Crimson Night

Twilight met her new team mates and got to know them. Talon didn't like her, he thought she was weak. Claw was skeptical about how strong Twilight really was, but knew the Unicorn could wipe the floor with her anyways and was surprisingly polite. Illia was as friendly as Fluttershy, just without the shyness. This was proven when the Dryad embraced her when she greeted the Unicorn. She already knew the others and so she had a question for Luna.

“When is our next Assignment?” Twilight asked.

“We don't know. All reports state that all threats are withdrawing to an unknown location...so now I would like to have all of you train together so you know each others' abilities.” Luna said.

“I guess...so...I guess since I'm general, I'm the team leader eh?” Twilight asked.

“That would be best, but if you think someone else has better leadership skills than you it is your decision.” Luna said. Twilight nodded.

“Alright team...let's go into the caverns to train, I know just what to do.” Twilight said and began walking.

“Alright...I want all of you to attack me, this is as much training for you as it is a test for me.” Twilight said.

“You can't possibly be serious? You are a whelp, you will be crushed.” Talon said, bursting out into laughter.

“It does seem a bit unfair...” Illia said.

“Oh it is very unfair...we need a few more ponies.” Vayne said.

“Huh?” Claw asked.

“Ready when you are.” Twilight said. The group shrugged and took up ready stances. They all gaped as Twilight took her stance. She crouched lot to the ground as her Shadow Crystal Armor appeared and slid into place with a series of linear movements with a * Shink *. Moon was held in her magical grasp, ready to defend and attack.

“If I hurt any of you I'm sorry.” Twilight said as her helmet slid closed. The group charged. They smashed into nothing but each other. Vayne had stayed back and was now shooting a bolt int other air above them, Twilight deflected it and bounced off of a hanging crystal to propel downward. A quick shield spell and she smashed into the pile of her team, sending them all flying.

Talon roared and sent a torrent of flames at Twilight. Twilight stood motionless as her horn glowed dark purple. Her black flames spell shot forward as if from a launcher and quickly overpowered the normal flame. Talon cut his off to avoid allowing the dangerous flames into his mouth and dodged to the side. Vayne sent one of her large bolts at Twilight, but was utterly amazed as Twilight's new wings extended in an instant and blocked it as if it was a pebble.

With the pair of new threats to look out for, the team was more cautious. They made an organized strike from everywhere, giving her no room to escape. She didn't need it. Moon duplicated, one each to match her opponents, and blocked with every single one of them. With a flick of her tail she sent her ten friends flying into the walls. She was panting now, but the others could barely breathe.

“Wow...That was...really good. You almost...got me.” Twilight said between breathes.

“How in the hell did you do that?!” Chrysalis exclaimed.

“I practiced. And I got a little bit of inspiration for that last one from Hecarim's spectral riders...I think we all know what we are all capable of...let's have a day off.” Twilight said. She turned around and froze as she saw two ponies she never thought she'd see again. Her mother, Star Sparkle, and her father, Dusk Sparkle, were staring at her with their jaws hanging.

“I-is T-Twilight Sparkle here?” Star asked. Twilight slid her helmet open in disbelief.

“Twilight?...is that you?” Dusk asked. Twilight walked up as her armor melted back into her body.

“Yes, it is...” Twilight replied. They saw the scar on her face, and the new one on her side, and they had tears in their eyes as they caught the Unicorn in an embrace.

“”I thought Twilight lived in a small library, and I didn't know Ponyville had a palace!” Star exclaimed as she walked up to the library with her husband.

“We've never been here...maybe it was an understatement.” Dusk rationalized as he knocked.

“Yes? Oh hello. I am afraid the Library is closed due to a war meeting.” Varus said, answering the door.

“War meeting?...We're looking for our Daughter...” Dusk said.

“Who is your Daughter then?” Varus asked politely.

“Twilight Sparkle...” Star said. Varus looked surprised for a second, but quickly hid it.

“I see. Is there a way you can verify this?” he asked.

“They are her parents Varus, you have my word.” Celestia said, stepping up to the door with Luna at her side.

“It is nice to see you again Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle. Yes your daughter is here. She is downstairs training with her team if you'd like to speak to her, though be careful.” Celestia said.

“o...k? What was that weird pony doing here? And why are you two here? He said something about a war meeting...” Star asked.

“Oh, I forget you have no correspondence with your daughter...I am afraid you must ask her about it. Be wary, she is so different from that filly that took the exam so many years ago...but she is still Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia said.

“We'll...keep that in mind thank you princess.” Dusk said.

“Allow me to guide you.” Luna said.

“No princess, we can find our way. You must be busy.” Star said.

“nonsense. You are Twilight's parents. We are very...close. It would be my honor to converse with you after you meet her. Here we are, when you are ready tell her I will have her room set up so we may speak in peace.” Luna sad when they reached the stone stairs. The two nodded, looking around before descending. There were three ponies, one of them the doorman, that looked ready for battle. There were many different races enjoying the books at their leisure. They descended quickly.

They gaped at the waterfall and the crystal caverns they saw. They realized where they were, under the tree, and quickly entered the caverns and away from the ledge. Quickly they heard noises. Whether it was just 'training' or an all out battle they had no clue. They quickly found the ten on one battle and stared in awe at the amazing things the ponies were doing.

When it was over, they snapped to the Changeling queen they remembered at their son's wedding. They were surprised she was here, and was even more surprised at who she was talking to. The one that beat the other ten responded with a a voice that sounded like Twilight, but was far more rugged and matured. They eyed the floating scythes as they merged into one again and the pony turned around, they noticed a familiar mark on it.

When she froze and slid the helmet back their jaws dropped.

“So you are telling me these rumors of Vamponies and Evil zombies are true?” Dusk asked after Twilight and Luna explained everything.

“Yes, but they aren't zombies...they are intelligent, they are doing things they would normally not...it is odd, we don't know much more about them.” Luna said.

“And you are one of those Vamponies?” Star asked Twilight. Twilight nodded and explained all of her experiences, good and bad.

“Wait...so...you...and the princess...” Star started, looking from Twilight to Luna.

“Yea...you're not...mad or anything are you?” Twilight asked.

“Why would we be mad? Love is love. The only thing I am angry with you about is that you never told us sooner...we had only heard rumors of things like you dieing over and over again..we finally came here and we find they were mostly true...” Dusk said. Twilight was about to say something, but her ears twitched slightly and she grinned.

“Come on I want to introduce you to my best friends!” she suddenly exclaimed and dragged them down the stairs. The other elements had arrived. Pinkie literally tackled Galio, Rarity and Vayne embraced while Fluttershy and Hecarim shared a quick kiss. Vlad and Red Heart shared a more passionate kiss. Applejack and Dash looked closer than usual.

“Girls look! My parents came! I want to introduce you!” Twilight exclaimed, halfway down the stairs. They went through introductions and story telling for a while before Star accidentally let a question slip that she regretted instantly.

“So...you girls aren't fighting as well?” she asked. The five looked a bit solemn at that.

“Mom it's not their fault...our enemies are very, very strong. It would take an entire battalion of Day or Night Guards to fend off one Ghoul...only the Dusk Guard can fight them.” Twilight said.

“Which, according to Vayne here, you are the general of.” Rarity commented. Twilight sighed.

“Girls...if it were up to me I'd let you join if you wanted to...even though we have over a hundred of us now it's not nearly enough...” Twilight said.

“As General, it is up to you now. As long as you ask Tia or I first.” Luna said, sitting next to Twilight.

“Really?” Twilight asked.

“Yes...I will teach you the Vampirism spell...I know you love your friends dearly, but like you said...we need more strength and them alone wouldn't be enough. Tia modified the spell a little bit so you do not have to love the other to turn them.” Luna explained.

“So...you want me to recruit more Vamponies?” Twilight asked.

“in a sense...yes. Ever since they were first known there were many requests to join. Most of them would only be weak Vamponies, but some of them were truly strong. Tia and I keep track of these ones...until the enemy shows themselves I want you and your team to go about recruiting...some of your team mates may get restless, but you can handle it. I know it.” Luna explained.

“I can do that.” Twilight said.

“I am glad you no longer resent me and my sister for doing this to you...” Luna said lowly so only Twilight could hear.

“I've accepted it...but I did have a lot of anger, but that's safely tucked away until I need it...” Twilight said and kissed the princess. Her cheeks lit up when she remembered her parents were there, but they were just smiling.