Chapters Chapter 1: Followers of the Night
Night, night was always so calming, so peaceful, even with the noise of the town all around night was just always calmer somehow. Collecting his thoughts the unicorn stallion continued on through the town of Ponieville, his coat was a deep orange only a few shades above brown, his mane was such a deep black that it blended into the night almost perfectly. His eyes were deep purple, and his cutie mark was a lite turquoise blue phoenix bird.
He stopped and looked at his reflection in a shop window, no matter how many times he saw himself he couldn’t help but think how strange he looked.
“I guess that's the down side if being a vampony , your fur as they say is 'touched by the night'. Lucky for me I've always liked night.” He mused as he looked up and gazed at Luna's moon.
He continued walking, taking in the sights and sounds of the town at night. Ponieville was still small by most standards, even though it had almost dubbed in size since Convergence. A memory came over the unicorn as he remembered that day like it was yesterday, even though it had been fifteen years ago.
--15 years ago--
It was the day myth became reality, story into life, and fear into terror. Vamponies, once the stuff of legends, used in scary story's to keep little foles from wandering off too far, now became very real. No pony knew where they came from, just that they seemed to appear almost everywhere at once. The first towns hit were nearly all converted, this included Ponieville. Ponies screamed and ran in all directions as Vamponies descended on their prey, one such pony was a teenage unicorn with orange fur and yellow mane. He ran as fast as he could trying to make it anywhere that wasn't here, but try as he might no earth pony or unicorn could outrun an air born pegasus.
The pegasus tackled the unicorn crashing into a small pile of empty barrels, looking up the unicorn saw his attacker for the first time face to face, a pegasus mare with dark green fur and ice blue eyes that could even freeze Celestia. The mare cracked a wide grin reveling her fangs, with out a word her plunged into the unicorns neck biting deep. The last thing the unicorn remembered was the cold feeling of life leaving his body, or so he thought.
--Present--
“Hey Night Shade, you gonna stand there all night or something?”
Night Shade came out of his memory, he realized he was now standing in the market center, he was also standing almost muzzle to muzzle with an obnoxious brown earth pony.
“No Lightning Strike, I was just thinking how nice it would be to see you again.” Now buck off.
“Oh I'm sure you were, so you hear the big news?”
Night Shade just looked at him.
“Guess the Blood Wings finally stepped on one too many hoofs, the entire hunter army is heading to Manehattan.”
“Dear Luna, its gonna be an all out war!”
“You's think so, but apparently both Shadow Fang and Moon Wind are throwing there support in, its gonna be a 3 to 1 battle, isn't that sweet!
Night Shade facehoofed.
“How is slaughter of a whole clan and city 'sweet'? Its terrible.”
“Maybe to a-”
Lightning Strike never finished his sentence, as a pony sized turquoise phoenix landed very heavy on his head. A few others around glanced at the bird, but seemed to pay it no mind. Night Shade softly chuckled as his familiar, Star Light, simply hopped off the now flattened Lightning Strike and onto Night's back, shrinking down to the size of a normal phoenix in the process.
“I hate that bird.”
Star Light just stuck its tong out at Lightning.
“Really? Because I love him.” Night retorted as he turned back to nuzzle the bird.
Star Light gave a little coo before disappearing into a vapor of the same lite turquoise color.
Lightning grunted as he got back up, he growled at Night Shade while baring his fangs before walking off.
“Trouble with Lightning again shurgercube?”
Night turned to see Applejack, the earth pony walked up to him with a half grin on her face.
“Its nothing new, its vamponies like him that give the rest of our kind a bad name. Well aside from you know what.”
“Now y'all don't be so hard on him, hes just' angry because what happened back then.”
Both were quiet for a moment, Lightning had been abandoned by his sire just after being converted, it was rare but it happened some times. The bond formed from being converted was strong, to the point it was considered somewhere between parents and lovers. And for some pony to have lost that bond with their sire almost immediately, it was hard to descried, but Lightning knew this feeling everyday of his immortal existence.
“Still, if he wasn't so mean perhaps somepony could get close enough to help, maybe even be his friend.”
Night looked at Applejack, his words striking a cord with her. She remembered when a certain purple unicorn had come to Ponyville, who was also in need of friends.
“So why don't y'all go n' try bein' friends with him?”
“Like you said, hes angry. And after the first time we met, I doubt he wants to be my friend anyway. Better to let him vent his frustration on somepony who can stand him then some helpless filly.”
Applejack just rolled her eyes.
“Just remember, an't no pony gonna fix something for ya', some times ya just gotta' go fix it yer self.”
With that Applejack left the square heading off to tend to some other business at hoof. Night Shade knew she was right, but he wouldn't be able to help, not directly. The first time he and Lightning met he discovered why he took the name 'Lightning Strike', anything (or pony) he bucked hard enough was hit with lightning. Shrugging off the memory of that meeting, and how much it hurt --lightning really packed a punch. He walked up to a stand, and purchased a brown bag from a blood red unicorn.
Night Shade was sitting on a small hill just outside of town, he opened the bag he bought earlier, and levitated out a blood pack. Drawing his fangs he bit down into the plastic holding his meal, he sucked the pack dry in seconds, pulling out another one he glossed over the label.
Blood pack:
Type: B+
Breed: Pegasus
Gender: Mare
He preferred 'O Positive', but as it was a rarer blood type he could only get a hold of it every once in a while. The only thing he was really picky about was the gender, while some thought it silly he didn't like stallion blood. He once described it as the difference between fresh or re-heated hay fries, both are fine and edible, but like fresh hay fries mare's blood was just better. Having finished his third and last pack Night laid down in the soft grass, it was nice just feeling the grass under him, the cool breeze ruffle his mane. Vamponies had heightened senses including touch, to him that made the simple things like laying on the grass all the better.
Twilight was just beginning to peak over the horizon, Night Shade got up and headed back to town, by now most vamponies were getting inside and locking there houses up to keep out the painful sun. Unlike the story’s of old, vamponies don't combust in sunlight, it was more like radiation, while not deadly immediately it would kill a vampony eventually. He came to his small house near the outer edge of the new part of the city, unlocking the door and stepping inside he was greeted with silence. Living alone had its benefits, but differently had more drawbacks. Moving quietly he made his way to the basement, most vamponies preferred underground as the sun could never reach them and kill them in their sleep.
As Night Shade climbed into the large bed, he couldn't help but feel a bit sad as to how empty and silent his home was.
“I should go see them tomorrow night, its been a couple of weeks since I've seen them last.”
With that Night Shade curled up in the soft blanket before drifting off the sleep, he would be up early that evening to catch the train to Canterlot, and see his 'parents'.
Author's Note
And this is me trowing my hat into the ring of "lets write things on the internet"
[Edit: made some formatting edits I didn't notice the first time I uploaded this]
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Chapter 2: Where we are, and where we've been.
The train from Ponyville to Canterlot rumbled along its tracks, cutting through the night. The trip was only about forty or so minuets flat out, but tonight it felt like the train was dragging, taking its sweet time. Eventually the train came unto Canterlot station, even at this hour the station was busy with ponies and vamponies going about their business. Night Shade walked through the small crowd of ponies, he came out of the station into the Canterlot night. The city was almost as busy at night as it was in the day, after all it was the capital of both Equestria and most of the vampony clans.
Vamponies were creature born from the night, so it only made sense that after convergence and becoming part of Equestria they would establish their capital with the goddess of the night, Luna. Thinking back Night could remember those first few weeks after convergence, Luna and Celestia were ready to fight, only to have the vamponies declare Luna there queen. Needless to say things were confusing at first, but after accepting her new tidal as 'Queen of the Night', Luna was able to bring most of the vamponies in line.
Night Shade came to a large statue of Luna standing in the center of a large square, he looked at it for a moment. He made his way to the opposite side of the square, the Luna statue sat in the center of a rebuilt area of Canterlot, the new vampony district. Night came to a familiar building, the one where he had lived during his stay in Canterlot before going back to Ponyvill, where his parents lived, or rather his sire.
--Ponyville 15 years ago--
I'm dead, right?
His mind was blurry, he tried remembering what had happened. The last thing he remembered was a dark green blur, pain, then nothing.
Yep I'm officially dead, but if this is Celestia's afterlife, why is it so dark? Or maybe I went to Luna, I always did like the night a little better after all. But... I don't feel dead, or... how would I know what death feels like? And what is that taste? It kinda taste like... blood!
The unicorn cracked his eyes slightly, it was dark still, but he could make out the shapes of buildings, Ponyvill? He felt weak and hungry, he tried to move but something held him in place. His mouth felt dry, he tried to move his tong to alleviate some of the dryness, but he only pinched his tongue on his fangs,
WAIT? WHAT!!!
Panic filled him with adrenalin, looking around he could clearly see that he was still in Ponyvill and the dark green mare was lying next to him, her foreleg and wing draped over him almost protectively. He struggled again trying to escape, the foreleg draped over his body held him closer the the pegasus mare, while her other hoof began to stoke his mane.
“Shhhh. Calm down, your safe.”
Ya right, buck you!
“Language!”
Now that got his attention, how did she hear what he had been thinking?
“Vampony powers, now calm down or no dinner for you.”
Her voice was now sounding more like a mothers, this was just getting creepy. But seeing as he really didn't have the energy to fight back, he really didn't have much chose in the matter. Just as he was beginning to collect his thoughts a pegasus stallion came around the corner to where the two were laying.
“Hows the new addition?” Questioned the stallion, hes coat was dark blue with a solid black mane and lime green eyes.
“Better, hes finally staying awake.”
Finally? Was I awake before? Wait, can both of them read minds? If that's true I'm totally screwed.
The blue stallion looked down at the unicorn and raised an eyebrow.
Yep...
“Anyway, can he walk yet?”
“I doubt it, just put him on my back. Besides if he could he would just run off once I let go of him,” She looked down, now talking to the unicorn directly. “And I don't need to read minds to know that.”
The unicorn was suddenly wrapped in a dark blue magic, he looked around trying to see where the magic was coming from, then he realized it was coming from the pegasi stallion.
What in Equestria?
“All vamponies can use magic, even if they are earth pony or pegasi.”
Well that's a game changer, he thought as he was lifted onto the mares back. Once they had him situated the two of them began to walk elsewhere in Ponyville, but not before the two pegasi shared a quick kiss.
Who are these two?
Looking back the stallion grinned.
“Oh it seems we forgot to introduce ourselves I'm Storm Shadow, and this is my wife Emerald Dust.”
Storm and Emerald were now walking down the main road of Ponyville, the deserted main road of Ponyville. There wasn't a single pony else to be seen, nor were there screams of panic from earlier. The trio walked past a shop, and for the first time the unicorn could see his reflection. He no longer had his brilliant orange coat, instead now the orange was much darker it almost bordered on brown. His previously golden mane was now so black it almost disappeared into the night, his eyes were still the same, a deep shade of purple, but all this paled in comparison to what he didn't see, his cutie mark.
I know your listening, what happened? What did you do to me? And why...
“Why are you missing your cutie mark?” Emerald finished his thought. “The exact details are complicated, but the simple explanation is this: your a vampony now.”
Thank you captain obvious, but that's a bit too simple, I'm not a foal.
“Well in a way you are,” Added Storm. “From a vampony standpoint your only a few hours old, to put it simple terms, becoming a vampony is in a way a rebirth. That's why your old cutie mark is gone, your essentially a whole new pony. As for your coat and mane, it becomes darker then your original, but your mane went completely black witch is unusual.”
Dose that mean something?
“Not sure, whether it dose or not is up you you. And speaking of up to you, a lot of vamponies take a new nave after their transformation. Though you can keep your old one, its up to you.”
Looking again as they passed another shop, he looked at his reflection again. It was true, he didn't look like the stallion he use to be. Honestly it looked like his fur had been mixed with the night its self, resulting in him looking like he had a shade of the night in his fur.
Shade of the night... shade-night... night's shade... night shade.
“Night Shade, I like the sound of that.” Emerald remarked.
“It dose suit you rather well.” Added Storm.
Guess there are worse names out there... hold on, where are we going again?
“Didn't you tell him honey?” Asked Storm Shadow.
“Oops.”
Suddenly I don't like where this is headed.
“Were going to get you fed, you haven't eaten yet after all.” Emerald said looking over her shoulder.
Oh good I was worried for a second, I am really hungry after all... wait, if I'm a vampony, then... oh buck me.
Before Night could protest the trio had come to a house and let themselves in, it was an average house, except for the two mares tied up in the living room. Night suddenly felt his blood turn to ice, or at least what ever his body used for circulation. Two and two came slamming together and hit like two full apple sacks hitting him in the head. Storm had come here, over powered the mares, restrained them, then then brought them all back after meeting with Emerald. Night did not like where this was headed, he had never hurt a pony before, much less kill them, if the story’s he had herd as a foal were true, and it was starting to look like they were, they were going to have him kill the mares. Emerald walked up to the first mare, a mint green unicorn, she turned back to Night still on her back.
“Don't worry, we wont let you kill her. After all you can't feed off a dead pony.”
With that she slid Night Shade off her back onto the floor, mere hoofs from the helpless mare. Night looked at her as he somehow got his hoofs under him, her muzzle was tied off, her legs were restrained with elaborately tied rope, and a gold ring was on her horn suppressing her magic. Night could feel his mouth hanging open, he was slowly being over come by some unknown instinct, the instinct to feed. He took a few uneasy steps towards the mare, he looked her in the eyes as he mouthed the word 'sorry'. Her golden eyes went wide as Night plunged his fangs into her neck.
--Canterlot Present--
Night Shade knocked on the door to his parents suite, back before convergence he had lost both of his original parents, maybe they knew and that's why they had sired him. The door opened and a cloud of black smoke filled the door frame.
“Hi dad.”
The smoke solidify into a dark blue pegasus stallion.
“Night! Its good to see you son, come in you mother will be delighted to see you.”
Even after fifteen years it still felt a little weird to be called son, but having never known his original father there was also a comfort in it as well. They entered the large studio apartment, the wall opposite the door was one large window looking out over Canterlot, while it might seem strange for vamponies to have a lot of windows to let the harmful rays of the sun in, every window in the vampony district of Canterlot had spell infused glass that made them turn to solid stone once sunlight touched them.
“Honey we have a visitor!” Storm Shadow's voice boomed.
“Oh Luna! You know I don't like it when I don't have a chance to brush my cote before seeing other ponies! Buck where is my brush?”
“And you get on my flank for language?” Night said in a mock laugh.
Emerald rushed down the stares and ran into Night hugging him nearly at full gallop.
“OM MA GOMSH! MIGHT!!” Emerald still had a coat brush in her mouth, for getting about it in her excitement.
“I'm happy to see you too mom, can we try this with out the brush?”
Emerald tossed the brush to the side before hugging Night again.
“I'm so happy you came by! Its been too long!”
“Ya I guess it has, sorry I didn't come by sooner.”
“Well your here now, we must do something together! How long are you in town for?”
“I had really only planned for the night, but I could stay on longer if you think you can stand me.” Night added jokingly.
“Then stay the day here, tomorrow night I'm preforming a show at Canterlot stadium.”
“What? When did this happen? I called the other day and you didn't mention it.”
“Its kinda last minuet, its some kind of big rally for the hunters leaving for Manehattan after tomorrow.”
“Ya I heard,” Night looked over to Storm Shadow. “Your not...”
“No.” he said quickly. “With the other clans sending hunters, the shadow guard haven't been called up, so I'll still be in Canterlot for the time being. How ever I have heard that some of us might be transferred to other city’s, things have been getting 'hostile' again recently.” Night and Emerald sighed, even after fifteen years, and ten years after Luna ans Celestia and declared peace between pony and vampony, peace between ponies and vamponies was still fragile. Emerald waved her hoof, this was a gloomy topic and could be put off till latter.
“Enough of this dark topic, there is an orchestral group playing in the gardens tonight, lets go enjoy some nice music and conversation.”
“Sounds good to me.” Nodded Storm
“Yes lets.”
“Now just let me get my coat in order and we'll be off.”
Emerald picked up the the brush from where she had tossed it, then headed back upstairs.
“How did moms coat get so messed up anyway? Its not like she can fly in the loft.”
“Well son, wings aren’t the only way you can 'fly '.”
Night threw both hooves over his face, he unfortunately knew exactly what Storm was insinuating.
I forgot how bucking horny my parents can be, ugh.
Chapter 3: Night on the town
Chapter 3: Night on the town
Night, Storm and Emerald walked the busy streets of Canterlot night, the city seemed to have two lives now, one during the day and one at night. They trotted together taking in the sights and sounds, they passed pony and vampony alike going about their business. Night mused, no matter how many times he walked the the streets here, he still found it odd how normal everything felt in Canterlot. They passed three stallions, each of them with there noses in the air, taking no notice of 'the common rabble' around them. What Night did notice was one was a vampony, and the other two were regular ponies.
Being equally as snobby isn't something to aspire to, but I guess it just means they see themselves as equals to each other at least.
Storm and Emerald seemed to share his thoughts on the matter, They continued walking until they cam to the palace district. With vamponies now living in the city Canterlot had been rebuild and expanded into four districts, the palace district, commerce or shopping district, pony district and vampony district. The area around the palace walls had been converted into parks and common areas, one such area was a large park venue used for all kinds of performances.
Night looked around the large open area, it had been little more then planning back before he had moved to Ponyvill. Now it was a beautify and impressive area, as they entered they heard upbeat classical music coming from the group playing on a raised wooden platform. There were only eight ponies in the group, but it sounded like a full orchestra, there seemed to be a spell or two working in the background. Emerald led the group to an open spot in the grass and pulled out a large blanket from her saddle bag, they sat down and waited for the group to begin there next piece. There was a low hum of conversation around the park.
“How has Ponyvill been dear?” Asked Emerald once they were settled in.
“Quiet, Star Light only had to flatten Lighting twice this week.”
Storm rolled his eyes. “Somepony really needs to take care of that foal, hes been nearly his whole vampony life with out any kind of guidance.”
“Applejack and Generosity have been trying, but he keeps everypony at legs length. And if they try too hard, well lets just say they learn first hoof his special talent.”
Emerald shook her head. “Its sad, why anypony would abandon their charge is beyond me.”
Night put his hoof on Emeralds shoulder, as he gave her a warm smile.
“But neither of you guys did, and that's what counts. You can't control what other ponies do.”
Emerald smiled and nodded her head, music filled the park once again now, beginning with a steady string opening. Deciding to try and lighten the mood, Storm changed the topic.
“How has work been with you by the way?”
Night now turned his attention to Storm.
“Slow the last week, but I expect it to pick up again soon, a lot of the senor guild members took the contracts for Manehattan.”
Night Shade worked as freelancer for the contract guild, like the name suggests the contract guild is just that, a guild that contracts out various jobs to the ponies and vamponies they employ. Contracts can range from anything to finding a lost pet, hunting a rouge vampony, or aiding in a battle, as long as you have the bits to pay anypony can post a contract in the guild.
“I've heard guild contracts have been down all over Equestria. I hope its only for good reasons.” Storm added with a hint of concern.
“The guild go's through cycles, it will pick back up soon. But it will probably be mostly 'I lost this' or 'help me find that', I did pick up a long term contract you might find interesting.”
“Oh? Whats that?” Storm asked with some curiosity.
Night Shade's horn glowed and an ethereal chest plate formed on his body, it was light blue with a white crescent moon in the center. It was an exact replica of Nightmare Moon's armor plate, it was also now the uniform of the vampony night guard.
“Well I didn't see that coming.” Emerald said with some surprise. “So your a night guard as well?”
“Not quite dear,” Storm Shadow said before Night could answer. “We've sent out contracts to the guilds, there essentially deputy's, they carry the same authority but don't patrol or ware uniforms at all times. It helps bolster our numbers without breaking the bank.” Storm added a chuckle at the last sentiment.
“Ya, we only get payed when we actually do something, like helping with an arrest, investigation or some other work that official guards might need help with. But we can step in when needed, like if there is a fight or something, things that the guard might not normally help with.”
“Seems like a good idea,” Emerald said tapping a hoof to her chin. “But how do they know you actually did any of that?”
“There's an enchantment on the armor that records what we do when its on, both guard and deputes.” Storm explained.
“Its a good way of keeping everypony honest.” Night added.
Both Storm Shadow and Emerald Dust nodded in agreement. Now a new song began playing, everypony paused in their conversation to listen to the new piece. The song began with a solo opening , everypony gathered looked at the gray earth pony who's cello was the focus of the music. Night Shade recognized the mare from his study of vampony history, Octavia Melody. One of the oldest and most renowned earth pony musician in Equestria, it was said she learned music originally from Ludwig Von Beethoofen.
No pony spoke as the music continued, it was still a mystery even to the clan elders how an earth pony could make an instrument sing as if it were alive, but Octavia did somehow. All too soon the lovely peace came to an end, for a moment nothing but silence was heard, but it was quickly broken by loud applause from the crowd. Octavia took a deep bow, her fellow musicians followed in kind. From off to the side of the stage somepony announced that the group would be taking a break, but they would be back shortly.
Conversation began to rise up from the park once again, as the night wore on Night Shade, Storm Shadow and Emerald Dust continued taking about all manner of thing. They chatted happily, continuing to enjoy the music and each others company, only the peaking of dawn from over the horizon broke there conversation. Making it home just as the first few rays of light turned the glass to stone in the loft apartment, Night flopped onto the couch and settled down for the day.
Chapter 4: Show Time!
It was early the next night, but the entrance to Canterlot stadium was already packed full. The stadium was the second largest building in Canterlot, right after the palace it's self. At full capacity it could hold nearly the whole populations of Canterlot, and that's just what was needed. Early in the hours of dusk the hunter army of three clans had entered the city, they would rest the day here before going to Manehatten. And as a 'moral boost' hunters would be treated to a concert by Emerald Dust, one of the most sought after performers in Equestria.
On stage she dominated the crowd, she was once compared to Vinyl Scratch in the way she ruled the club dance floor, though Vinyl was probably more excited to be compared to Emerald. How ever what no pony would ever know, is that before going on stage, no matter how often she did it, no matter how big (or small) the crowd, Emerald always got what Storm Shadow had come to call 'stage wall-bouncing'.
“I can't do this! There must be over ten thousand ponies out there, and there all watching ME!”
Emerald was twitching like a fall leaf in a wind storm, she practically jumped from one hoof to the other. It was easy to see why this went past simple stage fright, and why Storm called it wall-bouncing.
“Yes and that's the point dear, their all going to be watching you and your hot flank, just remember I'm the only one who...”
“DAD! For the love of Luna and Celestia, please do not finish that!”
“What? I was just going to say 'touch'.”
“Uh huh, shuuuure you were.” Night said with an over exaggerated eye roll.
“Though if your interested I could give you some pointers...”
“SWEET MERCIFUL LUNA! DAD DO NOT SAY WHAT I THINK YOUR GOING TO SAY!”
Storm just let out a full belly laugh, Emerald was joining him but not as loudly. Night's muzzle blushed, but he tried looking as mad as he could non the less. Emerald just walked over and wrapped both of her forelegs around Night and Storm.
“Thanks guys.”
With out another word Emerald levitated a head set from a small table, and headed out on the now completely dark stage.
“You did that on purpose didn't you?” Asked Night.
“Yep, always helps your mother calm her nerves before a performance to have a good laugh.”
“So what do you do when I'm not around?”
“Oh just find something little and make it into something funny, but sometimes I just tickle her. Its really easy because she had this one spot...”
Without warning Star Light flopped down belly first on top of Storm Shadow, pinning him to the ground as if the ethereal bird was as heavy as a house. Night snickered at Star's thankful interruption, he moved to get the bird, who was now cooing happily. Night motioned for Star to get off, who hopped onto Night's back in a single fluid motion. Storm now looked up from his semi flattened position on the floor.
“I'll never understand how that familiar can have such perfect timing.” Storm noted.
“Its because hes awesome.” Night smirked.
Night, Storm and Star Light moved to entrance of the stage just in time to hear the piano opening to start Emerald's opening >>Number
“Made a wrong turn, once or twice from hanging on to tight. Bad decisions, that's alright I've got another headache again tonight. ”
With out missing a beat, an emerald green ethereal copy of Emerald appeared on her left and continued singing.
“You've been talking in your sleep, Oh Oh, thing's you'll never say to me, Oh Oh. ”
Now another Emerald appeared on the right, again picking up with out so much as a pause.
“tell me that you've had enough look I'm still around, Oh ohhhhh. ”
Now all three Emerald's on stage began singing together.
“I'm safe! Up high! Nothing can touch me! And when were broken just bits and we can learn to love again! No pain insight, your my protection. And when I'm just broken and bits, and we can learn to love again. ”
Emerald and her 'back up singers', continued there powerful hart felt preference. Everypony in the stadium sat on the edge of their sets, even Night and Storm were drawn a little closer. They both had seem Emerald preform dozens of times, but no matter how many times you've seen it, an Emerald Dust performance always hits you like the first time. As Emerald broke into the chorus again she flapped her wings now standing on her hind legs, the duplicates followed suit. Both Night and Storm glanced at each other knowing what was coming.
“If somepony said three years from now, you'd be long gone. I'd stand up and punch them out, cause they're all wrong. So raise you glass if your wrong. ”
Emerald now flew off the stage into the air, she hung a few pony heights in the air as the next few line came out softly.
“Cuz where there is desire there is gonna' be a flame, where there is a flame someponies bound to get burned. Just because your burned doesn’t meant your gonna' die you've got to get up... ”
Everypony was focused on Emerald, no pony saw the two pony thick ring of Emerald's materialize on the stage just below the real Emerald's hoofs. But every pony knew when there voices joined in.
The first ring joined in. “...and TRY.. ”
The Second. “...TRY...”
“...TRYYYYYYAYAYAYYYYYYY!!!” Now every Emerald on stage was singing at full volume, the effect was grater then any sound, or acoustic system could ever hope to match. The crowd now moved to their hind hoofs and applauded loudly, but Emerald's singing still soared high above the clamor.
Emerald landed at the 'front' of the ring of Emerald's, they all continued to sing out the rest of the song, not nearly as loud, but the effect was still as strong.
“I'm safe! Up high! Nothing can touch me! And when were broken just bits and we can learn to love again! No pain insight, your my protection. And when I'm just broken and bits, and we can learn to love again. ”
“Ohhhh Ohhhhhhh Ohh. Ya got to get up and try... try... try... ”
With the last note the stadium fell into darkness, barely a breath passed before the entire stadium erupted into applause. The sound could be heard several blocks away, but this was how Emerald's shows normally went. Back stage Night and Storm added there own applause, realistically Emerald couldn’t hear them over the packed stadium. But as one of the ethereal Emeralds appeared behind them, wrapping them both in a tight hug, they knew she heard them over anypony else.
The ethereal Emerald disappeared as the next number began, Night looked back to Emerald on stage as she broke into a more energetic number. In his mind he could see her cutie mark, an emerald hart with four hazy copy’s surrounding it, not what you might expect the cutie mark of a performer to be. She had told him once that it wasn't the talent that make you're cutie mark special, it was how you used it. Hearing the excited crown in the stadium, she was right.
Author's Note
Sorry about not posting anything in a few weeks
Chapter 5: Contacts and Contracts
Chapter 5: Contacts and Contracts
Night groggily opened his eyes, the room was pitch black. It took a moment to remember where he was, after the show last night he and Storm had gone with Emerald to a local bar for drinks. It was after the third 'Night Buck' (a combination of blood, vodka, and a few other things Night wasn't sure he wanted to know), that things got rather fuzzy. But between the fuzzy patches he remembered making it home with Storm and Emerald, now the question, where were they? Stretching slightly Night moved about where he was laying, it was soft if a bit lumpy. Lighting his horn he could finally see, he was on a couch. Looking around he could make out enough of the room to tell he was in his parents apartment, but again that begged the question, where were they?
Squeak squeak squeak
Night could hear a a repetitive sound from somewhere.
Squeak squeak squeak
Looking around he still couldn’t find the source.
What the buck is making that noise? It's kinda like something bounc... OH BUCK!
Realization hit like ten cups of coffee and a sack of apples.
Their bucking, now I remember why I moved back to Ponyville. OK need to get out now, comeback latter to say goodbye, but right now GET THE BUCK OUT!
Night reached out with his magic and grabbed his saddle bag, the moment they touched his back he turned into a smoke cloud. Using the shadows he phased his way threw the door (while all vamponies could use 'smoke shadow' unicorns could phase through objects using shadows), and out into the hall and away from his horny parents. Checking his saddle bag to see that he had enough bits on him, he headed off into Canterlot to occupy his time until he left latter that night.
After stopping at donut Joe's for breakfast, Night walked the shopping district for a time, not really interested in anything just admiring the different items for sale. A few hours latter Night finally tempted fate and returned to his parents apartment, thankfully as he opened the door he could hear conversation rather then shameless bucking. Storm and Emerald were sitting at the kitchen table chatting when Night walked in.
“We were wondering if you skipped town on us.” Emerald said with a teasing pout.
“You know I'd never leave with out saying goodbye, but I wasn't sticking around this evening.”
“Ya, sorry about that son. Guess we kinda forgot you were here tonight.” Storm said while rubbing the back of his head.
“Its ok, but I got to get going soon, I have work back in Ponyville.” Night lifted a small round stone out of his saddle bag, it glowed with a soft pink light. Guild members were given these enchanted stones, so the guild could alert them to contracts waiting for them.
“Ah yes, work calls, literally.” Storm noted.
“Well we wont keep you then, but you should come by more often, we do miss you.” Emerald added.
“I will.” Night said as he hugged both his parents.
With goodbyes said Night headed off to the train station to catch a train back to Ponyville, the trip back was as uneventful as the other night, with the exception of conversation around him. From what he gathered the hunters had hit Manehattan already, but there was talk about a siege, he would have to get more information when he got to the guild. As he thought about the guild he wondered who had requested him, it wasn't unusual for a contract to be for a specific pony, reputation was everything in the guild, but he didn't think he had that kind of reputation yet.
The train pulled into a busy Ponyville station, it was about midnight now and those who lived in the night were out and about now. Slowly making his way through the crowd, Night heard a lot of conversation revolving around the hunters and Manehattan. Soon he was out in the streets of Ponyville, the guild was across from the town hall in the middle of town, still a good distance away. About twenty minuets, a few distractions, and an apple latter Night walked into the guild hall, the main room was a large open room set up with benches and tables in neat rows, on the far right wall was the contract board where open contracts were posted. In the back was a long bar that took up almost the entire back wall, Night walked up to one of the mares working the bar, a pale yellow pegasus with white mane.
“Hey Stardust.”
Stardust turned to look at Night.
“Oh hello Night Shade, here about that request that came in?”
“Yep, guess with all the big timers out at Manehattan the rest of us get to have a little fun, speaking of I'm hearing some whispers about Manehattan, whats the word?”
“Seems the Blood Wings were ready, there is some magic shield up over all of their city's, we can't get in but they can't get out ether, so its a stale mate till something changes.”
“What about the ponies trapped in the city’s?”
“Not sure, I did hear something about trying to get them out, but all that talk is real hush-hush.”
“I can imagine, don't want somepony hearing that might tell the Blood Wings.” Night said with a bit of disgust. “So where the contract?” He said changing the subject.
“Here you go.” Starlight hoofed over a scroll and a small sack. “They paid half up front, guess you got to take it now.”
Night rolled his eyes. “I really hate that rule sometimes, I got stuck looking for some colts stuffed pony for three days because if it.”
Night took the scroll and sack in his magic, he opened the scroll and barely read the first line before his face scrunched up like he just ate a lemon.
“Oh buck...”
“What?” Asked Starlight a little concerned.
“Its from them... I really don't like where this is going.”
“Who?” Starlight tilted her head a little confused.
Night looked up from the scroll giving her a look of 'think', when she was silent for a moment he barred his fangs and pointed at his neck.
“Ohhh...”
* * *
Night stood in front of one building he really didn't like to go into, not because of what was inside but rather who. Heaving a heavy sigh he walked in, the air inside was warm smelled of candy and sweets. There were a few ponies milling about the shop, one was catting up a mint green unicorn behind the counter, the same mint green unicorn from back then. Walking towards the counter he decided to wait until they were done talking, he was absently looking about the shop and didn't notice somepony walk up behind him.
“So it takes a contract to make you come around here anymore.”
Night didn't even need to turnaround to know who is was.
“You know why Sweetie Drop.” Night said as he turned to look at the pony behind him, a dark cream earth pony with curly royal purple-magenta mane.
Sweetie Drop rolled her eyes. “Your the only one brooding about that fifteen years latter, besides Lyra is over it, has been for years, why are you still hung up on it?”
“You know why, still you sent me a contract, I'm assuming it's not to make small talk.”
“Hardly, come with me.”
She lead Night into the back of the shop, she waved Lyra to follow them. Lyra nodded and called over an assistant to watch the counter, the three of them made their way to the back entrance of the shop. Sitting next to the back door was a small sack, Sweetie picked up the sack and hoofed it over to Night who just looked at it with a puzzled expression. Lyra spoke up before Sweetie could explain.
“If I didn't know better I'd say you were avoiding us for... oh I don't know, ten or so years.”
Night rolled his eyes. “Are we really going to get into that, again?”
“Yes.” Both mares said in unison.
“Seriously Night,” Lyra began. “I don't hold anything against you.”
“But you should, that's what I don't get. Both of you should hate me!”
--15 years ago---
Lyra felt panic rise in her as the pair of fangs sunk into her neck, she tried struggling again but it was useless against the ropes binding her. She was able to mover her head just enough to look up at Bonbon, if she was going to die she wanted her to be the last thing she saw. Bonbon locked eyes with her, trying to give her any comfort she could. Lyra felt her body become warm and tingly, she had thought she would become cold from the loss of blood.
Lyra's eyes went wide as she felt the fangs in her neck slowly withdraw, she started to look back at the vampony that had just bit her, but she felt a hoof hold her head down as the spot on her neck where she had been bitten was licked clean. Lyra was thoroughly puzzled at this point, weren't these vamponies? Weren't they going to kill them just like in all those story's they had been told as filly's and colts? So why wasn't he? Or any of them for that matter? Lyra's mind began to spin her web of theories and ideas, maybe they didn't need to drain a pony? Perhaps they were going to be kept as a food supply? Two of them were stallions, were their intent more sexual? Or...
Before Lyra could come up with anymore theories panic swept over her again, before her the same vampony that had just fed on her was advancing on Bonbon, Lyra struggled once again. She would rather be drained then let them hurt her Bonbon, she tried to voice her protest but failed. She watched helplessly as Bonbon was rolled over onto her side, Lyra could no longer see her eyes and she struggled to move to where she could meet Bonbons gaze. With out warning Bonbon was wrapped in a field of orange magic and turned so she was looking at Lyra, nether of them had time to processes what had happened as the dark orange vampony bit down on Bonbon's neck. Bonbon's eyes were wide with shock and fear, they both locked eyes as before hoping and praying that they would survive.
Bonbon received the same treatment as Lyra, after a few minuets of feeding her neck was cleaned and then, nothing. The room was still for a moment, nothing moved and not a sound was made, until a sharp gasp came from behind Lyra and Bonbon.
“What...”
“Well I'm impressed, I didn't even need to stop you.”
Lyra looked 'down' from her position. She saw the two other vamponies who had been silent until now.
“What did... did I just...”
The voice was coming from the vampony that had just fed on on her and Bonbon, he sounded... scared?
“Yes you fed on them, its only natural.” the voice came from the pegasus stallion.
“Natural! I just hurt somepony!”
“Night Shade, try and calm down. It's necessary, for both you and them.”
That last statement caught Lyra's attention, why would it be 'necessary' for them?
“What the bucking hay are you on about?!”
“Loo--”
With out warning Night stood over Lyra and Bonbon and cast a shield spell over the three of them.
“Start explaining, NOW” Night barked.
The other two vamponies just stood a moment slightly shocked, before sitting down and beginning their story.
--Present--
“Even if we did hold something against you for then, you protected us once you were yourself again, how many ponies can say that?” Lyra countered Night's argument.
Night's ears drooped, it was an argument she had been using for sometime now, and it was starting to sink in.
“Look your a good pony, even counting what happened that day. And that's why we need your help, because you regret it and your a good pony.”
Sighing Night looked between Lyra and Sweetie Drop, ten years and they were still trying to convince him what he did that day was something 'good', ya right.
“Yes, why did you place a contract that only said 'need assistance', and you paid half up front, rather clock and dagger.”
“Look in the bag.” Sweetie said.
Night looked in the bag and found... three half eaten dirty sweet rolls. Lyra and Sweetie Drop ran one of the night time bakery and candy shops in Ponyville, despite trying to compete with Surprise Pie and the Cakes sometimes Ponyville was more then large enough now to support multiple establishments. In fact there was high demand for such shops at the moment, making the three sweet rolls in the bag even more puzzling.
“Ok I give,” Night said after a few moment. “What's up with these? Don't tell me this is about some 'dissatisfied customer'.”
“Hardly,” Sweetie replied with an eye roll. “Tell me if you smell anything odd about them.”
All vamponies could detect sent far better then even most animals of pray, taking the bait Night sniffed the rolls. Everything mostly seemed normal, except... Night sniffed again, he smelled something very fain, something that shouldn't be there. It was a sent, the sent of a pony. By its self that wasn't too add, but there was something he couldn't put his hoof on. After a few minuets deliberation and a few more sniffs to mull the sent over, it hit him.
“A stray!?”
“At lest we think so.” Lyra said with a hint of concern.
Strays were ponies living outside of pony/vampony Equestria (or just New Equestra for short), about nine years ago both Celestia and Luna ordered peaceful ponies and vamponies alike to try and find anypony still living outside the new society, while it was beleaved that most 'strays' had been found and brought into one of the more peaceful clans, one or two popped up every so often, but none in the past five years. Night thought about the ramifications of this, if there was one pony out there, it was possible there was more, ponies were social creatures, not good at being isolated.
“But why me?” Night asked. “There are still a few experienced hunters nearby, why not get one of them?”
Lyra and Sweetie exchanged looks.
“We saw her, or at least we think it was a mare, and she looked petrified...
--Last Night---
“Hun are you almost done? Its going to be light soon, you know what happened last time you got too much sun.”
“I know, I know I'm almost done. Would you gather up that trash from earlier, I'll be done by them.”
“Alright, but if you get burnt again I'm not listing to you complain all day again.”
“Or what?” Sweetie Drops poked her head out of the office.
“Or no sex.” Lyra said looking over her shoulder with a slight grin.
Sweeties ears went flat. “You wouldn't.”
“After last time, yes I would. And not just for one night ether.”
“Your evil you know that.” Sweetie glared are Lyra.
“And yet your still with me.” Lyra smirked as he began to clean up a few stale sweet rolls from earlier.
“Fine, then I wont bite you... for a month.”
Lyra froze at that.
“Now who is evil.” She said looking back at Sweetie with an equally hard glare.
“Tit for tat my dear.”
They were silent for a moment before Lyra sighed and rolled her eyes.
“Fine just hurry up will you, I would like to get home some time tonight.”
Sweetie just stuck her tong out as Lyra levitated a bag of garbage passed her and out the back door. Setting the bag down in one of the garbage can sitting next to the back door, Lyra looked up at the horizon. The sun would be up in maybe less then an hour, while not deadly to vamponies right away it still hurt them, last time Sweetie took too long to lock up she had wound up with a rather bad burn under her fur, she had complained about it for days.
Turning to go back inside Lyra thought she heard something in the ally, looking around she didn't see anypony. Flicking her ear she tried to pick up the sound again, nothing. Shrugging Lyra went back inside, unknown to her as she shut the door a shadow moved towards the bag she had just left.
“Everything's all set hun.”
“Same here, ready to get out of here?”
“Been waiting for you.” Lyra retorted with a playful boop on Sweeties nose.
Both mares giggled as they opened the back door to head home, no sooner did the door open all the way then a crash came from the ally beyond. Both Lyra and Sweetie jumped in surprise before dashing into the ally, both looked around assuming somepony was hurt.
“There.” Lyra pointed down the ally at a figure running away.
Sweetie squinted using her heightened vision to see who or what was running, the figure looked back just long enough to see what looked like the frightened face of an earth pony. The pony darted into another ally and out of sight, both mares looked around before Lyra's eyes came to rest on the bag she had taken out just a few minuets ago. It was torn open and its contents all over the ally, what stood out were a few sweet rolls just a little ways from the mess, they were farther then if they had spilled, and they had been partly eaten.
“What the hay?” Lyra asked as she cocked her head looking at the mess.
“Was, was that somepony eating out of the garbage?” Sweetie asked a little shocked.
There was no such thing as 'a hungry pony' in Ponyville, at least not in almost fifteen years. Lyra and Sweetie exchanged glances.
“A stray?” Lyra asked.
“Well it was certainly a pony, an earth pony too, I didn't see a horn or wings. And it looked a bit like a mare, couldn't see much before she made the corner.”
“So now what?”
“Grab the rolls, but don't touch them, we need her sent.”
“Are we going after her?” Lyra asked levitating three rolls in her magic.
“No, nether of us knows enough tracking, and this isn't a job for the guard, not after that one time.”
“Guild?” Lyra asked.
“Guild.”
“Most of the hunters are in Manehattan right now, but I guess we don't have much choice.”
“Actually I think we do.”
Lyra looked puzzled at Sweetie Drop.
“She's a stray, probably for the last fifteen years, the one thing I did get a good look at was her fear, and she had a lot of it. Most would probably bite her and drag her back the moment they found her, probably scare her more.”
“Right bad idea there, so what do we do?”
“I can think of one pony in the guild who would be more 'sensitive' about this, like he was fifteen years ago.”
Lyra's eyes went wide, she knew exactly who she meant.
“But would he agree to? I mean I know he's bitten since then, but a stray?”
“Unless you have a better idea?”
Lyra was silent, she didn't.
“We'll put in a contract for him in the evening on our way in, hopefully he's not busy.”
“But what if he refuses, they can do that you know.”
“Not if you pay up front.”
Lyra gave Sweetie a knowing smile.
--Present--
“...then this evening we stopped at the guild and placed the contract. We asked if you were in, they said you had gone to Canterlot but would probably be back before sunrise.” Sweetie finished.
Night had been listening intently not interrupting, after sweetie finished her story he finally spoke.
“Well I agree that telling the guard would have been a mistake, but why me again?”
Lyra sighed heavily. “Because you know what its like to be forced.”
“So do a lot of vamponies who were turned on convergence.”
“But none who's first reaction was to protect the pony they just bit.”
Night went to reply, but his argument fell short, she had a point.
“Alright, you make a convincing argument. And I do have to fulfill the contract after all, witch way did she run? I can at least start there.”
“The Everfree Forest, I know it will be a needle in a hay stack, but you have her sent, that should help right?” Sweetie answered.
“True, alright I'll see what I can do, but I'm not Luna I can only do so much.”
“We know.”
Night left out the back entrance and turned for the Everfree Forest, he could already tell it was going to be a long night.
Author's Note
Sorry for the delay with getting new chapters written, work has been all but killing me recently.
