Author's Note

Well, it seems I am in need of a new proofreader. No one go murdering doom now, he simply didn't wish to continue that job with this story.

18: Of Stories and Soirees

The Vampony Chronicles
Chapter 18: Of Stories and Soirees

By: SteampunkBrony

“Really? You were imprisoned for that?” Octavia asked, surprised at Zecora's admission.

“Thus is the curse of the darker arts, they often strike fear into less rational hearts.”

“But you saved his life, surely he at least said something.” I chimed in.

“Well he did help me get out of that place, unfortunately he did it with little cunning and grace.” Zecora smirked before sighing. “The fool actually ran into a heavily guarded prison with nothing but a blade, although to the guards a good deal of pain was paid. After he got me out of my cell we ran from there like a pair of bats from hell.”

“Well, I had best be off, I don't want Silver waking up with me still here. It was nice meeting you Zecora.” Octavia said with a smile. “I'll have to buy some of this tea next time you're in town, it is simply divine.”

“Just stop by tomorrow night, and I'll have some prepared, and I'll let you know how that idiot fared.” Zecora gestured to Silver with a hoof.

“He'll be fine, I didn't hit him that hard...”

“You cracked a wooden mask three inches thick, it's a good thing his skull seems to be filled with nought but brick.”

“He'll be fine, I've hit him harder before.” She said before stepping out the door.

“So...” I began, “What do we tell him?”

“Simply that we scared her off, although at that explanation he will surely scoff.” Zecora said, checking the poultice on Silver's head. “Hmm... that's quite the lump...” She muttered.

“Least he won't remember any of that...”

“You don't say...” Zecora deadpanned. “Ah, he seems to be stirring although he will still be rather out of it today.”

“Ugh... did someone get the number of the carriage?” Silver muttered as he slowly opened his eyes.

“No but we did manage to chase off the vampony.” I said. “How are you feeling?”

“Well I feel like I got the ever so wonderful chance of being a dragon's baseball.” He said poking at the lump on his head. “Ow...”

“Perhaps we should take you back into town,” Zecora said glancing out the window, “Well, at least we should once the moon is down.”

“I have my doubts I'll be able to walk...”

“I have a cart behind my home, it should be able to hold you and your bruised dome.”

“Now you're just trying too hard to rhyme.” Silver said with a chuckle.

“Will you two be all right here? I'm would like to teleport back and send a report to Celestia.” I said, finishing my tea.

“I'm sure that vampony will not return, now that it knows my blood it will have to earn.” Zecora said as she got up.

“We'll be fine, I can still cast light magic after all.” Silver said. “Although that's one hell of a teleport...”

“I'll only be going to the edge of the forest with the spell, over a few shorter hops. It's not that difficult compared to getting across Canterlot in one go.” I said.

“You will have to tell me why you thought that was a good idea sometime.”

“Ironically I was running late for my teleportation exam.”

“Please tell me they passed you...”

“They did, apparently I set a new record as well.”

“That must have been good news.”

“It was, when I woke up three days later.” I smirked at Silver's expression as I teleported away.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“Well that could have gone worse...” I muttered to myself as I stepped into the library.

“What could have?” Spike asked as he finished dusting one of the shelves.

“Well, as it turns out, there is another vampony in town aside from Rarity.” I said as I headed for the kitchen. “Before you ask it's the cellist, Octavia.”

“Huh... well that explains why she doesn't live in Canterlot despite being in the royal orchestra.”

“Come to think of it, you're ri-”

“Octy's here‽” Ceres said, causing me to jump. Unfortunately my new strength, combined with the fact that there was a roof overhead, led to a combination of hitting my head and landing flat on the floor.

“Ow...” I groaned, getting to my hooves slowly.

“Ooooh... sorry...” Ceres said sheepishly.

“I take it this means that your dais has been moved in?” I said, rubbing my head. Damn glad that I'm tougher now...

“Yeah, Luna put it in the... well i guess you could call the structure down there 'catacombs'... She made a ossuary in the lowest levels, just in case.”

“Ah... well as long as you can seal them, then I don't have any qualms with it.” I said after a moment. “Kind of morbid though...”

“Well, it's sort of traditional that moonblessed are laid to rest at the nearest sanctuary, although I'm sure she'll ask for your permission before interring anypony there.” Ceres said, rubbing the back of her head with a hoof. “But as I was saying, she placed my dais down there and set up a proxy charm so i can move about the library, as well as use my defensive magic in it.”

“I still don't know why she didn't mention you to me when she was explaining what she did...” Spike said with a sigh.

“He started screaming 'Ghost!' and tried booking it.”

“Let me guess, the basement door has a new dent?” I said with a smirk.

“In the words of Sir Baldwin, Eeeyup.” Ceres said with a chuckle. “Also, Luna wants to give you the grand tour of the place tomorrow night, so she's asked me not to let you guys in yet.”

“Fair enough, there's probably a few traps in the entryway anyhow.” I say, pouring a glass of cider.

“Damn straight. She has to authorize you as an administrator for the place, that way you can allow others entrance. I can't since I'm not there in a physical sense, and it's a spell that was designed for ponies not acting as soulbound guardians.” She said. “I have door control though so once you add them to the list of allowed ponies I can let them in for you.”

“Fair enough. Anyhow, tonight's been eventful, I'll give you guys the full story tomorrow. Right now though, Ceres do you think Luna would be opposed to me giving Octavia access to the Sanctuary?”

“Nah, she won't. Octy and Luna knew each other before Luna went Nightmare on us. She was freed from Sombra by Celestia, but Luna made sure those who didn't willingly serve Sombra were hidden from the Sunblessed. Over the years most of those who were truly loyal to Sombra were killed, but there are still a few of them kicking around. Those who Luna hid are more fortunate, but Sunbutt's CIK order on them has claimed a few in her absence.”

“CIK order?”

“Right, you only dealt with the day guard, not Sunblessed... Well to put it simply it's an acronym for its meaning: Capture, interrogate, and kill. It's not a good option as a blanket order, and Luna tried to get it changed, but Celestia stood firm on that. She hasn't dealt with those forced into service though, last I heard her adviser is a Sombrian Vamp and he plans to reveal it to her in a few years... He's playing with fire, but I understand why.”

“Why would Weis risk himself like that? It's suicide!” Spike asked, eyes wide.

“He's... well... He did a lot of things under Sombra's rule that he isn't proud of and some of them still haunt him. He figures the only way he's going to be able to atone for what he did is to show Celestia that not all Sombrians are bloodthirsty monsters like she thinks of them.” Ceres said with a sigh. “I've tried to convince him otherwise, but he's adamant on the issue.”

“Wow... that's... awfuly brave of him...” I said shocked at the revelation.

“I'm pretty sure he of all ponies would be able to get away if things went pear shaped. He was one of the few Sombrian Vamponies who actually stood up to the Nightmare the night Luna changed. He's tougher than a female Blackscale dragon guarding her clutch when he has a reason to fight, and that's not an exageration, he actually went one on one with a mother Blackscale when it thought the town he was living in was a threat and chased it back to its cave where he managed to convince it to leave the town alone.”

Spike's jaw was somewhere in the Catacombs at this revelation, after all Blackscales have been known to take on dragons twice their size to defend their young, and regularly win in such encounters. After a moment I picked my jaw up off of the floor, since it had decided following Spike's was a noble endeavour and sought to keep up for a moment. “H... how did he not get roasted alive?”

“You'll have to ask him yourself, he never told me.” Ceres said with a shrug.

“I'll be sure to do that next chance I get. One more question before I hit the hay: Will he be able to tell I'm a Moonblessed, and will he tell Celestia?”

“Technically that's two... but I have my doubts he'll be able to figure you out and even if he does he won't tell. Trust me, he understands the importance of secrecy in some situations.”

“That's good to know, thanks. In any case, I'm off to bed.” I said, leaving the kitchen as Spike finally picked his jaw up off of the floor.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“...s she always this difficult to wake up?” Ceres' voice registered in my ears as I opened my eyes.

“You have no idea...” Spike said, earning a glare from me. “Oh... er... evening Twilight.”

“Finally... Luna's on her way over to show you around the sanctuary. She wanted you to go find Octy and her marefriend and bring them as well. Apparently Celestia asked Weisheit to go with her as well. Good thing she likes her adviser enough not to send somepony else, otherwise we might have had some problems...” Ceres said as I bolted to my feet. “Twilight, relax. It's an informal visit.” She said, snapping me out of the check list spree I was about to go on.

“Er... right... yeah...” I muttered sheepishly. “Well... I'll got get Octavia then.”

“Geeze Twi, If I knew that saying one of the Princesses was showing up got you out of bed that fast I'd have done that years ago.” Spike said, chuckling at my reaction.

“Try it and I'll reverse the library's gravity on you.” I said with a smirk as I got dressed.

“You're no fun sometimes Twi'.” Spike said as he headed downstairs.

I chuckled at that as I pulled on my outfit. “Well, I'm off to go get Octavia and Lyra, can you two make sure the place is clean at least?”

“Of course Twi.” Spike said.

“Thanks.” I said, stepping onto the balcony and looking out. The streets were pretty empty, and the sky was clear of pegasi for the time being. With a smile, I jumped across to a nearby rooftop, before hopping down to street level, humming a tune.

In a good mood are we? Crescent asked me.

Oddly enough, despite the past few days, yes. I replied looking around as I walked towards Octavia's house.

Here's hoping that Silver Stake fellow doesn't go interrupting it then.

Crescent... I deadpanned as i stopped humming.

Yes?

If anything happens tonight involving him, I'm blaming you for tempting fate.

Come on what's the w-

Don't finish that sentence. Knowing my luck we'll have to deal with him and a dragon if you do.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

I arrived at Octavia's a few minutes later, and could hear music coming from the porch. Surprisingly it wasn't classical, but what sounded like someone took swing and metal music, put them in a blender and hit frappé. I could see Lyra, Octavia, Noteworthy and Bon Bon on the porch, with Lyra's horn lit up powering a spell.

Octavia had a her upright bass run through an amplifier and a few pedals. Lyra had a guitar in her hooves hooked up to a similar setup. Noteworthy and Bon Bon, while not playing anything, were providing the vocals. Octavia motioned with her head for me to come over to the porch as they finished.

“That was something else.” I said. “I didn't know you were such a good singer Bon Bon.”

“It's just a hobby of mine, I can do quite a few different voices so I decided to try singing.” She said with a shrug.

“I heard her singing a few weeks ago and decided to see if she'd be interested in joining our little group here.” Lyra said. “Turns out she has quite a range. It's not easy to find someone who can pull off a good imitation of the Tartarus Swing Orchestra's singer.”

“Stop that, you're making me blush.” Bon Bon said.

“I hope I'm not interrupting anything.” I said, noticing Lyra and Octavia shutting off their amps.

“Nah, we were just finishing up anyhow.” Lyra said. “Bonnie's got her shop to run tomorrow so we usually finish up around now.”

Convenient. Crescent said.

No kidding, saves me from having to find an excuse to get them alone for a bit.

“Well, see you fillies later, I got a trip to pack for.” Noteworthy said, and we said our goodbyes as he and Bon Bon left.

“I take it you're here for more than just a visit?” Octavia said as we stepped inside.

“Yeah, Luna's stopping by my place tonight. She's going to be showing me around a moonblessed sanctuary she's set up beneath the library, and Ceres wants to see you again as well.” I said, setting down the two amplifiers.

“Ceres? Wow, it's been a while since I last visited the Everfree Castle. I take it she's been moved to the library?”

“Yeah, she has.”

“Hold up, what am I missing here?” Lyra asked.

“You want to or should I?” Octavia asked.

I just smirked and released the spell hiding my fangs.

“Ah... that answers a few questions.” Lyra said nodding. “It wasn't Octy was it?”

“No, it was an old spell. Nightmare Moon thought it was a combat spell and cast it on me.”

“Moonblessed then, fair enough.” She said with a shrug.

“In any case, Luna asked me to invite you to see the sanctuary.” I said. “Also, I thought you'd like to know there are two sunblessed in town.”

“Wh... who?” Octavia asked, clearly worried.

“Relax, they don't know about you yet, plus I'm going to be talking to Luna later to ask if she'll vouch for you to them. One of them is Pinkie, you just didn't hear that from me. I can vouch for you and I'm pretty sure Luna willl as well. The other one is fairly new, he's the guy who's helping Fluttershy take care of her animals while her house is being rebuilt. He's the only one I'm worried about.”

“Pinkie? Well that explains a few things.” Octavia said with a sigh. “Do you know her rank by any chance?”

“Yes, but why do you want to know?”

“In case she catches on before you tell her. I'd like to know if I should try to explain things or just run.”

“I believe she's a paladin.”

Octavia's eyes went wide.

“I take it that means you'll be running?”

“Very fast... without stopping for a few days. I may be strong but there is no way I am going to have any chance if I fight. Silver is one thing, he's a nuisance. Fighting a paladin would be suicide for me.”

“If it helps any, she knows about me.” I said. “Plus, you've lived here how long with her in town?”

“Twilight has a point Octy,” Lyra said putting a foreleg around the grey mare. “If she hasn't noticed yet, that means you've done something right.”

“I... I guess.” Octavia said, calming down a little bit. “Still... would you be willing to help me break the news to her? I think she'd be more accepting of it if you were there.”

“That, I can do.” I said, giving a reassuring smile. “Besides, Pinkie seems to be reasonable when it comes to that kind of thing. She gave me a chance to explain myself at least.”

“Allright.” Octavia sighed as she put her cello away. “We'll finish putting stuff away here and be at the library shortly.”

“Allright.” I said, turning towards the door. “Silver is probably back in town, so be careful to not look suspicious. If anyone asks, I invited you over to talk about music theory.”

“Got it.” Lyra said nodding as I stepped out.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

As I approached the library I could hear someone behind me, gradually getting closer. Crescent, do you know if there's a way to communicate with Dusk without doing anything that will draw too much attention?

Hmm... no but I'll ask Luna. You keep tabs on whoever that is and take a scenic route, if they keep the same route they're probably following you. She replied.

Taking her advice I took a turn away from my original path and headed towards the market, listening as the hoofbeats didn't diminish. Despite a few more turns to make a loop back the way I had come from, I was still being followed. They are following me, any news Crescent?

Yes, Luna just showed me her memories of how its done, think I can show you without them noticing?

Spotting Quills and Sofas across the street I headed for the shop. When I'm looking at the quills on display, do it.

I paused in front of the store, and made it look like I was inspecting the quills. I didn't react as the memories were shared with me, and waited a moment longer before heading out again. I could hear the hoofbeats start up behind me again as I kept walking, a bit quieter now.

Drawing on the knowledge I now had I pushed some energy into the contract I had with Dusk. Dusk, can you hear me?

I was wondering when you'd figure out how to chat via the contract's link. A warm male voice responded. What do you need Twilight?

Someone is following me, I need to know who, and when I'm out of sight so I can get away. I replied. Can you do that?

With ease. I was already on my way to you, you've been gone for longer than you should have been. Dusk replied. Take a right at the next intersection, I'm on the roof of Berry's place.

I turned the corner and spotted Dusk going invisible on a nearby rooftop. Good spot, most ponies would mistake you for a cat.

That was the plan at least. He said with a chuckle. All right, I see him. Dark grey mare, unicorn. Wearing a cloak. I'm going to get closer to see if she has anything to worry about on her. She's about a block behind you and using a muffling spell on herself from what I can tell. Apparently your hearing is better than mine.

Got it, I'll go left at the next corner, wait behind the trash can and she'll pass right by you.

Understood. If she spots me it's likely she will attack, just keep going. Even if she manages to send me back to the void our contract is still valid and I'll be back in a day or so. I'll warn you before I pop up though, I can't do that with much stealth. Dusk replied and I heard his paws on the street as he passed me.

I took the turn as planned and kept walking, adrenaline making it difficult to not just get away then. How's it look Dusk?

I can see two daggers, some alchemical grenades and a few more vials of something. Judging by the smell I'd guess water imbued with the power of the sun. She's ready for a fight Twilight. He said worriedly. I'll stay close and quiet. Take the next lef- Scratch that she's speeding up. Duck down that alley and get ready to fight. If she tosses any grenades I'll snipe them out of the air but I can't do anything about the blessed water. Keep her in close quarters, she's outfitted mostly for raged attacks

I didn't reply as I casually turned into the alley and ducked into the shadow of a garbage bin, and waited. Crescent, is Luna in town yet?

She can see Ponyville from where she is, and I can guide her here. Why?

She has a way better chance at defusing this than I do. I'll concentrate on staying alive, you get her here. I replied, hearing the mare's hooffalls slow.

Dusk, let me know when she's about to pass the second green bin. I said, getting ready to pounce.

Got it, 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... now!

Time seemed to slow as I launched myself forward, catching a glimpse of the grey mare's hooded face as she drew back quickly, barely missing getting caught by my foreleg as I flipped over and landed against the opposite wall. A dagger flashed out from beneath her cloak as I dropped to the ground, the weapon pinging off the wall above me.

I darted forwards again, knocking aside a vial of a clear liquid she was ready to throw with my magic, the liquid splattering against the brick wall behind her. Luna's on her way, she'll be here in moments. Crescent told me as I delivered a quick jab to the mare's side, hearing something shatter as I jumped back to avoid a swipe from the second dagger.

Those daggers are made of magically hardened gold, don't let her get you with that one, I've stuck the other one under a stall around the corner. Dusk said.

We circled each other for a moment, and I could see lethal intent in her eyes. With a yell she darted forward at me, dagger poised to strike. I rolled right, her strike getting the second dagger stuck between a pair of cobblestones. Abandoning it she teleported to the far end of the alley, drawing two glass globes from beneath her cloak and launching them at me.

I got them! Shut your eyes! Dusk said, shimmering into view on one of the trash bins as a two tendrils of purple fire lashed out at the flying spheres. The Alchemical grenades exploded in a pair of fireballs as the purple fire shattered the glass, allowing air to hit their contents. As quickly as he had appeared, Dusk was gone from sight, getting ready for whatever was next.

I opened my eyes and could see a damp spot on the mare's cloak from what must have been the other vial of blessed water. She was blinking from the sudden burst of light the grenades had caused, not wanting to waste an opening I shot forward, tackling her into a vendor's stall. The stall splintered from the impact. I rolled to my feet, my opponent doing the same, the first dagger gripped in her magic.

“What the hell is your problem?” I asked her as we started circling again.

“Silver told me you and the Zebra handled the vampony, but I doubt that. I've noticed traces of Sombrian magic around the village and I know that zebra's a dark shaman.” She said smirking. “I saw your familiar, that's illegal and punishable by death.”

How far out is Luna? I asked crescent.

She's at the far edge of town, one minute, tops. Came the reply. She'll cover for you about dusk, just stay alive.

Got it. Make sure Luna's up to date on the storry I'm feeding her. “Look, if you wait a moment, Princess Luna is visiting tonight, Dusk was a gift from her for saving her. You can ask her yourself.”

“Bullshit.” The mare said, attacking. I rolled right, dodging a stab. Dusk, help if you can but don't kill her.

On it. He replied, popping back into view on an awning above us and lashing out with his fire. The tendrils ripped the cloak from the mare to reveal combat barding covering her body. Good, you can hit her harder. Dusk said, as the mare glanced up.

Taking my chance I pushed off the ground with my forehooves, aiming my back hooves at her chest. The impact sent her flying into another cart, her grip still tight on the dagger. I stood watching as she climbed off of the cart and charged again. Reaching out with my magic, I knocked her slightly off course. I spun on my hind hooves as the dagger missed by inches. Throwing my elbow out mid spin, I heard a loud crack as my elbow connected with her chest, no doubt the sound of a few ribs snapping. She rolled to a halt against the rubble of the first cart as I heard wingbeats approaching.

“May I ask just why you decided to attack my sister's student?” Luna asked coldly.

“P-princess Luna?” The mare coughed out. “Dammit... fuck... I'm screwed...” She muttered, clutching her chest.

“I believe this could be called a simple misunderstanding?” I ventured, glancing at Luna as her expression softened.

“Care to explain?” Luna asked.

“Last night I helped a monster hunter by the name of Silver Stake and Zecora, the zebra who lives just inside the Everfree, fend off a vampony. Apparently she,” I said nodding at the grey mare, “Talked with Silver today and got it in her head that I was working with Zecora and the Vampony, probably thinking I was one as well, and decided to tail me. Dusk warned me about her following me and before I could confront her, she decided to attack. Dusk helped me fend her off but since she didn't know the whole story she decided I had summoned him and that she should take the law into her own hooves.”

“I see...” Luna said, looking over to the mare. “Anything you'd like to add?”

“N... No.” She said.

“What is your name then?”

“Sun's Shadow.” the mare said, clearly in pain.

“Very well then. Due to my sister's... negligence on putting rules into place that protect innocent dark magic users, as well as the fact that I can see why you came to the conclusion you did I am not going to do what I originally planned. Be glad Twilight did not decide to use her magic to fight you. I've seen her record from when she went to guard training, you would not have survived it.”

“I-” The mare started but was cut off.

“However, because of your actions two market stalls have been destroyed and two buildings damaged. You are to either pay for the repairs and replacements, repair them yourself, or work for those whose property your actions brought damage to. One of my Night Guard will oversee this. If it were not for current laws forbidding such actions, I would have you banished. Twilight Sparkle saved me from the Nightmare, as such I owe her my life. Now,” Luna said, her horn glowing and I could hear the mare's ribs clicking back into place. “Begone with thee, I tire of thy presence. Do not try to shirk your punishment. If I need to send one of my guard to find thee, the consequences will be severe.”

“Yes Your Highness.” The mare said, gathering up her daggers and running off.

“Twilight?” Luna started.

“Yes, Princess?” I replied, breathing a sigh of relief that the fight was over.

“I am beginning to think this town may not be as mundane as my sister led me to believe.”

“You're preaching to the choir Luna.” I said as we started off for the library.