Sanguine +by TheDarkMinecraftianChaptersA New BeginningA Scary TruthStone of ShadowsOctavia SnapsStone of NightmaresA Challenge and a DecisionA New Beginning"What are you?" I asked my eyes wide with terror. The creature just smiled and started to move closer. "No stay back. Stay back!" I woke with a start my heart was pounding in my chest and I was breathing heavily. "Oh it was only a nightmare." I said to myself still breathing heavily. It was bright out so I looked at my clock read Nine A.M. I jumped out of bed. I was going to miss my train at this point I didn't care about my daily routine at this point so I skipped my shower. I was going to miss my train if I took one. I grabbed my saddlebags, which I had gotten ready the night before, and bolted out the door. As I ran through the streets of Canterlot, I got some strange stares from other ponies but I didn't care. I couldn't miss my train to Ponyville. I just couldn't. When I finally got to the train station I pulled out my ticket from my bag and boarded the train headed to Ponyville. I thought to myself, I just made it. While on the train car I thought about playing my cello but I knew I couldn't play on a train so I just sat there through the entire ride. It took until about moon rise until I arrived in Ponyville where I was going to start living with my newest best friend Vinyl Scratch. I got off the train and I saw Vinyl immediately. She was exactly like the day I first bumped into her back in Canterlot. Same white coat and electric blue mane and tail. She even was wearing the same purple sunglasses. I smiled and walked up to her. "Welcome to Ponyville, Octavia. Welcome to your new home," She said as we hugged. "I am glad to be here, Vinyl." I said. "Shall we get going?" she asked. "Yes let's get a move on," I said smiling and like that we started walking to my new house. On our way to the house, I decided to strike up conversation but the only thing that kept me from it was not knowing what to talk about so it ended up quite quiet the entire way to the house. "Here you do the honors," Vinyl said handing me a key. "With pleasure," I said as I unlocked the door and opened it. What I saw inside amazed me. I hadn't seen so many things regarding CDs and records. Not to mention the DJ equipment. I looked at her with and smiled. "You never told me you were a DJ in all the time we have known each other." "Really? I thought you already knew plus you never asked," Vinyl said then proceeded to ask. "I mean haven't you heard of DJ PON3 because that is who I am." "No I have not heard of DJ PON3. I have only listened and played classical." I replied walking into the house with Vinyl following. "So where is my room? I mean I do need to unpack." "Follow me," Vinyl said as she walked passed me. I followed her up some stairs and down a hallway to the second door to the right. "It's this one. I cleaned it up yesterday just for you." "Thank you Vinyl," I opened the door and looked in at it. It was a medium sized room with a twin sized bed, a bedside table with mirror, and a dresser. "Thanks again Vinyl for letting me move in with you." "No problem Tavi," She smiled and we hugged again. "Well I need some sleep Vinyl," I said and walked over to the bed taking off my saddlebags and setting them on the floor next to the bed as I climbed on top of the bed. "Well Tavi I need to head out. I have to work tonight so don't expect me back until morning." Vinyl shut my door after she said this. Soon after I heard the front door open and shut. That is when it hit me. Even though it was dark she still wore sunglasses. She didn't take them off even when she was in the house. This made me a bit uneasy but I didn't let it get to me that badly. I mean there has to be a good reason so I didn't question it that much or did I? I laid down to think and soon fell asleep. It was the same dream I have been having for weeks now. A dark mist-like shadow loomed in front of me.with red eyes and sharp fangs. I took a few steps back. "What are you?" I asked. It seemed to disregard my question and start moving towards me. "No. Stay back. Stay back!" It lunged and I woke up screaming. I instantly covered my mouth hoping Vinyl wasn't back yet but sadly she came barreling into my room. "What's wrong?" She asked. Breathing heavily I said, "It was just a nightmare. Just a nightmare" "I see." She sighed and turned around. "Well I am going to bed. I just got home so I need my rest." "Okay Vinyl," I said walking over to her. "I am heading out to look around the town." "I would wait till sunrise before that." She stepped out into the hallway and looked at me. "Why is that?" I asked. "Well for starters all the drunk ponies cause trouble at night or at least until sunrise." She said. "Oh. I see." I had a hard time believing that as soon as the sun came up that drunk ponies seemed to run for cover though. "Well then I will go find something to eat." "Okay." She went opened the door right across the door to mine. "Sleep well." I said with a smile. I went downstairs and into the kitchen and opened up the fridge. First thing I saw was orange juice. I grabbed that and then I started opened a cupboard and took down a cup. I poured myself a glass and turned around. What I saw scared me. It was the same figure from my dream. I dropped the glass and it shattered on the floor. A Scary Truth"No. This has to be a dream," I said wide eyed. "You can't be real." "I am very real Octavia," the creature said moving towards me. "Stay away!" I screamed. When I turned to run I heard hoofsteps coming down the stairs rapidly. "Vinyl!" "You!" Vinyl said looking at the creature. "I thought I smelled something else in this house. She is under my protection now. Get out!" "You think I care about your precious protection? How long has it been since you fed?" The creature asked smiling its fangs showing. "Vinyl what is it talking about?" I asked looked at Vinyl but she ignored me and jumped at the creature with her right hoof pulled back. The creature just smacked her into a wall. Her glasses broke revealing the same crimson red eyes as the creature. I walked over to Vinyl. "Sorry Tavi. I was going to tell you. I just was looking for the right time," Vinyl said. "What are you?" I asked Vinyl. "A vampire," the creature said with a smirk. "I wasn't asking you demon," I snapped looking over at the creature. The creature took a step back seemingly afraid of how pissed I got. I took a step towards it the anger of watching my best friend be thrown across the room growing. The creature seemed to sense how angry I was as I approached it as it started backing up until it hit a wall. I kept walking up to it pulled my hoof back and punched the creature dead in the face putting a hole in the wall behind using its head. When I pulled my fist back again to strike again I felt a hoof wrap around mine stopping me from striking. I looked to see who it was. It was Vinyl. When I looked back at the creature I saw it was already out cold. Then I looked back at Vinyl. That is when I realized what she really was so I ran into a corner. "I'm sorry you had to find out like this," she said. "Then wake up, Tavi. If it really is a dream wake up. Wake up, Tavi." She said stepping towards me. "Stay away. Just stay away!" I screamed. That is when I opened my eyes I was on my side being shaken. "Come on Tavi. Wake up," I heard Vinyls voice say. I rolled away from her and fell out of bed and onto the floor. "Tavi?" "Stay away from me, vampire." I said. "Vampire? What in the name of Celestia are you talking about?" She asked. "Stop lying I know you are one," I screamed. "Is that was you were dreaming of? Me as a vampire? Listen to yourself," she said. "Dreaming?" I asked. "Yea I have been trying to wake you wake you up since I heard you talking in your sleep. You sounded really scared," She said. "Then explain why you always wear sunglasses?" I questioned. "I have a rare eye condition where I can't stand bright lights. And before you ask me to go stand in the sun you know I have a skin disorder that prevents me from doing so. That is why I work as a nightclub DJ. We had been over this." She smiled. "I. I'm sorry. I guess that dream rattled me a bit," I said but something still felt off. It felt to comforting as if like in a dream. "Listen Tavi, even if I was a vampire you should know I would never attack you on my own accord," she said looking at me. Thats when it hit me. I was dreaming again. I must have passed out while screaming at Vinyl to stay away. I bit my lower lip as hard as I could and I sat I woke up from my seemingly real dream back into reality. I had been moved from the floor in the kitchen back to my bedroom. I felt my neck to find no bite marks. I sighed and looked around to find Vinyl sitting next to me. "Sorry about screaming at you, Vinyl," I apologized. "And I am sorry I didn't tell you sooner," she said. "Also you have one hell of a punch." "I am not apologizing about the wall." I glared at her. "Didn't say you had to," she said smiling. "Anyway. If you ever need blood... Just take some from me," I said smiling. "Although don't take to much." "But Tavi," She started to say but I cut her off. "If you are to protect me like you say. Then you need to feed." I looked at her and smiled. She turned around to look at me. "Fine." She said looking me right in the eyes. "In the meantime I need to head out and you need to get some sleep." I said as I went for the door. "Okay. Just be back by nightfall." Vinyl said. "I will be and when I get back you feed. Understand?" I said sternly. "Okay. Okay," She said and I smiled. "Now get to bed," I said. "Okay." She got off the edge of my bed while I climbed off the bed. Then we left the room. I went downstairs while she went to her room. Once I got outside I looked back at the house before I started to walk off to explore. Stone of ShadowsI started walking aimlessly. I wondered up and down streets not looking for anything in particular After a while I saw what seemed like an abandoned house. This seemed odd to me especially where it was located. It was located in the most populated part of Ponyville. "I wouldn't go near that house if I were you," I heard a voice say and I spun around to see a pitch black stallion with a red mane. "And why is that?" I asked looking back at the house. "Someone died in that house once. They were protecting two things. One of which we recovered. You see we recovered a filly which we sent away to protect further. The other was left in that house. It is said to be a special stone said to carry a dark magic. According to what I heard only that filly could ever use that magic but I don't think it to be true. You see that filly was a normal earth pony," the stallion said. "I see," I said. "So what happens to people who gets close to it?" "Well people who go in never seem to come out. Ones that do come out traumatized," he said. "Sometimes we even hear screams of those who go in." "Do you know what was attacking them?" I looked back at him. "They say it was vampires," He said. "I don't believe that but its the only thing people who witnessed it say." "I see. Thank you for the warning but I feel like something is calling to me," I said. "Calling to you? Well I cannot let you go in alone," He said. "No. I don't need you getting trapped because of me," I said looking back at the house. "Now I am going in." With that I started walking towards the house. When I got to the door it I started to raise my hoof to open the door but it opened on its own as if someone was waiting for me. I walked inside and the door shut behind me. I looked back at it and then looked forward. I started walking deeper into the house. A nostalgic feeling came over me as if I had been here before. "Welcome home my dear Octavia," I heard a voice say from behind me. I spun around to face the person speaking to me although at first all I saw was a white hazy looking figure then it started to form into an earth pony. "Mom?" I said instinctively. "Yes dear its me. Its been a long time so I didn't expect you to recognize me. Plus with me being like this I thought it would make it that much harder." the figure looked at me. "Though I am glad you came back home." "Mom. What happened that day. People said vampires attacked our house. Is this true?" I asked. "Yes it is true. It was a group of them looking for the weapon that could be used against them," She said. "You mean the stone I heard about?" I asked. "Yes. They hoped to destroy it. Thing is it cannot be destroyed with us alive and they knew this so they attacked us during the night." She looked away. "You see Octavia that stone is a weapon against all of the darkness in this world. Not like the Elements of Harmony it was meant to ravage those who were cursed with one of many curses. Vampire. Werewolves. Even the undead. The day we were attacked I fought as well as I could but to no avail. They got me but you. You found a way to tap into its full power. While the vampires still knows about it and has sent many to capture it I have guarded it. You see I knew you would come so I kept it here so it would be safe." "Hey mom. Do you know who the second strongest vampire is?" I asked. "Her name is Vinyl Scratch. Although she was born as our neighbor she was turned into a vampire. From what I hear she hates her fellow vampires and has actually attacked them on many occasions." She looked at me. "Why?" "Well I just moved in with her last night and well early this morning I was attacked again. She tried to stop the attack but was simply smacked away yet I had ease with the creature. Although she stopped me from completely crushing its face in we left it out where the sun would get to it. She said I was under her protection do you know anything about that?" I asked. "I see so she wants to protect you. I can see why. You are key to winning a war against the creatures of the night. If that isn't the reason that I wouldn't know anything about it." She smiled. "I guess its time I give you the stone." As soon as she said this part of the floor in the middle of the room started to bend and rise up. Then a slot opened in it reveling a ruby in the shape of a diamond. I stared at it for a moment before taking it out of the hole. Further examining it I smiled. "Its beautiful isn't it?" I looked up at her with a smile. "It is." I said and hid it in my bow-tie. "You should go before it gets any later. Drop by again some time will you?" She said. "Sure mom. Wait I got one last question for you. How do you use the stone?" I asked. "Your imagination is key. Your weapon is just an amplifier for those imaginations." She said smiling. "Now go." "Okay mom." I turned and walked to the door. "See you later mom." I opened the door and looked out. It was actually getting close to getting dark. With this I started running back to my house. When I got home I saw Vinyl was sitting on the stairs. It had just gone dark outside so she couldn't have been up to long. "Welcome back." She stood up and walked over to me. "Well. Lets get this over with," I said baring my neck so she could bite into it. "Just be as gentle as possible okay?" "I will try to be," she said as she leaned into my neck. I then felt her fangs against my skin and I braced for the bite. It started as a slow pinch but then it changed to a sharp pain that caused me to wince. I felt my blood flowing from my neck from the four punctures. After about a minute I started to get light headed. "Okay Vinyl. I think that should be enough for now," I said and she let go. I smiled and walked over to the stairs. Then I sat down. "Could you get me a wrap or something so I don't bleed out?" She ran over to a cabinet and pulled out this white cloth then ran back. She helped me wrap it around my neck. "So was that enough blood for you?" I asked smiling. "For about a month yes." She said. "So... How do I taste?" I asked trying to lighten the mood. "You taste excellent no wonder other vampires want to have a drink of your blood," She said with a chuckle. "Actually that isn't the case," I said my smile fading. "Oh do you know something I don't?" she asked. "You could say that. I am the last one who can control a weapon against the cursed of this world. Or at least that's how my mother said it." I looked down. "Also you know that home that was said that no pony ever comes back out of there sane if at all?" "Yea I heard a family was murdered by vampires there," she said. "Why bring that up?" "That's my old home. And my mother is the one trapping vampires and werewolves in there while only messing with normal ponies," I said. "What? You mean you went in there?" She asked. "And I got the ultimate weapon against the ones after me," I said. "You have the Stone of Shadows?" She asked. "Show it to me." I smiled and pulled out the ruby from my bow-tie. "Oh my god. Yea that's the real deal," she said. "So your mother just gave it to you." "Yea. I promised her I would see her again too," I smiled putting the ruby back in my bow-tie. "For some reason she knows about you as well." "Well. That is a surprise." Vinyl smiled. "Well lets go you up to your room." Octavia SnapsA couple of nights passed at it had became the night of the fight. I had finally trained my body so I could stay up at night. I snugly put the stone in my bow-tie and got myself something to eat while I waited on Vinyl. Since Vinyl was the only one who knew where the fight was to take place I had to wait. "I hope I didn't make you wait to long," Vinyl said as she finally came down from her room. She was wearing a claw like item on her left hoof. "What took so long?" I asked looking at the claw and finishing my meal. "Putting this on. I know it looks easy even with my horn but thing is complicated," She said. "Now shall we go?" "Yes lets get a move on." I stood up and walked over to the door where Vinyl was now standing. She opened the door and we both walked outside. We walked outside of Ponyville and into a cave. We descended into the cave with only the light which Vinyl's horn was producing. Soon we got into a big pocket in the cave that was lit up and that looked a lot like an arena. I looked around the arena like seating area. Every pony that sat in there was ether vampire or what seemed like normal earth ponies or pegasi. I guessed those ones were witches or some form of werewolves. They all cheered when Vinyl and I stepped into the arena. "We are here to face those who has challenged us. Third strongest Vampire team Vs Strongest Witch team," Vinyl said and two ponies came forth. One was an earth pony and the other was a pegasus. "Its good you came." The pegasus said. "We couldn't turn down a fight for a title," I said smiling. "I see. Well In the name of the night, lets fight." The earth pony said with a smile. She then looked at me. "I take it your Terra then," I asked with a smile but didn't wait for a response as I saw both Vinyl and the pegasus dart forward at each other. I imagined myself with two shadow like claws and arms coming off my back. "That is correct but I don't know who you are," She said as she stomped her hoof down on the ground causing the ground under me to launch me forward. Although unlike normal she launched me towards her. She then stomped again and a large pillar rose in front of me. I swung my claw and destroyed a part of the pillar and grabbed onto the part that would have fallen with another claw. I then used it like a bat swinging it at her. When it made contact it shattered instead of sending her flying. I imagined the claws then extending a bit further and blocking myself with them as she sent another pillar at me. The pillar struck the arms attaching my claws to my body sending me into the ceiling. I imagined another set branching off just a few inches away from the first set that grabbed onto the ceiling. I thought for a second before releasing the ceiling and created a couple of fireballs with my imagination and through them at Terra. While they were flying at her I made them spin around in a circle until it looked like a ring of fire was flying at her. She seemed to be a little irritated at this as she through a thing of what looked to be a black fireball at my fire ring. I let go of the ceiling and dropped. I then imagined myself behind her and grabbed her hind legs. A smile crept onto my face. I had won. I looked over at Vinyl to see how she was doing. She was losing. This shocked me and kinda pissed me off. I then created a couple more claws and gripped Terra front legs and neck. I ripped each of her limbs off. One by one. Listening to her scream. I began to laugh as I listened to the screams. Then I ripped off her head and slowly walked towards Vinyl and the pegasus. He looked over at me and then over at the dead body of his partner. Then back at me. His eyes were wide at this point. My arms outstretched towards him and grabbed him. "No. Stop. I give!" He screamed. "You give?" I asked laughing. "Well I deny your life anyway." I then proceeded to rip off a part of his left leg so slowly you could see his flesh tear first. Then you could see his mussel start to tear and rip. Finally you could see the bone snap in two pieces. I listened to his screams. I then ripped a large chunk out of his flank ripping off his cutie mark. I then ripped off another limb this time even slower so I could watch his skin stretch before it tore. I watched as his mussel also stretched this before snapping strands. I then ripped another limb dropping it in the large pool of blood that had accumulated on the ground. I then grabbed his final hoof and slowly ripped it off. Finally I looked him dead in the eyes as he was screaming in pure pain from being ripped piece by piece and said, "This is what you get for hurting her. This is what you get for hurting my Vinyl." I then slowly pulled his head off and dropped it next to his body. I then looked at Vinyl who was wide-eyed and smiled. My arms and claws seemed to turn into smoke and then vanish. "Tavi," Vinyl started. "You okay?" "Never better Vinyl," I said then realized I was breathing heavily so I slowed my breathing. "You sure?" She asked. "Yes Vinyl," I said. "Now can we go home? I am exhausted." "Sure Tavi," she said smiling. "I looked to the crowds who were wide eyed and open mouthed still. I smiled and both Vinyl and I left the arena and started back home. "So what happened back there?" Vinyl asked about half way home. "I have no idea. Its like something came over me when I saw you were losing. It made killing them seem... Fun," I said. For the rest of the walk home it was seemly quiet. Stone of NightmaresWe went straight for our rooms as soon as we got inside. I laid down on my bed and just stared up at the ceiling. I slowly closed my eyes and fell asleep. "Hello?" I heard a voice call out from deeper into my sleep from a dark tunnel it seemed. "Hello?" This time I followed the voice into the cave. "Hello who is there?" I called out still searching for the voice. Soon the area I was in lit up. I stepped back and examined my surrounding. I was in a room that looked like a pub. Wait no under the pub. The cider cellar to be exact. There seemed to be a dark pony just sitting in the corner. "Hello Octavia," the pony said. "Its been a while." "Who are you and why do you sound so familiar?" I asked. "Wow, don't remember your own brother?" the pony said and he stepped out of the shadow he was lurking in. He was a gray earth pony and his cutie mark was that of what looked like a knife. "What do you mean my brother. I was told everyone except myself died that day." I squinted at him. "Well I am alive sis but this isn't the reason I am here," he said. "Then what is?" I asked. "Its about time you choose a side," He said. "What do you mean choose a side?" I narrowed my eyes even further. "Listen. A war is coming. You need to know which side you are on. Fast." He looked away. "Great some pony is coming I gotta go." With that I woke up. It was dark again and I found Vinyl curled up next to me. I smiled and put my head back down on the pillow. "You up?" I heard Vinyl ask. "Yea. I am up. I wasn't sure if you were though." I sat up and looked at Vinyl. She sat up as well and looked at me with a smile. "Vinyl as you know. My family died right?" "Well. There has been a rumor," Vinyl said looking me in the eye. "A rumor I don't really believe." "What is the rumor?" I asked. "That there was two others that survived the attack on your family. Your brother and your sister." She looked away. "Like I said though its just a rumor." "I don't think it is," I said looking at Vinyl. "I believe at least my brother is alive. I just had a dream about him. Of what he has become and also I believe he is in danger." "Why do you think that?" Vinyl asked.. "He contacted me somehow. Through my dream. At the end there he said some pony was there and he had to run," I said looking at her. "Why didn't you tell me this rumor sooner?" "Because I didn't want you getting worked up over it anyway where did you guys meet in your dream?" Vinyl asked. "We met in a cider cellar or at least that's what it looked like," I said. "Listen we need to find him and we need to find him fast." "Why?" Vinyl got out of my bed finally and then she stretched. "Just in case he is in danger," I said as I hopped out of bed and stretched as well.. "How many cities have cider cellars?" "Just three. Canterlot, Appaloosa and Manehatten. My guess though is your brother is hiding away in Appaloosa. Since its new and all not many ponies live there." Vinyl looked at me again. "Shall we get going?" "Yes," I said and we both went for the front door but before we even opened it I said. "Wait. I need a drink before we head out." I ran to the fridge and grabbed out the orange juice. Knowing I had no time to pour myself some I just drank it out of the canister and put the canister back in the fridge. I then ran back to the door where Vinyl had been waiting for no longer than a few seconds. I then proceeded to open the door and say, "Lets go." We ran out the door and first stop we made was to the train station. To our luck we caught the night time train headed straight for Appaloosa. It took us a couple minutes to board the train. We got settled down in our cabin. I smiled at Vinyl as we waited for the train to head out. When it finally headed out it took us about an hour to get to Appaloosa. When we arrived at Appaloosa after an extremely quiet train ride I said. "So now where is that pub?" "This way." Vinyl started walking down a street. We walked for about a minute before she pointed it out as soon as I started running towards it I saw a big explosion come form the pub. My brother flew out of the explosion and hit his back on the wall. "Brother!" I screamed and rushed to his side. I then looked at the pub. A blue mare with a silver mane and tail was then standing there. "Oh looks like one of the sisters does live," she said with a smirk. "Oh I am more than living," I said as the dark arms with the claws at the end extended. "I see. You carry the Stone of Shadows." She smirked. "I guess I will just have to run for now." She turned to run but I grabbed onto her torso with one of the claws and picked her up. "I don't think your going any where," I said a smile forming on my face. She looked back at me and her eyes went wide with fear. "Wait no. Don't do this!" she yelled at me. "Do what? This?" I grabbed one of her legs with another claw and started to pull on her leg. "Octavia wait. Allow me." I heard my brother say as I popped her leg out of its socket. I looked at my brother he was now standing up on his own. Two dark creatures resembling wolves the size of him if not slightly bigger stood next to him. I stopped smiling and dropped the mare. As soon as she landed she tried to run but fell do to her dislocated leg. My brother smiled and the two creatures rushed the mare biting into her. They shredded her like she was cabbage that had been sitting in water for about an hour. When they were finished she was nothing but a pile of flesh and blood with shattered bones and ripped mussel. I looked back at my brother with a smile as the two creatures vanished. "Nice one brother," I said. "Thank you my dear sister." He smiled back at me then looked over at Vinyl. "Aw I see my sister is in safe hooves after all. The third most powerful vampire. Vinyl Scratch." He smirked. "Yes she is. Although I think I am the one in safe hooves," She said. "Say if this happens to you a lot then why not come live with us? I know Tavi is wondering what you meant by 'A war is coming' and so am I." "Okay but we need to get you into some place where the sun won't hit," he said smiling. "I mean the sun is almost about to rise." A Challenge and a DecisionWhen we got up to my room and got me set on my bed, there was a knock at the door. "I wonder who that could be," Vinyl said before leaving my room. I curled up in the bed remembering what my mother told me about the stone. My imagination is key and the stone is just an amplifier. I thought about it for a second before imagining myself walking behind Vinyl. Suddenly I saw myself behind Vinyl but felt as if I was in bed. This confused me at first but I just went with it. I watched Vinyl walk down the stairs and open the door. Outside a dark pegasus stood. "Vinyl Scratch. I challenge you and that witch living with you to a death match for the titles of the second strongest vampire and strongest witch," He said. "You should know where the place is that we meet. I will be bringing the strongest witch so be prepared." "What if I say no?" Vinyl asked. "Then your title is forfeit." He turned around. "Three nights to comply.if you don't show up. Well you know what will happen. Of course you could always come alone to see how you fare but you wouldn't be getting the strongest witch title for you partner." "Fine. We will see what my partner says to showing up. Eatherway I will see you then. With or without her." Vinyl said smirking. She shut the door and I stopped imagining myself behind Vinyl so I could see straight. I then just sat on the edge waiting for her to enter. It took Vinyl a few minutes before she came up to my room. "Octi. Do you want to be known as the top witch as a little secret identity for our little escapade against the other evils?" She asked. "I mean you now have the most magical stone in the world so you could pull it off." "And how do I go about achieving this title?" I asked not to raise suspicion of me already knowing. "Well we have been challenged to a death match against the top witch and the third strongest vampire." Vinyl said and smirked so one of her fangs showed. "We have three nights before the event so you have enough time to think it over. Well enough time to me for you to decide." "Okay. That should be enough time to allow me to make my decision." I said although I had already started deciding. I laid my head down on the pillow and closed my eyes. I must have fallen asleep because I don't remember anything that happened that night. The next morning I awoke just before the sun was rising. I looked out around my room and spotted Vinyl almost instantly. "So how did you sleep?" She asked as soon as my eyes met hers. "It was a good sleep." I smiled. "I see. Well have you decided in your sleep?" She asked. "No Vinyl. I have not." I said. "Even if I had. I would still give my answer at the last night right as you woke up." "Okay. She said and left my room for her own. After an hour had passed before the sun came up and as soon as it had I got out of bed and went for the door. I stopped at the door though turned around and into the kitchen to make myself a sandwich. I picked out the peanut butter and some blueberry jam. I made my sandwich and ate it. Then I got out a glass and I poured myself some orange juice. I drank it and put the glass in the sink for later washing. I then headed outside and walked down the streets until I got to my mothers house. The same stallion from the first time I came across my mother's house was standing there. "Wait your going back in?" he asked when he saw me approaching the house. "Yes I am." I smiled. "Why?" he questioned me. "Same reason as before." I lied for my actual reason was because I wanted to talk to my dead mother about my situation. "I see. Well I hope you come out of that house just like last time." He nodded to me and walked away. Smiling I started for the house and like last time the door opened on its own and I proceeded inside. The door shut behind me and I smiled knowing that no one could hear me outside. "Mom." I called out. "Octavia my dear child. What brings you here today?" She revealed herself to me. She was smiling when she appeared in front of me. "Mom. I was wondering if you could help me decide something. You see Vinyl and I were challenged to a fight to the death between the newest third strongest vampire and the strongest witch," I began. "The thing is though they think I am a powerful witch stronger than the second and wish to take me in as the second strongest witch to start with. I smell something fishy but I would like to know if I should go as well." "Octavia. That is a perfect plan. Although I have to say be careful. You never know what might be around the corner. Also I have been keeping an eye on the strongest witch. Her name is Terra. Her weapon is the earth so its going to be hard to beat her. I have noticed an attack pattern with her depending on her opponent." my mother said with a serious note in her voice. "She seems to like to keep her foes at a distance and bounce them around. She also excels with fire and darkness so be extra careful not to enrage her because when she uses those it she can engulf the arena. Also she has been known to kill her partners on accident when she uses those spells. That stone I gave you may be your only trick to winning if you can negate her spells somehow." "I understand. Thanks for the tip mom." I smiled and started towards the door but stopped right before I opened it. "Oh and mom. I let Vinyl drink my blood so we could win this and I found a way to heal myself with the stone." I opened the door and walked outside. I then ran all the way back home after some shopping because of how late it was getting. When I got into the house Vinyl was messing around with her turn tables. Of course she had the volume on max so I had to yell at her to turn it down. She smiled as she turned it off instead. "So do you have an answer yet?" She asked and I looked her dead in the eye. "Yes I am going," I said with a smile. "Well then. You need to train your body to stay up at night then." Vinyl said. "I know." I said and smiled.
A New Beginning"What are you?" I asked my eyes wide with terror. The creature just smiled and started to move closer. "No stay back. Stay back!" I woke with a start my heart was pounding in my chest and I was breathing heavily. "Oh it was only a nightmare." I said to myself still breathing heavily. It was bright out so I looked at my clock read Nine A.M. I jumped out of bed. I was going to miss my train at this point I didn't care about my daily routine at this point so I skipped my shower. I was going to miss my train if I took one. I grabbed my saddlebags, which I had gotten ready the night before, and bolted out the door. As I ran through the streets of Canterlot, I got some strange stares from other ponies but I didn't care. I couldn't miss my train to Ponyville. I just couldn't. When I finally got to the train station I pulled out my ticket from my bag and boarded the train headed to Ponyville. I thought to myself, I just made it. While on the train car I thought about playing my cello but I knew I couldn't play on a train so I just sat there through the entire ride. It took until about moon rise until I arrived in Ponyville where I was going to start living with my newest best friend Vinyl Scratch. I got off the train and I saw Vinyl immediately. She was exactly like the day I first bumped into her back in Canterlot. Same white coat and electric blue mane and tail. She even was wearing the same purple sunglasses. I smiled and walked up to her. "Welcome to Ponyville, Octavia. Welcome to your new home," She said as we hugged. "I am glad to be here, Vinyl." I said. "Shall we get going?" she asked. "Yes let's get a move on," I said smiling and like that we started walking to my new house. On our way to the house, I decided to strike up conversation but the only thing that kept me from it was not knowing what to talk about so it ended up quite quiet the entire way to the house. "Here you do the honors," Vinyl said handing me a key. "With pleasure," I said as I unlocked the door and opened it. What I saw inside amazed me. I hadn't seen so many things regarding CDs and records. Not to mention the DJ equipment. I looked at her with and smiled. "You never told me you were a DJ in all the time we have known each other." "Really? I thought you already knew plus you never asked," Vinyl said then proceeded to ask. "I mean haven't you heard of DJ PON3 because that is who I am." "No I have not heard of DJ PON3. I have only listened and played classical." I replied walking into the house with Vinyl following. "So where is my room? I mean I do need to unpack." "Follow me," Vinyl said as she walked passed me. I followed her up some stairs and down a hallway to the second door to the right. "It's this one. I cleaned it up yesterday just for you." "Thank you Vinyl," I opened the door and looked in at it. It was a medium sized room with a twin sized bed, a bedside table with mirror, and a dresser. "Thanks again Vinyl for letting me move in with you." "No problem Tavi," She smiled and we hugged again. "Well I need some sleep Vinyl," I said and walked over to the bed taking off my saddlebags and setting them on the floor next to the bed as I climbed on top of the bed. "Well Tavi I need to head out. I have to work tonight so don't expect me back until morning." Vinyl shut my door after she said this. Soon after I heard the front door open and shut. That is when it hit me. Even though it was dark she still wore sunglasses. She didn't take them off even when she was in the house. This made me a bit uneasy but I didn't let it get to me that badly. I mean there has to be a good reason so I didn't question it that much or did I? I laid down to think and soon fell asleep. It was the same dream I have been having for weeks now. A dark mist-like shadow loomed in front of me.with red eyes and sharp fangs. I took a few steps back. "What are you?" I asked. It seemed to disregard my question and start moving towards me. "No. Stay back. Stay back!" It lunged and I woke up screaming. I instantly covered my mouth hoping Vinyl wasn't back yet but sadly she came barreling into my room. "What's wrong?" She asked. Breathing heavily I said, "It was just a nightmare. Just a nightmare" "I see." She sighed and turned around. "Well I am going to bed. I just got home so I need my rest." "Okay Vinyl," I said walking over to her. "I am heading out to look around the town." "I would wait till sunrise before that." She stepped out into the hallway and looked at me. "Why is that?" I asked. "Well for starters all the drunk ponies cause trouble at night or at least until sunrise." She said. "Oh. I see." I had a hard time believing that as soon as the sun came up that drunk ponies seemed to run for cover though. "Well then I will go find something to eat." "Okay." She went opened the door right across the door to mine. "Sleep well." I said with a smile. I went downstairs and into the kitchen and opened up the fridge. First thing I saw was orange juice. I grabbed that and then I started opened a cupboard and took down a cup. I poured myself a glass and turned around. What I saw scared me. It was the same figure from my dream. I dropped the glass and it shattered on the floor.
A Scary Truth"No. This has to be a dream," I said wide eyed. "You can't be real." "I am very real Octavia," the creature said moving towards me. "Stay away!" I screamed. When I turned to run I heard hoofsteps coming down the stairs rapidly. "Vinyl!" "You!" Vinyl said looking at the creature. "I thought I smelled something else in this house. She is under my protection now. Get out!" "You think I care about your precious protection? How long has it been since you fed?" The creature asked smiling its fangs showing. "Vinyl what is it talking about?" I asked looked at Vinyl but she ignored me and jumped at the creature with her right hoof pulled back. The creature just smacked her into a wall. Her glasses broke revealing the same crimson red eyes as the creature. I walked over to Vinyl. "Sorry Tavi. I was going to tell you. I just was looking for the right time," Vinyl said. "What are you?" I asked Vinyl. "A vampire," the creature said with a smirk. "I wasn't asking you demon," I snapped looking over at the creature. The creature took a step back seemingly afraid of how pissed I got. I took a step towards it the anger of watching my best friend be thrown across the room growing. The creature seemed to sense how angry I was as I approached it as it started backing up until it hit a wall. I kept walking up to it pulled my hoof back and punched the creature dead in the face putting a hole in the wall behind using its head. When I pulled my fist back again to strike again I felt a hoof wrap around mine stopping me from striking. I looked to see who it was. It was Vinyl. When I looked back at the creature I saw it was already out cold. Then I looked back at Vinyl. That is when I realized what she really was so I ran into a corner. "I'm sorry you had to find out like this," she said. "Then wake up, Tavi. If it really is a dream wake up. Wake up, Tavi." She said stepping towards me. "Stay away. Just stay away!" I screamed. That is when I opened my eyes I was on my side being shaken. "Come on Tavi. Wake up," I heard Vinyls voice say. I rolled away from her and fell out of bed and onto the floor. "Tavi?" "Stay away from me, vampire." I said. "Vampire? What in the name of Celestia are you talking about?" She asked. "Stop lying I know you are one," I screamed. "Is that was you were dreaming of? Me as a vampire? Listen to yourself," she said. "Dreaming?" I asked. "Yea I have been trying to wake you wake you up since I heard you talking in your sleep. You sounded really scared," She said. "Then explain why you always wear sunglasses?" I questioned. "I have a rare eye condition where I can't stand bright lights. And before you ask me to go stand in the sun you know I have a skin disorder that prevents me from doing so. That is why I work as a nightclub DJ. We had been over this." She smiled. "I. I'm sorry. I guess that dream rattled me a bit," I said but something still felt off. It felt to comforting as if like in a dream. "Listen Tavi, even if I was a vampire you should know I would never attack you on my own accord," she said looking at me. Thats when it hit me. I was dreaming again. I must have passed out while screaming at Vinyl to stay away. I bit my lower lip as hard as I could and I sat I woke up from my seemingly real dream back into reality. I had been moved from the floor in the kitchen back to my bedroom. I felt my neck to find no bite marks. I sighed and looked around to find Vinyl sitting next to me. "Sorry about screaming at you, Vinyl," I apologized. "And I am sorry I didn't tell you sooner," she said. "Also you have one hell of a punch." "I am not apologizing about the wall." I glared at her. "Didn't say you had to," she said smiling. "Anyway. If you ever need blood... Just take some from me," I said smiling. "Although don't take to much." "But Tavi," She started to say but I cut her off. "If you are to protect me like you say. Then you need to feed." I looked at her and smiled. She turned around to look at me. "Fine." She said looking me right in the eyes. "In the meantime I need to head out and you need to get some sleep." I said as I went for the door. "Okay. Just be back by nightfall." Vinyl said. "I will be and when I get back you feed. Understand?" I said sternly. "Okay. Okay," She said and I smiled. "Now get to bed," I said. "Okay." She got off the edge of my bed while I climbed off the bed. Then we left the room. I went downstairs while she went to her room. Once I got outside I looked back at the house before I started to walk off to explore.
Stone of ShadowsI started walking aimlessly. I wondered up and down streets not looking for anything in particular After a while I saw what seemed like an abandoned house. This seemed odd to me especially where it was located. It was located in the most populated part of Ponyville. "I wouldn't go near that house if I were you," I heard a voice say and I spun around to see a pitch black stallion with a red mane. "And why is that?" I asked looking back at the house. "Someone died in that house once. They were protecting two things. One of which we recovered. You see we recovered a filly which we sent away to protect further. The other was left in that house. It is said to be a special stone said to carry a dark magic. According to what I heard only that filly could ever use that magic but I don't think it to be true. You see that filly was a normal earth pony," the stallion said. "I see," I said. "So what happens to people who gets close to it?" "Well people who go in never seem to come out. Ones that do come out traumatized," he said. "Sometimes we even hear screams of those who go in." "Do you know what was attacking them?" I looked back at him. "They say it was vampires," He said. "I don't believe that but its the only thing people who witnessed it say." "I see. Thank you for the warning but I feel like something is calling to me," I said. "Calling to you? Well I cannot let you go in alone," He said. "No. I don't need you getting trapped because of me," I said looking back at the house. "Now I am going in." With that I started walking towards the house. When I got to the door it I started to raise my hoof to open the door but it opened on its own as if someone was waiting for me. I walked inside and the door shut behind me. I looked back at it and then looked forward. I started walking deeper into the house. A nostalgic feeling came over me as if I had been here before. "Welcome home my dear Octavia," I heard a voice say from behind me. I spun around to face the person speaking to me although at first all I saw was a white hazy looking figure then it started to form into an earth pony. "Mom?" I said instinctively. "Yes dear its me. Its been a long time so I didn't expect you to recognize me. Plus with me being like this I thought it would make it that much harder." the figure looked at me. "Though I am glad you came back home." "Mom. What happened that day. People said vampires attacked our house. Is this true?" I asked. "Yes it is true. It was a group of them looking for the weapon that could be used against them," She said. "You mean the stone I heard about?" I asked. "Yes. They hoped to destroy it. Thing is it cannot be destroyed with us alive and they knew this so they attacked us during the night." She looked away. "You see Octavia that stone is a weapon against all of the darkness in this world. Not like the Elements of Harmony it was meant to ravage those who were cursed with one of many curses. Vampire. Werewolves. Even the undead. The day we were attacked I fought as well as I could but to no avail. They got me but you. You found a way to tap into its full power. While the vampires still knows about it and has sent many to capture it I have guarded it. You see I knew you would come so I kept it here so it would be safe." "Hey mom. Do you know who the second strongest vampire is?" I asked. "Her name is Vinyl Scratch. Although she was born as our neighbor she was turned into a vampire. From what I hear she hates her fellow vampires and has actually attacked them on many occasions." She looked at me. "Why?" "Well I just moved in with her last night and well early this morning I was attacked again. She tried to stop the attack but was simply smacked away yet I had ease with the creature. Although she stopped me from completely crushing its face in we left it out where the sun would get to it. She said I was under her protection do you know anything about that?" I asked. "I see so she wants to protect you. I can see why. You are key to winning a war against the creatures of the night. If that isn't the reason that I wouldn't know anything about it." She smiled. "I guess its time I give you the stone." As soon as she said this part of the floor in the middle of the room started to bend and rise up. Then a slot opened in it reveling a ruby in the shape of a diamond. I stared at it for a moment before taking it out of the hole. Further examining it I smiled. "Its beautiful isn't it?" I looked up at her with a smile. "It is." I said and hid it in my bow-tie. "You should go before it gets any later. Drop by again some time will you?" She said. "Sure mom. Wait I got one last question for you. How do you use the stone?" I asked. "Your imagination is key. Your weapon is just an amplifier for those imaginations." She said smiling. "Now go." "Okay mom." I turned and walked to the door. "See you later mom." I opened the door and looked out. It was actually getting close to getting dark. With this I started running back to my house. When I got home I saw Vinyl was sitting on the stairs. It had just gone dark outside so she couldn't have been up to long. "Welcome back." She stood up and walked over to me. "Well. Lets get this over with," I said baring my neck so she could bite into it. "Just be as gentle as possible okay?" "I will try to be," she said as she leaned into my neck. I then felt her fangs against my skin and I braced for the bite. It started as a slow pinch but then it changed to a sharp pain that caused me to wince. I felt my blood flowing from my neck from the four punctures. After about a minute I started to get light headed. "Okay Vinyl. I think that should be enough for now," I said and she let go. I smiled and walked over to the stairs. Then I sat down. "Could you get me a wrap or something so I don't bleed out?" She ran over to a cabinet and pulled out this white cloth then ran back. She helped me wrap it around my neck. "So was that enough blood for you?" I asked smiling. "For about a month yes." She said. "So... How do I taste?" I asked trying to lighten the mood. "You taste excellent no wonder other vampires want to have a drink of your blood," She said with a chuckle. "Actually that isn't the case," I said my smile fading. "Oh do you know something I don't?" she asked. "You could say that. I am the last one who can control a weapon against the cursed of this world. Or at least that's how my mother said it." I looked down. "Also you know that home that was said that no pony ever comes back out of there sane if at all?" "Yea I heard a family was murdered by vampires there," she said. "Why bring that up?" "That's my old home. And my mother is the one trapping vampires and werewolves in there while only messing with normal ponies," I said. "What? You mean you went in there?" She asked. "And I got the ultimate weapon against the ones after me," I said. "You have the Stone of Shadows?" She asked. "Show it to me." I smiled and pulled out the ruby from my bow-tie. "Oh my god. Yea that's the real deal," she said. "So your mother just gave it to you." "Yea. I promised her I would see her again too," I smiled putting the ruby back in my bow-tie. "For some reason she knows about you as well." "Well. That is a surprise." Vinyl smiled. "Well lets go you up to your room."
Octavia SnapsA couple of nights passed at it had became the night of the fight. I had finally trained my body so I could stay up at night. I snugly put the stone in my bow-tie and got myself something to eat while I waited on Vinyl. Since Vinyl was the only one who knew where the fight was to take place I had to wait. "I hope I didn't make you wait to long," Vinyl said as she finally came down from her room. She was wearing a claw like item on her left hoof. "What took so long?" I asked looking at the claw and finishing my meal. "Putting this on. I know it looks easy even with my horn but thing is complicated," She said. "Now shall we go?" "Yes lets get a move on." I stood up and walked over to the door where Vinyl was now standing. She opened the door and we both walked outside. We walked outside of Ponyville and into a cave. We descended into the cave with only the light which Vinyl's horn was producing. Soon we got into a big pocket in the cave that was lit up and that looked a lot like an arena. I looked around the arena like seating area. Every pony that sat in there was ether vampire or what seemed like normal earth ponies or pegasi. I guessed those ones were witches or some form of werewolves. They all cheered when Vinyl and I stepped into the arena. "We are here to face those who has challenged us. Third strongest Vampire team Vs Strongest Witch team," Vinyl said and two ponies came forth. One was an earth pony and the other was a pegasus. "Its good you came." The pegasus said. "We couldn't turn down a fight for a title," I said smiling. "I see. Well In the name of the night, lets fight." The earth pony said with a smile. She then looked at me. "I take it your Terra then," I asked with a smile but didn't wait for a response as I saw both Vinyl and the pegasus dart forward at each other. I imagined myself with two shadow like claws and arms coming off my back. "That is correct but I don't know who you are," She said as she stomped her hoof down on the ground causing the ground under me to launch me forward. Although unlike normal she launched me towards her. She then stomped again and a large pillar rose in front of me. I swung my claw and destroyed a part of the pillar and grabbed onto the part that would have fallen with another claw. I then used it like a bat swinging it at her. When it made contact it shattered instead of sending her flying. I imagined the claws then extending a bit further and blocking myself with them as she sent another pillar at me. The pillar struck the arms attaching my claws to my body sending me into the ceiling. I imagined another set branching off just a few inches away from the first set that grabbed onto the ceiling. I thought for a second before releasing the ceiling and created a couple of fireballs with my imagination and through them at Terra. While they were flying at her I made them spin around in a circle until it looked like a ring of fire was flying at her. She seemed to be a little irritated at this as she through a thing of what looked to be a black fireball at my fire ring. I let go of the ceiling and dropped. I then imagined myself behind her and grabbed her hind legs. A smile crept onto my face. I had won. I looked over at Vinyl to see how she was doing. She was losing. This shocked me and kinda pissed me off. I then created a couple more claws and gripped Terra front legs and neck. I ripped each of her limbs off. One by one. Listening to her scream. I began to laugh as I listened to the screams. Then I ripped off her head and slowly walked towards Vinyl and the pegasus. He looked over at me and then over at the dead body of his partner. Then back at me. His eyes were wide at this point. My arms outstretched towards him and grabbed him. "No. Stop. I give!" He screamed. "You give?" I asked laughing. "Well I deny your life anyway." I then proceeded to rip off a part of his left leg so slowly you could see his flesh tear first. Then you could see his mussel start to tear and rip. Finally you could see the bone snap in two pieces. I listened to his screams. I then ripped a large chunk out of his flank ripping off his cutie mark. I then ripped off another limb this time even slower so I could watch his skin stretch before it tore. I watched as his mussel also stretched this before snapping strands. I then ripped another limb dropping it in the large pool of blood that had accumulated on the ground. I then grabbed his final hoof and slowly ripped it off. Finally I looked him dead in the eyes as he was screaming in pure pain from being ripped piece by piece and said, "This is what you get for hurting her. This is what you get for hurting my Vinyl." I then slowly pulled his head off and dropped it next to his body. I then looked at Vinyl who was wide-eyed and smiled. My arms and claws seemed to turn into smoke and then vanish. "Tavi," Vinyl started. "You okay?" "Never better Vinyl," I said then realized I was breathing heavily so I slowed my breathing. "You sure?" She asked. "Yes Vinyl," I said. "Now can we go home? I am exhausted." "Sure Tavi," she said smiling. "I looked to the crowds who were wide eyed and open mouthed still. I smiled and both Vinyl and I left the arena and started back home. "So what happened back there?" Vinyl asked about half way home. "I have no idea. Its like something came over me when I saw you were losing. It made killing them seem... Fun," I said. For the rest of the walk home it was seemly quiet.
Stone of NightmaresWe went straight for our rooms as soon as we got inside. I laid down on my bed and just stared up at the ceiling. I slowly closed my eyes and fell asleep. "Hello?" I heard a voice call out from deeper into my sleep from a dark tunnel it seemed. "Hello?" This time I followed the voice into the cave. "Hello who is there?" I called out still searching for the voice. Soon the area I was in lit up. I stepped back and examined my surrounding. I was in a room that looked like a pub. Wait no under the pub. The cider cellar to be exact. There seemed to be a dark pony just sitting in the corner. "Hello Octavia," the pony said. "Its been a while." "Who are you and why do you sound so familiar?" I asked. "Wow, don't remember your own brother?" the pony said and he stepped out of the shadow he was lurking in. He was a gray earth pony and his cutie mark was that of what looked like a knife. "What do you mean my brother. I was told everyone except myself died that day." I squinted at him. "Well I am alive sis but this isn't the reason I am here," he said. "Then what is?" I asked. "Its about time you choose a side," He said. "What do you mean choose a side?" I narrowed my eyes even further. "Listen. A war is coming. You need to know which side you are on. Fast." He looked away. "Great some pony is coming I gotta go." With that I woke up. It was dark again and I found Vinyl curled up next to me. I smiled and put my head back down on the pillow. "You up?" I heard Vinyl ask. "Yea. I am up. I wasn't sure if you were though." I sat up and looked at Vinyl. She sat up as well and looked at me with a smile. "Vinyl as you know. My family died right?" "Well. There has been a rumor," Vinyl said looking me in the eye. "A rumor I don't really believe." "What is the rumor?" I asked. "That there was two others that survived the attack on your family. Your brother and your sister." She looked away. "Like I said though its just a rumor." "I don't think it is," I said looking at Vinyl. "I believe at least my brother is alive. I just had a dream about him. Of what he has become and also I believe he is in danger." "Why do you think that?" Vinyl asked.. "He contacted me somehow. Through my dream. At the end there he said some pony was there and he had to run," I said looking at her. "Why didn't you tell me this rumor sooner?" "Because I didn't want you getting worked up over it anyway where did you guys meet in your dream?" Vinyl asked. "We met in a cider cellar or at least that's what it looked like," I said. "Listen we need to find him and we need to find him fast." "Why?" Vinyl got out of my bed finally and then she stretched. "Just in case he is in danger," I said as I hopped out of bed and stretched as well.. "How many cities have cider cellars?" "Just three. Canterlot, Appaloosa and Manehatten. My guess though is your brother is hiding away in Appaloosa. Since its new and all not many ponies live there." Vinyl looked at me again. "Shall we get going?" "Yes," I said and we both went for the front door but before we even opened it I said. "Wait. I need a drink before we head out." I ran to the fridge and grabbed out the orange juice. Knowing I had no time to pour myself some I just drank it out of the canister and put the canister back in the fridge. I then ran back to the door where Vinyl had been waiting for no longer than a few seconds. I then proceeded to open the door and say, "Lets go." We ran out the door and first stop we made was to the train station. To our luck we caught the night time train headed straight for Appaloosa. It took us a couple minutes to board the train. We got settled down in our cabin. I smiled at Vinyl as we waited for the train to head out. When it finally headed out it took us about an hour to get to Appaloosa. When we arrived at Appaloosa after an extremely quiet train ride I said. "So now where is that pub?" "This way." Vinyl started walking down a street. We walked for about a minute before she pointed it out as soon as I started running towards it I saw a big explosion come form the pub. My brother flew out of the explosion and hit his back on the wall. "Brother!" I screamed and rushed to his side. I then looked at the pub. A blue mare with a silver mane and tail was then standing there. "Oh looks like one of the sisters does live," she said with a smirk. "Oh I am more than living," I said as the dark arms with the claws at the end extended. "I see. You carry the Stone of Shadows." She smirked. "I guess I will just have to run for now." She turned to run but I grabbed onto her torso with one of the claws and picked her up. "I don't think your going any where," I said a smile forming on my face. She looked back at me and her eyes went wide with fear. "Wait no. Don't do this!" she yelled at me. "Do what? This?" I grabbed one of her legs with another claw and started to pull on her leg. "Octavia wait. Allow me." I heard my brother say as I popped her leg out of its socket. I looked at my brother he was now standing up on his own. Two dark creatures resembling wolves the size of him if not slightly bigger stood next to him. I stopped smiling and dropped the mare. As soon as she landed she tried to run but fell do to her dislocated leg. My brother smiled and the two creatures rushed the mare biting into her. They shredded her like she was cabbage that had been sitting in water for about an hour. When they were finished she was nothing but a pile of flesh and blood with shattered bones and ripped mussel. I looked back at my brother with a smile as the two creatures vanished. "Nice one brother," I said. "Thank you my dear sister." He smiled back at me then looked over at Vinyl. "Aw I see my sister is in safe hooves after all. The third most powerful vampire. Vinyl Scratch." He smirked. "Yes she is. Although I think I am the one in safe hooves," She said. "Say if this happens to you a lot then why not come live with us? I know Tavi is wondering what you meant by 'A war is coming' and so am I." "Okay but we need to get you into some place where the sun won't hit," he said smiling. "I mean the sun is almost about to rise."
A Challenge and a DecisionWhen we got up to my room and got me set on my bed, there was a knock at the door. "I wonder who that could be," Vinyl said before leaving my room. I curled up in the bed remembering what my mother told me about the stone. My imagination is key and the stone is just an amplifier. I thought about it for a second before imagining myself walking behind Vinyl. Suddenly I saw myself behind Vinyl but felt as if I was in bed. This confused me at first but I just went with it. I watched Vinyl walk down the stairs and open the door. Outside a dark pegasus stood. "Vinyl Scratch. I challenge you and that witch living with you to a death match for the titles of the second strongest vampire and strongest witch," He said. "You should know where the place is that we meet. I will be bringing the strongest witch so be prepared." "What if I say no?" Vinyl asked. "Then your title is forfeit." He turned around. "Three nights to comply.if you don't show up. Well you know what will happen. Of course you could always come alone to see how you fare but you wouldn't be getting the strongest witch title for you partner." "Fine. We will see what my partner says to showing up. Eatherway I will see you then. With or without her." Vinyl said smirking. She shut the door and I stopped imagining myself behind Vinyl so I could see straight. I then just sat on the edge waiting for her to enter. It took Vinyl a few minutes before she came up to my room. "Octi. Do you want to be known as the top witch as a little secret identity for our little escapade against the other evils?" She asked. "I mean you now have the most magical stone in the world so you could pull it off." "And how do I go about achieving this title?" I asked not to raise suspicion of me already knowing. "Well we have been challenged to a death match against the top witch and the third strongest vampire." Vinyl said and smirked so one of her fangs showed. "We have three nights before the event so you have enough time to think it over. Well enough time to me for you to decide." "Okay. That should be enough time to allow me to make my decision." I said although I had already started deciding. I laid my head down on the pillow and closed my eyes. I must have fallen asleep because I don't remember anything that happened that night. The next morning I awoke just before the sun was rising. I looked out around my room and spotted Vinyl almost instantly. "So how did you sleep?" She asked as soon as my eyes met hers. "It was a good sleep." I smiled. "I see. Well have you decided in your sleep?" She asked. "No Vinyl. I have not." I said. "Even if I had. I would still give my answer at the last night right as you woke up." "Okay. She said and left my room for her own. After an hour had passed before the sun came up and as soon as it had I got out of bed and went for the door. I stopped at the door though turned around and into the kitchen to make myself a sandwich. I picked out the peanut butter and some blueberry jam. I made my sandwich and ate it. Then I got out a glass and I poured myself some orange juice. I drank it and put the glass in the sink for later washing. I then headed outside and walked down the streets until I got to my mothers house. The same stallion from the first time I came across my mother's house was standing there. "Wait your going back in?" he asked when he saw me approaching the house. "Yes I am." I smiled. "Why?" he questioned me. "Same reason as before." I lied for my actual reason was because I wanted to talk to my dead mother about my situation. "I see. Well I hope you come out of that house just like last time." He nodded to me and walked away. Smiling I started for the house and like last time the door opened on its own and I proceeded inside. The door shut behind me and I smiled knowing that no one could hear me outside. "Mom." I called out. "Octavia my dear child. What brings you here today?" She revealed herself to me. She was smiling when she appeared in front of me. "Mom. I was wondering if you could help me decide something. You see Vinyl and I were challenged to a fight to the death between the newest third strongest vampire and the strongest witch," I began. "The thing is though they think I am a powerful witch stronger than the second and wish to take me in as the second strongest witch to start with. I smell something fishy but I would like to know if I should go as well." "Octavia. That is a perfect plan. Although I have to say be careful. You never know what might be around the corner. Also I have been keeping an eye on the strongest witch. Her name is Terra. Her weapon is the earth so its going to be hard to beat her. I have noticed an attack pattern with her depending on her opponent." my mother said with a serious note in her voice. "She seems to like to keep her foes at a distance and bounce them around. She also excels with fire and darkness so be extra careful not to enrage her because when she uses those it she can engulf the arena. Also she has been known to kill her partners on accident when she uses those spells. That stone I gave you may be your only trick to winning if you can negate her spells somehow." "I understand. Thanks for the tip mom." I smiled and started towards the door but stopped right before I opened it. "Oh and mom. I let Vinyl drink my blood so we could win this and I found a way to heal myself with the stone." I opened the door and walked outside. I then ran all the way back home after some shopping because of how late it was getting. When I got into the house Vinyl was messing around with her turn tables. Of course she had the volume on max so I had to yell at her to turn it down. She smiled as she turned it off instead. "So do you have an answer yet?" She asked and I looked her dead in the eye. "Yes I am going," I said with a smile. "Well then. You need to train your body to stay up at night then." Vinyl said. "I know." I said and smiled.
