Crimson Night

She listed off names, going from Squad 1 to sixteen. Looking at the Vamponies that stepped up when they were called, the teams were balanced. There seemed to be a perfect balance of offense, defense and support for each squad.

“Squad 10. Twilight.” she said. Twilight stepped forward, next to Luna. “Hecarim.” Hecarim stepped forward. “Galio. Vayne. And Vlad.” she finished, the three called stepped forward.

“you are Squad 11. report back here at noon, but otherwise you are free to get acquainted and explore the palace. Restricted areas will be guarded.” Luna said, she had said it ten times before. They all nodded.

“Well Twilight, you and Hecarim know this place better than we...where would be a good quiet place we could speak?” Vayne asked.

“The Garden.” both Canterlot ponies replied.

“So...who's going to be the 'leader' of this Squad?” Vlad asked.

“For now that will be me, but only in the sense that I have more experience.” Hecarim said.

“Gotcha.” Vayne replied.

“So tell me...what are your skills, preferences and estimated role in this team?” Hecarim asked, starting with Vayne.

“Well obviously I'm a ranged attacker...With a bit of support I can take out a whole Pile of Ghouls, a Pile being three to five.” Vayne said.

“I am more of a magic attacker. I also specialize is self defense, but not too good on support. Give me enough time and I can weaken enemies greatly with a homemade Disease, but other than that I got nothing much.” Vlad said.

“I can take out Ghouls fairly easily with some magic...I am a more than decent strategist and I play the support role rather well. I can temporarily control the winds, and this stone skin isn't just for looks.” Galio said.

“I guess I'm an all around fighter...haven't really needed to support another pony though.” Twilight said.

“I prefer to get up close and personal with Rampage, which is what I nicknamed the Scythe, and I excel at Spectral necromancy.” Hecarim said.

“So we have extreme offensive capabilities and more than decent support and defense...interesting...” Galio said.

“Are any of you proficient with stealth?” Hecarim asked.

“If I need to, but it's sort of a last ditch thing.” Vayne replied. Twilight replied by dissolving into mist.

“I've evaded Ghouls and Timberwolves alike with it...it mutes my sounds as well, given enough practice I could probably extend the radius if I understood exactly how I did it.” Twilight explained.

“If you were more experienced, you could possibly be stronger than our Princess.” Galio commented.

“Maybe.” Twilight replied with a shrug.

“So now that all the business is taken care of, tell me about yourselves. I enjoy society, and my place as Captain of my guard. My only real hobby besides training is teaching.” Hecarim said.

“I enjoy my work in Hematology...I don't really work with other ponies except for in situations like these, in which I excel at...I guess my hobby would be documenting and researching different blood effects on our race...speaking of that Twilight you must allow me a little research session on you.” Vlad said.

“uh...maybe later.” Twilight said, earning a laugh from them all.

“I shall go next...I enjoy anything that allows me to guard something...Believe it or not I am a real Gargoyle, so it's in my nature. My hobbies would have to involve studying and strategizing random situations.” Galio said.

“That leaves me then...I enjoy helping anypony I can really...I used to spend all of my days studying and researching for the Canterlot University and my private studies for Celestia...but lately it's turned to my...gift.” Twilight said.

“From what we hear, you have a very strong set of friends. The Elements of harmony correct?” Galio asked.

“Yeah, they're helping me with this more than you know...” Twilight said.

“Oh, I get it. They donated their blood to you to help you get stronger..that's why your abilities are so vast...” Vlad rationalized.

“Yeah...how much more time do we have left?” Twilight asked.

“About half an hour, why do you ask?” Hecarim asked.

“Because I wanted to tell my friends not to worry, Anypony know where Celestia might be?” Twilight asked, standing up.

“She told the guard she would retire to her study during Luna's meeting.” Hecarim said.

“Thanks, so meet you guys back in the Throne room?” She asked. There was a General yes and they all went to explore for a bit.

“Hello Twilight. Everything alright?” Celestia asked.

“Surprisingly yeah. I thought being grouped with some Vamponies I didn't know would be kinda scary or they would be stoic...but my team at least are already becoming friends.” Twilight replied.

“I'm happy to hear that. So is there something you wanted?” Celestia asked.

“Yes, but I just wanted to spend a bit of time with you and talk to you about something after that.” Twilight said.

“Very well.” Celestia said, feigning an official composure.

“It is sent, very thoughtful to think of your friends...now what did you wish to speak to me about?” Celestia asked.

“Well...it's about Luna.” Twilight said.

“She spoke to me about this earlier, you figured out you love her as much as she does you correct?” Celestia asked.

“Yeah.” Twilight said.

“I had guessed that before Either of you told me...I detected those privacy spells...” Celestia said with a sly grin.

“o-oh you d-did?” Twilight stammered.

“Don't worry Twilight. You're adults, I'm not your mentor anymore.” Celestia said.

“Maybe not, but to tell the truth I look up to you like a big sister...I guess now that would be sister-in-law.” Twilight said with a giggle. Celestia laughed and hugged her.

“Thank you Twilight, I really needed that. I've always thought of you as a little sister. It's almost noon now and I have paperwork to complete...organizing a platoon of sixteen groups of five doesn't happen in an hour.” Celestia said.

“Alright, I'll be sure to write to you, could you maybe link our message system to me so I can send messages to you and spike on my own?” Twilight asked. Celestia smiled and did what Luna did before.

“It is done. Now don't keep your team waiting.” Celestia said.

“Alright. Everypony is teamed up and acquainted. One pony in your group will have a direct messaging link to me, if you are able stick with them in order to efficiently receive assignments. I will send you out when a Ghoul or Lich threat is located we will assign the mission to a squad.” Luna said.

“What are the parameters for picking the squad?” Somepony asked.

“The Parameters depend on the threat level which, for simplicity's sake, will be indicated by number. 1 being one to three threats, 2 being four to eight. 3 being nine to nineteen. 4 Being 1 but with a Lich. 5 being 2 but with a Lich. 6 being 3 but with a Lich. 7 indicates there are more than twenty Ghoul threats with or without a Lich.” Luna began.

“I have personally evaluated the skills of all of you. This 'score' is the estimated amount of Ghouls you can successfully eliminate. The number of each of your squad mates are added into your squad score.” Luna continued.

“What so is this some kind of competition...a game?” Somepony asked.

“No! Most certainly not! I am using common terms to keep it simple and memorable so as to avoid confusion. Lives of Everypony throughout Equestria are at risk. I encourage competition among your squad mates during a mission, at a friendly level, in order to increase your effectiveness and surpassing your individual estimated score in reality will increase it to that number. After every mission, your 'Messenger' will report collateral damage, casualties, threats eliminated and escaped and your estimated recovery time.” Luna went on.

“That is all. Find out who your messenger is now and I will see you all when you are needed.” Luna said.

After the meeting, Squad 10 returned to the Garden.

“So who's the Messenger?” Vayne asked.

“That's me.” Twilight said.

“Really? When did she make the link?” Galio asked.

“About a week ago.” Twilight replied.

“Why would she do that?” Vlad asked.

“Because I am the one who gave her the Vampirism, and we needed an easier way to communicate.” Luna said, startling the group. Luna shared a quick kiss with Twilight, embarrassing the unicorn and gaining a wolf whistle from Vlad.

“Shut up Vlad. So, why are you here princess?” Vayne asked.

“To see you off. Galio, you are not familiar with Fighting Ghouls and Twilight needs training in Combat and necromancy. You won't be able to do that here in Canterlot. I said you should stick to your messenger, in this case Twilight, so unless you have any Objections I will notify Ponyville of your arrival. We have already sent out announcements explaining the Vampirism so the Ponies there won't fear you for the most part.” Luna explained. None of the squad had any objections so Luna sent the message.

“Well miss Sparkle...lead the way, We will run. Keep pace with the slowest of the group, and whoever that may be do not push yourself.” Hecarim said. They all nodded and dashed out of Canterlot. They noticed a great many groups flying, running and shadow dashing out of Canterlot as they left as well. Turns out Galio was the slowest of the group on hoof while Hecarim was the fastest. Ponyville came closer to them and was soon seen on the Horizon from ground level.