Menace and the Moon

It was a chilly winter's night, and Princess Luna touched down in front of the Crystal Castle with a steadfast expression. She was alone, as instructed by her niece Princess Cadence who awaited her outside the castle. All was silent in the Empire, and it was awry as much as it was ominous.  Princess Luna strode through the tiled walkway up towards the castle wearing a heavy frown as Cadence hastily approached her.

Princess Cadence seemed panicked yet relieved to see Luna all the same. "Auntie Luna! You're here! Thank goodness!"

Princess Luna nodded to her plainly. "Of course I am Cadence. I would not abandon you during any such circumstance, especially one as dire as this. Please, tell me more about the creature which passed through the mirror. What has she done? What are her demands?"

Princess Cadence's expression sunk firmly as she looked towards the tiled stone pavement. There was a hollow gust of wind which passed by them as they stood in the pale moonlight. "I have instructed the citizens to stay inside their homes to avoid any danger. But Auntie Luna," Cadence looked at her with a grave expression. "The creature calls itself a vampire. I believe it is the equivalent of a vampire fruit bat in the human world! I do not know why but it requested your presence specifically Auntie Luna." Princess Cadence's eyes were now brimming with tears as she shook her head. "It took Shining Armor, it sits on my throne! It's dangerous Auntie Luna and it only tells me it will talk to you and you alone!" Princess Cadence looked as if she were on the verge of panic yet again. "I don't know what to do!"

Princess Luna took hold of her niece as she frowned heavily while wrapping a hoof around her. "Worry not Cadence. We will get Shining Armor back from whatever this vampire is. And we will deal with it efficiently and effectively no matter the cost. We are in this together."

They eventually released each other from the hug as Princess Cadence took a few trots back and wiped her eyes of tears. She smiled earnestly at her auntie as she chuckled softly, as if it were some form of reassurance for her. "Thank you so so much Auntie Luna."

With that, the two proceeded together towards the Crystal Castle. Through the awry midnight mist which surrounded them.

Once inside they were only greeted by dark halls. The Crystal Castle's primary light sources were all out as only flickering candle lights remained. The sounds of skittering insects echoed throughout the halls as they trotted towards the throne room cautiously.

Princess Luna tossed Cadence a judgmental glance as she heard the sounds of the insects.

Princess Cadence blushed momentarily as she gave Princess Luna a cheesy smile. "Uh, I've been meaning to call the exterminator."

Once they reached the throne room doors they were suddenly halted by two crystal guards. "Halt, who goes there!?"

Princess Cadence trotted ahead of Luna with a firm expression. "Your princess! Now let us pass."

The guards immediately sheathed their two lances as they looked upon both princesses with relieved expressions. "Princess Cadence! P-Princess Luna! You've arrived. We, we have done as you instructed. The creature still sits on the throne awaiting for your audience."

Princess Cadence's expression sunk worriedly. "And Shining Armor?"

The guards shook their heads. "Prince Shining Armor is still under the creature's control."

Princess Cadence glanced back at Princess Luna worriedly as Luna nodded plainly to her. She looked back to her guards before giving them the go ahead to depart. "You two make your way to safety. Princess Luna and I will handle things from here. Please wait outside the castle."

The guards saluted Princess Cadence and nodded to one another as they trotted around them and made way towards the front of the castle. They took a moment to look reluctantly back at their princesses, secretly hoping for the best before continuing on their way.

Princess Luna wore an expression of determination as she nodded to Cadence.

Princess Cadence returned the gesture and took in a deep breath before pressing through the throne room doors.

Upon entering a bright light nearly blinded the two as they found that unlike the rest of the castle, the throne room itself was still shimmering and bright, vibrant and full of color. Princess Luna and Princess Cadence had their eyes covered momentarily before lowering their hooves as they peered towards the throne which itself was covered in a dark shadow, while red eyes were locked onto them from afar.

Princess Cadence and Princess Luna each wore slight scowls as they approached the throne.

Sitting beside the throne in a daze was Shining Armor as he seemed to be lost in some sort of trance.

Princess Cadence and Luna stopped abruptly a few feet from the throne as Cadence stomped a hoof and stared at the tiny figure who sat upon it, cloaked by shadow. "We've arrived! Now tell us, what is it you want VAMPIRE! Why are you doing this!?"

Suddenly there was light chuckling which echoed throughout the entire throne room. The tiny figure leaned forward, revealing itself in the light as it was shown to be a tiny human child. She bore red eyes, pale white skin and snow white hair accompanied with sharp fangs. "Ahahahahaha! So you have Princess! So this is the Nightmare Moon I heard so much about! You're a very pretty pony Lady!"

It was at this moment Princess Luna trotted forward abruptly. "How did you pass through the portal!? Who're you!?"

The child smirked as she leaned back in the throne. "I am no stranger to magic pony! So when I tracked down the source of great magic in my world down to a very strange human, I found that she was from another world entirely." She began coursing her fingers through Shining Armor's mane absently as she continued. "I used a charm spell on her and asked her many questions. When I found there was a special magic that allows one to control either day or night, nothing would stop me from finding the source! So here I am!"

Princess Luna raised a brow at the child. "So you wish to control the day and night?"

The child leaned forward, snapping at the alicorn. "Of course I do! Are you daft? With the power to control the night I would-" but she paused suddenly before closing her eyes with a chuckle. "Oh right, you ponies don't know much about our race do you?" She closed her eyes as she spoke with a hint of smugness in her words. "Let's just say without the day life would be so much better. I can finally stop hiding, I could have an ordinary life and shape the world in my image. Give me the moon magic and I will gladly be on my way."

Princess Luna smirked a little herself as she replied. "Sorry to burst your bubble child but you won't be going anywhere."

The child leaned forward as her nose wrinkled a bit. "Child!? I am over 500 years old you pony! You are the children!"

Princess Luna and Princess Cadence looked at one another for a moment before doing a unified, "PFT!"

The child flinched as she snarled in embarrassment, flushing red in the face she put a hand upon her chest in declaration. "I-I am Genevieve Papillon! Ancient and powerful vampire and one of the last of my kind! You sit there and laugh when you know nothing!?"

Princess Luna took another trot forward as she shook her head with a sigh. "Likewise Vampire, and you know nothing of us."

Genevieve frowned with a raised brow as she leaned her head back. "Huh?"

Princess Luna lowered her head gradually. "I alone am over a thousand years old. Five hundred? That is quite adorable."

Genevieve's eyes widened exponentially as she practically froze in the throne. "A thousand years!?"

Princess Luna stared plainly up at her yet again. "And this 'Moon Magic' you seek isn't acquirable by you. But seeing as you were able to not only pass through Twilight's portal, make it all the way here, and even threaten my niece. I have much I need to concerned about."

Genevieve gave Princess Luna an angry glare. "What're you two planning?"

Princess Luna shot a steady glance at Cadence. "Now Cadence!"

Princess Cadence nodded abruptly as with telekinetic magic she seized hold of Shining Armor and pulled him from the throne.

Genevieve gasped as she looked to her right while attempting to hastily reach out to Shining as if it'd make a difference. "Hey!" She then curled her fingers in with a squint as she also took telekinetic hold of the stallion, snarling beneath her breath. "Y-You stubborn ponies!"

Princess Cadence winced as she struggled to hold onto him. "Auntie Luna!"

Genevieve was obviously growing more desperate. "Just give me the moon magic! And I'll go home!"

Princess Luna looked at Shining's jerking body in surprise for only a moment. So she even knows telekinesis? Before concentrating again and rushing towards the throne as her horn started to glow, seizing hold of Genevieve herself. "A little too late child!"

Genevieve was wrapped in a sapphire aura as she looked down at herself with a grunt. "Ugh!"

Princess Luna spoke plainly. "Little did you realize that the opportunity you took to pass into our world would only result in you being trapped here. I guess that very strange human forgot to mention that to you. Your quest was over before it even began!" Princess Luna jerked the girl from the throne as she forcefully tossed her to the right, causing her to roll across the marble ground away from Shining.

Genevieve's hold on Shining Armor broke as he was pulled into Cadence's hooves then. "S-Shining... Thank goodness."

Shining Armor began rubbing his head tiredly as he muttered in confusion, "Cadence? What's, w-what's going on?"

Princess Luna didn't deter from her target however as she trotted plainly up to Genevieve with a frown. "You came here seeking to bring your world an eternal night. I more than anypony can understand such motives. But it doesn't make them any less wrong Genevieve."

The vampire child was on her knees and pacing heavily as she had her head lowered. It was only then Princess Luna noticed how abnormally long her mane was as the girl's hair was long enough to cover her entirely. She was also quite frail and wore a ragged dress.

Princess Luna frowned. "You came this far. Please do not make things any worse on yourself."

Genevieve smirked as she was sweating profusely before giving Luna a tired glare. "You're such an idiot."

Princess Luna's eyes widened at the child in uncertainty. What!?

Suddenly Genevieve grinned as she looked straight at Princess Luna.

They stood there just staring at each other however, as there was a long moment of silence.

Genevieve's expression gradually sunk as it turned to one of confusion. "W-Why isn't it working!?" She looked down at herself.

Princess Luna's eyes saddened as she came to an understanding of what the vampire was trying to do. "It is probably because we are far more ancient and powerful than any ordinary ponies. Alicorns much be beyond even your control. Now come with me."

Genevieve began digging her fingers into the marble ground as she bit her lower lip in rage and frustration.

Princess Cadence pressed forward as she now stood beside Princess Luna. "Thank you Auntie Luna for clearing up this issue. So this child is an ancient creature who wished to plunge her world into a state of eternal night? We will ensure she remains locked in the dungeons." She addressed the vampire herself now. "Your selfish quest should've been more thought out before calling my Auntie here Vampire."

Genevieve muttered the words in a broken manner. "Is it true? Is it true that you alone possess the moon magic in this world?"

Princess Luna replied tiredly with a look of pity. "Yes, no matter what you yourself cannot possess this magic."

Suddenly Genevieve nodded. "I see." And with a poof, the child had disappeared in a vale of smoke. "As if I'd believe that!"

Princess Cadence's and Luna's eyes widened in shock as they glanced around hurriedly while Cadence questioned, "Where did she go!?"

Shining Armor who tiredly laid upon the ground after being controlled for so long called out to them. "U-Up there!"

Princess Luna and Cadence turned to see where he was pointing as they then looked towards the ceiling. There fluttering away hurriedly and making its way out the throne room doors was a small black bat flapping its wings, making for a hasty retreat.

Princess Luna suddenly spread her wings with a determined glare as she immediately rose to chase after the bat.

Princess Cadence reached out to her. "Auntie Luna!"

Princess Luna glanced back swiftly. "You concentrate on helping Shining Armor! I will chase after the vampire!"

With that Princess Cadence lowered her hoof as looked on with worry while Luna flew off. "Auntie Luna..."