Fangs of the Moon

CHAPTER 3: REASONABLE DOUBT

It was little to no time at all before Princess Luna and Celestia arrived at Sylvia's quarters.

By the looks of it at first, everything was absolutely fine, both guards standing post outside the room, as they regarded both Princess Celestia and Luna with salutes before opening the door and granting them entry.

Princess Celestia looked to her sister before raising a hoof, making her way in first.

Princess Luna followed in suit.

Yet as they'd arrived in the room, they glanced around, first towards the bed, then bathroom door, and realized there was nothing but a bundle of guards in here standing watch over nothing. Sylvia had disappeared entirely.

Princess Luna was at first simply confused before she felt overcome with worry, and soon bewilderment, and panic. "Sylvia? Sylvia!?" She trotted further into the room to ensure she wasn't simply misinterpreting things.

Princess Celestia's expression worsened before she reacted in a similar manner, except there was a slight hint of annoyance in her voice. "What happened to her? Where's the vampire?"

The guards stood there silently as they'd looked dazed, almost as if they were under some sort of spell.

It was at that moment Princess Celestia's eyes widened before she covered her face with a hoof. "Of course..." She sighed as she made her way to Luna, who was still scurrying about the room looking for the creature. "Luna..."

Princess Luna still wore an expression of worry as she used her telekinetic magic to tear off the blankets and sheets from the bed, before checking under it. She then went to the bathroom before checking even the tub for any trace of the creature left under her care. "S-Sister where could she have gone? I told her to stay put here!"

Princess Celestia sighed again, before regarding her sister with a look of conflict. Did Luna truly care about the whereabouts of this creature so much, despite the risk? "Luna, vampires have a tendency of being able to read into things easier than other races. They also possess heightened senses, as well as very capable magic in our world. It's of no surprise to me your, Sylvia, had caught wind of my worries and has made her escape." Princess Celestia paused, "When you escorted her here did she get a good look through the city and castle?"

Princess Luna's expression at first represented one of surprise, before it worsened into offense and anger. "Sister! I absolutely WILL NOT approve of some sort of, hunt, for her if that's what you're implying. She's under my care and jurisdiction and obviously you've been keeping secrets from me, which could've possibly frightened her off!" Princess Luna stomped her hoof angrily. "I will find her and escort her back. Then you can talk to her as much as you'd like but only with my go ahead! For now I don't want her any more frightened than she may very well be now." Princess Luna stomped past the guards stationed in the room before wincing at each of them, then glaring back at her sister. "And for such a dangerous creature, she was awfully considerate to simply leave our guards unharmed Celestia!" Then barged out the room, slamming the door shut behind her.

Princess Celestia didn't seem too surprised by Luna's reaction as she muttered softly to herself. "It is of no surprise to me that not even you know of the world these creatures emerged from sister." Princess Celestia closed her eyes a bit, looking tired. "The scars of that world still plaque our peaceful lands. I only hope this one is different from the rest." Princess Celestia cast a spell as it affected each and every one of the guards in the room. "I welcome you back from the land of dreams my dear guards. Did you sleep well?"

The guards all looked a little confused before taking a second to recall their orders.

They each then reacted with shock and dismay at the sight of the Princess. "P-Princess forgive us we've!-"

Princess Celestia raised a hoof with a smile. "No need, you all did what you could under the circumstances. Princess Luna is out looking for the creature as of now. Please, would you tell me what she was like? I'm very interested."

One of the guards saluted before nodding. "Of course Princess!" He paused with a cough before continuing. "Aherm. I report that the creature lacked any coat whatsoever, and was naked, such as that of a reptile. She did however possess a mane like us ponies, snow white in color and not much difference in variation when compared to the rest of her physical appearance. Her eyes were red. She spoke with cunning yet sincerity, and I had a hard time trusting anything she said was far from deceit. From what I can recall she approached us with a book she'd requested from one of the guards, relating to your history Princess, before we were lost under her spell."

Princess Celestia trotted back and forth. "A book about me you say? You mean she wasn't aware of who I was?"

The guard shook his head. "Judging by the evidence, no Princess, she was not familiar with your history."

Princess Celestia rubbed her muzzle before dwelling upon the situation. "Surprising, so she is a more recent arrival."

What was she even doing? Princess Luna couldn't make sense of her own actions as she was committing them. What compelled her to chase after this creature even though she barely knew anything about it, why it was here, and what its true goals even were? Was it Sylvia's kindness which compelled her to set things right between the two? The simple misunderstanding that she owed it to the vampire to know that she wasn't at fault for scaring her off? Or was it something else entirely? Was there something which'd caused the Princess to not want to lose her connection to this foreign creature no matter what? Her heart raced as she thought about the reasons. The reasons why she simply wanted to do anything she could to find Sylvia at this moment, rather than have her disappear off the face of the earth.

Princess Luna ignored her guards despite them voicing their worries, seeing her trot through the castle all the way to the entrance doors then outside. Princess Luna continued, down the steps, and even into the castle courtyard as she glanced around the wide open city of Canterlot. Ponies trotted around going about their regular mid night routines, without any panic whatsoever. Based on what she was seeing, there was no sign Sylvia was ever here to begin with. Princess Luna's eyes depicted sadness before she glanced to the lower left, reflecting on Sylvia's words regarding her age. According to the vampire she was a thousand years old, or older; what did that mean? Sylvia appeared to be a child at heart, lacking any knowledge of this world, so how could she possibly be that age? So many questions and a slim chance to find the answers at this rate.  Princess Luna groaned a little, before lowering her head and turning back towards the castle, going off into a sluggish depressed trot up the steps.

Wherever Sylvia was, be it somewhere in the Castle, or even out there in the world. Finding her again would likely take much more time than she'd wanted, and Princess Luna couldn't help but feel flustered by it all.

Sylvia felt mesmerized by the city lights which surrounded her, as well as the large variation of ponies. It truly was like a depiction of a storybook, or a fairy tale from a little girl's dreams. The architecture, the way the floors were all made of marble or rune etched concrete. How everything around her seemed to possess some sort of glow, beautiful in every way shape and form. She was lost in a paradise, and didn't mind being so. Yet as Sylvia kept herself wrapped in her towel and clutched the book with her naked hand, she could feel the stares all around her. There were even mutters and whispers which left her feeling uncomfortable to say the least. Sylvia currently sat at the train station, on a bench by her lonesome as she'd waited for the train to arrive. She couldn't cover her face or a large portion of her legs.

She felt her appearance was also shameful compared to the ponies which trotted by her.

They looked at her as if looking upon an exotic animal. "What is that?" was the most common question she'd heard.

As Sylvia sat on the bench, she began to drift back to her past which seemed to give off a familiar atmosphere. A thought back to a time when she sat on a bench, much like she was doing now, well dressed of course. A time where instead of ponies, creatures much more like herself walked back and forth going about their daily lives, but it was only ironic due to the fact, their questions were the same. What's with her skin, is she sick? Why's her hair like that? Is she albino? Gross. Sylvia gripped the book firmly before wincing a little, and baring her fangs on the end of her lips, unable to hide her anger in the past she couldn't change. She sighed as she thought about Princess Luna as well, before lowering her head. "You probably hate me huh?..." Sylvia sat there with a faint smile for a moment, before her expression steadily broke down and she found herself tearing up, her eyes red and puffy as she frowned, before wiping them and exhaling softly. She just sat there then, still waiting for the train.

"Oh, now what exactly do we have here?" A pony stopped in front of Sylvia curiously.

Sylvia looked upon the pony with wide eyes, wondering who he was. He was a pony with a monocle, and a very fancy blue mustache and combed back mane. He reminded her of a butler of sorts, and could tell he was probably rich.

The stallion adjusted his monocle before observing her closely. "I must say I've never seen something quite like yourself before? Might I ask where you're from? Do you speak? Perhaps you are a pet with a master?"

Sylvia chuckled, closing her eyes and giggling afterwords. "Eheh...No, I'm a human vampire sir. Sylvia is my name."

The stallion's eyes widened. "Oh a what now? A human you say; that's quite interesting! Can't say I met one before."

Sylvia shook her head. "You probably don't ever want to sir. We're not very great, for many reasons."

The stallion laughed before raising a brow. "Sir? Now no need for that; it's Fancy Pants, at your service." He eyed her up and down, "And where might you be off to in such a hurry little lady? Judging by your attire I can't imagine you had a whole lot of time to prepare yourself for your own departure." Was that a used towel she was wrapped in?

Sylvia smiled before flusing somewhat, giving a crooked smile. She clenched the towel a little. "Well at the moment I'm just trying to get out of the city. I'll probably just get off at the nearest town for now, until things cool off with Prin-" But she stopped herself, which left Fancy Pants regarding her with further curiosity. Sylvia dared not mention Princess Celestia or Luna, seeing as if she did, it was more than likely that Fancy Pants would inform the guards. So she just continued to smile, recovering from her near mishap. "Well, just the nearest town I mean. S-Sir."

Fancy Pants responded with a crooked smile of his own, but couldn't help but smirk. He closed his eyes and nodded. "I see, well best of luck to you then little human. I'm not sure if they'll have any clothes that fit your shape at any of our 'pony' stores, but if you do happen to come across such a place-" Fancy Pants immediately took a hold of her hand before dropping a small sack of bits onto her palm. "Please don't hesitate to replace that current getup."  The stallion then strode past the bench, and the human vampire in order to go about his business. "Now I must be off, take care of yourself little human. It can be a dangerous world out there for such mysterious creatures."

Sylvia stared at the sack of coins for a few seconds before immediately standing up, simply allowing her towel to drop, not thinking about it and just wanting to thank the kind pony. She called out to him, "Fancy Pants!"

Fancy Pants stopped, before glancing back at the young girl and adjusting his monocle. "Hm?"

A bright vibrant smile decorated her face as she nodded to him, "Thank you very much!"

Fancy Pants blinked a bit before smiling back. "My pleasure little lady. Now please put that towel back on."

Coincidentally it was also at this moment, that Sylvia's train would arrive.

"All aboard for Ponyville, Station 4. Please enter in a calm orderly fashion, thank you for your cooperation."

Sylvia picked up her towel before wrapping it around herself once again. She then waved at Fancy Pants, hurrying onto the train as the doors closed behind her. By that point Fancy Pants had already gone about his way. Sylvia exhaled softly, and felt somewhat relieved to have a form of currency in this world, although she didn't really need sustenance, her priority at the time probably would require some form of money. She'd also take Fancy Pant's advice and perhaps find some clothes to put on as well. Most ponies in this city seemed pretty high class and well off as well. She took a seat and then proceeded by just staring out the window, taking in the scenery of the night sky and rolling hills in the distance. The world seemed so vast, new, unfamiliar,....exciting. Yet Sylvia's heart still ached when she thought of Princess Luna. She probably should've just told Princess Luna more about her race when she had the chance.

Fancy pants continued on his way through Canterlot, but to his surprise he found the city was more lively than usual, with guards that is. Lunar guards were a bit more active for some reason, and it caused the stallion to worry a bit. He glanced around to see they were questioning some ponies, but not so much so as to cause a panic, although they couldn't help but draw attention. Fancy Pants looked for a free guard, before making his way over to one himself. Although he was planning to speak first, the guard inclined the moment he saw Fancy Pants approach.

"Hail citizen! Could you spare a moment of your time?" The guard saluted him.

Fancy Pants adjusted his monocle again. "It's quite fine my good sir, but may I go out of my way as to guess that all of this involves a strange little creature roaming about the city?" He tapped his muzzle. "A human was it?"

The guard's eyes widened as he glanced around before immediately getting closer to Fancy Pants. "Well you see, Princess Luna has lost something of great importance, a harmless pet, one of no danger whatsoever! Absolutely ZERO risk, sooooo if you diiiiiid happen to come across this human vampire, where might you have seen her good citizen?"

Fancy Pants blinked a bit, before simply adding on. "She was at the station, I'm fairly certain I wasn't the only one who saw her there. Well perhaps others saw her wandering about the city previously but as of the latest update, yes she was planning to depart from the station. Although I can't say where she planned on going. She'd suggested the nearest city."

The guard immediately called out to his fellows, flapping his bat pony wings and letting off a howling whistle. "Team! Back to the castle, we must inform the Princess of this news as soon as possible!"

Fancy Pants watched the guards depart from that particular area of the city with a slight frown before scratching the back of his own mane. "Well, I do hope I didn't trouble the girl's life too much." He then went about his business again, continuing on through the city, as he was soon joined by some squawking fans chanting his name. As he made his way off into the distance he sighed, "It is certainly going to be a long night."

Princess Luna overlooked the city from the throne room porch. She still appeared fairly upset with the current situation, as she possessed an intense glare, reflecting on what'd happened.

Princess Celestia made her way into the room soon after. "Luna? Could we talk?...."

Princess Luna glanced back at Celestia still with that same glare, before she steadily mellowed out into a look of hesitation, then sorrow. She sighed heavily before giving Celestia a reluctant nod and muttering, "Yes, of course sister. Please forgive me for earlier, I was only upset due to your sudden actions." She paused, "I see now it was all for the greater good of our subjects and they come first before anything, so, yes, please forgive me." Princess Luna lowered her head a little before returning back to overlooking the city.

Princess Celestia frowned herself before making her way to her sister's side. "I'm sorry as well, my experience with vampires has not been pleasant sister. There are many things that happened while....while...." Princess Celestia's voice died down a bit as she had a bit of trouble speaking about the topic. "While your 'true' self was away. There were many things I'd rather not speak of, and in all honesty, never expected to have to speak of again. That's obviously no longer the case. I never foresaw this, let alone you caring for the creature." She to began to overlook the city as well. "But if Canterlot isn't already in a state of panic, I feel it's safe to assume that for now, I lacked the better judgement."

Princess Luna remained silent as her mood worsened, expressing sadness and turmoil.

Princess Celestia looked to her sister worriedly. "But I must know sister, why do you care for it so much?"

Princess Luna turned red a bit as she seemed thrown off, before she recovered and shook her head in her own defense. "I-I don't care for her! It's just a matter of common courtesy alright!?" She huffed, breathing heavily before frowning again and turning away from Celestia in embarrassment. "I simply don't want there to be any misunderstandings between us, so until then, I will find her and c-clear things up between us."

Princess Celestia couldn't help but chuckle a little, as she raised a hoof to her mouth.

Princess Luna snapped, stomping a hoof. "I-It's your fault this all happened anyway sister! If you hadn't sent the entire blasted guard into her quarters she wouldn't have been frightened off! S-She's so small, she might've assumed we were planning to harm her, or worse! Now she's out there again in the cold dark, doing who knows what!?"

Princess Celestia only continued to chuckle, unable to contain her amusement.

Princess Luna snarled, "I don't see what's so funny about all this!!"

But before the situation could drag on, one of the guards soon burst into the throne room. "Princess Luna!"

Princess Luna was about to make another comment in regards to Princess Celestia, but stopped herself to focus more so on her guard, her mouth still hung open with her hoof raised and pointed straight at Celestia, but her eyes were on her guard. She just stood there silently, as if giving him the signal to continue.

The guard saluted, "We've received word on the creature's whereabouts! It has fled the city by use of train!"

Princess Luna lowered her hoof before teleporting over to her guard's side. "The train you say? Do you have any idea where she may have gone? We must find her at once! And remember if you do, DO NOT, frighten her. Be kind and gentle, and ensure she knows she's a welcomed guest, despite what she is. Do you understand?"

The guard nodded and gave Princess Luna another salute, "Judging by the report there is no specified location confirmed, but we might have an idea of where she's head off to," before flying back out of the throne room.

Princess Luna touched upon the floor before breaking off into a trot towards the exit.

Princess Celestia called out to her, "Where might you be going Luna?"

Princess Luna glanced back at Celestia with a wince. "I'm heading out sister!...I'll be back soon." She then exited the throne room swiftly, ensuring to slam the two massive doors behind her as well. Then ensuring they were shut with some light rattling that could be heard, before trotting hurriedly down the hall.

Princess Celestia smiled softly to herself, "I will delay the sun for some time, just for you dearest sister." Princess Celestia then began to overlook the city again as she looked up towards the night sky with a sigh. "Because even if you're as she says, how long can you expect to outrun the sky itself little vampire. Few of you ever could."

Sylvia's situation didn't appear to be getting any better as she now made way through the barren small town of Ponyville. Well at least during this time everything felt quite barren, there being practically nopony out and about. The few that were didn't fail to notice Sylvia, but she reacted as if she didn't mind, she knew causing a commotion would certainly cause a scene and that's the last thing she'd wanted. Although such lessons were old news, she knew to abide by that lifestyle long ago. Reacting to such trivial things would only cause her even more trouble. Yet even though she said that, she knew she couldn't continue this trek alone, especially if she planned to find a particular place. Sylvia sighed before gulping, and looking to one of the ponies and approaching them. She put on a smile, "Uhm, excuse me."

The pony halted as she'd eyed Sylvia with wide paranoid eyes. "Yes!?"

Sylvia chuckled a bit before rubbing her forehead nervously, "Uhm, is there a library anywhere in town."

The pony's hoof trembled as she'd simply pointed in the direction of Golden Oak's Library. "Yes, Golden Oak's, it's the large tree decorated as a home, it is our main library here in Ponyville." She added on curiously, "Might you be here to see Princess Twilight? I wouldn't be surprised to find out she gets such interesting visitors."

Sylvia blinked a bit before shaking her head. "Princess Twilight? N-No, I wasn't even aware there was a Princess here."

The pony blinked before looking ahead, "Oh I see. Well then, take care erhm...whatever you might be." Before she went off into a trot, further into town and towards one of the houses off in the distance.

Sylvia waved at her, before making her way off towards Golden Oak's Library. "Anoooother Princess?....Jeez...."

Princess Twilight Sparkle wasn't doing anything too tedious. She was simply sitting at her study, flipping through the pages of yet another book. The place was tidy thanks to Spike for the most part, with everything in a neat order and dusted off. Twilight had a couple of lamps on, which gave off a nice orange glow around the place, and allowed her to relax for the most part. Twilight also had a cup of tea nearby, with some small packs given to her by Rarity, recommended by the pony for when she found herself on nights such as these reading a good book. Twilight felt she couldn't have been more grateful as she was right now for such advice, as she chuckled, continually and happily gliding through the pages. Her eyes scrolling over each and every letter, not missing a single word.

Yet suddenly, breaking the silence and quiet ambiance would be three abrupt knocks at the door.

Twilight blinked a bit, before turning around a little and looking at the door curiously. It was late at night and she didn't expect any visitors, so it seemed quite suspicious. "Hello? Is somepony there?"

The voice which'd answered was high pitched and sounded like it belonged to a little filly. Yet Twilight didn't recognize it and it left her feeling puzzled, she was certain she knew every little filly in town by now. "Yes, excuse me Princess, I'm sorry to disturb you so late at night. But I was wondering if I could perhaps have a look at the books in the library. There are a few I'm looking for and it'd be really helpful if I could get a quick look at the ones available to me here." The voice paused for a good few seconds. "P-Please...I'm sorry, I can come back another time if you need me to."

Princess Twilight rose from her seat as she chuckled a bit shaking her head. "No no no it's fine it's fine! Just give me a second and I'll get the door for you." Princess Twilight took a fraction of a second to teleport to the door, before opening it with little effort on her part due to her magic. She had a wide welcoming smile on her face as she'd looked outside, then down at the individual in front of her. To where she saw a tiny human girl standing there with a smile very similar to her own, with a large book hugged tightly against her chest. Twilight giggled, "Oh look, a human."

There was a lengthy silence between the two then. "................................."

Twilight's eyes snapped wide into a look of utter shock, as she gasped. "A HUMAAAAAAAAAN!?!?!!?!?!" She then immediately snatched the little girl with her hooves with a look of intense paranoia, before sticking her head out the door and looking around to make sure nopony saw her do the deed, as she then slammed the door shut behind her.

Twilight immediately carried the little human over to her study, placing her on the desk then removing the towel. Sylvia remained still as she just looked at Twilight curiously, allowing the mare to do whatever she liked. Twilight ran a hoof down her face delicately before running it steadily down her body, getting a good feel of the vampire and then even going so far as to inspect her hair by the individual strands. Twilight felt as if she were about to yell but caught on, and lowered her voice to a minimum. "What're you doing here!? How did you even get here!?"

Sylvia chuckled a bit before cocking her head to the right. "I took the train, and I came here to find some books. You don't remember what I told you Princess?" She looked fairly confused by Twilight's questions and concern.

Twilight looked into the girl's eyes with worry. "What? No no no forget the books little girl! I mean how in the world did you even get into Equestria!? You shouldn't be here! Did you come through the mirror?" Twilight began pacing back and forth as she then muttered, "I've got to inform Princess Celestia about this right away....Spiiiiiiiiiiiiike!!!"

Sylvia at that moment clutched onto Twilight's coat tightly before looking into her eyes pleadingly. "WAIT!"

Twilight paused, before looking back at Sylvia worriedly herself still. "Huh?"

Sylvia shook her head. "P-Please, don't tell Princess Celestia that I'm here!...I...I don't think she'll approve of me being here. I think she knows a lot about what I am!" She lowered her head and voice, "P-Please, just...I'll just leave. Nopony ever has to know I was here. It's okay you don't need to lend me books miss." Sylvia was trembling as she kept a firm grip on Twilight, which Twilight didn't fail to notice as she felt somewhat stunned by the human's words.

Twilight lowered her frame before tilting Sylvia's head up to look her in the eyes. "Now now wait a second, we're not going to hurt you. Ponies are nice okay? Especially Princess Celestia, she's the last one you need to worry about. What makes you think she'd detest you because of what you are?"

Sylvia added on. "Because I'm no normal human, I'm a vampire. We're very dangerous."

At that moment Spike came rushing down the stairs hurriedly. "What is it Twilight!? What's wro-" then he caught sight of Sylvia as he gasped much like Twilight originally did and then tumbled down the stairs, passed out.

Sylvia's expression lit up as she'd hurried over to the fainted dragon. "A baby dragon! How amazing!" She then began poking the little purple dragon playfully, chuckling as she did so, knelt down before him at the bottom of the steps.

Twilight just stood in place for a few seconds, pondering the word. Vampire? Where had she heard that word before? No she'd never heard it mentioned in such a way, but she had heard something similar to it. Twilight ignored Sylvia for a few seconds before hurrying over to one of the bookshelves and then letting her eyes go over each of the individual sections. She then blinked as she saw what she was looking for, pulling it out with her telekinetic magic. "Ah here it is, pony myths and legends." Twilight immediately flipped through the pages of the book, turning more towards the end with a V category specified in the pages of the book. Twilight squinted a bit as she focused on one particular page and then cocked her head to the side a bit. "There it is....a myth originating around the time frame of 900 years ago...an old filly's ghost story...vamponies?....." Twilight then glanced back worriedly at Sylvia, before gulping a bit. She whispered silently to herself as the little vampire continued to poke Spike playfully. "Just where exactly did you come from all of a sudden?............"

Meanwhile, back in the small town of Hollow Shades, more trouble was stirring apparently.

Exiting from one of the numerous shabby buildings would be a hooded pony, wearing a playful smirk. Her coat was a pale blue color as her mane was a darker shade of sapphire, and her eyes were yellow, possessing slits like those of a sinister serpent or perhaps a dragon. She was cackling softly, as she ran her hoof down a small alicorn pendant in the form of a necklace. She licked her lips, and ran her tongue over one of her fangs. "It's about time, sheesh."