Chapters Silence. She hated that stupid noise. The sound of nothing was a pointless thing, but sometimes it had its perks, like keeping someone out of sight, Herself for example. It was best to keep quiet when one was on the run from a mass-murdering Hunter. Not a simple task for a vampire, especially when your face was all over social media and you were expected to show up for a gig in a few hours.
"Can't this chick just gimmie a break?" Vinyl grumbled. At least she had managed to keep Rarity and Sweetie Belle out of the Hunters sights. But for how long? If this Hunter had picked up her trail then eventually she'd find her sisters. Vinyl sighed as she realized what she had to do.
"Ugh, you better appreciate this Rare-bear." she grumbled, slipping out of the shadows and marching into the street. The Hunter had to be watching and with her out in the open like this she was bound to make her move. Vinyl tilted her head to the side as a bullet whizzed by.
From the sting she felt against her cheek it was most likely Witches Bane laced in silver. She grinned, looking up at a bell tower. The shot had to come from there. She doubted her persurer was Magian, they normally stayed as far away from Witches Bane as possible. Even the ones in the Royal Guard preferred their own charms to the foul mineral. A Skyborn would've ridden the clouds for better cover and vanished without a trace after the gunshot. So it had to be a Gaian, which meant they were on foot.
"Bad move buddy." Vinyl vanished in a flash of light, appearing a short distance down the road, another flash and she was in front of the Bell Tower, just as the door opened to reveal a young woman carrying a sniper rifle. Vinyl had to admit, she wasn't bad looking for a Hunter, that only made what she was about to do that much harder.
"Look girlie. You know who I am, you know what I am. But you don't know anything about me. You turn around and leave and we won't have any problems..." Vinyl began, gasping as a blade sliced into her cheek. Had she not moved at the last second it would've buried itself into her temple. She glanced out of the corner of her eye, seeing a second hunter.
Oh shit, theres two of em. Vinyl realized, vanishing moments before an onslaught of gunfire pierced the stand she had been in front of.
"Damnit. Octavia, how many times do I have to tell you. The first shot is the most important." the second hunter sighed.
"I-I'm sorry. I hesitated...she just seems so..."
"Human? Did the bastards who took your sister seem human?" the second Hunter growled.
"A-at first...yes..." she lowered her head
"and then?" the Hunter demanded.
"Th-they..." tears began to sting her eyes, the girl shaking and clutching her weapon close
"Thats right. These are monsters Octavia and they won't stop at anything to get their way. We can't afford to hesitate. Give them an inch and they'll take your head off.""
"Speak for yourself!" Vinyl yelled from behind a building, the second hunter drawing her pistols.
"Show yourself freak!" she demanded.
"On one condition! You gotta hear me out! I'm Vinyl freakin' Scratch! If I was a threat, do you think I'd get donations from the blood bank?!" she yelled.
"Likely story. You probably Mesmerized the people there. How do I know I can even trust a monster like you."
"Because instead of tearing the cute ones head off, I ran. Your throwin' arm is slow. Heck, I coulda killed the two of you while you were arguing, seen a lotta hunters go down that way." Vinyl continued to argue. She only needed a few more minutes, then the roads would be full of people heading out for the lunch rush and she could vanish into the crowd.
"C-Cute?! I am not cute!" Octavia fumed, pausing as the Second hunter put a hand on her shoulder, nodding her head towards the sniper. Octavia nodded, laying on her stomach and propping up the weapon.
"Alright, lets talk then. If you really mean what you say and we can trust you, then I want some info. If you aren't the one tearing apart Celamont, then who is?"
"Right, cause its totally a smart idea for me to step around the corner and get shot at. How can I trust you?" Vinyl called out.
"Give me a name and I'll give you a chance."
"Fine, you want names. Show up at my club." Vinyl pulled a pair of backstage passes out of her pocket, tossing them around the corner. The Second hunter kept her pistol ready as she picked up the passes. By the time she glanced back up, Vinyl was gone. She swore under her breath, holstering the pistol.
"Come on Octavia, we need to go before we're spotted."
"Yes Miss Cheerilee."
Celamont: Two weeks ago
Vinyl sighed to herself as she picked up her shipment for the month, making sure she had enough for Rarity. Sweetie Belle was still way too young to consider such things, but still, she would keep an eye on her. Officially on Paper she visited the blood bank for Transfusions and experiments to treat an unknown disease.
In truth, she was collecting blood donations to keep her family and herself sane and under control. Vinyl herself was a key part in maintaining silence and peace between humans and vampires, but things weren't going so well.
Lately Vinyl had noticed people simply vanishing. One minute there and the next...gone without a trace. What was worse was that she recognized the handiwork. A group of underground freaks running a blood bank of their own. Though they worked in live produce. She had been trying for months to find them, but no one in her circles dared to cross Big Boss.
She grit her teeth, taking a calming breath and adjusting the straps on her bag. She needed to get home and check on Rarity. Word moved fast in the underworld and Celamont was already drowning in thugs. It wouldn't take Big Boss long to figure out she was chasing him and then...She paused as a scream filled the air, swearing under her breath and chasing after the sound.
Not this time you bastards! Vinyl roared as she came crashing through a window, seeing a pair of thugs standing over a pair of women. Vinyl grit her teeth at the scene. One of the woman had obviously been made a meal of, she could only guess the other walked in on the scene, what with the puddle of blood under them and the girl desperately trying to keep pressure on the wound.
She had seen enough.
Vinyl reached into her vest, pulling out a small dagger, the two thugs hissing as she twirled it between her fingers.
"Yea, you know what this is. You got two options boys. You can tell me where Big Boss is hiding, or I can mail you to him in pieces." she threatened, one hand gripping her bag. The two glanced at one another, bursting into laughter.
"Sorry little Hunter, but you can't do anything if you're dead." the first thug grinned, flashing his fangs. Vinyl sighed, removing her shades, the two men gasping as they saw her eyes.
"I'm no Hunter, but I'll be damned if I watch you bastards slaughter anyone else!" Vinyl roared, swinging the bag and smashing one thug through a nearby wall, the second reached for her, only to get the blade jammed into his chin. Vinyl glared at him, staring into his eyes and watching him die.
She jerked back, pulling the blade free and panting slightly. She gasped as goon one tackled her, hyped up on a fresh kill and hungry for vengeance. Vinyl struggled to hold him back, trying to reach her bag.
I just had to be the damn hero. News flash Vinyl, you haven't eaten in a week! What the hell were you thinking?! she argued with herself, roaring as she slammed her elbow across the thugs face, panting and scrambling to her feet. Her hand shook as she gripped the blade. During the struggle she had sliced her hand, steam rising from the wound.
"So it is you. Vanessa Diamondheart Filigree. Well, Big Boss has been lookin' for a reason to take your pampered ass down." he chuckled, easily dodging under her bag as she swung once more, sliding around her as she stabbed with the blade.
Crap...this is gonna hurt. Vinyl grunted as the thug slammed his leg into her gut, kicking her through the window she came in. She tumbled across the ground, crying out in pain as the blade sank into her leg. She felt her vision begin to fade, panting and trying to pull the blade free. The thug marched towards her, raising up his leg to finish her.
"Any last words bitch?"
"Hey ugly!" a voice called out, followed by a shotgun blast. Vinyl stared with wide eyes as the thug fell on top of her.
Thats...Silver powder? Is that a Hunter?! Oh shit! Move Vinyl! she struggled to pull free, eyes wide as the shotgun barrel rested inches from her face.
"You two made this easy for me, fighting among yourselves like the animals you are. I thank you for that much. But now you can return to the pit you crawled out of."
"Yea...your mom has some strong legs...could barely feel my face when I finally got out." Vinyl joked, grinning as she closed her eyes. If she was going out, she'd go out with a bang damnit. She flinched as a scream filled the air.
The Hunter paused, possibly thinking that Vinyl would never get free in her condition as she turned away to check on the victims of the attack.
Vinyl let go of the breath she had been holding, summoning as much magic as she could and teleporting down the road, quickly ducking into an alleyway.
She leaned against a small house, biting down on her arm as she pulled the blade from her leg.
"Stupid fucking knife...damnit all to..." she froze, sinking into the shadows behind the house.
"Where the fuck are Scathe and Brawler?" a man swore as he walked past.
"Said they were goin' on lunchbreak boss."
"Here?! Those idiots are probably dead...Word on the street is theres a Hunter in town. Same one that gave the big man that scar." the first sighed. The second whistled and chuckled.
"Oh man, I bet he's lookin' forward to round two."
"Shut it Dusk. This isn't some stupid joke. We gotta find those two idiots before they ruin the entire operation." Vinyl held her breath as the two sniffed the air. She had seconds before they caught her scent. Thirsty, dizzy, and wounded by her own blade, she'd never make it past these guys. She shut her eyes tightly, praying to whatever gods she could think of.
If I get out of this, I swear, I'll go sober for like a week. she cracked an eye open, seeing a cloaked figure standing before the two vampires.
"Who the fuck are you?" Dusk demanded.
"I'm just the cleanup crew." the figure said, drawing a short sword. The two men chuckled, vanishing as they leapt at him. With a quick flourish of the blade the two fell, clutching their throats.
"Don't worry, its not Silver. You'll survive this. When you recover, tell Big Boss, the Knights are coming." the figure glanced down the alleyway, spotting her. She stumbled backwards, crying out as her leg gave out. The figure walked towards her, Vinyl weakly holding up her blade. Today just wasn't her day...
"I didn't kill them, why would I kill you?" he asked.
"You didn't kill them, and me an them aren't exactly friends. More than enough reason." Vinyl spat.
"True. But I'm on your side in this. Which reminds me, you should get a move on, your sisters are worried about you." he snapped his fingers and vanished.
The hell was that? Didn't even smell like a Magian, but that was definitely magic...and whats with that sword? Vinyl sighed, head pounding as she called to her magic once more, teleporting outside her home. She sighed as she stumbled in through the backdoor, Rarity staring up at her with wide eyes.
Aw shit
"Honestly Vinyl...how many times are you going to come home hurt like this?" Rarity pouted, cleaning the wound in her leg.
"I told you Rare-bear. Its nothin' to worry about. Just got a little roughed up getting home."
"Then why is there a stab wound in your leg?" Rarity wondered, raising an eyebrow.
When did she learn to use cute as a weapon?! Vinyl cleared her throat, leaning back in her chair.
"Some guy at the club wanted an extra show and got a good shot in before my bouncer showed up. Really Rarity, you don't gotta worry about me." Vinyl smiled nervously, hoping she would buy it. Rarity eventually sighed, dragging the first aid kit away.
"Don't forget your midnight snack!" Vinyl called. Rarity froze, turning around and grabbing one of the packets from the table. Vinyl sighed, checking the bandage on her leg.
Had she really come home hurt so many times? Rarity was practically a Nurse. Her thoughts shifted to earlier that day. The two thugs, Scathe and Brawler, dead by her hand and by a Hunter. Two more, one by the name of Dusk, the other still a mystery and a boy in a cloak. A boy with powerful magic, but wasn't Magian.
"What else uses magic like that though?" Vinyl wondered, wincing as she stood. It was gonna be a long week. She made her way through her rather large living space, left behind by her father. She inherited everything after his death. The Mansion in Upper Celamont, the family Fortune, and all the rights and problems of being Head of a Clan. Even if the clan was just her, her teenage sister Rarity and baby sister Sweetie Belle. The Filigree house was on its last legs ever since her father left.
It didn't help that they were competing with Big Boss. She hung her head as she grasped the railing on the stairs. A silver dagger sat in her jacket pocket as a reminder of that day.
"AHHHHH!' Sweetie Belle screamed. Vinyl reached for the dagger as she rushed into the little girls room. Sweetie Belle curled up in her blankets and pointing to the closet. Vinyl nodded, flipping the dagger and holding it above her head. She shoved the closet open and blinked as she found a plush cat.
Really Belle? I don't have time for this. Vinyl groaned.
"Another nightmare?" Vinyl asked, tucking the dagger away. Sweetie Belle nodded glumly, still curled up in her blankets. Vinyl smiled as she sat on the bed.
"You wanna come spend the night in my bed?" Vinyl asked. Sweetie Belle nodded quickly, snatching up her favorite blanky and grabbing hold of her sisters hand. The two made their way down the hall toward the master bedroom, Vinyl slightly hunched over to keep a hold of her sisters hand.
"Up ya go." she said softly, lifting the young Magian into bed. Sweetie Belle waited until her big sister climbed in to get comfy, holding her blanky close and sucking on her thumb as her sister rested an arm over her.
"Sleep tight kiddo..." she whispered, kissing her forehead gently. Vinyl lay awake, Sweetie Belle snuggling close to her while she stared out the window.
"A Hunter in town that put a mark on Big Boss...I wonder..."
Early the next morning, Rarity found Vinyl once again in her 'training room'. Which was a room full of broken workout equipment. It was all in working order before the Eldest had claimed it. She spotted her sister stretching out her injured leg.
"I'm getting ready for school Vinyl." she called out.
"Alright, mind waking up Belle? I'll be out in a minute." Vinyl said through gritted teeth. Rarity sighed, leaving her sister to her workout. Vinyl waited a moment before relaxing.
"You still there?" she asked in a hushed whisper.
"Yea, I'm here. But I dunno what you expect me to do V." a rough voice answered through her Bluetooth.
"Look, just dig up some dirt on a guy named Dusk, he works for BB."
"Whoa, hey. Look, I know the big man sent a hit out on your pops...but this is some deep shit your gettin' into V."
"I need to do this. You gonna do it or what?" Vinyl demanded.
"I better get paid for this."
"You're still alive aren't you?" Vinyl asked, not wanting for an answer before tossing the headset away.
So you're comin' for me huh? Good. Just another reason for me to tear your head off Vinyl slammed the door behind her, pausing as Rarity stared up at her.
"H-Have a good day at school." Vinyl stammered, sighing as her sister left. Normally she wouldn't let her out of the house, but her 'school' was in the building next door, a private school funded by her father and kept under heavy guard by those still loyal to the Filigree house. A knock at the front door announced the arrival of Sweetie Belle's caretaker. Vinyl smiled as she pulled the door open.
"Oh, hello Madam Filigree, its nice to see you again."
"You don't have to be so formal Miss Velvet. Just Vinyl is fine." Vinyl mumbled. Though she was happy someone respected her enough to address her as Madam Filigree, it was a title she wasn't comfortable with. Twilight Velvet was a good friend of her father, someone she could truly trust. She wouldn't dare to leave her sisters in the care of anyone else.
"Nonsense, you're a Noble, you deserve the respect of one, especially after...well, lets not bring up tragic tales shall we? Is she awake?" Twilight smiled. Vinyl nodded, letting her in and locking the door. Twilight stared at her for a moment, taking note of the bandages, before clearing her throat.
"Oh Sweetie Belle!" Twilight called out, smiling broadly as the girl rushed down the stairs and hugged her leg.
"She really missed ya." Vinyl chuckled.
"If I may speak freely..." Twilight paused for a moment
"You know you can." Vinyl chuckled
"She wouldn't need me if you were home more Madam." Twilight said softly as she lifted Sweetie Belle. Vinyl stood there in shock as the housemaid exited the room.
Even my damn nanny is gettin' on my case...I just gotta finish this...after that...I'll be a better sister
Nothing, No new leads. Dusk had vanished without a trace and Vinyl was left with nothing but empty warehouses where people had once been stashed.
"I'm sorry V, the operation moves so quickly...by the time I get a hit its already gone."
"Its cool. Paychecks in the mail, keep your head down, I might need you again later."
"You got it V, stay cool." the line quickly went dead, Vinyl left alone with her thoughts in yet another warehouse. It smelled of blood and fear. She leaned against the wall, reaching into her coat pocket and pulling out a small flask, quickly chugging down its contents. It was gonna be another long night. Tucking the flask away she made her way down the street, adjusting her shades and sinking into the shadows of Downtown Celamont.
Cold trails, nothin but week old scents on panicking Magians. How are they keeping that many in check? BB's boys are all Gaian powerhouses. One binding spell would be all it'd take to put em down. Unless... Vinyl paused for a moment.
Unless they have collars... her thoughts flashed back to the boy.
"Don't worry, its not Silver. You'll survive this. When you recover, tell Big Boss, the Knights are coming."
"Maybe...maybe they raided one of Celestia's bunkers, stole some collars. Nah, that can't be it." Vinyl mumbled. Her train of thought was cut short upon arriving at her destination.
Club Wub, her own personal slice of Celamont. Vampires, Hunters and Knights could all go to hell for a few hours, she had a show to put on.
Present Time
"As soon as she gives us the list of names, take her out."
"I-Is this really necessary? I mean...that day...she fought to save me."
"They don't have souls or a conscience Octavia. She was probably just trying to butter you up and make you her next meal. I've said it before, these are monsters, they don't care about us." Cheerilee argued, flashing her pass to the bouncer.
"She's expectin' ya in the back." the man rumbled. Octavia flashed her own pass, the man grinning.
"She mentioned you especially, somethin 'bout not harmin' a hair on the cute ones head." he chuckled as Octavia blushed, the Gaian dragged into the club by her partner.
"Get a hold of yourself Octavia. Who knows how many of them could be in here?" Cheerilee hissed. Octavia was silent for a moment before realization dawned on her.
"Th-then we are walking into a trap?!" she gasped
"Somewhat of a trap. It will make sense soon, I promise. For now, do as I say and keep quiet." Cheerilee ordered, making her way through the crowd. Music pumped from every wall, fueling the crowd into a party frenzy.
It was hard enough to keep calm in this situation, knowing that everyone could very well be vampires, it didn't help that she could barely see past the crowd or hear herself think.
Eventually Cheerilee and Octavia pierced the other side of the crowd, once more forced to flash their passes, though this bouncer held up his hand, stopping them from passing.
"I'll need your shotgun, the wires, the grenades, knives, mouth blade under your tongue, the silver needles hidden in your hair and behind your ear as well as one of your pistols." he ordered.
"You're letting her keep the other?" Octavia questioned.
"A show of faith. Ain't gonna make you go in defenseless, Vinyl likes a fair fight. She's got a dagger made outta silver in her jacket pocket and a flask of donated blood in the other."
"Why bother telling me all of this?" Cheerilee demanded, handing over her assortment of weaponry.
"Like I told ya lady, Vinyl likes a fair fight an she don't want no trouble from the Hunters. An 'fore ya ask, we ain't vamps. Just ol' family friends." the bouncer opened his eyes wide, getting close to Cheerilee.
"Ain't even Mesmerized neither. Speakin o which." he stood upright, pulling two pairs of glasses out of his pocket.
"Double layered, keeps vamps from gettin in your head. Gift from the boss lady and another show o' good faith." he said as he held them out. Octavia slipped them on instantly, Cheerilee however stared at them for a good long while before tucking them away.
"Alright, enough messing around, let us in." Cheerilee demanded.
"Sorry; Boss said the cute one first. Said you'd just get straight to the fightin' an all she wants to do is talk."
"I'll be fine miss...She didn't hurt me before, why would she hurt me now?"
"Its a trap Octavia. She'll trick you and then use you against me." Cheerilee warned. Octavia took a slow breath, walking past the giant at the door. The sounds of the club slowly died away as she neared the room in the back.
It also became much darker, at least until she opened the door at the end of the hall, groaning and shielding her eyes against the sudden glare of light.
"Whoops, sorry about that." Vinyl chuckled nervously, dimming the lights slightly. Octavia stared for a moment. Vinyl wore a sleeveless blue shirt underneath a short white jacket, a pair of blue jeans completing her outfit. A simple pair of headphones hung around her neck and her trademark shades hid her eyes.
"What are the point of those if I have the glasses?" Octavia thought aloud.
"Thing about vampires, when we're in danger, our body fights any way it can to keep us alive. Which means usin' the Mesmir to take away someones free will. Not my style." Vinyl answered, leaning back on a leather couch.
"Your body guard didn't check me for weapons." Octavia pointed out
"I told him not to. He's a sweet guy at heart, but kind of a perv. Though, thats not what we're here to talk about." Vinyl sat up, reaching into her coat pocket. Octavia drew a pistol from her pocket, pointing it her.
"Chill sweet cheeks." Vinyl said, pulling a paper from her pocket. Octavia kept her gun focused on the vampire. Vinyl sighed, unfolding the paper and placing it on the table.
"A list of names, all the ones I could grab. They work for a powerful gang lord by the name of Big Boss and no one wants to help me take em out cause it means bein' on their bad side." Vinyl leaned back once more, staring at the ceiling.
"And you want us to help you?" Octavia asked.
"I'd rather do it myself. A lotta Hunters have died goin' after this guy. Word on the street though...is your trigger happy friend marked him." Vinyl grinned.
"Marked? I-I'm afraid I don't..."
"She left him with a permanent scar." Vinyl interrupted.
"I see..."
"No, I don't think ya do. Big Boss feeds off of hoards of people on a daily basis. His followers consider him a God among us. Even a low class vampire recovers from a bad wound, but its rare we take a hit that lasts forever." Vinyl placed her hands on the table, Octavia shaking slightly and keeping the gun aimed directly at her head.
"Those guys who took out your friend? They were his goons. Scathe and Brawler, two of his higher ups who thought they were invincible. I've been trying to track these bastards for months. I was hopin' to keep one of em alive for info, but your friend shot him full of silver powder." Vinyl scoffed, shaking her head.
"Heck, she's probably on her way down that hall right now, ready to blow my brains out. So, here is what I want. If your friend manages to kill me, you gotta take this list, call the number on the back and track these bastards down." Vinyl growled. Octavia lifted the paper, glancing at the back.
"Whats this second number?" Octavia wondered.
"Thats for my sisters...to tell them I'm not comin' home." Vinyl hung her head as Cheerilee kicked the door open. Octavia threw herself between the Hunter and the Vampire.
"Out of the way Octavia!" Cheerilee yelled.
"Why?! Because she's a vampire?! What if you're wrong?!" Octavia demanded.
"I will shoot you if I have to Octavia." Cheerilee warned. Vinyl sighed, putting a hand on Octavia's shoulder.
"Will you do what I asked?" Vinyl said softly. Octavia stammered for a moment before giving a nod. Vinyl smiled, shoving Octavia out of the way and throwing out her arms.
"Go on, do it, shoot me. let Big Boss win." Vinyl chuckled. Cheerilee grit her teeth, grabbing Vinyl's shirt and shoving the gun hard against her temple.
"How do you know that name?" she demanded.
"The bastard killed my father...he's taking down anyone who doesn't worship the ground his fat ass walks on and that includes me. So go ahead, pull the damn trigger!" Vinyl yelled. Cheerilee grit her teeth, slamming the pistol across Vinyl's face.
The vampire gave no resistance, simply falling to the ground in a heap. Cheerilee sighed, planting her foot on Vinyls back, aiming her pistol at her head.
"I'll finish you here and now, and Big Boss is next." Cheerilee spat as she pulled the trigger.
CLICK...CLICK CLICK CLICK. Vinyl glanced up, chuckling quietly.
"Wow, big bad Hunter, can't fire a gun." she laughed, shrugging Cheerilee's foot off of her and sitting up. Cheerilee grit her teeth, twirling the pistol around and holding it like a small club.
"You are seriously batshit crazy lady, ya know that?" Vinyl asked as she stood.
"Stop it!" Octavia yelled. "Look! She gave me the list! She's had every chance to show herself as a monster and instead she allows us in here with our weapons and doesn't even put up a fight?"
Cheerilee wasn't buying it though.
"You're a vampire, just some sack of undead flesh feeding off of humankind. What do you get out of all this?" she demanded.
"I already told you. Big Boss killed my father. He ruined House Filigree and he's dragging innocent people off the streets and turning them into cattle. You can think whatever the hell you want about me or about vampires in general. I don't give a damn. But don't put me in the same boat as that sick fuck." Vinyl spat. She drew the dagger from her coat and stabbed it into the table, turning her back on Cheerilee. The Hunter chewed her lip for a moment.
"And if I choose to believe you? What then? How can I be sure you won't stab us in the back?"
"Look, I get it. I'm a vampire, I'm the bad guy, I'm the big bad monster. Its always the same with Hunters. Some freak ruined your life and you gotta take it out on all of us. You know what, I get it!" Vinyl laughed, tears in her eyes.
"Cause I feel the same damn way...my father was a good man...the greatest I ever knew. He fought to make peace and it got him stabbed in the back by his best fucking friend." Vinyl sniffed, clearing her throat and clenching her fists.
"I'll make you a deal. You help me tear down Big Boss, and I'll give you a ten second head start." Cheerilee spoke up. Vinyl chuckled, shaking her head.
"Fine. As long as that bastard goes down."
Cheerilee scanned every inch of the room, realizing it was completely sealed off from the world, several wards and powerful magic kept it from peering eyes.
"Miss Cheerilee...aren't these the same symbols you drew before?" Octavia asked, pointing to a patch of sigils. Cheerilee ran her hand over them slowly.
"How does she know these?" Cheerilee wondered.
"You could just ask me yourself." Vinyl said, leaning against the doorway. Cheerilee glanced over her shoulder at the Vampire. She didn't even hear the door open...she was getting rusty.
"Alright then. Where did you learn these?" Cheerilee demanded. Vinyl plopped down on her couch and lightly kicked the table. A small drawer slid open and within was a small black book.
"My mother was a Hunter. All I got was this book when she died..." Vinyl sighed as she picked up the book.
"It seems rather sweet...a Hunter falling for a Vampire..." Octavia smiled.
"Theres nothing sweet about it. He probably kept her as a pet." Cheerilee mumbled. Vinyl slammed her fist into the table, growling and clutching the book.
"You take that back!" Vinyl demanded. Cheerilee raised an eyebrow.
"Or what? I seem to recall that you need my help."
"I don't need jack shit from someone who is just gonna talk a bunch of crap."
"Why must you two argue over everything?" Octavia sighed.
"Hey! I saved your life!" they both yelled before glaring at one another. Octavia shook her head, pushing between them.
"Miss Cheerilee. I am grateful for your help, if not for your arrival...well, I would not be alive today. I can say the same to you Miss Scratch. Had you not shown up, I would probably have joined my sister..."
"Th-that was your sister?" Vinyl stammered, her eyes wide.
"Yes...so, believe me when I say that I understand you." Octavia smiled. Cheerilee rolled her eyes, grabbing hold of Octavia and looking into her eyes before tilting the girls head to glance at her neck.
"Really lady? Really? You think I'd be low enough to Mesmerize her?" Vinyl deadpanned. Cheerilee simply glanced at her.
"Of course ya do. Why did I even ask? Okay, look. You want me dead, I want Big Boss dead. So we gotta get to work fast. He's got control of over half of the Downtown District and he's makin' a move for upper Celamont."
"How do you know all of this?" Cheerilee asked
"I think you missed the part where he killed my pops and I've been hunting him down for the past few months." Vinyl grumbled. She sighed, grabbing her flask and taking a quick swig before tucking it away in her coat pocket.
"Okay...I've got an idea. You'll probably love it."
Vinyl whistled loudly, flipping her dagger through the air and calmly catching it.
"You said they'd show up. So where are they? " Cheerilee demanded through her ear piece.
"For a Hunter, you're really dense." Vinyl mumbled. She took a slow breath and snatched her dagger out of the air, spinning in time to slice clean through a leaping vampires throat.
More crawled out of the shadows, not even caring as their friend gagged and drowned in his own blood on the ground.
"Vanessa Diamondheart Filigree. You got a lotta guts showin' your face 'round here." Dusk chuckled, twirling a similar dagger to the one she held.
"Well, you know me. I'm just an idiot. But at least I'm smarter than you." Vinyl chuckled. Dusk sighed, spinning his dagger between his fingers.
"You know...Your old man had that same look in his eyes...right before I gutted him like the pig he was." he grinned, watching as Vinyl began to shake.
'He's just baiting you! " Octavia yelled into the ear piece. Vinyl froze, panting slightly and forcing herself to relax.
"You're full of shit. My pops wouldn't lose to a weak ass punk." she spat, pointing the dagger at him.
"Really? You wanna dance? Is that really the smart thing to do...V?" he chuckled. Vinyl felt her heart stop at the sound of chains. Her contact Zero Cool, best hacker in the world, was bound in chains and badly beaten. Vinyl cringed as she caught sight of his legs, both knee caps quite obviously caved in. He wore a bloody smile as he spotted Vinyl.
"Told ya...it was...wheeze a bad idea..." he chuckled weakly.
"Don't waste your energy Z. I'm gonna get you outta this buddy." Vinyl promised. Dusk sighed.
"Nah, ya see. Thats where you're wrong." Dusk spun, slamming the dagger into Zero's chest, all the way to the hilt.
"YOU FUCKING...!" Vinyl stopped in her tracks as weapons were drawn, several sets of guns aimed at her. She swore under her breath, her knuckles white as she gripped the dagger.
"Sad really. He was good at his job. But you don't cross Big Boss. Shame your pops fucked that up, but then again, he wasn't really good at anything." He smirked. Vinyl lost it, roaring as she charged toward him. Bullets whizzed by, some managing to barely clip her as she flickered in and out of sight. Dusk sighed, catching her dagger with his.
"Face it. You're weak. Your whole family is weak. A bunch of halfblood freaks trying to keep clean on donations. It makes me sick!" he roared, kicking her hard in the stomach and sending her skidding across the ground. Vinyl panted heavily, rolling onto her feet and glaring at him
"COME ON THEN! Just you an me. Tell your punks to back off an show me what you're made of!" Vinyl demanded. Dusk thought it over for a moment and shrugged.
"Alright, have it your way." he snapped his fingers, his men standing down. Octavia chewed her lip, her finger resting on the trigger of the sniper rifle.
"Hold your fire Octavia." Cheerilee ordered.
"But she's going to die down there!"
"Then she dies and we have one less vampire to take care of." Cheerilee shrugged. Octavia shook her head, standing and kicking the rifle away. Cheerilee glanced up at her, seeing the girl draw a pair of pistols.
"Its suicide to go down there."
"She went down there to bait them out for us and you'd rather watch her die. Who is the real heartless creature here?" Octavia asked, turning away and ignoring Cheerilee's warnings. Vinyl meanwhile was doing her best to stay in one piece, unaware of Cheerilee's betrayal or Octavia rushing to her rescue.
As far as she knew, the plan was to get Dusk into position, let one of them put a bullet in him, and pump him for info. It didn't help that Dusk was full of fresh blood and she was runnin' on fumes. Dusk was easily faster than she was, a few of his strikes getting past and leaving marks upon her arms, though she was able to knock back a few.
"Geez, this is just sad." Dusk sighed, stabbing forward with the dagger. Vinyl reacted quickly, tossing up her own dagger and letting the two scrape against one another, though she had failed to see his fist before it buried into her stomach.
"You're weak Vinyl. But you've got guts. Give up on this stupid revenge binge and Big Boss will keep ya around. And your sisters will get to see puberty." Dusk growled in her ear. Vinyl hung her head, chuckling quietly.
"You know...thats quite the offer...but I'll pass." Vinyl shifted her weight, grabbing his wrist and flipping her dagger, roaring as she twisted, snapping his wrist and flinging him over her shoulder, roaring as she stabbed the dagger next to his head.
"Heres your deal Dusk. You tell me where to find Big Boss, and you keep your nads." Vinyl growled.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" he winced, glancing at the vampires around them.
"You aren't gettin' outta here Vinyl." he chuckled, rolling back and smashing his knee into her forehead. Vinyl cried out in pain, rolling away and quickly leaping to her feet. Dusk sighed, staring at his wrist, rolling it about a few times until it popped back into place.
"Ah, much better. Plus side to keeping track of your meals ya know. Well, you wouldn't. Seein' all those bandages...it really is sad Vinyl. You're practically a human." he chuckled.
"Humans are stronger than you think." Vinyl said softly.
Now would be the time to shoot the guy. He's out in the open, I'm outta the shot. I just gotta keep him there Vinyl thought to herself.
"Vinyl!" Octavia called out, raising her pistols. Vinyl glanced over her shoulder, feeling her heart stop as she spotted her. Dusk chuckled, vanishing and appearing behind her.
"NO!" Vinyl roared, making a beeline for the crowd.
"Down girl! I ain't gonna hurt her..." Dusk chuckled. He buried his face in Octavia's hair, inhaling her scent.
"Mmmm, she smells wonderful. Heh, I didn't take you as one to keep pets Vinyl. But I guess not even you can resist the charms of one so...well rounded." he spoke softly, keeping a tight hold on Octavia, burying his face in the hollow of her neck and taking another whiff.
"She's ripe for the picking too." he shivered, his fangs showing.
"Dusk...you harm one hair on her head and I swear to Celestia it'll be the last damn thing you do." Vinyl warned.
"You couldn't stop me from taking out your little buddy 'Z'. Whats to stop me from enjoying a little snack?" Dusk asked.
"That would be me." a voice spoke up. Dusk spun, spotting the cloaked boy from before. Octavia roared, smashing her elbow into his ribs and stumbled forward into the crowd of vampires, all of them reaching for her.
Vinyl roared as she leapt in after her, everything seeming to move in slow motion. Octavia reached out for Vinyl, screaming as fangs tore into her arms. Octavia felt tears sting her eyes as Vinyl struggled through the crowd, blade slicing through as many throats as she could get near while the crowd grew thicker around her.
Hands grabbed at her, keeping her held back and forcing her to watch the girl suffer. Vinyl screamed as she called out to her magic, pumping as much mana as she could through her body.
The crowd hissed as she was surrounded in light, many backing off instantly, others made the mistake of holding on and suffered Magic Burns, rolling about on the ground and screaming in agony.
Vinyl panted slightly as she stepped forward, marching on the vampires whose fangs were still buried in the girl.
"Drop her...NOW!" Vinyl roared, smashing her foot into the face of one. The others were quick to drop their losses and escape with their lives, dropping Octavia like a rock. Vinyl sank to the ground next to her, shaking as she reached out a hand.
"T-Tavi? Can you hear me?" Vinyl choked out. Octavia nodded weakly, gripping one of her pistols. Vinyl sighed in relief, glancing over the bites. None of them were as bad as she had thought. None of them had reached her throat.
"I-I'm not...going to become one..am I?" Octavia managed to say.
"N-No. You're gonna be fine, we just gotta clean you up a-and you'll be back to following around miss bossy bitch in no time." Vinyl promised. Octavia smiled weakly, her eyes falling closed.
"Tavi? Octavia? Hey! Don't pass out on me!" Vinyl shouted. She gasped as Dusk collapsed next to Octavia, the cloaked figure resting a booted foot on him.
"Need a hand?" he asked, pausing and throwing up his hand. Vinyl stared for a moment, realizing he had just snatched a bullet out of the air.
...That bitch just tried to shoot us! Vinyl realized, gritting her teeth.
"Excuse me a moment." he said softly, snapping his fingers and vanishing. Octavia groaned, drawing Vinyl's attention.
She's gonna bleed out at this rate...
"Octavia...if you can hear me...I'm gonna clean up your bites. You uh...might not like this, but it'll keep you alive."
"J-Just do it..." Octavia winced. Vinyl nodded, propping the Gaian up on her leg. She took a slow breath, lifting up one of her arms and running her tongue over the bites slowly, shaking slightly as the blood touched her tongue.
Hold it together Vinyl...just focus on something else...think of Rarity...Oh man she's gonna be pissed when I get home Vinyl thought to herself, distracting herself from the taste of fresh blood.
Her work continued on the other arm, making sure to cover every mark in her spit. Octavia glanced up at her rather confused about the entire thing.
"You aren't going to bite me?"
"What? No! Why would I bite you?!"
"Its just...well...I thought this was the part where you turn me to save me..." Octavia mumbled.
Really lady? What kind of weird ass romance stories are you readin'? Vinyl thought, shaking her head.
"I just cleaned up a few bites, my spit will keep out any bacteria and you'll be fine." Vinyl mumbled. Octavia smiled, leaning against her and closing her eyes.
"That was stupid Octavia...running out here like that. What happened to the plan?"
"The plan changed when I realized the real plan was to watch you die..." Octavia said softly. Vinyl tensed up for a moment before realizing she had been expecting it. Cheerilee would have an easier shot while Dusk gloated over her corpse, but there had still been a crowd of armed vampires she would have to deal with.
"I guess she's an idiot too" Vinyl chuckled.
"Think what you want freak." Cheerilee spat, wincing as the cloaked boy held her arm behind her back.
Crap, I didn't even hear them show up... Vinyl gulped. The boy glanced around for a moment.
"How is she?" he asked, pointing a claw at Octavia. Vinyl stared in shock as the claw registered in her mind.
Powerful Magic, quick reflexes, claws, natural combat instincts. He's a freakin beast-kin! she realized.
"I'm fine, thanks to Vinyl." Octavia answered, snapping the vampire out of her daze.
"Good, I was hoping I was right about you."
"You're being tricked boy. AHH!" Cheerilee cried out as he pushed slightly on her arm.
"You tried to take my head off a minute ago. I'd rather you be quiet for a while." he said calmly, turning his attention back to Vinyl and Octavia.
"Vanessa Filigree. I'm putting my trust in you, as well as the care of Miss Octavia. I can't openly assist you yet, but you have my support in this fight. Just so long as you keep her safe."
"What do you get outta this beast boy?" Vinyl growled. The boy paused for a moment, chuckling softly.
"You figured it out huh? Well, its my job to keep this city safe. Big Boss isn't just an enemy to vampires like you, he's also a crime boss. The Guard aren't equipped to handle him. The sooner we take him down, the sooner everyone can go back to their lives."
"Oh wonderful, beasts and vampires working hand in hand." Cheerilee grumbled. The boy sighed, shoving her forward. Cheerilee spun, drawing her pistol and firing two shots at the boy, both burying themselves into his cloak and causing him to stumble backwards. The figure dusted himself off, digging his claws into his cloak and pulling the slugs out.
"Care to waste anymore ammo?" he asked.
"What the hell are you?" Cheerilee demanded.
"Luckily for you, I'm a friend." he said, before snapping his claws and vanishing, taking Cheerilee and Dusk with him. Vinyl simply stared, unsure of what had just happened.
"Um...Vinyl..." Vinyl glanced down, realizing she was still clutching her close.
"Uh, we should uh...probably get outta here."
Rarity sighed, tapping her foot idly and watching the backdoor. Sure enough it creaked open, signaling her elder sister returning once more from a night of getting into drunken fights. Rarity opened her mouth, ready to scold her sister, at least until she stepped inside carrying a young woman with several bite marks on her arms.
"Oh uh...Hey Rarity. Mind makin' some tea or somethin?" Vinyl asked nervously. Rarity stared, mouth hanging open as Vinyl walked past her.
"Was that your sister?" Octavia asked, still a bit light headed. Vinyl placed her on the couch gently, standing upright and popping her back.
"Yea, thats Rarity. She uh...well, she's the one with common sense." Vinyl chuckled softly, sitting on the arm of the couch. Rarity peeked her head into the room, listening in on the conversation. Octavia cast her bleary gaze about the room, surprised by its enormity.
"You live here?" Octavia asked in amazement.
"My sisters live here. I just pass by when I'm not...busy..." she mumbled.
"You must care for them very much, to risk so much..."
"I do care about em...But thats not the only reason for what I do Tavi. Big Boss was my pops buddy and he stabbed him in the back. Even as business men thats just not cool. Its even worse when your blood brothers."
"So this is about revenge. Vinyl...is that really the best course of action?"
"I can go after him or wait til he comes after me. You saw that fight, do you really think I could handle him an keep him away from my sisters at the same time?" Vinyl raised an eyebrow as Octavia fell silent.
"What if you were...fed? L-Like they are?" Octavia stammered. Vinyl paused for a moment, not sure where the woman was going.
"House Filigree is one of the strongest Clans around Tavi. We lost most of our strength when we went on the clean and narrow. On the off chance I got a real meal...I'd be unstoppable." Vinyl said, barely above a whisper. Octavia winced as she sat up, Rarity gasping and ducking back into the kitchen.
"Then what if you bit me?" Octavia said softly. Vinyl's eyes widened, the Magian leaping to her feet and stammering.
"Whoa! hold up! I-I'm not biting you! Th-thats just...weird."
"Whats weird about it? You need all the strength you can get, correct? You barely survived your encounter with that...creature, and if not for that boy all three of us might not have escaped." Octavia reasoned.
"Tavi, you have no idea what you're askin' me to do."
"I'm well aware of what I'm asking...I've seen what its like...I've felt it obviously..." she held up her arms meekly, Vinyl shaking her head.
"Octavia, just...shut up an listen to me. I-I haven't...bitten anyone...since I was little. The real thing...its different from the package." Vinyl stared at her hands, her body shaking.
"You can feel the heart beating as they panic and struggle...hear them whimper and beg...a bag just sits there, cold and lifeless without any regrets..." Vinyl gasped as Octavia grabbed her hands, staring deeply into her eyes. Octavia took a slow breath, raising a hand and removing Vinyl's shades.
"I won't panic. I won't squirm or struggle. I won't beg you to stop. You need your strength to fight the monster that took away my sister...that took away your father. And if my blood can help...then I want you to take it." Octavia shook as she began to cry, Vinyl pulling her close.
"If I do this...theres no going back..." Vinyl warned.
"I have nothing to go back to Vinyl." Octavia sniffed against her chest.
"Last chance..."
"Just shut up and bite..." Octavia squeaked as Vinyl's fangs sank into her neck. She gasped as a chill ran up her spine, the vampire keeping a gentle hold on her as she drank.
She had expected it to hurt, expected to pass out like she almost had during the fighting. But this felt almost...pleasurable. She closed her eyes slowly, panting slightly as Vinyl's hands ran down her sides, her face flushing as those same hands rested on her plump rear.
"V-Vinyl..." she gasped, eyes wide as Vinyl squeezed, and though she couldn't see it, she knew the Magian was smirking at her. Rarity stepped back into the room, carrying a tray with several cups and a pot of tea, gasping and dropping the tray as she caught sight of her sister.
"Vinyl!" Rarity yelled, the vampire quickly pulling away from Octavia, the Gaian leaning against her.
"R-Rarity! T-This isn't what it looks like!" Vinyl tried to argue. This was rather difficult with the remains of her meal clinging to her lips and her fangs jutting out over her bottom lip. Rarity crossed her arms and pouted.
"Is that why she has bites all over her arms? GASP Have you been...feeding off of her?!" Rarity gasped in horror.
"She saved me." Octavia interrupted the argument, resting her head against Vinyl's shoulder.
"So I offered to help her like she helped me..." she murmured before sleep took her. Vinyl sighed, wrapping an arm around her. Rarity sighed, shaking her head and picking up the pieces of the tea set.
"Well, don't let me interrupt your night." she mumbled, disappearing up the stairs. Vinyl wanted to go after her, to explain everything, but the snoring woman laying against her was making it difficult to do anything. She smiled slightly as the Gaian snuggled against her.
"Sleep tight Tavi..."
Morning. It was morning and Vinyl was on the couch, alone.
"What the..." she leapt to her feet, pulling the dagger from her coat. She paused, hearing humming nearby and leaned against the wall. Someone was in her home. Did they have Octavia? Why would they just snatch her and leave Vinyl there? Her eyes widened at the implications.
Had they taken her sisters as well? She gritted her teeth, flipping the dagger and leaping from around the corner, freezing in her tracks as she spotted Octavia, her hair down and humming a gentle tune as she scrambled a few eggs. Sweetie Belle giggled in her high chair while Rarity sat beside her, enjoying her own plate of eggs, pancakes and bacon. Vinyl dropped her dagger, the room falling silent and all eyes turning to her.
"Oh good, you're awake. I wasn't sure how you liked your eggs so I scrambled them. I hope thats alright..." Octavia smiled. Vinyl just stood there, an obvious mess. Octavia chewed her lip, watching as Vinyl broke down.
"Whats wrong big sis?" Sweetie belle asked cutely. Vinyl choked, wiping away her tears.
"N-Nothin' Belle...I just uh...need to talk to my friend for a sec..."
"Right...um, I'll be back in a moment girls, enjoy your breakfast." Octavia smiled at the two younger sisters before following Vinyl into the other room, letting out an eep as the vampire pinned her against the wall, slamming her hand next to her head.
"Tavi..."
"I'm sorry Vinyl, they were hungry and I thought it might be nice for you to wake up to a warm meal...um...that didn't come out right..." Octavia began to panic, pausing as Vinyl shook her head.
"You scared the crap outta me. I thought...I thought they raided the house...got past my wards an snatched you an the girls...I was so relieved when I saw you there...it reminded me of my mother...the way she use to always wake us up with breakfast...I-I really appreciate it Tavi..." Vinyl smiled.
"Well, t-think nothing of it Vinyl. I owe you my life, twice now." Octavia returned the smile.
"Um...Miss Melody? You left the stove on." Rarity called out. Octavia gasped, rushing back into the kitchen and quickly shutting off the stove.
"Oh no..." she sighed, staring at the burnt eggs. Vinyl chuckled, leaning over her shoulder.
"Sorry Vinyl. I-I'll make more."
"Nah, its cool." Vinyl picked at the burnt eggs, popping a small chunk into her mouth. Octavia stared as she watched Vinyl chew and nod.
"Not bad, could use a bit more salt though." she shrugged, walking past her and snatching up a slice of toast before heading to her workout room.
"Don't worry too much about her Miss Melody, Vinyl...is a bit of a strange one." Rarity spoke up.
"Yes, I suppose she is."
"Are you gonna marry her?" Sweetie Belle asked, eyes full of hope. Octavia's jaw dropped as she stared at the girl.
"I um...I'm j-just a friend of your sister. We um...we aren't anything more than that." Octavia chuckled nervously.
"Is that why she gave you a love bite?" Rarity asked over her orange juice. Octavia put a hand over the bite mark on her neck, her face flushed red.
"Whats a love bite?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Its something adults do Sweetie Belle. Nothing for you to worry about." Rarity smiled.
"I um...need to go speak with Vinyl for a moment..." Octavia mumbled.
"We'll be here Miss Melody. Oh and...Thank you for taking care of her." Rarity turned to Sweetie Belle, holding a forkful of eggs near her sisters mouth. Octavia marched down the hall, hearing Vinyl flinging punches and grunting behind one of the doors.
She took a slow breath, pushing the door open in time to see the vampire bounce off her left foot, twirl in the air and slam her leg firmly into the punching bag, knocking it clean off its harness and into the wall. She panted slightly, picking up a towel and wiping away her sweat.
"You just gonna stare all day?" Vinyl asked with a smirk. Octavia cleared her throat as she entered the room.
"Your sister mentioned our...encounter last night..." Octavia said slowly.
"Oh right, the uh..awkward feeding session..." Vinyl chuckled.
"Vinyl, what is a love bite?" Octavia blurted out. Vinyl froze for a moment.
"I uh...didn't want you to get hurt again so I might've...marked you...to keep the pain away." Vinyl mumbled innocently.
"Marked? I thought that meant some kind of scar."
"It means a lotta things Tavi. Marked to kill, marked forever, marked as a lover..." Vinyl listed. Octavia put a hand against the mark on her neck.
"S-so a love bite means..."
"It doesn't mean anything Tavi. It just means I don't want you getting hurt. And uh...if your in trouble I'll sense it. And I'll come for you." Vinyl promised. She felt her heart pounding in her chest as their eyes met, clearing her throat and tearing her gaze away.
"I-I see. I appreciate it Vinyl."
The two stood in relative silence for a good moment, Octavia showing herself out of the room and leaving Vinyl to her thoughts. She sighed, walking over to the punching bag and hefting it over her shoulder, grabbing a spare harness and latching it on.
So theres some uber powered Beast-kin badass on the loose. He was strong enough to take down Dusk and the Hunter that marked Big Boss. Speakin' of which...that damn Hunter is still out there too and probably can't wait to see my head on a plate. And then theres a hot chick wandering around my house in an apron an lettin' me feed off her...how the hell do I get into this shit?
Breath, fake a right and lunge with the left, grab hold and follow with the knee hard into the ribs. Pull away to keep them from getting a hold of you before slinking back in for the kill. Weave through the punches, watch the shoulders and eyes, palm away a few to get the speed and power behind them before pushing in and hitting em with all you've got!
Vinyl roared as she stepped forward, body twisting as she punched the dummy as hard as she could, eyes wide as she shredded the training dummy. She panted slightly, noticing the glow of magic around her arm.
When the hell did I do that??? she wondered, realizing she was channeling an insane amount of mana. She took a slow breath, letting her grip on her magic go slack.
"Thats rather amazing Vinyl...I never realized magic could be used to grant someone strength." Octavia spoke up, having decided to sit in on one of Vinyl's training sessions.
"Yea...same here..." Vinyl mumbled
"Same here." the cloaked boy added, munching on an apple. Vinyl jumped in shock, reaching for her dagger, only to realize it was in her coat, next to the door on the rack...where the boy stood.
"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you." he chuckled.
"How the fuck did you get in my house?"
"You've got the place rigged to keep out Big Boss's goons. Vamps, lycans, ghosts, hell, even Magians you don't like couldn't get in here." he remarked.
"Exactly, so how..."
"Madam Filigree. You've seen me in action, do you really need me to answer that?" he interrupted. Vinyl sighed, grabbing her towel.
"So what do you want?" Vinyl asked.
"I have an offer to make. With how heavily warded this place is, it was the only place I could openly speak to you." he glanced over at Octavia.
"I'm happy to see she is in good health. That will help ease the Hunters fears."
"Pfft, that old hag isn't worried about her. She just wants to feel like she saved someone."
"And you just want to kill Big Boss. And here we all are. Now, that offer."
"Shove it pal, last person who made me an offer nearly got me killed and would've watched with a fuckin bag of popcorn."
"You don't trust me. I can understand that. Especially after Cheerilee betrayed you and after Big Boss killed your father. It was a loss for all of us Miss Filigree." the figure spoke up. Vinyl snatched him up by his collar, growling as she stared into his emerald slitted eyes.
"Don't talk about my father like you knew him punk."
"Actually I did know him. Who do you think his contact was in the castle?" the boy asked. Vinyl stared for a moment, shaking her head.
"You're just some damn kid."
"I age well, call it a gift." he shrugged.
"Thats it, I want some answers!" Vinyl pinned him against the wall, baring her fangs. The boy sighed, placing his hands gently on her wrists.
"A heart of diamond, is not the same as a heart of stone. A heart of diamond, shines with the love of the ones around you and is at its brightest when you fight for the ones you love." the figure said softly. The same words her father had spoken to her so many times when she asked about her name. About why it was so important.
"Your father loved you and your sisters very much. So much so, that he ensured that you would be protected after his death."
"So what does that make you, my damn bodyguard?!"
"Yes actually. Its in his will. Though they probably didn't read that part to you. Too many prying eyes and ears. But there is a copy in his vault. The code is your birthday." the figure explained. Vinyl stared at him for a moment before dropping him.
"Prove it."
Vinyl followed the boy to her fathers room. Behind a single portrait of her family was the safe, kept under heavy lock and key. Her father was the only one who knew the code, not even her mother had been told how to open it.
The boy rolled his shoulders, reaching for the dial and quickly spinning it about. Sure enough, on the last digit, the safe cracked wide open. Within, was something Vinyl did not expect.
The wall itself opened up, revealing a hidden room, filled with not only several ancient artifacts and a plethora of cash, but also a miniature armory. The boy walked past the swords and guns, making a beeline for the back of the vault where a lone piece of paper hung on the wall, enshrouded in glass.
"To my daughter, Vanessa Diamondheart Filigree, I leave behind my home, my fortune, and all of my titles. I leave her in the capable hands of my colleague, Sir Spike Swiftshrike of Celamont." the boy read aloud.
"Sir? Like a Knight of Celamont?" Vinyl asked. He simply grinned, flinging off his cloak and revealing a sunburst crest over his heart, a suit of armor clinging to his body.
"More like Celestia's personal Guard. I should properly introduce myself." Spike bowed his head.
"I, am Sir Spike Swiftshrike. A Dragon-kin trained to protect Celestia. Though I'm on leave to settle some...personal matters. Namely the death of my friend, your father. He was an important member of Celestia's court and our only connection to your world." Spike explained. Vinyl sank to her knees, taking in all the information.
Even from the dead you're watchin' my back pops... she let out a sad chuckle, barely noticing Octavia wrapping her arms around her from behind. Spike cleared his throat.
"These weapons were crafted as a means of defense. We suspected Big Boss would betray your father, but he was determined to see justice and peace. He was a great man. But sadly there can't be any peace with Big Boss. You'll find that all of these work rather well on Vampires and are charmed to be bound to the head of the Filigree Clan. No one else can wield them." Spike pointed to one of the swords.
His hand shifted into a claw as he reached for it, gritting his teeth as the ward upon it lashed out at him, leaving a nasty burn on his claw.
"See? With all my resistance to magic and my diamond hard scales, I can't even touch it." he smiled, watching as Vinyl slowly reached for the sword, shaking as she closed her hand around the hilt.
"He planned this...didn't he?" Vinyl asked softly.
"It was more like a Plan C. Plan B was for you to continue where he left off, but we both knew you would take a different route. This option was left here for you. And I'm here to show you how to use it."
"What happened to Miss Cheerilee?" Octavia asked. Spike sighed, rubbing his cheek absentmindedly.
"She still believes that I'm out to murder the city. So she is spending some quality time with the Princess and a couple hundred of Celamont's finest."
"Doesn't that seem like too much?"
"Its the safety of our Princess at stake. Its never too much." Spike reasoned.
"Okay, so, how are you gonna teach me to use all of this if you can't touch it?" Vinyl wondered, glancing at one of the blades.
"Oh, thats simple. You're going to fight me with it." Spike chuckled, patting her arm as he walked past her.
"Vinyl...are you really going to..."
"Tavi...this is my key to finishing all of this...to putting a stop to this bastard. I gotta try."
"Very well...just be careful...that vampire, the one you fought before. I didn't see much after you rescued me, but that boy..."
"Yea, I know. He took out Dusk like he was just some street thug. And, if what he said is true..." Vinyl paused, staring at the sword in her hands.
"And he hasn't lied yet...then he's some badass meant to keep Princess freakin' Celestia safe..."
"Then why doesn't he take down Big Boss?" Octavia asked. Vinyl shook her head, walking past Octavia and outside the vault. She stopped to glance at the portrait, wearing a sad smile. Her father was in the back, resting a hand a top a younger and well dressed Vinyl.
Rarity had been too short and so Vinyl had held her up while her mother stood beside her, holding a baby Sweetie Belle in the crook of her arms, her fathers arm around her shoulder.
"Mother...Father...I'll make you proud..."
"And...you're sure about this?" Vinyl asked one last time. Spike raised an eyebrow.
"Its not like the sword is going to break."
"...Your crazier than I am..." Vinyl mumbled. She took a slow breath as she shifted into position. One foot forward, tip of the sword at eye level and both hands firmly gripping the hilt. She kept her elbows straight but loose. She let out a slow breath, flickering out of view and slashing downward with the blade, Spike sliding to his left to avoid it and slamming his palm into her ribs.
"Faster Vinyl." He demanded, rolling around her as she flipped the blade and slashed. She spun, kicking out and hitting air.
How can he be so fast?! she grit her teeth, spinning and roaring as she threw out her leg, flipping the blade around to slash behind her, grinning as her leg connected. Spike however had raised both arms to catch her leg, chuckling quietly.
"He said you were quick on your feet. Thats good." Spike leaned back, dodging the blade once more before flipping back onto his hands and hopping away from her.
Even in that armor...he's faster than me...is this the strength of a Knight? Vinyl calmed herself, taking her stance once more.
"Alright, I'll begin my attack now Vinyl." Spike warned, vanishing completely. She barely had time to react, eyes wide as he tapped her back. She spun, slashing with the blade, only to have him slide under and tap her knee.
She tossed the blade in the air, dropping to the ground and rolling on her shoulders, legs rolling through the air in a windmill as she danced across the floor, her foot landing with a satisfactory thud against his cheek.
Vinyl chuckled, planting her palms firmly on the ground and throwing herself into the air to catch the sword. She stared in shock as Spike appeared in front of her, scales on his cheek.
The Dragon-kin lunged forward, giving her shoulders a shove and rolling in the air, kicking the hilt of her sword. She grit her teeth as she flipped back, skidding across the ground.
Her sword had landed halfway across the room. With Spike's speed, there was no way she would reach it.
"Wasn't the point of this to teach me to use that thing?" Vinyl asked as Spike landed.
"Originally. That was until I felt your kick. You aren't comfortable with weapons...are you Vinyl?" Spike asked, rubbing his arm. Vinyl tensed for a moment, hanging her head.
"How else am I suppose to kill a vampire?" she said softly.
"Theres plenty of ways. You know for a fact a hard enough hit will take out anything." Spike lectured. He decided to continue when she didn't respond.
"That technique you used earlier, when you tore through that training doll. Give that a try." Spike suggested.
"I don't even know how I did that. How the hell am I suppose to do it again?"
"Just play through that moment again, recreate the feelings you had and just let it come to you." Spike smiled. Vinyl sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. In her mind, she heard her father during one of her lessons.
He would take a step forward, faking a right punch only to lunge out with the left. While the opponent was winded, he would grab them, smashing his knee hard into the ribs. He'd then jump away to avoid a counter attack, pulling his arms in to protect his face as he slid across the ground to continue the attack.
Once close he would step back as his opponent lunged out with their own attacks, weaving and palming away punches to get a good feel for them. Once he found the opening though he would step in, ending it all with one powerful punch.
Breath, fake a right and lunge with the left, grab hold and follow with the knee hard into the ribs. Pull away to keep them from getting a hold of you before slinking back in for the kill. Weave through the punches, watch the shoulders and eyes, palm away a few to get the speed and power behind them before pushing in and hitting em with all you've got!
She smiled as the scene of her father played in her mind, a tear streaming down her cheek. She spread her legs slightly apart, arms out wide before bringing them in slowly.
She let out a slow breath, stepping forward with a fake right, throwing out the left. Spike stepped in, palming the left punch. Vinyl stepped forward, placing her hands on his shoulder, bringing up her knee into Spike's palms.
She leapt away, raising up her arms and sliding forward. Spike took a slow breath, throwing a few jabs that she weaved around and palmed away, waiting for the opening. Spike shifted as he went for the next punch, right between them was a small pause.
Vinyl waited for the next one, roaring as she stepped in, bumping him and causing him to stumble. Spike's eyes widened as Vinyl's fist flew through the air, glowing with the strength of her magic. She stopped moments before smashing through his face, panting heavily.
"Heh...I appreciate you not taking my head off..." he chuckled.
"what...the hell was that?" Vinyl breathed, staring at her hand.
"Its a technique your father and I developed. Its called the Death Dragon. Those steps are the Kata he came up with. You probably never realized it, but he spent years etching its techniques into your mind." Spike smiled as he took a cautionary step back.
"I thought it was just something to keep me focused...to channel all my energy into some kinda outlet and keep me busy."
"Well it was that too, just with ulterior motives to make sure you could handle yourself in a fight." Spike explained, taking a seat and rolling his wrist.
"Your knee is a lot tougher than his though." he mumbled.
"Spike...I've got a question..."
"Sure, shoot."
"Why do you need me to take down Big Boss?" she held her breath as Spike fell silent.
"It isn't my place to put Big Boss down. And to be honest...I don't know that I even could." he admitted.
"The hell do you mean?! You tore through Dusk like nothin' and I KNOW you're holdin' back on me."
"Yes. I beat Dusk, yes, I held back, up until the end...As strong as I am, as fast as I am...I'm still just 'human'. I can't keep up with someone like Big Boss and this is my prime. I won't get any stronger than this Vinyl. But you have more potential than you can imagine." Spike sighed, resting his hands on his knees.
"Vinyl? Vinyl?!" Rarity called out, knocking on the door to the workout room. Vinyl spun, swearing under her breath. When she turned back to Spike, he was gone.
"Damn it all..." she mumbled, pulling the door open.
"Whats up Rare-bear?" Vinyl asked, still out of breath.
"Are you alright? You've been in there all day...you normally don't train this much unless something is bothering you."
"Its nothing Rarity. Don't you have school?"
"Yes...I just...nevermind. I'll leave you be." Rarity mumbled as she walked away. Vinyl groaned, smacking her head against the door frame.
"Um, Vinyl? Theres a woman here to see you." Octavia called out from down the hall. Vinyl sighed, snatching up a towel and making her way to the front door. She smacked her forehead as she spotted Twilight Velvet.
"Crap! I forgot you were coming over today. I am so sorry." Vinyl apologized.
"Its quite alright Madam. I only just arrived and your...friend, was kind enough to answer the door." Twilight smiled.
"Oh uh, Octavia, this is Sweetie Belle's Nanny, Twilight Velvet. Miss Velvet, this is my friend Octavia, she uh..."
"We met during work. I'm a musician and I was rather interested in Vinyls...musical tastes." Octavia forced a smile. It seemed Twilight bought the story, giggling and sighing in relief.
"For a moment there, I thought you were having me replaced Madam Filigree."
"What? No! Never! You're practically family...I couldn't do something like that to you..."
"I'm relieved to hear you say that Madam, it means a lot."
"Nana!" Sweetie Belle squealed, rushing down the stairs and hugging Twilights leg.
"Well, hello again Sweetie Belle. How are you today?"
"I'm okay, Big sis' friend made us bweakfast today!"
"I-I'm sorry Miss Velvet. They were hungry so I...just..." Octavia petered off as Twilight laughed.
"No apologies needed. All that matters is they are taken care of." Twilight waved the matter away, picking up Sweetie Belle and giggling as the girl kissed her cheek.
"Lets start off with your studies for the day, hm?" Twilight smiled, walking past them and to Sweetie Belle's room.
"So...you have a Nanny?"
"She's more like a housemaid, or at least she was when my pops was around. She was always watching after us though. Kind of like a second mom." Vinyl glanced at the door, double checking her wards before she closed it.
"How goes your training?" Octavia wondered.
"Uh...good question. I'm not really sure. Dragon boy vanished on me." Vinyl mumbled. She sighed as she sat on the couch, laying her head back and relaxing, letting the tension and stress melt away. She was caught off guard as Octavia sat beside her, laying her head on her shoulder.
"Uh...kinda close eh Tavi?" Vinyl asked
"I feel...comfortable. Is there something wrong with that?" she questioned, looking up at her. Vinyl's breath caught as she stared into those eyes, two lovely purple pools that demanded an answer.
"N-Nah, nothing wrong with it." Vinyl chuckled nervously, hesitating before wrapping an arm around her. Octavia smiled, closing her eyes and sighing happily. Vinyl chewed her lip, feeling her eyes fade from red to a calm sky blue.
Was this what a normal life felt like? Was this what it was like to relax, to let your guard down and be happy? For so long she had been fighting and struggling, never knowing what she was missing. Why was this one little human so important? She blinked as Octavia snored softly against her.
"Geez, whats with you and sleeping all the time?" Vinyl chuckled. She shifted her weight, hooking an arm under Octavia's legs, carefully lifting her up bridal style and marching upstairs towards the master bedroom.
She could faintly hear Twilight singing to Sweetie Belle, it sounded like a counting song. She chuckled, nudging her bedroom door open enough to slip inside, carefully laying Octavia in her bed.
"Alright, nighty night Tavi. The big kids have got some work to do." Vinyl chuckled, kissing her forehead. She snuck out of the room quietly, making her way back into her fathers room and opening the vault.
"Time to go Hunting."
"How the hell do those bastards manage to walk around in the Matrix?" Vinyl thought aloud, adjusting a strap under her trench-coat. Despite how uncomfortable it was to have several guns strapped to your limbs and blades hidden up her sleeves and pant legs, she felt amazing. Octavia was sweet in more ways than one and the bit of blood pumping through her system made her feel like she was on top of the world. How could she not go on a test run?
"You can show your ugly face now." Vinyl called out, grinning as Dusks' partner stepped forward.
"Vanessa Filigree..." he growled.
"In the flesh. Despite your little buddy Dusk trying to play games with his little posse of punk ass vampires." she taunted, pacing about.
"Ya know, this isn't really fair. You know who I am, but as far as I'm concerned, you're just another one of Big Boss' little bitches for me to trample." she growled, flashing her fangs.
"Scythe." the vampire breathed.
"Cool name" Vinyl nodded absentmindedly. "So how you wanna do this Scythe? We can sit down like adults an talk it over, or we can pull out the toys and smash some kneecaps...the same way you bastards took down Z."
"Dusk, was the one who took out Zero Cool. We've monitored some of your conversations with him and the idiot thought it would be a good idea to end it."
"But you didn't?" Vinyl asked. She was somewhat worried. How long had they been listening in and how had they hacked into Z's feed?
"He was our window into your world Miss Filigree. What with the wards upon your home and your little club, we have no way of keeping an eye on our favorite little princess." Scythe sighed, tucking his hands into his jean pockets.
"So you wanna talk? I'm not gonna get ambushed by a fuck-ton of vamps wanting to take my head as a trophy?" Vinyl asked.
"Just a simple talk." Scythe replied.
Damnit. The one time I'm ready for you bastards... she sighed, crossing her arms.
"Alright then, talk. Where is Big Boss?" Vinyl grit her teeth as Scythe chuckled.
"Now, you know I can't tell you that."
"It was worth a shot." she shrugged.
"Now I've got a question for you." he snapped his fingers, a vampire stepping forward and gripping a chain. Vinyl's eyes widened as he pulled, Rarity falling forward into a puddle and complaining about her dress.
"How much do you care about your sister?"
Rarity Fun Facts-Ep1:Bites
Hello all, Rarity here with some interesting facts. Many people wonder about my sisters and I, so I thought it high time I explain some things.
The topic for this session will be:
BITES
Many people believe suffering a bite from a Vampire leads to either death or transformation. This is far from the truth. In cases of...most vampires...the bite is fatal, but only due to the victim being completely drained of blood or drained to the point that the body can no longer sustain itself. This is a process that takes the better of several undisturbed minutes of feeding.
In the case of Vinyl, Sweetie and myself, a bite is performed to maintain our health and to push back the thirst, thus the pouches. Vinyl made the change from pouch to...eh...really? Is this what I am suppose to say? But it seems so...vulgar...oh alright then.
My sister Vinyl decided to change from pouches to getting it...straight from the tap as it were...Miss Octavia was rather insistent, for reasons I am still unsure of. I myself have slowly begun the change as well thanks to Applejack.
With Sweetie Belle, I always managed to hide the pouches and sneak it into her food or her juice or her tea. I had hoped it would be enough and that she could live a normal life beyond this...curse that haunts our family.
However I was wrong, very wrong. Though in the end Sweetie Belle proved stronger than I could've hoped and now she has her dear friend Scootaloo to keep her from losing control.
I seem to have gotten off topic, my apologies. As for the nature of bites, there are several. The simple feeding, the Love bite, and the Ritual. Despite race, whether Magian, or Gaian, or Skyborn, all vampires have a bit of latent magic as we are magical creatures. And this shows in certain ways.
For instance, the Eyes. Its more than a simple costume change, its an instinct. The red is a warning to our enemies, that we are ready to fight to the death, it also enhances our vision, allows us to see things beyond what a normal human could see. You may recall that my sister Vinyl vanished from view during our fight.
At least, to my friends she did. She was simply moving faster than human eyes could keep track of. My eyes however saw her clear as day, not that I could do much about it in some of those instances. Again, falling off topic. The point of the matter is magic is a part of who we are and this includes our bites.
A normal bite, a Feeding Bite, requires no magical power and is simply done in order to survive and fend off the Thirst. This is the same bite I used with Applejack during the fight with Vinyl. It is also the same bite Sweetie Belle inadvertently used on Scootaloo at the hospital...
The next one is by far the most romantic of bites. The Love Bite...Oh how I hope Applejack would...ahem, sorry about that, heh heh...As I was saying. The Love Bite requires a smidgen of magic and feelings deep from the heart. The one to be bitten must be willing and wanting otherwise this becomes naught but a simple feeding. A simple spell is weaved during the bite, transferring a bit of the vampire into their chosen lover.
Its also a sort of Marking process, telling other Vampires that they belong to you and you belong to them. The two quite literally become part of one another and should the bitten ever be in danger, the Vampire would sense it instantly and be ready to rescue them.
*sigh* Not that I feel I have to rescue Applejack or anything...but it would be...nice.
Whats that? Is it like Marriage?! What?! Well...um...I suppose in a sense it is. Performing a Love Bite is not done lightly. Which is why I haven't brought it up before. I feel we aren't quite ready for that step yet. Vinyl however took the dive in order to spare Octavia the pain of a bite, even though it would be minor. I can't help but wonder what goes on in her mind sometimes. Enough about that though, we have one more thing to discuss.
The Ritual.
I have never performed this myself and my only knowledge of it comes from time spent with my Father and Mother. I was rather curious as a young girl and wondered why my mother chose to remain human.
Father would surely outlive her and then he would be alone...It was then that they explained it to me. Mother was something called a Hunter I believe. Her job was to Hunt monsters and 'put them away' as she put it.
I know now that she killed them. As a Hunter, she had performed many spells and charms upon herself and thus could not be changed and would not do so even if she could. She never did truly explain why she would not accept it, only that she was happy as she was. My father agreed with her on the topic, but did give me a few details.
Completing a Ritual requires quite a lot...A bond must be formed between The Vampire and the Human. The Human is drained completely...and asked if they wish to go on, to continue and thrive.
Should they agree, a massive amount of magic is built within the Vampire and poured into the Human along with a shredded piece of the Vampire's soul to maintain them. The Human, as they are dying, are then offered the blood of the Vampire and drink until they can drink no more.
For a moment...they are dead and gone...but the soul of the vampire binds them to this world and the regenerative properties of their blood bring the body back to life as one of us. I am not entirely sure on the finer details, but that is the process in a nutshell.
What? No, no...I don't think I could turn Applejack. I could not bear to watch her die, even if it meant she would stay with me in the end. She has a Farm, a Family and responsibilities outside of our relationship. I would not dare try to force anything upon her. I am sure there is much in our future, we are the Elements of Harmony after all. According to Spikey we have quite a lot in store for us.
Well...thats all for the facts of Vampires today my darlings, stay tuned for our next installment!
Vinyl lowered her head, her heart pounding in her ears.
What do I do? What do I do?! What do I do?! she panicked in her mind. Scythe sighed, accepting the chain from his lackey and yanking Rarity to her feet.
"V-Vinyl!" Rarity cried out, gasping as Scythe tugged on the chain, pulling her against him. He chuckled, resting a hand on her shoulder and holding her against him.
"She's rather sweet for a Filigree. Don't tell me she hasn't made the Change yet?" he glanced over at Vinyl, confirming his suspicions.
"The poor thing hasn't even experienced her first meal." he tsk'd. Rarity growled, smacking her fist against his stomach.
"Let me go! Let me go!" she yelled.
"Thats enough Rarity!" Vinyl barked, Rarity freezing. She needed to think fast, one wrong move and she would lose Rarity. She grit her teeth as Scythe drew a small dagger, resting it against Rarity's shoulder.
"I wonder...how long you two can hold out?" he smirked.
"How did you get in my house Scythe?" Vinyl demanded, trying to ignore Rarity's sobbing and shaking.
"Oh, thats not really important."
"I followed you, they snatched me off the street!" Rarity yelled, crying out as Scythe dug the knife into her shoulder slightly. Vinyl clenched her fists as she began to shake.
Thanks Rarity...that was really brave of you...now I know the others are safe...I just gotta get you outta this
"Let her go Scythe." Vinyl ordered.
"Now, I can't really do that. You see, you've got something we need." Scythe chuckled.
"What the hell could you want from me?!"
"The girl, Octavia. Give her to us, and you can have your sister back." he offered. Vinyl crossed her arms, fingers resting on the hilts of the knives there.
"You'd trade a vampire of Noble blood for a human? Whats so special about the girl?" Vinyl wondered.
"A little something special in her blood. Of no use to you, but plenty to us." Scythe offered as explanation. He relaxed his grip and Vinyl took her chance, flicking the knives out of her sleeves. One dug itself deep into his shoulder while the other sliced his cheek. The vampire grit his teeth, grabbing Rarity by her hair as he stumbled backwards.
"You had your chance." he growled, flipping his dagger.
"NO!" Vinyl screamed, reaching for Rarity.
BANG
Vinyl froze as a bullet buried itself in Scythe's head, a second one hitting him square in the shoulder, the dagger falling from his hand and landing firmly in Rarity's shoulder. Rarity screamed as she fell, shaking and staring at the dagger with wide eyes. Vinyl rolled, tugging Rarity behind cover as another bullet just barely missed her.
"S-Sister..." Rarity gasped, her fingers burning as she tried to pull the blade free.
"Shh, its okay Rare-bear. You're gonna be okay, j-just gimmie a minute." Vinyl whispered, glancing over the boxes she was behind. Sure enough, there was a sniper waiting, a bullet whizzing past her head.
Seriously!? I swear if thats who I think it is... she grit her teeth, glancing down at her sister. She rested her hand over the hilt of the dagger, Rarity whimpering and shaking.
"Its not that deep Rarity, but I gotta take it out...here..." she held out her arm as she grabbed the dagger.
"Bite down." she ordered. Rarity shook, tears in her eyes as she chomped down on her sisters arm. Vinyl yanked the blade free, a muffled scream vibrating against her arm. Vinyl smiled, dropping the blade and cradling her sister.
"Thats my tough girl..." Vinyl closed her eyes and took a calming breath.
"I need you to listen to me Rarity. There are a lotta bad people out here like that guy, who want to hurt you and Belle. You have to go home and stay there, its safe in the house." Vinyl ordered softly, running her hand through Rarity's hair.
"W-why? Why are you out here?" Rarity choked. Vinyl kissed her forehead, tears welling up as her eyes began to glow dimly.
"Rarity, look at me..." Vinyl said quietly. Rarity glanced up at her, dazed as their eyes met.
I'm so sorry Rarity Vinyl thought to herself, letting the inexperienced vampire feel the full effects of the Mesmir.
"Go home, call Twilight. You hurt yourself playing in Fathers study on one of his antique weapons and you need to get it cleaned up. I'll be home late so don't wait up for me." Vinyl intoned. Rarity nodded weakly, wincing as she stood. Vinyl took a slow breath, summoning her magic and wrapping her sister in it.
"Thanks Rarity..." she whispered, teleporting the girl to their home. As soon as Rarity vanished she leapt from the shadows, flickering in and out of sight as she rushed the sniper, bullets pinging against the ground moments behind her.
It seemed her Sniper had picked an old run down church as their vantage point, as obvious as it was. Were they expecting her? Why had they taken out Scythe first? She shook her head, not having time for questions.
She roared as she kicked the doors open, hand resting on the hilt of her sword as she glanced about the room. It was illuminated by candles along the walls, rows and rows of benches leading towards the altar up front. An old church dedicated to Celestia, in the days when she watched from the shadows of the world instead of acting as she did now to ensure its safety.
"Show yourself!" Vinyl yelled.
"Have some respect, you're in a church." a voice scolded her. Vinyl grit her teeth, back to the wall as she moved through the church.
"Look, whoever you are. I'm on your side and I wanna thank you for saving my sister." Vinyl called out.
"She was innocent." the voice answered, a cloaked figure coming down the stairs. Vinyl shook as the figure lowered her hood
"No...you...you can't..."
"Hello Vinyl. Its good to see you again." the woman smiled. Vinyl grit her teeth, gripping the hilt of her sword tighter.
Thats impossible...she's dead, I saw her!
"Vinyl, I know you have questions..."
"Yea, heres one. Why the fuck are you here?! Or better yet, why the fuck were you shooting at me?! What kind of fucking parent...!"
"VINYL!" the woman yelled, stopping her rant. "We don't have a lot of time. Scythe isn't dead, just down. Just listen to me. You need to hand over that girl...otherwise Big Boss will tear down everything we have."
"I can't do that...Big Boss already took everything I had...you shouldn't even be here mom..." Vinyl hung her head. Her mother, Lady Filigree, had died two years after Sweetie Belle was born. There had been no details on her death, only that she had been found in an alleyway on her way home from the market.
A vampire attack had been suspected, and her father had begun his own investigation into the matter. But nothing ever came of it. All they knew was that Jade Dust Filigree, was gone. Now here she stood, alive and well, wearing a sniper and shooting at her own daughter.
"Vinyl, if you care for your sisters...you'll give up this revenge crusade and give up the girl." Jade argued. She paused, glancing at the door and swearing under her breath, chucking down a handful of smoke pellets moments before Scythe kicked the door open. Vinyl grit her teeth, leaping out the window and leaving Scythe to find an empty church.
Vinyl sighed as she stepped into her home, Rarity waiting for her like always, arms crossed and a bandage wrapped around her shoulder.
"Another night of parties Vinyl?" Rarity asked, raising an eyebrow.
Thats the Rarity I know and love...
"Nah, nothin special, just a midnight stroll. You should be getting to bed Rare-bear." Vinyl yawned and stretched, Rarity's eyes latching onto the bite mark on her arm.
"What happened to your arm?" Rarity gasped.
...shit
"Uh...this uh, crazy dog jumped me on the way here. Didn't even see it until it grabbed me. Well night!" Vinyl walked past her, ignoring any argument and heading straight for her room, locking the door behind her. Octavia sat on her bed, reading through one of her mothers books.
"Vinyl! What happened to your arm?" Octavia gasped, grabbing her and looking over the bite.
"Why do they want you?" Vinyl asked, ignoring the Gaian's concern.
"what?"
"Why do Big Boss and his lackeys want you?" Vinyl demanded, gritting her teeth.
"I-I don't know."
"Don't lie to me Tavi, this is important..."
"I'm not lying! I don't know Vinyl!" Octavia cried. Vinyl grabbed her by her shoulders, staring into her eyes and searching for the truth. She sighed to herself and shook her head.
"I believe you...its just...nevermind." Vinyl walked past her, dropping her coat and going about the task of removing all the weapons bound to her body.
"I take it you had a long day?" Octavia asked softly.
"Rarity snuck out and followed me...one of Big Boss' goons, by the name of Scythe, found her." Vinyl answered, Octavia gasping.
"Is she alright?"
"Yea...she's fine, and doesn't remember a thing about it. But that bastard...he wanted to trade." Vinyl sighed, dropping her gun harness and plopping down on her bed.
"They wanted you for her. It doesn't make sense though. They could've kept her, made her into a weapon to use against me and instead they try and trade her for a simple Gaian. Why would they do that, huh?" Vinyl wondered. Octavia was silent.
"You claimed they were using people as cattle, correct? Perhaps...the ones who claimed my sister were trying to take me?"
That could be it...Scathe and Brawler coulda been sent there to get Tavi and her sister was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Doesn't explain why they want her though. Something about her blood... she sighed, closing her eyes, remembering the taste and the strength she felt after her feeding.
"Tavi...uh, this is gonna sound weird but...can I have some blood?" Vinyl asked. Octavia blushed, clearing her throat and nodding.
"O-Of course Vinyl." Octavia sat beside her. Vinyl took a slow breath, looking into the Gaians eyes and grinning as she kissed her. Octavia jumped in surprise, feeling herself melt into the kiss, a bit dissapointed when Vinyl broke it, leaving a small trail of kisses down her jaw and to her neck.
The Gaian shivered as Vinyl's fangs brushed against her neck, squeaking as Vinyl pinned her to the bed, burying her fangs into her soft flesh. Octavia was sure of it this time.
There was something very different about this bite and she admitted, only to herself, that she enjoyed it. The way Vinyl's hands roamed her body and under her shirt. Octavia whimpered softly as the vampires fingers brushed over her smooth skin, slipping around her sides in a sensual massage.
All the while Vinyl drank slowly, her mind working at a thousand miles a minute to try and unravel the secret of her blood. Octavia's breath hitched in her throat as Vinyl's hands found her plump breasts, the vampire hiding a smile as she felt the Gaian's heart pounding in her chest.
She panted slightly as she pulled her fangs away, running her tongue over the bite, one hand slipping down towards Octavia's waist while the other continued to squeeze and tease the mound of flesh.
"V-Vinyl..." Octavia breathed into her ear, whining as Vinyl's fingers danced along her stomach. Vinyl chuckled softly, playing innocent as her fingers slipped under Octavia's waistband.
"Somethin' wrong Tavi?" she teased, the Gaian chewing her lip
"I-I've never...done something like this." Octavia stammered. Vinyl froze, her palm resting just above an undeniable warmth.
"Do you want me to stop?" Vinyl asked softly. "I get it if girls aren't your thing." Vinyl chuckled, feeling a pang in her chest.
"What? N-No! Thats not what I mean. I um...I've...never..."
Sweet Celestia she's a virgin... Vinyl sat up, everything falling into place upon that realization. Octavia blushed, hiding her face behind her hands.
"I'm sorry Vinyl, I didn't mean t..."
"Shush." Vinyl said quickly, Octavia falling silent.
The blood of a Virgin Gaian...what could Big Boss accomplish with that? Vinyl wondered as she crawled out of bed, snatching up one of her mothers notebooks.
"Vinyl, I..."
"Tavi, chill. I'm not gonna force you to do something you aren't ready for. Besides, I think you just helped me. Oh, uh, shower is through that door there." Vinyl pointed absentmindedly towards the master bathroom Octavia letting out a sigh, hoping a cold shower would help her situation.
Okay Vinyl, this is bigger than you thought...ignore the need to fuck her brains out for a while and everything will work out. Ignore the fact that she is naked in your shower right now and totally hot for you and just focus on the facts...Ugh, damnit... Vinyl shook herself, scanning through the hundreds of notes her mother left behind.
"Here! Strength of the Titans?" Vinyl mumbled, sitting down as she read.
...and The Virgin daughter of Chronos shall be drained, bestowing true eternal life upon her followers.
"Chronos? Who the fuck is Chronos?" Vinyl mumbled, flipping through the book.
"Vinyl, if you care for your sisters...you'll give up this revenge crusade and give up the girl." her mothers voice echoed in her mind.If I hand Octavia over...Big Boss will drain her dry for whatever is in her blood. I can't let that happen. I just gotta keep Belle and Rarity in the house and figure this out.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Spike spoke up from the corner of her room. Vinyl gasped, flinging the book at him, the knight snatching it out of the air with ease.
"Notes about the Titans?" Spike mumbled.
"You can read that? Nevermind, scratch that, of course you can freakin' read it." Vinyl mumbled.
"I can't do everything. I can't take down Big Boss, I can't offer you the help I wish I could, and I can't dance." Spike listed off as he flipped through the pages.
"Huh? Really? But you're a Knight, a Noble. All Nobles can dance" Vinyl argued.
"I'm not of noble blood. I'm a Dragon-Kin, remember?" Spike pointed out. Vinyl stared for a moment.
"Then how..."
"Wait..." Spike silenced her, his eyes scanning the page. "I have to go. Whatever you do, keep Octavia safe!" Spike ordered as he vanished, the book falling to the ground. Vinyl picked it up, glancing at the page. Sadly it was some language she didn't even recognize, but Spike had seen something in it, something important.
This has gotta be what Scythe and Big Boss were after. Damnit...if Z were around I could just have him translate it for me...oh man...Z, I'm so sorry..." Vinyl sank to her knees, gripping the book as she shook with silent sobs.
Zero had been one of her very few true friends. And she had gotten him killed. Octavia stepped out of the bathroom, blinking in surprise as she spotted the vampire crying in the middle of the floor.
"Vinyl? Vinyl?!" Octavia called out, shaking her shoulder. Vinyl glanced up at her, realizing how pitiful she must look. She cleared her throat, slamming the book closed.
"I gotta go handle some stuff Tavi...I need you to stay here and to make sure my sisters stay here. Don't open the door for ANYONE except Twilight. Anyone else comes to the door, just ignore em, no matter what they say." Vinyl grabbed her arm, looking into her eyes.
"Promise me!"
"I-I promise. Just...be careful out there Vinyl."
I can't promise that Tavi...Not where I'm going.
"SCYTHE! SHOW YOUR UGLY FACE!" Vinyl screamed at the top of her lungs. She panted heavily, waiting in the shipyards. Anything that went anywhere had to go through here first. Big Boss' men would have to be nearby.
She had tried hunting here before, but they had too much space to hide in for her to catch any of them. This time however, they were hunting her...and she was out in the open. Scythe walked from behind a large container, flipping a small dagger.
"You called?" he grinned.
"You want Octavia and I want my family to be safe. So lets cut a deal." Vinyl held up her hands to show she held no weapons.
"What kind of deal?" Scythe wondered.
"I get one favor in exchange for the girl"
Scythe thought about her offer for a moment. Here she stood, utterly defenseless. His eyes roamed her entire form, making sure he didn't see any hidden lumps where a weapon might be stashed, but knowing Vinyl she probably had a pen knife between her tits, not that he could get close enough to check. Even being on a diet of cold worthless blood packets, Vinyl was a member of the Filigree Clan, the Head of the Clan. They had always held power and had always been a pain.
He needed to be smart about this or Vinyl would claim another vampire on her scoreboard. He wasn't too worried though. He had been feasting on fresh meals while all she had were some useless blood packets. In a one on one fight, he was sure he had the upper hand, especially against an unarmed opponent. He glanced out of the corner of his eye, receiving confirmation from one of his scouts that Vinyl was in fact alone.
"What kind of favor?" Scythe asked softly.
"You'll find out when I get it. No tricks, no gimmicks. It was just a matter of time before it was too much for me to handle. This way..." Vinyl hung her head, Scythe almost feeling bad for her.
In another life, the two of them might've been bonded by their clans. Big Boss had shifted everything into a power struggle, breaking the unity of the clans. Many wanted to use the human races as food, while others wanted to live peacefully among them.
Those who refused to join Big Boss were slaughtered. Scythe's family had been one of those, but he had taken the cowards way out and obtained strength by being one of Big Boss' slaves. He saw his own life playing out once more in Vinyl.
A lone warrior standing up against a great tyrant only to fail miserably. But Scythe had been too much of a coward to fight back. He sighed, tucking the dagger away.
"Fine. Bring the girl to Warehouse 13 tomorrow night. You'll get your favor and this can all end." Scythe vanished, leaving Vinyl to stand there alone. She hung her head, hiding a grin as she listened for the other vampires to follow their master. Spike slowly stepped from the shadows, hidden in a dead vampires cloak.
"You really think this is going to work?" he asked.
"It has to. Unless there is somethin you wanna tell me?" she glanced at him, crossing her arms. Spike was silent for a moment, before uttering a chant under his breath, a sigil glowing underneath them.
"I don't have a lot of time to explain. Time Magic is a bit finicky so listen closely. That girl, Octavia Melody is the descendant of one of the Four Great Titans. Her blood holds the secrets of true immortality and if Big Boss gets his hands on her he will be unstoppable." Spike lowered his head, clenching his fists as the sigil began to fade.
"He'll burn Celamont to the ground and then march on the world with an army of unkillable vampires. So I really hope you know what you're doing Vinyl." Spike vanished along with the sigil, leaving Vinyl to simply stare. How the hell did she get herself into this shit?
Vinyl groaned with the weight of the world on her shoulders as she entered her home. She could hear Octavia faintly in the dining room, letting out a sigh as she walked into the room.
"Hey Tavi, we gotta..." she froze as she spotted Cheerilee sitting at her dining room table with Octavia...and her sisters. Cheerilee flashed her a small smile, but there was something more sinister in what her eyes said.
"What are you doing in my house?!" Vinyl demanded, slamming her hands on the table and causing it to crack.
"Why, I'm not sure what you mean Miss Filigree. Is it not appropriate for a friend to stop by and check in on her friends?" Cheerilee giggled.
Oh she's good...
"You and me aren't any kind of FRIENDS lady, and I want you out of my house, now!" Vinyl yelled.
"Vinyl...I..."
"Not now Tavi." Vinyl silenced her. Octavia chewed her lip, turning to a frightened Sweetie Belle and Rarity.
"W-Why don't the two of you go upstairs and I'll be there soon to read you a story." she suggested. Rarity nodded, snatching up Sweetie Belle and quickly leaving the room. The moment they were gone Cheerilee dropped her act, drawing a small pistol and pointing it at Vinyl.
"You really wanna do that?" Vinyl grinned, eyes glowing bright red and several sigils glowing in the dining room.
"You're on my turf right now bitch. I can fry your brain with a thought, so gimmie one good reason why I shouldn't." she growled.
"Because Octavia is watching and you have a soft spot for her and what she thinks of you. Because you couldn't really fry my brain with those spells. Sure, they would leave a nasty mark, but they would only be effective if I were a Magian, or a vampire." Cheerilee argued calmly, flicking the safety off of her pistol.
"I can dodge that bullet, we both know it. Then what?" Vinyl growled.
"You would put Octavia at risk if you try to avoid getting shot. There is also the chance I left a gift for your sisters upstairs. Haven't had the chance to tear down an entire Den before, that'd be one I could check off the bucket list." Cheerilee chuckled. Vinyl dug her nails into the table, the glow of the sigils growing in intensity.
"You do whatever the fuck you want with me, but you leave my sisters out of this. They haven't done anything to anyone. I've killed hundreds, all of that blood is on MY hands. So you back the fuck off." Vinyl shook with anger as the Gaian only smiled.
How the hell did she get in here anyway?! She glanced over her shoulder at Octavia, the woman hanging her head in shame.
Damnit Tavi...
"Yes, if you are wondering, she did let me in. Because she was worried for her safety in a house full of freaks. And I know you've been feeding off of her, tricking her into being your little meal ticket. Maybe if you hadn't proven me right, I would've left your sisters out of this. But you vampires are all the same. Its better to put them down now before they become a menace like you." Cheerilee raised her pistol, eyes wide as a hand grabbed her wrist.
"Is now really the time to be doing this?" Spike asked, his voice exuding power. Cheerilee simply sat there as if the boy were digging into her soul with only his stare.
"Vinyl, you have business to take care of. I'll take care of matters here and...if things don't work out..."
"AHHHHHH!" Sweetie Belle screamed, the shattering of glass following afterwards. Vinyl bolted out of the room, making her way into her sisters room. She found her youngest sister hiding under her bed and her window shattered. Rarity was nowhere to be seen.
Please no, please no, please no
"Belle, what happened?" Vinyl asked crouching down and holding out her arms. Sweetie Belle crawled out from under her bed. The girl crawled into her sisters arms as she shook.
"R-Rarity starting acting weird...s-she got all angry and jumped out the window..." Sweetie Belle mumbled.
Damnit! This CAN'T be happening NOW.
"Belle, go downstairs with Octavia and stay close to her. Tell her I had to chase down Rarity and if you see a weird guy in a brown coat, do whatever he says okay?" Vinyl stared into her sisters eyes.
"I-is everything okay?" Sweetie Belle asked worriedly.
"Everything is fine sis, j-just do what I asked, okay?" she asked again. Sweetie Belle nodded, snatching her blankie and rushing downstairs. Vinyl grit her teeth, teleporting to the roof and scanning the streets from above. Sure enough, she spotted Rarity, digging her teeth into her first meal.
Fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck,fuck Vinyl teleported down next to Rarity, knowing the man she was latched onto was beyond any hope of saving.
"Rarity stop!" Vinyl yelled. The young vampire dropped the Magian she had been feeding on, glancing over her shoulder at Vinyl. Within those eyes, Vinyl saw nothing but hunger. Her sister was just a forgotton annoyance in the back of this creatures head.
"Rarity...listen to me. You don't wanna do this, this isn't who you are!" Vinyl yelled. Rarity roared as she leapt at her, Vinyl gritting her teeth as she dodged to the side, Rarity skidding across the ground on all fours. She balanced on the tips of her fingers and toes, growling and baring her blood-soaked fangs before vanishing and tearing down the street.
"Damnit Rarity..." Vinyl chased after her, swearing under her breath. Vinyl grit her teeth as another scream filled the air, her eyes wide as she caught a Skyborn taking off into the air, Rarity clinging to her leg and biting down hard.
Its official. My life sucks. Vinyl took a slow breath, tapping into an old spell her mother had taught her. Attempting a normal teleport to try and snatch Rarity would require proper knowledge of Physics and trajectory.
Vinyl was street smart, not book smart. Luckily, she had a Bound by Blood spell. A safety measure her mother had created. With it she could teleport right to the side of any Family member. She just needed a way down afterwards...
"Fuck it!" Vinyl yelled, eyes glowing as mana flowed through her. She roared, kicking off the ground and vanishing, appearing next to Rarity and throwing her arms around her, only to have the young vampire let go of her meal and let it drop to the ground.
Rarity grinned as her entire form began to glow with powerful magic, keeping her aloft in the air as she spun, slamming her leg hard into Vinyl's gut. The Older vampire coughed and gagged on her insides, the kick slamming her into the unforgiving cobblestone below.
"Ugh...you...are so grounded when I catch you..." Vinyl groaned, clutching her stomach as she hunched over. She was tough, she could take a hit, but that, had really hurt.
I'm cool...totally cool...my rib might be broken though... she grit her teeth, shivering as her magic swam throughout her body in a quick diagnosis.
Yup, definitely broken. she panted and winced as she pushed to her feet, eyes wide as Rarity hovered in front of her.
"Rarity...don't do this." Vinyl begged. The young vampire hissed, fueled by hunger and two fresh meals.
She's had a Magian and a Skyborn back to back...Her magic is gonna be the most dangerous thing, but her physical attacks are good enough to break MY bones. To top it off...She's gonna be quick. If worse comes to worse I'll have to...No! It won't come to that.
Her train of thought was broken by Rarity charging at her. Vinyl swore under her breath, drawing the dagger from her coat and holding it up in time to catch Rarity's teeth. Rarity chomped down hard onto the blade, hissing as she pulled away, hands over her mouth and stumbling slightly. Vinyl saw her chance, flipping the blade
Just gotta knock her out, take her home, strap her down, and let this run out of her system. Vinyl convinced herself, staring with wide eyes as Rarity teleported away. Her only clue as to where the girl went was a scream nearby.
"Damnit!" she swore, summoning her mothers spell once more, her vision fading slightly.
Focus Vinyl! she bit down on her lip, drawing blood and gathering herself before appearing next to Rarity who was just finishing off a Gaian.
"Aw fuck..." Vinyl grunted as Rarity's fist buried itself into her stomach. The older vampire slid backwards, panting and grabbing her sisters shoulders.
"G-Good punch Sis...now it's my turn..." Vinyl roared as she smashed her fist as hard as she could into her sisters gut, knocking her into the air. Vinyl quickly followed up by balling up her fists and smashing them into Rarity's back, knocking the young vampire into the ground. She panted heavily, standing over her sister.
"Damnit...Rarity..." she shook as she knelt beside her sister. Just when she thought it was over, Rarity tackled her to the ground, grabbing her by the throat and smashing her head against the ground again and again.
Vinyl choked and tried to pry the tiny but powerful hands from her throat, she tried to summon her magic, but every time she managed to focus on anything her head was introduced to the ground, knocking her senseless. The last thing she saw before unconsciousness took her was Rarity sniffing her before crawling away into the shadows.
"RARITY!" Vinyl screamed as her eyes cracked open. She sat up, gasping in pain and clutching her stomach.
"Vinyl! Oh thank goodness..." Octavia sighed in relief, sitting on her knees beside her. Vinyl blinked as she looked around.
"...Where the hell am I?" she mumbled.
"Oh good, you're awake. HOLD ON!" a woman yelled, twisting the steering wheel, Vinyl's entire world lurching sideways, only to be caught by Octavia. Spike stood at the back in front of a pair of doors that hung wide open. It was at that moment that Vinyl realized she was in a van. She glanced around, seeing another woman, dressed in a cloak like Spike.
"Hey...where is the Hunter?" Vinyl asked, wincing as she slipped backwards, bumping into the wall of the van.
"She's keeping an eye on Sweetie Belle." the cloaked woman answered.
"YOU LEFT THAT BITCH WITH MY SISTER?!" Vinyl growled.
"And what if I did? What are you going to do about it?" the woman asked softly.
"You bitch, I'll..."
"Vinyl! You are in no condition to fight!" Octavia scolded her.
"Thats enough Fly. Quit teasing her." Spike ordered. The driver tugged on the wheel once more, drifting around a tight corner.
"Coming up on the target!" the driver called out.
"Vinyl, your sister is in the passenger seat. Cheerilee has taken up a sniper position in town and is gunning for Rarity. Which is why we need to catch her first." Spike said softly.
"Octavia will get you back in fighting shape. I'll stall for time." he flashed a smile before leaping out of the van and skidding across the cobblestone, rushing past the van which kicked into high gear as the dragon went past.
"B-Belle is safe? S-she's here?" Vinyl asked. Octavia nodded, pointing to the passenger seat. Vinyl winced as she made her way towards it, peeking over it and finding Sweetie Belle, sound asleep and clutching her blankie close. Vinyl sighed in relief, turning to glare at 'Fly'.
"What's the idea of..."
"I don't normally get the chance to test the newbies. I just had to make sure you are what he says you are." Fly interrupted.
"Newbies? The hell are you..."
"HOLD ON TIGHT!" the driver yelled, slamming on the brake and curving around another corner, Vinyl gasped and flailed, slamming her eyes shut moments before colliding with the bench against the wall. Though the unavoidable collision never happened. Opening her eyes she found herself held in the sway of someones magic. Glancing out of the corner of her eye she realized it was the driver.
Okay, so she's a Magian. A damn good one at that. How the hell is she driving and keeping me from breaking the rest of my bones?
"very carefully dear." the woman answered as if she had heard her thoughts.
"You might want to take a seat with your friend. You'll need your strength if you're gonna catch Rarity."
Wait a minute...I know that voice...
"Holy shit...Twilight? I-Is that you?!" Vinyl realized. Twilight sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly.
"Yes Miss Filigree, it's me. You probably have a lot of questions and once we rescue Rarity I'll give you all the answers you want. But right now we have work to do Ma'am." Twilight grit her teeth as she focused on the road.
"Now would be a good time for a snack Ma'am!" she called out. Vinyl blinked, eyes wide.
"Wait, y-you knew!? This whole time you knew?!"
"We don't have time to argue!" Twilight gasped as the windshield cracked, swerving off the road, her eyes glowing brightly as she snatched the van in her magic, keeping it from smashing into a wall and carefully setting it back down.
"...Twilight, you're scarin' me." Vinyl mumbled.
"There are some advantages to being an Arch mage kid. You wanna live long enough to find out what those are then you better get your snack an go." Fly chuckled. Vinyl's mind was full of questions, but she didn't have time to ask them. Octavia grabbed her arm, face flushed red and turned away.
"Tavi, I..."
"Hurry Vinyl. Your sister needs you. Unlike me...you have a chance to save her." Octavia said quietly. Vinyl swore under her breath, hugging Octavia close as tears stung her eyes.
"Thanks Tavi..." she whispered, grinning as she cupped the Gaian's ass, burying her fangs deep into her neck. Octavia shivered and moaned, Fly chuckling nearby.
"Heh, young love." she grinned.
"Don't be rude Fly." Twilight scolded. Vinyl slowly pulled away, placing a heavy kiss against Octavia's lips before teleporting away. The Gaian sank to her knees, a bit dazed and sighing softly.
"She'll be back, don't you worry." Fly winked at Octavia. Vinyl meanwhile had teleported above Rarity, gritting her teeth as she landed on top of the younger vampire, throwing her arms around her and tumbling across the ground.
"COME ON RARITY!" Vinyl growled, rolling about as she wrestled her sister. She had no idea how long she'd been out, but Rarity had definitely had her fill in that time.
"I don't have time for you to throw a tantrum. I've got a gig in two days and I haven't even put a set together!" Vinyl grumbled, rolling and pinning Rarity on her back. The younger vampire kicked and hissed, doing everything in her power to get free.
"THATS ENOUGH RARITY!" Vinyl yelled, stabbing the dagger next to her head. Rarity froze, staring up at her sister. Slowly the red faded from her eyes, tears replacing the hunger that was there moments ago.
"V-Vinyl?" Rarity stammered. Vinyl sighed in relief, kissing her sisters forehead.
"Yes Rare-bear, its me..." she said quietly.
"What happened? I-I remember a man...he...he forced me to drink something and then...everything went blank and you were there...you sent me home...and...Oh Gods...t-those people..."
"Don't start Rarity. None of this...none of this is your fault. We're gonna get you home and cleaned up and I'm gonna make things better, okay?" Vinyl smiled. Rarity nodded, reaching up to cup her sisters cheek.
BANG
The world came to a standstill, Vinyl toppling over next to her, a bullet buried in her skull.
Author's Note
this chapter was delayed by my life being a bitch and by four days of nonestop RPG Maker VX Ace coding errors
Rarity Fun Facts-Ep2:Sunlight + The Change
Hello again everyone. Rarity here with another topic that has been misunderstood in the vampire world.
Sunlight
It is believed by most that a Vampire will catch fire and turn to ash within direct sunlight. How this came to be something people believe is far beyond anything I can understand. While, yes, the sunlight is a bit harsh at times, it is not something we shy away from. True, we are creatures of the night, but so are Owls and I don't see any of them catching fire, do you?
Adding on to that, I want to point out a fact none of you realize. Moonlight is simply sunlight reflected off the surface of the moon. Were a Vampire to be weak to sunlight, they would also be weak to moonlight, though not as much as only a small fraction of the suns light is reflected from its surface.
Some of you must be thinking that I am wrong and some of you are slightly correct. While Vampires in general are not weak to sunlight, there are lesser vampiric creatures who are. They are referred to as Ghouls. Soulless beasts who feast on innocent people. They are creatures of pure Chaos and Darkness who will in fact perish in direct sunlight. Why?
The sun is held in the sway of Princess Celestia's incredibly powerful magic. Magic that aligns along the powers of Harmony which are the only true weapon to combat Chaos. This power is shared with the Sun and its light shines with her magic.
Creatures of pure Chaos like Ghouls cannot survive very long in sunlight due to it being laced with Harmonic Magic. As some of you may know, sunlight soaks into the skin and too much of it might cause a sunburn or worse things...
For Ghouls, those worse things are Death as the sunlight and Harmonic magic soaks into their skin and very being, eating away the Chaos that holds them together until...Poof.
Hm, it seems we have quite a bit of extra time on our hands. I had hoped this explanation would've taken longer. I suppose we have time for another topic then.
The Change
This is a rather touchy subject for me. As some of you are aware, a young vampire goes through a rather...different...form of puberty where our animalistic instincts get the better of us.
Normally there is warning beforehand and the older members of a clan will take action to prevent a catastrophe. Vinyl was rather busy at the time and I had been, for lack of better words, poisoned.
When that man captured me, he bled an innocent woman and forced me to drink a goblet of fresh blood laced in magic...then he put together a trap to ensure Vinyl would get me home and when the time was right...well, you know the rest of course.
The Change is something that cannot be fought, cannot be stopped, until its run its course. It can last a day, a week, or even a month. During that time one would be kept underground, heavily tied down and kept in the bindings of several powerful spells to prevent any undue harm to an innocent soul.
Normally a trusted on-hand nurse maintains the vampires health until the Change has run its course. Had Vinyl been given the chance to lock me away it would've fallen to her to keep me alive.
Had Sweetie Belle been taken away, that duty would've fallen to Miss Octavia, who I am proud to say really took her new life to Heart. From what I've heard she is an official Caretaker and is working alongside Vinyl and the Princess to take care of vampires they've found lost and alone on the streets.
You may be wondering...why I would not let Vinyl take Sweetie Belle...As I said, the process requires being locked up underground from anywhere between a day to a month or longer. Would you have the strength to chain down an innocent little girl and listen to her scream and cry, day in and day out? It isn't right, nor fair!
L-Luckily, Sweetie Belle was different. That girl she is so fond of, Scootaloo, got through to her. Something Vinyl only managed after the two of us had nearly beaten the stuffing out of one another.
I apologize, I seem to have gone on a rant. T-Thats all I have for today. If you have any questions, feel free to ask and we will answer them in the next installment.
Octavia stared in horror as Vinyl hit the ground, the van skidding to a stop next to the pair of sisters. Twilight leapt out of the car, followed by 'Fly'. Octavia chased after them, Spike appearing in front of them and holding up his arm.
"Wait." he ordered.
"Still as clever as ever Sir Spike." a woman's' voice filled the air. Moments later said woman appeared, standing over Vinyl and Rarity. She held out her hand, eyes glowing dimly and her fingers curling. It took Octavia a moment to register that the woman had just put Rarity to sleep.
"I'll be taking the girls off your hands for a while. And the girl there." she pointed at Octavia, Spike putting himself between them.
"Don't do this Jade." he growled.
"I don't have much of a choice, and you know you don't have the power to stop me, not without innocent casualties."
"You would risk your daughters lives?" Spike gritted his teeth.
"They aren't my children anymore. True, what I do, I do for them. But that bond was severed a long time ago." Jade sighed. Twilights entire form crackled with magical power, Fly drawing a pair of pistols.
"Stand down." Spike ordered. Twilight shook her head, her magic fading. Fly tucked her pistols away, crossing her arms.
"If you want Octavia, you'll have to go through me." Spike held out his arms, Jade shaking her head.
"Where were you when my husband was murdered?" Jade asked softly. Though Spike remained silent. The woman sighed, spinning in place and firing a single bullet into the air.
Octavia stood there, utterly confused. Surely something had happened, she could tell that much from the reactions of everyone around her, but it was lost on her.
"Spike, even if you don't give me the girl. There is enough of her blood in Vinyl for what we need. I can smell it. So what will you do?" Jade asked as she turned back to him. The boy remained silent, but he was sweating at this point. Octavia chewed her lip as she stepped forward.
"If I go with you, will you leave Vinyl and her sisters alone?" Octavia asked.
"Octavia no!" Spike yelled.
"I promise, if you come with me, I will spare them." Jade swore. Octavia took a slow breath as she stepped forward.
"Octavia, if you do this then you've killed us all." Fly said softly.
"And if I don't then she will just take Vinyl." Octavia argued.
"Let her go." Spike ordered, stepping aside.
"Is this the right choice Sir?" Twilight asked.
"We don't have a choice." he answered. Octavia gulped as she walked forward, Jade placing a hand on her shoulder.
"You've made a wise decision." Jade adjusted the strap of her rifle, reaching into her bra and tossing a folded piece of paper to Spike.
"We'll be hiding out here. Make sure she's ready Spike." Jade frowned for a moment, staring down and seeing Vinyl gripping her leg. She shoved the wounded vampire away with a simple kick, vanishing in a flicker of light and taking Octavia with her. Spike grit his teeth, blinking as Fly and Twilight put their hands on his shoulders.
"I know..." he sighed, kneeling beside Vinyl.
"She...took Tavi...gotta...get up..." Vinyl panted, pushing to her hands and knees.
"You've got Witches Bane buried in your skull Vinyl. Not a lethal dose, but enough to put down any Magian it brushes against."
"I...give...no fucks...dragon boy..." Vinyl spat, standing on shaky legs, her mana surrounding her entire body. She screamed as her head snapped back, the bullet clattering to the ground and steam rising from her body.
"Did she just..." Fly started, Spike chuckling softly. Vinyl cracked her neck, glancing over her shoulder at Rarity.
"Do you think you're ready for this Vinyl?" Spike asked. The vampire sighed, crossing her arms.
"I don't have a choice. I can already feel it tugging me to her. I told her I'd come runnin' when she needed me." she paused for a moment.
"I'm gonna need backup."
Octavia chewed her lip, glancing over at the woman every so often.
"You're curious. I understand." she spoke up, causing the Gaian to jump.
"Why a mother would betray her children, or why we need you. You want to know so badly." the woman continued. Octavia nodded, leaning against the Elevator wall.
"You were born to die. The last true descendant of the great Titan Chronos, who gave us the passage of time. In your blood flows the secrets of his power." she explained.
"If thats true, then why is my sister dead? Why did you people kill her?" Octavia demanded.
"Do you honestly think that girl was your kin? Your hair, your eyes, the very color of your skin, all different. You are only helping the stereotype that Gaians are idiots girl." the woman hissed.
"s-she was adopted?" Octavia gulped.
"No, you were." the Elevator came to a stop, the woman grabbing her arm and dragging her out into the open. Octavia let her eyes wander and take in the scenery. Might as well enjoy her last few hours or minutes of life while she could. All around here were large stone pillars leading into arches high above them.
"An underground tunnel?" she murmured.
"An underground Castle actually. Do you like it?" a muscular suited man asked from his throne in the center of the room. A small stack of stairs stained in blood and skulls lead to his lavish chair lined in solid gold with plush red cushions.
"It's a wonder to look at." Octavia admitted. She sighed as she looked up at him, the man standing from his throne and marching down towards her. A patch covered his left eye and just underneath it she could see a faint scar.
"You must be Big Boss."
"So you've heard of me. Thats good, because I have heard of you as well Octavia. Come, we have much to discuss." He held out his arm, Octavia hesitating before looping her arm in his.
"Jade dear, make sure no one disturbs us." Big Boss ordered.
"Of course dear." Jade replied softly, gripping the strap of her rifle.
"Now, you must be wondering why you've been brought here." Big Boss murmured
"Obviously you want my blood." Octavia scoffed
"It sounds rather barbaric saying it like that. I require something only you can give sounds more civilized."
"I didn't take you for a civilized man, your underlings were nothing of the sort." Octavia mumbled
"Yes, they were...taken care of after the way they treated you. They were under orders to ensure no harm came to you, instead you come to me covered in bites. But no matter, the past is in the past and we must look toward the future my dear" he stopped, placing both hands on her shoulders and looking into her eyes
"Tell me Octavia, do you wish to continue living?"
Vinyl grit her teeth, the urge to teleport to Octavia growing with every passing second. But it would be suicide if she did that now. She took a slow breath, blinking as Twilight handed her a small cup.
"Drink up Madam." she said softly. vinyl accepted the cup, eyes widening as she realized the cup was full of blood.
"Who?" Vinyl asked, hanging her head.
"We all gave a bit Vinyl. Drink it while its warm." Spike spoke up, wrapping a bandage around his hand.
"I appreciate it..." she mumbled, chugging down the contents of her cup. Fly lowered her hood, revealing a head of blue hair and eyes that dared anyone to challenge her. Vinyl stared, slamming her hands on the table.
"Sweet Celestia you're Firefly!" she gasped.
"Yes, I am. Don't go fangirl on me or I'll shoot you." she threatened, smoothing out a map and glancing at the note.
"There are a series of underground tunnels here. The coordinates lead right here." she mumbled, tapping the map.
"A rat hiding in a sewer, how fitting." Vinyl grumbled.
"No doubt they are waiting for us." Twilight sighed, sitting across from Firefly. The two exchanged glances before turning their attention back to the map.
"We go in quick and hug the shadows. Twilight, me and you will take point, Fly, you cover our six."
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Who the hell..." Spike mumbled, the door flying open and Cheerilee lifting her rifle.
"Heard you were going after a Den, figured I'd tag along." she said, keeping her rifle trained on Vinyl.
"What made you change your mind?" Firefly asked, no one seeming to care about her weapon.
"Don't get any bright ideas. I don't care about this little rag tag group of yours...but if I overheard correctly, this is bigger than I thought and I can't do it alone." the hunter admitted
"You're willing to work with a Beast and a Vampire?" Spike asked.
"Just until this job is done, and then we can settle our differences." Cheerilee answered.
"If thats how you want to do it. We'll need to make a quick detour though, I gotta pick up a gift from my old man."
"VINYL!" Rarity screamed, sitting up in her bed and panting heavily. Had it all been a dream? A terrible nightmare? It had all seemed so real...She sighed and hugged her knees to her chest.
"It had to have been a dream...how else would I be in bed right now?" she sighed again, climbing out of bed and making her way downstairs.
It was later than usual, but Vinyl would probably be getting home soon, no doubt bruised and battered from another wild night. Rarity went through her normal routine, fetching the First Aid kit and setting it on the kitchen counter. She then marched towards the fridge for a snack, finding a note waiting for her.
Rarity
I wanna apologize for everything I've put you through. You deserve better, so does Sweetie Belle. I've been lying to you these past few months. There weren't any issues at the club, I didn't get attacked by any dogs or anything like that. Theres something very important that I have to do, something only I can do.
I won't be coming home tonight Rarity. Maybe not even tomorrow night. If I'm gone for more than a week, I want you to go upstairs into dads room and use your birthday to unlock the vault. If it doesn't work, then I'm just late getting home.
If I do come home...feel free to bicker and hate me and do whatever you want. I promise...if I come back...I'll be a better sister. I love you Rare-bear, take care of Sweetie for me.
"It wasn't a dream..."
"This is the place." Firefly whispered. Vinyl shook, clenching her fists.
"This is definitely it...Octavia is in there." she said through her teeth.
"Get it together Vinyl, we need you focused and ready to go." Spike ordered.
"Right, focused." Vinyl mumbled, taking a slow breath and taking her place in formation. She placed her hand on Spikes shoulder, the dragon-kin gripping the hilt of his sword and following behind Twilight. Firefly and Cheerilee brought up the rear as they made their way into the tunnels.
"Once we're in, we'll handle Scythe and his lackeys. You focus on Big Boss and Octavia. Cheerilee, think you can take that woman out?" Spike asked, keeping his eyes forward.
"Just leave her to me" Cheerilee growled under her breath. Spike grinned, glancing over his shoulder Vinyl.
"Good luck everyone. If we come out of this alive, drinks are on me." he chuckled, pulling away from Vinyl and drawing his sword. All at once the silence became sounds of chaos. The dragon-kin roared as he dived out into the open, flourishing his blade and cutting down a group of vampires as they leapt at him.
Twilight was right beside him, body aglow in arcane symbols and the Magian hovering just slightly, magic lancing out and coating the walls. She pointed down a tunnel, Firefly nodding and rushing down the tunnel. Vinyl grit her teeth, following behind the Wonderbolt with Cheerilee trailing behind.
"This is where we part ways girls. Try to behave and keep each other alive long enough to get out of here. Vinyl, do what you have to...Big Boss can't be allowed to finish the Ritual." Firefly said softly, her wings flaring out and tearing through her cloak, the Skyborn tearing down the tunnel and drawing her pistols.
"Looks like it's just us." Vinyl mumbled.
"I wouldn't say that." Cheerilee replied, skidding to a stop and firing her rifle.
Seriously?! Are you already trying to kill me?! vinyl thought, at least until Cheerilee's bullet collided with another right in front of her.
"You're quicker than I thought." Jade called out, revealing herself and slipping her rifle over her shoulder.
"Don't lie" Cheerilee scoffed. Vinyl growled as she reached into her coat.
"Don't waste your time. You've got a job to do you idiot." Cheerilee spat, keeping her weapon trained on Jade.
"She's a Hunter, like you."
"No, she was better than me, until she betrayed what we stand for" Cheerilee argued.
"...So you two know each other?!" Vinyl yelled at her mother.
"Well, she was my partner once, before I gave up everything for your father."
"And now I'll send you back to him you bitch!" Cheerilee fired her rifle, Jade stepping out of its path.
"Vinyl go!" Cheerilee yelled, leaping backwards just as Jade appeared in front of her.
"But..."
"GO!" she screamed, drawing her boot knife. The vampire swore under her breath, following the pull of her bond. She half expected a pack of vampires to be waiting for her, but strangely enough there was nothing. Just tons of empty hallway.
"Everytime I come prepared no one ever wants a piece of me." she grumbled as she turned another hallway. She froze as she came upon a door, marching towards it slowly. She could feel her heart pounding in her ears as everything set itself in her mind. Here she was, finally about to avenge her father, but was she ready?
"No time like the present." she mumbled, shoving the door open.
"BIG BOSS!" Vinyl yelled, eyes wide as she spotted him, Octavia wrapped in his arms and gazing deep into his eyes.
"What do you mean? Don't you mean to kill me?" she asked. He chuckled quietly and shook his head.
"No my dear. All I need from you is your cooperation. You help me and I will help you, that seems fair, doesn't it?" he asked softly.
"If I help you...will you spare Vinyl and her family?"
"I hope that they will see reason and join us. I cannot promise I will not protect myself against Vinyl. She is a hard headed one and would rather fight than settle things with words. But if I can manage it, then no harm will come to any of them." he promised, placing a hand under her chin. She found herself gazing into his good eye, barely noticing as he wrapped his arm around her, the other sliding around her back and the Vampire leaning close to her.
"BIG BOSS!" Vinyl yelled as she entered the room, freezing in place as she spotted them.
"Speak of the devil and she shall come." Big Boss muttered, clutching Octavia closer as he stood upright.
"Can you not see we are busy?" he asked. Vinyl bared her fangs, growling as she drew a sword.
"Let.Her.Go." Vinyl demanded.
"What are you going to do if I refuse?" he asked with a smirk. Vinyl roared as she charged forward, pausing as Big Boss snapped his fingers, Jade appearing before the angered vampire and raising her rifle, firing two rounds and dropping her to the ground.
"VINYL!" Octavia cried, trying to reach her.
"It's a shame really. She could've been so much more than this." Big Boss tsk'd.
"You think...you can drop me...like that?" Vinyl groaned, pushing to her feet and glaring at Big Boss. He stared in shock as the bullets fell from the girl and her sword was raised once more.
Vinyl groaned as she stood, her mana surrounding her entire form and forcing the bullets out of her body, dropping the remains to the ground as she stood and raised her sword. Jade smiled slightly, tossing the rifle aside as she drew a dagger and a pistol from her waist.
"Don't do this mom" Vinyl begged
"She stopped being your mother a long time ago, isn't that right dear?" Big Boss chuckled.
"Yes darling." Jade said softly. Vinyl looked between the two for a moment as the pieces fell into place.
"You...mother...fucker!" Vinyl roared, her magic flaring around her.
"Guilty" Big boss shrugged, tossing Octavia aside and snapping his fingers, chains binding her to the spot. He stood beside jade, placing a hand on her shoulder. She blinked, looking up at him and squeaking in surprise as he kissed her. Vinyl watched with disgust, gripping her sword tighter.
"That can't be my mother. She had wards, charms, spells. She couldn't be turned!" Vinyl yelled.
"All of those were wonderful things to keep her safe, while she was alive of course. One of my lesser known rivals decided to take her out of the picture..." Big Boss sighed, wiping away a false tear.
"I found her...a beautiful killer. I couldn't let something like that slip away, and so I gave her new life and a new purpose. The first task was to remove those who had attempted to end such a wonderful life." Big Boss grinned.
"Your father for one."
"Liar!" Vinyl yelled, her slash blocked by Jade, the pistol resting against Vinyl's temple.
"He was in contact with vampires who intended to kill me. It was a path he couldn't take while his wife was still in the picture. She demanded he do things peacefully. So he had her removed and tried to have me removed as well. What I did was done in self-defense and now I do the same once more." Big Boss finished, turning and walking towards Octavia.
"You keep your filthy hands off her!" Vinyl screamed, teleporting in front of the Gaian, catching Big Boss by surprise as she lunged forward. He snapped his fingers, Jade appearing before him and letting the sword cut into her shoulder.
"You...you didn't..."
"Why wouldn't lovers be bonded Vinyl?" Jade asked softly, hanging her head
"You and Dad weren't." Vinyl spat as she kicked the woman off of her sword. She bit back her tears, her magic snaring the chains Big Boss had wrapped around Octavia and snapping them in half. She held out her hand, Octavia accepting it and hiding behind her.
"Vinyl...why did you come for me?" Octavia whispered.
"I promised I would, didn't I?" she smirked, keeping her eyes focused on Big Boss and Jade.
"Things don't have to end in you dying here Vinyl."
"Spare me your bullshit. I came here to kill you and I'm not leaving without your head." Vinyl said as she tightened her grip on the sword. Big Boss sighed as he nodded to Jade. The wounded vampire spun the dagger in her hand, her green eyes fading to red.
She's been holding back...
"Tavi. I need you to do something really stupid." Vinyl whispered, stabbing her sword into the ground and marching towards her mother. Jade was mildly surprised by the tactic but held her stance, grunting as Vinyl smashed her fist across her face, the next punch slamming into her stomach.
She caught the next one, stabbing her dagger into Vinyl's arm. Still Vinyl continued her punches, roaring with each blow. Jade grit her teeth, skidding backwards and raising her fists and jabbing forward, Vinyl weaving around the punches and palming a few out of the way. Jade was on the offensive now though, forcing Vinyl to march backwards, at least until the younger vampire caught both of her fists and grinned.
"NOW TAVI!" Vinyl yelled. The two vampires gasped as a blade pierced them. Jade glanced down slowly, finding Vinyl's sword buried in her stomach and leading back to Vinyl. Behind the vampire was Octavia, crying and gripping the hilt of the sword.
Vinyl grabbed her mothers shoulders, tears stinging her eyes as she pulled the woman closer, further impaling her on the blade as she embraced her.
"I love you mom..." she whispered as her hands began to glow. She roared slamming her hand through her mothers back and piercing her heart. Jade leaned against her and smiled as the warmth left her body.
"I love you too Vinyl...Do us proud..." she murmured, her body going limp against her. Vinyl hung her head as she pushed the woman away, wincing as she stepped forward off the blade, gasping and clutching her stomach and sinking to her knees
"Vinyl...I'm so sorry..." Octavia apologized.
"I-It's fine Tavi. We still got one problem though..." she mumbled as she glanced around the room. Big Boss was gone. Vinyl grit her teeth, roaring as she pulled the dagger from her arm. She sat down, panting heavily as steam rose from her skin, her magic sealing her wounds.
"Thats amazing..." Octavia murmured, kneeling beside her.
"I picked up a new trick." Vinyl chuckled. She glanced over at her mother and sighed.
"I've got to end this." she mumbled as she stood.
"Healed or not, you're still tired Vinyl. If you fight now..."
"If I don't fight now then he'll get away. His scent is already fading."
"Then you better get going." Spike said, sheathing his sword. One by one the Knights entered the room, their armor coated in blood. Cheerilee leaned against Firefly, swearing under her breath when she spotted Jades corpse.
"Thats what she gets for running I guess." she spat.
"We'll hold down things here." Spike assured Vinyl, nodding his head to Octavia. She grinned as she patted his shoulder.
"If I don't come back..."
"You better come back! I'm the one who is gonna kill you, not that bastard!" Cheerilee yelled. Vinyl shook her head, turning to Octavia.
"Vinyl...I...Oh fuck it." the Gaian mumbled, throwing herself at the vampire and kissing her passionately.
"Come back in one piece." she whispered against her lips. Vinyl blinked a few times and nodded, snatching up her sword and rushing after Big Boss' scent. Now she REALLY couldn't afford to die.
Author's Note
We'll have the final showdown next chapter. I know you all might have wanted to see the fight with Scythe and so on, but that is a part of the other characters separate stories and will be shown at a later time, SORRY!
Vinyl had never run so fast in her life before. Blood pounded in her ears and her heart pounded against her chest with every step she took, pushing her closer to the end of it all. Oddly enough, Big Boss' scent was getting stronger, which meant she was closer.
How was she managing to keep up with him? Was Octavia's blood really so powerful?
"Well, I did get that cocktail from the knights..." she remembered. Hopefully it would all be enough and she could finally end this. Coming across a staircase she started taking them three or four at a time, leaping up them and onto the wall to propel herself further up the staircase. Her eyes widened as she caught sight of Big Boss' boot fading behind a door.
"You're mine!" she screamed, barreling through the door and gasping as he spun, catching her by her throat.
"You are quite the pest Vanessa. Years of carefully laid out plans, all ruined because of this little revenge quest of yours." he sighed, tightening his grip. Vinyl grabbed his wrist, spitting in his face and swinging her leg into his ribs. Big Boss grunted and hooked his arm around her leg, keeping her held in the air.
"Defiant to the end. Your father would be proud. At least you can have that comfort before you die."
"Bite me old man." Vinyl's eyes began to glow, setting the mans hands aflame and causing him to drop her. He swore and stumbled backwards, muttering a chant to reduce the flames. In that time Vinyl had drawn her sword and rushed him, the man acting instantly and raising his arm to catch her blade.
Vinyl's grin faded away as the blade snapped against his arm. Big Boss stepped forward, smashing his fist across her face and sending her tumbling across the ground. She grit her teeth as she rolled to her feet, gripping the useless blade. She cast her eyes back to Big Boss, seeing his magic surround his entire body.
"Thats...the Death Dragon..." Vinyl realized.
"So you know of this technique? Interesting, I was convinced your father would have kept it a secret from you. It requires being a well fed vampire to use after all." Big Boss chuckled. Vinyl blinked, hanging her head as her thoughts raced.
You knew the whole damn time...the whole damn time that this would happen...didn't you pops? You crazy bastard...
"You could be great Vinyl. Weak as you are, you could be so much more than this. Let me teach you, let me show you what it means to be a Vampire." he offered, holding out his hand. Vinyl giggled as she stood upright, shifting into full on laughter and shaking her head.
"I'd rather die than join a backstabbing piece of shit like you." Vinyl spat, tossing her sword aside. She reached into her coat, removing several knives, daggers, silver coated wire, a pair of pistols, a boot knife, three grenades and a tootsie-pop.
"You came prepared." he noted. She scoffed and rolled her shoulders, cracking her neck and taking a slow breath as she shifted into her stance.
"Come at me bro." she grinned, her fathers Kata fresh in her mind. Big Boss sighed, assuming a similar stance as he rushed her. Vinyl kept calm as she slipped around his first punch, faking a right and smashing into his cheek with a left hook.
She roared as she leapt up, hooking her fingers behind the stumbling mans head and smashing her knee as hard as she could into his ribs, gritting her teeth against the pain of smashing into the aura around him.
Big Boss roared in anger as he reached for her, but she was already waiting for him, leaping away and skidding backwards across the ground, her fists raised and ready for him.
In his rage, Big Boss charged forward once more, Vinyl following suit and keeping low as she weaved around his punches, shifting her weight as she palmed one away, her hand burning from the sensation of his magic against her bare skin. She glanced at his eyes, seeing his gaze focused on her breast.
No...he's going for my heart. He wants to end this. she realized. Now was her chance to act. Roaring with all her might Vinyl shifted around his last punch, her magic flaring around her entire body as she shifted her weight, throwing everything she had into this last punch.
"Impossible..." Big Boss stared in shock as Vinyl's fist buried itself into his chest, the Vampire grabbing hold of his heart and glaring up at him.
"You drank from her...that wasn't a teleport...you two are bonded, but when did you learn..."
"Oh just fucking die." Vinyl grunted as she yanked out his heart and crushed it in her grip. She watched as the man who had torn her life apart fell to the ground, dead. She simply stood there, staring at his lifeless form and chuckling sadly.
"Thats it? Its just over like that?" she asked no one in particular. She had thought when she finally saw this man, when she finally killed him that she would feel...relief? Happiness?
Something like that. But no, all she felt was...emptiness...had she really accomplished anything at all? She sighed, turning away and snatching up her fathers broken sword, making the slow trek down the staircase, bruised and covered in blood as she made her way back to the Knights, and to Octavia.
The vampire chuckled, slipping on her shades as her eyes faded to blue and she pushed the door open. The Knights sat before her, playing a game of cards with Octavia, who, if the pile of bits was any indication, was extremely good at poker.
"Well, how about that. She's alive." Firefly chuckled.
"So, I take it this means Big Boss is dead?" Spike asked as he stood. She held up her bloody arm and hand.
"This proof enough for you, or do you wanna see the big hole in his chest?" Vinyl joked. Spike shook his head, a smile touching his lips.
"No, thats good enough for me. I guess that means we're all in agreement. Twilight, if you would?" Spike asked. Twilight Velvet stood, dusting herself off and marching over to Vinyl.
The vampire blinked as her longtime friend put a hand on her shoulder, archaic symbols glowing across her body and her voice echoing with power.
"Vanessa Diamondheart Filigree, Welcome to the Order of the Solar Knights." she intoned. Vinyl gasped and winced as her shoulder started to burn, the sensation traveling down to her heart and burning like a miniature sun inside of her body.
"Vinyl!" Octavia gasped as the Vampire shook and cried out. Spike caught the Gaian by her wrist.
"She's alright. It's just part of the process." he explained softly. Finally it ended, Vinyl standing there and groaning with a hand against her head.
"The heck did you just do to me Twilight?" Vinyl mumbled dizzily.
"Vinyl. I'm not the young Magian I use to be. These fights, I'm not cut out for them anymore. But you are. You've shown you have both the magical and physical prowess needed to be the Knight of the Ancients. So I have passed it on to you." she pulled back her shirt slightly revealing a fading Sunburst mark on her left breast. Vinyl blinked, pulling her shirt down and spotting the mark.
"Thats uh...kinda cool..." she mumbled. Twilight smiled as she shook her head.
"With this Mark you have Celestia's blessing. It is a rather complex spell and in time you'll come to realize what it truly means." Twilight sighed, blinking as Vinyl put a hand on her shoulder.
"What about my sisters?" she asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Twilight. We just took down one of the biggest crime lords in the city, nevermind that he was a vampire, he had connections in all of Celamont and probably other places too."
"Vinyl is right. But with the vampires out of the way we can hunt down his connections and pick them off." Spike grinned.
"Yea, WE. I'm still in on this which means theres no one watching my sisters." Vinyl pointed out. Firefly pointed her thumb at Cheerilee.
"We were actually discussing that ourselves, and I think we have a plan." Firefly chuckled.
Octavia sat beside Vinyl as she slept on a pallet in the back of the van. It was a slow trip home and there was a lot on everyones mind. Cheerilee sat beside Firefly, her arms crossed and eyes closed in thought. She hadn't said much since they had left Big Boss' so called castle. At least until now.
"I was wrong." she said softly, turning her attention to Spike.
"Alright? I said it, I was wrong" she repeated
"Alright, and?" Spike replied, raising an eyebrow. Cheerilee sighed, glancing at her bandages.
"And I accept your terms. As a Hunter...you learn to trust no one but your partner. My partner betrayed that trust...but if what you said is true then that won't be an issue with the Knights...will it?" Cheerilee asked.
"We work for Princess Celestia, we fight for her and we die for her. Theres no going back once you're a Knight and...after being convinced of it...it was made so that one couldn't betray their fellow Knights. Firefly, if you would demonstrate." Spike turned to Firefly who drew a pair of pistols, firing a bullet at Spike and another at Vinyl, both just barely missing and burying themselves into the van floor and the wall behind Spike.
"That proves nothing. I've seen her shoot." Cheerilee scoffed. Spike sighed, standing in front of Firefly and putting the gun against his head.
Octavia stared with wide eyes as Firefly struggled to pull the trigger, sparks dancing across her body and causing her to cry out as she dropped her gun. Cheerilee blinked, jumping as Firefly glared at her.
"Satisfied?" she growled. The Hunter nodded slowly
"I'm sorry...I just had to be sure." Cheerilee apologized.
"It's fine. I know better than anyone what true betrayal feels like...Lets just leave things at that shall we?" Spike said as he returned to his seat. Octavia hung her head, gently squeezing Vinyl's hand.
"What about me?" she asked softly. All eyes turned to the Gaian as she spoke.
"I've no home to return to...no place I belong...and for all I know some other vampire could be after my blood..." She shook as she spoke, gasping as Vinyl squeezed her hand.
"My house is your house, you belong wherever the hell you want to belong and if some piece of shit vamp thinks he's getting his claws on you then he's gonna have to deal with me." Vinyl grinned, cracking an eye open. Octavia blushed, letting a smile touch her lips.
"Well said Miss Filigree" Twilight giggled
"Yea, whatever. Can I sleep now?" Vinyl grumbled. Spike chuckled as the van lurched to a stop.
"Sorry Vinyl, we've got work to do." he said as he hopped out through the back door, followed by Firefly. Vinyl sighed as she stood and stretched, hopping out of the van and taking in the scenery.
"Whoa...so this is the castle huh? It's uh...a lot bigger up close." Vinyl murmured as the walked the silent halls. Every so often they passed by a guard patrol that simply pretended they didn't exist.
It wasn't until Vinyl glanced at Twilight that she realized that was about half true. The Magian smiled at her, knowing the question already on her lips.
"A cloak of Shadows. The Knights identities must remain a secret. Only Celestia knows who we are and it has to stay that way." Twilight explained as they neared the throne room. Spike stopped before the door, placing his hand over his heart, Firefly following suit.
Vinyl gasped as bright white armor appeared around them, snow white capes billowing behind them as they stepped out of Twilights cloak of shadow and entered the throne room. Twilight led them inside before the doors closed, keeping close to Spike as he marched toward Princess Celestia herself.
"You've returned." Celestia spoke with a smile.
"Yes Princess. Our mission was a success. But there are still many connections he had that we need to sniff out." Spike answered, his voice quite a bit more masculine from inside his armor.
"And the recruits?" Celestia asked as she stood, sigils glowing across the walls and coating the windows. Twilights cloak of shadow fell, revealing the group.
"Uh...Hi there" Vinyl chuckled nervously.
"Vanessa Diamondheart Filigree. It warms my heart to see you alive and well." Celestia sighed in relief as she marched down the steps from her throne. She cast her gaze over the group slowly, her features softening after what seemed to be a headcount.
"Octavia Melody. I am sorry you got mixed up in all of this, though as I am sure you are aware, there is no turning back from it now" Celestia apologized. Octavia shook her head, looping her arm in Vinyl's.
"I only regret that my sister could not be here Princess" Octavia said quietly. Celestia turned her attention to Cheerilee, her smile fading.
"Have you come to a decision?" she asked quietly. Cheerilee, glanced at Spike for a moment before letting out a sigh.
"Yes, I have. As much as I hate to admit it, I was no match for those vampires...had I gone alone I would be dead now." Cheerilee murmured, looking up at the Princess.
"I need to be stronger and that means being part of a team."
"I am happy to see you've come around." Celestia rested a hand on Cheerilee's shoulder as her magic flared around her, wings spread out wide and runes glowing across her body.
"Cheerilee Sunlily, bound by oath and sword and flame, I give unto thee a new name. Once a warrior, alone and true, the title of Titan I give to you." Celestia intoned. Cheerilee grit her teeth, crying out and clenching her fists.
Celestia pulled her hand away, steam rising from Cheerilee's shoulder and the Gaian hanging her head, panting slightly.
"I apologize. We've not had a Knight of the Titans in some time and the process for the First is rather...intense." Celestia apologized. Cheerilee shook her head, sniffing back a tear and standing tall.
"I-I'm fine Princess." Cheerilee strained a small smile. Firefly chuckled softly, patting the Gaian's back.
"Well, you've won me over. I cried like a baby when I was marked." the Skyborn laughed
"Alright, now what?" Vinyl asked, Octavia still clinging to her arm.
"Spike has made me aware of the situation with your sisters. We can move them to a safer location, somewhere they can still live out their lives and have an eye kept on them." Celestia turned to Cheerilee.
"Your records state you were once a teacher. That will be your cover."
"Whoa, wait. You're gonna have her watch my sisters? Are we forgetting the part where she tried to kill me?" Vinyl argued.
"She is bound to bring no harm to you or those of your bloodline. But her unwavering eye and experience will provide us with Intel and keep your sisters safe. Is that good enough for you?" Celestia asked. Vinyl flinched slightly and nodded.
"Y-yea, I guess..." She mumbled.
"Good. I want all of you to keep in mind that the Knights do not exist. No one can know who you are" Celestia explained, glancing at Octavia.
"I doubt anyone would believe me if I tried Princess. I mean really...Vampires and Hunters and Secret Knights? I wouldn't have believed it myself if I hadn't seen it." Octavia pointed out.
"Good, there is still one matter to take care of...The Filigree sisters knowledge of past events might make them a target..."
"So you wanna wipe their memories?" Vinyl asked softly, hanging her head. She had thought of doing much the same thing herself.
"It is for their own safety." Celestia explained.
"I know Princess, my dad left me a little present and knowing Rarity, she's already stumbled on it." Vinyl chuckled, shaking her head.
"By the time I come home, she'll think I was at the club getting drunk and be back to her old self."
Rarity immediately rushed up the stairs to her fathers room, staring at the dial for the vault. She swallowed a lump in her throat, spinning the dial back and forth.
"Please don't open." Rarity begged as she locked in the last number. The vault clicked loudly, a small door opening next to it and a roundish object rolling out and resting next to Rarity.
It took her a moment too long to realize what it was, the grenade exploding and filling the room with gas. Rarity coughed, trying to wave the smoke out of her face and gasped as she bumped into a tall figure. Her eyes widened as she looked up, seeing the concerned face of her father.
"F-Father?" Rarity stared in shock as he knelt down in front of her, putting his hands on her shoulders.
"My little Rarity. My how much you've grown..." he chuckled, kissing her forehead. She stammered and choked as she grabbed her fathers hand.
"Is it really you Father?" she sobbed. He sighed, shaking his head.
"Just a remnant my dear, a small piece of him left behind for you and your sisters. I've a promise to keep and I beg you to forgive me." he gently placed his hands against her cheeks, gently kissing her forehead.
"Father...I'm scared..." Rarity admitted.
"It's alright to be scared. Fear keeps you alive, keeps you smart and on your toes. Don't let it overcome you though my dear." he smiled, his hands glowing dimly and his magic enshrouding her head. Rarity's eyes rolled back as her fathers magic poured through her, the Magian slowly losing consciousness.
"Be safe, my little diamond"
A few days later
Vinyl sighed as she marched into her house through the backdoor as usual, Rarity standing there with her arms crossed and glaring at her sister.
"Another night of parties vinyl?" Rarity asked. Vinyl smiled, ruffling her sisters hair as she walked past.
"You know it Rare-bear." she said softly. It was a dirty trick, warping her sisters memory the way she had. But this way she knew Rarity would be safe.
"You got your stuff packed yet?" Vinyl asked. Rarity sighed, pointing to her suitcase.
"I still don't see why Sweetie and I have to move to this Eravil place." she fussed.
"Because I don't have time to keep an eye on you. Uncle Magnum has a place there for you and theres a nice school there too. I'm sure you'll like it Rares." Vinyl explained, sighing as her cell rang at her hip.
"Theres gonna be a car here to take you guys to the train station and Uncle will meet you at the Eravil station, alright?" Vinyl turned to Rarity, the girl rolling her eyes.
"Fine. At least then we'll be out of your hair." Rarity grumbled, marching upstairs to get Sweetie Belle. Vinyl smiled as she watched her go.
Better to be the bad guy then to have you out here in harms way sis. she thought to herself as she flipped her phone open.
"Go for V." Vinyl greeted.
"Theres a new club opening up nearby, some unfriendly competition you might wanna check out." Spike said on the other end. A new club had to mean a new job and unfriendly competition meant Vampires. It was gonna be a busy week. Vinyl marched into her fathers room, snatching up a bag and slinging it over her shoulder.
Looking out her window she could see Rarity and Sweetie Belle climbing into a car with Firefly, the skyborn winking up at her before driving off. Vinyl glanced around at her home, making her way back downstairs slowly and making her way to the front door. Octavia stood outside waiting for her, flipping through Jades notes.
"Can you even read that nonsense?" Vinyl asked, peeking over her shoulder.
"I've been studying. I need some way to pass the time while you're on the job after all." Octavia murmured. Vinyl shrugged, curling an arm around the Gaian.
"Well...I can think of a few ways to kill some time..." Vinyl grinned. Octavia glanced over her shoulder, slamming the book closed and planting a heavy kiss against the vampires' lips.
"Alright, give me an update." Spike ordered, standing at the end of a long table.
"The girls are safe, the info on Big Boss's goons and contacts is solid, and the Virgin Gaian is no longer a Virgin." Vinyl smirked.
"Well, that saves us some trouble." Spike mumbled, opening a small booklet and tossing it down the table. Inside were several pictures and profiles. Vinyl stared in surprise as she spotted Rarity among them.
"What the heck is this?" she asked, looking at the dragon-kin.
"Our number one Priority."
Rarity Fun Facts - Ep 3 Vinyl Edition
Sup everyone, I know Rarity normally does these little lessons with you guys, but this is one of those times where Rare-bear is in the dark. I've never told this shit to anyone, not even The Knights. Heh, I'm sure Bossman knows though, that bastard knows everything.
Anyway, its only fair you all know whats going on. And yea, I get that, to you guys, I'm not real. I'm just some story to all of you. But in that story, I am real. I bleed, life goes on, even when you aren't readin'. So now that we've got that out of the way, let's move on to the important shit.
JADE FILIGREE
My mother was one of the most badass Hunters on the planet. You think me and the Knights have seen some shit? We're nothin compared to her. Sure, I'm a biased party, but holy shit was mom amazing. I uh, couldn't have figured this stuff out without The Knights, or Tavi, heh. She spent a few years under the Princess, learning how to read all the junk my mom wrote.
That book of hers says everything. All of her hunts, how she quit being a Hunter, it even leads up to how she died.
But it stops there. And I'm sure all of you wanna know, with all her protection, how'd she become a vamp?
Well, that kind of magic works really well, when you're alive. But there's another piece of the puzzle. Her wards and charms and everything kept Vampires away. So how were her an pops a thing? Pops was a Pure-Blooded Vampire. One of the Sun-Cursed Kings for fucks sake.
So how'd he even get near her? How'd they have THREE kids?
Magic.
And no, I'm not bullshitting here, it was literally magic. Mom was in deep, she was on the edge, gonna die, all nine yards end of days type shit.
And Pops risks EVERYTHING for her. Just because of some love at first sight kind of shit. She was pretty skeptical, til she saw his injuries from saving her. Her skin was like pure silver, just touching her was like being dropped into a fucking bucket of the stuff.
But Pops STILL carried her all the way to his home. He helped her get back on her feet, kept her hidden, did anything and everything to prove he meant no harm to her. And then one night, Magic.
Mom feels bad for him, he was tossing away everything he had for her, even his own health. Just being near her was killing him, but he didn't care.
"If I can die in your presence, then I've lived a good life"
And that's all she wrote, not literally, I mean, holy hell did she go into detail. I still gag thinkin about it. I mean, come on, do you find your parents fucking like rabbits to be exciting? No? Didn't think so.
But anyway, Magic is this crazy living breathing thing, and when mom fell for pops, her wards shifted, all of her protection peeled away, just so they could be together.
Annnd then Mom was pregnant with me. Fun Fact, I almost died! For real!
So, her wards no longer affected pops, but she didn't even know I was a thing at the time, so all of that Vampire be-gone shit in her system was tearing me apart. Luckily for me, Mom decided to check after puking her brains out.
At the time, she had no idea what to do. So she asked Pops. He was pretty damn excited to be a dad, but with me dying...well, they took some drastic measures. My mom rewrote her spells. From the ground up. So, whenever she was pregnant, her wards and everything vanished. So for nine months she was helpless and Pops had to make sure no one got a hold of her.
Hey, they pulled it off three times. The fourth was the charm though.
I guess it was early on, but, mom was having another kid. She probably didn't know yet and niether did pops, but her Diary knew. It had this whole weird enchantment on it, writing out details of her life even without her adding to it.
That cost her in the long run. Big Boss found it. He was visiting my Pops, offering him a business plan. Bastard went digging for anything to turn my Pops to his side and found moms book. Of course, Pops found him out and sent him packing, but by then it was too late.
They ambushed her, without her wards, without her weapons, there wasn't much she could do. Bein a human with a vampire growing in you? Not the easiest thing to handle. She barely stood a chance against em. And when all was said and done, that bastard took her and made her into a fucking Ghoul.
As for the kid...well, that's a different story.
Their Night Alone (NSFW CHAPTER)
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