Blood Moon: Night Terrors

Early Morning, Inside a Home in Center Canterlot

Just as she had said, Twilight Sparkle experienced another restless night, haunted by her everlasting nightmares, it had been years since she had slept a full night. She shifted her gaze from her ceiling towards her window, staring at the morning sky, "...Smoke...their burning bodies again, " her tone of voice was somber. Ever since the early days of the affliction, the daytime skies were shrouded in clouds, however, in Canterlot, every day around this time of morning, the church would burn the many bodies of those who perished from the plague, the thought had always made Twilight sick to her stomach, but after living with it for so long,she had somewhat gotten use to the putrid smelling smoke.

Downstairs, Twilight's mother and young Spike awaited her to come downstairs, "..Mom...I'm worried about Twilight..as of lately her insomnia has been getting worse... " the young boy was always worrying for his sisters well-being, he knew she was not of good mental health, she had never been.

"..She'll be fine dear, she's just under a lot of stress....we all are, hers is just....just worse, " the woman who Spike had always called mother spoke in her usual sorrow filled voice, she was a broken human, only living so that her children will survive.

It was then that Twilight finally made her way downstairs, she wore her usual attire, which consisted of a light dress and top with a hood, and wrapped around her neck was a scarf, " Good morning, " she smiled faintly as she spoke to her family.

" Good morning Twilight, " Spike replied, " Hey I was wondering if you could take me to the market today, if it's not much trouble, " he suddenly asked her.

Twilight knew that she had a meeting with the princess today, but she couldn't refuse her younger brother, she had never been able to, "..Alright Spike..we can go to the market today... "

Off in the Western Side of Canterlot

In the days before the plague, Canterlot was a lustrous city, the sun was always shining in the air, the citizens were always so cheerful, there was always a sense of prosperity and joy, nowadays, the only sense of joy that can be found is merely a remnant, found within the few children who live within the city. The Plague spared none, men, women, the elderly, children, all fell the same, and if they did not fall, they joined the ranks of the afflicted as bloodthirsty beast, this is a thought that rest within the minds of all who inhabit the city, and yet, some still manage to cling onto hope, that someday this nightmare might end. One particular person who held onto this feeble amount of hope was, Twilight Sparkle, ever since the loss of her father, all she's ever wanted to do was find a way to end this terror, however, she has been unable too, constantly sheltered from the reality that was the plague by both her mother and her mentor, the princess.

Twilight held onto Spikes hand as they walked down the cobblestone streets of Canterlot, as usual, despair was in the air, that's all there ever was. She looked at her adoptive brother, always having a sense of optimism in his presence, it was enough to many anyone crack the smallest of smiles, "Hey Spike, " she started, "..After we're finished at the market..I have to go to the castle..would it be alright if I dropped you off at Moondancer's while I'm attending my meeting with the princess.. " she asked him, saddened that she had to leave him, but she knew if she had shown her sadness, it would only make him sad.

Spike looked at his sister momentarily before smiling and nodded, " That'd be just great Twilight, I've been meaning to go there myself as it is, " he stopped and widened his eyes, blushing and sweating at what he just said, " To uh visit, I uh mean, I wanted to give her a..a..a present, that's right a present! "

A giggle escaped Twilight's mouth as she watched her little brother mentally panic, " It's alright Spike, you little romeo you, " she smiled as she watched him try and convince her but only giggled more as he stuttered on his words. However, their moment of joy was cut brief as they started passing an all too familiar spot to every citizen of Canterlot, the church of the hunters, and their medical campground, they watched as smoke rose into the air from the body pile, not only that, but watched as the plague doctors carried more bodies towards the pile. "..Don't look Spike.. " she placed her hand over Spike's eyes and held him close as they walked by it, catching a glimpse of two hunters exiting the church, one with rainbow hair, the other with black and white hair. Twilight held a deep despise of hunters, and at the same time, respected them, they took life away from those who, while afflicted by the plague, still clung onto it, they were in a sense, killers, but at the same time, they would risk their lives, leaving the safety of the city try and quell the numerous outbreaks of the plague in towns and villages who did not possess the same safety.

Only meters away, the two hunters exited the church and turned towards the campground, the sight of dead and burning bodies had become life to them, ever since their families were ripped away at a young, tender age. Both hunters hailed from the once prosperous mountain city that was once called Cloudsdale, now nothing more than burnt and decrepit ruins. The woman's name was Rainbow Dash, the mans name, Xero chrone, friends since childhood, as most of the orphans were, they, along with every other orphan raised by the church, have witnessed the devastation of the plague firsthand.

Rainbow Dash wore a worrisome expression upon her face, the bags under her eyes revealed an absence of sleep. "...Are you sure the girl will be alright...I mean..when we found her..she wasn't in the most stable of conditions..you don't think shes...." she couldn't finish her sentence. If there was one thought that all hunters shared, it was that no child should have to experience what they did, nor should they have to experience the hell they witness happen to people every day of their lives, and yet, it seemed to happen, always.

Xero slowly shook his head, denying the thought of the girl being afflicted, "...I highly doubt it, if she were..she would have been vomiting blood by now....that's always been the first sign, " his tone of voice was sterner than usual, confusing Rainbow slightly.

She could only nod in response, something about the ailing girl reminded her of herself when she was a child, lost, alone, broken, "...I'm just worried is all, can you blame me, " he replied with a simple shake of his head, resulting in her cracking a small smile, "..My thought's exactly.. ". Their conversation was cut short however by nearby commotion in the medical tents, to which they hastily made their way towards.

There were no, leaders, within the hunters, there were no ranks, no hierarchy, simply brothers and sisters fighting to avenge what they have lost, but among the hunters, if there were one that any would classify as their "leader", it would have to be a women known as, Spitfire. The oldest of the orphans, and seen as the eldest sibling in their little family, her fiery hair being a symbolism of her strengths and beliefs, she was always there for every member of the church.

As Rainbow and Xero approached the source of the commotion, their eyes landed on the one they would refer to as their leader, arguing furiously with the same doctor who provided them with supplies last night. "..Xero, look..if Spitfire is that furious....well..you know what that means.. " rather than get closer to get a better view, she stepped back, staying close to Xero.

"..That means we're losing a hunter.. " his tone was expressionless now.

" I don't care what you have to do Whooves!! you will get him immediate care now, or I will personally put you in that pile!!!! " Spitfire shouted furiously, she didn't want to lose another hunter so soon.

The doctor who was referred to as Whooves, took a step back, shocked by her outburst and threat, "..S..Spitfire..I..I'm doing everything I can..b..but we just can't spare anymore doctors...we're spread out thin as it is..what with all the sick we're already tending to..." but suddenly, Spitfire grabbed a hold of the collar of his garb, pulling him towards her by force, scaring the good doctor greatly.

" Then get rid of some of them!!! " she practically screamed in his face.

He began stammering in response to what she had just said, "...S...Spitfire..s..surely you aren't suggesting wh..what I think you are.... " He knew that Spitfire could be brash during times of crisis, but this was unlike her, she had suggested that they just get rid of their patients, he couldn't just let her kill them. " ..I refuse..these are still living people, they still have a heart, a soul, they still have people who love them..I can't just kill them just because you want us to spare a few doctors for one dying man!! " his sudden outburst shocked everyone, for as long as they had known him, doctor Whooves, as he wishes for to refer to him as, had always been a kind understanding man, not one to raise his voice.

Spitfires eyes widened, not because of his outburst, but because he had called their comrade, their brother, just a man, " What do you mean, just a man!!! You've known him all your god-given life and you're just going to stand there and say hes just a man, you two were best friends growing up for gods-sake!! "

The tent remained silent for a few short minutes before a gasp of air broke the silence, the hooded man on the gurney next to spitfire raised up his hand and put it on her shoulder, "...H...hey...j..j..just ..calm down..S..Spitfire.. " blood ran down his mouth as he spoke.

"...Soarin..." was all she could say as she looked at her wounded friend, she stared at the deep gashes in his chest, she could hardly believe this was happening.

The doctor then spoke up, a saddened look on his face, "....Besides...there isn't much we can do...not only are his wounds too deep but it seems..." he took a pause, causing the tension to build up around everyone, "..it seems that....hes become afflicted with the plague..there must've been blood on the claws of the beast that did this too him...afflicted blood ".

Spitfire again grabbed him by the collar of this garb, but this time instead of pulling him, she slammed him against one of the tents poles violently, her eyes widened further, " THAT'S NOT TRUE!!! He can't be afflicted, he just can't be!!! you must be mistaken!! " her voice could be heard cracking in-between her shouts.

" I am never mistaken! " the doctor replied with his own, but less loud, shout, " Spitfire, his veins have run black, it'll only be a matter of time before he's vomiting blood, will that be enough proof for you! as much as it pains me more than anyone else, Soarin is going to die!! " it was easy to see the pain in both of their eyes. Whooves lowered his head and placed his plague mask back on, wishing to hide his shame, "...The best you can do now is put him out of his misery..." he turned away and began walking, wishing not to e in their presence any longer.

" You can't just leave him like this!!! Whooves!! You bastard get back here!!! " but her shouts fell on deaf ears.

Xero looked at Spitfire from where he and Rainbow Dash were standing, he balled his hand into a fist and began walking over towards her, only to be stopped by Rainbow Dash who grabbed him by the wrist, and shook her head slowly, "..You know how she gets..you know how close they were too...it'll be just like walking into a wildfire if you try and intervene now ". The two knew better than anyone about Spitfire, while she may have a fiery spirit, there is one thing in her that is just as red hot, her fury.

The fading Soarin's hand slipped off of Spitfire's shoulder, "..You heard the doc...do it...just...end it quickly.. " his breathing became erratic all of a sudden.

"..No..no I won't, " she replied, " For all he knows you probably aren't even afflicted...you..you could get better..we...we..could, " this time it was she who was stammering, she may have been brave and courageous as all hunters were, but just like all hunters, she was not stone, her emotions could easily slip, no matter what authority she held.

"..Sp..spitfire...it's..t..too late...just do...i..i- " he was cut off by the sudden feeling of something rushing up his throat, followed by him erratically vomiting blood all over the ground, only stopping to cough and hack in between burst of blood, "...Ple...please..!...do it..." were the only words he could mutter before returning to his violent vomiting.

Both Rainbow Dash and Xero watched as spitfire took her saber out of it's sheathe, and raised it into the air, primed to pierce Soarin's heart. The two lowered their heads and turned away, walking away from it all, only stopping at the sound of a blade piercing flesh and the final gasp of breath from their friend.

Later into the Day, at Canterlot Castle

Twilight Sparkle had soon arrived at the royal castle of Canterlot, one of the last remnants of what all of Canterlot once looked like, still standing as tall and proud as it always has. She was openly welcome in the castle, one of the many perks of being the Princess's disciple, however she only ever came for two reasons, the browse the castle's massive library, or to attend meetings that the princess had summoned her for, this such occasion was the latter. She made her way towards the room where all such meetings were held, a large room with single long table resting in the center of it, the ones who normally attended were nobles who had survived the plague, whether they be from Canterlot themselves, or managing to come form distant areas. Several times they had attempted to find a solution to end the affliction, and several times they had failed, the more the affliction spread, the more lives it took, and the more beast it created.

Twilight walked into the aforementioned meeting room, her eyes scanned the room as many nobles were scattered around it, her eyes eventually landed on the princess, who gently waved for her to come to her, which she did. " Princess Celestia, it's so wonderful to see you again, " Twilight smiled as she hugged her mentor, she was always happy to see her, she was almost like a second mother to Twilight.

" And it is wonderful to see you too Twilight, " she gave her student a small smile, not wishing to show her usual sadness, especially not around someone who meant so much to her. She watched as Twilight sat down next to her before standing up to get everyone's attention, " I would like to thank you all for taking your time and risking your lives for the greater good to attend this meeting, I will be honest with all of you as I usually am, " she stopped to let out a small sigh before continuing, " We are at our wits end, no matter what counter measure we make, the plague continues it's rapid spread, that pile out there gets bigger and bigger every day ".

The very mention of the pile was enough to make Twilight sick to her stomach, all she could think of was the awful smell, the awful smell of burning dead flesh, " Everything will be alright Twilight, just, focus on the princess talking, she needs your support more than anything, just don't focus on that awful image, " she mentally repeated this over and over.

Princess Celestia's tone was stern, but very concerned, " We've done everything, from leading crusades against the afflicted, to even burning down the Everfree forest where this god-awful nightmare started...." she lowered her head, as much as no one wanted too, they had to accept the harsh and dark reality of it all. " The most we can do until a cure is developed is....is keep sending the hunters out and hoping that they can quell the constant outbreaks ".

One of the Noblemen from Griffonstone stood up and slammed his hands down on the table, " And what happens when they all die Celestia, what then!! the we all just give up?! " he repeatedly slammed his hands down on the table, clearly furious at the situation, " You've all grown so dependent on those foolish miscreant hunters that you've all forgotten how to defend yourselves! Well we of Griffonstone refuse, we shall take weapons in arms, whether it be a blunderbuss or a blade, ".

Celestia returned the gesture, slamming her own hands on the table, " That won't ever happen! they've made it this long they can keep going!, besides, not everywhere has the pleasures that Griffonstone has of being armed to the teeth! So we have to depend on the hunters! and the last time U checked, Griffonstone was just as plagued as anywhere else, so the next time you wish to make an outburst in this room, I suggest you think before you speak!! " Princess Celestia wasn't known for her outburst, but when they did happen, they left everyone in the room shocked, including the ones her yells were directed towards.

Twilight watched with widened eyes as the usually prideful Griffonstone noble slowly sat in his chair, then turning her gaze towards the princess, "...Princess Celestia..."

The princess of Equestria lowered her head so that none would meet her gaze, "...This meeting is dismissed...you may stay in the castle to await the next meeting...or you may leave for you're homes...the choice is yours..." She rose from her seat and left the room with Twilight not far behind her.

"..Pr...princess...Princess Celstia please wait! " Twilight called out to get her mentors attention.

She turned to see her student, she could see the worry in her eyes, "..Twilight...What troubles you my dearest student..." she did he best to hide already strained emotions, but she could feel it just barely slipping from within.

"...Well..you see.." Twilight began, "..When I first arrived today..there was something I wished to discuss with you after the meeting...but..after witnessing what I just did...I'm...I'm beginning to worry for you princess.."

Celestia looked her student in the eyes, the worry had grown further in them, "..I am sorry you had to witness that display Twilight...it is just...things have been strenuous as of lately...it is making....everything, difficult, for me, for you..for everyone that lives in Canterlot...nay..for everyone that lives in Equestria..." she stopped herself, not wishing to continue and allow her emotions to break free. She pulled her disciple into a warm hug, always feeling better when Twilight came to visit, " But enough with that, what is it that you wished to speak with me about Twilight ".

" Well princess..you see..." she started up, but did not speak for the next few seconds, her mouth hung open, as if she were unable to find the right words, "..You see..as of lately....no..ever since I was little..I've had a desire, a desire to find a cure for all this...but..I feel as if I am unable to do so...I wanted to talk with you...and see if there were a way for me to do so..or at least..find the right path ". She looked her mentor deep in the eyes, unsure of what she would say, or how she would react, she had always tried protecting Twilight from things such as this, but eventually they had reached her.

" Twilight...." Celestia said out loud, she stared back into her students eyes, a part of her ached, "..You..want to find a cure..." to this Twilight nodded. Her sister had said the exact same words about wanting to find a cure, but when she set off to do so, she was never seen again, Celestia wished not for this to happen to Twilight, but she couldn't find it in herself to tell Twilight to go against her heart. "..Twilight...I..I'm uncertain as to what to say..." Twilight lowered her head, saddened by these words, " But, " Celestia continued, regaining her pupil's attention, " But, I will do whatever I can to assist you...normally I would detest against such things..but...I fear that if these things are detested for too long..then there will be no hope for finding a cure..and that is something we need more than anything now..hope.."

Twilight smiled at her teacher, embracing her in an even tighter hug than before, " Oh thank you so much princess Celestia, you don't know how much this means to me, " she could practically feel herself tearing up, when she first arrived today, the only thing on her mind was the fear that the princess would be against Twilight's wishes, but now her fears had been shoved aside.

Celestia spoke up once more, " Two days from now Twilight, in two days I want you ready to travel...I will send a request to the church, they will prepare you an escort to a little town out west known as, Ponyville ". The name of the town alone intrigued Twilight, but before she could comment, princess Celestia continued speaking, " The town is one of many that were devastated the most in the early days of the plague, alongside the likes of Cloudsdale and Manehattan, it is also closest to the birth of the plague, the Everfree forest, however!, " she stopped herself with a slight raise of voice, " However...I forbid you from entering the forest...do not ask me why..just...abide by my wishes..since I have done so for you...remember, two days, and after two days have passed, meet at the northern gates and disembark with your escorts, is that understood Twilight ".

Twilight hastily nodded in response, " Yes Princess Celestia! " however before she could leave, she had one sudden thought she had to speak of, " Um..Princess..why Ponyville of all places if it's so devastated? "

She turned away from her pupil, and looked out one of the stained glass windows of the castle, " Because, people still live there, people who need help, the likes of which only you can give provide Twilight, and also..." she stopped shortly once more, "...It is where all of this started...where this nightmare we all live through began ".