When Shadows Bleed

Celestia opened her eyes and stretched, and then hugged her hooves around herself.

Was it all dream? It just seems... Celestia looked at the empty side of her bed, and saw a depression where a pony recently got up from. So it was real. Yet, I am not afraid. In fact, I feel sad. Clain promised to stay, but is nowhere to be seen. My heart longs to see it, to feel its touch. Why? It is evil. Celestia tenderly brought a hoof down to her belly. I was in heat...that can only mean one thing. She sighed. Even though the truth is hard to handle, I don't want it to be false. I don't know why I want Clain in my life. Perhaps...perhaps I am corrupt. Perhaps my destiny was to fall in love with evil, and to become one with it. Celestia looked up at the roof of her bedroom. I am not doing anything just laying here. Maybe walking around will help me think. Let out another sigh, Celestia got up out of bed, and walked into the main room, where she found Luna idly playing with a spoon, turning it over and over in the air in boredom. You lock your sister away...well at least most of the time...

"Luna?" Luna looked up at her sister.

"Well good morning Tia. Nice to finally see you up." Luna didn't seem at all forlorn. In fact, she even seemed happy, despite her boredom.

You couldn't have them find out about your corruption... "Sis, there...there is something we need to talk about." Celestia sat in front of her sister, and Luna looked on.

"Is something wrong?"

"Sort of. I have a question."

"Of course!"

"Do you...do you feel lonely up there in that tower?" Luna scowled.

"Well, sometimes. I get over it though. I am up there for a good cause."

"No, not anymore..."

"What do you mean Tia? That scare a few years back left everypony nervous. I deserve to be locked up there."

"No, no you don't. Last night, a pony came to me, in my dreams. The pony reminded me...reminded of things that I have done. Things that I have done that I am not proud of."

"Don't say that. You haven't done anything wrong."

"The pony knew about the Rhinestone incident, sis." Luna faltered. She knew the truth about it too, but didn't like accepting it.

"Well...everypony does! It was an accident."

"The pony knew the truth. It knew what we did to them." Once again, Luna faltered.

"You-You said it was a dream! It was your...uh...guilty subconscious!"

"Luna...the pony was real."

"How do you know?"

"Did you send me a dream last night?"

"Ah...I...Uh...no..."

"Why was that?"

"Because...because you were awake...I guess...I guess I just forgot to send you one..."

"There you go."

"But..."

How about that interesting Sombra affair?...He couldn't know about that. Nopony knew about it. "Luna...there...there was a reason I gave you such a harsh punishment."

"What?"

"It happened just before that fateful day. Apparently, someway, somehow, Sombra had returned. He had gotten into the castle, and had caused strife among the residents here. Finally, word reached me, and I sought him out. Really, he found me. It was late at night, and I was in bed reading. My door opened, and he just stepped in. He started talking all polite and calm to me, but I soon realized he had an ulterior motive. We began to argue, and things almost got serious. We were staring down the barrel of a gun; our horns were blazing, and we were just about ready to launch into a fight. Not wanting this to happen, I tried to reason with him. He made me a deal, and...I had to accept. It was either that, or let him run amok through Equestria."

"What was the deal?", Luna asked, now very curious and intent.

"I...if I let him mate with me, he would leave us alone...I was in heat at that time of year...and he knew it."

"Wait...whoa...you..."

"Yes, Luna. I-" Celestia gulped, the unfamiliar word tasting horrible in her mouth. "I had sex with Sombra." Luna quickly got up and began to pace.

"Why didn't you tell me!?"

"Because I was scared!"

"You could have still told me!"

"But...it felt wrong..."

"UGHH!" Luna cried out. She let out a long breath."You...! I can't even...!" She took a few seconds to calm herself. "You said you were in heat. Did you..."

"Get pregnant? Yes. I murdered the child as soon as it was born."

"Oh my..." Luna was shocked. She had seen Celestia order executions, but would have never thought her one for murder. "How did I not know you were pregnant, nor anypony else?"

"You got locked in the tower a few days later, and the rest, I just used my magic to blind them to the fact. I lied, Luna. I have been lying for a long time." Luna looked at her sister.

"What do we do now?"

"I am corrupt, Luna. What is there to do?"

In The Afternoon

Sweetie Belle and Applebloom walked side by side, talking idle talk. Not much was really on their minds. They had cleared their thoughts, trying desperately hard to forget the murder that still haunted them. Applebloom walked with her usual limp, which had started after her leg had been hurt in her accident. Finally, the idle talk died away into nothing, and they walked in silence for a little while. Finally, Sweetie Belle broke the silence with a much needed, happier toned comment.

"Hey Applebloom. I have something to show you.", she said, a smile spreading across her face. Applebloom, willing to do anything to break the sluggishness that lay over Ponyville on this particularly hot and humid day, smiled back, and followed Sweetie Belle to under the shade of a tree. They sat down, and let the coolness of the shade relieve them before Sweetie Belle jumped back to what she was saying.

"What is it that you want to show me?", Applebloom asked, her curiosity started to broil.

"Well not really show you, but tell you. I found out who a certain somepony in our group likes." Applebloom frowned.

"Not me, right? If you did...keep it quiet?"

"No, not you."

"So Scootaloo! Ooh! I have got to hear this!", Applebloom's curiosity was now almost boiling.

"Are you sure?"

"YES! Tell me!" Applebloom had reached the place of no return. She just had to hear.

"Well okay..." Sweetie Belle leaned forward, and Applebloom strained her ears, turning her head to get them as close to Sweetie Belle's mouth as possible. Then, she was facing forward again, and Sweetie Belle's lips were pressed against hers. One of her hooves went around Applebloom, who was too shocked to do anything. Then, letting out a moan of bliss, she too put a hoof around Sweetie, and returned the kiss. They pulled away after a few minutes for air. That was their only reason. As soon as they caught their breaths, Sweetie Belle lay Applebloom on the ground, her hooves tight around her as they shared another passionate kiss. She pulled away, and stared into Applebloom's eyes.

"I...oh it feels so weird...but I love it all the same.", Applebloom said, her eyes half lidded in bliss. Sweetie smiled, and nuzzled Applebloom.

"I told you I knew." Her smile turned into a playful smirk. "I've wanted to do that for such a long time."

"It's not going to be the only time."

"Wha..." Before she could continue, Sweetie was the one being pulled into the kiss, and the meaning of the gesture was clear, before Applebloom said it herself. They pulled away from each other.

"Why do you think I wanted you to be quiet about who I liked, when I thought you found out." An answer never returned, for then, the two teen mares were swept up, and were thrown into a sack, both with gags in their mouths.The sack closed, and the horrible truth hit them as they hugged each other close, still able to see into each others eyes. They were being fillynapped. It was a long time before the sack opened again, and they were dumped out. The gags were removed from their mouths.

"Walk forward, don't talk. Try to get help, scream, struggle, anything, you die. Understand?", asked the voice of the tall, black pelted pony that stood before. The two cringed at the voice, not expecting the strange, other worldliness of it. They nodded in agreement, and got up, walking forward.

"Where are you taking us?", Sweetie asked.

"Somewhere special."

"I-I don't want to go...I want to go home.", Sweetie said, her face scrunching up in some strange kind of sad fear.

"No."

"But..."

"No." The pony didn't seem to be getting at all annoyed, and remained calm. This calm, emitting off the pony in it's voice, it's manner, and it's warm gold eyes, reassured the two mares. It soothed them, made them feel comfortable, even though their minds screamed at them to run, to stick together and let thoughts of each other break through. They did, except these thoughts only helped soothe them, promising them that no matter what happened, it would be better because they were together.

Inkblot roamed the town alone, attempting to get comfortable with the ponies he had a bad feeling he would meet more times, in a space of time longer than a week.

I'm going to have to stay. I just know it. Something's going to keep me here. Maybe...maybe I should stay because it's the right thing to do. They are so helpless here. Nopony is going to help them, I am sure of it. At least, nopony good.

Inkblot's thoughts were interrupted when something warm met his lips. He focused on the situation, and found himself staring into Trixie's eyes, their muzzles pressed together. He smiled and kissed her.

"Any reason why you made me run into you?", he asked, though his tone was playful.

"Hmm...you were deep in thought and I couldn't resist the urge to get in your way. Besides, you kissed me, what much more do I need?", Trixie replied, a red blush spreading across her cheeks. Inkblot chuckled softly, and continued to walk again when Trixie fell in beside him.  "So what were you thinking about?"

"I don't know. Just...what I am going to do."

"And?"

"Well, I am considering staying. I can help here, I just know it. I am good at going unnoticed. It is how I have gone by life for the past twenty years."

"I notice you.", Trixie said softly, kissing Inkblot lightly on the cheek.

"I know, and that is my other reason for being deep in thought. I was thinking about what happens to you and I. Would it be strange to say I want a future with you?" Trixie quietly gasped, and her already red blush reddenned even more and spread.

"For us to have known each other for so little time, to everypony else it would be, but to me, I love the idea. Just like I-" This is it, Trixie. You are either committed, or you aren't. Do it, or don't. "Just like I love you." Inkblot felt a pit in his stomach. She had said that word. That word he had felt it was too soon to say.

Just like saying that you wanted a future with her? Admit it. You love her. Your heart lets you know that simple fact every time you see her. "I love you too Trixie...", Inkblot said quietly. His smile was infectious, and everyone who saw the happy couple walking through the town had a smile put on their face also. It was very nice to see somepony who was making the best out of bad times.

As they walked down the road, a pony stared after them. Its features were hidden by a cloak, but Light Blue eyes peered out menacingly. The tail that stuck out was cut very short, but was most definitely a darker shade of pink. A malicious, yet devilishly smiling sneer appeared in the darkness of the hood.

One hit, two hit, drop on the floor,

Bambam, dead little whore.

Smile and wave, twist and turn,

your pretty face is what I yearn.

First you heart, and then your soul,

leave your mind black as coal.

Come to me, little pet,

Disobey me, and you will regret.

A little gift is what I need,

or I plant in you death's seed.

Smiling, the pony melted into the crowd, blending in a little too perfectly.

"Must you make us keep walking? We are tired.", Sweetie complained. They were deep in the Everfree Forest, and knew that the pony had done this on purpose. Both mares had attempted to commit to memory the path they had followed, but it was no use.

"We are almost there, don't worry. There, you can rest.", the black-pelted pony replied. Sweetie sighed, and went on with her head down. Applebloom was surprised with the pony's patience. Despite all their complaining and questions, the pony never lost its calm, and still retained that warm, sweet parental tone that made the two young mares feel safe. They discovered that the pony wasn't lying, and withing the space of about five minutes, they reached a quaint little home, where the pony led them inside. It was warm, and they found a lovely couch inside. "Now, I have some business elsewhere. I am sure you two can take care of yourselves until I come back tonight. Don't go outside, but then again, I wouldn't need to tell you that, would I?" The pony's ominous orange eyes glowed brightly, and it closed the door behind the two mares.

"Wait!", Applebloom cried, and opened the door again. The pony was gone, leaving both mares astonished. How had he gone that fast? They both watched wide eyed as a single black feather, intricate like that of a hawk's, not messy like that of a crow's, floated gently down and landed on the ground.

Celestia was sitting on her throne, slumped in a position that hinted at utter boredom and laziness. She sighed, and closed her eyes for a second. When she opened them, she let out a little cry and shot up in her seat. Clain was sitting right in front of her, its deep navy eyes unblinking.

"Clain! You scared the life out of me!", Celestia huffed, and let her breath even out. Clain smiled and moved closer, until their muzzles touched.

"I know. That was the point. You looked bored, so I wanted to do something that would really get your attention."

"LIke scaring me half to death?", Celestia muttered, rolling her eyes.

"Precisely."

"Out of all the things you could do...wait...how in the world did you simply appear?"

"I didn't. I was hiding really close to you. I saw you close your eyes, and I slunk out really quickly."

"Oh." A huff of mock disappointment, and then Celestia kissed Clain on the forehead. It looked down, surprising itself with a blush.

"I didn't actually expect that...", Clain said, referring to the kiss. Celestia smiled and got out of her throne, walking toward her room. Clain followed wordlessly, understanding that she wanted to get them somewhere private, lest they get caught. She closed the door to her chamber, and together they walked to a window and looked out.

"I think I am corrupt, Clain. Everything you pointed out last night, it hit home."

"Tsk, tsk, dear. You have been for a while. I just opened your eyes to the fact." Celestia leaned against the massive form of Clain.

"Yeah...and I guess that is why I didn't fight you last night."

"Ah, you remember that. I expected you to fight back, but it seems that the surprises never end."

"I don't know. I guess my heart was longing for somepony, and you fitted the bill. Why you out of all, I didn't know why, but now..."

"Now you realize that your heart is much colder than you originally believed. It only makes sense that a dark heart only wants darkness. If I am not dark, I don't know what is."

"Whatever you say Clain.", Celestia said. She felt herself being picked up, and Clain dropped her on her bed. She giggled like a child, a blush spreading over her face. Clain leaned down and kissed her on the lips, then trailed down her body. The last thing Celestia remembered before her thoughts turned to euphoric mush was a moan escaping her mouth as Clain slipped his tongue inside her marehood. What this also marked was Celestia's last bit of practical sanity leaving her body, being replaced with ferocious attraction and affection toward Clain. Things in Equestria from this point on could only get worse. That is, unless a brave soul was willingly to step up and fight. To fight for what is right and for what matters the most. Equestria had these brave souls. All it needed was for them to act. If only there was a way to let them know...

Sweetie and Applebloom lay on the couch, their hooves holding them close.

"What do we do now?", Applebloom asked.

"We wait. We wait and see what happens."

"But what if that pony kills us?"

"Then we die together, knowing that we loved each other." Applebloom sighed, and locked her newfound lover in a kiss. They pulled away after a minute or so. "We make the best of this. Maybe we won't die."

"Maybe...oh Sweetie Belle...I don't want to die before we have a chance at blossoming. Applejack always warns me of false love, of finding ponies who love you only until you are tasteless to them, then leave you. I know you aren't that way. I want you in my life forever...even if it isn't love. I just need you as a friend, as somepony I can trust."

"I can be more than that, and if it is what the universe permits, then with you shall I ever be. Sleeping in our bed, with you at my side. Waking up every morning to you and your beautiful...everything. Everything about you is beautiful. If one day, when this is hopefully all over, and it is with you my heart wants to stay, then I won't think twice about making this real. I won't think twice about making you mine."

"Sweetie Belle...that is a future that I too yearn for...but for now, let's focus on the present."

"I already have my present." With that, Sweetie cuddled in closer to Applebloom, who smiled. I am so in love...but here I lay, in an unfamiliar house, fillynapped by an unfamiliar pony. There must be something I can do. There must be. She sighed, and looking down at the already dozing of Sweetie Belle, kissed her head, and they both fell to sleep.