Shades of Night Shade

"Okay Sweeti Belle, Apple Bloom has been attacked by something with fangs. We know that much."

"And it likes fruit punch."

"I don't think that was..."

"It was fruit punch and nothing more. Anyways we need to do something to help Apple Bloom."

"Agreed but what?"

"Hmm, maybe I could ask my sister for some ideas. She is very creative."

"Yeah maybe Rarity will be able to point us in the right direction. Cutie Mark Crusader Emergency Meeting adjourned!"

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Twilight's library was only a few yards away. Everything was blurred. Night Shade tripped over her hooves trying to reach the sanctum of the library. She had locked herself in her home to prevent anypony else from getting hurt. Unfortunately her body had become weak after being deprived of blood for almost two weeks. She dragged her wilting body over the ground getter closer and closer. Her strength failing only a yard and a half away.

A cresent moon slivered in the sky smiling. It had passed its climax and had begun its descent. Within a couple of hours the sun would peep over the horizon and turn Night Shade into ashes. She put forth all her strength and hope into her legs barely managing to stand. On wobbly legs, Shade crossed a foot, then a yard and finally fell against the library door hoping Twilight would open it soon and take her in.

"Wait, look Scootaloo." a hushed voice commanded. "What's that shape over there by Twilight's?"

"I don't know. It kinda looks like a pony."

"Lets check it out." Sweetie Belle, followed by Scootaloo, snuck over to the shape.

Night Shade could sense them. Two fillies drawing near. They would discover her secret. The faint scent of torn flesh wafted by Shade's nose in a single stream. A moment ago she couldn't have even raise her head to sink her fangs into a single pony but now, she felt the thirst of a thousand vamponies. She had to feed, NOW!!

The closer the fillies got the more powerful the rancid yet satisfactory smell of a fresh wound became. Scootaloo was the source Night Shade determined. Scootaloo had caught her hindleg on the corner of a sharp object. Paitently Night Shade waited for her prey. A silent pounce into the air and Night Shade landed on Scootaloo's back which buckled under the sunder weight. Fangs gleamed before voilently snapping through the frail neck of a young pegasus. Blood rushed to the wound and was captured by a starving mouth. Satisfaction urged Night Shade on. Desire for more blood.

Sweetie Belle was stunned. One of her best freinds was already dead and now her other best freind was going to die. No, not this time. A well placed power kick hit the door so as to notify Twilight someone was outside then Sweetie Bell carefully thought of a plan.

Blood, blood flowed from Scootaloo's body. Puncture marks were now left across her body. Her neck, forelegs and back got the worst of the savage attack. Night Shade hovered over the lifeless filly blood dripping from a red stained mouth. Her eyes had such a vile aura about them Sweetie Belle almost ran upon seeing them. This was the confrontation Sweetie had feared. Night Shade gave a menacing hiss and dove towards the unicorn filly.

"Its now or never!" Sweetie Belle shouted for inspiration. She sprung into action dodging Night Shade's dive and regaining her posture. This infuriated Night Shade as she dived yet again this time swooping down and shifting to catch Sweetie Belle off balance. The ground met Sweetie Belle knocking the breath out of her.

"Struggle. The more you do, the faster your blood pumps." Night Shade menaced just as a lavender unicorn stepped out into the night.

"Night Shade? What's going on?" Twilight asked before she could really observe the scene.

"Hisss!" Night Shade replied.

Twilight's reflexes opened a portal which vaccumed Night Shade in and closed as quickly as it appeared.