Twilight Sparkle read her book with much concentration, as if nothing could disturb her. As assigned by Princess Celestia, she was supposed to research the supernatural, what made them that way and the like.
Of course, being the type that relies on science, she didn’t believe in any of it one bit. But not wanting to fail, she studied it anyway.
Next to her were some books, all stacked atop each other. She estimated there were at least sixteen books there. As of this moment, she was reading her seventh one.
“Twilight? Don’t you think you’ve read enough today?” A voice behind her said.
It was true; she read quite a lot over the course of that day, at least three books. Outside, shadows overtook the land, with the moon and stars casting some light. A flickering candle was the only thing that gave light to the library, allowing Twilight to read her book.
“Not yet Spike,” Twilight answered, turning another page. “This one seems to be the most intriguing yet.”
“What’s it ‘bout?” The tired dragon’s voice asked.
“This one talks about an old legend about a vampire king!”
“But I thought you didn’t believe in stuff like that.”
“I don’t. But this story still interests me more than the others.”
“Twilight, it’s the middle of the night and nopony else is awake!”
“Whoa Spike, listen to this!” Twilight said ignoring Spike.
“What? What is it?” Curiosity filled the purple dragon’s eyes.
“According to this book, the vampire king is in a coffin that’s buried somewhere near the edge of the Everfree Forest!”
“For someone who doesn’t believe in this stuff, you sure do act like it,” Spike mumbled, not loud enough to be audible by Twilight.
“And buried with them in the coffin is some sword called the ‘Sword of Healing!’” The purple unicorn continued, lifting the book with her magic and showing Spike a sketch of what the sword supposedly looks like.
The first thing Spike noticed was what looked like a jewel, engraved on the handle of the sword. His eyes grew hungry and he started to drool. “Can we go check it out?” Spike said dreamily.
“No Spike,” Twilight said firmly as she closed the book and set it down on the table.
“Why not?” Spike whined.
“Because vampires and other supernatural things don’t exist.”
“But earlier you—“
“I said no Spike.”
Spike fell to his knees, clasped his hands together and began begging.“Pleaseeeeeee?”
Twilight sighed. “Alright, but only to prove to you that this doesn’t exist.” Spike immediately sprang up and dashed to the door. “Tomorrow, Spike.” Spike abruptly stopped and groaned but when he remembered just how late it was he didn’t argue.
“Fine,” he grumbled and trudged upstairs.
Twilight blew out the candle and followed him, using her magic as a light source. Crawling into bed, she realized just how tired she was, and fell asleep quickly.
The following morning, Twilight was first to wake, trotting downstairs and quickly making some pancakes for her and Spike’s breakfast. By the time she had finished, Spike had already awoken and walked downstairs.
“Mm! They smell delicious!” Spike commented as Twilight gave him his plate.
“Thank you!” Twilight said proudly and seated herself at the table, sitting across from Spike.
Both of them began eating away at their breakfast, Spike eager to get going while Twilight ate at a steady pace.
After they finished, they made their way over to the Everfree forest. The sun was blistering, and made the trip an agonizing one. Spike was carrying the shovel while Twilight had the book in her saddlebags.
Arriving near the edge, Twilight pulled out the book, using her magic to open it and flip the pages. “Alright,” she began.
“According to this book, the coffin should be buried right over…” Twilight trotted over to a spot to the left of where she was standing. “Here!” she stated proudly.
She moved off to the side a bit and used her magic to take the shovel from Spike’s grip, and began digging. Spike ran over, careful to not get in the way. She dug for a few minutes before she and Spike heard a “clank”.
Twilight stopped digging and both her and Spike peered into the hole. “Well that’s weird. I’m sure it’s nothing more than a coincidence!” Twilight concluded.
“Yeah yeah, just get it out and open it already!” Twilight enveloped the coffin with her magic aura and tugged at it. It appeared to be a bit stuck; no surprise for being buried for almost 300 years.
Once she got it out, Twilight studied it a bit, looking around at all the sides. “Twilight!” Spike yelled, beginning to get impatient.
“Alright!” she said. Twilight had her tongue on her top lip as she concentrated, using her magic to unlock the padlock. It broke off with ease, seeing as it was rusty. Spike lifted the coffin door himself and looked inside, Twilight not long after.
Twilight’s mouth opened wide at what she saw.
Inside was what appeared to be a stallion. His coat was snow white and his eyes were shut as if he were sleeping. His mane and tail were both a silver color, with blood red dying the tips. His forelegs wrapped around a sword: A sword that resembled the sketch of the “Sword of Healing” in the book.
The “Sword of Healing” was a white-silver color, even the handle. The only thing was that was a different hue from the sword was the red jewel engraved on the handle.
“So it is real…” Twilight said, wonder and shock clearly shown in her voice. Her mouth still hung wide open.
Spike’s eyes once again grew hungry, even hungrier than before since he was seeing the actual jewel in person. He reached for it but Twilight hit his hand away. “No Spike. This sword could be important for research!” she said and used her magic to carefully unwrap the pony's leg from the sword, as to not wake him up. She lifted it up out of the coffin and gave it a satisfied look before turning around and starting walking back to the library, completely forgetting about reburying the coffin.
“Come on Spike! We got some research to do!” Spike began to follow before he stopped and turned back to the coffin, wondering if he should remind Twilight to rebury it. He shrugged it off and ran to catch up with the purple unicorn mare.
My red eyes shot open, and the first thing I was greeted with was the night sky, signaling me it was nighttime.
What happened exactly?
I knew I was buried in a coffin, but the fact that I’m opening my eyes and met the night sky it means someone unburied the coffin, but who?
I lay there for a few moments, trying to figure it out when I realized something was missing. It didn’t take long for me to see that my forelegs were no longer wrapped around the sword I had gone to sleep with.
Someone stole it!
That sword was everything to me. I can’t remember exactly why, but I do recognize these feelings.
I slowly got out of the coffin. My joints and muscles were aching, considering I haven’t moved at all in so long. I first sat up and held my hoof to my head. I had an awful headache. After I got over that, I slowly crawled out of the “bed” and stretched a bit. Only when I had finished stretching did I realize something else.
I was hungry. Very hungry.
Why wouldn’t I be? I was asleep for who knows how long.
I sniffed the air and got a scent of a pony. She was more or less around 300 feet from where I was standing. I was easily able to spot her. She must’ve been out on a night stroll or something like that.
I had no need for stalking my prey like a normal predator. My super speed took care of it all.
I caught her and held her, covering her mouth to keep her from screaming. My fangs came out and I bit her neck, blood instantly filling my mouth.
I must say this mare’s blood is delicious. It had a sweet taste. She must keep herself healthy.
I didn’t drink a whole lot; enough to make her dizzy but not enough for a kill.
I hadn’t taken my hoof off of her mouth yet. I leaned in and whispered “Now, run off. Go back home. And don’t tell a soul about this!” My grip tightened to make my point clear. She nodded in response. “Good.” I released her and she galloped off.
I believe I haven’t exactly introduced myself, have I? My name is Damien. A weird name for a pony, yes, but a normal name for a supernatural creature such as myself. I hid my name though. Anypony who heard the name “Damien” would probably immediately be frightened by me, at least think me of being a bit odd.
I called myself “Shadow Chaser”. Fitting, eh?
Anyway, I should probably get back to searching for my sword. I don’t know exactly how to explain it, but it’s like I have a sort of connection with the sword. If I concentrate hard enough, I can tell exactly where it is.
So that’s what I did.
I closed my eyes. And concentrated. Hard. A wind blew, and my eyes shot open.
I could tell where it was now.
My senses lead me to a library. I was breathing heavily because of how mad I was.
Whoever lived here, stole something.
Not exactly a good deed if you ask me.
I took a few breathes, trying to calm myself down. Once I was sure I was calm enough, I knocked on the door. I heard a
“Coming!” and faint footsteps. No more than a few moments later, the door opened and I saw a purple unicorn mare standing there.
So this is the one that stole from me.
I wanted more than anything to tear her apart for taking something so important from me, but I managed to hold back.
The unicorn’s eye’s widened. She probably recognized me somewhat.
“Give it back,” I growled.
She stood there for some moments, too much in shock to say anything.
“Give. It. Back.” I said once more, this time my voice angrier and more demanding.
“Oh, you mean the sword?” she asked. I nodded. She continued on. “If it’s alright with you I’d like to use the sword for—“
“No.” I cut her off.
“Hear me out,” she said. “I understand you must not have a place to stay, considering you just woke up from your 300 year nap,” she paused waiting for a response from me.
300 years, huh? So that’s how long I’ve been asleep.
I nodded, motioning for her to continue.
“So, if you let me study the sword, I’ll give you a place to stay,” she finished.
“No,” I said immediately. “Just give me back my damn sword.” She flinched, probably because of my choice of words.
She sighed and went back into the library, returning a few moments with a sword—my sword—enveloped in her magic.
“Thank you,” I simply said, grabbed the sword handle with my mouth, and trotted away.
I came to rest under a tree on the outskirts of this village. I rest my head on my forelegs, my sword next to me, glistening in the moonlight.
I thought about a lot of things, like what was supposed to happen now, where I was going to go, and most importantly, my sister.
That’s right. I have a sister. And she is the most important pony in the world to me. After our parents were executed some 302 years ago, it left me in charge of caring for her, protecting her, causing me and her to grow close.
I lost her before I was put to rest 300 years ago.
And I absolutely had to find her.
After all, she was all I had left in this world.
I couldn’t rest out there. It seemed like danger was surrounding me everywhere. It may seem crazy for a vampire to feel threatened, but if you understood…
I thought back to that pony’s offer from a few hours ago. Even though I would be putting myself in danger by going there, and I was risking losing my sword, I certainly had a much better chance there then out here.
She gave me back my sword when I said no to the deal right? So that must mean she’s somewhat trustworthy.
I got up on my hooves, grabbed the sword with my mouth, and trotted back to the library. I knocked on the door, heard a tired “Coming!” and the door was opened. She seemed a bit shocked to see me come back, but not too shocked. In fact, she seemed…excited, as she knew what this meant.
“I’ll take you up on that deal of yours,” I mumbled. Even though I had the sword handle in my mouth, she seemed to understand. She used her magic and took it out of my mouth, lead me inside, and set it carefully on a table.
Well, at least I know she’ll be careful with it.
She turned to me.
“Allow me to introduce myself!” she said. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, faithful student of Princess Celestia!”
Wait a sec, this pony in front of me is a student of Princess Celestia?
I guess I should be a bit careful around this Twilight Sparkle.
“Shadow Chaser,” I simply stated. I looked around the library. Every shelf was lined with books, as to be expected from a library. Although it was a bit messy…
“Sorry about the mess,” she said. I turned back toward her. “I was planning cleaning up soon.” I only nodded in response, causing her to give a big, awkward smile.
“Well, I guess I’ll lead you up to your room now,” she continued. I nodded again, just wanting to lie down already. She lead me upstairs to a room. The room wasn’t that special; it had a plain bed with a brown blanket and white pillow in the corner of the room. It had a simple nightstand next to it. Next to the nightstand was a window, which you could easily see the moon and stars through.
“Here you are!” she said. I turned toward her and she gave me a smile. I sighed and said a simple “Thank you” before walking in, shutting the door, and crawling into bed.
I lay there for a few moments, simply staring at the ceiling and thinking.
Will I ever find you, sister?
With that question still in mind, I rolled over onto my side, closed my eyes, and easily feel asleep.
It was scorching hot. Homes were set ablaze and smoke filled the air. Everypony ran around in a panic as debris crushed or fire burned their loved ones. In the middle of it all stood a stallion.
Me.
I heard their agonizing cries of pain and torment. My eyes were wide and I had tears streaming down my face.
And what’s worse: I couldn’t do a damn thing about it.
I slightly turned my head and moved my gaze over just in time to see a little filly trip. And the moment she tripped, the beam hovering over her could no longer stand, as the fire burned away too much of its base. The beam fell, and the poor little one couldn’t move out of the way in time. The only thing she could do was close her eyes tightly and brace herself for impact. I was in too much shock to move and try to help.
And so it happened.
Her blood splattered everywhere. I was close enough that some covered my cheek with a red streak.
I heard a terrified scream and saw a mare standing above the now crushed filly. I’m assuming it was her mother. Whimpers escaped her lips and tears built up in her eyes as she reached out, hoping for any sign of life.
Only, there was none.
She screamed yet again and fell to her knees, clutching her head in her forelegs
I know that look in her eyes. The look in the eyes that says regret, because you couldn’t protect what was precious to you. The look that says pain, because you had just lost someone so dear to you.
“You brought this upon us, Cursed One!” I hear a voice say. I turn my head and my eyes catch those of an angry stallion.
Did I really do this?
I can’t remember.
I haven’t done anything wrong… have I?
More voices began to shout. At me.
I couldn’t understand what they were saying—all of the voices mixed together.
But I did know one thing: The voices were filled with anger and hatred, pain and sorrow.
“I… I’m sorry…” I manage to whimper out. But it’s not loud enough to be audible by the ponies. The voices still shouted, and they got louder as more joined in.
“I’m sorry!” This time it’s much louder. As I spoke, I immediately cowered down, closing my eyes tightly and covered my ears with my hooves. I no longer wanted to see their angry and pained expressions. I no longer wanted to hear the hatred and sorrow filled voices.
I didn’t like this; being seen as nothing but a monster.
If only I could’ve done something—anything—to help.
Maybe I could’ve proven myself to them. I could've proven I wasn’t the thoughtless monster they sought me out to be.
But I didn’t. And now, they can only feel hatred towards me.
Screams of agony still filled the air.
I hated this. I just wanted it to end.
Let it be over already.
Please.
And so it was.
I woke up in a pool of sweat, breathing heavily.
It was only a dream.
No, it wasn’t a dream. It was a nightmare.
I sat up, and stared at my hooves, searching for any sign of monstrosity.
Of course I didn’t find any. The proof was in my mouth. My fangs.
It was still night, the time when most vampires are active.The moon hung high in the sky with stars twinkling brightly beside it. My mind traced back to the thoughts of 300 years ago.
I don’t know remember what happened 300 years ago. I’m not sure I even want to remember.
All I know for sure is I’m the Vampire King.
But of course, why wouldn’t I remember something like that?
Ever since I was a colt, I’ve always known it. My father, the old king, told me that I would be the new king. I would be in charge. I would have to protect our race.
But, I can’t help but feel as if there’s something more.
I knew I wouldn’t be able to fall back asleep, so I threw off the covers and walked over to my window, resting my forelegs on the windowsill and laying my head on them.
I looked up at the moon. I was told long ago by my mother stories of Princess Luna, and how her she transformed into Nightmare Moon, someone who wanted to cast the land of Equestria in eternal night. Then, her sister Princess Celestia sealed her in the moon.
I was also informed that after 1,000 years, she would be released from her prison on the moon.
I know it has been over 1,000 years since she’s been trapped. I wonder where Princess Luna is now…
Perhaps I can ask Twilight later.
I wonder though, was Princess Luna lonely? Sure, she had her sister and all, but that didn't mean her sister was awake throughout the night like she was. Immortal princesses need their sleep too, right?
I guess I can relate to Princess Luna pretty well if she was. I was lonely myself back then. I still am. I only had my sister and parents. I tried to befriend other ponies, but they all feared me, and I knew their parents warned them to stay away from me.
I simply sat there, looking at the moon as my mind raced with millions of questions.
I must’ve dozed off at some point. I awoke, drool covering one of my forelegs. I was a bit surprised as to why I was in that position, and where I was, but it all came back to me in a few moments’ time.
The sun had risen by then. Clouds floated gently across the sky as ponies trotted by on the streets below.
Not long after waking, I heard a knock at my door. I knew who it was immediately.
I walked over and opened my door, not surprised at all to see Twilight Sparkle standing there.
“Good morning!” She greeted me with a smile. I only nodded in reply. It grew awkward, and she must’ve noticed the awkward tension in the air because her kind smile changed into a nervous one.
“So,” she began. “How’d you sleep?”
“Okay, I guess.” My mind replayed the events of that nightmare I had.
“Alright. Well, breakfast is ready so come on downstairs!” And with that, she turned around and began walking downstairs. I followed shortly after.
As descended, a scent wafted towards my nose. A scent I recognized… Pancakes? To be honest, I never would’ve thought pancakes would’ve lasted so long.
Reaching my destination at the bottom of the stairs, I saw a baby purple dragon seated at the table. A plate with a couple of pancakes sat on the table in front of him, while two other plates with some pancakes lay in front of two other chairs. The dragon must’ve heard the clopping of my hooves, for he turned his head and looked at me, eyes widening a bit as he saw me. I didn’t wince or cringe or anything really. I was used to getting this kind of reaction.
“Hey… are you really a…” he gulped. “Vampire?” I nodded my head in reply.
“Don’t worry Spike,” Twilight said. So this little guy’s name was Spike, eh? “I don’t think he’ll hurt us. Not when I have his sword.” I scowled a bit at this. I didn’t need to be reminded she had it.
“Alright, if you’re sure.” Twilight trotted over and took the sit across from him, leaving me to sit in between the two.
I stared down at my food a bit, studying my pancakes before lifting my fork and knife and eating a piece of it.
It was delicious. I wanted to dive right into it, eating it all up quickly. But I didn’t want to make a fool of myself.
So I ate as casually as I could, resisting the urges to eat it all quickly.
Who knew a baby dragon could make such good pancakes?
I guess today was just sort of a relax day because after we ate, Twilight went to reading her books and studying the sword while Spike cleaned around the library, leaving me to do nothing.
I simply lay on my back, looking at the ceiling, my forelegs crossed over my chest.
I was thinking. I didn’t know about what exactly. I remembered a face. I recognized the face, but I couldn’t tell who it was. I didn’t know if they had a connection to me, or if they were simply one of the many ponies that were frightened of me.
But still, why would I remember it so clearly? Why at such a random time? Too many things were confusing me.
I was pretty lost in thought, so I jumped quite a bit when a loud crash and a groan of pain were heard.
I shot straight up and turned my head in the direction, my ears perking up. My eyes landed on a cyan Pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail. She had pink eyes and a cloud with a three-colored lightning bolt for a cutie mark.
Judging by the look on Twilight’s face, this was a usual occurrence.
“Rainbow Dash!” she scolded. “That’s the fifth time this week!”
“Eh,” the pony I guess was named Rainbow Dash groaned once again as she stood up, holding a hoof to her head. “Sorry Twi.”
She created quite a mess. Books now lay scattered across the library. Twilight sighed in frustration as she and Spike got to work on cleaning up, Twilight using her magic to levitate all the books back into their place. While she was cleaning, Rainbow caught eye of my sword. “Whoa, what’s this?” she said, getting closer, examining it. I resisted the urge to tackle her and keep her from getting any closer.
“My sword,” I answered. Rainbow turned to look at me.
“Whoa, who’s the new dude?” Rainbow turned to Twilight expecting an answer. Twilight had just finished putting all the books back in their rightful places.
“That is Shadow Chaser,” said Twilight. “He is—“ I looked at Twilight, a look of desperation in my eyes begging her not to spill my secret about what I was. Should it be told, I’d either be getting too much attention or none at all. She caught my eye, gave a slight nod of her head saying she understood, and turned back to Rainbow. “—the owner of that sword.” I sighed in relief, my secret kept safe for at least one more day.
“Name’s Rainbow Dash,” she said, giving an official introduction to me. I nodded my head, feeling no need to state my name since Twilight had done so for me already.
“How’s that new trick coming along?” Twilight asked Rainbow.
“Awesomely!” she exclaimed, flying up into the air. “I think I almost got it down!” A look of determination crossed her features.
“Rainbow Dash,” Twilight groaned. “You’ve been saying that for a while now.”
“I know, but I’m serious this time!”
“Really?” Twilight sounded unamused.
“Of course I am! I’ll get it next time for sure!”
I couldn’t hear the rest. Out of boredom, I slipped out through the front door and decided to explore a bit. I left a note saying where I had gone.
Sunlight hurting vampires is just an ol’ ponies’ tale. We just prefer to sleep during the day and hunt during the night because at night it’s easier to stalk your prey.
Throughout my walk, I saw ponies conversing and fillies and colts playing together, bright smiles adorning their features.
I wish I could smile like that. I suppose I did when I still had my sister around, but other than that…
I lost my train of thought when I saw the pony I had attacked—or rather, fed on—walking with a friend of hers.
I figured she probably wouldn’t recognize me if she saw me, but yet, it’s better to be safe than sorry right? Besides, with my blood red eyes and red-dyed tips on my hair, it probably wouldn’t be hard for her to see me as the one who bit her neck last night.
I hid behind a building, keeping an eye on her to watch when she was gone and I could step out from the shadows. Once she was gone, I gave a sigh of relief and walked out, only to have my thoughts immediately trail back to my little sister. I don’t know why they did, but I suppose everyone has a random thought appear in their head at some point. I thought about a memory. Like when she first asked me about the floating lights in the sky…
xxx
“Big Brother, what are those lights in the sky?” A little filly which was a light pink color with a white mane and tail pointed upward to the sky. She and her brother were sitting on the grass. A cool breeze rustled the leaves on the trees surrounding the two as the moon hung high in the night sky.
The stallion next to the filly chuckled a bit. “No one’s ever told you?” The filly shook her head. “They’re called stars.”
“Stars?”
“Yes, stars. They shine evey night, even if you can’t see them. You can even wish on them.” The filly grinned brightly before closing her eyes. When she opened them again, her brother asked her “Did you make a wish?” The filly eagerly nodded her head. “May I know what it is?”
The filly giggled and shook her head. “Of course not, silly! If I told you, it might not come true!”
The stallion then chuckled. “I suppose it wouldn’t, now would it?”
“Damien! Iris! Come on you two! It’s time to come inside!” A mare called.
“Mommy!” Iris called out and quickly hopped to her feet, running to the door, stopping at the doorstop. “Guess what!” she said as she and her mom walked inside. “Big Brother taught me about the stars!”
xxx
I shook my head to snap myself out of the memory. As much as I loved my sister, I didn’t want to think of any memories while she wasn’t around. It only made me miss her more.
I looked around a bit. I was still standing in the middle of the hustle and bustle of ponies walking and trotting about, buying and chatting.
I looked at them. Just about everypony was smiling. Laughing…
I shook my head again. No, enough of that.
Once I regained my posture, I decided to head back to the library.
I was done with touring the town for the day.
