Crimson Night

“How come every time I come here at night I always find you training or something Twi?” Twilight heard for behind her. It was Rainbow Dash.

“The same reason you're always training.” Twilight said, panting as Hecarim gave her a break. Training constantly, switching off from both Necromancy to Combat training, Twilight had managed to land a few hits during their spars and she had mastered a few Dark Magic attacks. She realized Vlad must have taken the theory of his Combat Blood from the Necromancy attacks, the 'shadows' worked the same was as the Blood.

“That thing is so cool...do you know how to use it yet?” Dash asked, pointing to the scythe.

“Eh, well enough now...we've been training all day.” Twilight said.

“Well Hecarim was it? * nod * Is it alright if I take her off your hooves? I wanna make sure she knows how to use her wings.” Dash said.

“That's actually an excellent Idea, I'll just head back to the Library then, I'll stop by Rarity's to give her and Vayne that proposal.” Hecarim said.

“Thanks a lot!” Dash exclaimed.

“...at least the wind will cool me off.” Twilight mumbled as she followed her friend into the skies.

“Oh I would love to! I have a few designs sketched out of boredom already. I can refine it easily!” Rarity exclaimed.

“She made a chunk that big eh? Sure, I love working with Shadow Steel.” Vayne said.

“Thanks you two. Rarity, could you point me towards the Hospital? I want to check on Vlad.” Hecarim said.

“Just make a right at Sugar Cuba corner, can't miss it Darling.” Rarity said.

“Apparently they don't know that our saliva can heal wounds.” Vlad started with a laugh. “it took me an hour to calm the nurses down, thought I was getting a free drink.” he continued.

“Yeah...well...a Vampony in a Hospital isn't normally a good thing...” Red Heart muttered.

“Oh come on, I've advanced your Knowledge on blood disorders tenfold.” Vlad said.

“yeah I suppose you did...just try not to scare the Foals again.” Red heart said threateningly.

“How was I supposed to know making funny faces at the nurse behind their back was going to scare them?!” Vlad exclaimed.

“You bared your fangs and 'wiggled your tongue'...” Red heart said. Hecarim burst out laughing.

“See it's funny!” Vlad exclaimed.

“Not to three year olds...” Red heart said.

“Well, I can see you're fine now Vlad...Twilight's training is going well, I'll go check on Galio now.” Hecarim said, walking out.

“Come on please? I worked very hard on them.” Galio begged of Hecarim. In front of the Captain was a cupcake that looked good, but Galio had made it so she was sketchy.

“Come on silly pants! I tried them and they're amazing! They taste like rock candy!” Pinkie exclaimed, eating one of them.

“Fine...” Hecarim sighed and cautiously took a bite. She quickly ate the entire thing.

“Well my friend, you definitely learn quickly.” Hecarim said.

“Thank you.” Galio said with a grin.

“SO how's Twi doing?!” Pinkie asked.

“She's doing extremely well...we got two weeks' worth of progress done in one day.” Hecarim said. Before any could reply, there was the sound of crying.

“I got it this time!” Pinkie said and dashed off.

“What did she mean by that?” Hecarim asked.

“Well, I have a soft spot for Children. The little Cake Foals enjoy my company just as much as I do theirs.” Galio said.

“Never pegged you as a Foal guy...well Twilight definitely has more endurance than me, I'm exhausted and there's a bed Calling my name back at the Library. Good night.” Hecarim said.

“Of course, have a pleasant slumber.” Galio replied.

“So I did a tryout for the Wonderbolts today. Don't know if I'm in or not but I think I did good. Anyways, they've got a source from a Guard in Canterlot that said something pretty weird about you and Luna.” Dash said to Twilight as they rested on a cloud.

“That's great! And what'd they say?”

“Well they said you two were like together...as in they saw you totally making out.” Dash said.

“Heh...well...it went a bit further than that, but yeah we're together...” Twilight said.

“Whoa, happy ending with the Princess? Damn I need to pick up my game.” Dash said with a laugh.

“Oh shut it...I don't know, she gave me some of her blood when I fought off some Ghouls and almost died again...For some reason, ever since then I've been a bit less...withdrawn, or shy or whatever. Like I'm more confident in myself.” Twilight explained.

“Well it's the blood of the second most powerful pony in Equestria, of course you'd feel strong.” Dash said, rolling onto her back.

“It's not like that Dash. You know I hate showing off most of the time and I'm too careful to be cocky...but when I think or know I can do, I'm more sure of it now...like back there when I was sparring with Hecarim...normally I would have stayed back and tested her defenses and gone about it carefully...but I was more sure of myself an did that while going all out...I don't know if it's a good ting or a bad thing yet.” Twilight explained.

“Well it got you laid didn't it?” Dash asked. “I'd say that makes it a good thing.” she continued with a laugh. Twilight rolled her eyes, pushed Dash off the cloud and rolled off of it.

“You're an ass for that one Twi!” Dash yelled.

“I know.” Twilight called back and dashed off as the startle Pegasus chased after her.

“Are you sure Luna?” Celestia asked.

“Yes, she took out two on her own. Now she has a skilled team, she can handle a low level 1. their overall score qualifies them for a level two, nearly three, at the least. I know you will argue she is inexperienced, but she is smart and strong and is with friends...she will be fine, if not I will take responsibility.” Luna replied.

“...Fine...but only because your Captain is with her.” Celestia muttered.

“Please Tia, trust me on the strengths of my Vamponies...” Luna said.

“I do...but in just a week's time I've almost lost her twice...” Celestia said with a sigh.

“I know how you feel...that is why I am doing everything in my power to make sure she can handle it.” Luna said.

“I know...I just wish there was more that I could do for her...” Celestia said.

“Continue your letters. Ask her how she is. Be a friend, be a big sister. That's what she needs, I can only be her lover or her Boss now...” Luna said.

“But that is what I am to you.” Celestia said.

“So share the love.” Luna said. Celestia smiled.

“Right, let's hope today's training went well.” Luna said and sent the assignment to arrive in the morning as to let the team rest.

“Hecarim!” Twilight exclaimed.

“An assignment already?” Hecarim asked.

“Yes, it's a 1 though.” Twilight said.

“You've seen what Ghouls can do. Galio should too now, that scroll made Ghoul images. We can't underestimate even one. I'll gather the team, meet at Sugar Cube Corner with Galio.” Hecarim said and galloped out of the door.

Five minutes later they were standing in front of Sugar Cube Corner.

“So, what do you have?” Vayne asked.

“Level one. Two threats. Wow only a few miles away, we can make that in five minutes.” Galio said.

“Right, let's get this over with.” Twilight said.

“Be careful Everyony.” Twilight's Friends all said in one way or another.

“Be sure to come back in one piece Galio! The foals would be said if you didn't!” Pinkie yelled, earning laughs from the group.

“Vayne Darling, I will be quite bored without your company around the Boutique so same for you.” Rarity said.

“The kids at the Hospital would miss the 'scary vampony stallion' if you were to not return.” Red Heart said.

“Guys it's just a small mission, we're not going down from something that small.” Twilight said.

“Yeah, We'll be back.” Hecarim said and they took off at a fast gallop.