Under a Crimson Moon

She was back on the farm looking out over the fields her family owned. The old barn that still needed a fresh coat of paint. The ranch house that now had broken windows and a door swaying in the wind. Even the tractor, though now unusable with it's side smashed in. It was all just like the last time she saw it.

Her eyes were drawn back to the barn. She knew what lay within, what she had brought upon them all. Just as she knew who it was who stood behind her. The identity of the monster that took liberties to run a tongue up her neck.

“Shall we go my love?” The deep bass of the man's voice only made the mocking tone sting more.

“You lied. You son of a bitch you lied!” She screamed as she turned around only to feel the man backhand her. They both knew he could have taken her head clean off if he had willed it. As it was she fell to her side in a daze.

“I never lie. You bargained them being let go in return for yourself. I kept up my end and let them go, pity you never specified condition or manner though.” Clutching her head he pulled her painfully to her feet. “Now you are mine, my bride!” She screamed as his mouth opened impossibly wide before the monster lunged for her.

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

With a gasp Krystal opened her eyes and looked around her in a blind panic. Slowly she realized where she was and what had transpired the day before. Shaking she sat up and hugged her knees to her chest. Gently she rocked herself on the bed as she tried to forget what the dream had made her remember.

“He's dead. The son of a bitch is dead. That wasn't how it happened, remember? You watched him burn yourself. He's dead. He's dead.” She repeated the mantra for another moment as she got herself back together. Slowly she moved to where she sat on the side of the bed and continued to gasp in short breaths. Focusing she controlled her breathing and slowed to long deep breaths as she let the fear and pain from the dream flow away. "Stupid, one little comment over dinner and you start acting like this?" She whispered as she angrily berated herself.

Taking a final deep breath the woman noticed that it was still dark, and that the moon shone down through the window. Dressing herself in her clothes from the day before she opened a window into the cool night air. Below her the ground beckoned from a fifty foot fall, with the outer wall a short way across a courtyard. Not a guard was in sight of her window. With a smile Krystal jumped out her window.

She landed on her feet but the impact was hard, and all along her body she felt bone splinter before almost instantly mending itself. Krystal knew she was being reckless with her power, that the very real possibility was that she would run out and be dead within twenty-four hours. But if that were the case, she might as well enjoy herself and explore. It was better then waiting around for death.

Keeping to the shadows she silently swept along the castle grounds. The yards were silent, and aside from the few guards on the walls the human came across nobody. Creeping along a hedge she peeked around the corner to spot Princess Luna in the middle of a courtyard. Surrounded by a blue glow a large sword swept through the air in intricate patterns that would be impossible if held by a human.

The human took a few moments to admire the dance of Luna's blade in the moonlight. After a bit she decided to approach the princess, and Krystal stood in the shadows before walking boldly into the moonlight. Luna noticed her spectator and the sword came to a rest leaning on her side. “Good evening Princess. A bit late for sword practice isn't it?” the woman called out cheerfully.

Luna tilted her head to the side, a mirthful smile on her face as she replied. “I would ask of you the same, Krystal Smith. Is it not late for a stroll?”

“Oh, just a bit of trouble sleeping. Probably with being in a new land and all.” Krystal half admitted. “So I decided to aquatint with the castle.”

“In the middle of the night?”

The human simply shrugged, “What can I say? I'm a night person. How about you?”

A smile crept across the princess's face, “Well I am the princess of the night, in charge of the moon and star lit skies.”

“In charge of?” Krystal raised her eyebrow, “What do you mean you are in charge of the moon? Like an astronomer or something?”

Luna looked shocked at the question, “Don't you have someone in charge of the moon in your world? Who keeps the moon ever present in the night sky?”

With a shake of her head the woman pondered that, the ponies could control celestial objects? Suddenly she was glad she hadn't tried to surprise these ponies or had to escape from a cell. If they could teleport, and control celestial objects she doubted even her own power could match theirs, and wasn't keen to test the theory.

“Well no, no one controls the moon in my world.” Krystal admitted, “It doesn't work like that. In fact most humans would be surprised at the possibility of magic at all let alone the thought of anyone controlling the moon in my world.”

“But not you?” Luna tilted her head inquisitively.

“Not really,” Krystal admitted. “I have had experience with magic before. It's pretty weak, but it's still there if you know where to look in my world.”

“I see,” Luna said sadly as she looked upwards to the moon. “In a way I envy your world then Krystal Smith.”

The woman just smiled, “Please Princess, Krystal alone would be fine. But if you don't mind me asking, why would you envy not being in charge of the moon?”

“How would you yourself feel about being in charge of your own cell of a thousand years?” Luna replied without shifting her gaze.

“That...well I can't honestly say Princess.” Krystal admitted as she too looked upward. Then a thought hit her, “Wait how was the moon your cell? What do you mean a thousand years?”

Luna sighed, “I was told that I once grew so jealous of my sister that I began a war in Equestria. At the final hour of my victory, Celestia had to use the Elements of Harmony to stop me. With these same elements she banished me to the moon for a thousand years.”

Krystal simply raised an eyebrow, “Well if you don't mind me saying, you and Celestia look good for a thousand years your highness.” Luna blushed at the compliment. “Hold on, you said 'I was told'. What does that mean, and how did you live a thousand years?”

Luna look flustered before turning her head, “I-I don't remember much of back then or my time on the moon, so my sister had to help me with that.” The princess's voice grew soft, but insistent. “As for your second question, I can not answer that. Please understand.” Her tone was soft, but showed no hesitation on keeping her secret.

What does that mean, she can't answer? Krystal thought as she narrowed her eyes in thought. There is that feeling again, like something is running deeper then what you can see. Question is, do I want to get involved?

“Very well Princess. I won't pry into your life, and leave you to your practice.” Krystal said politely as she made to leave. While she turned away she heard a hesitant voice from behind her.

“A-actually, may we talk again? I enjoyed the short talk, or having anypony to talk to really. Not many ponies are awake in the castle besides the guards.” Luna said as she blushed heavily. As Krystal looked back she could tell that having to ask was the last thing the princess wanted to do, but there was something else painfully evident to the human.

Lonely. She is a princess of the night and she is lonely. Krystal realized with a start, And I really doubt that having been an exile has left people lining up to be near her. Krystal reflected on that. She herself could relate, most people had trouble being around her once they found out her own secrets. However one of her driving tenants anymore was to never hurt a person who has shown kindness to her. This princess who hardly had an inkling to the woman's true nature had already spoken on her behalf, but would it be right to get close to her? How would Luna react to the true nature of the secrets Krystal kept within?

She realized that she needed to know one thing first, “Why?” Luna looked confused at the question. Tilting her head she looked uncertainly at the human.

“Why what, Krystal?”

“Why be friends with me? Why did you speak up for me against your sister?” The human explained. To this the princess began to paw at the dirt with a hoof while blushing, and after a moment she seemed to muster up the courage to look up again.

“You feel....comfortable. Like I have known you far longer then I actually have. Like we share something between us, some...affinity.” She tried to awkwardly explain.

Krystal rubbed at her chin with a hand, “You mean like both of us enjoying the night air?” She said with a grin.

“Yes,” Luna nodded. “I know it sounds strange, but I want to be...friends?” Though she tried to hide it, Luna couldn't keep the hopeful tone out of her voice, and Krystal thought on it. Maybe it was a risk to have connections with people, or in this case ponies, again. But she was in a strange world, with stranger rules. Perhaps having a princess's friendship might pay off.

Realizing that the princess was patiently waiting for an answer she smiled, “Sure. Anytime you wish to talk Princess my door is always open to you.” She smiled wider at the princess both simultaneously beaming and at the same time trying to hide it. Luna gave up and simply smiled her thanks. With a jaunty wave Krystal turned and walked out of the courtyard and headed back to her room.

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

At mid morning Krystal found herself reporting to the laboratory of Twilight Sparkle, apparently the resident mad scientist judging by the equipment. It was located in a tower just off the main castle, and mainly depended on the sun for lighting. All around her equipment buzzed as the princess zipped around and sometimes teleported mixing beakers and tweaking equipment dials and switches.

“Thank you so much Krystal Smith for letting me be the one to work on you, well, with you Krystal Smith.” Twilight said with a bright smile as she worked.

The human however was looking a little more unsure at the moment, “Well, uh, no problem Twilight. One request though, just call me Krystal.”

Twilight nodded as she levitated a notepad and quill over to her, “Very well Krystal, why don't we start with some questions?” As she trotted over Twilight began to squee, “Oh, this is going to be so exciting!”

“Right. Exciting.” Krystal deadpanned before shaking her head. While she understood a little enthusiasm, she felt a little uncomfortable at the princess's....enthusiasm. “Well ok, what do you want to know?”

“Well lets start with the basics. Are you a male or female of your species? I know you sound female, but I don't want to assume anything from this point.” Twilight stated with authority.

“Gonna go with 'female' Princess.” The human replied with an amused smile.

This went on for several moments with questions related to the human's physiological nature. Questions about what humans could eat, how many hours they slept, how humans differed from one another. After about an hour of this Twilight broke out a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff. Bringing the stethoscope up to Krystal's chest the princess appeared to become more and more frustrated.

“Krystal, I can't seem to find your heartbeat. Is that normal?” The science pony asked while looking up at her patient.

“No, are you sure you are listening in the right place?” Krystal asked while trying to appear as confused as Twilight. As the princess returned the stethoscope to the human's chest, Krystal closed her eyes and began to concentrate.

“There it is.” Twilight said in relief, “It sounds a little different then I expected though.”

After a moment the pony seemed to shrug, “Hmm, but that makes sense since you aren't from this world. But if we can't establish a common baseline this will be harder then I thought.” Twilight mused. Walking over to a nearby table she began to fiddle with a machine. “So what is it like?”

“What is what like?”

Twilight looked over her shoulder with a smile, “Your world I mean. What is it like?”

Krystal began to rub her chin, “I don't know. It's kinda hard to pick a random place to start. Did you have something more specific?

Twilight appeared to ponder that for a second, “How do you get around? You said humans can't run as fast as equines in your world. Can your people use magic?”

The human laughed, “Luna asked something similar last night. No we don't use magic, in fact magic is all but nonexistent in my world. We use primarily technology, and the majority of humans use technological devices called 'cars' to get around.”

“What about flying?”

“Technology too,” the human supplied. “We use devices of various types to fly and carry stuff in the air. Some of which can carry us into space, and the farthest we've gotten so far is setting foot on the moon. Though some hope to visit other planets in person someday.”

Twilight moved from once device to another, “This 'technology' sounds a lot like magic then.” She noted. Krystal just shrugged behind her.

“Maybe it is to an extent. I'm amazed at how much things have changed since I was young.” The woman had a wistful look spread across her face. “ What once was thought to be impossible is not only possible but commonplace these days.”

“Amazing. Your people must have a very wise ruler to be able to lead so many.”

Krystal shook her head. “We don't have one ruler, we have many nations with many types of rule.”

The princess stopped what she was doing and turned to the human with a puzzled look. “You mean your species doesn't have a single leader? How does that even work?”

Krystal just chuckled, “Oddly? Pretty well all things considered. Many of us have lost sleep trying to figure out how exactly, and that is far more philosophical then I ever cared to be. Despite the odd war, for the most part we get along and move forward.”

Krystal noted a sudden shift in the princess's demeanor. The smile had slipped from Twilight's face and she was backing up shaking her head. “Twilight? Princess?” Cautiously the woman called out.

“War? A broken species?” Twilight started to say as if in a daze while shaking her head. Krystal approached the princess carefully, eying the increasingly erratic movements of the pony.

“Twilight? Twilight Sparkle look at me, are you ok?” She tried to gently reassure the now swaying pony. The overpowering feeling that something very wrong was happening shaking the human to the core; and it took every ounce of Krystal's will to keep moving forward despite what her instincts were telling her.

But it wasn't until she had reached the pony and placed a hand on her mane that the swaying stopped. For a single instant Krystal thought that whatever was happening had passed. At least until the princess snapped her head up and her horn began to flare. The woman only had a chance to open her eyes wide in surprise to the princess's own glowing eyes.

“Get away from me!” Twilight screamed out as her horn flared. As if being hit by a truck the human was propelled into and through a nearby machine. Sparks flew and metal twisted as her body flipped through the air before crashing painfully against the wall.

“The...hell was that for?!” Krystal ground out as her vision swam back into focus. Shaking the cobwebs from her head immediately the human cursed her carelessness as she eyed her now broken body. Grimacing in pain she silently cursed the sun before trying to employ mental blocks. With limited success she began to feel the pain dull enough to move. But she knew she had only moments to get her body healed, and to do that meant escaping the sun.

As Krystal saw the blood flow from her she spotted a nearby door. She felt nothing from her legs, and her right arm held a compound fracture. Desperately she tried to inch forward to the door with her left hand with her right giving only minimal assistance. Looking over at the princess as she dragged her body she noted that Twilight hadn't moved or said anything since her outburst; appearing only to stare into space with her mouth hanging open as if in silent scream.

Slowly she saw the door come ever closer as her vision began to fade. Fumbling with the door she finally managed to get it open and sighed with relief. Inside only a few cleaning supplies stood between her and life. Desperately she flung items about to make room for herself as she scrabbled into the closet. With one last look towards the still motionless Twilight, Krystal closed the door.

Immediately as she was plunged into darkness the bleeding and pain stopped. She could feel the tickling of internal organs as they shifted back into the proper places. Bones creaked and popped as they mended and reset themselves. The woman shivered at the wet sensation of her own blood being drawn back into her body. Finally after a long moment she was able to stand and exit the closet, feeling none the worse for wear aside from ripped clothing. The clothes themselves showing not even blood to mark the perilous state she had been in mere moments ago. But inside she felt the hunger burn at her, letting her know just how much power she had used to heal herself.

Approaching the still unmoving Twilight, Krystal decided to take a chance with the only two powers she could call on in sunlight. If she were to mess up, she would be dead very shortly as she was to weak to heal herself like that again. Reaching out she again touched the mane of the princess. As Twilight once again locked into the gaze of Krystal's green eyes, the woman uttered one word laced with power.

“Sleep”

It was a long and tense moment as it appeared Twilight might fight the command. But finally her horn flared one last time before the pony succumbed to the suggestion and slumped forward. Placing her hand on the princess's mane firmly Krystal shook her head sadly.

“I don't know what the hell got into you, but I'm going to find out. I also need to replenish my resources, so lets kill two birds with one stone shall we?” With that the creature focused, and under purple pony's mane and fur blood began to well up through the skin. Like a sponge it was absorbed into the creatures hand. She made sure not to draw enough to kill, but enough to take the bite off her hunger.

“Good news, I can feed on your people. Don't have to worry about dying anytime soon, thank goodness.” Krystal said as she absorbed the last of the blood, and left no trace of the transfer on mane or fur. Sitting back she focused on the blood, digesting it and analyzing it for imperfections. She had tasted the blood of many beings both human and not, but no disease or ailment tasted anything like what she now had. This blood was laced with something the woman just couldn't identify.

According to her blood, nothing is physically wrong with Twilight. The creature thought on that. Magic might account for the oddity, but the only person she could ask was currently unconscious. Not to mention the real possibility of at Krystal's methods in acquiring her 'sample'. Standing she walked over to the blood trail and pools from before, as she passed them they flowed over her shoes and into Krystal's body leaving nothing but but a busted machine and some scattered books to mark her passing. With this, she might be able to redirect Twilight when she woke and by herself some time to figure out this puzzle.

Something is wrong here, something is very wrong. Krystal mused as she returned and stood over the sleeping pony. A cavern full of dead humans. A ruler that doesn't want me walking free. A princess who can't explain how she lived a thousand years. Now another princess who goes psycho at the mention of war? What is going on here, Is there a connection? I need more...something. Krystal groaned and rubbed the back of her head in frustration. I can't just jump to conclusions, not yet at least. But I might know who to ask tonight for a few more answers. One thing is for sure at this point, I need to watch what I say and do around these ponies. If I get hurt like that again in the sun... She let the thought go with a shake of her head.

Kneeling down Krystal placed a hand on the princess's head once again, and laced her voice with power. With a bid the woman told Twilight to wake and trust her in all things. After a few more commands the purple pony opening her eyes with a drawn out groan. Dazed Twilight looked around before focusing on the destroyed machine. With a gasp she was on her hooves and alert.

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh!” She repeated like a quick mantra as she looked at Krystal with worry and confusion. “What happened? What happened to me? To you?”

She can't remember? Is that a good thing or bad? The creature pondered. “Twilight? Are you ok? What is the last thing you remember?” She asked cautiously.

Twilight shook her head, “Only that you said something about your people. Then nothing.” She started to shake her head, and Krystal began to fear a repeat incident.

“Twilight stop!”  Krystal commanded, “Don't hurt yourself trying to remember. You asked about how my people got along and I said just fine. Much like your own people.” She supplied while lacing her voice with more power. Immediately Twilight appeared to relax at this and whatever had come over her seemingly pass.

“I...your right, you did say that. Didn't you?” She said with certainty. Krystal just looked upon the princess with apprehension.

“Right. Just as I said. The machine was due to me just being clumsy, and you apparently fainted for some reason. Maybe we should continue after you get checked out? Can't be to careful you know.” Krystal quickly supplied. “Well maybe we should continue this another day?”

“Yes, that might be for the best.” Twilight agreed. Krystal smiled and made for the door as Twilight opened her eyes wide. “Wait! I wanted to get a-” She started to say as the door clicked shut, “Blood sample.” She sighed.

Walking over to the smashed machine she looked at it closely. It certainly didn't look like it had just had someone run into it, but as Twilight questioned the oddity her head started to hurt. Of course Krystal had just run into it, right? After all the human had no reason to lie, did she?

Shaking her head to clear the pain she spotted something glistening on an exposed edge of metal. Looking closer she realized what it was, and floated over a cotton swab with glass slide. Carefully she transferred the blood to the slide with a smile. This wasn't as much as she had hoped for, but it should be enough for some basic tests.

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

“Alright everypony. Good work tonight! We should be ready for the performance tomorrow night at this rate.” Fortissimo called out from his conductor's stand, “Be sure to meet back here at the hall tomorrow morning at the same time to continue practicing.”

Octavia sighed in relief as she lowered the bow from her cello. She loved playing under Fortissimo in the Canterlot Symphony most days, but sometimes the pegasus became a little to high strung for his own good. Especially anytime he hears the princesses will be in attendance. After six hours  of playing the same piece over and over she was ready to go home and do anything else. Even put up with Vinyl Scratch and her no doubt 'epic wub party'.  Anything to get away from the concert hall for a bit.

She was gently packing her cello when she spotted the last pony she wanted to see make his way over to her section. Octavia tried to hurry but unfortunately dropped her music book onto the ground, scattering the sheet music. She counted to ten as she tried to hastily pick up the music.

“Why hello Octavia, would you care for a hoof?” Pitchworthy smiled down, the dusty colored unicorn not catching Octavia's eye roll in annoyance.

“Hello Pitchworthy, what a...surprise to see you here again.” Octavia offered diplomatically to her ex-boyfriend. She had once dated the talented musician a couple of years ago. Unfortunately certain flaws had led to her leaving him, something he hadn't ever really come to accept.

Octavia finished picking up the music and simply shoved the book into her saddlebag. She would sort the music later. Right now the only thing she was concerned with was putting distance between her and her ex.

“Well its been a pleasure but-” Octavia's hasty retreat was cut off by the stallion.

“Now Octavia. I was hoping we could talk longer. After all we hardly get to see each other anymore.” Pitchworthy tried to say seductively as he lifted Octavia's hoof to his lips with a smile.

However Octavia wasn't having it and snatched it away, “That might have something to do with your involvement in Brass Bells visit to the hospital. Honestly, overreacting like that and especially since we are not an item anymore. Now if you excuse me.” She tried to push past him but found he wasn't budging.

“Now Octavia, I know you like to play hard to get. But you need to lay off the games girl. First you tried to get that restraining order, and when that fails you tell old stuffy pants to kick me off the orchestra.” Pitchworty's face twisted into the sneer Octavia was to familiar with, “Makes a pony almost think you aren't interested.”

“Because I am not!” Octavia yelled as her temper finally gave way, “Now I would like you to stay away from me Pitchworthy!”

The stallion just pressed his face closer to the mare's, “Make me.” Before Octavia could respond another voice cut in from behind Pichworthy.

“Dumb-flank says what?”

Confused the stallion looked behind him. “What?”

Two hoofs slammed solidly into his face, sending Pitchworthy off his hooves and off the stage entirely. Octavia simply stared open mouthed at her rescuer. The mare in question walked to the edge of the stage and blew a bit of blue mane from her face. She leveled a glare at the stallion through violet colored glasses as he struggled to find his hooves in a daze.

“Hey! Pitchworthy! Maybe you should get a bucking clue and buck off! She ain't interested dude, she's got to much self respect to hang with a wannabe like you!”Vinyl Scratch yelled out. Turning back to Octavia she simply smiled and nodded her head to the door.

“Hey Octy, lets get out of here.” Vinyl said as she used her magic to levitate the earth pony's cello case. “The air kinda reeks.”

Octavia cast a worried look towards Pitchworthy, “Should we check on him? You did hit him pretty hard.”

“Vinyl! Get back here you bitch!” Upon hearing the stallion begin to curse up a storm Octavia's eyes hardened.

“Never mind, I see no permanent damage was done.”

Vinyl Scratch just laughed as the two mares exited the concert hall. Pitchworthy struggled to his hooves and glared pure death at the doors the two mares had disappeared through. “I will have you yet Octavia! Nopony says no to Pitchworthy!” turning his head he glared at the few ponies that had stayed to watch the show, more then a few of which were snickering or rolling their eyes. “What the buck are you looking at?!” He screamed out.

Stalking out the nearest door the stallion found himself in an alleyway and raised a hoof to his already swelling jaw. Again he cursed the mares, especially Vinyl Scratch. He started to walk down the alleyway thinking of ways to embarrass the two when a strong wind kicked up causing the vain pony to cover his eyes with a hoof against the derbies.

When the wind died down Pitchworthy lowered his hoof and didn't know what to make of what he saw. In front of him floated a ghostly mare's head. He could make out ghostly grey eyes peering at him from under the snow white bangs of her mane. Somehow, despite the sheer stereotypical see through and white appearance he knew this wasn't any sort of ghost.

“What...what are you?” Hesitantly the stallion asked. The wind seemed to gently breeze and in it he faintly heard a mare's voice.

“Friend. Your friend.” Pitchworthy had to struggle to hear the apparition. “Time...is short.”

“Ok 'friend'. What do you want with me?” In front of him the air seemed to shimmer as a white talisman began to appear. It was of a design the stallion couldn't identify other then it appeared to be a jagged hoop enclosing a diamond in the center. Gently it floated over to him, and taking the hint Pitchworthy took it in his hoof. “What is this?”

“Power. Freedom. Do with it as you wish.” The apparition whispered as it faded away. Looking down at the trinket the stallion shrugged and put it on. If nothing else he could sell it or use it for a quick lay with a mare.

Immediately as the cord rested on his neck it began to tighten painfully. Pitchworthy started to scream as the wind howled around him, and his eyes began to turn white as snow.