Under a Crimson Moon

Padfoot looked around his command tent. Assembled in front of the alpha wolf were the best hunters in the land of Lupania. In front of him on a table lay a map of the surrounding area, with several sections marked or circled.

“Searra, you and your pack will head to the northeast today. Make sure you meet your quota, I don't want any more excuses, or I will take the difference from your hide,” he stated firmly, not even looking up at the female as she nodded and padded out the entrance. “The rest of you, same directions and hunting grounds as yesterday. Make sure you all meet you quota, the homelands count on it.”

One by one, the pack leaders nodded and left, leaving the alpha and his chief lieutenant behind. He scowled down at the map. He was in charge of a hunting expedition to bring back food for his people. His band one of many scattered throughout the lands. But every year there were more mouths to feed and less prey to feed them with. He growled at the map, as if challenging it to present a solution.

“Calm yourself Padfoot. A leader must always show restraint and serenity, no matter how thin the belly or elusive the prey,” Ironpaw gently rumbled beside him. Padfoot turned his gaze over to his teacher and trusted friend.

“You are right Ironpaw, but our people need these supplies. Our cubs need to eat, but there is not enough,” Padfoot sighed.

Ironpaw placed a paw upon his student's back in gentle reassurance, “There never is my friend. For even when the prey is plentiful you can't take it all, lest the meat spoil before it could be enjoyed.”

“But what if I told you of new lands you could hunt?” a soft voice cut in from behind them. Both wolves snapped their heads around to see a white unicorn standing boldly in the hunters' tent.

Padfoot immediately lowered himself into a crouch and began to growl, his instincts screamed at him to show the pony it's heart while it still beat. But he was restrained by the Ironpaw's calm foreleg. The elder hunter's instincts telling him that this was not prey, and not to be taken lightly.

“Speak. Who are you, and what business do you have in a camp of Lupania?” Ironpaw demanded calmly, though his voice was laced with steel.

The mare simply chuckled. “I have come to tell you of an opportunity. Tonight all three of the princesses will be occupied, and indisposed. That will leave you and your pack a... window of opportunity. Attack Ponyville, and the five Elements of Harmony who live there will be defenseless. Ripe for the taking... or slaughter.” The unicorn finished with an unpleasant smile.

Ironpaw considered this. The ponies of Equestria had long held sway over the best lands of the hunt. Though themselves prey, they had managed to drive Lupania almost to the brink of extinction. The two reasons for this still sat on the throne of Equestria to this day, and an ancient treaty promised no remorse should it ever be broken.

But worst part yet was the rise of a new threat in Equestria, one that all the lands knew of. Now there was the threat the Elements of Harmony presented to any foolish enough to cross the ponies. But if the mare spoke true, then perhaps the capture of even one Element would be enough to bargain with. For it also was no secret that the Elements were personal friends of the country's newest princess.

Padfoot began to growl again, “Why should we trust you! This could be a trap!”

The mare simply looked down at the crouched wolf with disdain. “What would Equestria gain by trapping a few mangy wolves? Now, I have given you the information you need. Either act on it or starve, the choice is yours... Alpha.” With that the an unseen breeze seemed to whip around the mare, and she dissolved as if sand into it.

Once their visitor was gone, the two wolves were silent for a moment. “Ironpaw,” Padfoot spoke softly. “What is your opinion on this matter.”

The older wolf was silent, as he thought for a time before speaking, “Her words were obviously full of deception and manipulation, though I do not know to what end. However, I do believe the mare spoke truth about this opportunity; she was right in that Equestria would have nothing to gain by trapping us. However it would mean violating an ancient treaty with Equestria, to stay away from its lands and peoples.” He sighed before turning his golden eyes meet his student's gaze, “You have the authority to break this treaty as an Alpha of the Hunt. But once you do, if we fail to acquire even one element the two immortal princesses will likely raze our lands in retribution. The third would also not take well to the assault on her friends.”

Padfoot walked over to the table and gazed down on the cold truth of his people. They had enough in reserve for perhaps a half dozen winters yet. But each year, his people would be that much hungrier, and eventually there would be not enough for anyone. Cubs would die, his cubs could die. Even if it meant serving this unknown mare's purposes, he felt there was little choice to be made. A fool's hope or not, the promise of more food for his family and country had to be explored.

He looked over at his teacher and most trusted lieutenant and hardened his heart for what lay ahead. “Better to die as the prey's hunter, than to be preyed on by Death,” he spoke sagely. “Ironpaw, I want you to take two packs worth of the remaining and most rested of our comrades. Make sure you return with an Element, or do not return at all.”

Ironpaw smiled and ducked his head. “As you wish Alpha, it will be done.”

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

Krystal simply blinked at the maid at her door. Her gaze constantly shifting a dumbfounded look between her and the ticket offered to her, somehow, in her hoof. “I'm sorry, could you repeat that again?”

“Princess Luna asked for you to be in attendance with herself and the other princesses at tonight's concert,” the maid answered, trying to hide her irritation at having to repeat herself a third time. “Ms. Krystal Smith, please take the ticket. I must be returning to my duties now.”

Shaking her head the woman did as she was asked, “So what time is this concert anyways?”

“The concert will begin at nine o'clock tonight. However, the Princesses tend to leave an hour early,” the maid replied and then turned away from the door, preparing to leave. “If that will be all?” she asked, looking back over her shoulder.

“Oh. Yes, thank you.” Krystal responded offhandedly, still staring at the ticket. She missed the maid rolling her eyes as she walked away. Sugar Song didn't see what the fuss was with the human. She seemed a little slow, in the pony's opinion.

The woman however just closed the door and set the ticket on the vanity. This was an odd turn of events in her mind. She was first banned from leaving the castle, to now being invited to a night on the town. Krystal pondered the turn of events before shrugging.

Never look a gift horse in the mouth, as it were. The woman smiled at the new meaning to the old phrase. Then she looked at her old weathered pack, now residing beside the vanity. Did she have anything to wear for such an even? Would it even matter? Most ponies I've seen don't even wear clothes, I could probably just wear my underwear and say it was formal wear, and they would buy it. Krystal chuckled softly at the thought.

Gazing at the clock she realized she still had a few hours to kill. Picking up her pocket knife, she quickly pocketed it along with the ticket before heading out the door. Walking through the castle's hallways, she eventually made her way to a certain tower on the grounds.

Twilight looked up from a microscope as Krystal entered her lab. Immediately, she smiled at the woman and stepped away from her workbench and greeted the woman, “Good afternoon Krystal. What brings you by today?”

Krystal smiled in turn to the princess and replied, “Not terribly much. I had some free time, and wanted to check in on you after yesterday. Also to see if you might have found anything that might be useful to getting me home.”

Twilight frowned as she turned back to her workbench. Krystal noted that it was covered in books and notes.  Twilight then spoke dejectedly, “I'm sorry Krystal. But so far I have not been even able to figure out how you even arrived in Equestria, much less send you back.” She sighed and offered, “Maybe if we could find out where exactly you appeared? But I can't find a map of the caverns, do you think you could lead me there?”

Of course, that cave gave off such a stench of death I could probably sniff it out from the entrance. But I would rather hold onto that card for a bit longer. “Sorry Twilight. But until Celestia lets me out of the doghouse, I don't think it would be a good idea to go back to the caves.” Krystal made a show of looking as disappointed as Twilight appeared, keeping to herself a quiet thanks to the alabaster ruler's mistrust.

“Oh. You're probably right about that,” Twilight replied in obvious disappointment before perking up again. Twilight's horn lit and a syringe floated to her side, “Well in that case, I know of something else we can work on in the meantime. Well, that I can work on. You wouldn't need to do much, except give me some blood after all.” Krystal almost took a step back from the princess. Though she wore a disarming smile, the... enthusiasm she showed made her uneasy. That, along with the rather large needle now floating beside the pony.

“Um...” Krystal started, her voice more than a bit nervous. “Do you even know where to stick that? How much blood do you need anyways?”

“Well I don't need much, but I’m sure I can find it easily enough.” Twilight stated confidently.

“This isn't digging for oil, Princess!” Krystal shot back, more than a little annoyed. With a sigh she extended her hand out. “Just give me the syringe, please.”

Looking a little sheepish the pony complied. Excusing herself, Krystal walked into the closet that had saved her life the day before. Once the door was closed, she flipped the syringe around in her hand and slid its tip into her arm. With obviously practiced ease, she drew out some blood and withdrew the needle, letting the puncture close instantly without even a drop of wasted blood. Walking back out, she passed the half-full syringe to the princess.

The pony accepted it with a raised eyebrow. “Why did you have to go in the closet?”

Krystal shrugged, “I don't like to make a show of giving blood. It's taboo in my culture.” The woman explained offhandedly. Twilight seemed to accept it as she set the syringe aside. Twilight turned back to Krystal and was about to say something when the door opened.

“Twilight! There you are! We need to get you ready for...” The baby dragon paused as he spotted non-pony in the room. “Wowzers. So, you are this 'human' everyone has been talking about?”

The woman raised an eyebrow at the purple creature in front of her. “Yes.... call me Krystal.” She shook her head and asked, “I'm sorry, this might be a tad rude but...what are you?”

“He's a baby dragon, Krystal,” Twilight supplied for her.

Krystal sighed, “Baby dragon. Of course. I don't think there's really anything left to really surprise me about what can be found around here anymore.” She shook her head slightly and pointed a finger at Spike, “Well, if you have a baby dragon, where is his mother... I'm sorry what was your name again?” Krystal directed at spike.

Spike shrugged, “Name's Spike. As for Mom... we don't know. I was hatched from an egg by Twilight.” Krystal almost laughed at the mental image that induced. Looking at the alicorn princess she tried to imagine Twilight sitting on an egg to hatch it. Though she suspected it wasn't as simple as that.

Still having a fit of giggles, Krystal fought to control herself as she stated, “So, Twilight is your Mom?” The woman noticed the fierce blush that adorned the princess' face at that comment.

“Nah, she's more like a big sister. Though she bosses me like a mom, raised me like a mom, sometimes she grounds me like-” Spike counted off on his claws.

“Ok Spike,” Twilight groaned though her teeth. “No need to go into that much detail. You needed to see me?” Krystal let out another small chuckle at the very obviously agitated 'big sister.'

“Right.” Spike got back on topic with a snap of his claws. “You need to start getting ready for the concert tonight.”

Twilight sighed and looked at the syringe on her table, along with all her notes as she complained softly, “But I still have so much work...”

“Twilight, I don't think I'm going anywhere anytime soon,” the woman cut in gently. “Don't work yourself to hard on my account.”

Twilight seemed uncertain for a moment before letting herself give a small smile, “I guess you are right.”

Krystal gave a smile and gave her regards as she left the room. Twilight took the syringe and placed it in a small chest that would preserve the blood until she could work on it. “First thing in the morning though, we are going to see what secrets you hold.” The princess said softly to the syringe as she closed the lid.

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

Well this is...awkward. Krystal mused as she sat in her chair. Currently, she and the three princess sat in a box seat overlooking the concert hall. Over the edge, the woman could look down at the hundreds of ponies below. Though the small talk drifted gently up to their seats, silence reigned in the box from the occupants.

She herself sat to Luna's left, who was currently still glaring at her older sister. Celestia herself did not look happy, and divided her glare between both Krystal and Luna. Though the woman was happy to be out of the castle, she wondered at the repercussions of the stunt the younger sister had pulled.

My ears are still ringing a little from walking in on that argument. She winced at the memory. Krystal wondered if the whole city had known just how unhappy Celestia was at learning that Luna intended for the human to join them. Still, somehow Luna managed to convince her sister, though at that point Krystal had been half deaf. Enhanced healing or no, the two of Equestria's rulers had good sets of lungs on them.

Deciding to break the silence, she spoke up, “So... who are we listening to tonight?” Unfortunately both sisters ignored her.

They all sat in silence like that for what the woman felt was forever. The only reprieve from the stony silence was Snow Bloom, opening the door to check on the princesses. Finally the lights began to dim. With Krystal spotting what seemed to be old fashioned gas lamps being turned down by attendants.

Well, at least it will interesting to hear something in a concert hall again. I think it was after the first great war the last time I enjoyed a live performance. Krystal smiled as she settled back in her chair. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed the two sisters breaking their mutual glares to look forward as well.

Slowly, the curtain began to part, and the woman was faced with an odd sight of various ponies holding or floating traditional instruments. A single pony walked out onto the stage in what looked like a tuxedo top, carrying a conductor's baton in his mouth. Silence reigned as he took his position, in front of the orchestra. Fortissimo raised his baton in his hoof and after a dramatic pause, began the concert.

Krystal smiled as the various instruments played together in as harmonious a melody as she knew they were capable of. Pleased that despite it being a different world, the same techniques prized on her world held merit here in Equestria, she listened intently. It wasn't her usual fare, but the familiarity in a world that was not her own eased some of the tension the woman hadn't known she had carried.

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

Pitchworthy walked down the alley. Inside, he could hear the concert already had started. In a puddle of light, two guards in armor stood resolutely in front of the side entrance. One of them caught the glint off of the stallion's pendant.

“Halt. State your business,” one of the guards called out while blocking Pitchworthy's path.

Adopting a shocked look, the unicorn gently laid a duffel bag down beside him. “I'm sorry gentleponies. I was a bit held up and I really need to get inside, before I'm missed too much. I have a solo coming up.”

“Name?” The guard seemed unfazed at the unicorn's plight.

“Pitchworthy,” he is response tried to sound shaky and intimidated. “Please sir, I must get inside. The solo I told you about. It would just be the death of the performance if I'm not there in time.”

Both guards looked between each other before bringing their polearms to the ready. “Citizen, I'm afraid you will have to go back. No pony named 'Pitchworthy' is on the approved list.”

“But you have no list to check!” the stallion angrily cried out.

The guard gave him a smug look as he replied, “We memorized the list. Our captain's orders.”

Pitchworthy just sighed and with a flicker of his horn, drew back the zipper on the bag. “That is too bad. I was feeling generous.”

The guard who spoke raised an eyebrow in confusion, as the unicorn floated two flutes from his bag. “What do you mean, generous?”

The unicorn gave a bloodthirsty smile as he growled, “Why, I was going to let you live.”

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

Krystal had relaxed into the third performance, when suddenly a loud crash sounded from backstage. To their credit, the orchestra managed to not miss a beat, even when several more crashes sounded in succession. But finally they were forced to stop as a bloodcurdling scream sounded from off stage.

From her vantage spot, Krystal spotted two guards charge full-speed up the isles. With coordinated leaps, they landed on the stage before breaking off to take opposite sides of the stage. Disappearing behind the curtains, all was silent for a long, tense moment. Then a large crash sounded followed with a sickening wet crunching sound. With that, all was still again.

The door behind Krystal opened and the Captain of the Guard rushed in as she spoke, “Princess Celestia. I think it might be best if we had you and the other princess leave.”

With a nod the three princess stood up. But all froze as a hush overcame the agitated crowd below, and the five turned to spot a single pony surrounded by flutes walk out onto the stage. Behind him he left red marks on the wooden stage, and it took Krystal only a second to figure out what it was. Blood.

“Ladies and Gentlecolts. My name is Pitchworthy,” the unicorn's clear voice boomed out over the crowded hall. “I am here for several reasons. First, I am here because I care deeply for a mare, a mare that has treated me harshly for no discernible cause. I am here after being denied a chance to perform for you all.”

“You are here because you are a load of manure, Pitchy!” an electric blue-maned mare in sunglasses called out as she leaped up onto the stage.

The stallion just began to laugh loudly, and the mare snorted in anger, “What's so funny? Want the other side of yer' jaw to get some special treatment too?”

Pitchworthy just continued to laugh for several seconds more. Then, like a switch had been thrown he stopped and leveled a look of pure hatred upon the mare. “Vinyl Scratch. The third reason I came here tonight,” he snarled as a single flute floated above the mare.

Vinyl just looked at the flute with a raised eyebrow. “What? Going to serenade me with more of your crappy music, Pitchy?” Gently the flute in question began to shake softly as if being played, but no sound was heard. Vinyl Scratch began to giggle, “Geez Pitchy, you really have lost your...”

She trailed off before suddenly keeling over. Curling up into a ball, she began to shake before finally letting out an anguished scream of pain. “Sound so gentle, you can't even hear it, Vinyl Scratch. But if you have enough of it directed at one point, it does amazingly painful things to a pony's body. Don't you think?”

In the box, Princess Celestia snorted loudly as she turned to Snow Bloom and leveled her a cold glare. “What are you waiting for? Arrest that monster!” her voice boomed out authoritatively. Captain Snow Bloom shook herself out of her daze and stepped forward.

“Guards, move forward and subdue!” her voice called out loud and clear. Immediately out of sight below, the hall's doors slammed open, allowing for six guards who rushed to the stage.

“How shocking. The guards have come to stop me.” Pitchworthy droned in a bored tone. Immediately afterwords, the flutes surrounding him shot out like spears. Surprised, the guards could do nothing to defend themselves as lacquered wood sank deeply into their necks. In seconds the charge was over, and the guards lay dying at the foot of the stage.

This was the crowd's last straw of its ability to maintain itself. Shrieking and crying loudly, the ponies below them began to make a mad charge for the door. Even from a distance, Krystal could hear the odd crack of bone as some ponies were trampled under hoof. At the sight Pitchworthy smiled, and six more flutes shot out.

But these instruments did not strike at the crowd. Moving to the supports below the balcony box they took up positions at the support beams. Immediately Krystal paled as she realized what was about to happen.

“Everyone! Get away! He's about to-!” But there was neither time nor heed for her warning. With blasts of concentrated air, the flutes quickly chewed through the wooden pillars. Ominously the floor groaned as angry cracks resounded through the hall. Turning to the princesses,  the woman could only give one last bit of advice, “Hang on!” With that, the floor dropped away.

Krystal's world became a blur as the sounds of screams and splintering wood surrounded her. Dazed, she looked up from her final resting place half-buried beneath what used to be the balcony. Vaguely, she felt something wet under her right hand, and as she brought her crimson stained hand in front of her she began to panic. Twisting her head to the side she spotted a green furred hoof poking out of the wreckage, it's owner the apparent source of the blood on the woman's hand.

“Luna! Twilight!” she called out frantically. In front of her, still upon the stage she spotted the insane pony, laughing at the carnage and pain he was inflicting. To her relief, she also saw survivors moaning around her, and uninjured ponies pressed against the walls. Though Krystal's own blood began to boil in her veins, she feared losing control of her powers. She knew full well that she herself would become as much a threat to the ponies, if she unleashed the beast of anger that clawed at her heart.

“Stop it!” Krystal's gaze was drawn to a gray mare who was crying over the still writhing mare on the stage. “Pitchworthy, let her go!”

The unicorn stopped his laughter as he approached the mare in a slow stalking manner. “Octavia. So there you are. Isn't it grand? I must admit it is a little outside my usual performance, but it just comes so easily to me!”

Octavia took a step back, her voice quivering in fear. “P-performance? Pitchworthy you are hurting ponies! My friends!”

“Hurting?” The insane pony smiled as his voice dripped cruel venom, “No Octavia, I'm not just hurting them. I'm killing them.” Grabbing a nearby violin he began to pluck idly at the strings. “I'm cutting them out of your life. Then, I will take you in your moment of grief, and break you. Then we will be such a loving couple don't you think?” With that, he threw aside the violin and began to approach the trembling mare.

Out of Krystal's sight, Luna freed herself of the wreckage. Spotting Twilight trying to pull herself free, Luna's horn flared as she magically flung the impeding debris aside. “Twilight, are you alright?”

The alicorn coughed as she shakily stood up, “I-I think so.” Suddenly her eyes shot open, “Where is Princess Celestia and the others?”

“Over here!” a voice called out. The captain stood coughing when they looked for its source. Both princesses moved quickly towards the voice. They found Snow Bloom standing defensively over the unconscious form Princess Celestia.

Luna's eyes hardened as she looked upon her sister's form. Turning her gaze to the one responsible she snorted hard. “Captain, take mine sister, along with Twilight, and flee this place. But... leave thine sword, so that I might smite the fool responsible for this travesty!”

As she spoke Luna's form shifted, Twilight gasped as the princess' form took a familiar form she had only seen once before. The identity the young princess had first met Luna in. Luna, former exiled Princess of the Moon, had once again taken the form of Nightmare Moon.

Sensing the hesitation in the other ponies, Luna turned her head towards them to look them both in the eyes in turn. Though her form had shifted to a larger and darker mare, her eyes remained as they were, though tinted with anger. “I gave thee your orders! Make haste!”

That snapped the two out of their respective dazes. Captain Snow Bloom drew her sword and passed it to the dark princess as Twilight move beside her mentor. As Snow Bloom came close, the purple alicorn closed her eyes and with a flare of her horn and a flash of light, all three were gone. With a nod the remaining pony turned back towards the stage, and walked boldly forward, her borrowed blade at the ready.

“Halt fiend! Thine treachery ends now!” Luna declared loudly. Pitchworthy stopped from where he was slowly cornering Octavia. Turning, he narrowed his eyes as his many flutes drifted to the ready above him. Posed to strike down the mare that dared disturb him.

His eyes widened in surprise though as he beheld his challenger. “Ah, Princess Luna! How good of you to have survived. Tell me, where is your sister? Her, and that Twilight bitch?”

“Out of your reach, knave!” Luna exclaimed loudly. She then snarled viciously, “And I will attend to thee with haste, before any more harm comes to mine subjects!”

Pitchworthy chuckled, “Oh you will? Pity about your sister, I wanted to demonstrate personally the power I was given.” He shook his head sadly, before breaking into a toothy grin, “But I suppose I will just have to suffice with—” He stomped a hoof and his tone turned absolutely venomous.  “Sending her your head.”

Luna barely dodged as two flutes lashed out again like spears. With a sweep of her blade the steel shattered the wooden instruments. Her victory was short lived, as Pitchworthy sent six more to replace them. With quick precise moments she managed to take out four more, but had to dodge as the last two imbedded themselves into the floor Luna had once stood on.

Spotting one of her dead guards nearby, she magically snatched his sword. Now armed with two blades, she was able to fend off the angry swarm of flutes that had begun to buzz around her. Pitchworthy began to attack with the same lethal blasts of air he had used to collapse the balcony's supports with. The invisible blasts of air tore into the floor, driving Luna's defense to its limit.

Searching her surroundings, the princess spotted two more swords and added them to her arsenal, bringing the quartet of blades to her defense. In a dance of steel she managed to finally turn the battle in her favor. Or so she thought. Because all throughout the deadly dance she had been performing the unicorn had never lost his smile, his insane and bloodthirsty smile.

“Very good Princess!” Pitchworthy called out praisingly. “I think you might actually win if you had kept this up.” He stepped forward slightly as he spoke, “That is, if I didn't have so many choices to choose from for ending your reign!” When he finished, cellos, trumpets, violins, and other instruments began to float into the air.

“How did thou gain such power?” Luna mumbled darkly to herself. With the sound of strings snapping, two violins began to whip at the swordspony. The near-invisible strings slipped through her defenses to rake across the princess' flank, drawing blood with shallow cuts.

As Krystal watched Luna fight, she began to worry. She hoped that the princess would be able to fight off Pitchworthy by herself. Hoped she herself would not have to draw upon her curse.

But as the insane unicorn's offense dragged on, the woman began to growl, low and menacing. She had just began to focus on her power, to shift the wreckage that pinned her, when she spotted a glint on Pitchworthy's neck. The very sight of it caused her blood to freeze and her breath to still. The pony was wearing His symbol. The same symbol that the dead man had worn across his chest over a hundred years ago. Suddenly her arms went limp as she was thrust back into that barn, back with Him. Back into a nightmare that would never leave her.

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

He struggled at the chains, “Oh don't you worry, love. I've been doing this for some time now.” The man said with a cruel chuckle. In his hands, the sickle caught the lantern's light as he swaggered over to the barn wall.

The man grabbed his younger sister by the hair, “See, it's like this. The best way to get people to be who you want them to be? Easier then you think actually.” Lightly, he pushed the sickle up to her neck. It's curved blade like a murderous choker. “Just have to cut the strings that bind them as they were. Gotta start with a clean slate.”

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

Luna struggled to keep up with the assortment of attacks that now lashed down upon her. Steadily, she was losing ground, and deep within she knew that the murderous pony was holding back. She didn't fear for her life though, but for the lives that still held in this now hellish mockery of a concert hall.

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

”Call to your brother,” the man urged his sister. “Call to him for help, or curse him for your predicament. It's his fault that you are about to die, after all.

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

As Luna dodged a flute aimed for her heart, she found a hoof entangled by a violin's stings. With a jerk they tightened enough to dig into her flesh, and painfully pull it to the side. Pitchworthy used the momentary distraction to have four horns collide with the princess's blades; rendering them useless to her. In an instant, it was over, and Luna was suspended by her legs, the painful wires cutting into them in front of the stage.

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

His sister remained quiet, only taking the time to spit in the man's eye. Unfazed, the man simply began to chuckle, as he drew back the blade. Looking her brother in the eyes, she opened her mouth to say something. But at that instant, the blade whistled through the air.

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

“Well that was fun, Princess.” Pitchworthy mockingly gloated. “But I’m afraid this performance is due for a curtain call. But don't worry, I'm sure plenty of ponies will be joining you shortly.” With that a single flute came to the ready, aimed at the captured alicorn's heart.

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

He had turned his head at the last instant, only hearing the wretchedly familiar sound of metal on bone. He felt something hit his foot and reflexively looked down. Down into his sister's eyes.

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

“Nooo!” with a scream of pain, anger, hate, and sorrow, Krystal threw aside all self control. With an explosion of wood, the wreckage on top of her was thrown aside as easily as pieces of styrofoam. Raising her still blood covered hand, she bent her power to draw the blood to her palm. Then like a bullet from a gun, the blood shot forward and struck Luna in the back. Blindingly quick, it slithered around to her chest, hardening into a plate just an instant before the flute struck true.

Pitchworthy sputtered as the flute shattered to splinters harmlessly. He focused his gaze behind his captive, to the glowering woman. “Who are you?” he demanded loudly.

Silently, the woman strode forward, drawing her pocketknife from the pocket she stored it in, and unfolded the blade. Pitchworthy just laughed when he saw the tiny bit of steel in her hand. Even more so when she stopped halfway up the hall.

“Do you really think you can stop me with that pathetic thing? You really think you could stand up to my power with-” the woman's voice cut him off. It was as cold and hard, and Luna tried to twist in her bonds to be sure it was really her friend who spoke.

“Shut up. You have no power. You don't even know the concept of it,” Krystal interrupted him. She then began to laugh. A deep, powerful laugh that chilled the witnessing ponies' blood to their cores. It was like hearing death herself, if she were to laugh at your misfortune. “You are like a gnat, flying in the face of your betters. So tell me, gnat, what power do you think you hold?”

Pitchworthy fought himself to not take a step back. Overriding the flaring instincts in his blood. “I have power! I have the Princess. I have the mare I want! I have my plaything, to do with I see fit! I have-”

“You have nothing!” the woman's voice shot back.  She took a menacing step forward, “You think you have power, because you took a few insignificant lives? Like stepping on worms upon the sidewalk?” She laughed again, not quite as coldly this time, “Any dumb animal can kill, gnat. But I? I am a mistress of death.” Krystal pointed a finger at herself as she finished, “Death makes me stronger. For as my enemies fall by my hand, I gain power from within their veins. In the fields of battle, I am as a goddess!”

With that, she plunged the knife into her right hand, drawing the blade deeply across her palm. Raising her hand, with its bloodless wound, she took firm hold of the curse that ran within her, and the power that came with it. “Let me show you why only fools spill blood around my kind!”

Luna gazed in shock, as in front of her, the previously spilled blood began to rise slowly into the air. As puddles of the crimson liquid began to spiral through the air, moving past her, to where she assumed Krystal was. All around the hall, blood that had been spilled began to gravitate towards the woman's hand. It condensed into a ball of scarlet, growing steadily to encompass her hand.

“You think moving a little blood will scare me?” the unicorn called out defiantly. Again, his instruments moved to the ready, poised to strike down the woman that had just challenged him. He was sure in his mind that he would beat her, just as he beat Luna. He ignored that his heart feared differently.

As the last drops of blood condensed into the ball, Krystal first began to draw from it to sate her hunger. Then, the woman clutched her hand into a fist that she slowly pulled free of the floating orb. A single crimson saber was clutched in her hand, which instantly darkened as the blood dried and formed into a fine edge on the blade.

“W-what are you?” Pitchworthy asked, clearly on the edge of panicking.

In response, the woman simply blurred. A heartbeat later, Luna fell to the floor, the cords and strings that had held her captive, still hanging from bloodied hooves. She simply walked forward, interposing herself between the stallion and Luna. Slowly, Krystal brought her crimson blade before her, assuming her stance. Just as slowly, a cruel smile began to spread across her face.

“My dear gnat, I am simply beyond you. If the extent of your power is to fling wood around, then I have nothing to fear from you,” the woman threw her head back, laughing loud and cruelly at Pitchworthy. He ground his teeth in anger as his horn flared bright enough to cast shadows about the room.

“Nopony laughs at me! Not anymore!” he drew on every ounce of his power, as instruments, pieces of wood, even the discarded swords floated into the air. The surviving ponies, who still huddled in the corners of the hall, pushed back in fear at the amount of power the murderous pony was bringing to bear. Even Luna gasped, turning a worried look to the woman she did not know what to think of anymore.

For a single instant, nothing moved, all eyes were on the bipedal creature who had not lost her smug look. She gazed into Pitchworthy's eyes and silently challenged him to show his worst. Roaring bestially, he responded as his horn flared once again. With a roar, Pitchworthy brought his fury to bear on the woman. The sound the swarm generated was akin to a thousand arrows loosed simultaneously.

Krystal never moved. That would be what the ponies who witnessed what came next would claim. The creature many of them had never seen before, and had only heard in gossip, simply stood there as her apparent doom approached. But then something odd would happen, as every threat came close to striking her, it would be deflected or suddenly seem to be divide into two. Many would describe it as if a wall were around the strange creature.

But Luna, being so close, knew differently. She could see the woman's sword arm twitching, and realized exactly what Krystal was doing. In shock, she watched her arm move so quickly that after every strike would return to where it began. Krystal... was showing off!

Quickly, Pitchworthy's attack was ended, and the broken pieces of his assault rained down around Krystal and Luna ineffectively. The stallion took a step back in almost complete fear, and as he lost his focus, the flute still torturing Vinyl Scratch clattered to the stage's floor. He didn't even register Octavia, as she ran to her friend and cradled her head.

“W-what are you?” Pitchworthy whispered hoarsely. “You...you can't be real. What are you?”

The woman began to walk forward as she sneered, “Like I said, I am beyond you, little gnat. That is all you need to take with you to the grave.” Pitchworthy turned to run but found the crimson orb blocking his path. A silent, morbid sentinel that quietly hung there in front of him. “But before I kill you, I'm going to give you a choice.”

“A-a choice?” he stammered, eyes wide as he searched desperately for a way out.

As the woman chuckled deeply, the ponies cowering around the room huddled further together in terror. “Well, yes. See, I can make your death quick, or I can take my time ripping the life from your bones. But either way you will tell me where you came upon your... accessory there,” she pointed to the talisman around Pitchworthy's neck.

“A... it was a mare! This white mare just showed up and gave it to me!” Pitchworthy cried out desperately. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the flute that lay by Vinyl. He knew he was going to die, but if he was then he had one last thing he wanted to do.

Krystal quirked an eyebrow, “A mare? What do you mean-”

Pitchworthy's horn flared, as the flute flew into the air. It aimed itself for the unconscious Vinyl's chest, which was covered by Octavia's own body. Just before he could propel it forward though, his magic cut out; Mostly due to his horn being severed by Krystal's blade.

As his horn clattered to the stage, along with the lifeless flute, Pitchworthy began to scream in pain. Incoherently, he began to curse all who were present. In a blind rage, leaped for the two mares he hated most in the world. Fully intent to smash life from them with his hooves.

He had barely made it into the air, before being intercepted by Krystal's orb of blood. Like a specter of death, it whisked him through the air and dragged him, still screaming, through the curtains. As he disappeared from view, he suddenly gave one last bloodcurdling scream of pain, before suddenly going silent.

It was silent as death in the hall, at that point. Luna simply gaped at the being who stood on the stage, looking down upon the princess with a cruel expression on her face. Snarling, Luna began to raise a broken blade before her, to which Krystal merely looked amused.

“Really, Luna? I go through all the trouble of saving your ass, and you plan to throw it away?” She clicked her tongue once, as she waved a finger disapprovingly, “Now, why would you want to do that?”

“You killed him!” Luna yelled out in righteous anger.

“Yes. Yes I did.” Krystal nodded simply, “And your point is... what? As I recall, you had fully intended to do the same.”

“Yes, but what you did, that... that wasn't a fight! You played with him! There was no honor in-.” she was cut off as Krystal seemed to blur again, only to reappear in front of her.

“Listen well, Princess.” Krystal commanded in a low voice, “There is no such thing as honor. There is not a thing called valor. There is no fairness. There are no rules. No... there is truly nothing of the sort. So, don't you dare lecture me otherwise. In the universe, there are simply those who have the power, and those who do not. That pony thought he had power to break others, and for his impudence... I merely broke him.”

“... You are more of a monster then he was,” Luna quietly declared. Krystal just gave a cruel smile at that.

“Perhaps, but I'm alive, and he is dead. Monster or not, I got what I wanted,” she stooped down to pick up Luna. “Now to get you to-.”

Luna batted Krystal's arms away with a hoof as she added quietly, “You will not touch me.”

Krystal snarled and drew back a hand, with full intent to knock some proper respect into the pony. But as she drew back her hand, she hesitated. A series of emotions played across her face as she tried to bring the offending hand forward a few times, but seemingly couldn't make it budge. Finally she gave a scream and clutched her head, collapsing to her knees as she began to rock back and forth. Her eyes  were wide with shock.

At that instant, a banging of doors were heard backstage, as Captain Snow Bloom's commanding voice barked out orders, “All right, Gemheart start getting ponies out of here! Thunder... Sweet Celestia... what happened back here?!”

A few wrenching sounds later guards began to appear from backstage, many looking rather pale. Upon seeing the injured ponies around the hall, they moved quickly to attend to their needs. Snow Bloom herself walked out, only looking slightly green from what she saw behind the curtains. Spotting the princess, she moved forward to give her report.

“Princess Luna, Princess Twilight sent me back to help. But apparently...”

Luna nodded once as she explained the situation, “Yes, Pitchworthy has already been dealt with. Though it seems we might have a new problem.” She focused her gaze coldly on Krystal.

Snow Bloom simply looked in confusion between the two, “Do you wish for me to take her into custody?”

“No.” Luna sighed, “I will attend to her myself. Captain I want you to get everypony out and get treatment for the injured.”

“As you wish, Prin-” With a flash the two were gone, “-cess.” Captain Snow Bloom simply shook her head. She could make sense of it all later, for now she had her orders. “Thunder Prism! Get those doors cleared! We are not taking anypony backstage, understood?”

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

Krystal looked around in slightly dazed puzzlement as the two appeared atop a cliff. To her left, she could see Canterlot shine below her, and to her right she could see Luna gazing down on her. The princess had reverted back to her previous appearance. Still, she studied the woman with guarded eyes as her horn glowed softly in the darkness. Krystal had no doubt that the princess was prepared in case her guest should act up again.

For a long moment, the two just stared at each other, studying the other's face in the light of the full moon that shone beautifully above. Krystal didn't know what to say, she knew what she had done. What she had been prepared to do, and the very thought turned her stomach. It reminded her too much of the man from the barn.

“I'm sorry,” Krystal finally admitted softly, breaking the silence. “I'm sorry you had to see that, that I lost control over... myself like that.”

Luna tilted her head at the apology, “That does not explain your actions, nor does it give me reassurance that you will not repeat your actions. What exactly did I witness, this night?”

With a sigh the woman looked up at the moon, “Princess, over a century ago, I was given a curse. With this curse, I will never age, I can never get sick, I can heal from just about any wound, and I have the power to turn the blood that's shed in battle to the advantage of myself and those I choose to ally with.”

“Perhaps I am a bit slow, Krystal, but that does not sound like a curse.” Luna stated flatly.

The woman just gave a halfhearted snort. “Well, there are a few catches. The first being, my powers only work in darkness, or at night. But by far the worst, is that they erode who I am, if I use them too much.”

“What do you mean they, 'erode who you are'?” Luna narrowed her eyes, “What exactly does that mean?”

“It means...” Krystal sighed softly and forced herself to continue, “It means that I lose my inhibitions. I lose my morals. I lose everything that holds me back from becoming a bloodthirsty monster. A monster that wouldn't think twice about killing for what she wants. Who doesn't care about anything but herself. Tonight I... I lost control, and became that monster.”

Luna shook her head, “Then... why did you protect me? Why did you save those two mares on the stage, if you had lost control and had become such a beast?”

Krystal looked Luna straight in the eyes, “I don't know. That is the only time that I have ever protected someone when that far gone. But I couldn't hurt you, and it was you specifically. That much I do know.”

Luna walked over to the edge of the cliff, and gazed upon her city. She posed a simple question, “Do you have control now? Will this happen again?” The woman sighed and looked away.

“What can I say Princess? What could I possibly say that you would believe?” Krystal admitted morosely.  She sat down from where she stood, hugging her knees.  “As I keep my powers closer to doing what 'normal' people do, I keep far more control over myself. Summoning blades, making big balls of blood, pushing my physical limits too far; those are the things that drive control from me, and I become the beast. After a century, I know very well what those limits are, tonight... Tonight was a special case. Seeing you about to be hurt...”

Luna nodded, “Indeed, tonight was not normal for anypony. I do thank you for saving me, even if your... methods... were a bit extreme.” Luna's horn lost its glow, and out of sight Krystal could hear things  hitting the ground in the darkness. “But one final thing. Of what significance did that talisman have?”

Krystal's breath froze in her chest, after a long moment she sighed once more. “The man who gave me my curse. He wore it across his chest. I have not seen that symbol in over a hundred years. And unless it is common here in Equestria...”

“It is not.” Luna stated plainly.

“...Then I don't know why he had it. I suppose it could just be a coincidence. But that pony, and man, both took the same pleasure in killing others. I don't know if that is significant in itself or not.”

Luna was silent at that point, and Krystal just sat in the darkness. She was prepared to run, to disappear into the darkness, if needed. Though a part of her hoped that the pony princess' trust had not been completely shattered. That the actions she had taken, even if Krystal was not herself, earned at least some small goodwill.

“Krystal Smith, I have made a decision,” Luna announced quietly. Luna turned to regard Krystal neutrally, “Despite your, rather extreme measures, those who could be saved in the hall, were. For that, you will still walk free. But you are still an unknown, and possibly dangerous to every pony in my kingdom. Therefore, if you are not in your room you will be escorted by guards in the day, and by myself at night. Until such time as I feel it is no longer necessary. Understood?”

Krystal nodded, disturbed at the extent of relief she felt, “That is more than fair, Princess. I would do the same, if our situation was reversed.” She caught a glimmer off one of the princess's hooves, “Perhaps we should have your wounds attended to?”

Luna nodded as she walked over to Krystal. With another flash they stood in the castle's throne room. As the princess began to walk, the woman kept close to her side, tensed and ready to be able to assist Luna should she need it.

As they walked down a hallway, one final question came forward from Krystal, “Princess, why did you even talk to me? You knew I was a threat, and yet you listened to my story... and spared me. Why?”

Luna gave a smug smirk to her companion. “Because Krystal, I knew you were incapable of truly hurting me.”

Krystal just raised an eyebrow before beginning to laugh jovially, “That's pretty bold, Princess. But I respect and thank you for your trust.” After a few steps she asked one more question, “So, does that mean we are good?”

The Princess of the Moon shook her head dejectedly as she responded, “No Krystal, it does not.” She then smiled slightly before adding, “But... we are better.” With shared grins, the two continued to the castle's infirmary.

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

Ironpaw looked over the town of Ponyville. In the darkness, he could see the streets clear of any patrolling guards or other ponies. Off to the side, he saw a shadow detach itself from the surroundings to move towards his position.

“The guards have taken to the local guardhouse. Apparently the something has happened to the Princesses in Canterlot.” Bloodshadow reported quickly

Ironpaw nodded once, “It seems our Alpha's intuition was correct.” Turning he faced the two packs, six wolves each, that accompanied him behind their enemies' lines.

Ironpaw began quickly, “Tonight is a special night.” He continued, his voice rising to a fever pitch, “A thousand years ago, we incurred the ponies' wrath, banished to the frozen mountains of the north. We all know this tale, and we all feel it in our hunger. We all see it in the eyes of our starving cubs. We all hear it in the cries of families, as starvation or cold takes another loved one from our dens.”

He paused, looking them each in the eyes in turn, “But tonight, we have an opportunity to visit some of that same pain upon the ponies, who have lands and prey far more rich than they deserve. Tonight, if we succeed, our bellies will be full and our cubs' futures will be assured. I tell you this, so that you know what is at stake. For whom you hunt this night.”

Turning his gaze back to Ponyville, Ironpaw threw his head back and let out a long howl. At this signal, the packs burst forward towards the town sleeping town of Ponyville.

“Tonight, we show the ponies who the prey truly is. For tonight, is a special night.”