> Cellist's Secret > by HeartfireFirebrand > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I was smiled as I shouted “Everypony are you ready to party!” Everypony in the club shouted “Yeah!” I shouted “Well then you’re in luck because DJ Pon-3 is in the house.” I smiled as I cast a few light spells causing the room to glow like a Disco Ball, I was a old mix of my favourite songs when I saw something odd a pony who didn’t fit with the rest, one who wasn’t cheering or dancing rather she drinking mope-ly, her coat was a light grey and she had a light purple treble clef. A huge Cello was beside her. I cast a spell to keep the turntables running and I trotted over to her with a grin “Hello filly, I’m surprised to not see you on the dance floor.” She scowled “I’m not some floozy; I’m a respected Cellist or at least I was before the Gala fiasco.” I laughed “Relax, I’m not that kinda pony. It’s just how I interact with others, I like being flirty just for the reactions, anyway what is an upstanding musician doing in a club like this?” The mare sighed “Since a pink pony forced me to play the Pony Pokey at the Gala and I have been unable to get any jobs.” I smashed my head on the bar “I have told her way too many times not to do that but does she listen, nooo it’s always ‘it’s fine Vinyl or its just harmless fun Vinyl’.” Octavia gasped “She does this often?!” I frowned “Not intentionally but she sometimes can get a little caught up in fantasy land, she’s a real hoot at a party as long as it’s not fancy, then she fails to understand it, still I hope her new friends can help her with that.” Octavia frowned “Still why did you come over here? I’m nopony special.” I smiled “Well you are quite attractive and I can’t leave anypony in my club upset while I’m Djing.” She sighed “Well since you’re so interested I better introduce myself, I’m Octavia Melody.” I smiled “Vinyl Scratch although you probably know me better as DJ Pon-3.” Octavia gasped “Wait the DJ Pon-3, the best DJ in Equestria!” I smiled “Yeah, that’s me.” I then sighed “I must admit it’s a struggle to balance it with school and training. My mother is very forceful.” Octavia frowned “School and Training, what does being a DJ have to do with those?” I sighed “My mother has told me she wants me to hunt Vamponies. I think its crazy talk.” Octavia chuckled weakly “Yeah, crazy talk.” I frowned “Are you okay Octavia?” Octavia sighed “I have been unable to get a job and I’m sleeping on the streets. I had to sell my apartment to keep food on the table.” I said “Well I could use a roommate; my apartment is a bit too large for me at the moment.” Octavia eyes widened “Really, you’ll let me stay at your place? Thank you, thank you.” I smiled “Your welcome, I’ll take you there after I finish this set.” After the set was finished I and Octavia trotted to my home carrying her cello. I opened the door and turned on the light. Octavia frowned as she saw all the mess all over the floor, my songs drafts littered all over the floor. She picked one up and said “You didn’t tell me you wrote music.” I frowned “A good DJ writes songs all the time, how do you think we release albums?” Octavia sighed “Good point, now um where can I put my Cello?” I pointed to a wall covered in different instruments. She put her Cello on a large rack on the bottom and looked around the room to get her bearings. She looked at the silver sword I was given when I was sixteen with a frown before staring at my messy walls covered with countless ideas for music. I smiled “Well I think it’s time to show you your room.” Octavia smiled as her eyes flickered back to the sliver sword “Right.” We trotted into the spare room it is the only clean room in my house, it had a spare bed and blank walls. It was for when my mother came over for Hearthswarming. Octavia smiled “Thank you Vinyl for giving a place for me to stay.” I smiled “It's what good ponies do, beside you’re a fellow musician and we musicians need to stand together.” Octavia smiled “Thanks Vinyl but I better get some sleep tonight.” I smiled “Me too, I have school tomorrow.” I quickly got ready for bed and smiled as I thought (Octavia is going to make life more fun around here.) > Chapter 1: Years Later > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I wake up to see my graduation certificate from Celestia’s School for Unicorns in Combat Magic on the wall. I smiled as I saw my Dojo Master Headband on my bedside table next to my purple glasses. I jumped out of bed and trotted down stairs shouting “Tavi, where are you?” Octavia shouted back at me “Vinyl, I’m making breakfast and please call me Octavia.” I smiled “I know you like the nickname Tavi, I was just thinking it has been 3 years since we met.” Octavia rolled her eyes “You could at least stop eyeing my flank; take me out to dinner first.” My jaw dropped as she smiled “You think I haven’t noticed the 3 years of flirting? You did that when you were interested plus all the looks you gave me and the possessiveness you showed around mares.” I stammered “H-h-h-how long have you b-b-b-been interested?” Octavia smiled “Because of the lengths you would go to fight for me, remember it was not long after the Princess Luna’s return about 2 years ago.” I scowled internally as I remembered the event. Flashback I smiled as I was performing when I heard screaming over the crowds shouting “Help somepony.” I turned around to see Princess Luna marehandling Octavia; I jumped off the stage and galloped over to the shock of everypony. I snarled “Get away from my friend you fiend!” I ignored the gasps of the crowd around us. Princess Luna roared “How dare you order us around, we are the Princess of the Night.” I felt a hoof collide with my gut and I flew into the wall, I coughed blood onto the ground. I roared “Oh Princess it’s on!” I smashed my right fore hoof into her jaw before kicking her out of the building.” I jumped out to engage her but then several guards surrounded me. I snarled “Get out of the way or else you’re going to get hurt.” Princess Luna shouted “Stand down, this mare is a worthy foe. I am surprised at your speed and strength, most unicorns are poor fighters.” I smirked “I am a martial artist and graduated from your sister’s school in combat magic, I am using my own fighting style based of that knowledge.” Princess Luna smiled “Let’s go then, show me your strength.” I scowled “I’ll show what you get for messing with my friends.” I near instantaneously appeared behind her and struck her in the back with my hoof. She recovered only for me to follow up with another blow to the chest, before knocking her into the air with a kick. Luna shouted “How you so fast?!” I shouted “I don’t know, I have always been a good fighter! The speed just comes as part of the package!” I created a ball of magic in my hooves and slammed it into her chest causing her to crash into the ground. I smiled as I loved hoofcasting; normal spell casting was just too slow. I created two more orbs, I snarled “Yield!” Then a flash of light filled the sky, I saw Princess Celestia descend from the skies. Celestia asked “What happened here?” Luna scowled as she lay on the ground in front of me “I was in the company of a mare when this pony interrupted me!” Celestia frowned “Why did you interrupt her then?” I growled “Because my friend was getting marehandled by her and I stopped it.” Octavia trotted up beside me with a smile “Thanks Vinyl.” Celesta scowled at Luna as she saw the two of us “That was the mare, right?” Luna nodded slowly, Celestia frowned “Dear sister you should go home so I can teach a little bit about proper behaviour in this century.” Luna whined “But…” Celestia shouted “Luna, we can’t just grab a pony of the street as a personal paramour anymore, do you want to damage your reputation before you can even adapt to your role!” Present Day Octavia smiled “You stood up to a 1000 year old Alicorn for me.” I frowned “She was not at full power, at full power she would have turned me to dust.” Octavia smiled “Yeah but you were willing to risk you life for me and that’s more than enough.” I smiled “Well then tonight I’ll make a nice meal, no garlic right?” Octavia smiled “Yeah allergies, don’t want to have you perform an epispell on me again.” I frowned “Yeah, I was not very good at it that’s why it took so long.” Octavia smiled “At least I didn’t die from that, I should have told you I had an allergy to garlic.” I trotted down to Canterlot markets, it was no Ponyville Markets as most of it was useless junk, they sold knick knacks that expedited to be souvenirs, and there were quirky hats that looked like donuts and other weird items. Still I was not here for that, I trotted up to a simple stall covered in every type of vegetable you could imagine and probably even a few you couldn’t. I smiled “Hey Green Hoof how’s it hanging.” He laughed “Good Vinyl, looking as fit as ever. You have a flank that attracts ponies everywhere; I see every stallion and mare in the street looking at you like a goddess of beauty. Many a stallion would be excited if you showed interest.” I laughed “There is only one pony for me.” Green Hoof smiled “I don’t know how she resisted you for so long.” I grinned “Tavi is a special mare, mere charm isn’t enough for her. I am making her dinner tonight.” Green Hoof grinned back “So what is it you need?” I said “I need onions, cabbage, beetroot, carrot, lettuce, broccoli please?” Green Hoof smiled “That would be 20 bits.” I gratefully put the bits on the table and he gave me my ingredients. He smiled “See you soon Vinyl.” I smiled “Yeah, see ya later.” I levitated my groceries and trotted home happily, tonight was going to be perfect. I got home and put all the vegetables in the fridge, hmm we’re out of red wine, Octavia loves that stuff. We still have a bit of white wine, it tastes better than the red wine to me, it was always a little too thick for me. I levitated a knife out of the knife block on the wooden bench top and began cutting the food, the sound of chopping and preparing the vegetables was all I could hear. Afterwards I put the vegetables in the oven and the pasta I made yesterday on reheat in the oven, I set a magic alarm and galloped off to the dining room. It was plain white room with a two person table, I always wanted to add some colour but Tavi liked it so it stuck. I lit a few candles, I dimmed the lights and put a nice red tablecloth on the table, Tavi always liked the romantic stuff. I heard my alarm go off; I galloped into the kitchen and pulled the food out of the oven. I quickly served it on upon a plate and carefully set the table. I finished with a bottle of white wine in the middle. I heard Octavia shout “Vinyl, what’s that I smell?!” I smiled “It’s dinner, come into the dining room.” I smiled as she gasped “I hope you enjoy this little romantic dinner of ours.” Octavia smiled “I love it Vinyl, you charmer you.” I grinned madly as I guided her to the table. Octavia continued to look around “If this is how you treat the pony you love, well I’m a very lucky mare.” I smiled with a mock bow “Take a seat milady.” Octavia laughed “Come on Vinyl, let’s eat.” I picked up the knife and fork with my hooves, Octavia asked “Why aren’t you using magic?” I said “Rule one of Unicorn Etiquette when at a formal dinner with non-unicorns is you eat with your hooves. I must admit most high class unicorns who care about that stuff don’t dine with Earth Ponies so it’s not very well known.” Octavia smiled nervously “Oh.” I grinned “Relax, don’t worry too much. This is for you after all.” I smiled as we continued to eat in silence. After we finished I said “I’ll go and clean up the dishes.” Octavia smiled “Alright I’ll see you tomorrow.” She gave me a light peck on the cheek as she trotted towards her bedroom; I was beaming as I cleaned the dishes. > Chapter 2: Sorrow > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I woke up to the smell of honey, I grinned as I trotted downstairs. “That smells good, Tavi.” Octavia smiled as she tossed the pancakes onto the plate “After dinner last night it was the least I can do.” I asked cautiously “Where do we stand?” Octavia smiled “Well I think we are getting there, still we are a work in progress but if you keep up nights like last night we will be going places.” I smiled “Well I guess I will have to learn a few more recipes.” Octavia frowned “I have to go and pick up some supplies.” I asked “Can I come with, I don’t anything today?” Octavia frowned “It’s personal.” I said “Okay, I understand. I better go and get some more ingredients for another meal.” I trotted out into the square with a smile, it was a lot quieter today, I guess that’s what happens on a Sunday. She trotted over to the Green Hoof’s stand, he was standing there grinning madly “How did it go?” I smiled “It went brilliantly, I was hoping to pick up some more ingredients but with some turnips, as well as some spices.” Green Hoof gave me a large batch of ingredients in two bags “That will be 60 bits.” I pulled the bits out of my mane, I smiled “Thank you Green Hoof.” Green Hoof’s grin widened“Good luck with you mare.” He gave them two me in two paper saddlebags. I trotted along with the ingredients, I looked around and I saw Octavia trotting away from the hospital shaking. She saw me and galloped off, I frowned and galloped after her I blinked as the distance between us grew I quickly lost sight of her. I trotted home sadly, she left me all alone. I barged into my room and laid on my bed staring at the pale white ceiling, I felt tears running down my face “Why Tavi, I thought we were friends why did you run from me?” I fell asleep and woke in my bedroom, I saw Octavia glaring at me “I hate you, you’re pathetic, you couldn't even last a single day before I rejected you.” I cried “Octavia, please don’t leave me.” Octavia struck my face and trotted away “We never really friends, you were just a tool for my own ends.” Her grin struck me with fear, a voice boomed “Begone foul creature!” I watched as my bedroom room vanished leaving a pitch black clearing replacing it, I scowled as I saw Luna approaching. Luna sighed “We are sorry, we didn’t understand how you felt about her. We are here to apologise for our mistakes.” I growled “What are you doing here?!” Luna sat there “I wanted to help you, after all I have done to you I thought this would help us reconcile.” I screamed “Why now, it has been 3 years!” Luna sighed “It’s been rough, I have had to adapt to so much and I am kinda grounded for the incident, I am not allowed to leave the castle except for important events and Nightmare Night.” I sighed “I suppose I can’t be mad at you for adhering to your punishment, thanks for the apology.” Luna frowned “What brought this about anyway?” I slumped over “Octavia ran from me, I love her Tartarus be damned but she ran from me, she left me alone without a word.” Luna‘s horn glowed before she collapsed “Urghh she has a magic barrier around her mind, a powerful one and I can’t access her mind.” I smiled “Well thanks for trying, I‘m going to be honest I’m still a bit upset at you but I’m willing to to try to put our little incident behind us.” Luna smiled “Thank you, I’ll see if my sister can find your friend.” Luna glowed before disappearing allowing Vinyl to get some well needed rest. > Chapter 3: Revelations > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I awoke to the sound of knocking on my door, I forced myself to my hooves and after quickly brushing my electric blue mane into it’s usual form I headed down stairs. I opened the door and bowed in front of the tall glowing white figure “Princess Celestia, it’s an honour to…” Celestia shook her head at me “There’s no need for formalities, call me Celestia please. The reason I am here my sister informed me of your friends disappearance. I have located her, she is in a cave guarded by several of my solar guards, I feel you are the only one who can get through to her Miss Scratch.” I nodded “I’ll come and if you wish for me to call you Celestia then please call me Vinyl.” Celestia smiled “Very well Vinyl come with me, we have to get there soon or else she may find a way out.” We exited to see a golden carriage with four Pegasi guards at the front, I galloped and jumped into the carriage landing on a plush red seat “This is awesome!” Celestia giggled as she took a seat “I see what Octavia see in you” she then frowned “Octavia is a very special member of my subjects, you’ll see what I mean soon enough. I just hope it doesn’t scare you away from her.” I felt a sharp pain in my soul, I growled fire burning in my heart “I will not abandon her for any reason, she is my friend and maybe more soon!” I narrowed my eyes as Celestia frowned “I admire your conviction, but you have yet to show me that conviction is as strong as you claim it to be.” I glared at her as we got off the carriage, we walked out to a massive cave near the edge of Canterlot. Celestia turned to the guard as we approached the mouth of the cave, she pointed to me as she commanded “Step aside and let her in!” The guard saluted as they stepped aside, I entered the mouth of the dark cave. I could l see nothing but darkness, I lit up my horn to see what appeared to be a standard dark cave. Grey walls, stalactite hanging from the roof what however was different was the deep grey earth pony with red glowing eyes looking at me her bow tie lying on the floor. I galloped over “Octavia!” She looked a me with fear in her red slitted eyes “Vinyl, stay away. I will hurt you if you get any closer.” I frowned as I saw the glint of sharp fangs in her muzzle, I frowned “You’re a vampire….” my eyes widened “That’s why you went to the hospital, you needed to get blood.” Octavia whimpered “The blood set aside for Vampires was gone, someone had taken the last ones before I arrived so I tried to push you away so you wouldn’t be in danger.” I grimaced as I approached her “That was not your choice to make, it was mine!” She tried to look away but I approached with conviction, I lowered my neck towards her muzzle “Feed, my closest friend.” I watched as her narrowed to slits, I winced as her fangs pierced into my neck I could feel the warm blood trickling out of the twin wounds as she continued to feed. I took a deep breath as I heard Octavia bellow into my ear “What have I done, I fed on you! I shouldn’t have, I…” I shook my head a few moments “You have quite the pair of lungs but that’s not the point. The point is I let you feed on me, you are my friend and this is just another part of you Vampire or not you will always be friend” I gave her a chaste kiss “and perhaps more, now come on Celestia is waiting for us.” Octavia shivered “Alright we better inform her everything is alright before she has a fit.” I raised an eyebrow but didn’t question it, I levitated her bow tie in the air “I believe you need this.” Octavia nodded as she put it on the glow of her red eyes vanished replaced with a familiar mulberry colouration. I lit my horn to see Octavia smiling, her fangs nowhere in sight “This bow tie keep my vampiric side hidden and protects me from sunlight.” I tapped it “That is some grade a magic work, it would take a powerful mage to stack such powerful enchantments.” Octavia nodded as the two of us left the dark cave. Celestia glared at Octavia as she saw the two bite marks, Vinyl growled “I let her, she needed it badly! Don’t place the blame on her, all of this was an accident!” She then turned to Octavia “Let’s go home, I need some rest before the gig tonight.” Octavia smiled “I think I’ll come, It’s been a while since I’ve been to one of your shows.” I grinned as I placed my hoof on her wither “Close you eyes and we’ll be home soon.” I smiled as she did, I lit up my horn and we dissapeared in a flash of light “You can open them now.” Octavia opened her eyes “You can teleport?!” I laughed “Yes, it was one of the lessons in combat school. You wouldn’t believe how useful teleportation is in combat.” I blinked as I saw a flash and felt Octavia’s hoof on my back “Teleportation is a Vampire’s bread and butter, I know how useful it is.” I shook my head “I wasn’t expecting that, anyway I’ll get my glasses and then we can go.” I entered my room, my purple glasses exactly where I left them. I muttered “I must admit this is a light week, usually I have more gigs per week.” I turned around to Octavia sitting there, looking through some of my dresses. I shake my head “Octavia, we are going to a club. Even with your bowtie you will be overdressed, I would tell you to leave it behind but we both know that can’t happen.” Octavia nodded “Agreed..” I grinned madly “Follow me, it’s time to show you how DJ Pon3 brings the house down!” I begin to hum as she followed me through the streets of Canterlot , we arrived in front of a large club with pulsating purple lights that read ‘The Night Life.’ I grinned as looked at the large stallion in front of a massive line “DJ Pon3, this is my friend Octavia. We are going into the club.” The Bouncer nodded gruffly at us “Very well, looking forward to the show.” I pranced into the room dragging Octavia with me, I turned to her seriously “I hope you remember to keep a decent distance from the stage, it get very messy around there.” Octavia smiled “Good luck, show the crowd what you’re made of.” I grinned “Tavi when don’t I? This is what I live for.” I trotted up to the turntable, I roared “So who’s ready to party!” Griffins, Ponies, Minotaurs and Diamond Dogs cheered “Pon-3, we’re ready!” I grinned “Well then let’s get this party started!:” My grin widened as the music boomed outwards, I gave Octavia a smile as the wild sea of bodies grew more vibrant. Let’s just say Octavia and I had a great night. > Interlude: Perspectives > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deep in the Everfree Forest, the ruins of the once grand Castle of the Sisters were about witness the revival of a dark entity. Dark power begun to swell and the fearsome scourge of the night, Nightmare Moon formed anew. She grinned “It’s good to be back.” She then frowned “I need to gather intel about what is going on but I need to be discreet about it.” With the glow of her magic she transformed into a dark blue unicorn with a telescope on her flank. She trotted towards Ponyville, she entered the small town to see the massive crystal castle towering over the small town. Before she could even ask anypony about the castle a familiar pink party pony bounced excitedly in front of her “I’ve never seen you before, what’s you name?! Nightmare Moon took a deep breath “Starry Skies.” The pink party pony bounced up and down as she fired a huge cannon“I am Pinkie Pie, welcome to Ponyville Starry Skies!” Nightmare Moon was stunned at the huge party that was set up, she smiled slightly (I can face Celestia later, might as well enjoy myself for a bit. After all I have never had a party thrown for me before.) Pinkie Pie smiled as she pulled out a cupcake “Try it, you will like it. I promise.” Nightmare Moon cautiously looked at the cupcake, she took and she actually began to cry “This is delicious, I’ve never had anything as good as this before!” Pinkie bounced around her “Come on, there’s plenty of fun things to do.” Nightmare Moon got so into the party she actually forgot about her plans for the day. Meanwhile in Canterlot A mighty silver mansion stood, it was home to Silver Scratch matriarch of Scratch family and an ex-vampire hunter. Silver Scratch was holding a newspaper that had an image of Vinyl alongside Octavia, she frowned “I may have to pay my daughter a visit.” She levitated a picture frame off the silver mantle above the fireplace, there was a picture with three ponies. In the picture Silver Scratch was holding a small white filly with a electric blue mane while a massive dark blue pegasi stallion with a brilliant golden mane stood beside her. She smiled weakly “I will protect our daughter, Hurricane. I miss you.” She trotted over to the wall and pressed a button, a compartment a silver armour rested on the wall with a sharpened silver blade “I hope I don’t have to use you tomorrow.” She then closed the compartment as she prepared to get some rest. > Chapter 4: Family > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I woke up in my bedroom, I felt something warm resting on my body. I looked over to see Octavia foreleg resting over my body, I smiled contently in my marefriend’s embrace. Soon Octavia began to stir, I grinned “Good morning sleepy head.” Octavia yawned “Good morning Vinyl.” I smiled “You up for breakfast.” Octavia got off the bed with a yawn “I could us breakfast, that was a long night.” I shook my head as I looked over us, we were covered in a mix of white and red liquid “We made quite a mess in here. I’d say we have a shower first.” I giggled Octavia blushed profusely “That would be a good idea.” I smiled as the two of us entered the shower, I struggled to control myself as I slowly rubbed the shampoo into her coat, her tense muscles loosened as I massaged her with my soapy hooves. I grinned “You enjoying this because I am.” Octavia moaned under my hooves’ influence “Vinyl, don’t stop.” I grinned as I continued to massage her coat with my hooves. Soon it was her turn to wash my coat, I winced at first as the soap stung in the multiple bite marks but soon my pain was replaced with comfort. I struggled to stay standing as my muscles turned to putty. Her hoof work was masterful, playing my body as if it were her prized Cello. I was slightly disappointed when our shower ended and we dried ourselves off, we were about to have breakfast when I heard a knocking on the door. I frowned, not many ponies would come to my door this early. I trotted to the door and opened it cautiously, I raised an eyebrow as I saw my mother was in full silver armour with a sheath at her side “Mum, what in Celestia's name are you doing here and why are you so heavily armed?” My mother frowned as she looked over the bite marks “Who bit you?” I smiled “My marefriend Octavia did. She is inside, do you want to meet her?” My mother nodded with a smile, as soon as the two of us entered the room Octavia paled. Octavia’s eyes widened in horror “You’re Silver Scratch, the legendary vampire slayer.” I glared at my mother “When were you going to tell me about that?” My mother sat down on the floor “I retired from that life after I met your father, it was years ago. He was a vampire believe it or not.” I grimaced “So you have been hiding this from me as well, I never knew him and now you’re telling me he is a vampire.” I could feel my anger bubbling inside, I growled “Why couldn’t you trust me!” I feel my heart stop for a moment as my mother started crying “After what happened to your father I wished to keep you safe. Vampire hunters killed him and if they knew you were around they would have killed you as well, I kept the truth form you for you own safety.” Octavia filled with determination, trotted towards my mother and hugged her “I will protect your daughter with my life, I promise.” My mother turned to me trying to clear her tears “Take care of your marefriend, daughter. Don’t lose her like I lost Hurricane.” I nodded “I won’t, I love her. I will kill anyone who dares harm her.” Octavia slumped “So Commander Hurricane had passed away, he was my mentor. I wouldn’t be here without him, he taught me so much.” I blinked “Wait the Pegasus Commander in the Hearthswarming play, that Commander Hurricane? He’s my father?” My mother smiled “Yes, he was a powerful warrior. I couldn’t even scratch him and he spared me despite how many of his kind I had slain. I couldn’t get him out of my mind so I stopped hunting vampires and began looking for him.” I blinked “Wait so you gave up hunting for my father.” My mother nodded “I found him again after years of searching, he wasn’t exactly eager to see me again. I started providing him inside info about vampire hunters and how we operated, he started to open up to me as I helped him stop attacks on fellow vampires.” Octavia’s eyes widened “Wait you were his secret contact! You saved countless lives of our kind.” I took a deep breath “Okay, I’m going to make some breakfast and we will not say another word about this. I’ve had enough life changing revelations for one day.” I headed into the kitchen and began making a salad trying not to think about all that had happened that day. I returned to the table and placed the three salads down, my mother smiled at me“I haven’t seen you in a several years, what have you been doing lately?” I frowned “Well after I graduated I have been a DJ at multiple clubs and had a brawl with Princess Luna after she assaulted Tavi at a bar.” My mother frowned “You fought an Alicorn, that was very reckless.” I rolled my eyes “So is go after somepony who could easily kill but you did it anyway.” My mother sighed “That is true, I can be reckless as well. You got it from me.” I shook my head “Let’s just eat, I want some peace today.” Octavia smiled “I agree, it has been a long morning.” My mother nodded and we silently returned to eating breakfast hoping for a peaceful day. > Chapter 5: New to Ponyville > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I yawned (I can’t believe that pink pony threw a party for me, I have never had so much fun.) I jumped as I heard familiar voice “Good morning Starry Skies.” I turned around to see Princess Twilight Sparkle in the room, I can’t believe she was an Alicorn. Her special talent was magic and she was an Alicorn, I knew I couldn't best her. I gave her a weak smile “I had a long night last night.” Twilight giggled “I understand, Pinkie’s parties are pretty extreme especially if you are the guest of honour.” I rubbed the back of my head “So um, I have been away from Equestria for a while. I heard about Princess Luna’s return but not much else, I didn’t even know there was another Alicorn.” Twilight frowned “Well Discord returned not long after the defeat of Nightmare Moon, that wasn’t exactly pleasant. Still we reformed him later, he’s on our side now I think but I can’t really be sure with him.” I shuddered (So even if I won, I would have faced him. I thought Luna was telling me about a legend that couldn’t possibly be real. The fact that he is terrifies me.) Twilight gave me a look of concern “What’s wrong?” I sighed “I thought Discord was a legend, the fact he is real terrifies me. He could be watching us right now.” I panicked as I heard maddening laughter echo around us, I shivered in terror as I felt a snake like creature wrap around me. I was staring into a pair of yellow eyes with different sized pupils, Twilight snarled “Discord stop disturbing our guest!” I watched as Discord turned around, I couldn't see his face but judging from his tone he was very serious “I need to speak to our guest, this is serious Twilight.” Twilight looked at him for a few seconds, I was silently pleading for her to protect me unfortunately for me my prayers weren’t answered as she sighed “Fine but don’t hurt her.” Discord clicked his claws without a word and the two of us were standing in an empty space devoid of anything. I blinked “Where are we?” Discord clicked his claws and I felt my body grow, I looked to see I had returned to my true form. Discord looked at me gravely “Nightmare Moon, I have to ask one simple question? What are your plans for the future and don’t lie to me, I’ll know!” I slumped “I’m not sure, some part of me wants to continue with the original plan but at the same time I am enjoying having other who care for me.” I felt a claw on my wither, I looked up to see hims with a wry grin on his face “Trust me, it may seem silly but giving friendship a go will be good for you. Besides your plan is essentially Luna’s plan from a millennia ago, you are not Luna so I suggest you take this chance to be your own pony.” I shrugged as I transformed back into Starry Skies “I could give a go.” Discord grinned as she clicked his claws, I looked around to see I had returned to the corridor Twilight was in. Twilight gave me a worried look “You were gone for over an hour, I was really worried. Did Discord do anything bad to you?” I shook my head with a smile “No, it was actually quiet pleasant. Can you show me around Ponyville?” Twilight smiled “Sure, where do you wish to go first?” I blushed as my stomach answered for me with a mighty roar, Twilight giggled “Sugarcube Corner it is.” We exited the massive castle, I looked around despite the fact a Princess lived here the town was fairly small and everypony was friendly, I nervously waved at a few ponies who were at my party. We soon arrived at a building with a roof that looked strangely like it was made of some form of baked goods, Twilight smiled “Pinkie will be glad to see you.” We entered the building, before I could even say a word a pink blur knocked me over. I groaned as I looked at the fuzzy pink object in front of me “Get off you strange pink object.” The blue cleared revealing Pinkie standing over me, I stood up shaking out the kinks “Has anypony told you that jumping at a pony out of nowhere is going to hurt them.” Pinkie began to tear up, she then burst into tears “I’m so ssssssssssssssssssoooooooooooooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!” Twilight looked at me with a look what you did glare, I sighed giving the pink mare a hug “Look you didn’t really hurt me.” Pinkie’s tears started to dry up “Really?” I nodded with a smile “Yes, just be a little more careful, not everypony likes sudden surprises and it can put us on edge.” Pinkie started bounce again “Okey Dokey Lokey, I have some experimental cupcakes baking in the oven. Do you wish try some.” Twilight gave me a ‘this is a not good idea’ look, I replied with a look ‘what’s the worst that could happen.’ I turned to Pinkie with a smile “Sure.” Twilight looked at me incredulously “You just tempted fate.” I shrugged “I don’t believe in fate, I believe we are masters of our own futures. Destiny is a different matter, you can fail destiny’s call but fate is etched in stone.” Twilight nodded “That is an interesting perspective.” Pinkie bounced in with her cupcakes, I grinned as I looked at Twilight. I took a bite of one of the cupcakes and smiled “Delicious.” I raised an eyebrow as Twilight mumbled something about Murphy’s Law taking a day off, she took a bite and her face turned red as she screamed in agony and bolted for the nearest bathroom “Hot!” I shrugged as I grabbed another one of the cupcakes “What did you put in these Cupcakes anyway?” Pinkie frowned “I was testing out my Ghost Pepper Cupcakes, it seems there is a fundamental flaw.” I giggled “No, it’s just not for most ponies. I like them but you would find a better audience in dragons.” Pinkie grinned “That is a great idea, I’ll bake some more for Spike.” I turned to the bathroom to hear Twilight screaming “The water just makes it worse!” I sighed “I better help her, if I want to give the making friends thing a go than I need to actually help them. Maybe this will get easier with time.” I stood up and headed over to the bathroom. > Chapter 6: Family 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was the next morning, I awoke to hear the sound of cooking. I sat up and stretched, I called out “Octavia, are you cooking breakfast?” I heard Octavia call out “Vinyl, I need you to come down here. After yesterday, my parents decided to pay us a visit.” I gulped as I headed down the stairs, as soon as I entered the room I saw two earth ponies with red eyes glaring at me, Octavia’s mother had a dark blue coat with a similar mane to Octavia. Her father’s coat was similar to Octavia’s but with a bright golden mane. Octavia growled at them “What did I tell you about giving her a fair chance?!” Her father gave me a stern look “I’m High Octave, head of the Canterlot Orchestra. As far as I can tell you are just some hot shot DJ that thinks she can get with my daughter.” Her mother glared at me “I am Rigid Melody, the greets cellist in my generation. I won’t have you ruin my daughter’s future!” Octavia pulled off her bow, her red eyes glowing in fury “She protected me when Princess Luna wanted to have her way with me as if I was some cheap whore! Vinyl is brave and noble, if you can’t understand that then get out!” I spoke in a grave tone “Octavia, that is enough.” Octavia turned to me “But they disrespected you, I can’t let them…” I cut her off with a scowl “Octavia they are your family, I never got to know my father and my mother was always distant. You’re parents are concerned for your future, they may not like me but it comes from concern for your well-being. In the future I hope to earn their respect.” High Octave took a deep breath as his eyes met mine “I will get you a chance, you are earnest and honest. Something I don’t see in Canterlot often these days.” Rigid Melody turned to him incredulously “Are you crazy, she is a just a DJ who works at bars!” High Octave gave his wife a glare “This mare clearly cares for our daughter, I can’t tell you how many tail chasing stallions and mares I’ve seen look her way. Plus there is a guarantee she will accept all of us for what we are, very few ponies will.” I smiled “Well let’s eat this delicious breakfast that Octavia made.” We soon were all sitting at the table, Rigid Melody frowned “Who are you parents anyway?” I blinked as High Octave began gazing at my features, his eyes began to widen. He exclaimed “You’re Hurricane’s daughter, you have his firm jawline!” Rigid Melody’s eyes widened, she then looked over and gasped “You’re right, she is his daughter!” I frowned “How did you know my father, my mother Silver Scratch…” High Octave and Rigid Melody froze “Silver Scratch, the Vampire hunter! How are you her daughter?!” Octavia piped up “Silver Scratch was Hurricane’s informant. I’m unsure of why they didn’t suspect her.” I grimaced “Can we drop all this seriousness, I want to know more about you. I would like to know more about vampire history.” Octavia smiled at the change of topic “I remember that about three hundred years back our leader established the first blood bank of vampires. Her work inspires us all to this day.” I raised an eyebrow “Who is this leader exactly?” Rigid Melody giggled “We won’t tell you, she loves the reaction of when others find out who she is, it is one of the rules we aren’t to tell others who she is.” High Octave nodded with a smile “Quite, the sooner she meets you the better. Hurricane was a dear friends of his, how is he doing anyway?” I looked down darkly “I never got to meet him, hunters tracked him down.” High Octave slumped “I’m sorry, I didn’t realise.” Rigid Melody gave a sympathetic “This was quite a meeting. Still we both have a lot of work to do, I’m so sorry to have judged you so quickly. I hope you can forgive me one day.” I waved as they left, I sighed “When can we get a moment of peace and quiet.” Octavia smiled “How about now, I am glad that my parents have given you a chance” she then scowled “I just wish they would have been more trusting at the start but they weren’t.” I shook my head “It is a parents job to worry, my mother turned up ready for war remember. This went better than I expected.” The two of us took some time to relax unaware we would be under attack by some quite despicable ponies. > Chapter 7: Coming Celebration > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yesterday was interesting to say the least. Having to take care of Twilight while she recovered from Pinkie’s cupcakes took all day, it didn’t make today any more pleasant however. I groaned “Twilight, you don’t have to panic so much. It was just one day.” Twilight panicking “But I only have two weeks to prepare for Nightmare Night.” I shuddered, I knew what this was about. It was about me as well as all the horrid things that Luna and I had done, it made me sick to my stomach. I felt tears begin to run down my cheeks, I felt a hoof on my wither I felt as Twilight lifted up my muzzle and asked concern lacing her voice “What’s wrong?” I sobbed “Nightmare Night is a bad night for me, brings up bad memories. I did a lot of bad things on this night, and the holiday always reminds me of it.” Twilight gave her a sympathetic smile “That is in the past, I promise you that I will help you get over it. I will help you make peace with your past, maybe if you participated in the festivities this year you may have some fun and alleviate some of the bad memories associated with the holiday.” I tried to dry my tears “I could try but I’ll need your help. I am not used to this type of activity.” Twilight smiled “I will be willing to help you but maybe you should spend some time in town.” I nodded weakly “I could use the fresh air, I must admit I haven't done much in Ponyville other than visit Sugarcube Corner.” Twilight smiled “I’ll see you tonight, I have a lot go planning to get done.” I left with a sigh, I was worried. What could happen if they discovered who I really am? I shuddered, the thought of spending another thousand years on the moon terrified me. It was even worse to see Pinkie standing there amongst her fellow bearers, she was the first pony to ever show me kindness. I was so distracted by my own thoughts that I didn’t notice there was a pony in front of me. I tripped over, I looked down to see a butterscotch Pegasus mare with a light pink mane. The mare apologised “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to trip you over.” I shook my head “Nonsense, I wasn’t watching where I was going. You are not at fault, if anything you deserve my apology. I’m sorry for not paying attention to my surroundings.” I smiled “What’s your name?” The mare whispered quietly “Fluttershy.” Luckily I had better hearing then most, I smiled “Well Fluttershy I wish you a good day. I hope to see you around town sometime.” I was smiling, that went better than I expected. This whole Friendship thing wasn’t so bad. My ear swiveled as I heard a familiar voice scream, I galloped in the direction I came. I snorted in fury as I saw Fluttershy galloping into an alleyway as three Pegasi stallions followed her. I galloped in after them only to see nopony, I let out a low guttural growl as I shed my disguise. I marched forward to see the three stallions grinning at Fluttershy “She is a pretty one isn’t she, I’d say we have some fun.” I began approaching them when I saw Fluttershy cowering “Leave me alone!” Before any of them could say a word, I placed my hoof on one of their wither. I glared at them as they turned to face me, they froze in fear “Nightmare Moon!” I watched as Fluttershy looked up and her eyes widened in fear, I knocked out the three stallions with three swift strikes. I looked down as Fluttershy whimpered “Please don’t hurt me.” My heart tore in half, I was truly a horrible monster. They would never accept me for who I was, but at least they can accept my persona. That will be enough for me. I picked up the mare in my forelegs, my horn glowed as I teleported into Twilight’s castle. I sighed as Twilight eyes widened as she saw me holding Fluttershy, she growled “What did you do to her Nightmare Moon?!” Fluttershy hopped off, I frowned “She is fine, three stallions attacked her in an alleyway.” I teleported away, I had returned to the Alley when I resumed my illusion. I trotted through the town waving at ponies, I returned to the castle only to see Twilight and Fluttershy arguing. Twilight shouted “Nightmare Moon tried to plunge Equestria into an Eternal Night, Celestia needs to be informed!” Fluttershy shouted back “She saved me those Pegasi stallions, she deserves a second chance. We gave one to Discord, why can’t we give one to her!” I gave a weak smile, at least somepony was willing to give me a chance. I trotted into the room, Twilight smiled at me “Starry Skies, how was your trip through Ponyville.” I giggled “It was good” I winked at Fluttershy with a grin “I had a good trip.” Twilight looked between us “You two have already met, when?” I shrugged “I tripped over her, my thoughts were elsewhere at the time and I wasn’t paying attention where I was going.” Fluttershy growled “We are in the middle of an important discussion, don’t try to change the topic.” Twilight turned to me “What is your opinion on this matter?” I froze for a second, I didn’t what to be in this position. Still I knew what needed to be said, I sighed “I believe Celestia needs to be informed at least, it is unwise to leave a potential threat unattended. Twilight smiled as she galloped away ready to write the letter, I turned to Fluttershy who screamed “How could you?” I took a deep breath “Fluttershy, I need to speak to you somewhere private. I trust you and you trust me right.” Fluttershy raised an eyebrow “Of course.” The two of us found an empty room within the castle, I dispelled my illusion. Fluttershy blinked in shock “You are Nightmare Moon.” I sighed “Yes, I saved you because you needed it. Discord met with me not long after I arrived and told me that I could be more. He told me to give friendship a chance.” Fluttershy blinked “Then why did you condemn yourself so thoroughly.” I slumped “I am a monster, I saw the look in your eyes Fluttershy. The real me could never truly live here.” I reapplied my illusion “I am really tired today, I need to get some sleep.” I trudged out of the room ready to get some sleep, today was terrible. > Chapter 8: Plans for Nightmare Night > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I grinned as I was putting the finishing touches on my costume, I trotted out of the room with a grin, a pair of bat-like wings strapped to my back as well as a pair of fake fangs. Octavia frowned at me with disdain “What is that ridiculous costume you’re wearing for?” I pouted “This is my Nightmare Night costume, it makes me look like a Vampire.” Octavia glared at me “That costume is an insult to all vampires!” She then sighed “I’ll get somepony to make you a proper one, I wonder if Rarity could prepare something quick for you.” I grinned “Well I was planning to visit Ponyville for Nightmare Night this year. It is so much better than the stuffy Canterlot parties they hold here for Nightmare Night.” Octavia frowned “Well then we should pay Ponyville a visit, we can get you a proper costume and I can get an apology from a certain pink pony.” I was about to speak when I felt a pair of pink hooves grab me, I growled “Are you fucking kidding me right now!” My horn glowed as I fought to hold myself here, I sighed “Pinkie’s reality warping powers are pulling me to one of her parties, I’ll see you in Ponyville.” I took a deep breath as I was pulled through reality, I frowned to see I was sitting at a turntable my purple glasses has appeared on my face. I rolled my eyes as I put my hooves on the turntable and began playing one of my favourite tracks. I felt something strange in the air, I’ve always been able to detect pure dark magic but this was strong if stifled. My eyes narrowed at a dark blue unicorn with a telescope one her flank, I would have said something but she didn’t seme to be causing an issue. She was dancing with Princess Twilight, a smile on her face. I frowned, in truth I didn’t know much about Twilight other than the fact she couldn’t dance to save her life. Still the dark power I felt coming off her dance partner had me concerned, I shrugged it was not any of my business and this party was just another one of Pinkie’s parties. I just kinda drown them out, Pinkie has pulled me into her parties so many times. Once the party was over I saw Octavia standing there with Pinkie Pie, I trotted over to the two “Octavia, you are going to be civil right?” Octavia nodded before turning to Pinkie “I was performing at the Grand Galloping Gala and then you put on that song. I lost my home, if it wasn’t for Vinyl I would be out on the street.” Pinkie’s eyes widened as she teared up, she wrapped Octavia in a massive hug “I’mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm sssssssssssssssssssssssssooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ssssssssssssssssssssssssoooooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!” I pulled Pinkie off Octavia with a glow of my horn “You won’t get forgiveness by hugging her to death.” Octavia took a deep breath, she then looked at Pinkie “It’s forgiven, jus don’t do it again.” Pinkie nodded with a smile “I won’t, cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” I took a deep breath “Octavia and I need to go, we need to get my Nightmare Night costume ready.” Pinkie gave them a cheery smile “Okey Dokey Lokey, I’ll see you at my next party.” I took a deep breath as I waved with Octavia trotted beside me. Octavia raised an eyebrow at me “Why are you so tense, it’s not that pink mare is dangerous or anything?” My eyes widened “You have no idea do you, I felt her full power only once and that was when we met for the first time. I was hunting down a powerful demon that had escaped from Tartarus about a year before I met you.” Flashback I was tracking the Demon’s tracks, I smelt blood in the air. I approached where I suspected the Demon to be, I growled as I saw the massive bipedal dark blue demon standing before me. It’s deep menacing voice spoke “So you are the who has been following me.” I growled as I delivered a mighty blow to his face only for him to shrug it off like nothing, he chuckled “Impressive, I actually felt that. I usually don’t even feel the thud, still you are a potential threat and must be eliminated.” I gasped as I felt a huge punch slam into my gut, I could barely stand as the pain was so great. I closed my eyes as I knew death was coming, that I was going to die. Then I felt a huge pool of magic beyond anything I thought possible as if an endless ocean appeared in front of me. I opened my eyes to see a pink mare with a bouncy pink mane in front of me, she turned me to me with a smile “I’ll handle this.” The demon’s punch collided with her face only for it to stop instantly, she then turned around and with a single strike the demon exploded into a pile of blood. She then smiled “You’re DJ Pon3 right, I have a party tonight and could sue the help of a skilled DJ like you.” Present Day Octavia blinked “Wait Pinkie killed a demon from Tartarus?” I nodded “She could beat anypony if she wanted to. I have no wish to seen what a angry Pinkie Pie could do .” Octavia simply gulped as we arrived at Rarity’s door, she took a deep breathe and knocked on the door. I frowned as the pony that must be Rarity trotted out, she smiled “Octavia, are you here for another emergency repair?” Octavia shook her head “I need you to make us some high quality vampire costumes for Nightmare Night.” Rarity grinned “It would be my pleasure.” I sighed as I saw the glint in her eyes knowing we would be here for a long time. > Chapter 9: Nightmare Night > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I frowned as I forced myself out of bed, I had spent a large portion of the lats two weeks assisting Twilight with Nightmare Night preparations. Still I had a really bad feeling about the day as if my world was going to come crumbling down around me. I shook my head as I brushed my teeth and mane, such feelings would have to be quelled. I was going to try and have fun despite how much I disliked this day, I trotted out of my room to find Twilight. I trotted down the large Crystal Corridors only to bump into a strange unicorn that I had turned up a week ago for no apparent reason. She had a strange swirl as well as a star on her flank, she froze as she saw me approaching. I frowned “Who are you and why are you avoiding me?” The mare tapped her hooves together nervously, I sighed “At least give me your name.” The mare gave me a scared look “SSS-Starlight GGG-Glimmer.” I frowned “Starlight Glimmer there is no reason to be afraid of me, from what I can tell you mean nopony here any harm.” Starlight sighed “I’m not good with this social interaction thing, most of the interactions I’ve had with other ponies is the Anti-Cutie Mark Village I was running. I have a poor track record for dealing with other ponies, not to mention the time travel incident.” Twilight trotted over with a smile “Starlight, I’m glad you’re interacting with somepony other than me. That is a way to make more friends, now if you’d excuse me I’ve got to triple check the preparations for tonight.” Starlight sighed “I am Twilight’s friendship student, I have no idea about friendship or how it works. I have no idea why she forgave me in the first place.” I smiled “You don’t have brightest of past, well that’s something we share. In truth I don’t understand friendship very well either but I’m learning slowly. Maybe we can learn more together.” Starlight smiled weakly at me “I’d like that.” I grinned “Well then let’s go to Sugarcube Corner, I’ll explain a little about friendship I’ve learned on the way.” Starlight nodded at me meekly, I raised an eyebrow as she was looking around nervously “What’s wrong, you’re safe here aren’t you?” Starlight rubbed the back of her head “I get lost really easily in this castle, I am just staying close to you so I don’t get lost.” I rolled my eyes and teleported us out of the castle, I frowned “Now first rule of friendship and this is important you must put the needs of others above your own sometimes.” Starlight frowned “But how am I supposed to know when is the right time?” I smiled as we trotted along “Well if your friend’s mouth is on fire from eating something too spicy you help her through it. I spent a whole day nursing Twilight when her mouth was on fire because she ate some Pinkie Pie’s Ghost Pepper Cupcakes.” Starlight blinked “Oh, that makes sense. So help your friends when they’re in distress, but what about magic.” I frowned “Magic is not to be used on others, it is a tool to help ponies. Nopony appreciated being cursed, so don’t do it. Think about how you would feel if they did it to you.” Starlight nodded “Okay, that does make sense. Thanks Starry.” We arrived in Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie bounced placing some cupcake in front of us. She grinned “These are my experimental Nightmare Night Cupcakes, I hope you enjoy them.” I raised a hoof “Let me try one first before you do, as your friend I should make sure there aren’t any nasty surprises.” I took a bite, I grinned as the strong taste of manticore filled my mouth. I shook my head “Starlight, don’t eat it. Pinkie Pie put Manticore Meat in these Cupcakes.” Starlight looked almost like she was going to be sick, she took a few breathes as I gobbled up the cupcakes. When Pinkie bounced out, I frowned “Pinkie you may want to save these for your carnivorous guests. Manticore is not typical pony food, I like it but most won’t.” Pinkie smiled “Thanks for the feedback” she then bounced back into the kitchen. I smiled “Providing advice is part of being a good friend but you must word it carefully as to not hurt their feelings.” Starlight rubbed her head “This is complicated.” I smiled “I’ll try to break it down for you.” Several hours later we returned to the castle after I had explained the nuances of friendship and general social interaction. It was dark when they returned, I entered to see Twilight smiling at us. She looked at me “I’ll help you get rid of the bad memories of Nightmare Night.” I jumped as I heard a bolt of lightning go off, my eyes narrowed as I saw Rainbow Dash in a Wonderbolts costume. She laughed “The look on your faces.” I snarled “I didn’t find that funny!” I stormed off in another direction. I heard galloping, I glanced sideways to see Twilight beside “I’m sorry for Rainbow’s actions. She doesn’t always think before she acts.” I took a deep breath “I’ll be fine Twilight, I just need some time alone.” Unfortunately fate would not be kind to me,. As we moving through I saw Princess Luna fly down imitating my form cackling evilly at the foals “Give me your candy or I will gobble you up!” A fire burnt inside me (This what ponies thought of me, yes I liked my meat but I would never eat a pony.) I watched as she transformed back to normal, I was furious. I snarled as I approached the Alicorn with fire in my eyes “How dare you make a mockery of me!” Luna growled “Who are you and how dare…” I got closer as my illusion vanished my slitted eyes glaring at her “You get live a normal life while I have to hide, you made me Luna! Yet while you get off free with no restriction while I am hated for the crimes we committed. You wanted it as much as I did and then you forced all the blame onto me!” Luna growled “I will finish you Nightmare Moon, you cursed mare!” I put up a shield blocking the spell only to hear Twilight growl as she glared at me “So you were pretending to be one of us this whole time, Nightmare Moon! Trying to strike us while we were down!” My heart shattered as I saw her horn charge up, the friendly face by my side now hated. I closed my eyes dropping my barrier as Twilight and Luna’s blasts flew towards me, I was a monster unworthy of redemption. I should have just died, I waited for a minute or two only for nothing to happen. I opened my eyes to see Discord holding Luna’s blast in his claws while Pinkie was holding Twilight’s blast. Discord glared at Luna “What do you think you are doing?” Luna snapped “She is a monster, she hurt countless ponies.” Discord snapped back“So was I, I am on my third chance! So tell me why do I deserve three chances while she only deserves one!” Pinkie spoke “He is right you know, I knew it was her from the beginning. Discord is our friend, why not her. She has been trying harder then you realise, heck she has been helping you. She has been by your side for the last two weeks helping you prepare for Nightmare Night!” I looked about to speak when we all heard loud feral like howl. I looked at Luna, who looked back at me “Werewolf.” This night just got a whole lot more complicated. > Chapter 10: Bitten > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I yawned as I woke, tonight was Nightmare Night. In truth over the last two weeks we have been trying to get life to return to normalcy, the whole family conundrum had left us exhausted, I frowned (I think we need to go some fine high end restaurant, Octavia would like that.) I heard the sound of Octavia’s Cello, she usually only played at night. I facehooved, we were going out for Nightmare Night, she wanted to get her practice in today at some time. I trotted down stairs only to see a plate of pancakes on the table, Octavia was playing her Cello in front of her own empty plate. I simply casually ate my pancakes while listening to her beautiful melody waft through the air with ease. I began to hum to the melody, Octavia was an amazing cellist and it showed. I hummed quietly to Octavia’s music. Twenty minutes after I finished eating Octavia opened her eyes, she blinked “How long have you been sitting there?” I smiled “Thirty minutes, you were caught up in your own little world. Your music is beautiful.” Octavia blushed “Thanks Vinyl” she then shook her head “I have to do something before I go, somepony needs to know I will be leaving Canterlot. She will let me but she needs to be informed.” I nodded with a frown “It sound important and private. I won’t pry into it but return soon I need your help to figure out the costume you want me to wear.” Octavia rolled her eyes as she exited the apartment, I levitated Octavia’s Cello back into it’s case. I then trotted upstairs with a smile, tonight was going to be great. I hummed as I levitated several music sheets over with a grin, I looked at the different notes with a smile. It was a dream of mine to publish my own song album but I never had the funds for it. I sighed as I levitated a few music sheets over to write on, I spent the next few hours writing out lyrics as I hummed. I grinned as I heard knocking on my door, I trotted over and opened the door Octavia smiled “So you want to try on that costume, we should get going. I want to make sure you know how to put on your costume.” I levitated out my costume with a smile “So how do I put this on exactly?” Octavia rolled her eyes “I’ll just help you,it will be faster.” I lifted my legs as she opened up the dark blue, full body suit. I placed my front hooves in then my back hooves. She then pulled it up over my back, I felt a chill as two wings flared out from behind me. Then I felt my ears shift and my teeth sharpen, I turned to Octavia as I experimentally flapped the wings “Wow, they feel like the real thing.” Octavia giggled “That’s point Vinyl, I’ll go and get mine then we can head to Ponyville.” I grinned “I’ll be waiting outside for you.” I trotted out of the building my body shaking in anticipation, my jaw dropped as Octavia exited. The suit perfectly showed her curves while emphasizing the lean muscle underneath her coat. Octavia giggled “You really need to control those wings of your.” I blushed as I saw my wings had stiffened, Octavia continued giggled “Let’s go, we don’t want to be late.” It took a few minutes to shake myself out of my stupor and I galloped over to Octavia’s side. We quickly boarded a train, we smiled as I saw several other ponies wearing different Nightmare Night costumes. There was a mummy, three zombies, a ghost and several other weird costumes that I couldn’t identify. We arrived in Ponyville as the sun set, I frowned “That took longer than I expected, it’s already dark.” Octavia shook her head “On Nightmare Night, the moon is lowered three hours early. A gift for Luna from her sister apparently.” I laughed as I saw Pinkie in a chicken costume “That is a classic Pinkie Pie costume but right now I want to do some Apple Bobbing.” Octavia blinked “Apple Bobbing, what is that?” I grinned “I’ll show come on.” I trotted toward a tub full of green liquid and apples, I stuck my head into the liquid and grabbed an apple with my teeth pulling it up to the surface. I beckoned to Octavia “You try?” Octavia shook her head “No thanks, I’m not really interested.” I grinned “Well then let’s go and sign up for the Everfree Forest Treasure Hunt. It is a fun activity.” I then sighed as I saw the line , I looked ta Octavia with a smile “I’ll get the tickets, there is plenty of fun activities in Ponyville tonight.” Octavia sighed “Fine, just stay out of trouble.” I grinned “I’m in a line ,there isn’t much that could go wrong.” I hummed as the line slowly decreased, I giggled as I saw Pinkie dragging Octavia over to play pin the tail on the pony. Soon I was at the front of the line, I smiled as I put some bits down on the table “I am here for the Everfree Forest Treasure Hunt, I need two tickets one for and another for my marefriend.” The teal unicorn sitting in a strange way that was more common for Minotaurs “Here you go Vinyl, you’ve quite a catch.” I grinned “I know Lyra, maybe I’ll see you around Canterlot.” Lyra smiled at me “Maybe.” I headed towards Octavia who gave Pinkie a smile as soon as she saw me“I’m going to go on the Everfree Forest Treasure Hunt with Vinyl now.” She then grabbed me pulling us towards the entry was with our tickets, after we entered the forest. I frowned “That was abrupt.” Octavia shook her head “I needed some time away from Pinkie, she is just too much for me to deal with for an extended period of time.” I sighed “I understand that, she can be a bit much at times” I the turned to Octavia with a grin “Let’s go looking for the treasure hiding in the forest.” I burst into a gallop as Octavia shouted bursting into her own “Wait for me!” I grinned “We need to be quick or else somepony will find the treasure before we do!” I then heard a loud howl coming from nearby, it would have meant nothing if it wasn’t for that that something leapt at me biting in my wither, I screamed in agony. The creature leapt back, my eyes widened as I saw the dark blue earth pony with razor sharp teeth and thick ragged fur. I then felt dreadful pain shoot through my body, I screamed as my bones felt like they were tearing themselves apart, my vision blurred. I felt my bones rending my flesh as they shot out of my back, I screamed at the top of my lungs “Octavia! The pain then begun to lessen eventually fading to nothing, I opened my eyes to see Octavia bleeding all over as she was pinned down by Luna. I felt power surge through my back as I felt large bat-like wings unfurl, I instinctively flapped my wing flying towards Luna pushing her off Octavia. I lifted the Alicorn up in my claws “Give me one reason I shouldn’t tear you limb from!” A voice spoke “Because we should talk about this civilly, I have no intention of fighting you.” I turned to see Nightmare Moon standing there, I frowned “Why should I trust you?” Nightmare Moon gave a me a grin “Because if I wanted to fight I wasted a perfect opportunity to get the drop on you.” She then smiled “I’ll restrain Luna from doing anything rash, I cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eyes.” I shrugged as I got off Luna who was instantly pulled to Nightmare’s side, who bound her wings and horn. I frowned as I had no idea what I was in for “Very well let’s talk.” I just hoped this would end well. > Chapter 11: Truth > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I frowned as I was sitting across from the white Vampire/Werewolf Unicorn healing the Vampire Earth Pony’s wounds, Luna growled at me “Why are we listening to them, one is a Vampire and the other is a hybrid of a Vampire and Werewolf!” I glared at her “Luna, we were once the same pony. I remember the Vampires and Werewolves that we fought, they were wild and uncontrollable but look at the two of them, you attacked first.” I then turned to the two of them “I never caught your names.” The unicorn cautiously watched me “I’m Vinyl Scratch, and this is my marefriend Octavia. What do you want from us, I don’t trust either of you right now. One of you tried to cause Eternal Night and the other tried to sexually assault my marefriend, we weren’t dating at the time but still.” My eyes narrowed as I turned to Luna “Are you kidding me, Luna! Being a Princess doesn’t mean you can sleep with anypony you want, I’m half convinced to let them go on that alone!” I turned to Vinyl and Octavia “Look, how about I make this simpler. I’m sure you have somepony in charge of you or else you wouldn’t be capable of hiding for so long.” Octavia sighed “I could arrange a meeting but you two will have to meet with her. She is holding a very special meeting in the Canterlot Caves under the Castle.” I took a deep breath, I was not eager to go to Canterlot. Celestia if she found out about me would flay me alive, still I had little choice in the matter. I nodded “Very well, contact her as soon as possible.” I raised an eyebrow Octavia closed her eyes, I gritted my teeth as I saw her wince as if she had been scolded. Then her eyes were forced open as a pair of much fiercer red eyes than Octavia's stared at me, Octavia’s boss let out a fierce snarl “Nightmare Moon, how are you alive?!” I frowned “The elements of Harmony can’t kill remember, it took me a while to reform my body. What it did do was make Luna and I separate ponies, a certain Lord of Chaos told me to be own pony instead of following Luna’s old plans. I hope you can understand that.” Octavia’s boss sighed “Meet me in Canterlot in an hour and please wear a disguise. I believe an explanation from me is long overdue” she then turned to Luna “I wish to speak to you as well.” Octavia then groaned as the voice left her head “I hate it when she does that.” Vinyl gave Octavia a concerned look “Are you alright Tavi?” Octavia nodded to Vinyl, I giggled “You two make a cute couple, I don’t think it will be long before you two hear the chimes of wedding bells.” They both blushed “I believe we have a long way off before that happens.” Luna frowned “Could you unite me so we could and visit their mysterious boss. I’m very concerned there is a vampire that can get access to the Canterlot Catacombs.” I gave her a fierce look as I undid her restraints “You won’t act out of hoof, I am trying to get this to go peacefully and if it doesn’t then we will have an issue.” I returned to my unicorn disguise “So how are we getting to Canterlot?” Vinyl cast a simple illusion over herself while Octavia picked up her bow-tie. I blinked in confusion as she returned to he normal Earth Pony self “How does that bow-tie work?” Octavia smiled “A simple illusion spell that also protects me form sunlight during the day.” Vinyl grinned as her horn glowed and we all were suddenly in Canterlot, I sighed “Right, I forgot about that. I didn’t think anypony in this group other than Luna or I could teleport us here and if I did it would draw attention to me.” Luna muttered “I would have teleported us.” I rolled my eyes “You hate everypony else here, I can’t trust you enough to do that.” Octavia shook her head “Vinyl and I will lead, none of you know the entrance to the meeting place.” It was quiet as we trotted through the sleeping city, we approached a small cavern entrance. I dispelled my illusion as we entered, I frowned “How much further?” Octavia pointed to a brightly lit chamber “That is where we gather.” We entered I was shocked, several fancy chairs were positioned around neatly decorated tables. Luna snarled as pointed at red packs on the tables “That’s blood, where do you get that?!” Vinyl raised an eyebrow “They come from hospitals don’t they, blood donations.” Octavia nodded “Yes, that’s exactly where they come from. It’s an initiative to keep us from feeding off live ponies.” Before either could speak a white unicorn mare galloped in, her eyes widened in horror as she saw Luna and Nightmare Moon. Vinyl blinked at the vampiric unicorn’s red eyes “Fleur De Lis, when did you become a vampire?” Before any response could be made a voice spoke “I see you got my message.” I turned around and froze as I saw the mare I hoped I would never who I truly was, I looked over the white mare, her red slitted eyes glaring at me as her aurora like mane and tail flowed effortlessly in the wind while hr large bat-like wings bristled against her sides as if ready for action “Celestia…” Celestia frowned “Nightmare Moon, what are your plans. I need to know, do you want to cause Eternal Night.” I shook my head “Not anymore, Pinkie, Discord and Fluttershy showed me what it was like to be loved and to be happy.” Celestia sighed “I can’t be mad at you, not any more then I am at myself. It wouldn't have happened if I just payed a little bit more attention to my sister.” I turned to Luna who was stunned, I poked her muzzle a few times. I looked at Celestia “I think we broke her.” Celestia giggled “I know what will help.” I sighed, today was just getting more complicated. I wished I was back in Ponyville. > Chapter 12: Truth Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I was fuming slightly this was so much to take in, Princess Celestia was a vampire. I was getting a little sick of these surprises. I jumped as Luna shouted “Why didn’t you tell me?!” I frowned as a Celestia slumped “Because I am jealous, I have always been jealous. You get to command the night while I have to raise the sun, I have to feel my flesh burning all day. I ignored you because I didn’t understand how you could be jealous of me.” Nightmare Moon frowned at them “So, I have an idea. I know a mare who could help you, she has the ability to control ponies special talents. Maybe she could swap them both for you” she smiled at Luna“you can get the recognition she wants” she then turned to Celestia “and you can live amongst your own kind.” Celestia and Luna looked at her “We’re listening.” Octavia grabbed me “Vinyl, you I believe this is getting private.” I nodded “Okay but what do we do. The princesses and Nightmare Moon are kind of busy.” Octavia frowned “You’re taking this better than I thought, I was expecting you to freak out.” I deadpanned “Yes this is weird but I work with Pinkie Pie on a regular basis. If I couldn’t handle weird I would be in a mental hospital by now.” Octavia blushed “Well, I want to introduce you to some of my friends.” I nodded, we trotted over to ponies. My eyes widened as we got closer, Fleur’s vampire form was not what court off guard, it was the flaming orange werewolf next to her “Spitfire!” A vampire flew over to us, I blinked “Wait you’re Sassy Saddles, you work for Rarity don’t you?” Sassy Saddles nodded before glaring at Fleur “Clover, I can’t keep up with you!” I blinked “Clover, wait as in Clover the Clever. But I thought you were dead!” Fleur looked at Spitfire and Sassy who both nodded, Fleur smiled at me “Well Celestia made the six Hearthswarming Heroes vampires or werewolves. I’m Clover the Clever, Sassy Saddles is Princess Platinum and Spitfire is Private Pansy.” Pansy grimaced “I hate that name. I got teased about it so much.” I frowned “Where are Smart Cookie and Puddinghead?” Platinum smiled “They are off on missions, they are the most active out the six of us except for Hurricane…” she paused “You look a lot like him now that I think about it.” I sighed “He’s my father. My mother told me he looked at peace when he was buried.” Octavia gave me a soft hug “It will be alright.” Clover facehooved “It seems you don’t know much about Royal Vampires, and you should as your father was one. Not to mention you are hybrid, which while not extremely odd is something to be considered.” Pansy nodded “Royal vampires don’t leave bodies behind when they die, if Hurricane was buried in a coffin then he is still alive.” I sighed “Well that’s great, it means that my father has spent the last who knows how many years unconscious in a coffin. I wish I could have met him when I was a foal.” Clover smiled “Well now is your chance, the Princesses will be busy for a while. I’m sure you can go and did up your father, he just needs a little bit of blood.” Octavia smiled “I would love to meet your father, he is a legend amongst our race.” I grinned “Well let’s go, I need to meet my father for the first time!” I burst into a gallop as I dashed away. Octavia frowned as she joined me now in her earth pony guise “Aren’t you forgetting something?” I blushed as I put an illusion over myself. It wasn’t long before we were at my family’s home, I teleported us over the grave and dissolved my disguise as we looked at the grave. I sighed as I began digging, it wasn’t long before my mother jumped out of the window with a silver blade and torch in her magic. She looked at me and shrieked “What are you doing?! That is your father’s grave!” I scowled “He’s not dead, just unconscious.” I tossed the coffin out of the hole, and pulled it open. I cut my arm open and blood dripped into my father’s mouth. He leapt into the air with a grin “That was a nice nap!” My mum and I were glaring at him in unison, he gulped “Did I do something wrong!” My mum snapped “You left me alone, having to raise our daughter on my own! You have a lot of explaining to do!” I smiled at Octavia “Come on in, and watch as we chew out my dad for the next couple of hours.” We both entered the house, this was going to be fun. > Chapter 13: Dream > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I wander through the realm of dream, not something I would do had not Luna gave me permission. I was looking for a specific pony, I frowned as saw Starlight’s dream. She was crying as as she saw a dead realm surrounding her, my eyes widened as I saw a purple, blue, yellow, pink, white and orange hooves shoot out of the ground revealing zombified versions of the Elements of Harmony. I growled my horn glowing with power, I let out powerful wave of magic that shattered the Nightmare. I approached Starlight with a warm smile “The Nightmare is gone. You’re safe.” Starlight’s eyes widened as she looked up “Nightmare Moon!” I slumped as she galloped away into the darkness, she is scared of me. I felt tears welling up in my eyes, I then heard Starlight’s voice “Why are you crying? I thought you were a monster?” I frowned “I was but I’ve changed. Did you come back because I was crying?’ Starlight blushed “I got lost, I’ve never been good with directions.” I giggled “I remember, you needed me to teleport out of the castle.” Starlight’s eyes widened “You’re Starry Skies, you tried to be my friend and I ran off at the first sight of your true self.” She then wailed tars flowing out of her eyes “I’m a bad friend.” I sighed as I pulled her into a hug “You’re not a bad friend, you just made a mistake because you didn’t know it was me.” I fronted “Twilight should have told you? Speaking of which why weren’t you out with everypony else.” Starlight started to dry her tears “I didn’t feel welcome, I’m an outsider who has caused a lot of trouble. Twilight has been too kind to me.” I gave her a weak smile “I am responsible for almost dooming Equestria to an eternal night twice, Luna has moved on from that as have I and soon you will too.” Starlight smiled weakly at me “Thanks, I needed that.” I shook my head “I didn’t come here just for a social call, I need your help with something in Canterlot. I don’t wish to intrude but you are the only pony who can do this.” Starlight eyes widened “Are you sure? There could easily be somepony more qualified.” I smiled “There isn’t, you are the only one. I’ll see you soon.” Starlight gave me a weak smile “I’ll see you in Canterlot then.” I left the dream realm with a smile “Thanks Starlight.” I returned to the guest room where I was staying, I looked at Luna and Celestia “Are you completely sure this is what you want?” Luna nodded “We have been kind of avoiding the real issues between us for too long, I was scared of making a mistake and kept all my misgivings to myself. I’m glad we got to confront this before it hit breaking point and it damaged out relationship permanently.” Celestia sighed “I hid my own problems away from the world and brought harm to my little sister all because I didn’t listen. Because I devoted too much effort into being ‘the perfect leader’” she then looked at me with conviction in her eyes “I will not let this happen again!” I smiled “Good, tommorow everything will change for the better I hope.” Celestia and I returned to our slumber while Luna performed her duties, I awoke the next morning as Celestia’s sun peaked through the windows. I grumbled “Stupid sun.” I trotted out of the room only for several ponies to scream “Nightmare Moon is here to eat us!” I sighed “Well that went well, I had to sneak in here last night so profitably just leaving the room wasn't smart.” I trotted towards the throne room, the guards in the halls drew their spears as I approached. The guards in front of the entrance to the Throne Room glared at me, I frowned as I heard somepony shotued “Princess, you can’t be serious. Your sister isn’t experience enough to handle the subtly of modern politics.” I raised an eyebrow “Why does Celestia allow those petulant children argue with her like this?” I grinned “I’ll show those foals what it means to mess with an Alicorn.” I turned into smoke and entered under the door before thew guards could react, I flew up to the roof as I saw Celestia frowning at the noble who continued to prattle on. I grinned as I covered the room in dark shadows, Celesta and the nobles lit their horns as they looked around, Celestia commanded “Who’s there?!” My voice boomed as my slitted eyes glowed “I’m just here to show some petulant foals what it means to deal with an Alicorn. I levitated the arrogant noble who was shouting at Celestia and threw him out of the building. I then dispelled the darkness and glared at the nobles “Anypony here willing to mess with me.” The large group of snobby nobles fled the castle, Celestia frowned “Why did you do that, I had the situation under control?” I rolled my eyes “Celestia, you can’t let the nobles stomp on you like that. Besides I’m confident Luna would do the same, and those lazy ponies need a kick up the flank.” Celestia frowned “Speaking of which, we should go and meet with your friend soon.” I nodded knowing that this will have a profound impact on Equestria.