Night of Night Shade

by NightShade22

Rating: everyone
Tags: Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Dark, Main 6
Length: 3037

Night Shade has always been attracted to the night but now something else is contributing. A mysterious force. Will she be able to control this darkness or will it consume her and others?

A lonely unicorn making her way in a large world. Everyday the same routine. Night Shade usually stayed to herself and had limited interactions with other ponies but for some reason she goes out into the night in search of company and a good meal. These trends continue until... well you will just have to read to find out.

This story does have some minor blood scenes but I don't think they are severe enough to label it mature.

Published 2014-01-18 22:40:07 UTC
Last updated 2014-01-28 23:34:49 UTC

A Midnight Visitor

Tap... tap... tap tap... A small, quiet knock on the library door echoed. Tap tap. Becoming alert of the sound, the owner of the library rushed forth from her bed to greet the visitor. She opened the door to reveal a midnight sky clouded over. No moon hung and no stars twinkled brightly, just an eerie glow. A pony draped in a dark green cloak was the source of the knocking and stood silently awaiting admission.

"Come on in." spoke the librarian. "It has been awhile since you have come at this late of an hour."

"Yes, indeed." whispered the pony still hiden under the cloak.

"Please do get comfortable. Here let me take your cloak and..."

"No, I'm fine. I would prefer to keep my garments on." the pony interupted.

"Are you okay?"

The pony was in fact not okay.Just moments before her arrival at the library a remarkable transformation had begun to take place in her cells. Her genetics were being rearranged in every blink and breath she took.

"I'm fine just um... looking for a good book to read."

"Okay just let me know if you need any help." stated the librarian in a skeptical manner.

"Thanks Twilight." the pony hurried away deep into the library's dark corners. Shelves upon shelves basked in intellectual glory. Where to go, where to start. Finally deciding to check the inventory, off went the shadowy figure. After flipping through several pages she found what she was looking for and swiflty crept to the section on supernatural beings. Lurking through the columns of books, scrambling page after page desperate to locate much desired information. After hours of searching, she found the book she needed. Vamponies the Ultimate Research Guide. A satisfied hiss escaped her throat. Hooves clamped down on the book holding it as one would a glorious treasure. A green light emitted from under the hood of the cloak and moved to the book from her hooves. Embracing the book, the light levitated it and tucked it safely under the cloak.

"You have no idea how much you have helped me in my cause Twilight Sparkle. My debt is to you." The mare whispered before stealthily slithering out of the library and into the moonlit night.

On her way home visions processed through her mind. Her amnesia was slowly beginning to lift. Even with the presence of some memories one questioned remained. How did this happen? Subconsciously Night Shade halted in her tracks. Stress piled onto her brain forcing it to remember the start of this madness, but nothing came. She had only been like this not one full night yet and she couldn't remember. Only the sounds of the nightly crickets chirping and the dripping of the ponyville fountain answered back. Disappointed she trudged to her home on the outskirts of ponyville to the far west trying still to remember any clues. Upon arrival to her humble abode she opened the wooden door with a quick flash of light green and ventured in closing the door behind her. A heavy sigh was released as she gave up on her memory.

Once inside Shade placed the stolen book on a small, glossy black desk. She levitated her cloak off her body and hung it on a rack across the room finally showing her state of being. Tufts of fur perked at the ends of her ears, her canines barely protruded from her lips, and webbed wings clung to her sides. Her eyes remained a bright aqua which was the only normal attribute of her physicality besides her average jade coloration. A simple stretch of her wings followed by a yawn promoted her to retire to her bed and welcome any dream that may pass her way. She hadn't slept well these past few nights, that she did know.

Light sprinkled into Night Shade's home waking her from a deep slumber. Light seared her eyes as she slowly opened them into a new day. An aggresive hiss aimed at the sun came from the pony as she yanked a blanket over her head. The sun was persistant as usual and burned through the window, into the miniscule gap between the curtains, through the even smaller spaces between the fabric of the blanket and ending at Night Shade's side. A low growl vibrated in the mare's throat before she gave up by throwing the blanket off and standing from her bed. "I hope you're happy." she grumbled aloud scooting over to the curtains and sealing the sun out.

Now that she was half awake she decided to go ahead and eat breakfast. Stumbling into the kitchen she located her pantry. She opened the door and grabbed a box of cereal with her magic and placed it on the counter. After she gathered a bowl, spoon, and milk she sat down and prepared her usual breakfast. She dropped the end of her spoon into the milk coated cereal and lifted the spoon to her mouth. From a cereal's point of view it probably seemed like an amusement park ride into a dark cavern. A single crunch and out the food came.

"Blech! Is this expired or something?" she asked scanning for the expiration dates on the cereal and milk. The milk wouldn't expire until next week and cereal was good for another month. "What? But..." Night Shade pondered. Her eyes drifted to her solid black desk in the living room and landed on a book. She stood from the table and walked towards the book mesmerized. "I forgot... I forgot about you being here." She spoke to the book while sitting down at the desk. The cover shimmered as if it were calling Night Shade. "Let's see what secrets you hide from me shall we."

Odd Meetings

"Good morning Spike." greeted Twilight as she awoke.

"Good morning Twilight." replied Spike.

"I hope I didn't wake you last night. Night Shade stopped by."

"Its been a few weeks since I have seen her."

"She was acting a little strange last night. I think I may pay her a visit and make sure everything is fine. You stay here and put away the books in the return box. I shouldn't be gone too long.".

"Okay. I guess I will see you when you get back then."

"Bye Spike." Twilight exited the library and headed west.

It didn't take her long to reach Night Shade's home. She could tell the lights in the house were off which provoked her curiousity. She eagerly trotted up to the door and gave a freindly knock on the wood.

"Who comes to my corner?" a voice asked from inside.

"Its me, Twilight."

"Just a sec." Shade answered. In a few seconds the door opened to reveal the same sight Twilight had seen last night. A pony draped in a dark green cloak.

"Night Shade? Are you sure you are okay? Most ponies don't wear cloaks inside their houses."

"Of course I'm fine. I just... got a little cold."

"Well it might help if you opened the curtains and let the warmth of the sun in." Twilight moved to the curtains.

"No! Don't open them! Um... I ... uh don't like brightness of the sun when I first wake up."

"Okay. So did you find what you were looking for last night?" Twilight changed the topic hoping to get information through another approach.

"Yeah. Thanks for letting me in so late."

"No problem, so what was it you were looking for?"

"Um..." Night Shade quickly moved to her desk. "Sorry for the mess, I don't normally have guests." she began clearing off her desk and slipped the book into a filing cabinet. "What was I looking for? Just a new book on... art. You know how I like to draw and such."

"Okay then." Twilight had given up. "Remember your welcome anytime in my library. I think Rarity has something for you. She said you had dropped off a request yesterday and she had some questions."

"Oh yes. I went by her boutique before coming to the library last night. Thank you for reminding me." Night Shade thanked Twilight and proceeded to usher her out shutting the door behind her and taking a deep breath.

Later that day, Night Shade stopped by Rarity's.

"Yes, Night Shade my darling I had a question about the note you dropped off. You said you needed a costume. What kind of costume? Oh and you can hang your cloak over there on the raack if you would like."

"I would prefer to keep it on actually but thanks for the gesture. Concerning the costume, I would like it to completely mask my ears and face. You can leave a space for me to see through but no more please. Also I need it to cover my sides and preferably not clingy or tight."

"Okay..." Rarity processed. "What color pattern would you like?"

"Something that will blend in. Just choose something you think would be fashionable."

"Alright my dear. When do you need it by?" Rarity restrained from commenting on the request or present appearance of the pony before her.

"As soon as possible. Please excuse me but I must leave now." Night Shade was afraid Rarity would discover her secret and bolted for the door and left for home sneaking past everypony. She just knew if she got stopped by somepony, her secret would be revealed. Why was she even out at this time of day anyways? Before long home was in sight.

"Hey Night Shade!" a young voice called.

She stopped dead in her tracks. Oh no! I'm almost home. A sensation flowed through her body. One she was getting accustomed to. 'Not now' she thought but it was too late.

Introduction of Vamponies

"Um... sorry I have to go. I am very busy at the moment." Night Shade called back to the pony who trotted up.

"Oh. Okay well I guess I can come back later."

Night Shade didn't waste a second dashing into her home and closing the door behind her. "Phew! That was close." She hung her cloak on the rack near the door and moved to her desk. She located the book she had hidden earlier and opened it to the introduction ready for some answers.

It read: Vamponies are supernatural beings marked by bat-like wings, tufts on the ends of thier ears, and mostly fangs. They use these fangs to feed off the blood of other poines and other creatures. When a vampony bites, it secretes a chemical into the bloodstream of its victim. The victim will die and within a day or two awake as a vampony. During this time period of their death, memories are almost completely erased but may be retreived through mystical means. Once bitten, the victim is usually vulnerable to hypnotic commands by his/her predator.

Vamponies have a need for blood to keep them alive and must drink a sufficent amount every night to stay 'alive' and well. This drive for blood can be temporarily resisted but often results in the vampony going into a state of rage and destroying everything in sight. A vampony may at times of desperation feed off of other vamponies but when this happens the victim is not affected.

Vamponies have enhanced senses far greater than those of a regular pony. It can incredible speed, agility, strength, and stamina. Their senses of hearing are unmatched. Their eyesight is perfect but can be weakened with expose to sunlight. Vamponies can fly up to 95 mph without tiring and can survive in altitudes of limited or no oxygen. Vamponies can be hard to catch for they do not appear on film, in mirrors or any reflective surface. They may cover themselves with their wings to cloak themselves in which they blend in with their surroundings. Vamponies have been known to control bats, timberwolves, rats and once a manticore.

Vampony weaknesses include direct sunlight or UV lighting, garlic, religous symbols and silver or wooden stakes to the heart. Once destroyed with one of the above items, scatter the ashes so that they may not reform. Vamponies are strongest at night and if below a full moon may have enough willpower to overcome some weaknesses so beware. Garlic will ward away vamponies but will not actually kill them. Placing garlic around the neck of a vampony or using garlic cuffs will prevent them from attacking for the time being. when using a religous symbol such as a cross, your faith must be at its peak. If your faith is not high in the symbol you bear then it will do nothing to harm the vampony. A vampony may use hypnosis on the weak minded and force them to drop the item the carry.

"Wow. I am... a monster." Night Shade was dumbfounded. "I... I can 't be around anyone."

Night Fall

Rays of moonlight once again lit up the world of ponies. Stars hung by imaginary strings in the sky. Everypony had retired to their homes in favor of sleep. Peaceful... absolutely peaceful.

Night Shade was sleeping at her desk with her forelegs wrapped around a book. Moon beams crept into her house as if they were assassins. The second a beam hit a single hair on Night Shade's body, she would awaken. Sure enough, she awoke with a small yawn flashing her growing fangs. Her pupils dialated then swelled to normal. Her eye color shifted from aqua to red. Wings unfolded from her sides. She flapped her wings a few times to get into the air, hovered to her window and with a well placed hoof broke the glass.

"I hunger." She hissed darting through the new hole in the window. "I'm in the mood for something... young.". A beat of her bat wings and she flew towards Apple Acres.

A barn came into view. Shadows had dulled the bright coloration of the painted wood. Night Shade landed just outside the double doors. Some part of her knew the Cutie Mark Crusaders were resting here tonight. Carefully opening one door she snuck in. Three blankets covered filly sized shapes. Shade sniffed once or twice in an attempt to smell which was sweetest. One of them had recently been covered in apple juice. She silently fluttered to where the blankets were and sniffed once more. The one to the far right. That is the one. A red bow peeked out under the blanket.

Night Shade couldn't resist now. She threw back the blanket and plunged her fangs deep inside the filly's neck. Blood ran from the wound. Red stained Shade's fangs as she gulped ounce by ounce. Though the blood poured from the bite, not a drop escaped Night Shade's fangs. Once she had her fill, Shade raised her head and gave a satisfied "ahh" before taking flight and vanishing through the doors.

Night Shade awoke to find herself in the very center of Ponyville. Her memory was blurred. The moon was dropping from the sky and soon it would be dawn. She knew she had to get home immediately! A sweet yet sour taste lingered upon her taste buds. Suddenly she could remember everything.

"Somepony! Help! Please!" a voice shouted.

Night Shade didn't have her cloak on. She couldn't be seen. She started to run but froze upon hearing a southern style voice shout "My little sister has been attacked by a monster! Somepony help!"

End of Part 1

Night Shade was fear striken. She hadn't been able to get far from Apple Jack. She pressed her wings into her sides desperately attempting to hide them.

"Night Shade! Please help! Apple Bloom has been bitten by something and she won't wake up!" Apple Jack had begun to approach Shade.

She let out a deep breath and turned to face Apple Jack. Apple Bloom lied across her back completely limp. Thin, withered and growing pale. Night Shade had no choice but to do the first thing she thought of. Bite Apple Jack. Fangs unsheathed themselves as Night Shade lept forward to an orange neck. Her teeth found their mark just center between the shoulder blade and chin. The vein ripped open spilling its contents onto red stained fangs. Tiny holes on the tips of the fangs pumped blood from the vein into Night Shade's mouth. Tangy yet sweet. A warm sensation rippled through Night Shade. More, more! Her brain persisted on draining Apple Jacks entire body of the suculent blood.

After a minute saliva had blocked the passage from the vein. With a agitated growl, she replaced her fangson the opposite side of Apple Jack's neck. A sprinkle of apple flavoring enriched the red liquid gushing from peirced veins. Shade didn't really get to enjoy her meal for much longer for the sun was peeking over the horizon. Night Shade's skin seemed to catch fire as the chemical keeping her alive began to evaporate from her bloodstream. She dropped the lifeless body that was once a hard working pony and sped for home.

She was safe. She had a small burn on the back of her hindleg but she was safe. Safe from the temptations of blood. Safe from Apple Jack. Most importantly she was safe from the sun. Night Shade hurried to her bathroom eager to cleanse her mouth of not only maroon stains but also a foul odor. It wasn't until the toothbrush was in her mouth did Night Shade realize she was looking at the wall behind her.

She waved her free hoof in the direction of the mirror but no response came. She tapped her hoof against the mirror as to reassure herself that this was not one of Dash's pranks. Reflective glass. The same mirror she had always had. It hadn't been tampered with or even so much as breathed on since Night Shade had last seen herself reflected. The toothbrush fell from her mouth onto the sink. She leaned in staring directly into the mirror. She breathed onto the surface created a breif fog which revealed nothing of Night Shade or of the creature she had become.

"I have to get Twilight to reverse this somehow. Somehow."