//------------------------------// // Vampire Heart // Story: Elements: Beautiful Stories for Ugly Children // by Nightmare_0mega //------------------------------// Carousel Boutique; the hub of pony fashion in the quaint little town of Ponyville, and an epicenter for the extraordinary. Works ranging from beautiful and extravagant all the way down to simple and elegant are created and sold here. There is no doubt that this lovely little place thrives in such a town, with ponies always intrigued and inspired by the works of art on display, even if dress and garment wearing is considered a rarity among the populous. Like the town proper, the shop has welcomed many a guest with open arms, with unique pieces of art on display with the equally unique patrons, much like most of the residents of the town proper. There have been no shortage of odd visitors or odd happenings that have made themselves known in the otherwise rather normal, albeit eccentric, ponies in the quaint little town. Even monsters have visited, to varying degrees of severity, and a few have gained good relations to the citizens. One such individual had even taken up residence in town for the foreseeable future. Such a residence, however, is kept relatively out of site, despite being connected to the town’s obvious polished diamond, and for good reason. If one were to simple take a few steps to the right of the entrance of Carousel Boutique, anypony would be able to see a ramshackle of a structure stuck to its side. Compared to the elegance in architecture that invoked images of carousels, mirrors, and flowers, the adjoining abode instead looked like a crude smithing hut. To be fair, that’s exactly what it was, but little in the way of architectural artistry like its neighbor, or any of the other structures in town. Dumah, the owner of such an establishment, however never saw real reason to stress over the outer appearance as he did pouring his passions into metal work. You see, the ancient, vampiric heart inside had long ago abandoned ideas of outer beauty and cosmetic desires, even before his first death, and came to realize that true beauty, along with potential, slumbered within, far out of eyesight. It was the job of an artisan, or any lover of the arts, to draw it out by conviction and effort, no matter the cost. Combined with the strong belief that he and his people’s skill with the arts bordered upon the divine, there was no mistake that he felt pride upon every single craft he held in his clawed hands. That said, he remained recluse knowing that, while relatively welcomed, his presence continued to unnerve the general populous, for obvious reasons. True, he had been living peacefully among them for a while now, but they knew of his nature, and rightly erred in the side of caution for it. Especially considering his highly intimidating appearance and apex predator stature, which made the more skittish of the townsfolk keep a good distance away. That was, save for the few, such as Rarity, proprietor of Carousel Boutique, and relative business partner of the attached blacksmith workshop. The curly purple maned, fine alabaster coated mare had been at his side since he appeared in a pillar of fire, and despite some misgivings, found he was a real diamond in the rough, even if he hated expressing it. This hasn’t stopped her from trying through, and today’s latest attempt was no different. Cantering over to one of the blocked off windows, which was the unfortunate casualty to Dumah’s hut that was thankfully repurposed, and opened it up to gaze inside of the relative darkness of the forging area, where the vampire sat at his workbench. “Darling,” she called in her natural posh inflection, “I really wish you’d take me up on my offer.” “I would not waste your time,” the former king responded in his low, booming voice, “I understand your attempts, and that it is your nature, but this is simply-” “Simply unnecessary for one such as yourself, yes, yes, you’ve said so many times before, and I have long since come to terms with your ever tenacious and stubborn nature, but I’m serious.” Her horn lit up with the familiar light cornflour blue hue it was known for as it levitated an intricately designed statuette of the fashionista off of a nearby shelf marked “completed orders”. Knowing full-well who’s it was, she simply smiled and set it back down, curiosity sated. “You do absolutely marvelous work, Dumah. I’ve never thought to design and sell such well crafted accents like buckles, pins, or other decorative metals to my fabrics. Not to mention the many commissions and works of art you fashion for the ever growing customer base. You’ve made many fans due to your impeccable attention to detail with such rigid materials. However, I cannot let you wallow away your days in the dark, day after day without ANY respite. Please, just this once, take a day off, and enjoy the outside world.” The sound of a hammer being set against a hard metal surface rang out in the little hut as the mammoth proprietor gave a sigh and looked back towards the unicorn. “How many times have you made this request?” Dumah asked, genuinely. “Hmmm... I believe thirty-seven times.” Dumah sat in silence for a moment, before he shook his head with a bemused chortle. “Very well. If I have your assurance that you will leave me to my own obligations and no longer pester me about time off for the near future, I shall take the day today to... ‘relax’. Is this fair?” Rarity hummed in consideration, pawing her chin with her hoof gently. “If by ‘near future’, you mean for the next few months, then yes.” Dumah presented his armored claw before her, offering to shake for the verbal contract. Rarity grinned as she stuck her own hoof out, ready to accept the shake with vigor, just before realizing the touch of his claws left grime and soot on her normally immaculate fetlocks. She grimaced at the site, but knew how to handle such filth. “Then, I shall be gone and wash my hooves for now,” she announced playfully dramatic, as she turned around with grace and flair. “And I shall return to my order,” he replied as he picked up his tools once again. Rarity spun back around, giving an faux-indignant huff, right before he spoke again. “I’d rather make sure I don’t leave an unfinished work behind. You understand, Lady Rarity?” “Oh, very well, but I expect to see your shop door closed within the next hour.” She then finally properly turned away and shut the window behind her, cantering over to the washroom in the back to take care of the stain on her hoof. As she cleaned up, the bell to her front door jingled, signalling the arrival of a new customer. “Just a minute, Darling!” She announced with her usual charisma. After finishing her mini hooficure, she trotted out to the main part of the store and jumped right into her salespony facade. “Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where everything is chique, unique, and magnifique! How may I help you today?” The pony before Rarity was quite an interesting sight in Ponyville, though not one to seem out of place in a big city’s more scene or fringe pop culture circles. She was a lithe, pale coated unicorn with striking navy blue eyes and a black and purple mane. She wore a tight, black vest with a popped collar, polished black horseshoes, and her cutie-mark was a black candelabra with three lit candles. Her appearance suggested a gloomy personality, but her actions said otherwise. “Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe I’m actually here! The Equestria famous Rarity, in the flesh. This is the best day of my life!” she announced with a very preppy, cheerful disposition, almost dancing on the tips of her hooves. “Uhm, yes, may I be of assistance?” “And she’s as polite as the paper said she’d be! Oh, this is so exciting!” Before she could start squealing in joy, she coughed to herself and recomposed. “Oh, sorry. Didn’t mean to almost fly off the handle like that. My name is Moonlight Candle, and I’m a BIG fan.” Rarity gave a light laugh and a wide smile as her pride and ego were given such a ringing endorsement. “Oh, ho ho ho, well thank you. I do try to inspire my fellow ponies with my work.” “Your dresses are nothing short of amazing, Photo Finish’s pictures HARDLY do them justice,” she boldly commented, gazing about the shop. “OH, I wouldn’t go THAT far, Darling. Photo’s skills with a camera are divine, to put it lightly. I cannot even begin to express my appreciation for her stunning photography, no matter the subject. If anything, the dresses featured wouldn’t have been nearly as good as they were without her “mageek”, nor dear Fluttershy’s assistance as the model.” The two shared a small laugh as Moonlight was in awe of the fashionista’s modesty, while Rarity herself was reminisced over one of her less-than graceful moments. At least everything turned out right in the end. “I can’t believe you managed to do all of this on your own.” “Yes, well, any entrepreneur needs to have the gumption to be able to build their dream out of their own determination, however I cannot say I’ve been totally alone on my ventures. My dear sister Sweetie Belle has been at my side for quite some time, the friends I’ve made over the years certainly helped, and I’ve recently made a few new business associates.” “Really? Who?” “Well, most recently, I’ve become very well acquainted to a charming creature that hails from a distant land. A little rough around the edges, to be sure, and his dietary habits are a bit ghastly, but he’s an otherwise good soul. He works with metals in the shack attached to the boutique, which I’m sure you’ve seen.” “I don’t believe anyone could miss that,” Moonlight said with a laugh. “It is a bit of an eyesore, though. Doesn’t that hamper business?” “A bit at first, but his quality is indisputable, and soon most everypony has come to appreciate him. To be fair, it helps that he was able to keep morale high when that showboat Trixie took over the town, right before we were about to be attacked by changelings.” “I read about that. Trouble seems to find its way here quite a bit.” “Yes, well, stranger than fiction, and all that,” Rarity retorted with a laugh of her own. “Oh, excuse me, I’ve been prattling on so much, I forgot my manners. Is there anything I can help you with?” “Oh, yes! I’m looking for a new ensemble for a... get together with new friends. I’m looking for something that might resemble something that the main characters would wear in the ‘Dusk’ series. Ever heard of it?” “HAVE I?!” She blurted out, before giving an awkward cough to vainly try to obscure her enthusiastic outburst, “Heh, well, yes, I’ve heard of it. It’s quite the popular series, after all. I can probably get to work on your commission right away, if you wish. Are there any special requests?” “Actually, one of my friends drew up some jewelry that we’d also like done. Do you know any place that could get it made for a reasonable price?” “Actually, I have the perfect individual in mind.” With that said, she walked over to the window she recently closed, only to open it up again, peering into the darkness on the other side. “Dumah, darling, I have a client for you.” Silence lingered for a moment, before she spoke again. “Dumah? Are you still here?” She waited for a response, but only got silence. It was then that she noticed the metal object he was working on previously sat at his bench, completed and ready for the requesting customer. The timing is poor, she mused, but it seems he took my request to heart finally. “Dumah?” Moonlight asked. Rarity turned to her, shutting the window once again. “Yes, that’s his name. I’ve been arguing with him about taking a day off for quite some time, and it seems he’s finally relented. Incidentally, that makes it clear that even I am not immune to hoof-in-mouth syndrome.” “Must be a hard worker. So, i suppose he won’t be in for the rest of the day?” “That’s very likely. I’ll be sure to tell him about your request, though.” “Oh, thank you very much!” she said with much elation. “Everyone is gonna be so happy about this. I’m so lucky that your assistant is such a wonderful... uhm... griffon, minotaur?...” She thought for a moment, and realized the description given, while lacking, implied Dumah was definitely not a pony. “What is he, if you don’t mind me asking?” “Oh, right. Believe it or not, but Dumah is actually an honest to Celestia vampire!” Moonlight’s eyes lit up like diamonds in the sun. “No way.” “I swear on my family and friends, it’s true. I’ve been around him enough to know.” “But, you don’t look like you’ve been bitten, or anything.” “Oh, he’s not the sort. He’s quite the noble gentle-creature, if I do say so myself. If it weren’t for his stubbornness and... dietary habits, I’d probably would have swooned for him. Alas, it’s not meant to be, but he is quite the dear friend.” Rarity smiled at the notion she’d come to terms with long ago, still somewhat bemused that she could have such a friendly relationship with such a monstrous figure. Never the less, the pattern seemed to affect pretty much her entire circle of friends, so her dreamy thoughts on the situation slowly cantered back to reality. However, upon the several seconds it took for her train of thought to come to an end, she soon recognized quite the fanciful look upon her client’s face. “Hello? Miss Candle?” “Sorry, was I spacing out?” she asked with a laugh. “With quite the smile, yes. Anything on your mind, darling?” “Oh, nothing but a filly’s daydream. I mean, how romantic would it be to be a vampony with someone so charming?” “Dear me. Don’t go and get some silly idea in your head, now. Dumah isn’t the sort to transform a young mare into his kind. At least, that seems to be the case. I certainly haven’t heard of anyone suddenly becoming nocturnal and desiring a... different diet.” “Has anyone ever asked?” Rarity paused herself and thought for a moment. “No, I don’t believe anyone has ever asked. I highly doubt he’d agree to it, though.” Moonlight gained a small, wistful smile upon her face as if she were considering something very foolish. Said look certainly didn’t go unnoticed in Rarity’s eyes, but she certainly hoped that it was just in her imagination. “Anyway,” Moonlight declared with a smile, “I’d best be going. I’ll be sure come to back and bring the jewelry designs. Thanks again for doing this for me.” “Oh, not at all, darling. I’m always happy to help a new client.” Moonlight gave a wave to Rarity as she trotted out the door, signaled by the shop’s bell jingling. Rarity gave one more smile before she turned to her back room. “Now, if I remember correctly, Ward Duller is properly introduced in chapter two. Question is, where did I put my copy of ‘Dusk’? I hope Sweetie Belle hasn’t stolen it again.” -o-v-o-v-o-v-o-v-o- Dumah’s stroll through town was as uncomfortable as it was calming, which was saying quite a bit for the lumbering, giant biped among short, colorful quadrupeds. Being around so many living bodies that merrily went about the day without a second thought to his presence was perhaps the strangest sensation he’s ever encountered. Previously, he had either been around his own undead kind, among foes that wanted to slay him, or constantly striking terror in frightened human civilians. Well, he USED to strike fear, until his mutations made it difficult to leave his own territory, by which time his children had to take up the role. On the opposing end, not being seen with terror or dread put him in this strange sense of ease that he hasn’t felt since the time he and his other brothers were still but fledglings in Kain’s budding empire at the time. Granted, his actions and relative good will among the ponyfolk certainly helped matters. Keeping up morale among them during the time they were trapped behind a giant glass bowl only cemented his standing. Still, it was most definitely the stench of life and vitality all around him that made the moment so unusual. While he has adjusted to his new life to certain degrees, he would be remiss as to say that he had fully committed to it. Honestly, Rarity’s business offer and the shack attached to the Carousel Boutique was more or less just an elaborate way to confine and isolate himself without the need of a northern fortress. In his long life, most of it was spent within cold halls, tucked between mountainsides above the desolate wastes he once called home. Though, to call such a former place home now would be wrong. He had no real fondness of such a wasteland and was in a very small part relieved to have been freed. So, his heart was stuck between where he was and where he is, unable to fully settle and commit. He suspected, however, that he wasn’t alone in that regard. His train of thought was interrupted by a relatively unfamiliar voice to him. “Helloooooooo, Dumah!?” Dumah turned towards the source and met face to face with a pony he didn’t recognize. Granted, there have been new faces coming to the town on an almost daily basis, but none have ever called him out by name. He raised an eyebrow beneath his mask as he gazed down at the little pony. “Oh, wow, you’re much more... intense than I thought you’d be,” Moonlight uttered, “Hello! I’m Moonlight Candle. It’s an absolute honor to finally meet you.” “And yet you know my name already,” he responded with his trademark commanding voice. “And you sound as strong as you look too!” “I’m not exactly fond of flattery, Ms. Candle. How is that you have come to know my name?” “Right. Well, Rarity told me so much about you. I wanted to come and speak to you personally, but I realized I didn’t know what you looked like, so I asked around town and they pretty much pointed me in your direction.” “Very well. For what do I owe to this encounter, I suspect you have a specific topic in mind if you’ve sought me out in such a way. If it’s about metal works, I’d prefer it if you either discuss details with the Lady Rarity, or speak to me at my forge.” “No no, nothing like that... I mean, yes, I do have something that needs to be done, but-” “Then I shall return to my forge. Come,” he commanded as he turned to trek back to Carousel Boutique. “No, wait!” she shouted in desperation. Dumah stopped, and turned to his peculiar guest. She fidgeted a bit as he stood staring at her. “It’s not THAT important,” she managed to say. “We can always get to the costume accessories later, heh.” “Then, what is it that you wish to discuss?” “I have a request.” “One that I cannot fulfill at my forge, I suppose.” She realized that the request could be done there, but walking back would just wast time, so instead she cleared her throat and came out with it. “I, Moonlight Candle, humbly request that you make me a vampire!” There was quite the awkward silence that followed upon such a dark and lofty desire. Dumah couldn’t believe what he had just heard to the point that he was sure he was mistaken. “Begging your pardon, little creature, but I believe I may have misheard you. It was as if you had just asked that I transform you into one of my kin.” “Yes, that’s right.” Dumah was dumbfounded for only a moment, before he followed up with, “I highly advise you to reconsider.” “What’s to reconsider? I’d remain just like this forever, live in the splendor of the night with no fear or worry, never tire... andIcouldprobablyscoremyselfahotstallioneverylifetimeorso...” “Pardon?” “What, did I say that out loud? Nevermind that last bit.” Dumah just stared at the little pony for a moment, before silently turning and walking away. “Wait, wait, wait!” She shouted, “Where are you going?!” “Away from this ridiculous conversation.” “Aw, come on!” she called out, running back in front of him, blocking his immediate path, “Please!? Make me the first of your kin in this world.” “No.” “I bet it kinda gets lonely knowing you’re the only vampire alive outside of fiction, so why not? Sure up the numbers a bit. What do you have to lose?” “You assume too much, Ms. Candle,” Dumah stated, trying to go around, only to be stopped again and again. “Would you depart from my path? Your constant annoyance is only increasing my ire.” “Would you at least consider it? I’m begging here!” she exclaimed, while actually getting on her knees and begging. Dumah inwardly scoffed and sighed as he watched this pathetic display. It was such an insult to behave this way, and embarrassing to be near it. Not to mention how he felt about such a personal request. The whole thing just made him feel more than uneasy. My mood is ruined, and so is my day. I should probably just return to the forge... “Please?” she asked once again. This time, he let out a heavy sigh. “I will... consider it.” “GRREEEEEEAT!” She cheered, hugging him at the leg, but letting go before she was kicked off. “When can I expect an answer? It’d probably be during the evening, just in case you do say yes, hee hee.” “Uuugh...” I already regret this. “Come to the boutique tomorrow evening. We will talk then.” “Ooooh, nice and soon! Can’t wait!” Dumah rolled his eyes behind his mask and left the little mare, no longer hindered by her pestering. Moonlight herself clacked her hooves together in jubilation, already planning how she’d spend her first night after her new transformation. She’d most definitely need to make some arrangements to contact her friends and family to tell them the “good” news. The other item on the to-do list would be to update her wardrobe significantly. There’s no sense in becoming a new “child of the night” if it isn’t done in style. The outfits she would have Rarity make would do for now, but she’d definitely need something more dramatic in the near future. -o-v-o-v-o-v-o-v-o- As the day marched towards the evening, Rarity busied herself with a customer that had taken a shining to her display outfits. The filly, lithe with a cream yellow coat and a deep red mane, fawned over the dresses with pure adoration, seemingly unable to choose a favorite. This was, all in all, a nice distraction from her commission, which she had made some progress on since Moonlight Candle’s departure earlier in the day. If only she could speak to Dumah about the accessories, but there was no telling when he’d return. No matter, after the customer’s leave, she’d simply return to her commission and wait for the tireless giant to make his presence known to her. “Oh, darling, I believe this ensemble would look positively LOVELY on you,” Rarity announced as she held up one of her more recent creations, utilizing the current season’s trending lace patterns. “It looks lovely without me,” Rarity’s current customer admitted, going starry eyed over the design. She ooed and awed at every perfectly stitched fabric and well placed decoration. “Oh nonsense. No garment is complete without its wearer. If you would like, I can have a custom fit version for you made for tomorrow.” “Really? That soon?!” Before Rarity could answer and finish her sales pitch, there was a tap on the door. Rarity, confused and a little put off balance from the interruption, looked past her present guest and spoke. “Darling, there is no need to knock. We are still open.” It was then that she heard Dumah speak from behind the door. “I have a difficult time passing through these accursed doors due to my size and I do not wish to deal with that nor the cramped space if I succeed, so I’m afraid entering is not an option. However, I have something urgent I need to discuss with you.” It was quite the uncommon situation: Dumah hardly ever initiated a conversation with ponyfolk, and when he had it was usually situated in his hut while working on his orders. For the great recluse to actually initiate a discussion while just outside her door was nothing short of a curiosity. What had bothered the vampire so much that he would suddenly desire to talk? Rarity then turned to her patiently waiting customer. “Uhm, I’m terribly sorry dear. It seems I have some urgent business to take care of at the moment. I’ve already taken the liberty to get your measurements while we were chatting earlier, so if you would like to come back tomorrow, we could do a fitting, just to make sure everything sits well on you. Sound good?” “Uhm... sure, I guess,” the customer answered. “By the way, who’s the stallion that wants to talk to you, if you mind me prying?” “Oh, just a good friend and business partner of mine,” she replied, trotting to the door. The two left the boutique to be greeted by Dumah’s looming form. The customer let out a small “eep”, intimidated by the size and apex predator vibe he had exuded. Without saying a word further, she left Rarity and her business partner alone before the shop, looking back only once out of morbid curiosity. “So, what is it that you need to discuss?” “I have a problem I never would have believed I would have to deal with,” Dumah admitted. “Oh? What would that be?” “I take that you spoke with a Ms. Moonlight Candle recently, correct?” “Oh yes, Ms. Candle. Lovely filly. Wants a recreation of some of the outfits and accessories in the “Dusk” book series... ooooh, dear,” she uttered, realizing the likely predicted topic of discussion was going to be, “She asked you, didn’t she?” “And I suspect she won’t take no for an answer,” Dumah added. Rarity clicked her tongue in annoyance, “I’m terribly sorry, Dumah. I did have a feeling she may have gotten a similar idea in her head, but I never would have thought she would go so far as to seek you out like that.” “She will be here tomorrow evening.” Rarity was taken aback. “Excuse me?” “To get her to leave me alone at the time of her demands, I told her I would consider it. It was not my brightest of decisions.” “Right. Well, what are you planning then?” “To scare her away from the idea.” “Dumah,” she started with a tone of caution, “I don’t think that would be a wise decision, either. She is a new client as well, having already placed an order, and will soon be requesting your services for the creation of some of the aforementioned accessories.” “Do you have any better ideas?” “Well, we could rationally explain to her how it would be a bad idea to go through with her request. I doubt it would take much to convince the filly to abandon this silly daydream.” Rarity then had a sudden realization upon an earlier conversation with Moonlight, and blushed red of embarrassment over the ultimate outcome, coming to terms that she was about to commit hoof-in-mouth syndrome once again. “Oh, who am I kidding? I tried to gently persuade her against the idea already, and she toddled off to ask you anyway.” Rarity sighed, shaking her head. “So, you have no further objections, then?” “No, but at least tell me what you plan to do, so I can at least modify your actions so that you don’t emotionally scar the poor child.” Dumah gave his own sigh as he crossed his arms. “If you must. I’ll retire to my quarters. Come to my hut when you wish to speak with me again over this situation.” “Very well then. I’ll be closing shop for the day in a moment, so I’ll just speak with you through our shared window, if that would be alright? in the meantime, before we discuss your plans, I’ll get to work on some of my orders.” “Fair enough.” With that, Dumah then turned away and stepped into his shack once more while Rarity returned to the boutique. Upon closing the door, she turned the open sign to closed and locked the door -o-v-o-v-o-v-o-v-o- The following day came and went as life in Ponyville carried on like normal for most of its denizens. Everyone still out and about during the evening kept the the simple night life that the small town had to offer, which wasn’t very much nor was it too restricted. The odd restaurant remained open to cater to couples on a date night, the local theater played the latest Applewood flicks that drew in all sorts, and various clubs were open to let patrons dance the night away. Otherwise, most shops were closed with most ponies retiring to their homes, hoping to get a good nights rest in preparation for the next day. The only shop out of this loop was Carousel Boutique, which was only remaining open on the expectation that a specific customer would be paying a visit. Rarity herself sat inside, right next to the door, peeking out of the window to watch for her guest, only to see no one in the distance, where she collapsed back to her seat. This was not something she envisioned that she’d be doing on any given night, but considering she finished the first draft of the dress (in record time, due to the slow work day, she didn’t even have much else left to do. To be fair, that wasn’t the only reason, since she’d normally be working on something that struck her fancy into the long hours of the night, but the prospect presented by Ms. Candle, through Dumah’s words at least, made her feel just a tad uneasy. Rarity could just barely hear the hammers bang away on the other side of a nearby wall, which strangely gave her some form of comfort in this strange circumstance. She knew the plan of action and while she trusted Dumah full stop, she couldn’t help but feel this whole situation could get sour. She gave a sigh as she got back up and peeked out the window once again, scanning the waning evening light for the promised guest. It was then that she saw her guest come into view, leisurely making her way closer to the boutique, saddlepack across her back. I suppose it’s showtime, Rarity thought as she leaped off of her couch and unlocked the door and opened it wide. She greeted her customer as she always would and ushered her inside, where Ms. Moonlight Candle gladly trotted in, excited by the prospect of what was to come. So much so, that she forgot about her commission up until Rarity reminded her. “Oh, right!” Moonlight exclaimed, “With what’s been going on, I haven’t really been thinking about it much. I mean, I MAY need you to make more clothing for me in the future, as I’ll need a total wardrobe overhaul when I become a new denizen of the night.” She then struck a dramatic pose, which elicited a light shake from Rarity’s head. “Speaking of, where’s Dumah?” “Dumah will be available to speak with you, but before that, I’d just like to go over the dress.” She then lit up her horn and pulled the first draft dress out from the back to present it to her client. “I couldn’t find my copy of Dusk, so I had to go off by memory. So, what do you think?” Moonlight looked over the dress with a scrutinizing gaze, going over the details. “Wow, Rarity. I knew you were good, but I didn’t think you were THIS good. You did this by memory?” “Indeed. It was a bit difficult to get the stitching just right, not to mention the collar. Also,” she started, summoning her magic once again to bring forth another ponnequin, this time of male clothing. “I suppose that when one of your friends sees your dress, they may want a gentlestallion’s ensemble akin to Duller’s?” “I think they’ve said they already have their outfits, but I’ll be sure to keep that in mind because THAT looks SOOOO COOL.” Rarity chuckled, “Well, i certainly tried my best had to rack my brain and remember what he looked like. It’s not finished, though. I dare say that I may have forgotten some details, but I can’t for the life of me remember exactly what.” “Well, so far, it looks great,” she said with a confident smile. “Oh, by the way, before I forget, here are the designs for the accessories.” She then pulled a roll of parchment out of one of the saddlepack’s pockets and presented it to the fashionista. Rarity took it with gusto, opened it, and delighted in the illustrations of what was planned. “Oh, well thank you! I shall be discussing these accessory plans with Dumah about it very soon.” Moonlight fidgeted a little, wanting only to move onto her true objective.“Anyway, now that that’s talked about, I’d like to speak to Dumah about my transformation.” Rarity paused for a moment. She set the two ponnequins off to the side, along with the parchment, and cleared her throat a little, “Yes, well... Listen, as a good friend of Dumah’s and as a friend toward you as my client, I must politely ask you to reconsider.” “Pardon?” “It’s not that I don’t understand. The romantic nature of that life depicted in the books are ever so enticing, but,” she stopped in consideration of her next words carefully, “The reality is a lot less glamorous. Trust me, Darling.” “What do you mean?” Moonlight asked, her mood slightly shifting, “I mean, how would you know? You’re not a vampire.” “No,” Rarity answered, “No, I am not, and after some of Dumah’s stories, I don’t wish to be one. Please, reconsider this idea.” “But, it’s my dream!” Moonlight started, her tone becoming irritable, as if she had this conversation before. “I’m not just going to abandon it when I’ve been presented such an opportunity.” “Sometimes, Darling, we all have to make compromises in life, even in our dreams. Some of the time, it’s for your own good, as the consequences of some decisions can be steeper than we may understand.” “You sound just like my mother,” Moonlight bitterly commented. Rarity raised an eyebrow to that last statement, getting a small glimpse into the reason behind this desire and her gradual mood shift. She sighed. I can in no way convince this girl without hurting her feelings and possibly losing her as a client, she thought. “Dumah is in his forge right now. If you honestly wish to speak to him on the matter, I will not stop you.” “Good,” Moonlight stated curtly. “I’ll pick up the dress when this is all done.” It was then that she turned for the door and exited the building, somewhat slamming said door behind her. Rarity sat back on her haunches and gave another sigh. Whatever drove that filly made her pretty much non-negotiable to anyone else in that regard, and she suspected this wasn’t the first time Ms. Candle became curt when she was met with resistance with other ponies. She wondered if Dumah met a similar attitude shift, but as her client was about to meet with him again, she supposed it hadn’t yet occurred. She could eavesdrop on the conversation through the window if she really was curious enough over the encounter, but this situation needed to remain private. So Rarity resigned herself to the unknown result of this situation. She knows what Dumah will say and do if Rarity failed the attempt at dissuading the filly, but beyond that, Moonlight’s tenacious insistence may prove to be more than the sensible refusal. She just hoped that, no matter what, everyone could still walk away on amicable terms. -o-v-o-v-o-v-o-v-o- Moonlight Candle stepped into the shack, and quickly realized how dark it was inside. Sure, there were a few scant light sources to make sure that any potential customers wouldn’t trip over something while also being able to see possible merchandise, but that was the extent. That is, save for the sudden flashes of light that came from the far back, which was always accompanied by a loud bang of hammer against hot metal. She gazed about the secondary shop, seeing all sorts of works, such as mining tools, metal parts for furniture, decorative items, and even a shelf filled with dented bits of Royal Guard armor and weapons. She had heard gossip in Canterlot that the Solar and Lunar regimens had all undergone an overhaul in training as a response to that sudden attack by a strange bi-ped and a floating hospital room. If what she was seeing, then it was clear that was no mere rumor. Her eyes then turned back to Dumah, whom simply continued to work upon whatever object he was crafting or repairing at that time. She approached the counter that divided the shop from his work station, and cleared her throat. “So,” he began as he paused his work for a moment, “Rarity couldn’t convince you?” Moonlight Candle was slightly taken aback from his sudden question alluding to Rarity’s attempt to persuade her to give up her dream of becoming a vampire. She shook her head proudly, as if it were a hurdle she needed to clear before now, giving an accomplished smile. “No one is going to stop me from making this happen.” “And why is that?” Dumah asked. “Well, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime! I mean not many ponies get to say they get to live out something only possible in stories and fairytales.” “A ‘fairytale’ is the wrong word to describe it, Ms. Candle.” “Of course it is! To be able to live out something so different, mysterious, and alluring instead of just read about it? It would be SO romantic to be a vampony. You get to see the world in such a different perspective and even see more of it at the years go by. Even then, the aesthetic is just so charming and beautiful in its own way.” Dumah gave a heavy sigh as he turned towards Moonlight Candle, eyes glowing red in the dark. She wouldn’t say so, but seeing them shine such a crimson put her a bit on edge. For the first time, there was this sense of dread gnawing at the back of her head. However, she dispelled those thoughts and reminded herself that her dream was just a stones throw away, and it was now or never. Dumah, on the other hand, leaned forward and made sure Ms. Candle could feel his presence. “Ms. Candle,” he started, “The life of a vampire is not one to be trifled with.” “H-how come?” she asked innocently. “Do you even understand what a vampire does?” “Uhm,” she thought for a moment. The obvious answer was live forever, but deep in the pit of her being, she knew saying that would only make the real vampire before her tell her that she’s wrong. “Allow me to enlighten you.” He then pulled forth a crude cup and placed it between the two of them. Then, above it, he squeezed one hand as hard as he could, causing his claws to puncture his own palm and draw a small amount of blood, which dripped into the cup between them. “A vampire’s entire existence is centered around blood.” “I-I knew that.” “Did you now?” Dumah asked, somewhat mockingly. “Then, you must know that we consume it. For that, we prey on the living.” “Th-there are ways around that!” She argued. “Only if you wish to live a hollow eternity. No, to be a true vampire, one MUST feed. Blood is the essence of survival, of lust, of hunger, and of power. As a fledgeling, it will be an uncontrollable thirst. You will want it more than you need it.” “Th-that can’t be true. The Dusk series never-” “A fairytale has NO sway over reality!” Dumah barked, slamming his hand on the counter, and eliciting a jump from the little filly. “The life of a vampire is a life of bloodshed. A life surrounded by death and an unending desire for it, first out of want, then out of need. You will crave, agonize, and desire every last drop of another’s life, and until you take it, it will never truly go away. Your friends. Your Family. Everyone you ever cared for or cared for you will ultimately become nothing more than a potential meal.” Moonlight Candle stood there, starting to shiver from the growing fear. She shook her head, trying to deny the statements presented. Those words of his cut like barbs and brambles, stinging her heart and making her want to shrink. “Do you still not see? Then allow me to speak further.” Dumah announced. “When a mortal turns into one of us, the formerly living will have the splendors of life revoked. The pleasures of the living flesh are stripped, and become nothing more than regrets. To a fledgling, the suns mere light will burn you like fire. Water, even as scant and harmless as rain, is acid to our skin. Fire consumes our bodies quicker, and will NOT repair itself easily like cleaved flesh. After centuries, you will begin to change, and mutate. You will lose whatever beauty you had, and gain immunity to the environs. Some to sun. Some to water. I myself have become nigh impervious to even the sharpest of metals. However, by that time, you will no longer see them as splendors, and treat them as simply tools for survival.” “N-no. This is wrong!” she shouted, “Sunlight will burn me? Water will hurt me!? But vampires in-” “Do not be fooled by fiction crafted by those that do not know the truth,” Dumah continued, “There is nothing romantic in vampiric unlife. There is only hunger, power, survival, and death.” “What about you?” she asked, fidgeting, trying to find some sort of argument to stand on in desperation. Dumah seemed very different to her when she first met him. None of this frightening bloodlust or weakness to everyday life seemed to be a part of his existence. In fact, all accounts of him that she heard from Rarity did nothing but paint him in a good light. So, why did he seem like the exception to all of this nasty self-depreciation in regards to what he is as a creature? It was then that he picked up the cup that held a small amount of his blood off of the counter, and lifted it so he could exit his work station. Moonlight Candle stumbled back as she watched the now intimidating creature approach her slowly, still somewhat hunched over from the lower hanging ceiling. Tripping over one of the many things that lined the interior, she tumbled out of the entrance, stopping only as she laid face up just outside the forge and Carousel Boutique. Gazing up at the evening that darkened enough to reveal stars, her eyes were soon filled with the looming presence of Dumah, whom stood tall and fearsome. It was then that he gave a sigh and crouched down to around half his height, one hand held out to assist her, with the other still holding the cup. Nervous, but still clinging to that romanticism, she trusted Dumah and took his claw and allowed her to be pulled back to her hooves. She then released it and took a few steps back. “My life too is filled with the unending thirst. Though the hunger has evolved beyond blood, the lust remains. I have come back from death far too often, and have known the great agonies of our kind for longer than many. I have watched strange eons pass, among the living and the dead, taken many lives to sustain my own, and have gained nothing upon my blunders as a leader, father, and king. A vampire’s fate is death, and fading to be forgotten.” She just stood and watched Dumah speak, transfixed upon his somewhat sad confession. “My efforts, here and now, are to carve some sort of semblance of atonement, while I still can. My presence still creates fear and loathing, with the possibility of harm if I become careless, but I know my existence, especially in this realm, is on borrowed time and borrowed comfort. I can only just begin to do right for my own sake with this in mind. Once I am able to return to my land, I can finally rest with the dust from which I was destined to join.” Moonlight Candle just sat on her haunches, processing the lengthy and somewhat morosely idyllic speech. “So, ‘what about me’? I am as I warn you. What you’ve seen is but a sliver in my long state of being. Any romanticism you may gleam off of me, any gentle nature I present, its my toll in my own labors and dangers as I await my inevitable outcome. I am a vampire, destined in death, and all that I have construed to now applies to me.” He gave a sigh, and presented the cup. “This cup bares my blood. If you still wish to follow me into the life of a creature of the night, then drink.” Her eyes gazed towards the beaten cup he held. “Or, head my warnings, reject your dream... and live a happy and full life only a mortal soul is allowed.” She gazed back to Dumah, looking into the deep crimson light of his eyes. Despite the ominous color, there was something more behind them. Something she was sure about from the very beginning, even when she had done nothing but pester him about her wish. Her eyes looked back to the cup for a moment, before she gave a deep, shaky sigh. “You win...” she quietly uttered, pushing away the cup, eyes casting down to the grass beneath her. Dumah rose back to his full height and turned to his shack. However, before he left, he flicked the cup off to the side and cast the liquid within to the ground, staining the blades of grass. Once empty, Dumah retreated back into his shack, leaving the dream shattered pony to her own devices, whom simply watched him disappear from her in silence. -o-v-o-v-o-v-o-v-o- “Was that REALLY necessary?” Rarity asked. For a moment, while sitting beside the window that divided the boutique and the forge, all Rarity could hear was the soft clicking of a small hammer striking cold metal. She cleared her throat as if to get his attention, only to be greeted with the sudden silence. “It was of the utmost necessity,” Dumah finally replied, “You had your chance to persuade her, and it failed. Telling her the grizzly truth of the nature surrounding my kind was the last chance. We discussed this.” “I know, I know. Still, I wish it wouldn’t have come to it. Scaring ponies in that way is a good way to scare them off for good.” “She returned to your boutique, didn’t she?” “Well, yes.” “Then I hardly see the problem.” The sound of soft, metallic clicking could be heard once again. “Oh, you can be so blunt sometimes.” “Brute force is oft needed when finesse fails.” Rarity sighed as she slumped against the chair. He was right, though. Sometimes, it tended to take a stern stance and harsh words to bring another away from a potentially disastrous mistake. It was honestly quite the humbling lesson; to know that kind words and gentle advice simply doesn’t influence some of the more headstrong individuals. She wondered if Fluttershy ever had to learn something along those lines, before she remembered the incident on Smokey Mountain. “Finished,” Dumah chimed, as the light hammering fell silent once again. There was a shuffling noise as his arm reached through the dividing window and held a charm. Rarity’s eyes sparkled as she rose back to attention upon instantly admiring the craft before her. Her horn lit up, and the magic that came from it gripped the accessory with gentle care as she scrutinized it, where upon Dumah’s hand retreated back into the darkness of the forge. She then realized something. “Wait, is this-” “For her order, yes. The walls in this shop to me are quite thin. I believe you have parchment that depicts the designs.” “Yes, I do, but the bigger question is, how did you produce this without even seeing them?” It was then Dumah’s arm came back through, this time with a book in the clutches of his claws. “I believe this is yours.” “My Dusk novel!” Her magic gripped the book and took it up, sliding the accessory up against the front cover. “Where did you find this?” “Your sister had pilfered it out of curiosity yesterday. I had taken the liberty of confronting her earlier today before she left for her lessons.” “Oh, I KNEW IT!” She squawked, eyes narrowing. “Punish her not, Lady Rarity,” Dumah demanded, “The situation was already dealt with and the book has returned to its rightful owner.” “I suppose,” she relented. “Returning to the jewelry I’ve crafted, please deliver a message in my stead to Ms. Candle once she returns.” “Oh, sure. What is it, Darling?” “There is no harm in fantasy, but let it remain fantasy.” “Fair enough.” “As for you, I cannot believe you read such SWILL!” Dumah barked from the darkness. Rarity gasped in faux outrage. “How DARE!” She then took a moment to think, and inspiration hit. “Fine, then. Maybe I should write my own novel, and highlight the truth of the matter!” “A writer now, are we? Do you even have the time with your orders and business?” Rarity ignored his mocking questions as her artistic endeavors began to take hold of her desire for creativity. “And I shall call it: Interview With a Vampire!” Dumah shook his head and returned to his work, and even though he wasn’t entirely sure if she was poking fun of the situation or being entirely honest, he couldn’t help but still be somewhat bemused at how strangely driven these ponies be. With the cursed knowledge of that wretched book still in his head, he pulled one of the works in progress he started earlier today and resumed their craft. He aimed to get the rest of the accessories done in a timely fashion, just so he could be rid of the story’s memories.