Chapter 01: Uneasy Arrival
It was a calm and peaceful night. The half-moon shone softly upon Equestria giving all places and areas a slight silver glow like the whole pony realm was just a surreal dream on this cloudless night. A soft bristling warm breeze rushed through the grass and leaves, leaving little sound behind in its wake. It seemed almost like nothing could disturb this peace.
It was a very quiet night. Most ponies were resting at this time except a few ones at their night shifts, like the doctors and the nurses in the hospitals. And the night guards of course, personal soldiers of Princess Luna who protected Equestria and its citizens in their sleep.
Two of them were patrolling along the outskirts of the Everfree Forest, two pegasi to be precise. They wore dark blue, plate-like armor. The more flexible elements around their necks, back and legs were purple. Luna's insignia which reassembled her cutie mark decorated the chest piece.
Just like those of Celestia's royal guards the armors of the night guards were enchanted. Besides the unified look - a gray coat, amber-colored eyes, dark blue leather wings and dark blue tails - the wearers were provided an enhanced low-light vision, sharper hearing and an ultrasonic sense similar to bats.
These two pegasi got the duty to watch the Everfree Forest, a place with wild magic, terrifying creatures and other dangers that still had to be discovered. Every attempt to tame this area failed miserably and it was better left alone. Thanks to the incident with a hide-behind just a few months ago a permanent patrol to look out for any trouble from there was implemented by the princesses, day and night.
The last weeks were quite uneventful, so the last reports were very short. All quiet on the Everfree front. But that was about to change.
It would be a bit much to say the two guards were friends. But they had worked together for at least a month now. They chatted idly about their families, how they joined guards or banter about who the next mare of the year might be. They also played a little guessing game now and then, just to keep them awake and focused. But today they had a different topic to discuss.
"Really, your marefriend makes the best hay sandwiches I have ever tasted. Thanks for sharing them with me. Hope she doesn't mind." one said after the last bit had gone down. He couldn't help but lick his lips to prolong the taste as long as possible.
"Nah, she is fine with that. I just keep on telling her she doesn't have to do that all the time." A soft sigh came from the other pegasus.
"Hey, how long have you been together now? Two years? Isn't it time to move on and marry her? You know, build a family and all that."
"No, I can't...I mean, I want to. But her parents, they are so...so..." But an answer never came. Suddenly both stallions became silent. Something struck their minds making them feel like they had flown against an invisible wall.
After half of their shift was over a feeling of uneasiness washed over the two guards. They became extraordinarily alerted as they flew along their route and couldn't fathom why. There was nothing strange coming from the forest beneath them, but this sudden sensation, some foreboding gnawed on their nerves making them move their hooves to the spears they carried, just to be prepared. A little bit later they discovered something out of place, but not at the Everfree Forest...
It was a calm and peaceful night as a figure stopped moving. It was standing on a hilltop and was gazing over the forest and fields beneath it. Its whole form was wrapped into something that looked like a robe. Nothing was revealed, no paws, legs or hooves. Even the body frame couldn’t be made out exactly, thanks to the wide cut of this robe. And the head was covered by a hood, the face hidden in the shadows. Only a pair of red-glowing eyes could be seen from the right angle, fierce and predatory. As the figure took a deep breath, it gave a soft barely noticeable sigh.
‘Imekuwa zamani sana...,(1)’ the covered figure thought. Another sigh followed. Then a breeze blew over the hilltop which made the fabric of the robe move slightly. But besides that the strange being remained motionless for a while. Behind the figure was a railroad that led to Ponyville. And in the far distance was Dodge City which looked as peaceful as every town in Equestria.
Maybe after a half hour watching as it would bath in the calmness around it, the figure began to move. It turned to walk along the outskirts of the Everfree Forest following the train tracks. With still no features visible and no noticeable foot or hoof prints, it almost looked like a ghost walking around in a robe. But no pony was around to notice that, almost no pony except two night guards who were watching carefully.
After they realized that the unsettling sensation appeared to come from the figure below them the guards approached rapidly. This strange feeling, they heard about it before, maybe during their guard training, but couldn't remember exactly. They were suspicious enough to at least check out the figure and what it was all about. One of them was a rather strong-looking and well-trained stallion with a short scar along his left cheek. The other one – a stallion as well – didn’t look less impressive himself, similar muscled and sized. Both landed not far from the figure with a thud drawing their spears. They didn't take a fighting stance yet, but that would only take a brief moment if necessary.
“Stop right there, stranger!" called the guard with the scar. The voice firm, indicating that his command wasn't just a suggestion. "Who are you and what are you doing here?” The two positioned themselves far away from each other that their extended wings wouldn't touch. Should a fight begin, they wouldn't interfere with each other.
“And don’t try anything funny,” added the second bat pony with the same loud expression of confidence. "Turn around and show yourself!"
The figure stopped like it was commanded to. There weren't any signs of surprise or fear though. It remained motionless as the night guards approached carefully.
‘Inaonekana nilikuwa mzembe kidogo. Waliwezaje kunifuatilia?(2)’ the figure considered. It didn’t happen a lot to him to be discovered, especially not in a remote area in between towns. While staying in place without a single motion, the figure responded.
“I can assure you. I mean no harm to you or any other pony else.” It had a rather soft voice almost like it tried to keep it down in order not to provoke the stallions. It was a male one. There was a strange sounding accent despite the rather well-pronounced Equestrian. It was obvious that the male figure wasn’t a native speaker.
“Don’t make me laugh. Reveal yourself! Or do we have to force you?” the stallion grunted who had spoken first.
“I just want to travel in peace…-“ The male was cut off by the second pegasus. Both night guards were getting even closer holding their spears firmly, but still out of range.
“Don’t fool around with us. Show yourself!” The covered male slowly turned around, slow enough that every single motion could be observed.
“I would prefer not to do so, but if you insist,” the unknown male replied. The two guards watched carefully, a little bit less tense as the figure appeared to cooperate. But when they saw the red glowing eyes under the hood, the pegasi reacted almost instantly.
"Vampire!" In a swift motion they took their battle stances, their bat-like wings spread. Even with their obvious show of aggression the male in front of them didn't move again. He didn't even react to the guards' assumption.
“I only can repeat my words. I have no intention to either harm any pony or wish me to fight with you.” The stallions looked to each other for a moment like they could exchange their thoughts that way. Then one shouted.
“You monsters always say that. Get him!” Like they had only waited for that command both night guards beat their wings and dash-jumped forward, spears taking point. At first their chosen opponent didn’t seem like he wanted to dodge or defend himself. But right before the spears could reach him his frame became blurry as he moved with an incredible speed that the ponies’ eyes couldn’t catch the motion at all. The two stallions looked puzzled a bit as their strikes didn’t hit anything. The figure became visible again just a few meters away behind them.
“Please, do not do that. I just ask to be left alone,” the figure said. There was sincere pleading in his voice. But the night guards didn’t listen at all. They got over their surprise fast which indicated that they were very skilled fighters and didn’t only have training. Their movements and their quick recovery came from experience. They turned around and moved forward for another attack.
A deep sigh came from the covered male as the pegasi got in reach. This time he didn’t dodge though. Instead he made a quick step towards them passing the spear blades before the stallions could react. That moment two shadows bolted out of the robe. Each of them grabbed one of the spears right under their metal parts. Both ponies came to an immediate halt as the wooden shafts broke and the sharp spear heads fell to the ground. They dropped their now useless weapons and jumped back bringing a bit of distance between them and the figure, which was motionless again. The shadows – whatever they were – had vanished already.
The night guards expected that the creature in front of them would get after them since they had lost their weapons now, but the awaited counterattack didn’t come. They gave each other a short look, nodding.
“He is skilled. Retreat!” ordered the stallion with the scar on his cheek then. The other nodded and spread his wings to take off. Before he followed his comrade that stallion glared at the figure.
“Know this, Damned One. We are going to come back for you. And we will find you wherever you try to hide.” With that said he left as well, closing up to the other night guard. They would be back with some reinforcements. The two knew that they didn’t stand a chance against the creature they had just fought. And they weren’t foolish enough to try it again on their own.
The vampire stood there looking after the ponies until they were even out of his amplified senses. He sighed again before he turned his attention to the destroyed weapons. He moved closer to them and got down for a more detailed inspection. After a few moments a brown furred paw slid out of the robe and took one of the shafts gently. The male gave the fine silver engravings in the almost black wood a closer examination. He actually admired the work of a very skilled hoof.
‘Ni upotevu ulioje.(3)’ He picked up all the pieces of the two spears which seemed to vanish inside his robe. Then he looked at the train tracks. Walking along them was no longer an option. Being hunted wasn't a prospect he would like at all. So he turned to the forest. After only a few minutes he spotted an opening in the undergrowth. Before he headed to the path he looked to the direction the night guards had left.
‘Mwezi uwe juu yako kila wakati.(4)‘ He sighed again before he finally vanished into the Everfree Forest. Nothing was left that would tell about the little fight just some moments ago.
It was very early this morning. The moon and the stars were still shining in the sky. Just a faint light was visible at the east horizon telling that the sun would rise soon. But Zecora was already awake preparing a set of potions. She needed a special flower for them which only blossomed a few minutes after dawn. They would wither quickly after that.
The zebra was often asked if she wanted to settle down in Ponyville. At least she provided a lot of her goods to the ponies there. But she refused. The Everfree Forest gave the shaman everything she needed for her brews and she was used to the rough and dangerous environment there handling it quite well. So she didn’t see why she should leave her cabin behind.
She was about to finish the last preparations when she turned her head towards the door. She got a familiar yet strange feeling, something she hadn’t experienced for a long time. Her memories brought her back to her home in Farasi. Something from the past... But before she could think further about it she heard gentle knocks on the door.
Zecora wondered a bit who might visit her at this early time, but she put the vial in her snout she was about to put into her saddlebags back to the table and walked to the entrance. The zebra wasn’t afraid by any means and opened the door to see who was there. Her eyes widened for a moment in surprise as she saw someone unfamiliar. She had thought that Fluttershy or Twilight would pay her a visit as they often did. So Zecora didn’t expect a figure in front of her being wrapped in a wide robe. She couldn't see the face, just those red glowing, predatory eyes. Her expression softened though after a few seconds. She remembered now.
“Good morning Dear, I wonder what brings you here. I don’t get many visitors at all, especially not at night’s fall.” The figure didn’t respond at first. There was a moment of silence as both looked at each other like they tried to get an impression from their counterparts. Finally the figure’s soft voice came to Zecora’s ears.
“I’m sorry to bother you this early, but I saw light in the windows.”
“You’re not a bother, don’t think so. But what is your request, I’d like to know.” The zebra shaman gave her visitor a careful look again as she listened to his reply.
“All I want to ask for is a shelter for the day. I traveled a long distance at night and I have to rest.” His words had a soft and calm tone while he remained motionless in front of the cabin. Zecora thought about his request. When she woke up earlier she didn’t expect that she would have a guest, especially not a guest like him.
“Your words sound sincere, Child of the Night. You may enter to be safe from the day’s light.” She pushed the door open completely to let him in. Though the figure hesitated for a moment which made the shaman raise her eyebrow. She was about to repeat her invitation, but her visitor finally stepped into the cabin. As she closed the door she could hear a soft relieved sigh.
“Thank you for your kindness.” Still wrapped in his robe he turned to the zebra. “You know about my kind?” The shaman nodded.
“Yes, a long time ago I heard about your kind. So I have to ask what is on your mind?” Under normal circumstances the male vampire would rest inside a cave or any other sun-protected location. Unfortunately being in the Everfree Forest didn't count as normal.
“I just need shelter until sunset. Besides that I do not ask for anything.” Still he kept his voice low. “I mean no harm to you.”
Zecora gave him another careful look. But she believed his words. She knew it would be simple for him to force her to do anything. But he didn’t look like a threat, more like someone who was...lost.
“Then you are my guest. But I may have a request.” The male nodded carefully, not being sure what she expected from him. “My name is Zecora; I’m the local shaman and herbalist. I have something in mind, something on my list. But for now tell me your name. And show me your face that’s hidden under your robe’s frame.” Again the vampire hesitated which made the zebra smile softly. “Don’t worry, Old One, no need to fear. All you tell me will stay here.” Slowly the male nodded once more.
With two curling movements two paws and forearms became visible. The soft-looking fur was generally brown, but on the upper parts were darker stripe-like patterns. The utter forearms had slightly brighter fur. The paw-like hands looked average-sized for his body, the insides showed soft pads. Zecora watched carefully as the creature in front of her revealed himself to her.
Slowly he lifted both paws and reached for his hood pulling it off his head. Two ears jumped upwards as they were free again. They were brown as well with darker stripes on their outsides. A closer look revealed something on his forehead which almost looked like a horizontal scar. For a second his eyes were closed. When he opened them the red glow was gone. Instead green slightly gleaming eyes were looking at the zebra shaman now. They were framed with darker brown fur that it almost looked like he was wearing glasses. His hair looked blonde and was long enough to reach in between his shoulder blades. There was a light brown pattern around his snout and his cheeks. A black nose completed his face. Then the vampire bowed his revealed head.
“I am Terranus. It is nice to meet you.”
“My pleasure, Terranus. And as I can see, you have traveled a lot, as wide as me.” He nodded to her words before giving his surroundings a curious look. Most ponies thought that Zecora’s style of decoration looked kind of creepy. But the vampire knew about the meanings of her masks and symbols.
“You mentioned that you want something in return for giving me shelter. I know something about herbs and roots myself. I may not be familiar with the plants in the Everfree Forest though. A lot has changed after my last visit.” A wry smile formed on Terranus’ face, and she greeted him with an understanding smile, but shook her head.
“Thanks for your offer, but I may ask for something strange. A drop of your blood, that’s your exchange.” Terranus tilted his head a little and lowered his ears slightly. He gave her a suspicious yet surprised look.
“At home I missed the chance to ask one before. Please, agree. Don't let me wait anymore.” For a while the vampire tried to figure out why she would ask him about his blood. Was it just curiosity? Or was it a way to see how trustworthy he was? A single drop of vampire blood didn't sound a lot, but even this had the potential to do harm. Not to speak about blood from a vampire as old as he was.
He knew that shamans had a lot of knowledge about nature and its creatures, supernatural or not. Maybe she just wanted to learn something new about his kind. It was hard to judge Zecora’s intentions at this point. But he felt nothing malicious in her words. She offered him to stay until sunset and seemed to be all fine with his condition. He finally gave in, but not without a warning.
“I admit not many people asked me that before. And I am very grateful for your shelter.” He made a short pause thinking about how to word his worries. "But be careful. It contains more than one danger." The vampire let out a soft sigh before he wanted to add something. But his thoughts were disturbed by a sudden feeling he knew very well.
“I will give you what you asked me for. But I have to rest first. The sun rises.” Right before the first beams of light fell into the cabin, Terranus moved forward to a window-less and shady area. Thanks to the thick leaf roof not much daylight reached the ground, still enough to harm him terribly. He took a deep breath and shivered a moment at the thought of what the light would cause to his body. Then he turned to Zecora giving her a soft smile that he was alright for now. He knelt down as the shaman replied.
“I understand that this is a need, but keep your promise, don’t flee. If you do so you will disappoint me.” Terranus nodded to her and folded his paws. He still thought that her request wasn't something to take lightly. But he had no intention to deceive the zebra. With that in mind he closed his eyes to concentrate. It wasn’t sleeping actually, more like a deep trance while meditating. Nevertheless he was able to dream that way.
“Ar…are you sure?” The trembling feminine voice contained disbelief, shock and even fear.
“Yes, Your Highness. The appearance was reported by two night guards. The current location is unknown. A quickly established search along the outskirts of the Everfree Forest didn't reveal any sort of tracks. It's very likely that the abomination has vanished into the forest. Unfortunately the wild magic there is a perfect cover.” The captain of the night guards in front of Princess Luna finished his report and waited for further instructions.
Usually it only took a few minutes to go through the notes. After she had closed the night court Luna headed to the briefing room. It became a little ritual before she returned to her personal chambers to rest. It was not that her body needed any sleep. The same didn't count for her mind. Dealing with all the dreams could be exhausting at times. But not this morning.
“This ain’t good…this ain’t good…,” the Princess of the Night mumbled frowning. A flood of thoughts rushed through her head. How could it be possible?
When she fell over 1.000 years ago, Luna did terrible things as Nightmare Moon. In order to gain strength to defeat her sister she created various spawns. Vamponys and other vampires-like creatures were amongst them. After her banishment Celestia had to take care about what her sister had left behind. Those were the first tasks the Celestial Order of Knights received.
At the end of a millennium Luna finally returned and was successfully re-transformation. In one of the many secret meetings with her sister she learned that all over Nightmare Moon's spawns were taken care of. The last vampony was killed over 600 years ago. It was dirty work. But since then no vampire was found in Equestria.
Said vampony had murdered at least five dozen ponies before a knight struck her down. The gruesome details were only known by the royal sisters and were stored in a file hidden in the secret room of the Royal Archives. The thought that there still could be one out there was unsettling. The alicorn was tense and uneasy. She bit her lower lips as she was thinking. Finally she made a decision.
“Here are my orders: Inform all night guards about the possible threat. Triple their numbers around the Everfree Forest. Form groups of at least three. Any sight has to be reported immediately. It's forbidden to encounter the vampire. Telling from the report it is dangerous.” The soldier nodded and saluted.
“As you wish, Your Highness.” Performing his duties the captain left the lunar princess alone. At least the two night guards remembered their lessons about the history of Nightmare Moon and reacted accordingly. But this fact didn’t help to calm her down, not a bit at all. Distressed and with trembling legs Luna left the room as well, filled with a worried mind.
'I have to talk with my sister about this. We can’t let this plaque spread again…', she thought.
Author's Note
So, here it is, my first fimfiction fanfiction, and my first fanfiction at all. I'm not sure if it is worth reading, but let me know in your comments. Critique is welcomed and encouraged.
There are a few things missing a cover art for example. Have to look for an artist to commission one. Also I'm thinking about explaining the unique phrases from Moguera's Savage Skies story. But it's better to read the story yourself. It's great approaching the world of My Little Pony in a bit more...adult way.
Thanks to my friend Phir for being my proofreader. English isn't my native language, so I might make terrible, very terrible grammar mistakes. He also gave me some good advice to make my story better
It was really a challenge to write Zecora's rhyme-like speech. It took some time to let her talk that way, even in my native language. I hope it is decent enough.
For Terranus' thoughts I originally had planned to let him think in a language like Latin (for reasons that will be explained later). But the translations from Google and Co. weren't satisfying. So I decided to give him another native language that fit his (and Zecora's) origin. Can you figure out what language it is? Here are the translations :
(1) Imekuwa zamani sana... - It's been so long ago...
(2) Inaonekana nilikuwa mzembe kidogo. Waliwezaje kunifuatilia? - Seems I was a little careless. How could they find me?
(3) Ni upotevu ulioje. - Such a waste.
(4) Mwezi uwe juu yako kila wakati. - May the moon always guard over you.
Sorry for the little cliffhanger at the end of the chapter. I just couldn't resist.
Next chapter:
An emergency meeting is convened.
