. Originally, she was going to shred it, but didn't, just to avoid Vinyl complaining. Even, she noticed VInyl was begining to act weird. She saw Vinyl was avoiding some foods. Another was Vinyl always had her shades closed in her bedroom, and every time she opened them, Vinyl acted like she was in serious pain and shielded her eyes. When Vinyl went outside in daylight for the first time, she felt happier, even though she had to wear her shades during daylight. To her, it felt like she was in a prison when she was in her and Octavias home during recovery. When she walked around town, the whole town felt glad that Vinyl fully recovered over what they were told was a attempted murder attack. Surprisingly, some of Vinyls fans were happy that she was still alive. The day went perfect for Vinyl, from walking outside, and even having a descent meal. She felt alive. Now, Vinyl was seen at the towns park, listening to her music from her headphones. Happily, Vinyl felt at peace, even since she doesn't have to worry about Octavia tapping her to get her to remove the headphones to get her attention. As Vinyl was listening to the music, surprisingly enough, yet again, she felt stronger. In Vinyls mind, it was suspicous, but yet, unexplainable. She began to wonder if it was due to her Vampony powers and such. Even, she began to think that Vampony abilities would relate to a ponies talent. Unkowingly, it always made her feel strange whenever a new ability develops. At that moment, a group of ponies walked up to Vinyl. Instantaniously, Vinyl saw these ponies. However, she saw that these ponies were wearing Shades and a cloak with a symbol on it. Strangely enough, Vinyl recognized one of them. It was the pony she saw in the hospital, and in the crystal she was given. Immediatly, she knew who it was, it was Val-Dun, the Vampony leader. Turning off her headphones and lowering it to her neck, she looked at them. "Oh, hello Val. What's up? Wait.....w-why are you here?" Vinyl asked in surprised. "Everything is good Vinyl. However, today, you're going to meet my top ponies. However....we have to go somewhere where it's safe. Twilight is letting us talk in the palace, since Celestia informed her all about us. We....are secret to the mortals so it's best we talk in secret." Not wasting time, Vinyl got up and walked with them. While she followed, she made sure Octavia wasn't around. What she didn't want is her friend freaking out over her being with some ponies in cloaks thinking she joined a sick cult. While walking through town, she noticed ponies weren't looking, seemingly they didn't even bother about the suspicous group of ponies walking around. Thankfuly, Pinkie was all caught up in sugarcube corner, she didn't want her getting in the way. Within minutes, they reached Twilights palace. Turns out today is going to be Vinyls first day in the palace for a serious matter. Approching the door and being polite, Val knocked on the door, and quickly Twilight answered the door. Looking left and right, she singled them in. Among entering the throne room, Twilight immediately closed the doors behind them, and casted a sound proof spell on the doors. Wasting no time Val-Dun took down his hood along with several others. "Vinyl, I like you to meet my top Ponies, Blade, Storm Fleet, Star Strike, Wind Gust, Nighshade, and Zap Cider." Val said introductory like. "Um, Hi, so....uh, why are they here. At that moment, Twilight then sat down and looked at Vinyl. After hearing everything from Celestia about the Vamponies, the Rouges and the Vampony war and Celestia not knowing Vinyl is the victim, Twilight agreed to tell her. "Vinyl, do you remember who tried to kill you at the remains of Golden Oak?" Twilight asked. Hearing this question, Vinyl then rubbed the back of her head. Unfortunately, she couldn't remember the ponies face who attacked her since she was very afraid. Although, Vinyl only remembered the ponies coat color and gender. "N...no, I don't. I don't remember the ponies name, but.... I do know that it was a stallion, that had a dark orange coat, and...wore a cloak. W...why are you asking?" Zap, whom was quiet, then looked at Vinyl. To Everypony, this was one thing Vinyl wouldn't like to here. "Because it turns out that the attack was premeditated. Even worse, it turns out that your attacker, which was identified as Sandstorm, was ordered to kill you. Sadly, the results didn't show who ordered when they did a brain scan, seemed like his memory of who told him to do it was being blocked off." Blade then added in. "But worse is, is that you were almost killed by a Vampony." To break the confusion for Vinyl, Val then explain about the two types of Vamponies that are existing. Choosing where to begin, Val explained about the rouges. In detail, he describe the rouges a notorius type. From glimps of what Vinyl heard, the Rouges were so serious they were responsible for many deaths and near deaths to mortals, and other Vamponies. Moreover, the rouges leader, who has been anonymous to them for so many years has been on their list of targets to be nuteralize to prevent the peace treaty from break. Next, he explained the good Vamponies. After explaining, Vinyl then looked at Val. "So...there is a high chance the pony who tried to have another kill me is a rouge?" Vinyl asked Twilight then nodded. "According to Val-Dun, yes. You were almost victim of a Contract Killing by a Vampony. Judging by the situation, Celestia, or Val don't have enough evidence to figure out who ordered the hit." Storm, who had been listening saw Vinyl look down. Storm walked up to Vinyl and looked at her, "Hey don't be like that Vinyl. Since we are Val-Duns best Vamponies, we will track whoever tried to kill you. Right now, me and Nightshade are in charge of the investigation going on. Since your a member of our team now, you have our word. We will find who tried to have you killed." While everyone had finished talking. Vinyl still felt like this was way to quick, but slowly understanding the situation. While everyone talked, Vinyl then realized one of the names, Zap Cider. To her, it seemed like a Apple Family related name. Vinyl looked at Zap with curiosity. She was more curious why some pony with a Apple styled name is in a group associated with the nighttime. Normally, a family like that would be all pitch forks and torches over knowledge of a Vampony. "Hey, um, Zap.....are you related to....um Applejack? Just curious." Vinyl asked nervously Hearing this, Zap could only sigh. "Since you asked.... Yes, I am.....Applejacks mother. P-please don't tell Applejack." Upon hearing this, Twilight looked like she was about to faint, a presumed dead pony in her castle? To her, it felt like it was a dream. " Woahwoahwoahwoah b-but h-how? The records of you have been marked "REDACTED" like if it was secret or hiding something. H-how is this even possible." Although Zap was going to explain, Val-Dun stepped in. "To explain why Zap's files say Redacted and aren't allowed to be viewed by the general republic, is because years ago, Zap was involved in a attempted murder." "Attempted murder" Vinyl asked tilting her head. "You mean like how I was almost killed?" "No, unlike yours, Zap was targeted by a rouge due to something in her bloodline heritage. While her husband died, Zap was still alive, but near death. Long story short she allowed herself to become a Vampony, and to prevent a Apple Family riot, she faked her death." "Yes, but when the cost was clear, I escaped my grave, thankfully with help with Celestia making it so it doesn't look like a grave robbery happened, I went and lived in the Vampony area with Val and others." With Zap story finished, Vinyl was looking worried. Similar to how Zap was doing it to protect her daughters and son, Vinyl however was now being bothered. This time, it was thinking that Octavia wouldn't want to hear the news. Although she was hiding it from her, she was starting to worry that she will find out eventually. Letting the worry not distract her, Vinyl, Twilight, and the other Vamponies began talking more. While they talked, Twilight was learning a lot about the Vamponies. Vinyl on the other hoof was surprised at what she was learning. To her, it felt like she was in school learning about urban legends. They talked for an hour more. After they ended the conversation, Val and the others bided Vinyl and Twilight Falwell, and began to head their way. After they left, Vinyl decided to head out too. Bidding Twilight farewell, she began to leave the palace. Now outside, Vinyl then headed to town. Unkowingly to Vinyl, she didn't realize that later in the evening, something was bound to happen. ___________ It began to turn to the evening hours and Vinyl was sitting in her bedroom looking down. She couldn't believe it, she didn't want to, but this was huge. Originally, Vinyl thought she was killed by somepony who hated her music; But this, this was something more. Not only that, she wasn't a victim of a rouge attack, but Zap was. While, Vinyl was looking down, she heard a knock. "Vinyl, you okay." Octavia asked with concern. "L-leave me alone Tavi." "Vinyl, please, let's talk." Sighing, Vinyl let Octavia in. When Octavia walked in she saw Vinyl looking down. From the looks, in Octavias opinion, Vinyl was looking like she was heartbroken. When she met Vinyl when they studied music, she was always crazy over DJing. Even that, during a DJ battle, she never lost. But this, wasn't like her. Octavia then got on the bed and sat next to Vinyl. "Vinyl, what's wrong?" Octavia asked. "Tavi...Remember on the train, you told me about the Vamponies?" "Yes? W-why?" Feeling like she needs to tell her. Vinyl kept her sight to the ground instead of looking at Octavia. Part of her wanted to tell Octavia about what happened, while the other was worried she would reject her. "Tavi...I-I don't know. P-part of me wants me to believe that the pony that tried to kill me was one of "em" while part of me thinks I am in a horrible nightmare. I-I-I don't know Tavi." When hearing this, Octavia could tell that their was afraid, something she never saw before over then when she almost got into a fight with a drunk at one of her gigs. Through the years they known each other, Octavia known Vinyl not to be afraid of anything other then screwing up, but seeing her in this state made her feel worse. "Vinyl, you do remember that your almost killer was pronounced dead due to act of defense by the pony who saved you? Besides, you should be happy your alive, not sad." Octavia assured as she bought Vinyl into a hug, ignoring Vinyls cold body. "B-but Tavi, y-you don't understand. It was...." "Vinyl, I think tonight, you should clear you your mind by going on your nightly walks you been doing." At this point, Vinyl couldn't help but agree, if this bothered her too much, she be unable to sleep. After calming down, Vinyl decided to go and play with her Dubstep set. Little did she know, something at night, was bound to happen. Secret Between friends Night came and Octavia decided to go to Ponyville park to practice for her upcoming gig. Vinyl however remain in the house for the correct time. Ever since becoming a Vampony, Vinyl took precaution of not going outside without her goggles at night when ponies are still out. Since she became one, Vinyl began to worry about death and Octavia finding out and treating her like she is an outcast or some kind of dangerous monster that's a disgrace to pony kind. As more of the town folks went indoors, Vinyl got up; it was now time for her to go out for her nightly hunt. Taking a deep breath, Vinyl walked outside. With the the coast clear, she began to walk around town. Looking to make sure the zone is safe, Vinyl was thinking of either drinking the blood of attackers, or sneaking into a ponies house and sucking their blood. Originally, the "sneaking into others houses" thing wasn't for Vinyl, but she had no choice. Just when she was going to decide, she heard a familiar scream. "AGH, g-get away from me you ruffians!" Jumping, Vinyl recognized the voice. It was clear as day; it was Octavia. Thinking fast Vinyl began to follow where it came from. Giving pursuit, Vinyl ran to where it originated. While running, she began to worry if Octavia might change on what she thinks of her, but it was a risk to take. At that moment, she found where the scream came from. Carefully, Vinyl used a stealth tatic, to her it felt like she was a royal guard or a spy. Going slowly to be unnoticed she heard two ponies talking. "How about you play your Chello for us. We won't hurt you." One of em said in a unsettling way. "Get away from me you creeps." "Play it or we do something, that will make you think twice." "HELP!" Glancing at the ponies who were near Octavia, right away, Vinyl could tell these two ponies were intoxicated on some alcohol beverage, as if they came from a bar. Not only that, but they were kinda similar to the ones that Vinyl battled when Rainbow Dash was attacked. While Vinyl wanted to save Octavia, she remembered that she is afraid to reveal her self to her. Thoughts were going through her head, and, while she was trying not to do it, to scare Octavia, a thought told her it would be her fault if Octavia wouldn't leave the house if she is assaulted by them. Getting her mind together, Vinyl decided to take a risk. Her friend is in danger, and if she didn't save her, she would be too terrified to leave the house. Letting out a breath, she began to walk to view to the attackers. While she was approching em, Octavia noticed Vinyl sneaking up on them. What caught her attention was Vinyls eyes, the aura by her eyes, and what seemingly were fangs. When Vinyl approch em, Octavia was hoping for a miracle. "What do you think you're doing to my friend?!" Vinyl hissed catching their attention causing em to face her. "You mess with her, you mess with me." "Why don't you go mind your own buisness, better yet...." In a flash, Vinyl was punched really hard, and Octavia let out a small yelp seeing it. Her friend just got assaulted. Surprisingly, to Octavias eyes, she saw Vinyl still standing, as like, she didn't feel any pain. Witnessing this made Octavia feel like it was a hallucination. Just then as if it was quick, Vinyl swung an uppercut and hit her attacker. Falling back, the other pony didn't know how to react; He was so clueless at what just happened. "UGH, what are you doing there you idiot?! Don't just stand there, attack her!" The one pony barked. "But dude, she just...." "Don't give me that sack of horse apples, JUST DO IT YOU IDIOT!" As it as to quick, Vinyl used her magic and fired a taze spell. When it hit the pony, he fell to the ground, and was laying there, he couldn't move. With both em on the ground, Vinyl approched the first one, and within seconds, her fangs went into the ponies neck. To the attacker, he was feeling fear, he never experienced this before. Upon Vinyl backing away from his neck, the other noticed his buddy passed out. Vinyl proceeded to do the same thing to the other pony and like the other, he passed out. Letting out a relieve, Vinyl erased there memory of what happen. With her duty out of the way, Vinyl turned around and saw Octavia, clueless as what she just witness. Walking up to her, Vinyl pulled her into a hug to calm her down. "You alright? Did they hurt you Tavi' vinyl asked Worriedly. "I'm okay.....Vinyl, w-what just happened? I mean, I know you defended me but...What in Equestria happened? I mean y-you look....different?" Looking both ways to make sure that they are safe, Vinyl then went to Octavias hear to whisper. "Remember when you told me about the Vampony thing on the train? Turns out....it is true, and it seems when I was attacked that day, it was a Vampony attack. Not only that, the pony that saved offered to give me a second chance so I can avoid death, I took it. So....I am a Vampony. I will explain it while on the way home, but let me do this." Thinking quick, Vinyl put down a card letting the Vamponies know she did self defense on a civilian that was about to be attack. With that out of the way, Vinyl and Octavia began walking home together. To Octavia, she was really grateful Vinyl saved her life, but shocked at what Vinyl told her. Moreover, she now understood why Vinyls body was cold. "So, how come....you hid this from me Vinyl?" Octavia asked quietly so no pony can hear their talk. "I....was afraid to mention it to you, while I believe that the whole second chance thing was the right thing, I was afraid of telling you. A thought went in my head telling me you would kick me out for being a creature of the night now, due to thinking you think Vamponies are evil." Vinyl replied. While waking, Octavia went by Vinyls head friendly like. "What makes you think like that? I don't think they are evil. Stories I heard are that there are good Vamponies, and Bad Vamponies who have rage blood. I would never kick you out, your my friend. Even I would never feed you anything that would kill you....ah crud, I guess I have to throw out that meal I was tending to cook." At that point, Vinyl let out a small chuckle as she and Octavia were walking up to their house. When they entered, Octavia immediately turned off the oven and threw out the dinner she was cooking. Knowing Vinyl now can't eat Garlic, she now needed to get rid of any garlic ingredient or garlic related food in the house. From what Octavia knew from the urban legend she was told, Vamponies can die from Garlic. Even now she learned that Vinyl is one, she didn't want to end up poisoning Vinyl by accident with Garlic. After disposing every garlic ingredient, Octavia walked into the longing room of their house and looked at Vinyl. "Since....I owe you my gratitude for saving me from those ruffians, for your safety, I will promise you that I will protect your secret from getting out." Hearing this, Vinyl walked up to Octavia and hugged her close. "Thank you. Oh and Tavi?" "Yes?" "Make sure to help me hide the fact my eyes are sensitive, by saying I have Photophobia." "You have my word." Meanwhile In Canterlot In the city of Canterlot, the town was quiet, while most ponies go home and go to bed, some ponies were going to their night jobs. Others were just enjoying the night. To every pony, the night was peaceful. However, some ponies were taking extra precaution of safety after what happened to Vinyl. Although it did happen in Ponyville, they wanted to be safe, and not be victim of what Vinyl was victim of. During the night, a pony was seen walking to Canterlot Palace. While walking, the Pony was making sure her glasses remained on her face as she was walking. Upon approaching the castle, two guards were blocking the way in. Due to it being evening hours, no pony was allowed into the palace since all audiences were over for the day. When approching, the guards looked at her. "Audiences are over for the day. We can't allow you to enter. State your buisness." The Guard said. "It's Moondancer, Princess Celestia asked me to come at this hour. She wanted to speak to me about something." When hearing this, the guards look at one another. Although it was late hours, they were told not to let anypony in; The only exception, was if the Princess summoned them. Realizing it was a summons, the guards moved out of the way and let Moondancer in. While Moondancer was walking the through the halls of the palace, she began to recall what Celestia mentioned in the summons letter. Curiousity was going through Moondancers mind, like what was Celestia talking about in the letter. Approching the throne room door, Moondancer walked in and saw Princess Celestia. Upon approching, Moondancer bowed. "You summoned me your highness?" Moondancer asked Respectfully as she stood. "Yes. I...need to talk to you, it regards what I mentioned in the letter. But, before we talk about that, I want to ask you something. Do you believe in Urban Legends?" Hearing this question, Moondancer was curious why she asked that. From her times in the library and when she was a filly, she heard numerous Urban Legends. Sometimes she heard em from Twilight, oftentimes she heard it from her parents, but usually, she heard about a lot of em in fictional stories. Although this kinda seemed like a question that was irrelevant, Moondancer known that it was impolite to ignore a question like that from Royalty. "Well, I'm kinda....half and half, uh....why are you asking such a question? Is it....related to what you summoned me for?" Celestia nodded. While Moondancer was trying to figure out why it relates to that, Celestia used her magic to bring something to view. From the glimps of it, it look like a very old paper. "What if I told you...or shown you, that....one urban legend is actually true? Just look at this paper. This will help you understand why it relates to why I summoned you." Adjusting her glasses, Moondancer looked at the paper and began to read it in her mind. While she read it she was shocked what this was, it is a Peace Treaty. Even more surpising, a peace treaty between ponies and Vamponies. According what it said, it stated things like the Vamponies will do no harm to any mortal, unless it's in a act of self defense or protecting a mortal, they can't turn a wounded mortal into a Vampony without offering em the second chance and them accepting the offer, and that they can't kill a mortal. Not only that, but it mention that if a mortal were to kill a Vampony without motive or alibi, the said pony will be pulled to questioning. After reading it, Moondancer looked at Celestia, utterly speechless. She couldn't believe it, a urban legend was true. "V-Vamponies do exist? B-but why is this related to...why you summoned me? I mean...." Moondancers stuttered as she was interrupted. "It's because a while ago, a pony resident from Ponyville was attacked and victim of Contract Killing by a Vampony and the deed was to be done by another Vampony. But, there is a reason why I showed you this, even though this is secret to the public." "Well, what is it?" "I need somepony to help with this project I am doing. You see, I have a feeling some ponies joined rouges due to...well, reasons, and I have a nagging feeling they might be able to help and want to join the living again. So, I am asking if you want to be in charge of the purification project." When hearing this, Moondance began to think. In her mind, this was news that came to fast. Especially since was really secret to Everypony. At first Moondancer was going to deny this thinking she doesn't want anything to deal with Vamponies since it be mostly with rouges. Although, this would mean she be saving lifes and helping Vamponies who want to stop the rouges. She began to think hard, and finally she made up her mind. "I be honored to do this. Uh, it won't effect when I am hanging out with my friends, right? I mean, I began hanging out with em again after me and Twilight reconciled. I'm...just worried this might effect my free time." Celestia let out a smile. "Not to worry Moondancer. You have a lot of free time so, I can allow this. When the purification project is prepared, I will send you the keys to the place where it is. For now, I think you should go get some sleep. Your dismissed Moonancer." With everything handled and situated, Moondancer began to leave the palace. As she left, Celestia then looked outside, with worry. Ever since she started the project, she started to hope thie project will save innocent lifes from rouge life, However, there was that almost attempted murder of the Ponyville resident that joined the Vamponies that Celestia was informed about. Along with that, there was the possibility of that pony being related to the one that created the peace treaty. Not only that, but she had a feeling, that the dark time for the Vamponies, is soon going to see the light of ending.