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..."
Chapter 2: The Rising Tide
Soaring through the winter's night, Genevieve continued to make her escape, heading for the Empire's gates.
"Genevieve! Halt this instant!"
The bat suddenly turned slightly to see Princess Luna flying after her. Her voice was far more scratchy in this form but still vaguely similar. She shouted filled with rage and annoyance. "Why're you chasing me!? Leave me alone! I want nothing more to do with you!"
Princess Luna's horn started to glow as her eyes remained fastened onto the bat. "Yet I still have everything to do with you!"
The bat groaned heavily as it turned to face forward again with anger. "UUUUUUGH!!!"
Princess Luna attempted to incapacitate it with some spells, shooting bolts of magic consistently as she gave chase.
Genevieve dodged each and every one masterfully as she glanced back. "Hah! You'll have to try harder than that!" She cackled softly in her scratchy voice. "Do you reeeeally think this is the first time I've been shot at lady!? Try silver tipped arrows instead!" She suddenly descended down towards a series of buildings as she made her way into an alleyway, now hidden under the cover of shadow.
Princess Luna followed steadily after her, remaining on her tail until she got into the alleyway itself, now having lost sight of her.
Genevieve's voice echoed through the air. "Hunted for so many years. Do you know what that's like?"
Princess Luna touched down upon the ground. The alley was narrow and filled with boxes, almost like a maze between so many buildings.
"And yooooou think I'm going to be caught by YOU!? Some pony PRINCESS!? Don't make me laugh!"
Princess Luna's horn started to glow as a source of light. She squinted suddenly and siezed hold of something which moved in the shadows, only to find out it was a rat. She sighed heavily before lowering the creature down and continuing to trot about the alley observantly.
"I would do ANYTHING to create the world I dream of! In this world filled with ponies and magic!? Hah, I'll find a way...."
Princess Luna paused as she glanced about momentarily. "Which is why I must stop you. I could tell you wouldn't give up after failing just this once. You have lived in your world for far too long to let this go that easily. I remained stubborn for over a thousand years afterall."
"Well at least you give me that much credit! Why can't you just walk away Lady? Leave me be! My world isn't your own!"
Princess Luna glanced about in frustration. "Because I told you Genevieve. I am the only one who possesses the power to move the moon! My sister and I control the night and day! Nopony else! You are far too dangerous to be left alone in a world filled with magic!"
"You said you understand my feelings more than anyone right? Then why can't you let me go? Do you really know what it's like where I'm from? To be forced to live only at night? To be a vampire? With the Moon Magic I can do so much more! Can't you see!?"
Princess Luna suddenly grabbed hold of yet another rat, frowning at it in frustration as she tossed it aside.
"Let me go! Let me find a way to create my own Moon Magic! You will never have to hear from me again Lady!"
Princess Luna wore no expression as she continued to trot about the alley cautiously. "You and I both know I cannot allow that."
There was a drawn on moment of silence as Genevieve questioned Princess Luna. "Do you plan to kill me then?"
Princess Luna staggered at the use of the word. She came to an abrupt halt, suddenly looking shocked at even the emphasis of it. "O-Of, of course not! I would never do such a thing!" She stomped a hoof. "Despite all this! We will find another way to deal with you!"
There was yet another moment of silence before Genevieve spoke again, her words more sincere. "You know Lady, I have a soft spot for you. When I heard that you had the Moon Magic, I thought you'd really understand. But you and I, we aren't the same. I see that now."
Princess Luna raised a brow as she continued to trot about in the dark alley. "What do you mean?"
"In my world, the night is all I have. It is all I know. I am no princess, and I am vulnerable every day. Even here. In this world filled with magic, ponies, and who knows what else. It's kill or be killed. I would do more for an eternal night than you ever could."
Princess Luna flinched in momentary reaction to the claim. She muttered in offense, "You're really testing my patience Genevieve."
"As you are mine. Why do you think you can't find me Lady? Do you really think I'm that easy? That I'm this child you always claim."
Princess Luna's expression sunk gradually. "I can tell you have a lot of growing up to do. Despite your supposed age, child."
"I really like you. For a thousand years plus you sure are sassy! But you're far too complacent!"
Princess Luna continued to trot cautiously about the alley, eyeing numerous corners for any sign of the bat.
When suddenly Genevieve emerged from behind Princess Luna and the vampire's voice had returned to its normal softer tone. "How can you expect to win if you don't know about vampires?" As without a moments notice she strode past Luna's side and sunk her teeth into the mare's neck. Princess Luna's eyes snapped wide as she was frozen in shock, while Genevieve didn't hesitate to take advantage of that.
As she'd gathered her senses, Princess Luna immediately disappeared in a poof of smoke through teleportation as she stood a few feet behind the vampire and pressed a hoof over her bleeding neck. "W-What did you do!?" Princess Luna questioned, breathing heavily.
Genevieve turned as she smiled softly at the princess and wiped her lips with a thumb. "You did say you have the Moon Magic afterall."
Princess Luna's eyes went wide with realization as she looked upon the vampire child in dread.
Genevieve shrugged absently as she tilted her head to the right in amusement. "I'm kidding. If I really thought it were that easy to do I would've gotten the jump on you in the castle. I was just curious how you tasted. Never had magical blood before. Kind of sweet."
Princess Luna wheezed as she took a trot back and swiped a few boxes at the vampire with telekinetic magic.
Genevieve chuckled as she simply sidestepped those boxes with ease. "Feeling dizzy? You should! Of course you probably wouldn't know that." With what appeared to be a single step, she practically drifted, swiftly positioning herself right in front of Princess Luna.
Princess Luna staggered back further as she flinched.
Genevieve peered straight into those diamond blue eyes as she smiled. "Just like you probably don't know about this." And with a swift spinning kick she sent Princess Luna flying back and crashing into numerous crates and boxes before slamming into a wall.
Princess Luna wheezed while still holding her neck, now laying on her side as she looked at the vampire. B-But she's so small....
Genevieve continued smiling at her as she had her hands behind her back and leg raised in that same kicking position.
Princess Luna felt her body ache due to the sheer impact of the blow she'd received. How can she possess so much strength?
Genevieve chuckled a little. "Our bites pack quite a-"
"AUNTIE LUNA!"
Princess Luna and Genevieve immediately looked up towards the rooftops.
Swiftly descending down in front of Luna was Princess Cadence as her horn shined brightly like a glowing beacon and she didn't hesitate to let off violent blasts of magic straight towards the vampire. "How dare you harm her and my husband you monster!"
Genevieve's eyes widened as quickly and masterfully she dodged each blast of magic, propelling herself into a series of flips while using the walls and boxes to her advantage as she spun around one particular corner. In the next instant a tiny bat could be seen flying off and away.
Princess Cadence looked towards the skies as she spread her wings and focused on the bat. "Don't let her get away!" She immediately rose and followed the vampire's path as now at her sides was a series of crystal guard pegasi all with their lances unsheathed.
"Princess Luna!"
As Princess Luna laid on the ground she tiredly glanced back to catch sight of Shining Armor approaching. "S-Shining Armor?"
Shining lowered his frame as he raised her head with a hoof. "Are you alright!? Just one moment!" He closed his eyes and concentrated, enveloping her with his magic as it wrapped around her momentarily like a blanket, gracing her with a soothing comforting warmth.
Princess Luna eventually rose as she shook her head and still held her neck. "Thank you Shining."
Shining scratched the back of his mane. "Always knew those First Aid spells from the Royal Guard would come in handy someday."
Princess Luna glanced back at him. "That they did. Now I must catch up with Cadence before she does anything too drastic."
Shining Armor frowned at her in question. "Princess Luna, I'm pretty sure Cadence has that creature on the run."
Princess Luna's expression sunk worriedly. "Which is exactly why I'm worried."
Princess Cadence snarled fiercely as her horn continued to glow vibrantly. "DON'T THINK YOU'RE GETTING AWAY!"
Accompanying her was her crystal guards who all had their lances pointed towards the bat.
Genevieve flapped her wings as she glanced back at Princess Cadence in curiosity.
Princess Cadence however didn't let off another blast of magic and instead seized her with telekinetic magic.
Genevieve froze abruptly in the air and flinched as she'd suddenly looked overcome with panic. H-Huh!?
Princess Cadence growled as she slammed into her fully with her body, sending the bat plummeting down towards the pavement.
Genevieve slammed against the stone tiles, as she attempted to push herself up with her bat wings, struggling to do so.
Princess Cadence along with her guards landed on the ground before they steadily began trotting up towards her. Cadence spoke with a hint of passive rage. "You attacked my home, took my husband, assaulted my Aunt! Stay down!"
In a poof of smoke Genevieve suddenly turned back into her ordinary self as she held her ribs and attempted to stand.
Princess Cadence gave the vampire an unforgiving glare. "If you are as ancient as you say, then you will have plenty of time to think about what you did in the dungeons. Auntie Luna and I will ensure you never reach outside the city walls again. This is your home now."
Genevieve turned as she smirked tiredly at Princess Cadence. "I beg to differ, Pony Princess."
Princess Cadence's eyes widened suddenly as her guards all surrounded her instead and pointed their lances at her.
Genevieve smirked as she wiped some blood from her lips. "Ponies versus Ponies! Haha, it's so convenient being me!"
Princess Cadence's face darkened gradually as suddenly with a burst of magic, she sent her own guards back a few feet with a bright blue bubble barrier spell. She then glared at the vampire as her mane rustled with the wind. "You were saying?"
Genevieve's hair rustled in the wind as she had one arm wrapped around herself while she looked upon Princess Cadence in surprise and shock at how strong she actually was. Her expression became more serious then as the guards she controlled all stood.
Princess Cadence continued to glare at the vampire. "Hide behind my loved ones all you want. I will show you what I can do."
