Lavender Cloaked in Crimson

Silence reigned in Luna’s room, darkened by quick-dirty spell work...

As a figure stood by the foot of her hotel bed, quietly watching the sleeping Princess. The figure reached out as if to touch her, but Luna stirred awake - causing the figure to freeze it’s hand, withdrawing slightly from the sleeping Princess.

By the time Luna summoned her Claymore and turned on the lights, she felt herself fully awakened… only to see nothing inside her room besides herself.

I could have sworn someone was here! she exclaimed inwardly, while rubbing the sleep from her eyes before groaning in her mind, am I losing my mind? Am I imagining something I want to see?

She slipped out of bed after dismissing her sword, and made her way to the bathroom, where she took a toothbrush, and proceeded to brush her teeth before washing her face. Unlike her sister, Luna had very little, if any makeup on her ever - spurning the stuff as nothing more than pleasant lies that someone would tell to themselves.

When she was cleaned up and ready to go, she changed out of her pajamas - banishing them to the royal washroom - after which Luna conjured a black t-shirt bra and a pair of cotton briefs, slipping them on with ease of practice - right before putting on her tank top and leather pants. Looking at the mirror before leaving, she brushed her hair and smiled at her reflection as she was done getting ready.

Luna’s cellphone rang, with a private number showing in its screen. Answering the call, Luna found out that it belonged to the Baltimare police sergeant.

“Princess you should come downstairs,” the sergeant’s manly voice said to her before hanging up - leaving Luna unable to inquire further as to what happened. Making her way downstairs and out of her hotel, she was greeted by the sight of a police cordon already placed around the building - including the alleys at either side.

Five corpses lay in one of the alleyways, as Luna found out before asking to the sergeant, “What happened here?” shaken to her core that the murderer had struck so close to her current living quarters.

“We found their orders written on a piece of paper - these guys where to assassinate you. It seems that the Colta Neighstra family thinks you are the one pulling the Reaper’s strings, and thus targeted you for a hit contract… unfortunately for them, The Reaper dealt with them… quite thoroughly,” the sergeant smirked mirthlessly as he noted, “it appears that you have an angel of death looking out for you Princess,” right after which he lit a cigarette, taking a drag from it eagerly as Luna struggled to keep her facade.

Failing at that, Luna leaned back against one wall, and groaned in exacerbation as the sergeant continued speaking, “the Colta Neighstra are the last crime family in Baltimare… and to be frank good riddance to bad trash. If I didn’t have to uphold the law I would have given that mare a medal for public services rendered.” He took another drag of his cigarette before puffing out some smoke, “tonight, is our last night to capture the Reaper. Before she moves on to a new hunting ground.”

Luna growled to herself as she straightened up from the wall she was leaning on - only for a young eager kid in uniform to offer her a cup of coffee to her, which she outright rejected.

“Sorry, kid… but that stuff tastes like sewage. Thank you for the thought though,” she replied to the young boy.

The boy wilted slightly but nodded dejectedly as he turned back… before Luna rolled her eyes, and said to him, “Look, if you want to help, look up about Donut Joe, in Canterlot. See if he’ll teach you how to make coffee and donuts like him. Perhaps open a store here - if you continue working as a cop, you’ll die someday - perhaps even a few days from retirement. Few officers make it to retirement, and fewer still avoid being pulled back into work because of some unfinished case.” Luna advised as she continued on her way.

And with any luck the coffee in this town will become tolerable at least.”

Luna sighed she was back in the van, with fresh faces and the Sergeant - who was a few days from retirement - posted around the house of the Colta Neighstra crime family.

Well, looks like tonight is going to be a complete and utter massacre. Luna thought to herself as she looked at the conditions of the setting - no full moon, house without lights on, and the houses next to the Colta were at a distance.

Her thoughts were cut off by the sudden onset of screams, shouts and cries of pain as they echoed into the night.

sometimes I hate being right, Luna thought to herself grimly as she conjured her armor and sword while rushing out of the van with the Baltimare officers trailing behind her.

Charging at the door, Luna bashed it in - causing the door hinges to splinter the door frame. Making her entry, Luna entered the house, where in one room she was shocked to see that there were more shadow figures attacking the Colta Neighstra family.

Charging at them, Luna swung at the shadows, cutting through them as if they weren’t there - only for the cleaved shadows to reform - knocking her sword away with a fluid motion, and drawing its own sword to strike her… only for it to be surprised as a window smashed in - sharp glass showering upon it - as the Reaper leapt through the window, landing on top of the shadow and stabbing it through the head, causing its body to scatter into motes of shadow.

Luna stood there slack-jawed, while watching the Reaper making short work of the shadows invading the house… before continuing to slaughter the Colta, some of which were scattering into embers and ash - a different result from the shadow beasts’ remains.

The young officer that had offered her coffee earlier came sprinting into the room - while being followed by a shadow creature that looked suspiciously similar to the sergeant. Several bullets ran through, piercing the shadow and making it disappear into dark dust.

Panting from the strain, the kid looked up - only to see the Reaper with Luna on the floor - reacting at once, the brave fool raised his gun, aiming towards the Reaper… only for The Reaper to make an exaggerated movement of her head - that to Luna felt like an eyeroll - with a flick of the Reaper's hand her invisible blade sliced through the air causing his gun to be cut off in half, which he stared at dumbly… before the stench of urine filled the air close to him.

Luna just deadpanned at the young officer… but wasn’t able to do anything else, as shadows wrapped around her wrists and ankles, binding her to the floor.

Feeling the weight of the Reaper settle on her pelvis, with her breasts squishing on Lunas’ bust as she inclined towards her. Squirming, Luna tried in vain to fight the Reapers’ hold on her while laying on the floor, while the Reaper laid on top of her… until she lifted her mask - where her smile could be seen by Luna - and leaned down on her, locking lips with Luna.

Luna froze up at the intimate contact, eyes widening in shock - feeling deeply conflicted on whether to enjoy the sensation of another person’s touch or to violently bite the Reaper’s lips in retribution. In the end, she settled for blushing fiercely as the Reaper kept her hold on her… right before the criminal withdrew her face to place her mask on, and started to playfully fondle her breasts while looking at her eyes through the mask.

Once again, she had the feeling that the Reaper was smirking and enjoying herself while doing these things in front of a wet kid.

Luna snarled at her, causing the woman on top of her to giggle in amusement at her defiance.

“Wittle Woona, has forgotten me already?” The Reaper asked in mock sadness, Luna’s eyes widening in shock at the pet-name.

I haven’t heard that nickname in millennia, the last one to call me that was my mother!?

The woman booped her on the nose, causing Luna to wrinkle it in response. “Ahh… well, I suppose it can’t be helped after a millenia on the moon. Not to mention I am hiding my Identity,” the Reaper continued while holding her hands up and shrugging.

Luna struggled against the bindings once more, as the Reaper leaned in a kissed her cheek again… before fading into the darkness of the night again.

In the meantime, the young officer had snapped out of his shock and radioed in for backup, causing Luna to snort in derision.

A little late for that now, kid. she thought to herself… right before being driven back into reality as the police showed up… gawking at her as she was still bound to the floor.

Not one second passed by, before several flashes from camera phones lit up the room, making the shadows to fade from existence.

“If I find those in the news, the paper or the internet I will have you all gelded!” Luna growled as she got out of her undignified position.

“Don’t you mean castrated, Princess?” one of the cops asked.

“No! I meant gelded, with hot irons, like they use on stallions,” came Luna’s fierce retort, which to her delight, caused the flashes from the cameras to stop at once… while several male agents started guarding their privates instinctively as they crossed their legs and stepped back a couple of steps.

Oddly enough, some of the women did as well.

Luna wove her way through the gawking onlookers and left the house - feeling conflicted with what she had now seen… since now she was certain that there was more to this chain of murders than what appeared - after all, within her experience, after death people don’t just burst into ashes, neither do shadows attack people.

Or so I believed before tonight, Luna thought to herself with a grimace.

As she walked down the street, Luna felt the drops of water landing on her face, followed by the crackling of thunder in the distance above her, letting her know of the imminent downpour about to fall.

Sighing, she formed a large shield above her - glowing silver with her magic - as rain began to fall faster.

All I need now is a trench coat and a pair of sunglasses, and then I’d be perfect cliche Cyberpunk protagonist, Luna thought as she grumbled to herself. She took out her phone and called her sister, “Luna?” Celestia’s voice came from the speaker.

“‘Tia, I am coming home. I failed in my mission, but it’s not a total loss, since I found out more info. But my findings also left me with more questions than I had before.” Luna paused touching her lips, she sighed and before letting her hand drop she continued on saying, “‘Tia, prepare the good booze for when I return! I need a drink or fifty!”

Luna lounged on a sofa in the tea room, a place where important matters could be discussed while in comfort, all while drinking tea… or in this case getting hammered, while Celestia had opted for tea, and was wearing a beautiful white gown, along with her regalia. They largely just sat in silence, while enjoying each other's presence… until Luna broke the companionable silence with a moan and asked her sister “‘Tia, am I pretty?” after downing her twentieth bottle of whisky… and its buzz starting to finally affect her.

Celestia’s eyes trailed onto the drunken Princess’ figure and replied carefully, “sister, I am not touching that subject with a fifty foot pole,” Celestia said before complaining while rubbing the bridge of her nose, “besides, I already have to deal with certain unscrupulous newspapers spreading rumours about us being involved with each other in an incestuous relationship… all just because we have never had anyone brave enough to even ask us out.”

Celestia turned her attention back to her sister. “Why do you ask anyway?” she added wearily, as she leant back into her seat.

“It’s just… the Reaper has been getting very daring with me, having physically touched me, while also kissing, licking, groping me, overpowering me… to be honest, it’s making me feel like a young maiden again, vulnerable and weak instead of a literal goddess,” Luna blushed as she admitted what had happened earlier to her sister.

After a moment's’ thought, she added, “she also seems to know me, she even called me Woona. That embarrassing pet name mom gave me,” Luna complained sitting up slowly to avoid the head rush.

“Really? But that was such an adorable nickname, Lulu?” Celestia cooed as she playfully needled her sister. Luna responded in the only way appropriate to such a thing - she gave her sister the finger and glared at her. Though this had the opposite intended effect, as Celestia devolved into a fit of laughter.

“Oh, by the way Lulu… I noticed how stretched thin you were in these days, and decided to hire you an assistant… Twilight Sparkle,” Celestia changed the subject, “come in Miss Sparkle,” she called out loud.

The double doors that led to the room opened in… as a young woman wearing jeans, knee high flat heel boots, a lavender shirt and black leather vest combo that barely contained her D cup breasts that jiggled slightly as she moved came into the room.

Luna noticed, despite her alcohol-induced torpor, that the newcomer was seven foot in height - barely reaching above Luna’s bust - which meant that she would have to strain her neck, only to make certain that she wasn’t just talking to Luna’s breasts.

Her hair was long and styled wildly, with a couple of highlights striped through it, one purple the other magenta.

Luna - drunk as she was - smirked mischievously, as she levitated the woman off the floor… guiding her to Luna’s awaiting arms, for a closer look.

Twilight’s purple eyes sparkled with innocence and great intelligence, while her face was good looking… making Luna wish that this were still the old times, where Luna would have taken her for her harem immediately… but for now - though - she just settled for enjoying the blushing that currently covered the young girl’s cheeks.

“So Twilight, where dost thou liveth?” Luna asked, causing Celestia to roll her eyes at her slip into old Equestrian.

The blushing Twilight, who was currently on top of Luna… straddling the princess, was fidgeting adorably while failing to ignore the hungry looks that Luna was giving her, “I live in a recently renovated; gothic style; stone brick mansion off Palace avenue,” came her answer - her voice feeling like music to Luna.

“Luna, please don’t manhandle the help, also - you’re slipping into the old tongue again,”
Celestia chided Luna while trying to hide her amusement at the scene.

“Sorry,” Luna apologised as she put the woman back on her feet, though Twilight seemed a little disappointed - her feelings on the matter being quickly hidden behind a mask of professionalism.

Luna smirked, filing away that piece of information for later, before saying to her sister, “I like her, ‘Tia… when can you start?” Luna asked Twilight, while leaning back and admiring her new assistant.

“I can start anytime you need me to, Princess,” Twilight responded with an excited smile.

Luna couldn’t help it - she leant her head back and laughed mirthfully.

Luna’s face turned serious as she started saying, “good! Then you start immediately. I need you to research information on shadow beings that are impervious to normal swords, and that disperse into motes of shadow when they die. Also, research all about humans that turn to ash when they die,” Luna ordered to her new assistant.

Twilight bowed rapidly and went to perform her new tasks, while Luna leant forward watching the girls’ butt as she left the room… before it was obscured by doors closing in golden magic.

Luna leant back, sheepishly smiling at her sister, “‘Tia, do you think you can repeal that law…”

“No, Luna. I will not repeal the law forbidding harems, even if it might let us actually get some action… and maybe, even shake that false narrative that I am a vestal virgin,” Celestia groaned at her sister.

“Wait!? They have elevated you to the status of vestal virgin? Oh, my dearest sister,” Luna started as she went over to hug her pouting sister, “if they only knew… that out of the two of us, I was the least debaucherous,” Luna smirked playfully as she ribbed on her sister… while Celestia playfully punched Luna on her arm, with a wry grin plastered on her face.

“What about that Sunset girl, surely you could get her to service you with but a word, if you weren’t so obsessed with maintaining this false image of perfection,” Luna asked, while hanging on to her.

“I know I could Lulu, but if it’s her I’d rather we had a proper relationship rather than a meaningless booty call every so often. She deserves better than that,” Celestia grumbled, “now, if only I could get her to even think that’s a possibility, as she is the only person aside from you who is closest to me.”

“Well, she is certainly not going to make the first move, with how shy and introverted she is. So why not approach her with the option - and don’t be subtle about it ‘Tia, the girl only recently started learning about friendship of all things,” Luna replied, rolling her eyes at the girl who wasn’t there, before turning her attention towards her sister with intensity, making her fidget from the subject being talked of.

“But what if she rejects me Lulu?” Celestia asked with a worried tone in her voice.

Luna deadpanned at her sister, “Please, ‘Tia - the only reason she wouldn’t is some false sense, that she is unworthy to be with you - rather than you being yourself the reason… luckily enough, that can be chipped through easily over time.”

Luna got up, releasing Celestia so she could pull her up, “now enough of this self loathing, let us go to Donut Joe’s!” Luna exclaimed cheerfully.

“You really like that coffee don’t you?” Celestia asked incredulously.

“What can I say sister? It speaks to me! Also it helps me with my gaming, and is something that pedestrian swill never could match,” Luna wrapped her wing around Celestia, leading her out of the room.