Cold Hearts Never Thaw

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9

Chapter 1

The sharp hiss of sliced snow would resonate through the quiet of the night, the moon setting an eerie glow on the slopes that stroked the Crystal Mountains. A quiet wind whistled through the peaks, broken only by the sound of a soft grunt. Flying over the peaks, was a solid lump of white, or what looked like it was a lump, but there was a gleam of blue, and the eyes would narrow in focus, as the white being would center itself, before bracing for the landing. There was a thud, and the snow began to fly as a single cry called out.

"Whoooooohoooo!" It was male, and it was filled with joy. The clouds parted and the lump of white could be seen clearly as it skid to a halt, panting softly in its own adrenaline. A stallion the color of freshly fallen snow stood looking around, shifting his skis and chuckling.

"Aw dude...that was awesome! I haven't gotten that much height in years! I must be really out of it after all..." He said, pushing his white and cyanish gray mane from his face, sweat beading down his temple. He paused, a frown forming on his face as he looked back at his cutie mark, three solid blue snowflakes. He remembered a time when he had lived with an equality sign on his rump, a false symbol that was given to him. His brow knitted and he shook his head. "Naw...Starlight's changed...she isn't like how she used to be..."

He was of course doubtful. All of them were. Starlight Glimmer. The false Prophet who had led them astray and turned away from who they were. But now things seemed to be better... right? Double Diamond wasn't sure. Ever since Starlight had left, he and Sugar Belle had run the town, and Night Glider led the patrols while Party Favor organized all of the events. And there were a lot of events. he was also in charge of keeping everyone happy, solving disputes, and so on. It was also rumored that he was dating Night Glider, though Double Diamond had a rather difficult time swallowing that one.

"That was a pretty neat jump, Double Diamond." Came a chillingly familiar voice behind him, and Double Diamond whipped his head around, gawking as the light pink coat and purple and green streaked mane piled high on her head no doubt belonging to the one and only, Starlight Glimmer. "I thought you were going to sprout wings and, you know, actually start flying!" She chuckled, but there was an obvious edge to her voice, as if she wasn't truly sure how to joke.

Double Diamond arched a brow at her, and he shrugged. "Yeah...I still have a lot of practice to catch up on...I mean..I never got a chance before.." He said, scuffing his hoof, and in turn, his ski, looking down but at Starlight from under his bangs.

Starlight seemed rather miffed at the obvious hint, and she pursed her lips, a nasty look forming on her face as she looked away pointedly. "Yeah..I get it. I took away your passions, your dreams, your gifts...but for what? Some peace of my own? Some passion or happiness for myself?"

"Starlight we have been over this." Double Diamond rolled his eyes, "What you did was wrong and selfish, and kinda dangerous. I mean, you are lucky you had the Princess of Friendship resolve it, otherwise...well, to put it simply, we wouldn't be here, talking about this." he gave her a firm look, "You can stop the pity party now. You know that no one is going to give you any."

Starlight opened her mouth to deliver a stinging retort, but she quickly reconsidered, sighing heavily. "You are right Diamond...Nothing I can say or do will ever change what I did. Though it is in the past, it will still haunt me. No matter where I go, no matter who I meet. There is what I have done, and almost did, and for that, I am truly sorry. I am lucky for what I do have...right?" she asked, giving him a soft look, her persian blue eyes shimmering.

Double Diamond hesitated, before he shook his head, "Yeah. But it's about what you really want now, Starlight." he said slowly. His ears splayed out as she stepped closer, and he stumbled back a bit, "What do you want?"

The mare hesitated, and and she looked down, her expression thoughtful. "I guess I just want friends...ponies who I can..be with and share memories with. Real memories. Not ones that I forced..." she said, looking down at her hooves. "Are you cold?"

It was an odd question, and one Double Diamond didn't see coming. But it was also one that was meant for a specific purpose: Topic change. The stallion shrugged, "Nah not really. I am used to the cold." He admitted, a wry smile forming on his lips.

"I guess you would be, looking at your cutie mark and what seems to be your special talent." There was a hint of venom in her voice, and Double Diamond couldn't stop the scowl that formed on his face, and he opened his mouth to reply, only to be interrupted by a dark shadow on the snow. In moments, a mare's voice rang out.

"Double Diamond!" Night Glider called out, her cerulean eyes wide as she took in Starlight standing there, and she glared at the pink unicorn suspiciously. Then her attention snapped back to Diamond. "Double Diamond! We have an issue."

"What is it? Did one of Party's balloons spill gummy bears everywhere again?" he asked, chuckling some.

"No...this is...weirder. You see...someone walked into town. A pegasus. And.." Night Glider hesitated. "She has no cutie mark.."

"She what?" Starlight asked in disbelief, her eyes wide and she gazed at Night Glider. "Are you sure? How can you be sure? How many ponies saw it?"

"I don't have to answer to you, traitor!" Night Glider snarled at Starlight, whirling on her and fixing her with a withering look, "As far as cutie marks go, she should have been freaking perfect for your pathetic idea of a village!"

Starlight Glimmer gave Night Glider a dangerous look, and she grit her teeth, but before she could respond, Double Diamond intervened. "Okay that is enough. Night, go make sure the stranger doesn't go anywhere." Night Glider scoffed, giving Starlight another look of anger, and she flew off.

"I cannot believe she would actually say that..." Starlight growled, her ears folded back as she watched Night Glider fly away.
"But she does have a point. You aren't in charge anymore. I am. And you would do well to remember that." Double Diamond sighed, shaking his head. "There was a time I thought I loved you, admired you, wanted to give you anything to be happy.." he trailed off, before he resumed. "But now there is no going back. We are all suspicious of you. The wounds are still too fresh. Give it time to settle, and maybe then you can try asserting yourself."

"But what about now? Do you really feel nothing for me?" she asked, almost shocked by what he said, and Double Diamond could pick up desperation in her voice. "I mean...we..were used to be close.."

"Used to be...but even then, it was all a sick lie Starlight. And..I don't know how I feel. When we learned you betrayed us...it hurt. I went numb. And..I haven't really thawed yet." Double Diamond sighed, "Come on. We have to get back now. Care to use your magic to teleport us?"

Starlight hesitated, and she sighed, "Sure. I can do that." she mumbled, and her horn lit up in turquoise, and with a flash, Double Diamond was swept away, swallowed in what felt like oblivion. It seemed to stretch forever, and Double Diamond clutched his skis to his chest. Only to fall flat on his face, as he was suddenly on the ground again, with his fellow villagers standing around him.

He rose, shaking his head, and he unhooked his skis, looking over at Starlight who was lingering at the edge of the crowd now, shooting looks around, as if searching for the unfamiliar face. Double Diamond let her be, finally removing his skis and setting them to the side, and he looked up as a mare approached. His eyes widened, and he couldn't resist taking in every inch of her.

She was beautiful, almost unnaturally so, but yet she was so perfect and pleasing to the eyes. She was a pegasus, tall, a deep, warm orange, her wings long and slendered and coated in shining feathers that reflected the moon's glow. She was slender, yet lean, as he could see the power rippling in her shoulders as she walked confidently towards him. Her mane was short, but it was a bright crimson red, and she wore two braids. A single one draping by the side of her ear and neck, and the other, across her brow, like a crown. But what drew Double Diamond in the most, was her eyes. Deep, blood red, but yet so lovely, so wonderful and pretty. He felt like he could stare into them for hours. He didn'tthink she could get any more perfect. Until she spoke.

"Quite the graceful entrance, if I do say so myself.." she chuckled, her lips forming a soft, sweet smile. Her voice was so silky and smooth, sultry almost, and it was playful. Double Diamond almost lost his own, and he shook his head, clearing his throat. .

"Pardon my manners, Miss. Welcome to Our Town. You are welcome to stay as long as you like! I am Double Diamond, and this here is Sugar Belle, Party Favor, and Night Glider." He said, nodding to each of his friends he named. "We happily welcome you to our village."

"What brings you to our village?" a pink mare asked, her fluffy purple mane bouncing as she trotted forward. Sugar Belle smiled sweetly at the stranger, and she giggled. "I am Sugar Belle! It's lovely to meet you! What brings you here? Where did you hear about our village?" she asked, her voice chipper yet sweet.

"I was simply passing by when I smelled...some rather yummy snacks. I am a traveler, and I don't mind long days and nights of no food, but when the scent of delicacies hits your nostrils, hunger..can be a rather manipulative friend to bear" she said slowly, her voice lilting as she turned her head to gaze around. "So where are these..treats? I am hungry..and it would be poor of you to let a hungry guest continue to be so, despite your..rather warm welcome.." the stranger smiled again, her eyes narrowing as she seemed to stare at one of the villagers, or rather, at their neck.

"Oh? Well, follow me! I can fix that hunger right on up!" Sugar Belle giggled, her face one of excitement as she trotted away. "Who knows? I might make a feast! To celebrate our new guest!"

"Oh! I will plan us a party! We might have to have it tomorrow though, because its a little late tonight!" Party Favor chimed in, laughing. "Besides, I have plans tonight anyway." He said, giving a wink to Night Glider, whose muzzle turned a gentle rosy color.

"How...nice..." the stranger said, her eyes watching the exchange closely, her ears relaxed. "You may call me Red. That is all you need to know. I am a traveler, and I am here to stay and rest, and replenish my supplies and gain my strength before I go back to my journey." she said, and she turned, moving to follow after Sugar Belle. In doing so, Double Diamond took a quick look at her flank, swallowing as he found it hard to focus on taking in details that weren't about how plump and round it was, or how her tail was half-lifted, as if to tease with what was underneath.

"Wh-where is your cutie mark?" he choked out, stumbling after her quickly. He smiled warmly, taking a quick note that the other stallions besides Party Favor, who was slipping off with Night Glider, were following as well, gazing and gawking at the orange mare.

"Perhaps we can save that for after I have had my fill.." Red murmured gently, her wing moving to gently brush his shoulder, in which he shivered visibly in response.

"Y-yeah...no doubt.." he chuckled, taking another sweeping look, spotting Starlight glaring at him in exasperation. He then watched as she looked pointedly at Red, and she shook her head, before she turned and returned to her home.

Double Diamond frowned, and then looked at Red, then again at Starlight. She looked as if she knew something, or knew something that was important, but his concentration was broken as Red moved her wing away, and he watched as the pegasus walked inside of Sugar Belle's bakery. Taking a moment to gather himself, Double Diamond entered, his mind already filled with questions..

Chapter 2

Gathered around the stranger, Double Diamond could almost feel the air filled with awe, admiration, and a small thing he decided to leave in the unknown, simply due to the mass majority of the other stallions in the room more or less being the cause of it. His attention was on Red, gazing at her, watching her eat slowly. He couldn't help but notice how she seemed reluctant to eat the sweets Sugar Belle brought her, and the slight grimace she wore as she chewed in a deliberate, slow manner. Sugar Belle seemed oblivious, and Double Diamond didn't think the sweets were bad at all. Sugar Belle was an amazing baker!

"You aren't much of a sweets pony are you?" he asked, sitting next to her. He watched as the mare slowly sipped her drink, apple juice, and she grimaced further, placing the glass down and she tensed, letting out a soft hiss. Double Diamond blinked, and he asked, "Are you okay miss?"

"Mm..just a small burn..I haven't had...apple juice in a long time.." Red responded, her eyes narrowed as she forced herself to take another bite, chewing slowly, ignoring the gaping ponies around her. When she swallowed, she added quietly. "These sweets are fine. But when you go so long without them, you tend to forget, and when you finally have some again, the taste is rather...shocking." She sighed, taking another bite of her muffin.

Double Diamond could have sworn she wanted to say, 'repulsive' rather than 'shocking' from her tone of voice, but he simply knit his brow together, "I am sorry for that. If there is anything we can do to make your stay any more comfortable, please, don't be afraid to ask!" He said, smiling cheerfully at her.

"How about some privacy, and a warm bed?" she asked, "I might stay a few days. See what this little town has to offer. Even I have to consider settling. It's such a quaint and..cute little town here. I might start letting it grow on me. The ponies here simply delightful if a bit invasive of space..." she said in a low voice, gazing calmly at a stallion who was leaning towards her from her left.

"Oh..o-of course!" He said, bouncing some as he listened. She was going to stay? How awesome was that! And so, he cleared his throat, looking at Sugar Belle first, "Could you go set up one of our spare houses for Red? If she is staying, she may as well be comfy right?" He asked, chuckling some.

Sugar Belle simply nodded, giggling as she turned and trotted out, humming to herself as she went. Double Diamond looked at the other ponies, and he cleared his throat again, "Can you give Miss Red some space? Everypony out please." he said, giving them all a firm look. The ponies left reluctantly, casting looks at Red, but she seemed oblivious to them, nibbling her muffin in silence.

After a few minutes passed, Red would look around at Double Diamond, "Thank you.. It was getting rather irritating to have so many...gawkers.." she murmured, and she slowly rose, stretching out her hindleg, and she sighed, "Care to show me around?" she asked.

"Sure!" Double Diamond smiled, leaping up and trotting out, "I can show you where everything is at!" he smiled, gazing back at Red. The mare smiled, following him slowly, but confidently, and she nodded. Double Diamond smiled back, and he led the way.

The pair walked around the town, the night still young, and Double Diamond was more than excited at the idea of Red becoming a citizen. He showed her the bakery, the salon, the funhouse, and more, showing her the cave in which they had once had their cutie marks held captive. Red seemed intrigued, yet she was mostly silent, asking questions from time to time, but she answered little about herself. Double Diamond began to find it aggravating, and he soon gave up.

"Alright..here you are." He said, showing her the small house in which was meant for her. It looked like any other house in the village, but Double Diamond was already figuring ways to reconstruct them into something more...appealing to the eyes. He watched as Red walked up to the door, and she paused, looking back at Double Diamond.

"Sleep well dear." Red murmured, smiling softly, "I shall see you in the morning." Giving him one last look, the mare opened the door and went inside, shutting the door behind her.

Double Diamond finally relaxed, his eyes flickering close as if he was swept away with exhaustion. It had been a very tiring night...Only realizing that she had never answered about her cutie marklessness. He made as if to knock on the door, but then he hesitated, backing away. Frowning, the stallion turned, "I will ask her tomorrow." he said to himself, and he began to trot off, humming to himself, unaware that an orange face was watching him from the window.

Red watched him from the window, her mind mulling over the possibilities that were being presented to her, when a faint glow of turquoise filled her peripheral. With reflexes honed from years of practice, the orange mare dodged the first blast, the hair on her pelt rising as she felt the energy that had been shot at her. She snapped her head around, and her voice was quiet.

"Do that again and I will scream murderer loud enough to wake the Princesses from their slumber." Red murmured, her dark eyes narrowing as she took in the aggressive stance of Starlight Glimmer.

Starlight bared her teeth, her horn smoking from the blast she had sent, but she relaxed, her eyes filled with contempt. "That was simply a paralyzing spell. Meant to subdue. I wouldn't kill you, monster, until I learned every possible way to make you suffer."

"Oooh~ A vigilante? Let me guess darling." Red cooed, smirking as she slowly stalked around the living room, her head tilted back, "You did a whoopsies? And now you have been..hm.. loosely accepted back into your old home in which you were exiled? And I suppose you want to prove that you are in fact, a good mare now? A very... clichéd, story. And a story where the wannabe vigilante doesn't win. You see, you call me monster...but who is the real monster here? Me? The new mare who has been polite and nice? Or the mare who has proven her word is little more reliable than a mockingbird's?" Red laughed, her eyes narrowed as she sat down on the couch, reclining and draping her wings over her body, "You tell me, who your fellow villagers will believe..."

Starlight glared at Red through her speech, her ears folded back, "Well at least I don't kill ponies and harvest them.." she snarled, "At least I am not a monster. At least I don't have to lie about who I am."

"Anymore." Red added, chuckling softly. "Oh little miss Starlight Glimmer...I have heard quite a bit about your...exploits..from your fellow villagers... You have been a naughty, naughty little mare.." Red giggled, shaking her head, "They aren't very...pleased with you, to put it nicely.."

"Oh yes. Just keep rubbing it in my face why don't you?" Starlight sneered. "Like you know anything about what I have to go through to be accepted!"

"Yet again, you assume I know little. Oh I know your struggles Starlight Glimmer...I know them all too personally..." Red cooed, her hoof moving to stroke her flank. "Try being...what is it the young ones call...a blank flank? An adult blank flank....and sadly, I will never get my cutie mark.." Red sighed, giving a soft look of sadness to Starlight.

"And...why not? I thought all ponies got their cutie marks.." Starlight hesitated, her eyes drawn to the flank that held no mark.

"What was it you just called me? A monster? Yes...a monster can never get a cutie mark...and really Starlight?" Red laughed, but it was cold, and thoroughly amused, "All ponies get their cutie marks? Then why is it I hear you got rather...upset by an old friend getting his? If you knew you were going to get yours eventually, why would you be so set on taking others' cutie marks?"

"Because I never got to see him again! He was taken away from me because he got his cutie mark!" Starlight argued, her ears folding back again and she glared at Red. "And I called you a monster because that is what you are, and if you hurt my frie-"

"Friends?!" Red cut her off, and the mare threw her head back, cackling and snorting, "If I hurt your friends? What are you going to do darling? Let me answer for you...nothing. You can do nothing to me, as you will know, you have the disadvantage in...trust. Your friends are already quite uncomfortable with you here...and so why not be so ready to kick you out in a moment's notice hm?" Red rose from the couch, chuckling as she strode closer to Starlight. The room seemed to darken, and as Starlight's horn illuminated so she could see, it outlined the grinning face of Red.

Starlight's eyes widened in terror, as she saw the clear outline of what she saw lining the front of Red's mouth. "Fangs..." she whispered, "You...you are a...a..."

"Vampire?" Red cooed, grinning maliciously, "A blood sucking monster? An abomination of night? Was that what you were going to guess dear sweet Starlight?" she laughed, and the orange pegasus backed away, the room filling with the moons silver glow, as Red flopped back onto the couch. "Oh do tell your friends about me...see how fast they call you a liar.."

Starlight stood there, and she hesitated, before she turned to leave, only to pause and look back to Red, "You won't get away with this.."

"Get away with what? I have no agenda. I have no sinister plans. I am just a mare without a cutie mark, wanting a place to...hm..belong." she said, glancing at Starlight from the corner of her eye. "And I heard that here, equality was top priority...my how things seemed to have changed..in the blink of an eye..." she chuckled softly, "Sleep well Starlight." she murmured, rising from the couch and vanishing into the bedroom.

Starlight hesitated some more, her brow knitting and she looked around. She slowly opened the door, peeking out, then back at the room Red had gone into, and she slowly exited the building. "I won't let her do this...she won't get away with...whatever she has up her sleeve.." but in the back of her mind, Starlight was filled with doubt. What if what Red had said was true? What if she was in fact, overly eager to prove herself? Red hasn't shown herself to be inclined for...violence...

"But she is still a monster...and the sooner I prove it..the faster she will be gone.." she said, and Starlight took off, heading to the one place she knew she could go for help...

Chapter 3

The next morning, Double Diamond woke up with a rather stiff problem, and he looked about, groaning to himself. "That was a pretty intense dream.." he muttered, and he stood up, hobbling groggily to the bathroom. He took a look in the mirror, shut the door, and he turned on the shower, taking a moment to relieve himself, folding his ears back from the rather loud noise he made. Sighing softly, he stepped into the steaming water, taking a moment to shudder and groan out as his body relaxed and soaked in the heat.

His mind wandered back to the mare he had met last night. Red. She was such a strange character. So quiet, so confident, so...mysterious? He wasn't too much into mystery, or random chances, given that he had trusted Starlight almost too easily when they had met. But she was different. She didn't seem like she had anything to hide.

Or did she? A cutie markless mare with little to no other information besides her name? Surely there had to be some reason, some explanation to her being a blank flank.

Double Diamond's eyes snapped open as a sharp knocking picked him out of his thoughts. He turned off the water, stumbling out of the bathroom, and down the stairs, before flinging the door open. To his surprise, Starlight Glimmer was there, her eyes wide and she gave him a look of confusion, noting his soaking mane and wet coat.

Feeling a little more than self concious, especially after the earlier stiffy he had, Double Diamond gave Starlight a confused look as well, "Um...what is it?" he asked, looking around outside, noticing his friends all gathered outside and looking at Starlight with faces that he assumed to be disbelief.

Starlight regained her composure, and she took a deep breath, "We have a problem with our new visitor. If you come with me, I can explain." she said, giving him a pleading look.

Double Diamond blinked, and his guard went up, and he scowled, "What do you mean? She hasn't done anything wrong..." He mused, looking at his friends who were wearing similar scowls now.

"Please Double Diamond you have to trust me! It's for your own safety!" Starlight pleaded, her voice anxious.

"That's what you said about giving up our cutie marks, and look how that turned out!" He snapped, pushing past her despite having recently woken up and taken a shower, which he still hadn't dried from. "What exactly is the issue."

Starlight turned, closing the door to his house and following after him, "It's about Red..." She started, hesitating. "Please, can we move to a more private setting?"

"And why should we do that?" Night Glider sneered, "You say this affects the whole town? Then it should be known by the whole town!"

"But she'll hear us!" Starlight argued, her voice bordering on exasperation. "Double Diamond please believe me on this..." she said, giving him another pleading look.

Double Diamond hesitated, looking between his friends and Starlight, and he shook his head. "No. If you have something to say, you say it here. In front of everyone.." He gave Starlight a firm look, his lips set in a frown.

Starlight looked between them all, and she sighed, "Fine..." she growled, grinding her teeth. "That new girl, Red? Well, as you know, I have studied magic for almost my whole life, and in turn, I have studied magical creatures and supernatural beings. And I have recognized the symptoms. Night based activities, secretive, distaste in food or drink, and anti-social behavior to start. Might I add dangerously beautiful and fangs as well?" she finished, giving Double Diamond a sharp look. "And all of these things add up to one simple truth..." she paused, mostly for the dramatic effect.

"Red is a vampire." she stated, and she took in the expressions before her much to her despair though, they weren't what she was hoping for.

Double Diamond let this roll over in his head, his expression a full scowl, and he growled out. "That is a pretty serious accusation Starlight...She has only just arrived here...how can you be so sure?"

"Because I saw her! I saw her fangs! I spoke to her and she admitted it!" Starlight snapped back, her eyes flashing with anger.

"And when was this? It had to have been last night, and the only other place Red was besides the bakery was her house. I was doing patrols last night!" Night Glider said, her look of fury undisguised as she gazed at Starlight. "I think she is just eager to have somepony else be the bad guy..."

"Then where is she now? It's morning! She should be out and about too hm?" Starlight argued more, her own face becoming frustrated as she looked between them all.

"Starlight...where were you last night?" Double Diamond asked slowly, his gaze narrowing darkly at the unicorn.

"She must have been incredibly stressed out from the exertion of her magic when she teleported herself and you here last night..." Came a silken, smooth voice, and five heads whipped around to spot Red approaching, full stride, confident as always and her wings tucked in. Double Diamond took note of the necklace she wore, bearing a single but rather large, black pearl.

Starlight's eyes seemed to pop out of her skull, and she stuttered. "H-how? Y-you're...what?"

"Mmm..poor dear. You see..." Red cooed, stepping beside Starlight and wrapping a firm wing around her, "This one was stumbling outside of my house last night, obviously distressed, she was drained of her magic. Must be very difficult to teleport more than oneself at a time. And so I took her in, gave her some food and water I could spare from the house you loaned me, and she started rambling about vampires and she swore I had fangs." she laughed, "Seems she is pretty sure what she saw last night..."

"I know what I saw!" Starlight argued, "Open your mouth! Show them!" she demanded, her eyes narrowing.

Red arched a brow, and she smiled, a full, genuine smile, showing all of her perfectly normal teeth. Double Diamond was beginning to wonder if Starlight had lost her mind, because the pink unicorn let out a frustrated sound, and she stepped away from Red.

"She was so out of it, that in her delusions, she fired a paralysis spell at me." Red continued, "I eventually calmed her down, rested her up, and sent her on her way.." she said, sighing softly. "Such is the delusional mind of the oppressed. They believe anything once their minds are made up.." she said, shrugging. "It's not the first time I have been accused of such. Even I admit my...mannerisms are shared with these...vampires she has assorted me with.." Red murmured, looking a bit hurt. "but what is it they say about assuming? It makes an ass out of u and me...but let's keep our language here clean shall we? It is such a lovely town..I would hate for it to be spoiled.."

"You sure do like to hear yourself talk.." Starlight snarled, giving Red a hostile look. "And stop lying about me!" she demanded.

"Oh yeah, she does that enough for herself.." Night Glider chimed in, "Starlight, you are the wrong pony to be accusing anyone of lying..."

"Yeah..Red hasn't done anything wrong, and from what she says, she was simply trying to help you..." Sugar Belle added, her face one of concern, "Are you sure you are ok?"

"I am fine! I know where my mental health is at! Look at you! she is already brainwashing you all!" She said, snorting angrily.

"Well, not that long ago, you brainwashed us...so you think we would know if we were being brainwashed..." Party Favor added, sharing a worried look with Sugar Belle.

Starlight opened her mouth to argue further, but she was silenced by a look from Double Diamond, who was glaring at her in anger, "Starlight that is enough. You obviously weren't in the best of states last night, so until your claims are presented with physical evidence, we cannot and will not take any actions against Red." he said, before adding, upon seeing Starlight ready an answer, "No arguments. Starlight. Red is too new here to be of any sort of trouble...she just came here last night..but you on the other hoof, have proven to be a liar and a deceiver....and I am sorry but we can't trust you on this.."

Starlight's ears folded back, tears welling up in her eyes, but then she stamped her hooved, snarling, "Fine then! You want evidence, I will bring you your evidence!" and she whipped around, sneering at Red, "I'm onto you..." and with that, Starlight stormed off, her hooves making deep prints in the dirt as she walked.

"By the way she acts, you would think she has a hornet's nest residing in that mane of hers.." Red mused, pursing her lips as she gazed after Starlight.

"She can't handle failure." Night Glider growled, "She can't handle not being perfect, or things not going her way..."

"I just hope she doesn't do anything drastic..I would hate a repeat of her recent...you know..." Sugar Belle squeaked, kicking the dirt with her hoof. "Anyway... I have to get back to baking. I am behind schedule now..." and the pink unicorn trotted off, giving a friendly nod to Red as she went.

"I still have a party to plan for our guest!" Party Favor said excitedly, "Nighty you coming? I could use the help blowing up balloons!" he said, bouncing some.

"Sure! Though it may not be the only thing I am blow up, if you catch my drift." she said, winking flirtatiously at the unicorn. Party Favor blushed heavily, and the two trotted off together, leaving Red and Double Diamond alone.

"Well...seems they are pretty straightforward about their antics..." Red mused, chuckling some as she gazed after Party Favor and Night Glider. "Ah...I used to wish for love like that..the kind that just...fits...feels right...have you ever wished or...wondered what it would be like?" she asked, turning her gaze to Double Diamond.

Diamond was taken aback by such a question, and as he gazed at Red, he couldn't help but think. At one point, he had wanted love. He had wanted somepony he could be with and it felt..right... He had thought Starlight would have been the one...he had really liked her, maybe even loved her, but now thinking on it, he couldnt actually remember if he felt..right with her. Especially after he found out how he betrayed them all...

"I used to..." he admitted, looking down as if in shame. "I used to really like somepony here in town...but she turned out to be the wrong kind of pony...and so I moved on..." He looked up to see Red staring at him, and he blinked. "Um...so...what are you going to do today?" He asked, wanting to change the subject.

Red pursed her lips, looking about in amusement. "Perhaps getting to know some ponies? maybe even get a trim for my mane and tail...spruce myself up for this..party you and your friends are going to throw for me...I mean, I would hate to look simply awful when I am the guest of honor.." she giggled, "Show me around again?" she asked.

Double Diamond couldn't hold back the smile on his face, and he nodded, trotting beside her, "Sure! I could use a trim myself!" he laughed, though as he gazed at her, he began to wonder...what if Starlight was right? What if Red was more than she was really letting onto? Either way, Starlight had made some serious claims against the new mare, and Red wasn't ready to give up answers about herself it seemed...

Going to have to do this the hard way.. He thought to himself. Only way to find out the truth...

Chapter 4

Walking behind Double Diamond, the orange mare took a moment to reflect what had just occurred a few moments ago. Red's face was one of amusement. So the little pink unicorn had really truly tried to make her friends believe she was something more...or something less, depending on the perspective of the viewer. Red had given up trying to discern what she was long ago. Her eyes flicked around, but thankfully, she had had her fill last night. After Starlight's visit of course. Poor sap had no clue what had happened. He was still alive of course. She was not a merciless killer...unless she needed to be. No..she would rather spare her prey, let them recuperate...she might even start a system. Pick a few to feed on each week, or every other week. Maybe twice a week. Or enough until she was ready to leave. One of the reasons she had stopped here. She did indeed need to replenish her supplies.

She was no threat...not yet at least. She was in no hurry to leave, but she wasn't all inclined to settle down in a place where trouble would rear its disgusting head.. On second thought, in such a divided community, maybe that wasn't such a bad thing. It would seem as if Starlight Glimmer was living on the outskirts, like a true exile, but Red was sure that as far as being manipulative and clever went, she would meet quite a match...that is, if Starlight stepped back and thought about her actions before executing them. Kind of amusing to watch her flail desperately while she sought approval. It was the kind of entertainment she sought in her...adversaries. To watch and wait, to weave around them and into their minds, driving them apart from the inside...like a weed...like a poison...like venom..

Following Double Diamond closely, Red was able to pick out the ponies, and she took note that there were rather a few more stallions here than there were in many other places, and red found this appealing. More that would be willing to assist her... It seemed to be growing as well, with Red not the only new mare in town. But she seemed to be the more favored. Even more so than the founder, who should have gone down in this little town's history. But no..it seemed the town wanted to cleanse away such a scourge upon what they had deemed the perfect little town. How cute.

Her train of thought was cut off when she felt a firm rump against her chest, and Red looked down as Double Diamond looked back in alarm, his face tinged pink. Red blinked, looking at Double Diamond, and she took a step back, her voice quiet. "What? All I did was bump into you..." she said, a smirk forming on her lips.

The white stallion opened his mouth, closed it, then he looked away again, "Yeah...it was just a bump..." he said, his ears splayed out sideways, letting the orange mare know all she needed.

"An innocent little bump. Maybe in a rather awkward place, but still a bump.." Red cooed, her eyes narrowing. She smiled, her lips curled into a wicked grin, and she strode up to his side, brushing against him forcefully. "That is a bump too...though it wouldn't be accidental..or innocent.." she giggled.

Double Diamond swayed some from the 'bump', and he looked up at her, smiling, "Well then it's not a bump if you do it intentionally...that was a shove." He teased.

"Sometimes all you need is a little push and a shove to get the right results.." Red giggled, batting her eyelashes at him, and she lifted her chin. "But for now, let us pretty ourselves up.." she whispered, her wing flicking out to trail up his flank and side as she passed him.

Double Diamond shivered, his gaze following after her, and a goofy grin formed on his face. As her wing moved to fold back in, he snapped at the feathers, gently of course, but effectively catching her feather, and her attention as she whipped her head around, looking at him in surprise. It was the first genuine look of something other than amusement and confidence he had seen on the strange mare, and he wasn't sure whether to be surprised himself, proud of the results, or scared that she would snap at him for it.

Feather in his teeth, their eyes locked, and Double Diamond held a moment of panic as Red slowly turned, and the look of surprise became one of confusion. "What...are you doing?" she asked, wriggling her feather some, her ears folding back. "You are...I have never had someone....try to...bite me..." she admitted, "Well...not...in a very long time.." she chuckled, and her wing shifted, gently trying to tug the feather free.

Double Diamond let go of the feather slowly, his eyes following her movements as she turned completely, gazing at him. He felt his heart leap in his throat, and he let out a soft, nervous chuckle. "I wasn't trying to bite you...I did..." he added, his eyes wide as she moved closer.

"Indeed." she smiled, chuckling some as their snoots drew inches away from touching, "That was a brave thing you did...I can't say I am easily taken off guard so easily.." she grinned, shaking her head. "I am honestly embarrassed. I hadn't meant to be so...relaxed.." She frowned, her eyes closing as she shook her head some more.

"And what is wrong with being relaxed?" Double Diamond asked, his eyes flicking away briefly as a pink shape flashed by his vision. He spotted Starlight Glimmer, who was giving Red a rather openly hostile look, before giving him a look of disbelief, before she rolled her eyes, and once more stormed off.

"Your marefriend is not happy with me at all..." Red mused, following after Starlight with a glint in her red eyes. "You would think from the way she looks and acts towards me, that I was going to be a big troublemaker..."

"Well we don't know that yet do we?" Double Diamond said quietly, and he looked Red in the eye, his own gaze narrowing. "By the way she is acting, she must have a serious issue with you..." And he blinked, before adding, "A-and she is not my marefriend!"

"Oh darling please." Red laughed. "Mares have many reasons to dislike other mares. Especially mares like me. You see, it all comes down to hierarchy, and mares are the more prominent gender. She who controls the herd, controls the territory." she chuckled. "And as from what I heard, she controlled the herd at one point. She was the prominent and in charge mare...and nature tells that she isn't happy that a mare as equally as..hm... how do I put this? Ah...strong and confident as she is."

"But the herd doesn't have one mare in charge...it has two..." Double Diamond blinked, and he was met with soft laughter.

"Oh dear...you must put quite a bit of faith in your friends...especially your mares. Sugar Belle and Night Glider, while both prominent, are not confident enough to lead, and lack the fortified attitude. They don't take charge. They don't give orders. They follow you. You are the leader Double Diamond...and..even when Starlight was in charge, who was it she trusted above all?" She asked, tilting her head to one side and smiling.

"Me...she trusted me.." Double Diamond answered, shifting uncomfortable. He wasn't happy with the conversation, or the direction it was taking, and he gave Red a suspicious look.

"Exactly. And, not only am I...encroaching on her 'territory', I am speaking to the stallion in which she may have held feelings for, or him for her..." Red chuckled. "Mares...you have to be one to understand one."

"Well...um.." Double Diamond stammered, his cheeks flaring as he looked about. He hadn't wanted to be involved in such a way, and what Red was saying was putting him on edge. Not just about Starlight, but...Red was so nonchalant about it herself. As if she had gone through it before. And even if she had, how and why? How long ago? And what was she hoping to gain by coming here? Double Diamond could only sigh as the strange mare before him only became more and more shrouded in mystery. Nothing he could discern from her made sense, and she never answered much about herself. She was vague, she was closed, and she still hadn't explained about her cutie mark.

Sighing, Double Diamond began walking again, his hooves quiet, "Come on. We can get our manes trimmed and our hooves polished if you liked, or not. But we do have a party to attend to tonight." He laughed, and he began to walk faster.

Red watched him, her smile growing into a smirk, and she chuckled. Following after him, the orange mare's mind wandered. This stallion was bold. Straightforward and honest, and rather cute if she had to admit to herself. Something about him drew her to him. Was it her inept desire to plague Starlight's heart with hatred and anger? Possibly. Red didn't like a mare who tried to overstep herself. It could also be that he was a strong, and...dominant stallion. He was in charge. And he pulled the strings. So why not get cozy with the head of the herd?

Red's smirk faded, and she scowled, looking around at the other ponies going about their daily business, her wings folded in tightly and the mare looked up begrudgingly at the sun. Her necklace, the pearl, she was lucky she had found an enchanter and made it, with promise of secrets of her kind...unfortunately, secrets were something she had learned never to give up, no matter what. And so after she had told him her secrets, she had forced him to stay quiet...forever. His blood had been refreshing. Magic made blood tingle with life. And it was her personal favorite. She licked her lips, wiping away the saliva that had formed, and she shuddered, forcing her legs to move forward before she decided that tonight would be a delightful night for hunting.

Chapter 5

"Are you are sure that she is a vampire?" a voice asked, looking at a frustrated and desperate Starlight Glimmer. Around her were five other ponies, each sitting in a circle around the single pink unicorn. Starlight looked at the Princess of Friendship, the one who had helped her see the light, see the mistakes she had made, and prevented even more from being made.

"Yes Twilight..I am sure. I saw her. I saw her fangs, I saw her and heard her admit it! And she is living in my- I mean, the village! Double Diamond is even considering make her a permanent resident!" Starlight said, looking around at the ponies.

"If what ya say is true, an' Ah reckon it's best to give ya the benefit of the doubt, then all Ah can think of is this: How did ya get this information? Ah highly doubt that a vampire would actually reveal such things without some...knowledge that might give her an advantage." An orange earth pony piped up, giving Starlight a suspicious look, "How do ya know it's not all just a cruel joke? You have no proof!"

"Yeah! Besides, you aren't the most truthful of ponies, Starlight Glimmer." A cyan blue mare growled, folding her forelegs over her chest and scowling. She blew a tuft of her rainbow mane out of her face, a brow arching. "You could be jealous of this new mare! And want her gone!"

"Oh..I am sure Starlight wouldn't come to Twilight without a really good reason to..I mean..a vampire...that sounds so scary..." Fluttershy murmured quietly,, looking down at her own wings, looking up as a white unicorn chimed in.

"I for one say give it time dahling. If what you say is true, then it will come to light eventually." Rarity said, going back to her work, her red framed glasses perched delicately on the bridge of her nose. "I was called in from working on a new seam for a very important client. While I do not appreciate this delay in my work, I will not choose to act rashly. There is a chance that this may not be true at all." she said, threading the needle and beginning the stitch work.

Princess Twilight Sparkle listened to each of her friends, her face becoming one of disappointment. They still didn't trust Starlight, and the purple alicorn couldn't blame them. What Starlight had done was inexcusable, and the Princess of Friendship knew that Starlight was still facing the risk of being brought to trial before the Celestial and Lunar Courts. She kept this information to herself of course, shaking her head and giving Starlight an apologetic look. "I'm sorry Starlight, but without proof of your claims, there isn't much anypony can do. Your case will have to be put on hold for further investigation."

"But she is a threat NOW Twilight! She is going to prey on my friends!" Starlight pleaded, her face contorting into anger. "Some Princess of Friendship you are!"

"Hey! First of all, you are assuming these things, and that makes you look bad!" Rainbow Dash snarled, leaping from her chair to dart over and hover in front of Starlight, pressing their snoots together, "And don't you ever dare question Twilight's friendship! She is the Princess of Friendship! Obviously she knows what she is doing!"

"Rainbow Dash please!" Twilight pleaded, her eyes narrowing and she gestured for Rainbow Dash to step down. Reluctantly, Rainbow Dash moved back to her seat, scowling furiously at Starlight. Twilight let out a sigh, and she looked at Starlight, "She is right. You are assuming that she is going to do these things, and that doesn't help your case Starlight.."

"I find that hard to believe Twilight." Starlight growled. "She has fangs. She has admitted to being a monster!" Starlight was frustrated, and she turned her head at the orange earth pony spoke again.

"But has she ever admitted to her diet? Has she said she liked blood? Has she eaten pony food?" Applejack asked, a brow arching as she gazed at her friends. There was a murmur and the six ponies looked at each other, before focusing back on Starlight.

"I....no...now that I think about it, she has never mentioned it at all, and she can eat pony food..." Starlight hesitated, "And some ponies, like bat ponies, do have fangs..."

"So there is a chance she is just a normal pony." Twilight said, her voice firm. "Until proven otherwise, no actions will be taken against this mare." she raised a small hammer with her magic, about to strike the arm of her throne before Starlight interrupted.

"But what her cutie marklessness? She has no cutie mark!" She said, "What normal pony never gets their cutie mark? And she said that she will never get it!"

"And that is something else entirely. Being without a cutie mark has nothing to do with one being a vampire. Discord for all his faults, if he takes the form of a pony, has cutie mark. And as you know, it is possible to remove a cutie mark. Maybe she lost it, or never gained it. It's a mystery, that is for sure, but that doesn't mean she is a monster because of it." Twilight said firmly, and she sighed as Starlight gave an exasperated sound.

"If my memory does recall correctly, Cheerilee, who I went to school with, did not get her cutie mark until she was well into her Senior Year of high school." Rarity said from where she was finishing the last of the stitches, snipping the threads and looking up. "She could be a late bloomer. It's not uncommon. Most fillies and colts get their cutie marks at a young age. Others wait years."

"Again, a very good point. Thank you Rarity." Twilight said, smiling softly. She looked at Starlight, "No more Starlight. You aren't making this easier for yourself at home, I am sure." she said.

Starlight gazed around at the ponies, before she lowered her head, folding her ears back in defeat. "You're right..there is a chance she isn't what I believe...I may have been...hallucinating...I am sorry I wasted your time." Starlight turned, quickly walking out and closing the door behind her.

"Well that was certainly interestin'." Applejack said. "A vampire? Ah am not saying it's funny talk. Superstitions an' all that are rampant these days, that and Ah reckon anything is possible. Ah mean what happened to Fluttershy could happen to anypony else!"

"I wouldn't want to inflict that on anypony else..." Fluttershy sighed, "But Applejack is right. It is possible that others have turned into vampire ponies and learned how to act normal."

"But isn't Red a pegasus? When Fluttershy became a vampire, she grew icky bat wings and weird ears! From what Starlight said, Red looked like your everyday pegasus!" Pinkie Pie said, a look of concern on her face.

"I will need to do some research on vampires and vampiric traits and types." Twilight said, rubbing her temple with a hoof. "Until then, we aren't to do anything that might spark anymore animosity with Starlight...even if she is...reformed..she is still a threat as well..a powerful unicorn like herself...I don't want her going rogue again.."

"You are right to be concerned Twilight," Fluttershy said, giving the purple alicorn a kind smile, "We don't want tensions to rise..."

"And with that, this meeting is adjourned. Thank you..for being here. I am sorry for the inconvenience..." Twilight said, smacking the gavel lightly on the arm of her throne, and she took to the air, flying off presumable to the library to begin her research.

The other ponies looked at each other, before they too went their separate ways, and once the throne room was empty, Starlight peeked in, sighing. "That could have gone better...but..I guess it is up to me then..I will do this on my own.." she said, and she looked at Pinkie Pie's throne, eyeing the balloons, and a smile, a dark and devious smile, formed on her face.

"And I know just where to start.."

Chapter 6

Walking from the salon, her mane freshly washed and trimmed, her tail as well, Red could actually feel like a normal mare. Walking beside a normal stallion, in a normal little town. Already, she could see the party decorations being set up, and she couldn't hold back the smile on her face as she walked. "My...you aren't holding back anything for this party are you, Double Diamond?" she asked, chuckling softly.

The stallion looked as bright as freshly fallen snow, and his mane was groomed and slicked back, and he had a goofy smile on his face. Red found him to be very attractive, all groomed and primped. Definitely a stallion work having on her foreleg for special events.

Double Diamond laughed, "Party loves to do what he is best at! Which is parties! And Sugar Belle is making the feast! and Night Glider is helping Party Favor out in more ways than one, if you know what I mean." He teased, chuckling as he glanced at her from the corned of his eye. She was beautiful. Her orange coat gleamed in the evening sun, and Double Diamond could only imagine that she was happy with her mane cut. Her braids had come undone, which had bothered her at first, but as it turned out, the longer strands of hair, compared to her shorter mane, was indeed a lovely accent. She was tall as well, he just noticed. Maybe the same size as Princess Luna, or maybe a bit smaller.

Either way, she was radiant, and he could stare at her all day. Well, if he didn't run into anypony or-

CONK! There went his train of thought, just as Double Diamond plowed headfirst into a sign, falling on his back and groaning. He opened his eyes, his vision blurry, only for it to be filled with Red's face, as she gazed down at him. She lowered her head, smirking. "You should watch where you are going.." she teased, stepping over him and continuing on. Double Diamond picked himself up, blushing furiously, and he dusted himself off, catching up to the mare.

"Yeah..I should huh?" he chuckled again, embarrassment washing over him. He felt a wing on his back, and he looked up as Red gently began to brush off the rest of the dust, smiling warmly. He stared at her, shivering at her touch, and he stopped walking, needing for some odd reason, to focus all of his attention on her.

"It would be a shame to spend more money washing that lovely coat again, so soon after already cleaning it." Red cooed, giving him a playful look, and she retracted her wing, walking again. "I don't know about you, but I am truly excited for this party..I haven't had a party in years.." she said.

"Really? Party Favor throws them all of the time, and that one pony, Pinkie Pie, does as well! I mean, parties are fun! And they are a great way of spending time with your friends!" Double Diamond said, walking beside her, minding his step now, and he smiled at Red.

Red smiled back, and she murmured, "Well, hopefully, I can make some friends here.." she said, giving Double Diamond a calm look. Double Diamond gazed back, and he felt his heart speed up in his chest. She was giving him a look that spoke of more than friends, but...it was also a look that sent chills down his spine. He gave a calm smile, and he pressed his nose against hers, before nuzzling. He had no idea why he did it, but he felt like he wanted to... like he needed to.

A surprised grunt was Red's response, before he was graced with a return nuzzle, and Double Diamond could have squealed like a schoolfilly. He pulled away, chuckling, his face tinged a deep shade of pink. "I am your friend Red..That's means you will have a friend at this party! And I can help you make more friends!" He said, beaming at her. But he wasn't ready for what happened next.

Red wrapped her wing around him, pulled him to her side, and she pressed her lips to his ear, purring and she whispered, "You are most certainly my friend, Double Diamond. I owe you..you are so kind..and..I honestly have done nothing to deserve your kindness." she paused, pausing to press her lips to that sensitive spot on his jaw, right under his ear, and he nearly went nuts. He could feel her, hear her, smell her...but he didn't dare move his head. He didn't dare try to look. He practically melted when she spoke again. "Is there anything I can do for you?" she asked, pulling away a small bit, her red eyes shining.

Double Diamond slowly turned his head, gazing into her eyes, and he smiled, "Tonight..after the party...we can talk more.." he said, "All I want is your friendship.." he said softly. It was technically true. But his mind was already clicking into that funny little mindset, that this mare was his. And he would make sure of it...

Red's cheeks grew a dark color, and she nodded, smiling and nuzzling into his neck. Double Diamond let her lean on him, leaning back, enjoying the feeling of her body against his. He pressed his cheek against her head, and they began to walk again, slower now, enjoying the time they were spending together.

Tonight was going to be a wonderful night...

That night, the whole town was awake, and music blasted from speakers that had been drug up from Party Favor's basement. It was mostly dub-step, or some country, rock, and pop. All of which, Red enjoyed. She was currently meandering through the crowd with Double Diamond, sticking close to him as he introduced her to each of the ponies. She was working. Taking names, and memorizing faces, storing them away while acting as thought she was having the time of her life. Which she honestly was.

It wasn't very often she actually got a chance to socialize, and being around so many friendly ponies was definitely a start to her possible settlement. Her mind wasn't made up yet. If she did decide to, she would need to be extra careful. Speaking of careful, Red suddenly noticed that she hadn't seen Starlight Glimmer all night. Her eyes narrowed the tiniest bit, and she began to grow suspicious. Time to be on guard. She doubted Starlight had left for good, and something told Red that Starlight was planning something.

But it didn't stop her from asking, "Double Diamond, my dear.." she said, stroking his side with her wing to get his attention. His response was immediate, something she liked. He was so doting, so ready to drop everything, even a conversation, for her. Once his attention was hers, she asked sweetly. "Where is your friend, Starlight? I thought she would be here as well.." she gave him a confused look, frowning some.

Double Diamond scowled, and he replied slowly. "I don't know Red. She disappeared just before we went to the salon. I haven't seen her since, nor has anypony around here." he frowned as well. "I just hope she isn't up to anything..."

Red opened her mouth to reply, before the screech of a microphone caused her to cringe, and everypony around them. Red turned her attention to the stage, her eyes wide as she spotted none other than Starlight Glimmer, holding a microphone in her magic, and she cleared her throat, before speaking in a bright, warm and friendly voice.

"Welcome! Welcome everypony! This party is such a treat for our newest guest and I couldn't resist the urge to bite the chance to have a few words in honor of our special guest." the mare said, smirking some as she looked pointedly at Red. Double Diamond pushed his way forward, his broad shoulders parting the gathered ponies with ease. Red followed calmly, her brow arched significantly as she gazed up at Starlight.

"Starlight what is the meaning of this?" Double Diamond demanded, his gaze furious. He wasn't happy about this interruption, and a discontented murmured rippled through the crowd, the ponies giving Starlight suspicious looks.

"Oh I just want to personally welcome our newest guest to our town! What is so wrong about that?" Starlight asked.

"You could do it like everypony else, instead of making a big scene out of it." Night Glider growled, stalking forward to stand beside Double Diamond.

"Because all of the best greetings come with a big show...remember when we welcomed Princess Twilight and her friends? We made a big show for them, didn't we?" she said, giggling, and Starlight stepped from the stage that had been set up, probably for speeches. Seemed like she was definitely making use of it. "But I suppose we can tone it down." she said, and she trotted over to the buffet table, filled with foods ranging from deviled eggs, to sweets and cakes, and even a large salad bowl. She looked around, smiling as she found a knife, and she walked over to the cake. "I have an idea!~ Why don't we let our new friend Red here cut the cake meant for her and her arrival?" Starlight said, eyeing Red, and giving a smile that was wide and to most, sweet.

Red would form an equally sweet smile, and she strode forth, making sure her necklace was in place, and she would coo, "Oh how thoughtful. Maybe all of those dreadful things that have been said about you aren't true.." she grinned, standing near Starlight, eyeing the knife warily. "But seeing as how you are holding the knife, why don't you cute the cake..." she offered.

Starlight's smile faltered. She had hoped Red would take the knife, and Starlight could twisted it so that it 'accidentally' cut her fetlock. Smile forming again, Starlight would chuckle, "How kind of you! I would be so delighted!" she said, and she turned, eyeing the orange mare from the corner of her eye, and she began to slowly cut into the cake.

Double Diamond came up beside Red, and he whispered, "What is she doing?" he asked. Red gave him a look, and she lifted her chin, but she didn't reply. She instead, watched Starlight closely, and she waited.

Another glance at Red, and Starlight would twist the knife, plunging the sharp edge into her skin. She recoiled, yelping as she bit her lip, "Ow! I'm bleeding!" she called out, and she looked at her leg. The blood was gushing rather rapidly, and she looked around, "Quick! Someone get me a napkin!" she said. The ponies around her looked at her in shock, none of them moving forward.

Red felt her throat clench, and she gazed at the blood, a look of anger on her face, and she narrowed her eyes, before she forced it to become concern, and she snapped. "Someone get me a gods damned medical kit! How can you let her bleed out like this?!" She snarled, and she rushed forward, snatching the cloth from the table, and she ripped a large chunk of it, spilling some of the food, and she moved over to Starlight, who was still bleeding out.

Starlight watched Red in shock, and she wobbled. She was losing more blood than she had anticipated. That knife must have gotten a minor artery... The pink unicorn fell over, the blood beginning to pool now, and she heard Red mutter a curse.

The scent of the mare's blood was nearly overwhelming. Red had been right to be suspicious, as she scowled, curling her lips to chase the sweet smell from her nostrils. But she could feel her fangs beginning to protrude, and she quickly closed her lips. She moved quickly. She grabbed Starlight's foreleg, grabbed a rock, and she wrapped the rock in the cloth, before applying the rock with pressure to the wound. She wrapped it quickly, checking to make sure that the makeshift bandage was holding the rock in place. "Where is that medical kit!" she snapped.

A pony rushed forward. Night Glider. Red turned her head, a manic look in her eye. She took note of the medical kit, and she snatched it, opening it and taking out the surgical needle, still wrapped in its disinfectant casing, and she grabbed the surgical wire, scowling. "Damn mare...why did you have to be so stupid?" she snapped at no one in particular, but she shot Starlight a dark look.

Starlight panted, her vision darkening. She saw a glint, and she almost panicked, but a weight on her torso kept her pinned. She was too weak. The bleeding mare looked up, seeing orange, and she tried to flail, "N-no! Help! Somepony help she is going to kill me!" She wailed.

"Hold her down!" Red ordered, and Night Glider once more sprinted forth, grabbing Starlight's forelegs and holding then down as Red would bark, "Somepony get me a sedative! She is going to hurt herself more if she isn't calmed!" she growled, and Sugar Belle snatched the medicine kit, sifting through it, and she eventually pulled out a small pill. She gave Red a panicked look, and she rushed forward. Night Glider released Starlight's uninjured leg to open her mouth, her head knocking sideways as Starlight's hoof swung wildly. Night Glider growled, and her head began to bleed where Starlight's hoof cut it from the swing. But she managed to hold Starlight's head still, so that Sugar Bell could shove the sedative down the struggling mare's throat.

Starlight choked, coughing, but the pill was too far down, and she was forced to swallow just so she could breathe. "Noo! Somepony help!" she screamed, but it was growing weak, as her thrashing was making the wound on her foreleg worse. The blood was soaking through the cloth, and it seemed the rock had fallen out of it as well. Night Glider quickly grabbed Starlight's hoof again, her blood dripping onto the pink mare's chest.

Red was near delirious now, but she grit her teeth, threading the needle, and she began to work, removing the cloth, disinfecting the wound, then the needle, and with delicate maneuvers, the pegasus mare began to stitch up the wound, taking deep breaths. Starlight was slowing down now, and Red wasn't sure if it was because of the blood loss, or the sedative. She hoped it was the latter. She did not wish to lose whatever trust she had raised. This was all a ploy! A scene Starlight had tried to set up so that Red would snap and start going on a blood-rampage! But unfortunately, it didn't go as planned.

"Stupid mare. You should learn to be careful..." she hissed, narrowing her eyes as she finished the stitch. She looked at Sugar Belle, who was offering her the bandages. She grabbed them, giving the unicorn a nod of appreciation, and she snipped the surgical thread with her teeth, quickly moving away and she began to bandage the wound. Starlight was limp now, but she was breathing, and Red let out a sigh of relief. She crawled off the mare, stumbling away and shaking her head. Night Glider, crawled off as well, holding her head, and Party Favor rushed forward, worry evident on his head.

"Nighty are you alright!?" the blue unicorn stallion asked, "You're hurt! Sugar Belle! We need bandages!" He said, forcing his marefriend to sit. Night Glider didn't resist, as her friends began to tend to her wounds. Double Diamond moved over, briefly checking in on his friend, before walking over to Red, and he gave her a worried look, his gaze flitting over her, "Are you okay, Red? You aren't hurt too are you?"

"No...I am just...exhausted.." Red replied tightly. It wasn't a lie. She was in fact, exhausted, and drained. "I am going home..." she whispered, "Get Starlight to her home..and give her medical attention..." she whispered again, and Red walked slowly to her home, her head lowered. It was the first time Double Diamond had seen her this way. Defeated. Tired. He was worried. Genuinely worried about the normally confident and proud mare. He watched as some of the ponies grabbed up Starlight, transporting her carefully to the medical clinic, and Night Glider went as well, given no choice by Party Favor.

Double Diamond turned his head, following after Red, and he soon caught up to her. She was silent, her head still low, and her wings drooped and the feathers trailed in the dirt. Double Diamond remained silent as well, but her brushed against her side, which sparked a small response; a twitch of her ear. It was enough. He smiled and nuzzled the ear, soon arriving with her to the house she was staying in. He opened the door, letting her walk inside first. He made to follow, but Red's voice spoke in a cold monotone.

"Leave me be. I wish to be alone..." she said, closing the door and locking it. Double Diamond couldn't keep back the hurt on his face as the mare closed the door on him. He sighed quietly, turning to leave, and he looked back, murmuring. "Sleep well Red..." he said, and without another word, the stallion began trotting to his own home, crestfallen and confused by the night's events.

Chapter 7 Author's Note

Warning!

After this chapter, things will be getting a little more mature. Well, a lot more mature, but it will start out light. I have the mature tag for a reason lol.

Chapter 7

The room was dark, barely lit by red candles lining the wall, the flames dim and weak. The shadows they cast were long and dark, and they reached the single red velvet chair in the room. It was facing the wall, a mirror before it, but there was no reflection. But a single mare sat in the chair, leaning heavily on the right arm, her fetlock propped under her chin, her eyes narrowed. Her wings were draped on either side of her, loose, but not relaxed. Red eyes glinted with anger and animosity at the mirror, and her voice was cold. "Look at you..." she said in a quiet voice.

"Look at you? I cannot see you...why? Why is it that I cannot see you, but everypony else can..?" she murmured, and she leaned back, her left hoof tapping the arm of the chair. The orange mare tilted her head back, her lip curling in a snarl. "Even with the power of this necklace, it still doesn't hide everything...still doesn't hide the truth..even from me..." she growled again, "What good is a liar, if she cannot fool herself?" she snarled out, and her hoof took the necklace off.

The mare groaned and leaned her head back into the chair as her throat began to burn, her hoof moving to stroke it softly. Hoping it would soothe the overbearing sensation. She drew her tongue slowly over her teeth, sighing in satisfaction as she felt her fangs in their rightful places. She was hot, restless, and she was agitated. What had happened tonight had spurred something in her that she hadn't been expecting. It was feral...primitive, but dangerous. By denying herself what she needed, the mare now wanted more...so much more.. She needed Starlight's blood... She could still smell it. Smell the sweet liquid that oozed so slowly from the wound...She even remembered how Night Glider's blood had stained the pink chest of Starlight Glimmer...

She licked her lips, reminiscing of the tangy sweet taste of the unicorn's blood. She had gotten a small bit on her muzzle, and afterwords, she couldn't resist licking it off. But now it was burned into her mind. She had the scent...she had the taste...she had her prey..but how was she to go about this? Drive her mad? That would be fun. But it would take far too long for her patience...which was already worn thin at this point. What about an accident? Tonight would have been perfect, if she had not had so many ponies around her...And she couldn't make off with a body without raising an alarm..

Rubbing her temple, the mare closed her eyes, and she sighed. "I need better control...I thought one feeding would be enough to quell the worst of it...but it seems I need more...so much more to be sated..." she growled, and she held up the necklace. She gazed at the black pearl in silence, her face one of deep thought, but slowly, a wicked grin formed on her lips, "What I need...is my own clan...my own..coven...but it would be risky..raising fledglings in such a small town...I would need to expand my reaches..." she hummed, smirking, leaning back. "What I need...is an ally..." she stood up, walking out of the room, a single wave of her wing putting out the dimly lit candles, shrouding the room in darkness.

She made her way to her desk in the living room, snatching a quill, an inkwell, and a scroll. She paused, thinking hard about what she would write, and she smiled. Holding the feathered end of the quill in her teeth, she dipped the writing end in the ink, letting it drip some, before she began to write.

When she finished, she rolled it up, and she walked back into the room, and up to the mirror. She gazed into it, seeing nothing still, but she picked up a small pile of ashes, and she held them in her hoof. She spoke silently, "Oh mirror open thy gates so that I may send this message to the one who may receive it.." she said, and she blew the ashes into the face of the mirror. Staring into it, the mare would raised the letter, and she pushed it through the mirror. She felt some resistance...and it was deathly cold...but she soon released the scroll, and she retracted her hoof, watching as the mirror rippled and settled, becoming a hardened surface once again.

"It should arrive in a fortnight.." she said, smirking, and without another word, the orange mare snatched up her necklace, and retreated once more from the room. She needed to relax now..

Double Diamond paced his room, his head low, and his mind running around in circles. Two ponies he cared for were hurt in some way. Another was in intensive treatment getting what she could of blood transfusions. He let out a sigh. Their town wasn't big enough...they had no real medical experts, and there was no real hospital. Just a small house at the end of town that was refurbished to be a medical ward, but even then, they still didn't have all of the medicine they desperately needed.

And now that he thought of it, he looked back on Starlight's recent behavior. The mare had ruined a special occasion, made outrageous accusations against Red, and now, she was severely wounded, because she slipped up with a knife. Double Diamond paused, his eyes widening, and a suspicious look formed on his face.

"Starlight...Starlight wouldn't have used her own hoof to cut a cake back when she was in charge...so she was always precise...and even then...she would have been careful not to cut herself..." he said, and his eyes narrowed. He began to pace again, more feverish now, his mind reeling.

Starlight had to have been truly clumsy to nick a minor artery in her fetlock, or she had done it intentionally...and probably hadn't expected such a cut to be so dangerous. But for what? What reason could Starlight have to do such a thing? Double Diamond stared out of the window in his room, looking down at the empty street below. The party had been canceled since Red had left, and everypony else was either in shock, or in sour moods. Which had been a real bummer to Party Favor, who had worked so hard to set it up. Sugar Belle had been upset as well...being the town's main baker and chef, she had slaved for hours trying to make the food for the party.

And it was ruined...all because of Starlight...all because of her obsession with Red and vampires! Double Diamond ground his teeth, and she looked up at the moon. Starlight had to go...again..she was too much of a disturbance...too unpredictable and so far, unreliable as a pony they could trust. She was the one pony who made the others feel uncomfortable. The one pony who didn't belong in their town.

And Red...Red had shown selflessness despite what Starlight had said and done, despite her animosity, Red...the stranger, the new mare in town, the mare that stood out the most, had did everything she could to save a mare who had accused her of awful things and of being something she clearly was not. A monster. Even cutie markless, Double Diamond didn't think Red was a bad pony..strange yes. Different most definitely. But she was a kind soul, a friendly mare who he was beginning to like. She was humorous, generous, selfless, and honest. Something he himself, saw in very few mares these days. The stallion sighed, backing away from the window, and he walked over to his desk, grabbing his quill, his inkwell, and his scroll. He made a short letter, pertaining to Princess Twilight, and he paused. He thought for a moment, and he walked back over to his window. Double Diamond opened it, and he let out a whistle. A dark head popped over the edge of a nearby cloud, and bright cerulean eyes blinked.

Double Diamond waved quickly, and the pegasus leaped from the cloud, swooping down and hovering in front of his window. "What do you need, Double Diamond?" Night Glider asked, a small bandage on the side of her head where her head was cut.

"I need you to deliver a message to Princess Twilight." He said quietly, giving Night Glider the scroll, "Think you can handle the trip?" he asked, concern clouding his eyes.

"Yeah, I can handle it. Partypoo won't be too thrilled I am going though." she said, taking the scroll and holding it. She looked at it for a moment, before looking at Double Diamond, who was eyeing her strangely. "What?"

"Party...poo?" he asked, a brow arching as he let his full disbelief show. He quickly shook his head, "Nevermind." he said, "Just don't exert yourself Night. It's not a race, and you don't have to rush. I will tell Party where you went.."

"I will be fine Double Diamond." She said, and she sighed, "It's about Starlight, isn't it?" she asked, and Double Diamond nodded, his own face one of pain. "It's gonna happen all over again...she is going to ruin ponies' lives just so she can feel better..."

"No..I am asking Princess Twilight to come get her. Starlight needs help...not just medically...she needs help up here.." he said, tapping his temple. "Starlight is sick...and we can't help her out here...After Princess Twilight comes, I am going to be sending some ponies out for recruitments. We need doctors. We need teachers. If we are going to function properly, we need to expand. There is land all around us we can start building on...I think I will have Party Favor focus on that for a while..he is such a great planner..."

"That sounds like a great idea Double Diamond...maybe we can even start our own economy? You are obviously the one in charge...why not become mayor? I mean, from what I heard, Ponyville lived with a mayor for years until Twilight became a princess." She said, chuckling. "I could start a guard or police force, and Party could be the construction manager or something...we could expand on our roles...ya know? Sugar Belle could even try managing the income and set up trades. She has experience ya know?"

Double Diamond blinked, and a grin formed on his face. "That is definitely stuff to keep in mind, but we have to deal with Starlight first." He chuckled. "I do think it is time for some change around here...change for the better.."

Night Glider smiled, and she put her hoof on his shoulder, smiling warmly. "And with you to guide us, we will be able to do anything..." she said, and she moved her hoof away, "I will be back in a week. Maybe two, depending on how many stops I make." and she turned, flapping her wings and flying away into the night.

"Fly safe Night Glider!" he called out, smiling as he watched his friend's lithe form fade into the distance. Sighing, Double Diamond returned to his desk, sitting at it, and he began to write, jotting down the ideas that Night Glider had just discussed. If change was necessary, it had to start somewhere, so it was best to be prepared for it..

Chapter 8

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 9

Stepping outside, Double Diamond could finally relax. He had taken care of his problem, and it had felt good. Not as good as if Red had been there to help, but good nonetheless. He checked his scarf, making sure it was clean and secured snugly around his neck, and he began to trot into town. He had brought his saddlebags as well, filled with papers of his ideas for the town's improvement.

He paused and looked around, seeing fewer ponies than normal outside, and his brow furrowed. But one orange flank he did spot, since it was the only flank he knew well enough that had no cutie mark; Red. She was out and about, walking aimlessly around the town, looking at the buildings and homes. Double Diamond's smile grew wider, and he trotted up to her, pausing as he remembered last night. Was she still in a bad mood? He chewed his lip, and grew closer; there was only one way to find out.

“Red?” He asked, brushing his muzzles against her side. Her response was a sudden shiver, and he looked into her eyes as she turned her head to look at him. He gazed up at her nervously, suddenly concerned if he had spooked her. But the look she gave him was...strange. Soft, amused, confused, and a small mix of disbelief.

“Hello Double Diamond..” she murmured in reply, a faint smile on her lips. The tall mare turned and brushed a wing against his side, “I hope you are feeling well...last's night events were...most unfortunate it seems..” she said, tucking her wing in and sighing. “I guess a lot of the ponies here are rather...pent up. Discontent...but it wouldn't be surprising with such an...unwelcome mare among them..” she said, raising a hoof to brush her mane to the side.

“You aren't unwelcome. In fact, I think everypony wants you to stay!” Double Diamond said quickly, but his expression became one of confusion as Red began to chuckle. “What?” he asked, tilting his head.

“Oh darling..I am not talking about me..I am talking about the mare who caused a scene last night. I have been walking around, and it seems nopony is one hundred percent positive that Miss Starlight's little episode was just an accident..but intentional...why? Now that is a mystery on its own.” Red murmured, smiling softly at him, before she stepped away. “Forgive me..I am...a little spooked after last night...” she added in a hushed tone.

“Spooked? I mean, I guess what happened was a little...disorientating..” Double Diamond said, but he remembered how Red had acted last night, and how she was acting this morning..Double Diamond could guess that maybe she was spooked after all. He wasn't sure. Red didn't seem like the kind of mare to be scared or spooked.

Red smiled faintly, before looking away. She wasn't ready to tell him what she saw him doing. What she heard. She was still trying to process through that. Shaking her head, Red sighed, and she flexed her wings some. “I do not think I will stay here...too much anger...too much distaste for difference..” Red mumbled. Double Diamond felt his heart plummet, and the stallion rushed forward, hooking his fetlock with hers. Red looked down sharply, then up at him, her eyes wide.

“Don't go...please...” he pleaded. “I am sending Starlight away. She isn't welcome here...and you are...if you leave, you will just be wandering for a place to belong and here...well...I think you belong...” Double Diamond said, his white cheeks tinging a dark pink.

Red blinked, her own cheeks turning a darker color, and she gazed down at her hoof, joined with his, and she couldn't help the image of his hoof wrapped around his shaft, stroking it as he whispered her name. A wave of feelings rushed through Red, and she removed her hoof from his, backing away slowly and giving him a half smile. “I...thank you for your..thoughts. I shall keep them in mind when I decide.” she said.

The stallion wasn't about to give up, and he moved closer, pressing his snoot to her neck, and he nuzzled into the soft orange fur, into the dark red mane. He inhaled her scent, “What if I asked you to stay...personally?” Double Diamond asked.

“Then I would say that you are being selfish and giving me little choice in my own desires...” Red replied calmly, her eyes looking at him through the corner. She was unsure how to react. This stallion was making advances after only a few days...two at most...and she was not about to let herself be swept up into a romance that would ultimately end badly no matter which way. In the end...the sad truth was, Double Diamond would die..if not because of her, then of nature.

Double Diamond was unaware of this of course, and he sighed, looking up at her with a warm look in his eyes, “And I suppose that would mean I would be no better than Starlight huh...” He mused, and with a pained look, he backed away, giving Red some space. “I'm sorry...” he sighed.

Red frowned, and she would later slap herself for what she was about to do, “Double Diamond..you have been kind to me...and I want to give you what you deserve in turn...if there is anything you need...please...let me know...alright?” she said, and she stepped closer, a long orange wing moving to raise his chin. The mare pressed their lips together, the soft fleshy mounds melding and embracing the other's. Double Diamond's eyes flew wide in surprise, and he stared into Red's eyes, the mare's own eyes half-lidded in contentment.

They remained there, holding the single kiss, the sparks almost rapidly flying. Double Diamond's heart was ready to break at least one of his ribs from how fast it was beating, and how hard it was. The kiss was almost perfect...not perfect enough to feel off, but it felt right..And he didn't want it to end. Red on the other hoof...she could taste him..smell him...hear his heart pounding, and because of that, she could sense the blood pulsing in his veins, almost like a siren call for her. A little nibble wouldn't hurt.

She could feel her fangs slipping out, and she panicked, breaking the kiss, only for one tiny sharp tip of her fang to nick the soft skin. Double Diamond let out a hiss of pain, and Red's eyes widened as the dark red fluid began to dribble down his bottom lip and chin. He held his hoof up, wiping it, and Red's throat tightened. “I'm sorry..I didn't mean to..”

He looked at the blood, then at Red, a surprised look in his eyes. But he leaned in, his hoof dragging the mare closer, and he pushed into another kiss. Red was stunned, and she was forced to taste the red nectar that dribbled from the wound she had made. The taste sent a flurry of tingles into her mouth, and she pushed into the kiss, allowing the blood to flow smoothly over her tongue. She couldn't resist the slight suckle on his lips, the tangy but sweet metal flavor, filling her senses.

It was only a slight groan from him that the orange mare halted, her eyes snapping open, and she jerked away from the kiss, backing up some. Her breath came in shuddering gasps, and Double Diamond stared at her in shock. Red quickly wiped her lips, and she backed away, her ears folding back. She looked at his lips, stained red with their lustful, bloody kiss, and she wrenched her gaze away. “I'm sorry..” she repeated. Before Double Diamond could stop her, Red snapped out her wings and took off, leaving him behind and stirring the dust of the road behind her.

He gaped as he watched her fly off, his bottom lip throbbing from the wound, and from when she had suckled it. It was a dull, almost irritating pain, but less than the pain he felt in his heart. He licked his lips, blinking as the tangy flavor of his blood filled his taste buds. He quickly wiped his lips, using his scarf to wipe the red fluid from his coat. He had never seen Red so spooked or anxious...But now that he thought of it, she had pushed back into the kiss when he started bleeding..and she...had she actually drunken his blood? Double Diamond gazed after Red, and his brow knit together. He turned his course, now heading for the medical building. He needed to talk to a certain unicorn...