The Vampony Chronicles

The Vampony Chronicles
Chapter 5: Generosity's Offer

By: SteampunkBrony
Edited By: DoomManta

Okay Twilight, you can do it this time! I thought as I galloped over the final roof before the gap to the library.

And jump, aim your hooves, and... SHIT! My hoof nicked the railing again, sending me face first into the bookshelves.

"Huh? Oh... morning Twi'." Spike said as he lifted his head. "Nick the railing again?" He chuckled at my predicament as he rolled out of his bed and headed for the steps.

"Put a sock in it Spike." I grumbled as I dug myself out of the pile of books, the volumes of paper zipping back to their places on the shelves. "I've had a rough night."

"How about we talk about it over breakfast?" Spike said as he headed downstairs. "Oh, and you forgot your clothes apparently."

"Whoops..." I sheepishly followed Spike down the stairs.

"So how was the sleepover?" Spike asked as he pulled out some leftover pancakes and reheated them with a blast of fire.

"Well..." I started, not really sure how to finish.

"This oughtta be good..." Spike muttered.

"I take it you knew that that was just a cover for something else right?"

"Yeah, I figured as much." Spike said with a chuckle. "Got the blood problem taken care of?"

"For a few weeks at least. Anyhow, I had decided to take a bath in the pond by the place we spent the night, and I heard a timberwolf."

"Don't they only show up this close to Ponyville during zap apple season?"

"Usually, however this one was a lone wolf, and it sounded like it was getting closer, from the direction of the farm. Applejack and I rushed back there to warn everypony, but it arrived before we could make it into the cellar." I was all right with telling Spike the story because I knew he read more gruesome things in some of the books and comics he ordered.

"Geez, what did you do to scare it off?"

"That's the thing..." I said hesitantly, feeling the guilt come back. "It wouldn't back off. I ended up fighting it."

"Holy... Are you all right?" Spike asked, his eyes as wide as dinner plates.

"Yeah. It didn't land a hit on me." I said.

"So did it run off?" Spike asked as he grabbed the syrup.

"No... I... It's dead." I said, feeling the tears start to come back.

I heard the sound of the clay syrup jug shattering on the wooden floor and glanced over to see Spike standing there in shock, his jaw on the floor. In any other situation it would have been rather funny, but things being what they were, I was afraid he was scared of me.

"You... killed it?" He asked. "With magic?"

"...We'll go with that." I didn't want to reveal how I had actually killed it.

"Without magic!? How?" He asked, sounding more amazed than anything.

I pointed a hoof to my fangs. "Beat it back until I was hidden from the house, then I..." I started crying at that point. "I tore its throat out Spike..." I choked out between sobs. "What kind of monster does that when I could have just chased it off?"

He stood there for a few moments processing the information before walking over to me and giving me a hug, letting me rest my head on his shoulder. "Twi', you aren't a monster. I know you better than to believe that." He said. "A monster wouldn't feel guilt for that. Plus it would have been killed anyhow, we'd have had to make a search party to find it and kill it. Timberwolves that attack ponies usually come back for more if I remember your report on them correctly." He said, referencing a report I had written in my final year at the academy.

"I... I had forgotten about that." I said, the tears subsiding a little.

"Besides, you did it to save Applejack and her family right? I don't see anything wrong with that. Actually I think you may be the first pony to defeat a timberwolf without magic." Spike said. "I don't know about you, but that's pretty awesome in my books."

I chuckled at little at that. "You sound like Rainbow Dash," Rainbow Dash... right I ran into her last night. "Speaking of our pegasus friend, did she stop by last night?"

"Now that you mention it, she did. I told her you were asleep."

"I hope she didn't check my room..."

"I put some pillows under the blankets and that wig you had because of that one lab accident, so it looked like you were asleep in bed. I went to bed right after that so I know she didn't sneak in to try to wake you up."

"Nice work Spike." I had a small smile as we ate.

After we had finished breakfast, we were just leaving the kitchen when I heard a knock on the door. "Oh horsefeathers..."

"I got it, you hide in the pantry." Spike said pointing to the door. I quickly hid myself in there, listening intently to what was going on.

"Howdy Spike." It was Applejack, thank Celestia. "Is Twi' up?"

"Yeah, come on in." He said and closed the door behind her. I opened the pantry with my magic and stepped out.

"Hey Applejack." I was enjoying the odd look she was giving me.

"Twi'? What in tarnation were ya doin’ in there?" She asked as she put down the bag she was carrying.

"Hiding in case it was somepony else. What's in the bag?"

"Yer clothes. Ya forgot em in the hut." She said chuckling.

"Thanks, I'm going to need to get some more from Rarity soon..."

"Good idea sugarcube, but what will ya tell her when she sees how ya look?" Applejack asked.

"I'll just say I found a spell that did that, but the scroll was accidentally burnt up by Spike."

"Hey!" Spike cut in. "I'm not that clumsy."

"No, but you do sometimes light the curtains on fire when you’re sleeping off a cold." I said, getting a chuckle out of Applejack. "It's a valid excuse, plus it gives me an excuse as to why I can't change back either."

"Ah'll let her know you're stopping by, I'm heading that way anyhow." Applejack said. "Granny says thanks again by the way, and she sent these for ya." With that, she pulled out two glass bottles filled with an amber liquid. One had a white label and the other had a black one.

"Sweet Apple Acres hard cider. The white label stuff you can find here in town, it's not all that strong, but mind yerself with the black label. That stuff managed to put Berry Punch out in five shots."

"Wow..." I was amazed that such a thing was possible.

"Yeah, this stuff rarely leaves the Acres. Ah think the last bottle that was given away was to Princess Celestia forty years ago when she helped us get Appleloosa runnin’. It's a rare drink ya got there."

"Wow... thanks." I said, giving her a hug as I placed the two bottles on the table. "These'll have to go in the liquor cabinet though... when I get one." I said sheepishly.

"No liquor cabinet?" Applejack was visibly surprised. "Ah thought you'd have one, heck even Fluttershy has one." She said chuckling.

"I've never needed one before. I think I know a good place for it though. I've got plans for the basement that involve some renovation into something a little more gothic. I'm copying the design of one of the rooms I found in the castle where we fought Nightmare Moon." I said with a smile. "I was going to have a wine rack anyhow, so why not have a liquor cabinet as well."

"Sounds like a good idea to me sugarcube. Let me know if you need any apple wood, we lost a few trees this year and don't have much to use the wood on." Applejack said.

"Does it take well to stain?"

"It's tricky, but ah bet ah could talk Mac into helpin’ ya with that. He's pretty good at it."

"It's a deal. Anyhow, I'm going to go start cleaning down there, the last librarian left it a mess." I said. "Tell Granny Smith I said thanks."

"You got it sugarcube." Applejack said, turning to leave. "Oh yeah, the fire ya set yesterday didn't burn all of its fuel, so Mac was wondering if you'd like the remaining wood turned into something. He's real good with woodworkin’ so if you can think it, he can probably make it."

I was surprised at the offer to say the least. "Well... I think I will... I'll get some sketches drawn up by Rarity for a chair."

"A chair? That seems rather simple for a chunk of timberwolf wood sugarcube." Applejack said, raising an eyebrow.

"Trust me, I have a good idea for it." I said with a sad smile. "Besides, I want it around as a reminder of what I don't want to become."

Applejack frowned a little after I said that, thinking for a minute before replying, "Well if you're sure Twi'." She said as she turned and headed out the door.

"So... what are you going to do now Twi'?" Spike asked me as I headed for the stairs to the basement.

"Clean out the basement. Plenty of old cobwebs down there no doubt." I said with a smile as I opened the door and headed down the stairs, not bothering to turn on the magic powered lights.

"Geez twi' how can you- Gah!" Spike jumped back from the doorway when I looked back at him. "Geez Twi' your eyes are glowing purple."

"Really? Huh, I guess that explains how I can see when there's no sources of light." I said with a chuckle. "I'll have to see if I can stop that though..." I said as I started using my magic to clean up the various boxes and shipping crates in the basement.

"Geez..." Spike said as a line of boxes floated past him.

"Looks like the previous librarian didn't like to toss the boxes the books came in." I said with a chuckle. "Can you open the door? I'll stack them by the street."

Spike gave a quick salute before heading off to open the door. "It’s open Twi'!" He called down and I sent the boxes on their way, feeling the way to the door with the lead box.

"Thanks Spike." I yelled back up as the boxes continued to take their leave. As the floor was gradually uncovered, I moved around, using levitation to pull the dust off of the stone floor. Going to have to lay down some planks to cover up the stone, actually a carpet would work better. Those supports will have to be hidden, and I could add in some shelves and cabinets. Actually, I think I'd like a private library down here, and I could copy those books in the tower. Hmm... as for lighting, a fireplace would be nice and since I'm below the tree I can do that here... some arcane torches would be awesome too.

"Uh Twi'?" Spike said as he walked down the stairs with a lantern which he placed on the bottom step.

"Yes?"

"Rarity is here, apparently she decided to come over at once when Applejack told her you'd be coming over later."

And there goes my good mood for today... I thought with a sigh. "Send her down, same deal as with AJ. I was going to tell her later anyhow." I said just loud enough for Spike to hear.

"She's going to freak..."

"Yes, but she's going to want my measurements because I was going to order more clothes, and I can't hide how I look then. If I say it was a spell, she's going to ask for it, and I can't make something up on the spot that will actually work."

"I... never thought of that..." Spike said, dumbfounded. "You sure you've never been a secret agent?"

"I'm sure Spike, however I've read enough Sherlock Hooves and other mysteries to learn to think things through from every angle." I said as I hid my fangs. "Lock the door when she is gets in okay? I almost had Applejack running through the streets yelling I was a vampony."

"Oh... that's what that thud was." Spike said, realization showing on his face before he started laughing. "I'll go get Rarity now." He said, trying his best to keep a straight face. "Good luck, and you may want a soundproofing spell... You know how loud her voice is when she's scared."

"Yeah... I'll probably want earplugs too." I said, laughing. Well, take two... let's see if there's a pattern.

I heard her hooves coming down the stairs. "Twilight dear, whatever are you doing in this dusty, dark basement?" Rarity asked as she caught view of me in the now dimly lit room…

"Just some cleaning, I just moved here and it was a mess down here. I thought that I may as well make something with this space."

"A marvelous idea dear, but why'd you ask me to come down."

"Well I want to get this done today, so this way I can talk while I work."

"Fair enough dear, now Applejack stopped by and said something about designing something?"

"Yes, I was thinking of turning this basement into a study, and while I have most of the room planned out, I want to do something extra special for the desk and chair. Big Mac's offered to build it out of the wood of a timberwolf they found dead on the acres, and you know how rare that wood is."

"Timberwolf mahogany!" She replied her eyes going wide. "Dear, I will need some time to perfect the design for that. Mac is carving it you say?"

"Yes." I said as I lifted a pile of dust into a trash bin.

"Well at least it's in capable hooves... You should see the bookcase and cabinet he carved me; I've never seen more intricate woodwork from anypony. Are you getting it stained?"

"Yes, a very dark purple, almost black and I was wondering if silver inserts would be possible as well."

"I think I can figure it out. What is the theme of the room going to be?"

"You remember the castle we fought Nightmare Moon in?"

"Yes, I do."

"Well I'm basing it off of a room I found in there. I'll have to show it to you if we have time later today." I said, quite amused at her expression.

"I suppose if we must dear. Anything else?"

"Yes, I was hoping to get some clothes made, more casual wear than anything, but you're the only pony I know in town that makes clothing."

"Casual wear? That's certainly different from my usual orders."

"Yes well... Okay you remember that spell bolt Nightmare Moon fired at me?"

"Yes... Oh dear did it do something horrible to you?" She said as she levitated the lantern closer.

"Well... that all depends on perspective." I said as she brought the lantern closer so she could see.

"Dear, whatever do you mean!" Rarity said as she looked me over. "I don't think even Fleur-Di-Lis looks as good as you do!"

"Yes well making me look athletic wasn't the only thing it did."

"Come now dear, it also filled out your form in the right spots, made your mane look like it's made of silk, and I don't think I've seen a coat with such a nice sheen on anypony but Princess Celestia."

"Well... there's a reason for that. Have you ever heard of the Blessing of the Moon?"

"No... what is it?" Rarity asked stopping.

"Essentially it was a spell created in the days before Celestia and Luna cast the spells that made Equestria as safe as it is for everypony, and put in place some proper law enforcement. Back then, according to Luna, Equestria was as dangerous as the Everfree. Luna saw this and decided to do something about it and created that spell."

"Well, what does it do?"

"Essentially, it's the thing that started all the legends about vamponies."

"You don't mean..." Rarity said, her eyes going wide.

I nodded and let my fangs come back into view.

We didn't move for about three minutes if I counted the ticks of the upstairs clock right. "I'm surprised you haven't tried bolting for the door yet."

"Well... I thought about it, but then I realized you can teleport." Rarity said shakily.

"Well you are doing better than Applejack, she ran headlong into my bedroom door." I said smiling a little at the memory.

"She what?" Rarity said, probably not believing her ears.

"She bolted for the stairs and ran headfirst into my bedroom door."

Rarity just sat there for a moment before she burst out laughing. "Oh my- Oh- Is the door still intact?" She asked when she could catch her breath again.

"Its solid oak, although I think she left a mark." I said once my breathing returned to normal.

"So... about the... erm..."

"I may as well get the awkward part of this over and done with, yes I do need to drink blood, and no I'm not going to become some bloodthirsty monster."

"Well, that's good... the not becoming a monster thing I mean."

"You know, you're taking this rather well..."

"A lady never loses her composure... well that and I've always secretly been a fan of that particular branch of myth."

"... Okay I didn't expect that."

"It all seems so wonderful. The night has always held that... oh how to put it... almost romantic mystery to me, and vamponies even more so." Rarity said smiling dreamily.

"Except the blood thing."

"Yes well..."

"It's not all that bad to be honest." I said with a small shrug. "It will just take some... getting used to."

"You've already had to?"

"Yes, but I won't need to for another few weeks. Applejack helped out, and no, it doesn't transfer unless I want it to."

"Oh, well that's good. Wait, was that you jumping rooftops yesterday?"

"Yes, you saw me?"

"No, but Rainbow Dash stopped by earlier today to ask about it." Rarity said. "From what she said it would seem that you're a Coltic mare with blue and black coloration who is pretty fast, although you would never be able to outrun our light blue friend."

"Did she mention I got away yesterday?"

"No, she just said that she had a conversation with you."

"Didn't think so." I said as we shared a laugh. "So, about those clothes."

"Darling why would you want to hide your form? I'll admit I may not be into mares, but with Celestia as my witness you're making me think twice." Rarity said with an embarrassed chuckle. "Although don't tell anypony I said that."

"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." I said blushing. "But my form is the reason, if I suddenly look like I do, ponies will ask questions."

"Hmm... yes I suppose that true. I thought it was because of the sun."

"No, actually. Most of the downsides are false, well that I know of at least. I'm going to have to ask Luna or check the library in the old castle to be sure."

"Ah, so that's why you were there, searching for answers?"

"In a way." I said as Rarity pulled a measuring tape out of a small leg pouch I hadn't noticed up until now.

"So Applejack helped you with the blood problem last night I take it?"

"Yes..." I said as she started taking measurements.

"What was it like...? If you don't want to say that's fine, but I have always been curious?" Rarity said with a slight blush.

"Well..." How to word this... "It was an intense experience to say the least." I said with a blush.

"You two didn't..." She said, blushing a bit more herself.

"Well, Luna said she designed the spell to make that bit enjoyable for both parties, but I don't think either of us expected it to be like... that..." I trailed off sheepishly.

Rarity just stood there for a moment, her face rather red before saying, "So is she a... you know... I've always had my suspicions... And I wouldn't tell anypony."

"Rarity, we both know you like to gossip."

"Yes, but only about trivial things, not anything like that." She said looking a little bit peeved. "While I do enjoy idle chatter, I don't think it's right to spread rumors like that."

"Okay, but your flank is mine if you tell anypony."

"So she is... good to know."

"Why?" I asked, curious now.

"So I don't try to play matchmaker. I've seen that go horribly wrong in the past." Rarity said with a shudder.

"Fair enough." I said as she finished taking the measurements.

"So what kind of attire were you looking for?"

"Well something comfy, right now I have a hoodie and jeans that I'm planning on using." I said as Rarity nodded.

"I think I can make that look fashionable. I take it nothing too fancy right?"

"Yes that's the gist of it."

"Simple yet stylish... well I like a good challenge." She said with a smile. "Now, about that chair?"

"I can show you to the palace to show you the room if you'd like."

"That sounds like a good idea, however let me first get the dimensions of this room. I took a few courses on interior decoration before." She said as she used the measuring tape to take the diameter of the room, as well as the height. "Meet me at my place in about an hour, I need to grab a few things and find someone to watch Sweetie Belle. She's still asleep, apparently there was an incident at Sweet... wait, Twilight did you have anything to do with that?"

"Erm... well..."

"That timberwolf tried to attack them?" Rarity said shocked.

"It would have had it gotten the chance..."

"You didn't..." Rarity said looking at me, clearly shocked. I tried to come up with something to say, but after a moment Rarity said, "Well I suppose I have you to thank for Sweetie's safety then."

"What?"

"Oh come now, I know Mac would try to defend them, but he isn't a very good shot with that crossbow of theirs and I doubt he has the will to kill a timberwolf. I didn't think you did either to be honest..." She said looking at me with a look I couldn't quite place. It was somewhere halfway between 'that's impressive' and 'that's kind of disturbing'.

"I... It probably would have killed them if I hadn't done anything."

"Then it's a good thing you did." She said giving me a hug. "I don't blame you, at one point I had a coltfriend who was part of the local guard, he had to handle things like that every now and then, I understand."

"Thank you Rarity." I said, starting to tear up as I hugged her back.

"Darling, I'm one of your friends, I will be here for you when you need me." She said as she broke the hug and looked me in the eyes. "I may not be the Element of Loyalty, but I will do my best to be there."

"Thank you... That means a lot." I said quietly. "It's been a tough three days."

"I can only imagine. Now, I'm going to go pack, and you finish cleaning this room up okay? I know a few local woodworkers who owe me a favor or two that can help with a project of this size."

"Rarity you don't have to-"

"No Darling, I insist." She said with a smile. "Besides, the boutique is already in top shape and I don't plan on any redecoration any time soon."

"Well... If you're sure."

"I insist." She said and headed up the stairs. I unlocked the door with my magic before she reached it and got back to work.

"Spike! Can you grab the mop and a bucket of soapy water please?" I called up as I looked at the floor. This is going to take a little while.