The Crimson Moonlight

by Octavia Philharmonica

Bracelets of the Red Moon

The Ride to Canterlot was heavy on Sinister Moonlight. Every time that Angel Bunny would awaken she would struggle to put him back so sleep. He was feisty, and he knew how to fight, even if he was small and not very strong. She eventually decided to let him fight, and just outlast him until he was too exhausted to move. After a good thirty-seven straight minutes of avoiding an attacking rabbit, he finally collapsed on his own. Sinister looked around the Train, carrying the bunny with her magic. She couldn't help but notice all the strange looks she was getting from the other passengers. She glared at small filly staring at her. The poor mare couldn’t be more than 8 years old and Sinister's evil glare caused her to break down in tears. The filly's mother quickly held her daughter close, trying to calm her down. Sinister carried Angel to the Exit car just as the train came to a stop in Canterlot. She walked out and looked around, seeing the fancy Canterlot ponies greet each other as they exited the train themselves. Sinister scoffed as she walked on her way to the nearest Canterlot hotel. After about 5 minutes she arrived, and as she approached the door to the check in counter she overheard two Stallions talking and stopped in her tracks.

“Did you hear about that bracelet She found?” Said the first Stallion, Sinister couldn't help but note they were both unicorns as she eavesdropped.

“Why yes, I did! It is supposedly some legendary magical artifact, yes?” Replied the second Stallion.

“Apparently so, it seems to be one of four, and they say whoever wears all four gains an unimaginable amount of power!” said the first, obviously fascinated by the sound of unimaginable power. This conversation was making Sinister grit her teeth with pure anger, she wanted to attack the two unicorns now, but chose to hold herself until they said who had them.

“Unimaginable power? Dear Celestia, that is outstanding! What I wouldn't give to have those bracelets myself.” the second one said, lost in his own thoughts of power.

“Well, don't get your hopes up old sport. All the bits in Equestria couldn’t buy even one, Celestia herself has it locked away in her own chambers from what I hear. She doesn’t want anypony getting their hands on this. I mean, if all four lead to unimaginable power, imagine what just one can do for the average unicorn?” the first explained. Sinister was now furious. She had a thirst for blood. As the two of them wondered what one bracelet could do she narrowed her eyes. She knew what only one could do. Absolutely nothing, they only granted power as a set. She stormed into the hotel and checked in, paid her bits for a night’s stay and ran off to her room, locking the door behind her. In frustration she threw the sleeping angel onto the bed as hard as her magic would let her, which unfortunately for Angel was actually pretty hard. Thankfully though the padding of the bed kept him safe from harm.

“This worthless imbeciles! How dare they even Think of taking a bracelet for themselves?!” she yelled. In her rage she knocked over a nearby lamp using her magic. “And now, as if things were not bad enough with the company of this annoying rabbit, I find out that Celestia of all ponies has one! This is unbelievable!” she panted, having used a lot of energy on her rant. “Well, there is no use in complaining about it now. I will merely have to go collect it later… although… perhaps there is a better way? Yes, indeed! A solution in which I do not have to dirty my own hands! A way… I can force Celestia to give me the bracelet, without her ever knowing, and I know just the pack mule to pick it up for me.” Sinister searched the room for a bit. Angel just sat on the bed staring at her, he had finally lost his will to fight back knowing what the end result would be if he started now. Once Sinister had found what she was looking for, two slips of paper and a pen, she quickly used her magic to write a letter on one.

“Dear Fluttershy,” She spoke out loud as she wrote the letter. “I have your pet, Angel, in my captivity. He is weak, and at my mercy. If you ever wish to see him alive again, I suggest you heed the following instructions. Take the train to Canterlot, and meet with Princess Celestia. Once you have gotten a room in her castle you are to acquire a very special bracelet, known as the Bracelet of the Red Moon. It is one in a set of four, but you need not worry about the other three. Celestia has this bracelet, locked away in her bedroom. I do not care how you acquire it, but absolutely nopony must know you why you need it. Once it is in your possession you are to bring it to the highest point of the cliff just outside Canterlot. I will be waiting for you there every day for three days, from noon to 1:00. You will come alone. If you are even a Minute late on the third day, Angel bunny will die.” She finished writing and put down the pen as Angel began to panic, he jumped off the bed and backed as far away from Sinister as was physically possible in the small room. Sinister's horn glowed red, as did the letter she wrote. After a second the letter was gone. “The countdown starts now.”

Sinister laughed at her own brilliance, having an innocent and unsuspected pony do all the evil work for her. She picked the pen back up with her magic and spoke again as she wrote another letter. “Dear Trixie, my sweet and beautiful cousin. It has been far too long since I have seen you in person, thankfully though, I finally have reason to show my face to you. I have wonderful news! I have devised a plan to take revenge out on that infernal Twilight Sparkle, the one who humiliated you and tarnished your perfect name. I would like to ask you to join me in this vengeful act. I would dearly enjoy seeing you again after so long, and it would be very nice to spend some time with the only pony on the planet I actually like. If you accept my offer, please meet me at the Canterlot Hotel nearest to the cities train station, room number 427. Your loving cousin, Sinister Moonlight.... P.S. Make sure you bring the black box I had you store for me.” Sinister let out a sigh as she put the pen down and sent the letter the same way as the first. She looked at Angel, who had now made his way over to her, looking up at her sympathetically. “You will tell nopony of what you saw just now.” she said, in a stern voice. Angel simply nodded.

Meanwhile, back in Ponyville, Fluttershy was on her way to her Cottage, which was still in construction. As she approached it she noticed a note on top of her charred door mat. Confused, she picked it up and read through it slowly and carefully. Her eyes widened as she read, and she gasped when she was finished. “Angels been bunnynapped? Oh no, oh no...” She began to tear up and sob, dropping the letter. She was scared for her pets life, and she knew she had to go to Canterlot immediately, she also knew she had to go alone.

That was when Twilight walked up to her. “Hey Fluttershy! There you are, I've been looking all over for you!” Said Twilight, with a smile, which quickly turned into a frown upon seeing Fluttershy’s tears. “Is something wrong? You're crying…”

“Oh…. N-no Twilight, everything is okay… I just got ash in my eyes… ” She looked away, which was normal behavior for her, so Twilight believed it.

“Well, okay, if you're sure you’re alright… hey I wanted to talk to you about maybe watching Owlowicious while I'm away for a few days?” Twilight asked.

“Oh…. I'm sorry Twilight, I can’t. I have to go to Canterlot for the next few days.” Replied Fluttershy, upset she couldn't help her friend.

“Canterlot? Really? What a coincidence, that's where I'm going too! Princess Celestia sent me a letter saying there was an artifact she wanted me to look at. Apparently its incredibly powerful, so I was gonna go stay at the castle and examine it with her.” Twilight said, in a happy tone. “Maybe you could come with me?”

“Oh… that would be great Twilight, it would be really nice to have someone there with me.” Fluttershy said relieved. She was happy she wouldn't have to go alone, even though the letter told her to. Since she hadn't actually told Twilight about the letter, shed still be keeping the conditions.

“Great! Well then, now I just need to find someone who can watch Owloicious for me. Who's watching Angel?” Twilight asked

“Angel? Oh, um… well you see…” Fluttershy had to think fast, she couldn't let on that he'd been kidnapped. “Angel is big enough to take care of himself… he made that very clear yesterday when I told him I was leaving. Why doesn't Spike just watch Owloicious?” Flutterhsy asked, trying to change the subject.

“Spike? Oh, right, well Spike has been really busy with Rarity lately. He promised her he would help around the boutique.” Twilight said as she looked away. “He's been a little clingy with her lately.”

“Oh my… I'm sorry Twilight… ” Fluttershy looked downwards, then back up. “Well, I think you could let Pinkie Pie take care of him, she seems like the best option right now.”

“Hmm, yeah that's a pretty good idea. I'll go get that taken care of. Meet me at the train station a little later, okay?” Twilight asked for confirmation.

Fluttershy nodded. “Alright Twilight. See you soon… ”

“Bye Fluttershy!” Twilight said, as she walked off towards Sugar Cube Corner.

Fluttershy looked around her broken cottage, she was still saddened by the wreckage. She walked around inside for a bit, and saw Angels old bed. It was blackened and crispy. She got teary eyed again. Fluttershy couldn't stand being in her own home at this point, it was too heartbreaking. She walked out, and picked the note back up off the floor. She quickly took it back inside her house and tossed it in a pile of ashes, before running out in tears again. She stopped just outside her house. This was all too stressful for her, she couldn't believe it was happening. She felt that Angel's kidnapping would be the worst thing to happen to her for a very long time. Just then, she noticed Zecora walking up to her.

“Hello Fluttershy, I know you are blue, but I have come here to look for a clue.” Said Zecora, rhyming as she usually did.

“Oh… Hi Zecora, um, clues to what exactly?” Asked Fluttershy, very curious.

“Why, clues on the mare who burnt down your house. She is sly as a fox and quick as a mouse. I know her well from past events, I would tell you more but I don't wish to Vent. I hope you don’t mind if I look around, before you head off into town?” Asked Zecora, already heading inside.

Fluttershy became nervous, but couldn't refuse without seeming suspicious. She hoped Zecora wouldn't find the letter, but given Fluttershy didn't hide it well, it was more than likely she would. “Um... Go ahead, Zecora.” Fluttershy said, biting her lip.

Zecora scanned around the insides, quickly and easily spotting the obvious letter, as it was the only completely white thing left in this room. She picked it up and read over it, turning to Fluttershy. “This is perfect, it couldn't be better. Fluttershy, when did you find this letter?” Zecora asked, tossing it back on the ground.

“I-it was just here on the doorstep when I came from the hospital… ” Fluttershy replied.

Zecora sighed and spoke. “I do not wish to make you feel fright, but this letter is from Sinister Moonlight. The handwriting is as clear as day, and I'm afraid she's serious. She doesn't play. If in the end you meet her at this location, be wary as she will attack without provocation. She will more than likely lie to get you there, so be on the lookout for danger everywhere. She enjoys using magic that has been banned, so be careful, do you understand?” Fluttershy just nodded. “Very good, now go off to the station, I don't want to keep you from your vacation.” Zecora said, trying to show she would keep the secret of the letter safe. “I should also warn you, tell your friends, Sinister attacked Applejack to no end. She wanted to make her heart and bones break, I stopped her, and she is now at my home safe.”

Fluttershy was surprised to hear about Applejack, she began to worry and panic even though Zecora had just said she was safe. She quickly calmed herself down and nodded to Zecora again. “Okay… ” She would warn them when she had gotten Angel back, she didn't want them thinking she was in any danger by telling them about Sinister Moonlight, and she certainly didn't want to worry Twilight while she was with the princess. “Goodbye Zecora.” Fluttershy said as she walked off.

Zecora spoke as she waved. “Goodbye Fluttershy, and remember her magic! Another accident would be very tragic!”

As Fluttershy arrived at the train station Twilight was waiting for her. According to Twilight, Pinkie was more than happy to take Owloicious for a few days, as she felt her own pet Gummy needed someone to play with. Together the two boarded the train and headed off to Canterlot together, enjoying every second of the ride there as they talked about lots of different little things. Fluttershy was happy with Twilight, even if sometimes Twilight would say things Fluttershy couldn't comprehend in the slightest.

When they finally arrived in Canterlot they exited together. They didn't wait for a second to run as fast as they could to Canterlot Castle, where Princess Celestia would be waiting for them. When they approached the castle gardens, they we greeted by a dark blue Alicorn. Her dark wings and long horn were stunning, they made her look intimidating even though she was really very nice. Her coat was dark blue and her mane and tail were a lighter form of blue. She had light blue eyes and a black tiara, her cutie mark was a black spot with a crescent moon in the middle representing her ability to raise the moon.

“Princess Luna!” said Twilight. “It's good to see you, how have you been?”

Luna looked at her “I have been fine, Twilight. I do not have time to talk though, I am only here to tell you that my sister is away. She did some research on the bracelet, and felt the need to go out herself and try to find the other three. She will be back on the morrow. Your room will be the same guest bedroom Rarity used during her visit some time ago, do you understand?”

Twilight Nodded. “Yes Princess, I understand.”

“Very well then, I must be on my way. See you soon, Twilight.” Luna said, as she spread her wings and took off.
.

Fluttershy watched her as she flew. “So Twilight… where do you think she's going?”

“Probably to raise the moon, it is getting pretty late. We might even need to go to bed soon, I'm sure we both have long days ahead of us tomorrow.” Twilight answered.

Fluttershy nodded. “Yeah… That's probably true.”

Twilight started walking into the castle. “Then let's rest up, I don't think we’re gonna get anything done just standing here.”

Fluttershy followed her inside, she seemed to know her way around. The two of them quickly arrived in the guest room they would be staying in, there was a very large princess sized bed for each of them. They each looked at each other, and Twilight spoke. “Aren't you going to unpack?”

Fluttershy simply looked away. “I… didn't bring anything… I'm sorry.”

“Well don't apologize to me!” said Twilight. “You can borrow anything you need while were here, okay Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy simply smiled and nodded. The two of them were already having a nice time here, although Fluttershy couldn't fully enjoy it with the fear for Angel's life still constantly on her mind. She kept imagining the worst, and was doing her best not to, but it wouldn't work. She quickly decided she needed sleep to take her mind off of it. She crawled into her bed, Twilight crawled into her own, and the two looked at each other.

“Goodnight Fluttershy” Said Twilight, closing her eyes.

“Goodnight… Twilight…” Fluttershy said in a more hushed voice than usual, before closing her eyes.

Meanwhile, in the dead of that night, Sinister sat in bed inside her hotel, awake and reading a book. Angel managed to fall asleep at the foot of the bed. A knock was head on her door, and Sinister noted the time as 11:57 pm. She wanted to keep this moment memorable. She stood and walked to the door, opening it with her magic and outside it stood a blue unicorn. She had very light blue hair and purple eyes, and wore a purple cape with multi-colored stars over the back, with a matching purple hat, also with stars all over it. Her barely visible cutie mark featured a magic wand with a blue star and pixie dust.

The unicorn spoke. “It's good to see you again, Sinister.”

“Trixie Lulamoon, my dearest cousin, I am ever so delighted to see you!” Sinister smiled, a real smile, not one that looked wicked but one that made her look happy. She had only ever done this around Trixie and that fact was still true.

“Yes, I agree, now what was it you called Trixie here for? Your letter mentioned revenge on Twilight Sparkle?” Trixie asked.

“Yes, indeed it did. You see, I have a plan for revenge that is already in the workings. Revenge for humiliating you that fateful night in Ponyville, when Twilight Sparkle battled the Ursa Minor. I do not intend to leave her be after that. Phase one so far has been to get rid of her friends, one by one, by any means possible. So far I have dealt with Rainbow Dash and Applejack, and I am currently working on Fluttershy. Phase two, however, can be completed during Phase one, did you bring the box?” Sinister asked, as Angel tried to sneak out of the room underneath them. Sinister's horn glowed as she picked Angel up with her magic and threw him back into the room against the wall. Sinister moved to make room for Trixie to enter.

As Trixie walked inside she looked around before answering. “Yes, Trixie has brought it. but you see, the great and powerfu-”

“Would you kindly stop doing that, cousin?” Sinister interrupted. “I already know of your power. Your spells may not be a strong as mine, Nopony has spells as strong as mine, but I am aware that you have a much farther range of spells. Now could you please give me the box?”

Trixie stared at her for a second. “Very well.” Her horn glowed a light blue color and out from beneath her cape came a little black box. She placed it in front of Sinister.

Sinister quickly opened the box, smiling evilly yet again, for inside the box was three silver bracelets, each with a gemstone the color of blood in the center. “The Bracelets of the Red Moon. My prized creation. With four times the power of the Alicorn Amulet, sadly they only work as a set, and my dear cousin it would seem Celestia has the last one.”

Trixie looked away. “Celestia? Well it would seem there is no getting to it in that case.” Said Trixie with no hint of disappointment whatsoever.

“Ah but that is where you are wrong, Trixie, for you see I already have somepony picking it up for me. I am positive you have asked yourself why the animal is here, I am holding him as a hostage until Fluttershy can deliver the bracelet to me. When she does I will be unstoppable!” Sinister said, laughing. “Now, I do not want you getting blamed for any of this, so I will be going to the meetings alone.”

“No.” Trixie said sternly. “Trixie… does not mind the possibility of trouble, she wishes to accompany you.”

“Are you sure cousin?” Asked Sinister.

“Yes.” Replied Trixie.

“Very well, we will be waiting for her for the next three days at noon until one o’clock, hopefully she has it soon. I am sure she will, with her pet’s life on the line.” Sinister said with a chuckle before going over to the bed and laying down on it. “Now feel free to stay here with me, I do not mind sharing a bed.”

“Very well, thank you Sinister.” Said Trixie, taking her up on her offer she walked over to the bed taking the space next to her cousin. “Good night.”

“Goodnight, Trixie.” Sinister said with yet another genuine smile before the two of them drifted off into sleep.

The next morning back at Canterlot Castle, Fluttershy was just waking up from a rough sleep, she had a nightmare about Angel being in danger and it caused her sleep to be almost pointless. When she looked around Twilight was already gone. She quickly went off to go find them as she didn't want to be alone. After a walking around she noticed a few guards standing at a door, while no other doors were guarded in this hallway. “Um… Excuse me, I'm sorry, but are Twilight and Princess Celestia in there?” She asked the guard nervously.

The guard nodded and said. “Yes they are, Miss Fluttershy, the princess instructed me to allow you inside if you wished.”

“Oh, thank you so much. Um, also, do you have the time?” Fluttershy asked as the guard opened the door for her.

“Yes Ma'am, the time is 11:04 A.M.” The guard replied.

“Oh, thank you…” She said as she walked inside, noticing the long corridor that led to a set of large double doors. The time repeated over and over in her head. She knew if she were to act quickly she would be able to make it in time for the meeting today, and not have to worry for an extra two. She had to do whatever it took to make sure Angel was safe. As she reached the double doors she pushed them open. Inside stood her friend Twilight and a large white Alicorn, with a cutie mark of the orange sun. She wore a golden tiara and had light purple eyes. Her flowing mane and tail were many different colors such as green, blue, and pink. In between them was a black chest with a golden silk pillow inside, on top of that pillow was a silver bracelet with a blood red gem in the center.

Twilight Spoke. “Oh Fluttershy, there you are, did you sleep well?”

“Not really… ” Fluttershy responded. “Good morning Twilight, Good morning Princess Celestia.” she said, greeting the two with a smile.

“Good morning Fluttershy.” Said Celestia. “We were just taking a look at the bracelet, it definitely doesn't have any power stored inside it like it is now, but it is still strange. We decided to keep it under lock and key when we were through with it, would you like to take a look Fluttershy?” asked the Princess.

Fluttershy smiled and nodded. “I'd love to.” As she walked over to them her heart stared to beat rapidly, and she held back the urge to start crying. She couldn't let on what she was doing or Angel could wind up dead. This thought did not help, as it caused her to shed a few tears the moment she reached the two.

“Something wrong, Fluttershy?” asked Twilight with a look of concern and confusion.

Fluttershy just stared at Twilight before she responded. picking up the bracelet. “Yes… I'm so sorry.” she took that moment, filled with intense fear, and flew out of the room at high speed, crying her eyes out as she did. She hated herself more than anything right now. She flew out the door, startling and confusing the guards as Celestia quickly flew out after her.

Author's Note:

I apologize for taking to long, you see chapters 3 and 4 were meant to be one chapter but it was so long i was forced to split it. i do not like long chapters. i apologize if you disliked my portrayal of Fluttershy, and once again please leave a comment of your opinions~

Comments

[Slate the Pegasus]

Yay I love it