Other Ponies, no problem. Monsters, maybe that's a problem?

My name is Shadow Heart, and my special talent is dealing with things that go bump in the night. That’s not saying much when the things that go bump in the night are actually friendly. I’m a crimson furred stallion, with a blonde mane and tail. My eyes are gold and sometimes glow in the dark, they kind of intimidated ponies when I was younger. Anyway with that little bit of info out of the way I think I should tell you about my job. I’m a member of an organization that is the first line of connection between monsters and ponies. Now you’re probably wondering what constitutes a monster. A monster is any creature that falls under the domain of the night, other than thestrals. A few examples that are given to those joining the program are vamponies, wolfkin, lamias, gorgonys, spider ponies, and demons.

I only recently joined the program; actually it was shortly after gaining my cutie mark. Honestly I’ve been a blank flank most of my life, and it was only saving a vampony that caused my mark to appear. Vamponies aren’t going to burst into flames from sunlight; they can’t only die by piercing their hearts, but they are allergic to silver and rosaries. Rosaries can restrict their power, and silver can kill them if injected into the blood stream. Just touching silver burns their skin and fur. The vampony I found had a silver knife stuck in her arm. I’d pulled out the knife and given her some blood.

At the time I didn’t know why I did it, it just seemed the smartest thing to do when I saw her fangs. It was after that my cutie mark appeared. It was a black sun with a red moon embossed upon it and creatures of the night frolicking underneath. That was, oh three weeks ago now. When I got my mark I decided I’d dedicate my life to helping monster ponies blend in with society. Of course it helped the species collaboration act came out about a week after I took in the strange mare who I later learned was named Rarity.

Rarity lived in my guest room. However she would be just the first of many monsters to move in with me. After Rarity moved in with me I became a host for Monster mares, and this is where the SCA came into play. As a member of the pony race, a unicorn to be more specific, I was expected to provide for the mares under my care, until they got jobs, keep them safe, and never have intercourse with them. That shouldn’t have been a problem; little did I know that the mares in question had their own designs. The things I received as a host were free Remodeling of my home for monster girls, I would receive a government stipend, and I would be allowed to enter monster communities. Of course besides all this there were some drawbacks, I had to go out with any monsters that didn’t have a work visa and any crimes they committed I would have to pay for the trouble they caused.

Anyway after the SCA came into play, Rarity got a work visa and started to help out around the house. I was happy to have the extra help and income coming in, though part of that went out for donated blood, plasma pills, and Rarity’s wardrobe. Rarity is a very high maintenance mare, which isn’t surprising because from what I’ve heard most vampires are noble born.

Now before I go any further let me tell you a few things about monsters that are in the SCA packets handed out to every host. 1. Monsters are non-infectious, though if you drink their blood you can become a monster yourself possibly. 2. Monsters are as intelligent as ponies if not more so. 3. Monsters are not trying to take over the world. 4. Most monsters that are in the SCA are female looking to learn more about the pony lands. Finally 5, Monsters are looking for friends among the normal populace and if the SCA works out then they will open their borders to non-monsters.

About two weeks ago I met the director of the program in my area. His name was Creature Keeper. He was an interesting stallion with a pitch black coat and dark blue mane and tail. He was the monster hunter of Princesses Luna and Celestia.
After I learned a little about the program from creature he said to me “So you’re mark is that of a keeper.” I raised an eyebrow confused so he explained “Your mark is that of one who keeps the balance. The light of the red moon is the time when monsters are the most active. I nodded and thanked him.

When I got home from the Creature’s place, Rarity tackled me and said “Darling you’re home! I hope you joined the SCA like I asked you to.” I nodded and she said “Wonderful, so do I have you all to myself or should I worry about other girls moving in?” I shrugged. She stared at me and asked “You didn’t ask?” I shook my head and she sighed then said “Well then I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Also I hope you understand that I won’t mind sharing.”

I was confused by what she meant by sharing and would remain so until the extra species decided to make their point clear. I plopped down on the couch while Rarity relaxed in our recliner and said “I start work at the boutique tomorrow darling. The old owner is willing to sign it over to me as long as I do a good job however I’ll still be living here.”

I grinned and said “Great.” She raised an eyebrow and I said “It would get lonely without you here. I’ve grown used to you living with me.” She squealed and plopped down on my legs then lay down on top of me before hugging me. I stroked her hair and said “You don’t need a drink, right Rare?” She shook her head and I said “Good because I was going to offer to get you one from the kitchen, since you’ve been eyeing my neck.” She giggled and I said “Seriously you’re like a lioness eyeing a gazelle when it comes to my blood being available.”

She giggled and said “Sorry Darling, but you’re just so adorable. After all the first time I drank from you, you passed out.” I blushed and mumbled. She giggled and said “It’s alright darling; you didn’t exactly expect a pretty mare to latch onto you after you pulled a knife out of her arm. Though thank you for not pulling away, even if you did pass out. I don’t think I’d have survived if I didn’t get your blood into my system.”

I mumbled “You didn’t mention that vampires emit an aphrodisiac through their saliva that makes their victim enjoy being bitten.” She chuckled blushing and I said “Seriously Rare, I didn’t like being bitten before you did it. Now I don’t think I could get off in sex without being bitten because I’m so used to associating biting with pleasure.” She blushed and scratched her neck then I said “Anyway you know we can’t do anything since you’re an extra species and I’m a unicorn stallion.”

She giggled and said “You know the SCA is going to remove the no intercourse eventually because a lot of monsters have to breed with ponies.” I blinked and stared at her as if asking ‘Really?’ She nodded and said “Yes males don’t exist among many monster populaces and those that do the males are usually infertile unless they were turned from other races. An example is vampire males. My father was a vampire, as was my mother, but my father started out as a regular earth pony who drank my mother’s blood.”
I raised an eyebrow and asked “If he’d been a regular stallion would you still be a vampire?”

She nodded and said “Vampires always have female vampire children. Males however take after the father’s race. My little sister is a vampire, but a friend of mine whose father was a dragon was born a regular dragon not a vampire dragon.” I blinked and she explained “If we were to mate the foal would have a fifty-fifty chance of being a vampire or a pony. If they were female the chance goes up to seventy five percent.” I nodded slowly and she said “Honestly I don’t know why so many believe vampires can’t have children, we aren’t truly undead.”

I raised an eyebrow and said “I thought the undead thing was a rumor started by hunters so that vampires wouldn’t be protected.”
She smiled and said “No it was mainly started because our breathing can stop for a few minutes, our hearts can stop and, it takes the blood of other living beings for our heart to keep beating.” I slowly nodded and she said “Now then, I’m going to go to bed. I will see you in the morning. After all tomorrow you find out your part in the program.”

I nodded and bid her adieu then turned on the TV and started to watch the news. The night passed slowly, the news talking about the SCA, and my own mind filling in the facts they were missing. After about half an hour I turned off the TV and walked to the kitchen to get a glass of water. I sat on the counter sipping my water as Rarity walked downstairs and said something about needing a drink. I started to ask what she planned on drinking when she pulled out a blood bag and cut it open before pouring its contents in a wine glass and sipping it. I didn’t flinch; having grown used to seeing such things over time, and asked her “What’s the type of today’s meal?”

She shrugged sipping from the glass and replied “AB negative.” I nodded and sipped my water staring at the wall clock above her head as she glanced around and asked “Not going to bed yet?” I shook my head. She asked “Have you even showered?” I shook my head again and she said “Darling that will just not do. Go upstairs and take a shower then head to bed. I’ll talk to you in the morning before you go to your meeting about the SCA.” I sighed but nodded in acquiescence. She smiled and said “Lovely.” I finished my water and headed upstairs hip checking Rarity on the way making her giggle and say “You’re so naughty darling.”

I chuckled as I headed upstairs and said “No I just like to have a little fun.” I heard her sigh as I walked into my room to grab a change of clothes. As I walked out she was walking upstairs. I raised an eyebrow and asked “Finish your drink already?” She nodded and walked past me to her room then I walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. She knocked on the door as I was about to get in, so I quickly pulled my boxers back on and answered the door. I asked “Yes Rarity?”

She blushed seeing me mostly in the buff and said “I just wanted to let you know I was going to bed because I have an early day tomorrow. I doubt I’ll be here when you wake up.” I nodded and she continued “Anyway good night.” I bid her good night and closed the door then tossed my boxers and clothes in the hamper and put my spare change on top of the toilet before climbing into the shower and letting the water run over my form. I yawned as my horn sparked and magic flowed out changing the color of the water from clear to light blue.

I yawned and blinked as the water changed color then muttered “Damn my magic is on the fritz again.” I started to scrub myself down with soap and washed my mane and tail with conditioner and shampoo then rinsed off. As soon as I was rinsed off I started toweling myself dry and stared in the mirror. My golden eyes reflected the light and my ears twitched at the sound of water dripping off the shower head. I sighed and muttered “You live with a beautiful mare you can’t touch because she’s a vampire. Sheesh, just your luck Shadow,” I sighed and stretched. I pulled on a pair of boxers and walked to my room then plopped down on my bed and pulled a sheet over me after turning on my fan and cooling the room down.

I fell asleep alone. As I slept I dreamed. I dreamed of my childhood, being insulted as a blank flank, being told I’d never amount to anything by my classmates, and the love my parents had for me. They’d had marks that had to do with monsters as well and told me one day I’d find my mark. I didn’t know that they were members of the royal monster hunters, but one day they just didn’t come home from a mission. I relived that day in my dreams as my uncle took me in and said to me “You’re strong Shadow. Don’t let the cruelty change your heart. Always help those in need and you will be rewarded when the time comes. You’re mark will appear when it’s time not a moment before. I love you kid, and your parents loved you more than this world. Your father and mother passed away on their mission but you are their legacy.”

I’d nodded and said “Of course Uncle. I will do my best to make them proud; I won’t give into the darkness and will instead rise above it. However I want you to teach me how to fight, how to defend. I will be a protector.” He smiled and agreed and then my dream went through a montage of my training. I saw myself learning how to track creatures, learning the different markings that were used by the different guards and branches of the military, learning the blade, spear, and bow. I saw myself learning everything my uncle knew, before finally reading my parents’ journals. After that the dream faded away as my alarm went off.

I woke up and let out a loud yawn then got up and got dressed. I decided to dress nice because today would be my first day working with the program to find a job. I dressed in a button up shirt, slacks, and polished boots. I walked downstairs and made myself a plate of eggs and hay bacon. I ate quickly and rushed out the door then got on my motorcycle and drove to the SCA headquarters in my area, which was also the former monster hunter barracks. I pulled up and parked in the visitor area then walked in and headed to the receptionist. She looked up and said “Ah Mr. Heart. I see your early, that’s good. The Director has plenty of time to see you today. Honestly if you like I’ll let him know you’re here and you can head on back.”

I nodded and she hit the intercom then talked to the director, who was of course Creature Keeper, and motioned that I could go back. I walked back to Creature’s office and he motioned for me to sit down. I did so and he said “So you want to work for the SCA’s board of directors?” I nodded. He smirked and said “Good, because with a mark like yours your life is destined to be intertwined with monsters. You would either be hunting them in the old days when they were attacking towns to raid and steal mares and stallions, or you would be working with the bureau to keep the incidents quiet. Either way you’re mark leaves this as your best option. So what do you want to do?”

I shrugged and said “I’d like to run a task force that keeps the monsters and hosts in check. I’d also like to be the liaison between the hunters and the SCA members. That way I can come out if needed. I’m trained in more extensive combat than the royal guard, to track the different types of creatures in our world, and I have a degree in language from Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns.”

Creature smirked and said “Maybe we should make you director.” I blinked and he laughed then said “I’m kidding kid, though I think we will make you the head of the task force.” I raised an eyebrow thinking “Task force, what task force?” He smirked and said “The M.D.C. or Monster Defense Corp is a group that protects the populace from rogue monsters and protects peaceful monsters from trouble makers, poachers, and vigilantes. The M.D.C is a separate branch of the SCA organization and only reports directly to me and their director, which is what you’ll be.”

I blinked and asked “Why me?”

He smirked and said “Because you’re mark is that of a pony that will deal well with monsters. Your parents were my best hunters, and your uncle recommended you. That and you put your life on the line to save a vampire who just so happened to be on your front lawn. All that and I see a younger me in you kid. You’ll report to me and the princesses. That said, you’ll also be a host so expect more girls to come to your home, and your home to be remodeled. You will have to set examples, meaning you’re going to be the head of the interspecies units.”

I blinked and asked “What interspecies units?” He smirked at me and I said “Seriously sir, what interspecies units?”

He laughed and said “The units that have both monsters and their stallion or mare they love working together as police, firefighters, etc. Yes though the SCA says there is no romantic or carnal relationship between monsters and ponies allowed, that’s just for those that haven’t already started relationships or plan to take advantage of the status an interspecies relationship would give them. We do background checks on anyone we allow to mate with extra species and so far we’ve only found four couples that weren’t in it for special status. Those four will be under your jurisdiction. All that said I believe unless you have some questions for me I just need to give you your paperwork.”
I blinked and asked “What if any of the creatures come onto me?”

He chuckled and said “Committing a carnal relationship with them or any other type of relationship is up to you. You are the highest authority next to me when it comes to this type of thing. Also you should expect that vampire lady of yours to make a move on you when she finds out you have special permissions.”

I winced and continued “Well if that’s the case, what about if I meet anyone I think should be allowed to be with the extra species under their care?”

He smirked and said “Then you fill out the paperwork and send it to me. I’ll review it and we’ll have an interspecies specialist come in to see if the two are compatible. Of course if not well then I’ll have to call you in and find out what they said or did to persuade you, then we’ll monitor them and see if they have hidden motives or they really love each other and just couldn’t pass the test based on not having enough time together. If that’s the case you won’t be written up but you will have to go to interspecies training yourself. Actually I think you’ll be mandated to have a study on every extra species and their habits. Be prepared.”

I sighed and nodded then said “I guess those are all of my questions for now sir. So I’ll be joining the program today.” He nodded and handed me the paperwork. I read through it, most of it was just waivers, allowing for background checks, etc., basic stuff that you would have if you joined the guard or any branch of the government. I signed, feeling like I was signing my life away and he said “How many extra species can your home hold currently?”

I shrugged and said “I have two floors so far, three bedrooms upstairs a living room and kitchen down. It would take remodeling for most extra species but the more pony like would be able to stay upstairs with me and Rarity.” He nodded and I continued “Is that all you needed sir?” He nodded and bid me adieu so I headed out the door and down to where I’d get my badge and what not to go with my new job. I didn’t start working for a week, but I would receive my first paycheck on my first day. I dug in my pocket and pulled out a piece of gum then put it in my mouth and started chewing as I walked. I walked into the badge assignment office and got my picture taken, my badge printed out, and my complimentary uniform.

I thanked them and headed home knowing Rarity would probably be there and that if things worked out we’d be getting a roommate before the house was remodeled. I pulled up to the house and parked outside then got out and walked in. I was hugged by Rarity the moment I entered the door and she said “Darling you’re home. So, did you get the job you wanted?” I nodded and she said “Wonderful.” I smirked and she said “How about a celebratory drink?” I shook my head and she sighed then said “Not even a little sip?” I shook my head and she sighed then said “Fine. So when do you start working?”

I smirked and said “A week from today so next Monday. Before that we’ll probably get a new guest. So that said I’m going to go play some computer games. Do what you want down here.” She sighed and nodded then I walked upstairs to my room and turned on my computer. I started playing games until it was time to make dinner. I walked downstairs and said “How does spaghetti sound?” Rarity shrugged watching a fashion show on TV and I said “You know you have no reason to be miffed at me just because I didn’t let you drink from me. I know you prefer warm blood but I don’t count you drinking from me as a celebration for getting a job a good way to spend the day.” She huffed and I chuckled then started making pasta.

It took about half an hour to make dinner then I poured Rarity a glass of blood, myself a can of soda, and served up the French bread and spaghetti. Rarity ate daintily while I dug in a bit more messily. When we were done I washed the dishes and the two of us curled up on the couch watching the news. Rarity fell asleep clinging to me, so I picked her up and carried her to her room. I undressed her and took in her voluptuous body. She was about five and a half feet tall, had at least a D cup bust, wide child bearing hips with a slim waist, and her mane and tail were perfectly groomed. I wrapped the sheets around her and whispered “Night Rare,” before going to bed myself.