Scarlet High

Chapters

C.1 it begins
C.2 Wizards and Magic
C.3 Gym and Lunch
C.4 Music and Magic
C.5 The Night Life
C.6 Twilight was Dark Tonight
C.7 Bleeding Night
C.8 Back to Routine
C.9 Heart Manor
C.10 Initiation
C.11 The Real Night Life
C.12 Black Magic
C.13 Examination
14: Underground

C.1 it begins

Ponyville High. It was massive, nearly half of the town was part of its campus. Twilight couldn’t help but gawk from her place in Shining Armor’s car, face pressed against the window.

“Wow this place is huge!” Spike exclaimed.

“I know. It’s even bigger on the inside.” Shining said.

“Really? That seems impossible...but for some reason I don’t doubt it...” Twilight said.

“So I can’t believe they made you come here instead of the Canterlot University.” Shining said.

“I’m Sixteen, I can’t go to a college just yet. I’ve read everywhere that people who go to college early tend to fall behind or get Isolated almost immediately.” Twilight explained.

“Oh so it was your choice. That makes sense, but don’t be surprised if you soar high above all the other students.” Shining said as they parked in front of a large tree.

“I hear the Princesses are attending this school too.” Spike said.

“Celestia and Luna? I used to be bodyguards for them. That would make sense, if they don’t want to go to college yet then Ponyville High is probably the best place for them... Are you sure this is the right place?” Shining asked.

“Ponyville Library. It doesn’t look like much does it?” Someone asked from the now open doorway.

“You must be Vinyl Scratch?” Twilight asked.

“That’s me. And you’re Twilight Sparkle and Spike, Right?” Vinyl replied.

“That’s us. I’ve never seen a Library made out of a tree before.” Twilight said.

“Neither have I. I just moved in here because it was cheap, It’s about halfway done with the renovations. The first floor will stay the Library, but upstairs is the house. This place is massive, it can house all of us pretty easy.” Vinyl explained.

“Good, I have to go do some of your paperwork. Term starts next week correct?” Shining asked the girl.

“Yep, on monday...so three days since it’s Friday.” Vinyl replied.

“Thanks. I have to go meet with Cadence after I’m done here but if you want I can grab some lunch for us.” Shining offered.

“She’s already waiting, don’t worry about it. We’ll manage just fine.” Twilight said, hugging her older brother before he left.

“I’ll get your bags, there’s going to be stuff moving around a lot so I’ll put them somewhere that’s already finish. Watch your head, if you don’t pay attention then you’ll get knocked on the head by something.” Vinyl said, snapping to levitate the bags and pointed them inside as she entered behind them. Twilight and Spike followed

Twilight looked at her new roommate over. She had a stylishly messy Hair style that was two toned with a darker blue and a teal blue. She wore large purple shades, but they were currently in her hands with one part of the earpiece in her mouth. The other end had a few light teeth marks as well. Her eyes were a deep Crimson and when Vinyl looked up from her spot sitting on a reading chair their gaze locked for a good ten seconds.

“Whoa, something wrong?” Spike asked.

“No...it’s just...her eyes.” They both said in Unison, apparently Vinyl liked Lavender.

“That’s kinda creepy...” Spike started, but was suddenly sent into a coughing fit as he belched out a green flame.

“Damnit she always does that when I’m inhaling!” Spike exclaimed, tossing the letter to Twilight.

“What was that?” Vinyl asked.

“Letter by Dragon Fire. Spike is a Pyromage.” Twilight said, opening the letter.

“Who uses Dragon Fire?” Vinyl asked, peeking at the words on the parchment.

‘Dear Twilight Sparkle

I hope you’ve arrived safely. We haven’t spoken on many occasions but I would like to. If it does not interfere with any plans, would you meet my sister and I at the local Bakery for lunch? Say, 4?

Celestia.
P.S. Your roommate is welcome to come along as well as your brother.’

“You never told me they linked to you.” Twilight said to Spike accusingly.

“They made me promise not to tell you. They bribed me with Rock Candy. You know I can’t resist that stuff.” Spike said.

“Whoa hold on wait...That’s from Princess Celestia and Luna... You know them?” Vinyl asked.

“Yeah, Celestia would Tutor me back in Canterlot during Freshman year. Do you have anything planned at 4?” Twilight replied.

“No...” Vinyl replied.

“Well alright then. Spike, send them a reply stating we’ll be there. What time is it?” Twilight asked, looking for a clock.

“An hour ‘till.” Vinyl replied, looking at a watch.

“Perfect! I was hoping to get a look around the town first. Care to give me a tour?” Twilight asked.

“Uh sure. Lemme go check on the workers upstairs first and I’ll meet you outside.” Vinyl said, turning for the stairs.

“Alright.” Twilight replied as Spike engulfed a new letter in green flame.

“That forest is pretty scary...” Spike kept saying ever since they saw it ten minutes ago.

“Then don’t go near it Spike...simple as that.” Twilight growled.

“There you are Twilight!” They heard a polite and overjoyed voice say as they entered Sugarcube Corner. They looked to see Two girls, one their age and one about a year older, sitting at a table. Celestia’s hair was multi-toned and seemed to glow almost. Her sister’s hair was a deep Midnight color, what seemed like shining stars somehow added to it. Twilight had asked once and the reply was ‘magic’. She still couldn’t decide if it really was magic or she was being sarcastic.

“Hey! So you’re the girl Celestia was talking about?! That’s so awesome because we were jsut talking about you!” a pink clad girl exclaimed, bouncing on her feet.

“This is Pinkie Pie, She struck up a conversation as soon as we arrived and I can’t help but be friendly to an equally friendly face.” Celestia said.

“Hello Pinkie Pie. I’m Twilight. This is Spike and my roommate Vinyl Scratch.” Twilight introduced.

“Well now that you’re here we have some good news.” Celestia started.

“Turns out this school is much better than the Canterlot High School. It has full magic courses and everything. I hope to see you in the advanced ones Twilight.” Luna continued.

“As do I. I heard the two of you are staying in the old Library?” Celestia asked.

“I got a great deal when I moved here and got it all in one. When I heard some smart girl was coming here I decided to let her room with me. While I’m not into that kinda stuff Ponyville needs a library and I’m not the one to keep it open.” Vinyl explained.

“You didn’t tell me that before. Well i’d love to be a Librarian.” Twilight said.

“That’s fantastic. Looks like your love for books paid off.” Celestia said.

“More like obsession.” Spike grunted. Twilight flicked him on the nose in response.

“Ow!” He exclaimed, holding his face.

“Oh you big baby.” Twilight chuckled.

“Well now that all the talking’s over what do you guys want to eat?! We’ve got cupcakes and muffins and crumpets and doughnuts and-!” Pinkie started, but Celestia thought quickly.

“We’ll take two muffins each, mix the kinds up. And rock candy if you have it for Spike.” she cut in.

“Okie Dokie Lokie then!” pinkie exclaimed and disappeared behind the counter.

“That girl. I’ve just met her and I love her to death...yet sometimes she makes me want to strangle something...” Luna mumbled. This earned a bout of laughter from Vinyl and Spike.

“So while we wait for our food, why did you two come here?” Twilight asked the two Princesses.

“Well we heard you were going to Ponyville for high school after your Freshman Year ended and you were offered that spot in the university but declined. We declined ours also. We decided if Ponyville was good enough for you we should at least check it out. We found out about the advanced courses here and couldn’t pass it up.” Celestia explained.

“That makes sense I guess. I’m glad, I would have missed you.” Twilight said happily.

“Whoa hold on... Wait... Are you telling me you got invited to the Canterlot University? When you were just a Freshman?!” Vinyl exclaimed.

“Trust me, Twi was good enough to get in there when she was Thirteen.” Spike said.

“Dude...I don’t know whether to call you a badass or a Nerd. You must know some pretty awesome magic.” Vinyl said.

“She does. If she were to go all out she could probably do better than Luna and I.” Celestia said.

“Now that’s not possible. You were born into all of that, I’m just a Mage doing my best.” Twilight said.

“Your best just so happens to be that damn good.” Spike mumbled. Before anything more could be said, a large plate of eight muffins and one made out of different types of Rock Candy was placed in front of them.

“That’ll be Forty Bits please!” Pinkie said. They all dropped their share of bits on the table, which Pinkie swept into her pouch, and they all dug in.

“This is the best idea EVER!” Spike exclaimed, enjoying his rock candy muffin.

C.2 Wizards and Magic

After a few mishaps involving a wall coming down halfway through Vinyl’s shower, granting Twilight a perfect view, and some of the workers being a bit perverted, they peeped and had blindfolds glued to their eyes, it was finally time to start school.

“Schedule time!.” Pinkie exclaimed, somehow making herself stick out in the sea of people in front of them.

“Yo Pinks!” Vinyl exclaimed, waving the energetic pony down.

“Vinyl! Twilight! Yay you’re here!” Pinkie exclaimed, somehow popping out of the crowd like a wormhole was created. “There’s someone I want you to meet!” She continued, pointing upwards.

“What are those things on their backs?” Spike asked. There was a small squad of people with what looked like wings.

“The different clubs all came together last year and invented them! The Canterlot University got the designs and they’re all over the place now! They’re wings made out of stone, metal and magic.” Pinkie explained.

“That is so cool.” Spike said. The squad finished a maneuver and two of them dived down towards them. One of them had a tye dye hair color while the others looked like fire. They both wore flight suits. They made a flashy landing next to them and pulled their goggles down.

“Heya Pinks, who are these guys?” The rainbow haired one asked.

“Dashie and Fire, this is Vinyl Scratch, Twilight Sparkle and Spike. You three, this is Rainbow Dash and Spitfire!” pinkie introduced.

“Nice to meet you.” Twilight said, holding a hand out.

“Same.” They replied as they shook hands.

“We gotta go pick up our schedules now! I wonder if Flutters and AJ are in the same class as us this year.” Dash said.

The group eventually made their way to the scheduling where they found and were introduced to Applejack, Fluttershy and Rarity.

“What do you have Vinyl?” Twilight asked as they compared schedules. They both had the same Equestrian History class, Magic studies, Physical Education and lunch period. After Lunch they both had Music together, but after that Vinyl went on to Audio Engineering while Twilight went on to Advanced Magic Studies.

“AMS? Damn girl, most seniors say that class is hard.” Spitfire said after seeing it. Before anything else could be said however, a rather obnoxious bell rang throughout the halls. There was a map on the back of their schedule so they didn’t lose their way as they separated to go to other classes. Vinyl, Twilight. Dash and Spitfire arrived in Equestrian History where there was a purple clad woman writing ‘Miss Cherilee’ on the board. The four took seats next to each other and chatted while the class filled up.

“Yo Scoots!” Dash called out when three Freshman girls entered. They walked over, the one with purple hair rushing over.

“Heya big sis! Why are you in this class?” Scootaloo asked.

“Twilight, Vinyl. Adopted little sister Scootaloo. Scoots, people.” Dash introduced quickly. “And I’m in this class because I skipped it last year like half of the other Freshman.” She continued.

“Alright class, I’m Miss Cherilee and I’ll be your history teacher this year!” The teacher said happily. “Excuse me if I treat some of you like you’re younger, I’ve just recently started teaching older kids. I’m usually an Elementary teacher so just tell me if I start and I’ll fix it right up!” She continued.

“Now, I like to get to know my students on the first day, so if you would I’d like you to tell me your name and something extraordinary about you!” Cherilee asked and started pointing at the students from one side to the other.

“I’m Vinyl Scratch. Extraordinary? Well I do work at the campus Nightclub as the DJ.” Vinyl said.

“Rainbow Dash. I’m the fastest flier on campus, proven a total of nine times on record.” Dash said.

“Spitfire. I head the School’s Flight team, the Wonderbolts, and I’m the second best Flier on campus.” Spitfire said.

“Twilight Sparkle... Um, I once beat Princess Celestia and Princess Luna both at a magic spar.” Twilight said. Everyone looked at her. “Um, we weren’t going all out or anything! I’m not that strong! It’s just the rules were set up so it was perfectly fair!” She quickly explained.

“Moving on.” Cherilee said. After everyone gave their names and talents Cherilee started the lesson with something simple.

“Alright Class, Today we’ll go over something that’s widely known, but not as widely understood. The Princesses. Can someone tell me why they’re called Princesses?” Cherilee asked. She was obviously expecting a general cluelessness, the look on her face when Twilight’s hand shot up was obvious.

“Twilight.” She called.

“Celestia and Luna are called Princesses because they are the only people alive today that have the blood of Royalty, who were considered gods in their time.” Twilight recited.

“Very good, most people don’t know that, how do you know it?” Cherilee asked.

“They’re my tutors.” Twilight replied.

“Lovely! Well, as you said the ‘Royalty’ were considered gods because of their power and ability to rule fairly without corruption. Their names were lost to time, but they indeed lived for exponentially longer than a normal person...” Cherilee started as she began the lesson.

“I wonder who the magic teacher is. I asked around and nobody knows, apparently he’s some famous wizard, like even more badass than Starswirl the Bearded.” Vinyl wondered as they entered a very large room. There was an old man sitting on what looked to be a large platform in the middle of the circular room. He wore gray robes and a large gray wizard hat and had an elegant stave.

“Oh, you’re rather early.”He said, standing up with the aid of the stave.

“We are?” Twilight asked.

“Well you’re the first ones here. I imagine your classmates aren’t too far behind you though. So I guess early isn’t quite the right word.” He said, stroking his beard.

“Who are you?” Twilight asked.

“Introductions will be made. I spoke to some of the other teachers and they told me I should Do a sort of round-robin introduction with the class. Hopefully I won’t be getting any egotistical jackasses- excuse my language.” He replied.

“Oh, no worries. I’m with ya on that. Though be glad this one is modest as all hell, she can actually hold up to it if she starts bragging.” Vinyl said, poking Twilight.

“I’m not that good Vinyl! I’m just slightly above average!” Twilight hissed.

“Well you’ve got that right. Your skills appear to be only slightly above average. That is, if we were talking about one as old and powerful as I. At least in potential, power is useless if you don’t know how to use it.” The Instructor said after squinting at Twilight for a few moments.

“See Vinyl? Everyone has high potential.” Twilight said, plopping down on one of the nearby seats as some other students found their way inside.

“Alright then, let’s wait for everyone who’s coming to arrive shall we?” The Instructor said with a smile.

“Very well. I am called many things, but for simplicity’s sake you may call me Gandalf the Grey...Or perhaps Professor Gandalf? Whatever you like as long as I understand it. I’ve been around a long time, I’ve learned to notice many things. Many, many things... Like that note you are passing, Mister green hair would you like to read it for the class?” Gandalf began, his eyes snapping towards where a kid with short green hair was horribly hiding a note.

“Read what?” He asked. Gandalf rolled his eyes and snapped, the note appearing in his hands. he opened it up and looked at it. With a smile he looked up at the boy.

“It reads, ‘This guy is ancient! What can this old bastard teach us?!’... Well miss Vinyl, looks like we do have an Egotistical jackass. Sir, I can teach you many things... Like perhaps the anatomy of a toad?” Gandalf started, the boy suddenly becoming a toad.

“Or perhaps the mechanics of a good levitation spell?” He continued, levitating the toad around the room.

“Or maybe how to overcome the aftereffects of Teleporting? Hold your breath.” He went on, teleporting the toad to the other side of the room. It became the boy again and he seemed like he couldn’t stand. He fell to the ground as the entire room laughed hysterically.

“Now, are you going to behave and let this old bastard teach you magic? Or are we going to have to find out the average speed of a common slug?” Gandalf finished with a smile. The boy tried to speak, but it came out as ‘Bluh’ so he just found his seat and sat down.

“By the way, if you’re not used to it you can counter the after effects of Teleporting by either holding your breath or pinching your sinuses before teleporting.” Gandalf said. “And now that that’s over, I’d like to hear all of your names and what you believe is the best magical feat you’ve acomplished. It doesn’t have to be big or powerful, it can be anything as long as it means a lot to you.” He continued. “Let’s start with the only name I have heard. Miss Vinyl.” He finished, looking at the blue haired girl.

“Vinyl Scratch and the best thing I do with magic is entertain hundreds at the Nightclub using multiple manipulation spells and lighting spells at once.” Vinyl said proudly.

“The great and Powerful Trixie is my name! My greatest magical feat cannot be signaled out for they are all magnificent!” A white haired girl clad in a flashy wizard outfit exclaimed next to them. Vinyl and Gandalf facepalmed.

“Next, please...” Gandalf groaned.

“Um. I’m Twilight Sparkle. I don’t think anything with magic can be the best, it’s all helpful in it’s own ways. But I have Teleported an entire house three blocks away once when I lost control...” Twilight said.

“Keywords ‘lost control’. Before we continue, can anyone tell us why losing control yields such results?” Gandalf asked. Vinyl raised her hand and he nodded to her.

“Losing control is when you lose all control over your magic. This can make awesome things happen, but it’s dangerous because those awesome things can hurt someone or yourself.” Vinyl said.

“A very understandable way to put it, thank you. Now, continue on, you next to miss Sparkle...” Gandalf continued, pointing to the person next to Twilight.

C.3 Gym and Lunch

“That was actually pretty awesome, though that trixie chick is going to get on my nerves.” Vinyl said as they walked to the Gym building.

“You get used to egocentric ass holes after a while. Hey there Dash! Spitfire!” Twilight called out to the two girls that were currently doing something to their wings. They looked up and waved them over.

“What’re you doing?” Vinyl asked.

“Making a few adjustments, sometimes they get a bit loose. The ‘feathers’ I mean.” Spitfire said.

“You know, I’ve always wondered what it’d be like to fly.” Vinyl said.

“Me too. you think we could get some of those?” Twilight asked.

“Well these don’t really come off.” Spitfire said, pulling a few latches on the other wing than the one she was fixing and pulled it off. Twilight had thought there was a harness under their clothes, but there was a sort of port there.

“They’re surgically attached to your shoulder blades and spine. Not anyone can even go through with the operation safely even with all the safeguards and magic and everything. Though there are practice ones that do it with some sort of fancy magic temporarily with a harness and stuff. Talk to Mister Armor about that.” Dash explained as she put away the strange tool for making adjustments and fanned the metallic wings out, observing her handiwork.

“Wait Mister Armor?!” Twilight exclaimed and looked over to where the Physical Education instructor was, pointed out by Spitfire. Indeed, Shining armor was standing there spotting a student.

“Do you know him?” Dash asked.

“He’s my big brother.” Twilight said with a grin, running over to him.

“Hey, I thought I saw your name on the roster!” Shining laughed when Twilight glomped him, luckily the student he was spotting had just stopped.

“You never told me you were teaching here!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Well since I retired from the guard after getting engaged to Cadence I’ve been getting offers like this all the time, I thought you might need a little looking after is all.” Shining said.

“So that’s the Captain’s little sister.” The student who he was spotting said. “The name’s Steel Guard, my dad worked with him in the guard.” He continued, holding his hand out.

“Nice to meet you. Well now that We’ve made a spectacle I wanted to see if me and Vinyl could get some of those temporary wings, Spitfire told us to ask you about them.” Twilight said, shaking his hand and turning to Shining.

“As the Gym teacher I’m responsible for you and the wings, but I know I can trust you and your roommate. If you break them you get to pay for them though, that comes right outta my paycheck. I don’t know how to use them so have your friends teach you how to use them.” Shining said, walking over to a large patch of lockers. He unlocked the padlocks and deactivated a magic ward and threw the locker door open.

“Pick out a pair that fits, call your roommate over and have her pick too. I need to grab some paperwork for you to fill out. If anyone else wants to sign out a pair come to me!” Shining said, using a magically enhanced voice for the last part before entering an office. Vinyl came over and they found pairs that that fit perfectly. a small line of other students did the same. Shining rolled out a stand with flight suits and had a table set up with a stack of papers on it.

“By the way, thanks Twilight, I had forgotten all about these.” He said. “You need to sign your name, where you’re staying and I fill out the rest. You know your sizes better than I do for the suits. They’re not mandatory but they’re recommended. And by the way Twilight, if it turns out you really like flying, if you want that surgery that’s your decision but I won’t like it.” He continued, finishing lowly.

“Whoa slow down brother, I haven’t even tried the things out. But thanks.” Twilight said with a smile, handing him the filled out form quickly. After they had everything on, the flight suit a bit tricky due to the oddly placed zippers and buckles, Twilight and Vinyl were standing in front of Spitfire and Dash.

“So they don’t look like they’re alive yet...” Dash observed.

“That paper said we just open them to our magic flow as if they were arms.” Twilight said to Vinyl.

“Got it...” Vinyl said. Dash and Spitfire watched as the two concentrated and slowly the wings began to move, coursing with Lavender and Teal magic. The two girls twitched as the artificial connections were made and the wings splayed out awkwardly. Spitfire and Dash cracked up at the spectacle.

“Alright. Here’s what you do. It should come naturally to you, as if you’re moving an arm. You just gotta figure out how it works right.” Dash said, getting serious.

“You have to master control of it on the ground before you even think of flying. If you’re still figuring out how to flap while you’re in the air you’re going to faceplant.” Spitfire continued.

“Each feather has a purpose, you won’t be airborne long if you don’t figure out every single one of them.” Dash finished. The two earthbound girls concentrated and tried working their wings.

“Wow, it took us like three days to get that down...” Dash said when Twilight and Vinyl had managed to steadily flap, albeit while standing on the ground, in two hours.

“Well I make a living off of doing a million different things at once, so I got a head start.” Vinyl said.

“I tend to break down and find every little detail in a lot of things I do, plus I’m great with magic so I guess I have a head start too.” Twilight said.

“I wish we could have helped some of those other kids.” Spitfire said. One kid had tried to fly and had literally faceplanted. He was currently getting stitches on four different places of his face.

“Hey we offered and he was full of himself. But yeah, I agree. Why is this class so damn long? We have another hour! I’m hungry!” Dash said, her stomach growling.

“It’s so long so we’re all hungry and exhausted for lunch and probably to make sure everyone gets exercise.” Vinyl reasoned.

“Or they couldn’t think of another class to put between Gym and Lunch...” Dash mumbled.

“Alright guys! For the last hour everyone needs to do some form of exercise! be it weights or jogging!” Shining’s amplified voice called.

“We’ve been standing all class...I don’t wanna jog...” Twilight said.

“Weights it it then.” Vinyl said.

“just because he only said those two doesn’t mean that’s all there is Vinyl.” Twilight said.

“I know, but I wanna see what you got. Spot me.” Vinyl said, walking over to the weights area and laying down on one of the benches. Twilight sighed and walked over. Vinyl set the weight to 75 pounds and started pumping.

“Wow, you’re pretty strong.” Twilight observed.

“I try, gotta be when you’re hauling heavy equipment and speakers and all that.” Vinyl huffed as she pumped. after a full set she returned the bar to the bench and hopped off, panting slightly. “After you Milady.” She continued, ‘presenting’ the bench. Twilight rolled her eyes and reduced the weight to 60 pounds. Twilight went just as fast and steady as Vinyl.

“Damn girl! I thought you were a shrimp!” Vinyl laughed.

“When your brother is captain of the Canterlot guard you gotta be strong too.” Twilight huffed, finishing the set.

“Any cool stuff he teach you?” Vinyl asked. Twilight sat up and put a thoughtful look on her face.

“Well I can take apart and put together any standard firearm, I can fire them with pretty good accuracy too. I’m also a master with the sword, spear, bow and I’m a black belt in three different types of Martial Arts.” Twilight listed off. Vinyl’s jaw dropped.

“You’re joking...” Vinyl said after a few moments.

“Nope, I learned from the best!” She said, not noticing Shining behind her.

“If by that you mean me, then you’ve surpassed the best. She could kick my ass up and down this gym any time and can hold her own against three vets.” Shining said, putting his hands on Twilight’s shoulders.

“Ok, that I don’t believe...” Vinyl huffed.

“That’s not my problem.” Twilight said with a grin.

“This school has an MMA, Mixed Martial Arts, team. You two should join, I imagine being a DJ you’ve been in some bar fights.” Shining said.

“Ain't no party until someone throws a chair. You know it’s a good party when the DJ’s got a bloody nose.” Vinyl said with a grin, obviously reminiscing.

“That could be fun. I’m guessing it’s after school?” Dash said, appearing next to them after her jog with Spitfire.

“Most likely, sports teams and stuff like that aren’t exactly solid yet but I’ll let you guys know. I’m kind of in charge of signing people up for the physical ones like sports and the MMA and the likes.” Shining said. He looked at his watch and put a hand to his neck, amplifying his voice.

“Finish what you’re doing and cool down for the last ten minutes!” He announced.

“You gotta teach me that, some of our Flight squad have trouble hearing me...” Spitfire said.

“Sure, it’s a very easy spell, anyone can do it. Have Twilight teach it to you sometime. Right now I gotta go make sure that kid who fell is alright. See you later Twi.” Shining said.

“I love the food here...” Dash said with ecstasy in her voice as she devoured pizza. Spitfire was splitting the pizza with her. Vinyl had opted for the veggie burgers while Twilight got a sourdough bread bowl filled with chicken noodle soup.

“I love how they let you eat whatever! I wish I knew culinary magic...” Vinyl said.

“Yeah, I never thought when I asked for something like this they’d actually make it right there...This place has everything!” Twilight said.

“So what do you guys have next? We have weather magic class.” Dash asked.

“You saw our schedules, we have music.” Twilight said.

“Oh yeah, right... What do you guys play?” Dash asked.

“I play the Violin.” Twilight said.

“A DJ doesn’t really play an instrument, we play mix tables and stuff like that. But I am a badass on a keyboard.” Vinyl said.

“I would have guessed something like drums for you.” Spitfire said with a chuckle.

“Tried it, don’t like it. I may be wild, but it takes a crazy person to play those right. I’ll just stick to synthetic ones on a mix board.” Vinyl retorted. They chuckled a bit and continued eating. after a while they just sat and chatted.

“Hey you gonna finish that?” Vinyl asked Twilight, she had a bit of the bread bowl left and she wasn’t finishing it.

“Not really, you can have it if you want.” Twilight responded. Vinyl grinned and finished it quickly.

“That’s an interesting taste...I like it.” Vinyl said.

“Maybe you should share one then.” Dash said.

“That’d be a good idea, I normally can’t finish mine.” Twilight said. Dash and Spitfire started giggling, obviously she missed something.

“What’d she say?” Vinyl asked.

“Around here, sharing your food is like first base.” Dash giggled. They both glared at her.

“Hey wait, you just shared that pizza...” Twilight said.

“Oh we know that, first base was like last year.” Dash said. The two gave her a confused look.

“We’re dating, have been since last year.” Spitfire interjected.

“Oh...I knew it!” Vinyl said, a look of victory on her face.

“Kinda obvious. But now that we’re on the subject, you two would actually fit together pretty well.” Dash said.

“Don’t even start with that. We just met like three days ago.” Vinyl said.

“And in those three days I’ve seen you naked...” Twilight mumbled. Vinyl paled.

“What was that?” Dash asked, laughing at the look on her face.

“Nothing for your ears. The bell is about to ring, we should go.” Twilight said, standing up.

(A/N I'm a bit disappointed with how I handled Shining, but hopefully it wasn't too bad. I was trying to have him be kinda carefree yet protective to a point. This isn't an alicornification fic, at least in my eyes, because anyone could use the wings. Everyone has magic too if you haven't picked that up yet, I'll touch on that more in AMS class but I'm saying it now so people aren't confused. and now my author's note rant is done, hope you enjoyed this.
P.S. the Vampire and Lycanthrope aspects will come into play a bit later as well.)

C.4 Music and Magic

“Hey we’re not the first ones in this time.” Vinyl joked when she and Twilight found the music room with people already in it.

“I noticed it when we went back to the library to pick our instruments up, but that case is pretty fancy.” She continued, looking at the fabric case strapped to Twilight’s back.

“If you think that’s fancy you’ll love what it actually looks like.” Twilight said with a smirk as she sat down at a random empty chair and opened the case. the inside was red velvet and resting there was a jet black violin. It had a purple six pointed star painted and engraved into the main body with a lavender purple. instead of the normal ‘S’ marks they looked like crescent moons.

“Whoa! That is awesome! How much did that cost?!” Vinyl exclaimed.

“Nothing. Luna made it for me on my Sixteenth birthday.” Twilight said.

“...Damnit why do you have to have such awesome friends...” Vinyl huffed.

“Well you are one of them. Your keyboard is pretty good too, I heard that Yamahas are amazing.” Twilight said, eyeing the keyboard Vinyl had been carrying.

“They are, and this is one of the best you can get...but I busted my ass and saved for months to get it.” Vinyl retorted.

“You know you really should watch your language in here.” A girl their age said to Vinyl from nearby.

“I should but I’m naturally vulgar, I’m a DJ what do you expect? And you are?” Vinyl replied.

“Octavia Philharmonic. And I suppose with such a profession your choice of words would be a bit trashy.” Octavia answered.

“Vinyl, Twilight. And you’re a Cellist, I’ve heard of you. I even have one of your records, and I suppose with such a profession your choice of words would be a bit high class.” Vinyl said, ending with a perfect copy of Octavia’s voice. Octavia was surprised at that.

“She’s obviously from Trottingham. you can tell by her accent. Believe it or not so am I, at least before we moved to Edinspur and later Manehattan.” Vinyl said, adopting an accent identical to Octavia’s.

“...Wow, I never would have guessed.” Twilight said.

They chatted for a bit and got everything tuned and prepared until two Women walked in. One had short teal and white hair while the other had long and slightly puffy purple and pink hair.

“Hello everyone, My name is Miss Heartstrings. This is Miss Bon, I am the orchestral director at this school. Today will be a rather boring day. We’ll have each of you come into our office, or if you have a large instrument we will come to you, and we will test your skills. Whoever wants to go first may come, if you don’t volunteer we’ll start picking.” Miss Heartstrings said with a voice amplification spell. after a few moments nobody came forward.

“Alrighty then dear, why don’t you take that pianist. I want to test this one with the fancy violin.” Lyra said to BonBon. Bon nodded and walked over to Vinyl after rummaging through a stack of papers and picking one out. Lyra called Twilight into the office.

“Alright, miss Sparkle correct?” Lyra asked.

“Correct.” Twilight replied.

“Good, Let’s get started then. Play me any scale of your choice, any piece you know and then I’ll have you site read.” Lyra said. Twilight nodded and played a basic scale. She then played a piece that Lyra recognized as a section of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and smiled.

‘Well this girl knows what she’s doing...Let’s see how she holds up on this.’ Lyra thought as she placed a three-page song on the stand.

Twilight blew through it, she was obviously a fast learner. Lyra was impressed. She let Twilight go on for a few minutes before stopping her and letting her go. When Twilight came out, she found the entire orchestra watching Vinyl’s ‘audition’. She was obviously using magic, as what looking like blue hands were flying across the keyboard in compliment of her own.

“Holy shit! She’s playing the Death Waltz on one keyboard by herself!” Someone exclaimed. When she finished she plopped down on a seat and basked in the applause she was receiving.

“Screw the site read that was amazing!” Bon laughed.

“Oh man, it’s been awhile since I did that with one keyboard... That took me years to master.” Vinyl said.

“Well, let’s keep going with the ‘auditions’. We don’t have all day.” Lyra said after everyone quieted down.

“Damn Vinyl, I’ve never seen anyone play that in person...only completely with magic or synthetically or something.” Twilight said, hi-fiving the girl.

“Well I do stuff like that with my mix board every weekend, working using magic and my own hands at the same time. It’s easy once you get used to it.” Vinyl said.

“Well, magic or not that was very impressive.” Octavia said.

“Thanks. It sounds even cooler on multiple keyboards or with other instruments though.” Vinyl started. They chatted while the rest of the auditions went on

“Whoa, this is a lot different than the normal magic studies room.” Twilight said to herself when she entered a large circular room identical to the first, except with what looked like a wrestling ring in the center.

“That’s for the duels.” Gandalf’s voice said from nearby. She looked over to where he was speaking to weary looking princesses.

“What happened to you guys?” Twilight asked.

“We got these put in and the recovery magic took a lot out of us.” Celestia said tiredly, showing that the both of them had the wing surgery.

“So that’s why you weren’t here most of the day...I just rented a pair for now.” Twilight said, looking back at the ones strapped to her back.

“They fit you well. This class is rather small so we don’t have to wait long.” Gandalf said. Indeed, the class only held around twenty people. by the time Gandalf started.

“Very well, you all know me and I know all of you now. We can skip the introductions. This class will test more than just your magical ability, it will test you reaction time, your strength, your wit, your ability to adapt etcetera andante... If I don’t believe you can handle this class at any point then you will no longer be welcome to participate in any activities. This is for your own safety. Any questions?” Gandalf explained.

“I got one. I don’t see why some airheads that got that wing surgery got in here.” Someone said. Gandalf sighed and sent a knowing look at Twilight that said ‘Another egotistical jackass eh?’.

“I am tempted to bar your entry to this classroom just for that my friend. I had thought you all know this by now, but you are aware that anyone can use magic correct?” Gandalf asked the kid.

“Yeah but not good...those airheads get those wing things to make them special because they suck at it.” The kid answered.

“If you say the word ‘airhead’ and you are not talking about the candy I will turn your head into a balloon! Looks like I’m going to have to do a bit of a history lesson before we start the good stuff.” Gandalf said, plopping down on the ring.

“Way back when, before lights and electronics and even cars were even thought of people were split into three ‘tribes’ you could say. Some people could do magic, others actually had wings while the rest were well built and were the best at living off of the land. Eventually we all adapted into what we are today. The people that can easily survive that wing surgery had winged ancestors, your body is built for wings. Those of you who excel at magic had Mage ancestors and same for those who are more down to earth.” He explained.

“What this means is that anyone could get into this class and do well. It just comes naturally to some of us and those who know magic like the back of our hands can easily learn the good stuff we’ll be covering. And sir? I wouldn’t call anyone an airhead that could turn you inside out with a snap of their fingers.” He finished.

“I was the best in my class last year!” The kid said.

“And they were the best in the country last year.” Twilight intervened.

“Actually Twilight, that title goes to you.” Luna giggled.

“We’re not going to get into that again. I don’t normally flaunt my skills but if you insult them again they won’t be the only ones that can turn you inside out.” Twilight said.

“Pfft, you girls think you’re so tough.” The kid laughed.

“Normally I would just send you out or punish you myself, but it appears you’ve angered miss Sparkle. Very well then, step onto the stage. In this class you will not only learn spells, but learn to use them at a moment’s notice. You will take part in duels, friendly or heated, to test yourselves and to resolve disputes such as this. Begin when you are ready.” Gandalf quickly explained, knocking his stave onto the stage to create a protective bubble around it. Twilight and the kid stepped in.

“What’s your name?” Twilight asked.

“I am Blueblood! Son of royalty!” The kid spouted, ripping his shirt off. He was toned, but it was fake looking.

“I’m going to have fun with this.” Twilight laughed, not even taking any sort of stance.

“Go on then.” Gandalf urged. Blueblood quickly sent a series of tannish blasts of magic at Twilight. She just sidestepped them. He grinned as they looped around, bounced off of the barrier, and came in at her from all sides. Twilight just hopped around them, bending her body in ways only a trained professional would and weaved through the hail of magic.

“Really now, you forecast your attacks so obviously.” Twilight mocked. “And you don’t even have your wards up!” She continued, hopping towards him and poking him in the forehead. The poke sent him bouncing off of the barrier. He quickly recovered and what looked like small barriers went up around him and metallic looking objects spun around him.

“And where are yours?” Blueblood huffed.

“Not sure if I need them yet or not. We’ll see.” Twilight replied.

“You’re cocky.” Blueblood growled.

“There’s a difference between being cocky and being sure of your abilities.” Gandalf said suddenly.

“Whatever!” Blueblood yelled as two tannish blades appeared attached to his wrists.

“Oh so you do know some advanced stuff.” Twilight said, similar lavender blades sprouting like claws as about three times as many barriers and wards appeared around her than Blueblood. “Just apologise to the Princesses and I’ll give you a fair fight.” Twilight said.

“Wait the princesses?” Blueblood yelped, looking over at the two again. They grinned and waved.

“Hello Nephew.” Celestia giggled.

“Oh great...I insulted my aunts...” Blueblood deadpanned.

“You did, so I can either end this now or let you have a chance.” Twilight said.

“Well I am sorry I said it, I thought they were some common airheads...” Blueblood said. Suddenly he found his head balloon shaped, earning laughs all around.

“Told you.” Gandalf laughed. after a moment he dispelled the spell and motioned for the two to continue.

“Right.” Twilight said, letting most of her wards drop to match Blueblood’s. He lunged forward again. This time she let him hit her wards, testing his strength. one of the wards cracked but he was launched back. He flipped and landed on his feet, charging against it once more. This time she deflected the blades with her claws. She caught the blades between her claws and flipped him over her shoulder, but he recovered in air and lunged forward with them, stabbing them through her head. Surprise registered on his face as blood sprayed his face, he thought her wards would have caught that.

“Whaa!” He yelled, falling back on his rear. As Twilight fell to the ground she dissipated, the blood covering him evaporating. Twilight was sitting on the rafters above, she dropped down in front of him.

“Oh man you really thought you killed me! That’s hilarious. Though you do have good recovery times, you managed to beat my illusion.” Twilight said. “Let’s say you get this victory for now.” She continued, hopping off of the ring, or ‘stage’ as Gandalf called it.

“B-but...what? That was just an illusion?!” Blueblood yelled.

“Yeah, when Professor Gandalf turned your head into a balloon I did an instantaneous illusion spell and teleport spell at the same time. I gave her what I thought was enough to give you a challenge.” Twilight said.

“I had only barely notice it, good job Twilight. And Blueblood? Pick your fights better next time.” Gandalf said. “Now, would anyone else like to duel one another?” He continued, looking about around questioningly.

(A/N I'd like to thank the author of "Duel Nature" I believe it's called. I use a system I based off of your duel mechanics for how mine works, but I'll do my best to make it unique. Hope you enjoyed this chapter friends. until next time, farewell my friends. -Dark)

C.5 The Night Life

“Hello?” Twilight said, answering the Library phone as she and Vinyl just got home.

“Hey, come to the AMS room in an hour. Bring something like workout clothes. Bring your roommate as well.” Shining’s voice said.

“Um, alright. See you there I guess.” Twilight said, hanging up.

“Whoa, this place is even more lively after school.” Twilight said, hauling a duffel bag as they walked into the AMS room, which was packed with people surrounding the ring.

“There you are Twi, Vinyl. Welcome to the ponyville Mixed Martial Arts.” Shining said, throwing his arms out. Twilight looked around and saw lots of familiar faces, some training and others just watching. She saw Dash and Applejack preparing as well as a few of the other Wonderbolts.

“Wow, this place is amazing. I guess that’s why the stage looks like a wrestling ring. I noticed the MMA fence walls in AMS today, wondered why they were there.” Twilight said.

“Oh yeah I heard about that. Good job by the way. let’s get you two signed up.” Shining said, herding them towards the registration table.

“Hey you two, Someone told me you got in here and I couldn’t believe it. I guess if they let you in you gotta be able to hold your own for a little while at least.” Dash said while Shining was signing them up.

“Well Dash, looks like you just volunteered to be her entrance fight.” Shining said, finishing the paperwork.

“Really? I heard you kicked someone’s ass with magic, let’s see how you do with your own hands and feet eh?” Dash jaunted, patting Twilight on the back.

“I was hoping I’d see some friends here. Where’s the changing room?” Twilight asked. Shining pointed to the locker room that wasn’t there before and quickly changed.

“You know I never noticed it before, but your body's almost as good as mine.” Dash said with a smirk/grin as she took a stance in the ring across from Twilight. Twilight had her hair up in a tail and was wearing short sports shorts and a short belly tank. Dash’s abs and muscles in general may have been bigger, but Twilight’s were more well toned. Dash had removed her wings, which Spitfire was hanging on to, so they didn’t get in the way or give her an advantage. They both wore black MMA gloves.

“Twilight Sparkle entrance fight begins now! No magic and no wards allowed! No hair pulling or clothes pulling! Begin!” The ref exclaimed.

“Don’t go easy on me.” Twilight said, taking her stance.

“Wasn’t planning on it!” Dash exclaimed, dashing towards the other girl. This wasn’t a blind charge though, she skillfully launched punches and kicks at Twilight with speed not many had seen before. They were perfectly coordinated to catch blind spots or weak spots and to keep the other guessing. That’s why Dash was starting to get pissed off when every blow was deflected, dodged and countered. Eventually Dash got mad and launched a punch right at the girl’s face with all of her strength.

Twilight caught the fist, dropped down to the ground and pulled Dash with her. Off balance, Dash was flung backwards into the fence wall. When she got to her feet she was launched back into the wall with a roundhouse kick and was forced to fruitlessly put her arms up in defense and she waited for Twilight’s barrage of punches to start. They didn’t come. Dash looked up to see she had fallen to her rear and Twilight was bending over her with a helping hand outstretched.

“You’re really fast, but you have a short temper. You almost had be before you snapped.” Twilight said happily as she pulled the rainbow haired girl to her feet.

“That’s what everyone tells me... Damn, you kick hard.” Dash said, rubbing a bruise on her abdomen.

“Winner is Twilight!” The ref exclaimed.

“Where the hell did you learn all that?” Dash asked as they left the ring for the next fight.

“Oh yeah, you weren’t there when I told Vinyl.” Twilight said, thinking back.

“You exact words were ‘Well I can take apart and put together any standard firearm, I can fire them with pretty good accuracy too. I’m also a master with the sword, spear, bow and I’m a black belt in three different types of Martial Arts’ I believe.” Shining said with a laugh.

“Probably shoulda known that before fighting you so I knew what to expect...” Dash grumbled.

“Hey isn’t that your girl Twi?” Spitfire asked, pointing to the stage.

“Roommate, and yeah.” Twilight retorted, ignoring the joke and watching Vinyl’s fight.

Vinyl was obviously a much more aggressive fighter. her style was closer to Dash’s style than Twilight’s style. Her opponent was obviously the type to be on the offense and wear down the opponent quicker than they ran out of steam, but that didn’t work too well against an opponent like Vinyl that did the same exact thing.

He lunged forward with an uppercut, but Vinyl dodged it and kicked the back of his knee. She proceeded to smack the back of his head playfully when he dropped and spin kick it.

“Winner Vinyl!” the Ref called.

“That was pretty brutal Vinyl...” Twilight observed.

“Yeah well I needed it to end quickly, and besides... I learned to fight on the streets and in nightclubs so I have an excuse.” Vinyl retorted.

“Got plans?” Shining asked.

“every now and then the club has a monday night, it starts in an hour and I’d rather not have to rush over in MMA gear... though that might actually be pretty cool...” Vinyl explained.

“Well once we get everything sorted out with the rest of your registration you can go.” Shining said.

“Cool, if any of you guys wanna come you can, it’s free to get in on my nights.” Vinyl said, taking her gloves off.

“Sounds like fun, let’s hurry brother. I’ve never been to a nightclub before.” Twilight said.

“Fine, but just because the legal drinking age is fifteen doesn’t mean you need to get shit faced drunk. Spike’s around here somewhere talking to Professor Gandalf, you should take him too.” Shining said.

“Right, what do we have left to do in terms of registration?” Twilight asked.

“We need to get all of your sizes, get you an MMA ID and a physical from Nurse Red heart. for you and Vinyl that’d take about half an hour tops.” Shining said.

“Alright, let’s get it over with then.” Twilight said.

“You know, normally when the little brother gets dragged along with a bunch of girls for a girls night out it’s normally hell...” Spike said happily.

“But you get to say your sis dragged you to a nightclub.” Dash laughed.

“Yeah, you’re lucky though spike. Since you’re a Pyromage your fire magic counters the alcohol so you don’t have to worry about getting drunk...” Twilight said.

“Whoa seriously? How do I learn how to do that?” Vinyl asked, turning around and walking backwards.

“Basically your insides have to be strong enough to handle being on fire all the time. Fire magic comes from inside of you.” Spike said.

“Wait so you’re like a dragon or something like that?” Dash asked.

“That’s actually a good metaphor. Except a Pyromage can make fire with magic too, it’s just they have natural fire as well.” Twilight said. suddenly they heard and felt music being pumped out of thick closed doors from a building on the outskirts of the campus.

“Welcome to the Night Owl!” Vinyl exclaimed, pulling open the doors. a literal wave of sound hit them and they quickly entered and closed the doors. Twilight noticed Vinyl was yelling something, but she couldn’t hear it. Everyone was covering their ears as someone frantically messed with a mix board on the stage. Vinyl looked pissed as she flung the guy off of the stage and quickly remedied the situation.

“Sorry about that folks, that’s the last time I tell that moron to prepare my stuff for me. Gimme a few minutes to get everything fixed and I’ll get this place started up.” Vinyl said into the Microphone.

Soon the music was back on, but it wasn’t deafening and it wasn’t all mixed up and terrible. The group sat down at the bar while Vinyl did her thing. They all had to admit, she was pretty damn good at her job.

“Hey honey, wanna get wasted and go back to my place?” They all suddenly heard from behind them. they all turned.

“Who the hell are you talking to...” Dash growled.

“Heheh...all of you...” he replied. Oh man he was already wasted.

“Achoo!” Spike fake sneezed. he made a bit of fire appear as if it was heading straight for his face, but when he yelped and flinched it fell short and dissipated.

“Sorry, I’m allergic to ass hole.” Spike said. This earned bouts of laughter all around, people had stopped to see what was happening, and Dash literally fell off of her stool laughing.

“You want a piece of me?!” The guy yelled.

“Nah, you’re a bit rare for my tastes. If you don’t move along i can change that though.” Spike said, creating a green fireball in his hand. The guy gulped and ran away. Spike smirked and extinguished the false flame.

“Hey, while I aint got no quarrels about you tellin’ off assholes I’d rather ya didn’t burn the place down.” The bartender said.

“Don’t worry, I’m not stupid enough to use real flame in a place like this... I woulda gone outside and singed off his eyebrows or something...” Spike said, taking a sip from his drink that had arrived shortly after the guy ran off.

“Hey now, Lay off the drinking people! It’s the first day of the year there’s no need to get wasted!” Vinyl’s voice boomed over the speakers. She had obviously seen what had happened.

“Frank, make sure you hand out those neutral pellets when people leave!” She continued. The bartender nodded and pulled out a large bowl of small pill-like tablets.

“What are those?” Twilight asked.

“Some of the fellas in the Alchemy lab came up with ‘em. They neutralize alcohol. You take it after to reduce the hangover or you pit it in yer drink like a seltzer to avoid gettin’ drunk at all... It doesn’t always work though and I can only let ya take two a night or it messes with your insides more than the booze.” Frank explained.

“That’s interesting...” Twilight said.

“Mhm, here ya go Vinyl.” Frank said, handing a pre-prepared drink to the girl now sitting next to her.

“Thanks, got the night’s playlist all ready and stuff.” Vinyl said.

“Hey Dash, look who it is.” Spitfire said, noticing a girl walking over. She wore a leather jacket and had wings like they did. She had short white hair with purple tips.

“Oh great... Gilda...” Dash groaned, dropping her forehead to the bar.

“Who’s Gilda?” Twilight asked.

“I guess you could call her an ex... I rejected her because she was a total bitch to everyone...” Dash said.

“So you’re still with the Tramp eh?” Gilda asked, arriving at the bar.

“Just get the hell out of here Gilda. If you’re not going to be nice I don’t want to deal with you right now.” Dash said, annoyance evident in her voice.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Gilda asked.

“It means if you’re not going to be nice to my girlfriend get the hell out.” Dash replied.

“I don’t gotta do shit.” Gilda retorted.

“Actually you do. I run this club, and if you start stuff you can’t finish you’ll end up with your ass kicked out of here for good.” Vinyl said.

“Don’t talk shit to me like that! I’ll kick your ass!” Gilda said.

“Then do it. Come on, right here.” Vinyl said, grinning as she presented her cheek. “But you hit me and you aren’t walking out of here in one piece.” She continued.

“Fuck off.” Gilda growled as she launched a punch. She found her hand stopped by nothing about three inches from impact.

“What the hell?” The two said at the same time.

“You’re not touching any of my friends. Get out of here or I’ll make you.” Twilight threatened.

“Oh look, the new kid has some balls.” Gilda said, launching another punch, this time aimed at Twilight. Instead of using an invisible ward this time she caught the fist.

“You do NOT want to fuck with Twilight, Gilda. Seriously...” Dash said. even though she was a bitch she was kind of worried about Gilda right now.

“What are you scared of her or something?” Gilda said, passing the warning off as nothing.

“Not scared, just worried she might actually hurt you.” Dash said, standing up.

“What’d she do to you to make you her bitch?” Gilda joked. Twilight’s grip on her right fist tightened, and she yelped in pain.

“Turn around, walk away and shut the hell up. Last warning.” Twilight said. Gilda laughed and looked around. Half of the students had noticed this by now and were waiting in anticipation. She saw some of her friends and decided she would act.

“Fuck you.” Gilda said. Twilight sighed and let go of Gilda’s fist. She snapped her fingers, which lifted Gilda into the air. The crowd nearby also opened up, leading to the door that was now opening of its own accord.

“You asked for it...” Dash said as Gilda was flung out of the door by Twilight’s magic.

“I really wish she would have just listened...I think I broke her ring finger...” Twilight sighed.

“You know I can take a hit Twi, and Frank could have thrown her out just as easy...” Vinyl said. She had seemed surprised that Twilight helped her.

“probably, but I wouldn’t have wanted to see you hurt over some stupid thing like that.” Twilight said with a smile.

“Why?” Vinyl started. “I’m used to people letting stuff like that happen, and I’m fine with that. I challenged her to hit me, if she hits me that’s my fault.” She continued.

“Well I just wouldn’t want to see you get hurt. Let’s just leave it at that.” Twilight said. “Now go up and do your job, it looks like people are getting bored of this playlist.” She continued. It took a moment for Vinyl to notice this as well, but she grinned and rushed up after jokingly saluting the girl.

“Thanks Twilight. Hopefully she doesn’t start messing with you now.” Dash said.

“What can she do?” Twilight asked.

“She has some bad friends. After I rejected her they tried to force me to get with her, I got this for saying no.” Dash said, showing a stab scar on her shoulder she hadn’t noticed before.

“They stabbed you?!” She exclaimed.

“Yeah, they got put in jail for it but they’re out now so be careful.” Dash said.

“Why aren’t you worried about you or Spitfire?” Twilight asked.

“Because they’re scared of the Wonderbolts. We’re all tough, and if they mess with one of us they mess with all of us. It’s almost like a gang war except the Griffons, their gang, are just a bunch of thugs and we’re a squad of professionals. We’re all in MMA too so we don’t need to worry.” spitfire explained.

“Oh... I’ll talk to my brother to see if anything can be done, he has plenty of connections in the royal guard all around the country still.” Twilight said.

“Hey, Twilight was it? On the house for dealin’ with that Griffon bitch without breakin’ nothin’.” Frank said, refilling her drink.” Frank said with a wink. Twilight smiled and thanked him as Vinyl came back after changing up the rotation a bit.

(A/N You guys thought I was gonna add the vampries or Lycanthropes because of the name didn't ya? *trollestia face* Don't worry guys this marks the end of the Prologue-esq chapters and they'll come into play soon enough. but for now, tell me in the comments if you'd like this to have gore or not. I won't have clop in this one, at least not the actual scenes written, so your answers will determine whether this story gets the mature tag or not. Until next time, Farewell my friends

-Dark)

C.6 Twilight was Dark Tonight

(The title may be a bit odd, but basically I'm saying there was no twilight period between day and night or something of the sorts)

“And the winner is Twilight Sparkle!” The referee announced. It was a month since Twilight first arrived in Ponyville but she was quickly climbing up the ranks, so to speak, of her classes. She was the top student in Magical Studies and AMS and she was able to fly regularly with her rented wings, though she was nowhere near Wonderbolt level. Vinyl had become the most popular DJ in the region by now and was the #2 sought after party animal, right next to Pinkie Pie. Twilight was at the MMA ring every monday and wednesday to either train or fight. She was the people’s Choice Champion by now too.

“Well, if’n yuh keep on goin’ like ya are then yer gonna hafta fight me ya know.” Applejack said, catching Twilight exiting the ring. She was the current champion.

“I’m not doing it for the championship, I’m doing it because I like it.” Twilight retorted. It was true, Twilight would always hold back what would be the finishing attack and help her opponent up to finish the match. She was also undefeated.

“Same here, it’s jus’ Ah’m no pushover.” Applejack said.

“I’ve seen you fight and I know that, but it seems as if you’re challenging me Applejack.” Twilight said with a smile.

“Ah reckon it is. Next Monday?” Applejack suggested.

“Sure, I’ve gotta run though. Vinyl has to get to the club and she’s waiting on me.” Twilight said. Applejack tipped her stetson and let her pass.

“There you are.” Vinyl said with feigned annoyance.

“Oh calm down. This one did his homework and knew how I fight so he took longer.” Twilight said, pulling a hoodie on in the chilly night. Her rental wings poked through special slits in the back and she put her hood up.

“Speaking of homework, you catch up on yours?” She continued as they walked.

“Yeah, thanks for those notes by the wa-...You hear that?” Vinyl started, but cut herself off as she heard the sounds of footsteps and a trashcan being knocked over. They were in the alleyway they always took as a shortcut through the campus.

“Is that them?” They heard.

“Yeah, that’s them.” Another voice said, this one was familiar. A group of people in leather jackets, lead by Gilda, stepped into the alleyway.

“Oh great...” Vinyl said.

“look what we have here. It took a while to get a free night for everyone, but now you’re gonna pay.” Gilda growled.

“Pay for what?” Twilight asked.

“For getting in our way.” Gilda said, stepping forward.

“You’re even dumber than you look Gilda, we’re professional MMA fighters and you’re just a bunch of thugs.” Vinyl said.

“We’re not going to fight you, we’re going to cut you.” Gilda retorted as everyone pulled out blades. Twilight tried silently put up wards protecting against blades without anyone noticing around her and Vinyl, but found it was very hard for some reason.

“You do realize you’re up against the top of AMS class... Right?” Vinyl asked.

“And we drugged your drinks, your magic is useless now.” Gilda retorted once more.

“She’s right.” Twilight hissed.

“Well then, we’ll have to do this the old fashioned way. Five of you? We can do that.” Vinyl said. “Right?” she asked Twilight.

“Right.” Twilight said.

“let’s wear them down eh?” Vinyl suggested. Twilight nodded and they jumped into the air. The buildings surrounding them weren’t very high, only about fifteen feet but there was no wing clearance there. The two bounced off of the walls and shot into the air. The Griffons were forced to spill out of the alleyway to follow. They didn’t seem in much of a hurry though, and soon the two found out why.

With their magic blocked, their rented wings barely worked. They managed to land in the park without a problem, but were soon surrounded again. They didn’t waste time this time and lunged at them. The two Griffons were outmaneuvered by the two girls. Twilight punched the man’s elbow, smashing it the other way and breaking the arm, and caught the blade that fell from his hand. Vinyl sweep kicked her opponent and brought her heel down on his face, pulling his blade from his grip.

Two other Griffons came at them more cautiously. Vinyl threw her blade at the girl in front of her and kicked hers out of her hand and tackled the girl while Twilight threw her stolen blade into the grass and took a stance. As the man in front of her stabbed at her, she sidestepped him and tripped him. As he fell she drove an elbow into his back and took his knife and threw it into the grass as well.

“That’s it you’re going to fucking die!” Gilda yelled. Twilight heard a very familiar click of the hammer of a handgun cocking. She stood up and found Gilda less than a foot in front of her with a handgun ready to fire. The hand holding it was shaking though. Vinyl, having knocked her opponent out, took a step forward but stopped when Gilda fired the gun and barely missing Twilight.

“If you take another fucking step I blow her brains out!” Gilda threatened. Her hand was shaking even more now. Vinyl gave her a look that obviously said she was going to die if she pulled that trigger. Normally someone would be begging for her life in Twilight’s place, but she was calm. When Gilda’s vision snapped to Vinyl after she fired the warning shot Twilight lunged forward. Gilda quickly turned back and panicked, pulling the trigger. The gun fired, but it appeared to have missed because Twilight had taken the firearm and disassembled it.

“Good job Twi!” Vinyl exclaimed when Twilight socked Gilda in the jaw. Vinyl noticed something though. Twilight socked Gilda in the jaw. She normally would have done something less sloppy. She also noticed that Twilight didn’t recover from it either, she sorto f continued and had to catch herself from falling over.

“Twi?!” Vinyl yelped, worried, as she rushed forward when she fell to her hands and knees. Vinyl froze when she saw blood falling to the ground. Twilight coughed a few times and hacked up blood, splattering the ground.

“Vinyl?! I heard a gunshot...” Shining said, appearing around the corner and freezing when he saw the disassembled handgun in Twilight’s hands and her current state. Vinyl yelped when Twilight crumpled to the ground and quickly rushed over and picked her up a bit. On her back practically in Vinyl’s lap, there was clearly a small hole with red surrounding it on her abdomen. Twilight was having trouble breathing and there was blood coming out of her mouth..

“Vinyl! Take her to the hospital quick! I’ll deal with these guys and call the police. You’re going to tell me what happened after.” Shining said, getting over the shock. Vinyl didn’t answer, she just nodded and picked Twilight up bridal style. Shining was wondering why she didn’t use her rental wings, but saw that they were slack and most likely unresponsive on her back as she sprinted towards the Hospital two blocks away.

Shining looked around and found the blades and the disassembled firearm. He then figured out who the attackers were and found Gilda still conscious, but shaking uncontrollably.

“... You’re lucky I’m trained to be neutral to things like this or I would stomp your fucking head in right now. You are going to tell me exactly what happened and then you are going to spend a lot of time behind bars.” Shining said lowly, squatting down next to her as he pulled out his cell phone.

“You have to leave, the operating room is no place for anyone without medical training! You’ll have to stay in the waiting room!” A nurse said, stopping Vinyl when she tried to follow the gurney holding Twilight into the operating room.

“I’m not leaving her!” Vinyl growled.

“Let her into the observation room, don’t be cruel Red Heart. After you do that she’ll need a transfusion, she’s lost so much blood already. I believe you know her blood type.” The head doctor said as he entered the room.

“Alright, hurry up Vinyl.” Red said, opening the door next to the one the doctor went through and rushing off somewhere. Vinyl watched as they tried to administer a sedative, but they didn’t take. Vinyl could hear what they were saying through the two way speakers, it had something to do with the magic suppressant they were slipped. Twilight was conscious and fully aware, yet she didn’t scream or even writhe as they extracted the bullet and clean it with alcohol. The bullet had entered somewhere between her right breast and her stomach and had collided with her ribs. One of the ribs had broken and poked her lung, not quite rupturing it but enough to cause problems.

“Here, give me your arm.” Red heart said, coming in after supplying the doctor with blood bags and holding up a syringe.

“Why?” Vinyl asked, cautiously holding her arm out.

“You were slipped the Magic Suppressing drug right? This’ll clear it up.” Red said. Vinyl nodded and she administered it.

“Her brother just arrived with the members of the Royal Guard stationed in this area and the police have the assailants in custody. Twilight will live, that much we know now. Anything more can only be a guess at this point. It’s amazing how strong she is. She isn’t even flinching as they work on her...” Red heart explained.

“That’s how she is... She’s too strong to let something like this make her cry... I think that stuff you gave her is working now...” Vinyl said. The same couldn’t be said for her, tears were starting to run down her face. She kept it out of her voice for the most part though.

“Yeah, it’s a good thing too... They’re going to start working on her broken and fractured ribs now and patch up her lung... That would be too much for her conscious. Come on, The Guard wants to talk to you.” Red heart said, opening the door. Vinyl wiped her eyes and nodded, following the nurse.

“Why are gangs starting all of this stuff over something so minor these days!” Shining growled rhetorically after hearing the story.

“Those thugs won’t be around for a while right?” Vinyl asked.

“They’ve all got two weeks for carrying switchblades like that and another week for violence, but it all depends on if Twilight wants to press charges... If she does then Gilda gets twenty years to life and the others get Ten.” Shining said.

“Then those are some lucky bastards... You know she’s not going to press charges, you’re her brother why don’t you? Family can press charges right?” Vinyl asked.

“I could, but it’s her decision...” Shining said.

“Come on commander, you’re being a bit too lenient...” One of the guards said.

“I probably am, but when she wakes up it’s her decision. I’m not our father, I’m just her guardian.” Shining said, running a hand through his steely-blue hair.

“One thing’s for sure, if she ever gives me a reason I’m going to smash Gilda’s teeth in next time I see her.” Vinyl said lowly.

“And I wouldn’t stop you. Why don’t you guys head down to the Police station. I’ll call if Twilight wakes up tonight and whether she wants to press charges or not.” Shining said. The two guards nodded and left.

“Mister Armor and Miss Scratch? She’s out of surgery and you can come see her now.” A nurse said, poking her head into the room.

“Here.” Vinyl said softly, handing Shining a cup of Starbucks an hour later.

“Thanks... You catch the time?” Shining replied.

“Yeah, it’s going on midnight... I’m surprised they’re letting us stay past visiting hours.” Vinyl said.

“Being an ex commander of the Royal Guard has it’s benefits. She’s been twitching in the last few minutes... She’s either having an exciting dream or she’s waking up soon.” Shining said.

“I’m up now...” They heard Twilight’s voice rasp. Their vision snapped to the bed to see her eyes open tiredly.

“Twilight! Thank goodness... How are you feeling?” Shining asked.

“Like I haven’t slept in years... My abdomen still hurts but I can breathe normally again... What all was wrong with me?” Twilight replied. They told her and she chuckled weakly. “I remember that now... So what happened to Gilda and the others?” She asked.

“They’re in custody right now and they’ll stay there for at least three weeks. It’s up to you whether you want to press charges for attempted murder or not. They’ll get ten to twenty years, and Gilda twenty to life if you do. Gilda is getting expelled from the school too.” Shining explained.

“No! Don’t expel her! And don’t press charges. They made a bad decision, that doesn’t mean the rest of their lives have to suffer for it... The other gang members were just following Gilda’s lead, and Gilda was pressured into doing something... She was scared to death when she held that gun, she wouldn’t stop shaking... I just startled her trying to get it out of her hands...” Twilight protested weakly.

“Alright fine, I need to go make a call... I need to go down to the police station too, my boys called it a night not too long ago so I need to go tell them.” Shining said.

“Alright then brother... Where’s Spike?” Twilight asked.

“he called me a few minutes ago asking where we were, I told him long night at the club and he went to sleep... No need to worry him yet.” Vinyl replied as Shining left.

“Thank you... You should go home now Vinyl and sleep, I’ll be fine.” Twilight said with a weak smile.

“Alright... I just wanted to know you were fine. have them call me if you need anything.” Vinyl said, embracing the injured girl as tight as she dared. Twilight was surprised at this for a moment before she returned it.

“There’s something we need to talk about tomorrow.” Vinyl suddenly said.

“What is that?” Twilight asked, looking at Vinyl.

“This.” Vinyl replied and lightly kissed her. Even in her slightly drug induced exhausted state she was still utterly surprised by this. She couldn’t even talk as Vinyl quickly slipped out of the room. it was nearly ten minutes before Twilight snapped out of it. By then she was too tired to think so she succumbed to her exhaustion, not bothering to try and figure out what had just happened until she had some sleep.

(A/N I've had enough of good-guy Gilda it's time to bring back ass hole Gilda. This chapter marks the start of the story in full. Until next time, Farewell my friends. -Dark)

C.7 Bleeding Night

(A/N I'm not very happy at all with the pacing of the ending... I have no idea what happened... I think I've been drinking too much coffee or something. I hope I get better or the quality of later chapters will suffer... sorry guys but have this half-assed chapter that I can't revise for some reason! try and enjoy it! -Dark)

“Morning Miss.” Twilight heard as she awoke.

“Morning, I’m guessing you’re my nurse?” Twilight asked.

“That’s right, Nurse Red Heart. This one has been coming for the past few days... Good to see you awake again.” Red Heart said, motioning to where Vinyl was curled up on a chair next to the bed.

“...Past few days... How long was I out?” Twilight asked.

“Well you woke up at around midnight on Wednesday night, it’s Sunday morning now so about three or four days.” Red answered.

“Is there an explanation for that?” Twilight asked.

“There is. It wasn’t a coma or anything, simply put you lost a lot of blood so your body shut down to help regenerate it.” Red explained.

“Oh, alright... Is my brother here?” Twilight asked.

“He’s not, would you like me to call him?” Red replied.

“Um I can do it.” Twilight said, noticing her cell phone on the night stand.

“Alright, you’ve been out without any food or drink besides what we can give you through a tube so I’ll be back with something.” Red said.

“Don’t worry about it, Hospital food stinks. I’ll have my brother bring something.” Twilight said, clumsily picking up her phone. Red rolled her eyes but left without protest.

“She’s been up ever since Thursday morning when you wouldn’t wake up... Whenever she left she would make the nurse or I call her if you wake up while she isn’t here. I asked her why it was so important and she just said she needed to talk to you about something.” Shining explained when they couldn’t rouse Vinyl from her deep sleep as Twilight devoured a box of Joe’s doughnuts. Twilight froze when he finished.

“I’m guessing you know something about what she wants to talk about...” Shining said.

“... Damn... I’m trying to ask you this without making it obvious but that’s not possible... What are your ideals when it comes to homosexuality?” Twilight asked out of nowhere. Shining nearly dropped his doughnut.

“OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” He exclaimed, somehow not waking Vinyl. He started laughing at her red face.

“So you like each other. Gotcha. Honestly I’m happy it’s happening, I know her well and you two are close. If I were you I’d date her for sure, she’s a keeper.” He said.

“The thing is, I’m not 100% sure... Before I passed out she just kissed me and I didn’t know what to do.” Twilight said.

“Well my advice is date her and see if you like it. If it doesn’t work out it doesn’t work out.” Shining said with a shrug.

“I’ll do that. She’s gotta wake up first.” Twilight said.

“Well I have to go... I’m going to go have a very long talk with that Gilda girl... Call me if you need anything, I talked to the nurse when I got here and she said if all goes well and the healing magic took well enough you can be back in school tomorrow.” Shining said, finishing one last doughnut and standing up.

“Alright.” Twilight replied.

It was about an hour, the nurse had already come in and given her a check up, before Vinyl woke up.

“It’s about time.” Twilight giggled. Vinyl looked up at her sleepily and it took her a few moments to realize who was talking to her. Her sleepiness evaporated and relief and joy took its place as she practically tackled the girl in a hug.

“Twilight! Oh I’m so glad you finally woke up!” Vinyl exclaimed.

“So am I... I remember what happened right before you left by the way...” Twilight said, feigning uncertainty. Vinyl caught it and her mood seemed to dampen.

“Oh yeah?” She asked.

“Yeah... I’m sorry but there’s nothing to talk about...” Twilight said. Vinyl looked devastated. “But come here for a second, there’s something I need to tell you.” Twilight continued. Vinyl put her ear up so Twilight could say what she wanted to say.

“The reason there’s nothing to talk about is because it’s mutual.” Twilight said lightly into Vinyl’s ear. She then grabbed her face, turned it towards her and planted a kiss right on Vinyl’s surprised face. It was a full five seconds after Twilight let go of her before Vinyl’s brain started working again.

“YEAHAHAHAAAAAA!” She yelled, jumping in the air. “Hey wait a minute! Oh you’re an ass...” She continued, remembering the way she was mislead just seconds ago.

“I know, had to get you back for putting that on me so suddenly like that. Anyways the nurse came by early and gave my a checkup. It’ll definitely scar, but my ambient magic combined with the medical magic the Doctors gave me has healed it up quick and clean. I’ll be out of here today for sure.” Twilight said.

“That’s great! I heard what you had them do with those griffon ass holes... I can’t believe you’re letting them all go, especially Gilda... she shot you.” Vinyl said, getting serious for a moment.

“You didn’t see the look in her eyes. You didn’t see how she was shaking. She didn’t even want to be there. Next time I see her I’m going to sit down and talk to her.” Twilight said.

“... I trust you Twi, but if any of her cronies get near you I’m snapping necks.” Vinyl said.

“Deal.” Twilight giggled

“That’s her isn’t it?” Twilight and Vinyl heard as they walked home. They were in the same alleyway as they were before. They turned around to see two girls their age standing there.

“Yes, it is her.” The second voice answered.

“Hey, you’re not one of those Griffons are you?” Vinyl said lowly, standing defensively in front of Twilight. She felt Twilight casting a vast amount of wards around the two of them.

“Twi? I didn’t recognize you. Don’t worry we wouldn’t even think of hurting you..” The first said. They stepped into the light of a street lamp. It was Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo.

“Dash?” Twilight said.

“Yeah. Holy shit they picked you?” Dash said, stepping closer.

“Who did what now?” Twilight asked.

“We can’t talk here, this is very serious.” Dash said, suddenly getting serious and whisking them away back towards the library.

“Alright Dash, what the hell is this all about. You suddenly whisk us away to our home after saying I’ve been chosen for something and now you’re being silent.” Twilight said, annoyed.

“I’m trying to think of how to explain it without sounding ridiculous... Fuck it, I’m a Vampire. Scoots is one too. And now you’re one. Someone higher up in the clan slipped you vampire blood to give to you.” Dash said. Twilight was silent, but Vinyl suddenly glared at her and literally started growling.

“You turned her... into a Vampire?!” She yelled. Her hands began growing what looked like fur and her nails slowly grew into claws. It was almost like she was turning into a werewolf or something.

“Oh shit, you’re a Lycanthrope?” Dash asked. Vinyl just snarled and lunged at her. Before Dash could react, or Vinyl could impact, they were both ensnared in magic.

“Stop! You are both going to explain to me what the hell is going on right now!” Twilight yelled. all of this happened almost instantly and she had never been more confused in her life.

“If she can calm down for me to explain I will...” Dash said.

“Fine...” Vinyl snarled, reverting back to her normal look just as suddenly. Twilight let them go and sat down.

“There’s been a sort of feud going on for centuries between Vampires and Lycanthropes. We hate each other for some reason.” Dash said.

“That’s not what I meant, that stuff can come later. You both said that I’m a vampire now...” Twilight said.

“Before you think you’re going to start sparkling don’t. Vampires aren’t what everyone thinks. We’re not all super strong and immortal and stuff like that, we just have longer lifespans. And the strength and stuff only comes if your body can handle it. Our clan, which is a group of Vampires, recruits by assessing the strength and observing behaviors and stuff like that. Then we turn the person by transfusing blood. We didn’t plan that attack on you, but it was convenient.” Dash started explaining.

“Why do you need her?” Vinyl asked.

“Because we’re low on numbers and the heads of the clan singled her out. I didn’t even know it was Twilight until now.” Scootaloo answered.

“I thought we had a truce... why do you need numbers?” Vinyl asked.

“Your reaction to us being vampires is reason enough. our numbers are dropping because your kind keeps killing us in spite of the truce.” Dash spat.

“My pack doesn’t do that shit, the only reason I tried to attack you is because you turned Twilight without her consent... She’s already got enough shit going on.” Vinyl said.

“Can you two please stop going so fast! What is this truce thing all about and the packs and clans and everything?!” Twilight snapped.

“A few years back the Pack and Clan heads got together and made a truce. There’s nothing wrong with a feud or a war unless there’s no good reason... and Nobody even remembers the reason we started fighting... The heads saw this and made peace, but this past year the truce has been broken by apparently both sides many times.” Vinyl explained.

“So basically Vampires and Lycanthropes are supposed to be peaceful yet there are some attacking each other and killing each other and neither of you know about it?” Twilight summed up.

“In a nutshell.” Dash replied.

“Are there other packs or clans?” Twilight asked.

“Not in this area.” Vinyl said.

“Though there are Rogues out there....” Dash continued.

“Then it’s not the pack or the clan or whatever... It’s independents.” Twilight said.

“You now, for someone who just got turned you’re taking it very well.” Scootaloo suddenly said.

“I’m just ignoring that for now until I can wrap my mind around it... but now that we’re on that subject, who could have turned me like that?” Twilight asked.

“Probably Red heart, she’s the one who usually does it.” Dash shrugged.

“Wait Red Heart is a Vampire?... Wow... I guess you guys are keeping to the truce, she’s one of the only nurses at that hospital that treats my kind...” Vinyl said.

“Told ya.” Dash said.

“Alright. I just got back from the Hospital and I’m exhausted. This isn’t helping. I am going to go to bed now. Tomorrow you are going to take me to this clan thing of yours and we are going to get everything explained and sorted out with ‘the higher ups’.” Twilight said. In all honesty she was about to fall over.

“That was our job in the first place. We’ll come find you after dark and bring you to them.” Dash said, putting the hood of her black hoodie back up as Scootaloo opened the door.

“And Guys... next time you try and do something like this again, don’t be so quick about it...” Twilight said. Dash grinned and left the Library with Scootaloo.

“Well, Goodnight Twi.” Vinyl said when they got upstairs as she headed to her room.

“Oh no you don’t.” Twilight said, grabbing the girl and pulling her into her room. “We’re going out now and Lycanthrope or not you’re my girlfriend.” she continued, dragging Vinyl to the bed.

“Wait a sec, you’re going to have to tell me your intentions because I don’t know whether to put on PJs or take my top off...” Vinyl said, breaking free.

“... Both.” Twilight said with a grin.

C.8 Back to Routine

“Um... Did I miss something?” Spike asked when he entered the Library to find Vinyl sleeping in Twilight’s bed, cuddling.

“There you are, where have you been?” Twilight asked.

“Vinyl had me spend a few nights at a friend’s house, where have you been?” Spike retorted.

“You didn’t tell him?” Twilight asked Vinyl. She shook her head. Twilight sighed and stood up, showing her scar.

“Hospital, I got shot but it’s fine now.” Twilight said.

“You got... wait... what? In the three days I was gone you got shot, went to the hospital and recovered?” Spike said, obviously not believing it.

“I have the records around here somewhere if you don’t believe her.” Vinyl said.

“Who did it?” Spike asked.

“I’d rather you not try and set someone on fire so I’ll keep that a secret for now.” Twilight answered.

“Fine... but did you go drinking last night? Last I checked roommates don’t normally cuddle in their sleep.” Spike said, crossing his arms.

“We’re dating now.” Vinyl said casually, stretching as she got to her feet.

“Oh, about time. Dash has been saying you two should get together for a week now.” Spike said.

“That sounds like her. Speaking of Dash, we need to meet her tonight. Spike you should get ready for school, I think I have a valid excuse to miss history today.” Twilight said.

“I thought you were fine.” Spike said.

“I’m recovered, but it’s still sore as hell and the nurse told me to rebandage it every day, and I think it’s opening back up.” Twilight said, tracing it and bringing her finger up to see a small streak of blood.

“Great. I’ll go find the medkit.” Vinyl said.

“You sure you’re alright?” Spike asked.

“I’ll be fine Spike, just go to school. Oh, but before you go do m a favor and put some waffles in the toaster for me?” Twilight asked.

“Sure, see you.” Spike said.

Twilight and Vinyl were walking to school, but something was nagging at Twilight.

“So how does your kind turn others?” Twilight asked out of nowhere.

“A Vampire’s power is transferred through blood. A Lycan’s is through the saliva.” Vinyl answered.

“Wait, are you saying that when we kissed...” Twilight started.

“No no, it only happens when the Saliva gets into the blood, I’d have to bite you.” Vinyl said.

“But don’t you bite when you fight?” Twilight asked.

“Not when we’re not trying to kill the other thing. Trust me, if we bite to kill there’s almost no chance of you living.” Vinyl said lowly.

“I see. You think I should fix this by the way? Or just leave it as is?” Twilight asked, poking a finger through the hole in her hoodie from the bullet.

“leave it as is, that looks pretty badass.” Vinyl laughed.

“Sure. I guess they couldn’t get all the stains out though, those I will eventually wash out.” Twilight said, looking at the few faded red splotches.

“Yeah, though for now you look like a badass. We still have half of first period left.” Vinyl said, looking at her watch as the main building came into view.

“Alright then.” Twilight said as they entered. There were a few students walking around in the halls, but it was nearly deserted with everyone in their classes.

“A little late aren’t you?” One of the security guards said.

“We had a bad weekend.” Vinyl said.

“Hey you’re Twilight, I thought you were never late. My son talks about you a lot.” The guard said. Twilight was confused, but she saw his name tag. ‘Bright Guard’

“Oh you’re steel’s dad? I didn’t know you were a security guard, I thought you were a royal guard.” Twilight said.

“They hired on more security after an incident that happened wednesday night.” Bright said.

“The Shooting? Or are we talking about something else?” Vinyl asked.

“How did you know about it?” Bright asked, surprised. “nobody is supposed to know, it’ll scare the kids.” He continued.

“Um, I’m kinda the one that got shot.” Twilight said, pointing out though hole in her hoodie.

“Wait, you’re already back in school? Those doctors are amazing... I guess that explains why you’re late then...” Bright said.

“You’re believing her right away?” Vinyl asked.

“Well yeah, you’ve been gone since thursday, nobody’s seen either of you really and I know Twilight wouldn’t lie about it. I’ve been chatting long enough, you had better head to whatever class you have left this period before I get in trouble.” Bright said.

“Alright, thanks Mister Guard.” Twilight said.

“Oh hey, out of curiosity... Who was it that shot you?” Bright asked before they left.

“I’d rather not reveal that, I don’t want the person to be isolated and hated and suffer for a bad decision.” Twilight said and kept walking.

The day took way too long. Everyone was asking Twilight and Vinyl about what happened, but they never said anything. It finally got to the point where Twilight had to magically shove through crowds to get to her next class. Gandalf had forced her to sit out in AMS, but now she was at the MMA ring and she had a promise to keep.

“Ah’m not gonna fight ye when yer hurt.” Applejack protested.

“Why not?” Twilight asked.

“If’n ah fight ye like this ah’ll have an unfair advantage. Ye’d be sore and if’n ah hit ye there it’d make it worse.” Applejack said, crossing her arms.

“I know, I can make a contact ward for the area so if you do hit it it’ll just be like a normal punch.” Twilight offered.

“Then How would ah know if yer not using it all around?” Applejack retorted.

“I’ll make it visible then.” Twilight said as a purple veil spread a few inches out from the wound. It was over the bandages, but all in all the diameter was about double the wound.

“Alright, that’s fair ah guess. But if’n ye can’t fight at one hundred percent then ah won’t accept a win.” Applejack said, pulling her MMA gloves on.

“Yer a tough one, Ah’ll give ye that.” Applejack said. She had just been kicked in the diaphragm with enough force to knock her off her feet. She had yet to land a solid hit on Twilight.

“You and I are a perfect counter to each other, you know that?” Twilight asked when she ducked around a jab.

“Why’s that?” Applejack asked as she blocked another kick.

“I’m faster and more agile than I am strong, you’re stronger yet more durable. If either of us were normal fighters, I’d easily get around you and take you out or you’d easily outlast me.” Twilight said, landing a kick after chaining three consecutive spin kicks together. This sent Applejack into the ropes, nearly out of the ring.

“But ye’ve got strength tuh match mine.” Applejack coughed.

“I do, but you’ll still get up after I connect. If you were to hit me as much as I’ve hit you I’d probably be barely standing.” Twilight said, helping Applejack up and taking her stance again.

“Ah’ll never get used tuh my opponent helpin’ me up tuh continue th’ fight.” applejack chuckled as she wiped a bit of blood from her cracked lip.

“Yeah, but I have somebody to meet so let’s finish this.” Twilight said.

“Right.” Applejack grinned. She launched at Twilight, chaining a series of jabs and heavy kicks to keep the girl occupied. She slipped up though and she knew it well. During one of her heavy kicks her guard dropped on her right side. Twilight, instead of weaving around the kick like usual, put her arms up and absorbed the kick with her forearms. This knocked Applejack off balance, causing what was left of her guard to crumble. Twilight swept Applejack’s feet out from under her and brought her fist down on Applejack’s face.

Applejack was surprised when she didn’t feel the impact. She opened her eyes to see Twilight’s signature helping hand and smile.

“Even handicapped ye beat me.” Applejack said, taking the hand.

“I do have special operations training...” Twilight reminded.

“Yeah, but ah used tuh train with Royal Guards, my brother used tuh be one.” Applejack said, cracking her back and taking her gloves off.

“Big Mac? I didn’t know that.” Twilight said, letting her impact ward down.

“uh Twi...” Applejack said, pointing to where the ward used to cover. There was red slowly seeping through.

“Oh damn, it opened... I thought that ward would have stopped it...” Twilight said.

“I brought new bandages.” Vinyl said from next to the ring.

“Good, I’ll clean up then we can leave. Good fight AJ, you fought very well.” Twilight said.

“Ah didn’t even land a hit...” Applejack said.

“Not even four people with knives could honey, don’t feel bad.” Vinyl said, following Twilight into the locker room with a fresh roll of bandages.

C.9 Heart Manor

“Why aren’t you mad at me?” Twilight and Vinyl suddenly heard when they left the Gym. This was the third time in the same exact spot they have been surprised by somebody.

“Gilda... I thought you were in custody for another two and a half weeks.” Twilight said, Seeing it was Gilda. She looked terrible.

“Your brother did something... I don’t know... Why aren’t you mad at me? I shot you... I almost killed you...” Gilda said. Vinyl looked like she was about ready to snap the girl’s neck, but Twilight looked a little sad.

“Tell me, why did you do it?” Twilight asked.

“Because you were in our way.” Gilda replied, though her voice had uncertainty in it.

“That’s bull. Tell me, why did you go with those others and shoot me?” Twilight asked.

“... They made me do it... They said if I didn’t go with them then they’d beat the shit out of me until I ‘was tough enough to do what needs to be done’...” Gilda answered after a while.

“I thought you were leading those bastards.” Vinyl growled.

“Griffons don’t have a leader... we’re all family, though not by blood. It’s stupid but I can’t get out of it.” Gilda said.

“And why are you telling us this?” Twilight asked.

“... I don’t even know...” Gilda said, slumping against the wall.

“Listen. You say you can’t get out of it, talk to my brother. I’ll make him help you if I have to. Get your life back in gear, clean up and do something productive. Who knows, maybe we can still be friends.” Twilight said, offering a hand to the girl. It took a ful ten seconds for Gilda to realise what Twilight was doing and to process what she said.

“Why would you want to be friends with the bitch that shot you? Everyone else would either be scared of me or hate me for doing that...” Gilda said, ignoring the hand.

“I haven’t told anyone it was you. the only people that know are the royal guards and the witnesses. And I want to be your friend because you really need one.” Twilight said, keeping her hand out to help Gilda up. “Come on Gilda, I forgive you. Let me help you and be your friend.” She continued when Gilda did nothing. The girl looked up, right into Twilight’s eyes. Gilda saw sincerity, Twilight saw a shimmer of hope. Cautiously, Gilda accepted the hand and was helped to her feet.

“Sorry to ruin the moment, but you did shoot my girlfriend so...” Vinyl said and slugged Gilda, nearly knocking her to the ground.

“Fuck!... Well I deserved that...” Gilda said, regaining her balance.

“That wasn’t necessary...” Twilight sighed.

“Was to me, now we’re gonna be late now. You go do what Twi said Gilda, I’ll keep an eye on you.” Vinyl said challengingly. Gilda sighed and walked the other way while the other two went theirs.

“You’re too soft.” Dash said, seemingly appearing out of nowhere after they left the alley.

“So you saw that?” Twilight asked, Vinyl nearly jumping three feet at the sudden appearance.

“Yeah, Vinyl’s got the right idea. I’m glad she came along by the way, The head wants a Lycan to talk to as well. Remember this path, this will be the only time you are led.” Dash said, quickly going through an alleyway next to the one they had just come out of. Twilight and Vinyl quickly followed, being sure not to lose the rainbow haired girl and to memorise the twists and turns.

“We’re underground now...” Twilight said suddenly.

“We are, about a hundred feet.” Dash replied, her voice echoing in the dark corridor.

“What’s that smell?” Vinyl asked.

“That’s the smell of century old dust mixed with the smell of blood lilies, a flower that only grows down here for some reason.” Dash replied, stopping in front of what looked like a sealed door.

“Watch, this will be the one time you see this done slowly.” Dash said. They nodded as Dash first knocked on a few random bricks before hitting the right one as to show them the difference between the wrong and right ones. She did this twice, forming two points, and then dragging her finger along invisible lines. A sort of solid illusion spell was whisked away from her finger and as she connected the two points she created a Crescent moon. The door cracked open then and swung inward.

“Welcome to Heart Manor.” Dash said. Inside there was what looked like a classic gothic cathedral style. The pillars looked stylishly ghastly, there was a lot of dark colors and red. And for some reason, Twilight loved it. There were people lounging in chairs and couches and even love seats. There were a few televisions spread out, but most of them were just chatting. There were more on the upper floor walking around.

“Twilight?” They heard a familiar voice say. They turned to see Luna sitting with her arm around Fluttershy.

“Luna? Fluttershy?... Is there anyone else I know that are vampires?” Twilight asked.

“Rarity’s one of us. AJ and Pinkie are Lycans though, I don’t know if they know we know or not.” Dash said.

“Don’t forget my sister, she is a Vampire as well.” Luna said.

“Oh right, I always forget since she’s always so bright...” Dash said.

“Well... Um... He’s probably waiting so you should... um... hurry.” Fluttershy squeaked.

“Right. Just head up the big staircase and look right, you’ll see a big door. knock three times and enter.” Dash said. Twilight nodded and started towards the stairs.

“Enter.” A powerful voice with an accent (british) called when Twilight knocked. Twilight entered the large room. It was a throne room, yet it looked like the main room from a Cathedral.

“So you are the new blood. Welcome to my home. I have seen what you can do, but it is your potential that matters to me.” The voice said from the throne. A man with red eyes and pure white hair said. there were slight curls in parts of his bangs and he was currently twisting one between his fingers. (Issa Shuzen from Rosario Vampire)

“Come here child and lend me your hand.” He continued, holding his own out as if asking for something. Twilight hardly hesitated, though she gave him her hand slowly. He noticed this.

“Most new bloods at least ask for a reason. But you have no fear at all, do you?” He asked, taking her hand in his.

“If you wanted me hurt I’d already be dead, and if you have people like Luna and Celestia with you then I know you can’t be all that bad.” Twilight retorted.

“True.” He submitted before sticking a sharp nail into her wrist. She didn’t even flinch. The man proceeded to lick the trail of blood that had formed on his finger.

“My my miss Sparkle... This is a pleasant surprise. Your potential is staggering, I can taste it in your blood. I can also taste my own, my sister must have sensed your potential as well...” He said, putting a hand to his chin and turning around with a wondering look on his face.

“Your own?... Sister?” Twilight asked.

“My apologies, my name is Black Heart, your nurse at the hospital is my sister. She used my blood to turn you. The stronger the blood used the quicker you turn. I imagine you’re nearly halfway there by now.” Black Heart said.

“How could you tell?” Vinyl asked.

“Ah you must be her Lycan friend. I can tell by your blood. Though it appears I am a bit off, your regenerative abilities aren’t fully developed yet...” He replied, pointing to Twilight. She looked down to see the red spot on her hoodie getting slightly bigger.

“Oh hell...” Twilight sighed.

“There is a bathroom one door down on the right, There is a bit of a ceremony to go through to ah... Initiate you into the clan. Clean the wound, but don’t bother bandaging it. I would recommend wearing the gear you fight in, you’ll need to prove your strength.” Black said.

“Right.” Twilight said. When they closed teh door Vinyl looked kind of pissed.

“What?” Twilight asked.

“You’re like letting him walk all over you...” She said.

“I am not, He’s asking me to do things. i’m just not being difficult.” Twilight retorted.

“You’re still hurt and recovering from that bullet wound... just be careful.” Vinyl huffed.

“Don’t worry, if they try and make me do something that’s too much I can always just blow the place up with a magic bomb or something.” Twilight joked.

“You do that, hold still.” Vinyl said, pulling a medkit out and putting cleaning alcohol on a cotton swab.

C.10 Initiation

(A/N I hate myself for this... it's sooooo short! only 2 and a half pages! normally I'd get 4 or 5!!!!! sorry for this guys but if I made this part any longer it'd take up part of what I plan for next chapter... I'm just jumping around from story to story, writing a chapter or two then hopping to the next so i have no idea when the next update will be)

“So, what is this initiation?” Twilight asked when she returned to the main room to find a large group of people there.

“It is very simple. Under normal circumstances, you would prove your strength, speed and other such physical attributes but we have seen enough of you at the MMA ring to know you’re more than strong enough. Next would be pain tolerance and the ability to defeat an opponent, your recent tussle with the griffons and you recovering so quickly from a bullet wound prove that.” Black Heart explained.

“Is there anything that I have to do that isn’t already proven?” Twilight asked.

“You’re already doing it. Your blood is spilling onto the floor, can you see it?” Black said, pointing to the floor where her blood dropped from it’s wound. The small stream found it’s way to a series of grooves and patterns carved into the ground.

“This is called a blood seal and will awaken everything that will make you a vampire in full. Lycan, I suggest you exit the circle quickly. This will be a great amount of pain, but if you can handle it you will come out the better.” Black explained. Twilight nodded as she traced the streams of her own blood as they created a strange glyph that resembled a pentagram.

As the glyph filled in, the blood slowly pooled in the center. Once the tiny basin that made the center was full, the glyph flashed with dark energy and Twilight felt like her entire body was being pulled apart at the seams. Tendrils of black energy snaked up her legs and arced from the glyph to her hands. They all traced her veins until they reached her heart, causing a new wave of pain that nearly drove her to her knees.

She yelled out into the air as long fangs extended from her jaws and her teeth sharpened slightly. Her eyes turned a crimson red and the pink streak in her hair turned white as her nails extended to nearly the size of claws.

More tendrils of black energy surrounded her body and she saw her clothes deteriorate, though new clothes appeared on her body instantaneously. She hadn’t realized she was floating until she touched back down and fell to one knee. She now sported a black pair of strange pants and a matching black sleeved shirt. They were light and soft as black velvet, yet tendrils of black energy coursed through them. An elegant black cloak appeared around her as well, it seemingly passed through her rental wings.

“How do you feel?” Black Heart asked.

“I f-feel... Tired.” Twilight groaned, stuttering as her new fangs poked her bottom lip.

“Do you feel an insatiable thirst?” Red Heart asked.

“No... But I feel like I just got hit by a bolt of lightning and chugged two liters of energy drink...” Twilight replied.

“Good. In time you will learn and be taught your new powers and abilities. For now you have a room set up here that will from now on be yours and you have full access to any of our resources if a valid reason is supplied.” Black Heart explained as he got to his feet.

“Is there anything I’d have to do?” Twilight asked.

“Believe it or not we help police the city at night, as do the Lycans. Though they’re more on the outskirts than us. Just keep an eye out for that sort of thing. You may be called upon at any time, though you will usually be given warning. Due to your... Intimacy with this Lycan you might as well be an ambassador of sorts if we ever have need of one. Otherwise continue your life normally.” Black heart replied.

“There are a few things that are optional, but it would help your brothers and sisters to easily recognize you out there instantly and will most definitely give you an advantage.” Luna said, Twilight having not noticed her before.

“Like what?” Vinyl asked.

“Well first of all you’ll need to learn how to retract your fangs, that part isn’t optional. But there are things like specialized wings, attire, school uniforms and the likes.” Luna replied.

“You said brothers and sisters, does that mean you guys are like one huge family?” Twilight asked.

“Exactly. The clan is even sometimes closer than blood relation, for it is always our blood that brings new siblings to us.” Black Heart said.

“I like that. Do we have to stay here though? I do have a little brother at home waiting for me.” Twilight said.

“It is your choice, but Luna will teach you your basics as you leave. She and her sister will be your masters, you their apprentices.” Black Heart said.

“I’m much more proficient with using the black magic of the Vampires as well as the better fighter, while Tia is better at speed and stealth and concealment and the likes.” Luna said as she led Twilight out of the chamber. She met up with Fluttershy for a moment, exchanged a few words, kissed and Fluttershy walked up the stairs while Luna returned to them.

“I’ll walk you home while I educate you on the basics. By the way, your little brother? It’s perfectly fine for you to tell him, just make sure he keeps it a secret.” Luna said. Twilight nodded.

“And Vinyl. I’d rather you didn’t repeat anything you saw or heard or will see or hear to your kind. What you witnessed tonight was something as sacred and ancient as the moon itself and I’d rather not see you targetted for leaking anything.” Luna said lowly.

“Don’t worry, I know how to keep a secret. My pack has our own system though, and they’ll want to know everything.” Vinyl sighed.

“Then tell them you were barred from the ritual. normally even if you were another vampire you would be, Father was very lenient today.” Luna said.

“Right.” Vinyl said.

C.11 The Real Night Life

Twilight sank into her bed after her shower as Vinyl took hers as she reflected upon what Luna told her. The lunar woman had taught her how to hide her fangs, thus tapping into her black magic. She had also explained that Vampires did not need blood to live, yet without it they’d be too weak to even move. She explained the healing properties of her saliva and how her skin and bone were exponentially stronger.

There were also a series of physical enhancements the Vampirism brought. She was much faster, much stronger, naturally healed faster and all of this showed on the physique. She also told her about the optional things, like the special wings. Twilight had asked about the school uniform, since their school didn’t officially have one yet, and Luna had told her it wasn’t too practical, but if she ever wanted something nice to wear it’d work perfectly.

“So what were those weird clothes that black magic stuff gave you?” Vinyl asked, drying her hair as she walked into the room in her pajamas.

“I asked Luna about that, She said that a true vampire is classy and that it’d most likely change as i grow stronger.” Twilight said. When vinyl gave her a confused look she deadpanned. “I don’t know what she meant either...” She admitted.

“By the way, if you ever need to drink and you can’t help it you can always come find me. I’m your girlfriend, a bite isn’t much more than a nip on the neck now is it?” Vinyl said with a grin.

“Thanks, but I never quite liked the taste of blood so I won’t unless I have to.” Twilight giggled, snuggling up to the girl as she joined the vampire girl in the bed.

“Oh man that’s rich, a vampire that doesn’t like the taste of blood.” Vinyl said lowly.

“You know, I read somewhere that vampires are great lovers.” Twilight said even lower, almost in a purr.

“There’s all kinds of legends about the creatures of the night. Let’s see if any of them concerning romanticism is true.” Vinyl growled with a big grin plastered on her face.

“I’m liking this night more and more.” Twilight giggled.
--- *no lemons for you!*
The next morning, Spike awoke to find Twilight and Vinyl were oversleeping. When he entered Twilight’s room he wasn’t surprised to find them both sleeping there, but he was certainly surprised to see clothes strewn about the room. Luckily the blankets were covering them or he would have bolted, but he noticed something about Twilight as she slept. She looked much more toned and muscular than before, and she had fangs. He rapped on the door a few times to wake them up.

“Hey lovebirds, if you sleep too long you’ll be late to school.” Spike said, choosing to ignore the the latter for now. Vinyl groaned, but Twilight’s eyes snapped open as she made sure the blankets were covering them.

“Looks like you two had a fun night.” Spike said, rolling his eyes.

“Jealous much?” Vinyl said tiredly.

“Not really, your girlfriend is kind of my sister and I’m not into that stuff.” Spike answered with a straight face.

“Nah, you jelly bro.” Vinyl retorted childishly, causing Twilight to burst out laughing as she magicked over clothes for them.

“Well if you’re not into that stuff I imagine you wouldn’t want to watch your sister change.” Twilight said, sending him a glance.

“Got it, I’ll start breakfast.” Spike said.

“Remind me to lock the door and set an alarm next time, we need showers but I don’t want to be late again.” Twilight said as she stood up and used a cleansing spell on the two of them. Vinyl couldn’t help but shiver as the magic made her body tingle all over.

“Sure, but getting clean that way just feels so...” Vinyl started but never finished.

“Well, that’s because the spell was to clean the certain smells and grime that sex usually creates, naturally the tingling of the magic feels pretty good when it goes over... certain places.” Twilight explained, ending in a light purr.

“If you keep talking like that we’ll have to go again girl.” Vinyl said in all seriousness, earning a giggle from Twilight as she threw her shirt to her.

“Hey Twi, I didn’t say anything before... But what’s up with your eyes? You’ve also got fangs and you’re wearing more black than usual...” Spike said on the way to school.

“Oh shit!” Twilight hissed. Spike watched in awe as the fangs shortened to an acceptable human size.

“Alright, what the hell? I didn’t sense the use of any magic I’ve ever seen...” Spike said.

“Um... I’ll explain when we get home after school, alright? But long story short I’m a Vampire and Vinyl is a Lycanthrope. Before you start laughing or thinking we’re joking, we’re not. Think on it and what questions you want to ask today.” Twilight said hurriedly and quickly dragged Vinyl to their first class.

“So basically, you two are mythical creatures that aren’t supposed to exist, yet are pretty much the night guard?” Spike summed up crudely later that day.

“In a nutshell, yes. I actually wouldn’t be surprised if some of the Night Guards were vampires and Lycans themselves actually. They do have those bat-like wings that Dash showed me today.” Twilight pondered.

“Hey, it’s getting dark out. We’re going to be late for our late night MMA meeting.” Vinyl said, pointing to the clock which read 9:07.

“Damn we were talking for hours...” Twilight sighed.

“We had a lot to talk about... You’re not gonna like, try to eat me are you?” Spike asked, meaning it more towards Vinyl than Twilight.

“I’d never hurt you.” Twilight said.

“And contrary to what you may think, there are some vegetarian Lycans and even a vegan or two. Besides, i wouldn’t eat my little step-brother now would I?” Vinyl asked.

“That makes it sound like you two are married or something.” Spike said, putting a hand on the bridge of his nose.

“We’re not that far yet. Though maybe engagement would work.” Twilight giggled.

“Don’t want to hear any of this right now, I’ve already got enough shit to think about...” Spike said.

“Right, see you tonight or tomorrow morning, depending on if you’re awake.” Twilight said as she grabbed her hoodie and pulled it on.

“Sure.” Spike said with a wave.

“Think he’ll be fine?” Vinyl asked as they walked.

“Yeah, he’s a strong kid. I wonder what this meeting’s about.” Twilight said.

“What is this?” Vinyl asked when they entered the MMA room to find most of the people waiting weren’t even in the roster. Apparently Vinyl recognized all of them.

“We know you were there with the Vampire when they were initiated.” Shining Armor said, appearing from the circle.

“...If the Elders are going to question me about that, why bring Twilight?” Vinyl asked.

“Because it’s time she learned what her girlfriend and her brother is.” Shining sighed.

“I already know what Vinyl is, I didn’t know you were one though...” Twilight said.

“Good, that means we don’t have to worry about you freaking out!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Anything you could possibly want to know I can’t tell you.” Vinyl said.

“Oh? Why is that?” An older man, one Twilight recognized as a history teacher, asked.

“They made me wait outside while the vampire was initiated.” Vinyl said.

“Hm... I hear they don’t even let their own kind that aren’t part of it in... Very well. What can you tell us about the treaty and what it still means to them?” Shining said.

“They still abide to it, it’s independants and rogues that violate it.” Twilight answered.

“How would you know that?” Shining asked.

“Why else would they let me come with them unless I was close to the one being initiated?” Vinyl said rhetorically as Twilight showed her fangs. Everyone in the room tensed and Shining gaped at her.

“Don’t you dare start anything with me. You just told me you’re a Lycan and I didn’t gape at you now did I?” Twilight said to him.

“Does-”

“Spike knows, we just told him.” Twilight finished his sentence.

“I imagine you wouldn’t rat out on your pack then... If they still treat the treaty with utmost respect then we shall do the same, but what is your job in your pack girl?” One of the others asked.

“Just like most of the other Vampires, her job is the same as ours. Keep the city safe at night, our domain.” Vinyl answered for her.

“Is this true?” Shining asked Twilight. She nodded. “Hm... I’d love to have a talk with the head of your clan sometime soon... For now, Vinyl, you first patrol was scheduled to be today.” Shining said.

“I was going to take Twilight along with me.” Vinyl said.

“Go ahead. Just remember the rules.” Shining said.

“Yeah, yeah, don’t reveal our true forms unless we have to or we’re facing another creature of the night.” Vinyl said.

“Twilight, if you were just initiated yesterday then you probably have minimal Vampiric powers... But what little you have the same goes for you.” Shining said with a light smile.

“Uh, sure thing.” Twilight said.

“Why are we going to your nightclub?” Twilight asked.

“Because I need to get paid for my last gig, get the next one set up and I’ve got intel on some rogues who hang out here.” Vinyl said.

“Would I know any of them?” Twilight asked.

“Maybe, if you weren’t so soft some of them might be behind bars. When your brother interrogated them he found out that they were Lycan accidentally. He would have normally executed them on the spot, because they are very dangerous, but he was being watched by other guards.” Vinyl answered, putting emphasis on the very.

“We took care of them pretty well though.” Twilight said as the night owl came into view.

“They knew I was a Lycan and part of the pack, they didn’t want to reveal what they were to us so they laid low when they attacked.” Vinyl said. Any further questioning was cut off as they entered the club. Surprisingly, there were only a few people in the building. It was, after all, a tuesday. They froze, however, when they saw that everyone in the room was wearing Griffon jackets and they were currently pointing guns at the bartender, who had a combat shotgun and was pointing to a sign that made it very clear there were dozens of wards around him. There were a few corpses with bite marks on them and a few with bullet wounds strewn about.

“What the hell happened here Frank?” Vinyl called. He had already noticed their entrance and was prepared for the distraction and when the griffons turned to look at her he put three shells into the group before they managed to recover. Four were dead, two wounded and the remaining three were fine. They pulled their weapons on him, but he had already ducked under the counter to reload.

Vinyl dashed forward, apparently she had changed during the firing as she was in her Lycan form, and caught one of the uninjured ones by the head with her jaws and crushed his skull.
“Twi! Focus your power and do what you can!” Vinyl yelled, tossing a revolver at her as the remaining griffons transformed as well, but were bowled over by Frank. Apparently he too was a Lycan.

“Focus on your Black Magic, sister. Let it flow and instinct will guide you darling.” A familiar voice said from the bodies of the dead. Rarity, in a ruined white dress, slowly got to her feet as bullet holes in her stomach stopped bleeding and blood that wasn’t hers dripped from her mouth.

“Don’t hurt Vinyl or the Bartender, they’re on our side.” Twilight said as her fangs extended and she checked the cylinder of the gun she caught.

“Right, toss me that will you?” Rarity said, pulling her hair back and using a black tendril to keep it there, holding out a single hand. Twilight tossed it and when the girl caught it she disappeared.

“Four rounds in the chamber.” Twilight warned and then started focusing her power.

“That bloodsucker over there is showing off a bit isn’t she?” One of the Lycans grunted, pointing to twilight, a few minutes later as the battle went on. Rarity had emptied the revolver on one of the injured and VInyl had finished the other, leaving the battle three on two.

“My, my. She’s got quite the potential, I recommend we back away now.” rarity said, putting her arms out in front of Frank and VInyl and began backing away.

Twilight’s eyes opened as she let pure instinct drive her actions. Her eyes were glowing a deep crimson that unsettled even Vinyl, but the Griffons just laughed and turned towards her.

“Your flashy magic won’t scare u-” one of them started and proceeded to explode. Everyone watched, the Griffon in horror and the others in awe, as Twilight’s black tendrils of black magic surrounded her for a moment before the swirling tempest of black flew forward and went straight through the remaining Griffon.

“Whoa...” They all muttered as Twilight materialized from the tempest. She looked almost like she did directly after her initiation, but her changed clothes were different. Her nails were now officially claws now, and even her ears had a point to them. Instead of the dark street clothes Vinyl saw before, Twilight sported an elegant black dress. The part that covered the legs looked as if it were like leather and velvet put together, and looked as if it was made for nightclub dancing, as there was a long slit that reached halfway up her thighs to allow easy leg movements.

Her shoulders, stomach and top portion of her chest were showing as the dress seemed to have intentionally placed tears and large holes. Her hair had gained a lot of length as well and was jet black, it fanned out behind her almost like a tail. Her clawed hands were bloody and she found herself tentatively licking them clean.

“Well darling, it appears you’re even stronger than Black Heart.” Rarity said.

“Really? Even though I feel like I could face anything, I doubt that. He is our Father after all.” Twilight said, her voice strangely yet sweetly warped.

“He’s not our strongest member, he’s just the best leader.” Rarity shrugged.

“I thought you didn’t liek the taste of blood.” Vinyl said, crossing her arms, as she watched Twilight attempt to lick her hands clean.

“Might as well try to get used to it, but this is bitter and sour. I bet yours would be much sweeter.” Twilight giggled. The voice, as before, was laced with power and it sent chills down her spine. All of that power was currently trained on the affections the girl felt for Vinyl, and everyone in the room could feel it.

“Slow down there darling, I said rely on your instinct but not that much. You’re not an animal.” Rarity giggled.

“Perhaps... How do I disperse this new power? I’ve never handled so much at a time...” Twilight asked.

“Just as you let the vast ocean of Black Magic flow into you, let it flow away.” Rarity said. Twilight somehow made sense of the words and felt the power thinning on the inside. On the outside, the group watched with interest as the changes the advanced form wrought were undone and soon the normal Twilight was standing there.

“Is there a name for that?” Twilight asked, her voice normal.

“It’s called the form of the Dark Lord, though most vampires in our clan can’t even activate it with their current amounts of power. I’ve only managed it once when my life was in danger, and that was only for a little while. You just followed your instincts and managed it the night after your initiation. Only Black Heart, his blood sister, the princesses and a few others can manage it at all.” Rarity said.

“So I probably shouldn’t go using it for every little thing. I’ll try to figure more out so I won’t have to resort to it, I feel exhausted now.” Twilight said.

“Well it does exacerbate the thirst and the effects of withdrawal. I recommend feeding soon, or your strength won’t return.” Rarity said.

“So that’s why you were licking your hands clean.” Vinyl said.

“Guess so. I don’t feel like doing that tonight though, I just want to sleep. Shower first, then sleep.” Twilight said.

“Go on ahead Vinyl. Miss Rarity and I will take care of the mess and I’ll put a bonus in your paycheck for the help.” Frank said.

“I’m an old friend.” Rarity said when she received glances.

“I’m guessing a lot of the clan that are in the school are much older than they look.” Twilight said. Rarity didn’t bother answering as she turned around and things started floating around in teal flashes of magic.

“Come on ‘Dark Lord’, let’s get you home.” Vinyl joked. Twilight was too tired to to retort.

(A/N does a 7 1/2 page chapter make up for a 2 1/2 page one? I hope so. I hope it doesn't seem rushed, even though it felt that way... I stopped halfway in between so that may have been it... As for the dress look in the comment section on how i think it'd look.)

C.12 Black Magic

(A/N sorry that this one is on the shorter side, just barely hit 3 1/2 pages, but it's mostly just filler and explanation and I've had too much of that lately... Enjoy!)

“So is it going to hurt?” Vinyl asked Twilight on their way home from school the next day.

“Luna said that our saliva has a natural local anesthetic that couples with the healing properties, so maybe a bit at first.” Twilight answered.

“Just don’t suck me dry.” Vinyl chuckled as they entered the house.

“Where’s spike?” She asked.

“He said something about a club he was interested in after school so he’s probably checking it out.” Twilight said, tossing her bag on the couch and plopping down next to it. Vinyl’s bag joined hers and the girl herself took a seat on Twilight’s lap instead of the space next to her, though Twilight had no complaint.

“Come on then, who knows? It might be kinky.” Vinyl giggled, putting her neck in front of Twilight’s face.

“You’re such a sweetheart.” Twilight giggled as she first kissed Vinyl’s neck, then extended her fangs and bit down. Vinyl let out a light gasp and after the tiny pain past, she found her body slowly build up a sense of euphoria.

“Whoa there nelly, you sure she said anesthetic and not aphrodisiac?” Vinyl shivered. It took Twilight a few moments to answer, due to her mouth still latched onto Vinyl’s neck.

“I’m sure... but damn I feel that too... And by the way? Your blood tastes just like cinnamon candy.” Twilight giggled. Vinyl chose that moment to crash into her lover’s face with her own in a sloppy kiss, despite her own blood still dripping from her mouth and her own neck.

“Oh I’m game.” Twilight giggled when Vinyl moved down to her own neck and nibbled lightly. She waved her fingers around, closing all the windows, blinds, shutters and doors and locking them.

“I’m guessing that’s Spike.” Twilight said when night fell and there was a knock on the door. She got up and opened it and was surprised to see Luna and Celestia behind Spike.

“I hear you had an interesting night last night.” Luna said with a smirk.

“Rarity told you, I’m guessing you’ve come to talk to me about it?” Twilight asked.

“Wait Rarity’s a vampire too?” Spike asked.

“Yeah, you know her?” Twilight asked, curious.

“She recently broke up with a boyfriend and we’ve been getting pretty close, even though she’s a year older than you.” Spike said, a slight red tint on his cheeks.

“She’s older than I am, and I’m nearing a millenia.” Celestia said.

“Wait... What?” Spike asked.

“Yeah, a lot of the clan is old. Twilight’s the first new blood in over a century. Red Heart was the last one, but she was born a vampire.” Luna said.

“Can we get to the point pleasE? I’m very interested to know anything I can about myself.” Twilight said.

“Right, sit down.” Luna said. They did and she continued. “Basically, Black Magic isn’t like normal magic. It clings to the caster and bonds to them. The more you summon up, the more you can use. It doesn’t always take though, and will just act as a more powerful version of normal magic. There are three stages of Black Magic... uh... Saturation I guess. The first one is what you became in your initiation. Tier One, or Shadows. The next would probably see you in some sort of elegant dress different than the one you made at the nightclub last night and your power would escalate exponentially from the first. We call these ones Nightlings.

The next tier is the Dark Lord. What Rarity didn’t know is that most vampires over three centuries old can at least maintain this form for a few minutes, she is much older than that but she has been asleep for centuries. You saw great physical enhancements, a much more practical, yet still more elegant, dress and an even greater increase in power. It was heard in your voice I hear.” Luna explained.

“You said next instead of last, is there a higher tier?” Luna asked.

“Yes. You would find yourself with a very specific ability, and in this form you can absorb anything to be gained when you enter that form. This form, is called Voidling. Only myself, Tia, Black Heart, Red Heart and the grandparents have achieved this form. Voidlings are kept a secret from any who have yet to achieve their Dark Lord form and those Dark Lords who have yet to show the potential to become Voidlings.” Luna continued.

“I felt so incredibly powerful... there’s even more to it?” Twilight said.

“The Lycans have something like that. When our blood really burns with rage, we grow into Alpha forms. We don’t have tiers, we just get bigger and stronger until we kill or get killed.” Vinyl said.

“It is very difficult to control and dissipate Black Magic once it’s been bonded to your body, therefore I don’t want you using any of these forms until you’ve mastered the use of the magics well enough for each of them. You could easily manage shadow, but that’s the only one you would be able to do safely.” Celestia said.

“Right.” Twilight said.

“So, have you fed yet?” Luna asked. Vinyl and Twilight shared a grin. “No wonder this room smells musty.” Luna mumbled to herself with a grin.

“Why?” Vinyl asked.

“Because if she hadn’t fed then she’d have very limited use of her powers.” Celestia answered.

“Well then, try to conjure up that power again, but top it off once you feel yourself unable to perfectly manage and control it. This is your limit, you must work slowly to pass it safely and get it higher and higher, though in battle or when you’re actively using it your limit will naturally raise. This is quite dangerous though, because it’ll fall when you’re done using it and become unstable if it’s too far away from it’s idle limit.” Luna explained. Twilight listened closely and did as she was told.

Slowly, the black tendrils of energy made an appearance, but they moved slowly. Her Shadow garb quickly came and went, but she stopped before she reached the Dark Lord stage. She sported a black dress now, but instead of the elegant dress her Dark Lord form brought, this one was much more simple. It had the long, slender slitted skirt the next one had, but that was the only thing similar. It looked as if it was a standard night dress, made only for dancing.

“So, it appears your limit is just over halfway to Dark Lord from Nightling. This makes you a Nightling in terms of ranking if there is ever need for a ranking system in the family.” Luna said.

“I’ll leave now, Luna will take over your instruction tonight. My teachings will need better mastery of what you have now.” Celestia said, walking towards the door.

“See you later sister.” Luna said.

“So, what are you going to teach me now?” Twilight asked.

“Well for starters I’ll show you how to use Black Magic as if it was normal Magic, this will make everything else either of us teach you easier to understand and achieve.” Luna started and began to explain the fundamentals of Black Magic.

“Damn you guys are still up?” Vinyl said when she entered the living room to find Twilight trying to levitate things with Black Magic.

“Vampires don’t need sleep.” Luna said.

“I’m still exhausted though...” Twilight said.

“Well you have been pumping out magic for nearly eight hours straight.” Luna said.

“Yeah... I think I can miss a day of school...” Twilight said.

“We’ll be doing this every weekend from now on, if nothing more than to condition you.” Luna said.

“Sure... Thanks a lot Luna, for teaching me.” Twilight said.

“Of course, it may not be of direct blood relation but we’re family now. Have a nice nap.” Luna said, turning around to exit.

C.13 Examination

“Oh great, all of this Vampire stuff that’s been going on is already stressful enough, but my annual magic exam is coming up!” Twilight exclaimed after checking the mail the next day.

“Uh... what?” Vinyl asked.

“Every year, for the Canterlot University, They send someone to my school and they sit in my magic classes and evaluate me and by the time they leave I have to demonstrate either extraordinary skill or a unique spell.” Twilight groaned.

“I hear the AMS exams are coming up too.” Spike said.

“SHIT!” Twilight yelled.

“You don’t have any problems, you’re like better than Gandalf with magic.” Vinyl said.

“No I’m not, but normally I’d just show extraordinary master of magic... But apparently i’ve done that too much and I have to come up with a unique spell...” Twilight sighed.

“You could always use black magic.” Vinyl suggested.

“Vinyl, that’s like you transforming for a physical examination in gym.” Twilight said.

“Well then just don’t worry about it. Contrary to what you may think, you work best on the spot.” Spike said.

“Huh?”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed that too. That’s why you’re so good at duels and MMA.” Vinyl said.

“Hey when they come to sit in on the classes you should totally challenge that trixie bitch to a duel.” Spike said.

“No that’s just cruel. All she’ll do is levitate ropes at me and make fireworks. I’ll think of something.” Twilight sighed.

“So, I hear you have your Canterlot University Magic Evaluation coming up.” Celestia said, suddenly appearing next to them as they walked, making Spike let out a startled belch of fire.

“Don’t you have the same thing coming?” Twilight asked, unphased.

“I do.” Celestia replied.

“Hey wait a minute, I just remembered something.” Vinyl said. The three gave her a look that said ‘go on’. “Yesterday, you said you guys were like a thousand years old, and that Rarity was a bit older... Dash told us that Vampires only live for around two or three times longer than humans.” Vinyl explained.

“She didn’t tell you that feeding increases your lifespan. Blood is the life force of any living thing really, and you’re taking another’s into your body.” Celestia said.

“Wait, are we stealing other people’s lifespan?” Twilight asked.

“Not in the slightest. It’s actually healthy for the body to be low on blood every now and then, to flush out anything that could be in it and to make sure your body can get it’s bloodcount back to normal.” Celestia said, waving her hand dismissively.

“Wait, so if I drank the blood of someone who had like a sexually transmitted disease or something, it’d cure it?” Twilight asked.

“It’d cure most sicknesses actually, your saliva would get into their bloodstream. I guess if you look at it in the long run you’re extending their lifespan a bit.” Celestia said with a finger on her chin in thought.

“Is there a way to make someone live as long as I do?” Twilight asked after a few minutes of silence.

“Turning them.” Celestia replied. “And before you ask, it’s taboo but you can mix a Lycan and a Vampire. It normally kills the person though, and should never be done intentionally.” She warned, sensing the question.

“Well if she was thinking what I think she was thinking, couldn’t i just like get a tiny bit of vampire blood or something?” Vinyl asked.

“I don’t know, don’t try it on your own.” Celestia warned once again.

“Just a thought for the future, don’t worry.” Twilight said as the high school came into view.

“I hear the AMS exams are going to take the form of Duels.” Celestia said, getting back to their original topic.

“Is that so? Maybe I could kill two birds with one stone then.” Twilight said.

“Or perhaps four, we could always duel each other.” Celestia offered.

“I’ve got something else in mind.” Twilight said.

“Alright. I’ll see you after school for your lessons.” Celestia said.

“Why are you returning those?” Vinyl asked in Gym that day as Twilight signed in her rental pair of wings.

“I’m going to get ones like Dash’s.” Twilight said.

“Surgically attached?” Shining asked.

“Yeah.” Twilight replied.

“Well, knowing what you are now I know you can handle it easily... Good luck with your exams, it’s about that time of year isn’t it?” Shining said.

“Yeah. Hey, do the Lycans in MMA know about me?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, everyone in MMA is either a Lycan, Vampire or doesn’t have a problem with either. Why?” Shining replied.

“Because it wouldn’t feel right to have such an advantage without them at least knowing about it. Lycans are tough, but when I’m at 100% like I am now it would be really unfair.” Twilight said.

“You fought AJ while injured and she’s a Lycan, and you still kicked her ass.” Spike said.

“Yeah, you’d be scary if you went all out on anything. Actually, I’ve seen you go almost all out on something. They ended up imploding.” Vinyl said.

“When was this?” Shining asked.

“A couple Griffons thought it’d be a good idea to rob my Nightclub and see if I was there the other night. They were Rogue Lycans.” Vinyl said.

“Oh, alright then. Spare me the details, we’re still in the middle of Gym.” Shining said.

“Alright, we have a guest here today. We will be doing a series of duels for the next few days, this will be your exams not only for my class, but a specialized magic exam that our guests will be evaluation you with.Would anyone care to volunteer first?” Gandalf explained in AMS.

Silence.

“No? Alright then, would our guests have anyone they’d like to see first?” Gandalf asked the woman sitting in the corner. She looked like she was from Canterlot.

“I hear there is a Miss Twilight Sparkle here.” The woman said.

“Ah, looks like you’re up Twilight.” Gandalf said with a smile. Twilight got up and stepped onto the dueling stage. “Choose your dueling partner.” He continued.

“I’d like to fight you, Mister Grey.” Twilight said. The old man laughed and stood from his place sitting on the edge of the stage.

“Are you sure? I may be an old man, but you should know better than most that age with magic means a stronger opponent.” Gandalf said.

“I know, but I feel I can better show what I can do if I fight somebody that will really give me a challenge.” Twilight replied.

“Very well.” He said as the barrier went up around them. They both set up a series of advanced wards and Twilight racked her brain to try and think of something she could do that was unique. Gandalf didn’t give her much of a chance though, he clacked his staff on the floor and sent a massive wave of energy at her.

All of the energy was absorbed by her wards and was sent spinning around her as she thought. Gandalf grinned and pointed the tip of his staff at her and sent bolts of magical energy at he. The sheer magnitude of the energy being used was enough to drop the jaws of the students, the bolt could have blown half of the school into nothingness. It joined the shockwave swirling around Twilight.

“Might I ask exactly what you are doing?” Gandalf asked.

“I don’t have the reserves to go up against you outright, so I’m siphoning what you throw at me with my wards. I’m also structuring a spell on the spot.” Twilight said, still deep in thought. Gandalf grinned and made his way towards her. He poured a large amount of magical energy into his stave, making it glow, and swung it like a bat at the girl’s head. Without looking, Twilight caught the swing. One of her physical wards shattered, but Gandalf not only felt the energy from the stave being leached, but his own energy as well.

He laughed as he dropped the stave and jumped backwards.

“With all of that magical energy you could level the town. What are you planning?” Gandalf asked. Twilight answered by opening her eyes and the energies swirling around her all condensing in her hand like a ball. She proceeded to stretch it out and snap it in half, creating two long chunks of condensed magical energy. The magic soon formed into blades, one a light purple and the other a dark lavender, and she looked at Gandalf.

In preparation for what he assumed came next, he tripled his wards, and then tripled them again. She tossed him his stave and charged at him. She ended the duel with two strikes. The first blade cut straight through all of his wards like a hot knife through butter, but bounced off of his stave like a stick. The second strike from the other blade passed right through his stave as if it wasn't real, as well as his body. As it passed through, he felt his body weakening. It was as if a fast acting poison was paralyzing him, the blade it’s source.

“Oh my, that was strange to say the least.” Gandalf said from his place standing as Twilight dispelled the blades.

“That was very impressive.” The woman said.

“Would you mind explaining exactly what you did?” Gandalf asked. Twilight poked him on the forehead and the paralysis disappeared, but he was still weak.

“The first blade absorbed and scattered the energy of your wards and any spells you would have cast, while the second is a ghost of the first that sapped the energy from your nerves and muscles. I’m surprised it worked though, it’d be rather easy to counter if you knew how.” Twilight said.

“Yes well even so, you beat me and made me look like a child in comparison and that was completely on the spot.” Gandalf said, cracking his back and plopping down on his usual spot.

“If we were really fighting you would have one.” Twilight shrugged.

“Perhaps. Alright, who’s next. And if anyone asks to fight me I’m turning you into a pig.” Gandalf said.

(A/N before people bitch at me for OP-ness Gandalf is human and didn't know what she was doing so he couldn't effectively counter Twilight.)

14: Underground

Twilight spent the night at Heart Manor getting bat-like wings surgically attached and spent the night to recover. In the morning, Black heart paid her a visit. This wouldn’t usually be so strange, however he came accompanied by Vinyl. She was wearing some sort of… uniform. At least it looked like a uniform. It was a light set of armor consisting of a sleek breastplate, boots, vambraces and a helmet. It was all colored a deep shade of midnight blue and a deep black, though the somewhat professional looking clothing under it seemed to be a lighter blue and brown.

“What are you doing wearing Night Guard armor? And what’s that under it?” Twilight asked, curious and a little weary of the answer.

“There was a decision from Canterlot, the Night Council decided to start a recruiting program for young people. They’ve only started in Canterlot, Ponyville, Edinspur and Stalliongrad for now as an experiment. It’s why I’m here, actually.” Black Heart explained as Vinyl slipped past him and sat down next to Twilight. Well, more like plopped down.

“So not only are they recruiting from the schools, they’re recruiting the creatures of the night too. Princess Luna had a hand in it no doubt, but the uniform underneath marks us to other guards as what we are. The exact information is kept a secret from the public and all, and most newbies won’t know unless they’re squadded up with one, but apparently most officers have been informed. Of course I joined up, the only reason I never became a guard before was because I was too young.” Vinyl explained, pulling her helmet off.

“Really? I didn’t know you wanted to be a guard. We can talk about that later, though, what did you need me for Father?” Twilight said, resigning to talk to her girlfriend about all of this after Black Heart left. The man nodded and motioned for them to follow.

“I hope you are well after your surgery, otherwise this can wait another day or two.” He started when she was a little unsteady on her feet.

“Oh I’ll be fine, I just need breakfast and I’ll feel better. Maybe a bit to drink as well.” Twilight replied. Vinyl shot her a knowing glance and Black Heart nodded.

“I’ll take your word for it then. I came to you to ask you if you would represent the family in the Night Guard. Princess Celestia has her own duties to attend to with the Royal Guard, while Princess Luna is already garrison commander for the area. Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Fluttershy will share in this task with you- though you may be separated after your induction.” Black heart explained as they walked.

“Your Bro came out of retirement and is now garrison commander for the Royal Guard so he obviously can’t represent us Lycans, but we’ve got Applejack and Pinkie and I coming in. They had a late night meeting to catch us and this morning we got to pick up our gear.” Vinyl continued Black Heart’s topic.

“Of course if you have no interest in the Night Guard, you need only say so.” Black heart said as they stopped outside of a door that was usually locked. Twilight almost laughed.

“After all I’ve been through, you think I’d be scared of becoming a Night Guard? Shining taught me to take care of myself since I was little. And of course I’ll do it if you ask it of me, Father. That’s how families work.” She told them. Vinyl looked pretty happy about that answer, and Black Heart smiled.

“Normally, yes, but you are no fledgling to be treated like a child. You’re no Elder, but you have already become a highly respected member of this family.” Black Heart told her as he unlocked the door and opened it. “I’m glad you accepted, I’ve wanted to show you this for a while. Miss Vinyl, the usual protocol applies. If you don’t have confidence in your secret keeping skills then you may wait outside. I’d rather not leave my newest daughter with a dead lover.” He continued. Vinyl was about to say something along the lines of ‘yeah yeah buddy I know’ but she paused.

“Usual protocol? I thought that the usual was ‘get the hell out’, but more polite.” She said. Black Heart chuckled.

“This isn’t an incredible secret, but I can still sense that you don’t fully trust us. We are allies, Lycans and Vampires, and we’ve grown fond of the foreign presence in our home. This is your chance to prove you can be trusted with secrets.” The elder Vampire replied. Vinyl just grinned and gave a salute. “Good.” He said and pushed the doors open.

“We haven’t used this room in quite a while, since before our truce, but as we’re volunteering for the Night Guard we thought we should blow off the dust. The Night Guard doesn’t go around recruiting teenagers and young adults randomly.” Black Heart continued as he stepped aside to let the two girls see. Inside seemed like a gun nut’s maniacal wet dream. It was a massive, and well stocked, workshop equipped with an armory and what looked like a large underground garage -judging by the small map on a support pillar nearby. Yeah, there was a MAP for this room apparently.

“Previously we used this workshop to develop and stock weapons for the express purpose of killing Lycans, and before that our own kind. There are plenty of archives and remnants of those projects, but until we know what we’re up against it should suffice as an armory. Anything you take must be logged and returned, you lose it you pay for it. “ Black heart began, walking through the room to another door.

“This is the door to the stairs, there are a few underground floors that may house vehicles. It’s currently closed off, but the surface access will be cleared soon. Now that I think of it there might be a few things left down there that still work. Feel free to explore it, if you find something that you like you’re welcome to it. Their owners are either dead, sleeping or don’t want them if they were left to the dust.” He continued.

“Whoa, you guys are fucking set. No wonder we lost that war…” She said, more to herself than anything. There didn’t seem to be any resentment in her tone though. She was more impressed and exciting than anything.

“I didn’t know we had something like this…” Twilight said, amazed as well.

“Vampires are not peaceful by nature. Creatures driven to consume the life force of others will never know true peace for their entire lives. This place was crafted centuries ago. Back then it was with swords and bows, now it’s guns and advanced technology. The last time it was up and running was when we were at war with the Lycans. That conflict lasted two decades before the truce was formed.” Black Heart explained.

“That was something like thirty years ago though, I wasn’t born yet. From what I’ve heard you guys kicked the shit out of us halfway through and we were too stubborn to give up. We were on the verge of extinction, at least in the area, so the truce was offered. We Lycans like killing shit, but since nobody could remember why they were fighting they reluctantly agreed to the truce.” Vinyl recalled. Black Heart nodded.

“I wrote it myself, by hand. I never liked fighting the Lycans, even after we started winning. We creatures of the night have to stick together, you know?” He said, ending with a chuckle before moving back to the exit. “Twilight, Vinyl can show you to the Night Guard academy tonight. I have nothing more to ask of you for now, though if you would I’d like to know your placement when the time comes.” He continued back to her. Twilight nodded and he nodded back before leaving.

“You know, I’d say I wish I had a leader like that but your brother isn’t too different from him. When he first got here, I was so surprised. Especially that he was taking over as Pack Leader. Our last leader was shot by the Royal Guard for attempted murder in Canterlot about a week before you got here. Apparently he was leading a ‘double life’ as a serial killer or something.” Vinyl said. Twilight blinked a few times then looked at her.

“Uh… what?” She could only ask, that came out of nowhere.

“Oh yeah, I never told you that story. I don’t know too much about it, Shining will know a hell of a lot more. You should ask him.” Vinyl replied with a shrug. Twilight just shook her head.

“Come on, let’s go check that garage. Shining taught me how to drive and I’ve been saving for a car.” The Vampire said, grabbing Vinyl’s hand and leading her to the stairs.

It was pretty creepy, when they were finally down there. There was no light source, but as creatures of the night their darkvision was superb. The top floor of the garage was completely empty, which only made it creepier as their footsteps echoed multiple times around the concrete.

“Is it just me or does this place give you the creeps?” Vinyl whispered to Twilight, not wanting her voice to rebound around as their footsteps were. Twilight just nodded her head and made towards the next set of stairs.

On the next floor they found a few old broken down cars. They were old, but not as old as the last time the place was apparently used.

“Huh, I guess this is the only good place to park down here…” Twilight said, voicing her thoughts. Vinyl nodded to it as they looked them over. Vinyl popped open the hood of one of them and made a low noise.

“Yeah this thing was stripped down before it was abandoned. You’d be lucky to get even parts out of it.” She said, gently closing it.

“Let’s just keep looking, we can see if we can find something after we’ve seen the place.” Twilight suggested. Vinyl nodded and they headed for the next set of the stairs.

The further down they got the newer the vehicles seemed. On the fourth floor there was even a TANK. It was rather old, and in multiple pieces, but it was definitely a tank. The barrel was plugged, though, and there were a few other additions that appeared to make it legal for street driving. That was a story they both wanted to hear, but on the sixth and final floor they were surprised to hear hushed voices.

“Come on man, just three more days. That’s when I get paid, and the whole damn check will go to you! That’s an extra hundred!” They heard one desperate sounding voice beg. Vinyl and Twilight looked at each other before creeping forward to peek around the corner. They saw, in the corner of the final floor, a small barrel fire lighting up a group of six people. Two of them were on their knees begging, the other four were clearly armed with small arms or blades.

“That’s what you said last month, and you blew the whole thing on one of your other dealers. I knew I was taking a risk letting you take half of the advance, but if I would have known this was going to happen I’d have just shot you there. One less waste of space on the streets if you ask me.” He said, holding his hand out. One of the other guys behind him put a gun in it and in a quick motion he shot both of them in the head. The gun had a suppressor screwed onto the barrel so the sound would have made it maybe a floor or two up, nowhere near loud enough to alert the Vampires above.

“Twilight we need to take care of these guys…” Vinyl started, pulling something from under her belt and handing it to Twilight.

“Since when did you start packing?” She asked.

“Since you got shot. I got a concealed carry license and everything, now get ready for a good fight. We need to take care of ALL of them.” Vinyl said as Twilight noticed fur start slowly sprouting. She was transforming, which made Twilight immediately look back as the four men were looking horrified at the people who just took bullets to the head. They were still kneeling there, but they were transforming as well. Rogue Lycans.

The four men growled and started transforming as well.

“Well Shit…” Twilight said as she summoned up her nightling form with a side thought.

The two groups lunged at each other, Twilight and Vinyl deciding to let them have their own fight to make it easier on them. It wasn’t too long before the two beggars found themselves losing. They made one ravenous push to catch the dealers off guard and then bolted for the stairs. There were two loud bangs as Twilight put a bullet in both of their heads, revealing them. The two Lycans didn’t take these ones too well, though, and crashed to the ground dead.

“So that actually worked, maybe I should take alchemy lessons.” Twilight said with a giggle as she stepped out of the doorway. She had magically engraved the bullets with glyphs to change the genetic makeup of the bullets to match that of silver, as well as a few other nasty bits of magic to make sure it dealt maximum damage. She had only engraved two before she fired, though, so the rest would have to be taken care of the old fashion way.

“So you leeches finally found us out. Did you know that a single Lycan is capable of ripping apart a whole coterie of you leeches by themselves?” The leader snarled, stalking around Twilight.

“That’s cute, you couldn’t even finish off these mangy hounds when you outnumbered them, and they almost got away.” Twilight said mockingly, looking over the ‘stock’. There was what looked like a few briefcases full of money and a couple of other cases filled with god knows what. Definitely a drug dealer.

“So what is it, Euphoria? Chrysalid? Boom-Boom?” Twilight continued offhandedly, a little curious.

“A bit of all three actually, didn’t know leeches cared about drugs. I’d offer you a sample, but I don’t think we’ll be conducting business for much longer.” The leader said as, almost as one, the four charged her at the same time. There was a flash of light and they were blinded, before they found their quarry gone and black tendrils of magic in her place. They crashed into the tendrils and were immediately wrapped in them, the black magic singing their fur like hot iron.

“Vinyl, you can decide what to do with these ones since you have the authority here.” Twilight called. Vinyl stalked out of the doorway then. Twilight was surprised to see that the night guard armor was not only still on her, but it had changed with her body. It looked a lot cooler like this, she thought.

“Didn’t I already say to take care of them?” Vinyl chuckled. “Go ahead and let them down, if I would have known you would have just fucked them up like this I would have gone in first. I’ve been itching for a fight.” The Lycan continued. Twilight shrugged and released two of the rogues.

“You want me to just kill these ones?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, I’d say hurt them a bit first but I know you.” Vinyl replied, growling low with glee as the two were released. They were turning towards Twilight to try and help their kin, but before they could even think of what to do the black tendrils shot through their heads and hearts. The corpses disintegrated as if they were killed with pure silver.

“Keep your eyes in the fight, pups!” Vinyl roared, bowling the two over and throwing them into the middle of the room. They recovered, somewhat, and managed to steady themselves by digging their claws into the concrete to stop themselves. Without a word, they launched at her. She dodged their raking claws, and when one of them lunged at her throat she grabbed his smaller face in her jaws. It looked almost like some form of sick kiss before she crunched down and the better part of his skull crunched in with her teeth.

She threw his corpse at the other one, knocking him out of the air mid lunge.

“Agh, yeah you guys are all kinds of fucked up. Addicted to just about everything, mangy, your fur is in patches and your teeth and claws can barely scratch concrete. I felt bad at first but now I’m just glad to put you out of your misery.” Vinyl said, spitting at what appeared to be a foul flavor. The remaining Lycan just snarled at her and made one last ditch lunge to do some damage. It was almost comical how Vinyl uppercutted him. He skidded past her, so she grabbed his leg ad dragged him over to her.

“Just… make it quick.” The Lycan gurgled, the uppercut having broken his jaw.

“You fought well for a depraved pup, I’ll give you that honor.” Vinyl said softly. She grabbed his head in her jaws and quickly twisted, breaking his neck and killing him. She let out a sigh as her fur started receding. She took a deep breath when she was finally in human form and looked at Twilight.

“That was fucking terrifying by the way, I could feel the silver in that shit. Remind me never to piss you off, ‘Kay?” She said with a shit eating grin. Twilight snorted.

“You know I’d never use that on you. I’ll clean up, you head upstairs and grab Father and let him know what we found.” Twilight replied. Vinyl did a lazy salute and started casually jogging up the stairs. She met him halfway up, he had heard the noises, as well as a few other of the Family. She explained as they walked down and re-entered the floor to find everything neatly organized and the remaining bodies returned to their human form.

“I’d apologize for letting you go in there alone with such a danger, but it seems it wasn’t much of a danger at all.” Black Heart said with a bit of amusement in his tone.

“Some of this stuff has been here for a long time, this wasn’t a one time thing. I found a little hole in the wall concealed by low-key magic that lead into the sewers.” Twilight said, pointing out a now revealed piece of crumbled wall. Black Heart rubbed his chin.

“Well, the illegal substances we’ll turn over to the authorities for disposal. Everything else we can put to use here- but as the collectors you’ve got dibs.” He said, smirking at his use of the more modern term. Twilight nodded and Vinyl gave a nice ‘Ooohhhh’ at the thought of free stuff.

Author's Note

So I had about a page or so already here, apparently. It was bad.
It was literally just turning into Tartarus High, so I scrapped it and started anew. I think it was a good choice.
Enjoy.