Crimson Night

The second Luna arrived at the Palace, the doors burst open and Celestia nearly galloped towards her.

“Luna! What happened? Is Everypony Alright?” Celestia asked frantically.

“it really was an Ursa Major...one on a rampage. I sent some of the guards to investigate why the Ursa was so infuriated. And Nopony died, though there were a few injured.” Luna said.

“What about Twilight? And the other Elements? Oh lord Luna, is that blood on your coat?” Celestia asked, pointing to her shoulder where there was indeed a dried splotch of red.

“yes it is...Everypony is, or at least will be soon, fine.” Luna said.

“...Whose blood is it?” Celestia asked weakly, scared for the answer.

“...Twilight Sparkle's...” Luna replied. Celestia gained a horrified look, and would have bolted straight for Ponyville if it weren't for Luna's reassuring hoof on her shoulder.

“from what the elements and other ponies said, Twilight took charge almost instantly...she had Rainbow Dash fly here as fast as she could, having already put spike in a safe place, and had Rarity and Applejack gather and help protect the other citizens and foals and such. She had Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie take care of the injured...and then lured the beast near the Everfree...she was already hurt, but it was minor...but then she got really hurt...I suspect she was gathering her magic, the scream was amplified...” Luna said, a few soft tears flowing down her cheeks. Celestia's tears were greater though.

“That was Twilight?!” she asked in horror.

“Yes...she received wounds on her flank, along her ribs and her face...they were very potentially lethal wounds...but even in such a state, she managed to somehow beat the Ursa...we saw it flying through the air in our approach...when I got there, I took her to her friends and I helped Fluttershy stitch and clean the wounds...after that I used some of my old healing spells to finish healing the wounds and remove the scarring on all but her face...” Luna explained.

“Why didn't you just heal her in the first place? And why leave the scar?” Celestia asked, barely holding back a sob.

“My spell is designed to speed up the healing process...it would have been a deformed healing and cause even worse scarring and possibly extended injuries...and the size and placement of the scar on her face makes it too risky to remove...it involves moving the scar, so to speak, to under the coat where normally years would leave it...but there are too many vital points too close to the scar that doing so may damage, like the nerves in the eyes or even parts of the brain...but she is fine and will recover in a matter of days.” Luna reassured.

“Oh thank the heavens...you can't possibly know how grateful I am to you...losing her would be like losing you all over again...” Celestia said.

“I would have grieved just as great for her loss...I am very glad I was able to save her.” Luna said.

“I know Luna...” Celestia said, taking a deep breath to regain her composure.

“so how did the Negotiations go?” Luna asked.

“Well...we were already coming to an agreement when you left, so I've been waiting for your return while seeing them off and stopping the press from spreading rumors...where is your night guard, besides the investigation team?” Celestia said, and finished with a question.

“I ordered many of them to help the ponies of Ponyville...a town that small does not survive an Ursa Major rampage without taking heavy damages...” Luna said.

“...Right...I'm going to visit as soon as possible...I need to help them and give them courage...” Celestia said.

“That would be a good idea...I should also apologize to them for coming late...but I heard rumors of Twilight being a Hero...” Luna said.

“Really? She deserves it...a Major would have been a bit of trouble for you or I...and she handled it all by herself?...I will need to get her account of it...” Celestia said.

“Indeed.” Luna replied. Suddenly there was a burst of green flame and a letter appeared. Celestia and Luna looked at each other and quickly opened it.

“Twilight is awake Already?...Spike said she's freaking out about something...Oh dear...Luna, can you please go?...no matter how bad I want to help her, you helped save her life and I still have a lot to do here...I may have made it worse by storming out here like I did...” Celestia said.

“I will go, I was planning on going back...I just came to tell you everything in person.” Luna said.

“Thank you. Go quickly.” Celestia said, her voice full of worry.

“Ugh...” Twilight groaned as she stretched.

“Twi?!” six voices exclaimed, startling the Unicorn slightly.

“What's going on?” Twilight asked weakly, still sore all over.

“Twilight you almost died...if it wasn't for Princess Luna...” Fluttershy started.

“I did?...is the Ursa gone for good?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, some night guards went to go check it out and they found it had run away where it landed...in it's den they found that Minor we fought a while ago, it's kid, and it was dead...the Major must have blamed it on us, but it died of disease...” Dash explained.

“So that's why it rampaged...is Luna still here?” Twilight asked, moving the covers aside to get up, but it was hard and it took the support of AJ.

“Whoa Sugar cube...did yuh get taller? Ah didn't know yuh had that much meat on yer bones...an' she left to go tell Celestia what happened.” Applejack explained.

“Huh?” Twilight said, and then looked herself over. She still saw the faint scarring of her wounds, and could feel something on her face.

“Guys she's fine, she needs to rest now...Twilight, get some sleep...we'll be at the town hall helping some of the other ponies if you need us.” Fluttershy said and had everypony leave except spike, she had to resort to the stare with Dash.

Twilight quickly limped over to the mirror, her leg still hurting. She froze when she saw the scar. It was sticking out, yet it blended in. it almost seemed like it was natural, like a birth mark, but far more sinister. She felt something else on her face and looked closely. Specifically her teeth felt weird and she tasted unfamiliar magic. She overpowered the spell, and gasped as fangs extended.

“W-w-what is this? T-the height...the Toning...t-the fangs?...it even looks like my coat is darker! What's happening to me?!” she exclaimed, frantically backing away from the mirror and crashing into her night stand.

“T-Twilight calm down! You're still hurt!” Spike exclaimed, trying to calm the Unicorn. But it wasn't working, so Spike quickly penned a letter and sent it.

Spike had finally managed to calm Twilight enough to the point where she was just sitting on her bed, trembling, when there was a flash of blue. It startled both of them, but they both sighed in relief when it was Princess Luna.

“Princess! What's happening to me do you know?” Twilight asked hopefully.

“Yes I do. Spike, I am sorry to keep you in the dark...but there are some things that are for Twilight's ears alone...I won't force you, but I plead.” Luna said.

“...Fine...will I be in the dark forever?” Spike asked.

“That's not up to me.” Luna said. Spike just sighed and left the room. Luna locked the door and put a sound block on all the walls.

“Princess? is...is something wrong with me?” Twilight asked fearfully.

“No...no...nothing wrong...only different...Are you aware of the term 'Vampirism'?” Luna asked.

“Nothing more than myths...” Twilight replied, confused.

“They aren't Myths. Well, some of them aren't...anyways, I will start this by simply stating the truth...you are a Vampony, and a Pureblood at that.” Luna said.

“Vaompony?...Pureblood?” Twilight asked.

“Back before my banishment...Vampirism was designed by Celestia and I to be a curse for our enemies...but we soon found it only strengthened them, so we eliminated it's use. Later, we recreated it as a Blessing. It was dubbed 'the Dark Gift' or 'the Lunar Blessing' for the Night Guard.” Luna explained.

“Wait...so that's why they look like that...but wait...if they DO look like that, does that mean?” Twilight started.

“No no...they are simple changes in appearance to uphold traditional looks...anyways, Vampirism gave the night guards an edge that the Royal Guards did not have...many thought themselves superior so we stopped the practice...but we brought it back under one condition. Vampirism was almost completely of my own design, but Celestia helped remodel it into what it is today. The condition would be the need for blood, to dissuade most from accepting it...they were the special guard. But the power was abused one time too many and once again we eliminated it.” Luna went on.

“Did you bring it back again?” Twilight asked, temporarily forgetting she had the same 'affliction' in favor of the pursuit of knowledge.

“Yes..once more before my Banishment...Immortality is lonely...I wanted to keep those close to me alive for longer with the Vampirism, but that would be too selfish...Celestia agreed, but modified the idea some time later...it granted immortality, but the only way the Vampirism can be transferred, is if you truly love the other pony...” Luna said, finishing so softly Twilight was surprised she could hear her.

“I get it...you didn't want hundreds of immortals hungering for blood walking around...” Twilight said. Luna nodded. Twilight thought about her own Vampirism, and what Luna had implied, but decided to get a few questions off first.

“So...what parts of the myths are true?” Twilight asked.

“Well your strength is magnified, as are your senses...your sight at night is greatly improved, you can call upon dark magics with much training, you will have a minor kindred with nocturnal creatures...that's all I can think of off the top of my head...” Luna listed off.

“What about the whole uncontrollable blood thirst, or the sleeping in coffins...or the turning into bats?” Twilight asked.

“I'll explain the Blood part later. The Coffins thing is completely false, though based off of the fact that Vamponies tend to stick to darkness a bit more. Most seem to be 'Gothic' after turning so that may contribute. And for the bat part, that ties into the Blood. Oh, your speed will be magnified greatly, and your strength includes jumping and other such actions.” Luna explained.

“But I don't feel fast at all...in fact I feel terrible, and I can only see normally.” Twilight said.

“That's where the blood comes into play. We modified it so a Pureblood would not need Blood to live. But without it, you will be weaker than originally and the only advantage you will receive is an extended life span, but not immortality. Blood is like your power...drinking it will allow you to tap into your Vampiric powers. In order to achieve the most power, you will need to drink once every month. Drinking in between will simply give you a boost, or if you are exhausted or injured it will heal you.” Luna continued to explain. Twilight took a few moments to soak it all in.

“What's a Pureblood?” Twilight asked.

“A Vampony of pure origins...there have been many who have created abominations that give the race a bad name...Though a simple blood transfusion would yield similar results, it's just not the same.” Luna said.

“I see...so...about that...you said...Vampirism can only be given to those you truly love?” Twilight asked cautiously.