Moonbeam

Chapter 25 – The Dance Of My Heart.

The deity of the Sun was completely surprised by the sudden revelation of the unicorn in front of her, although it was true that she would have liked to know a little more about the mare her sister had risked her life for, she did not expect such an opportunity to present itself so surprisingly.

-It is a real pleasure to meet you Lady Gemstone, I must say that you took me by surprise, I did not expect to know you like this- commented the monarch honestly.

-I know I didn't expect to know you in this way either- the emerald unicorn said.

-Well, I must say. It's still a great time to meet each other though- said the pearl-colored alicorn extending a hoof kindly at Gemstone.

-Oh princess! I hope you don’t get me wrong, but I can't give you a hoof shake. You’ll see, in my family, it is not polite that two ponies have direct contact with each other if there is no close relationship between the two. And besides that we do not know each other well enough, you come from a much higher social status, so our rule becomes heavier in cases like ours- explained the unicorn doing a slight reverence.

-Oh, sorry about that! You don’t need to worry, I respect your ideals lady Gemstone- the princess replied, returning the bowing.

-Why, thank you princess... In any case, I must say that they both make a nice couple, they look great together, don't you think so, your Majesty?

-I do, Certanly- Celestia replied while turning her head to look at her beloved sister, who was guided to the center of the dance floor by Chrisi.

-Such an unfortunate fate too- after hearing the other female’s words, the princess looked at Gemstone with an inquisitive look.

-I don't get it. Is there anything wrong about my sister and your daughter closeness?- Celestia asked, rising an eyebrow..

-... It's hard to find a mare I can feel identified with... No, rather connected- said the golden mane stallion to the two young mares who looked at him lovingly.

-And... haven't you thought about looking for a more suitable mare for you lately- ask one of the young fillies looking rascally at the lord.

-You may find something much better around here you know, My Lord, after all it's Heart’s Warming Eve, maybe your dream can come true in the least expected way- said the second young girl placing one of her hooves on the young lord's chest.

-Oh my dear Blueblood, I'm really surprised that you decided to leave my companion alone to walk around the room in search of conquests, although I might be totally wrong and maybe you're just being nice to the ladies-

Hearing the deep tone of that voice, the body of the blond unicorn became tense suddenly as he slowly turned his head to meet Lord Red Wine’s disapproval eyes, the prominent Lord was accompanied by his flirtatious sister and... But of course... It was obvious that Vinyl had led them to him.

-Lord Red, is a pleasure to see you… again- Blueblood said with a gulp.

The dark mane stallion simply raised an eyebrow of his own, looking directly into Blueblood’s eyes. The pair of blue eyes found it incredibly difficult to look away from that pair of violet ones.

-I'm sorry about this, but I have important issues to deal with, so if you don't mind. I'll ask you to leave us alone.- Despite his solemn tone the prominent lord’s words were clearly not asking for permission.

-Awww, and can't we stay with you? I'm sure you won't mind if we all come along, my lord- said one of the mares rubbing against the blonde stallion.

The young lord gulped once again without taking his eyes off the imposing maroon stallion in front of him.

-I'm really sorry, ladies, but it's a private matter, you can't come with us- Blueblood replied after finding his own voice.

The mare nearly objected again, however, the other lord's gaze forced her to keep her lips together and say nothing more.

-Glad you understood. Viper…- the maroon lord called his bodyguard.

-At your command, my lord-

-Escort this ladies across the room, we wouldn't want them to get lost in their way- commented the stallion, turning around to guide the rest to a less crowded spot so he could talk to the blonde stallion.

-Of course my lord- replied the mare. -Come with me ladies- added the bodyguard mare with an authoritarian tone.

Viper made sure to keep both mares far away before stopping, although she did not like to be used for something so trivial, that had given her the opportunity to address her victims.

-You know where the exit is. Now I want you to leave and not come back, or else, I will personally make sure that no other stallion wants to look at your flanks ever again... was this clear enough for you?- said the mare looking at the two younger ponies with a murderous look.

-Pretty clear madam- both answered before galloping away from Viper.

-Now, let’s find those two losers- she said to herself.

Blueblood's head hit hard against the marble wall, around them were only the palace's interior gardens.

-Are you stupid?- spoke the maroon lord with a rather annoying tone.

-I-I don't understand-

-Of course you don't! that's pretty obvious Blueblood- Red Wine rebuked him.

The lord's horn was lit with a red-violet aura imprisoning the younger lord's neck in a grip that barely allowed him to breathe.

-Listen to me very carefully. Instead of wasting your time with easy mares like them, you should be spending time along with Princess Celestia, making sure she start noticing your presence, making her be interested in you, showing her your best qualities- Red said, raising the blonde pony to bring him closer to his face.

Pink and Vinyl simply watched the scene, the musician looked slightly worried about the blonde Lord, while the sadistic sister only laughed mockingly at him.

-Do you have any idea what the princess might think of you if it had been she, who would have found you with those gold diggers?- said Red annoyed before releasing his grip from Blueblood's neck, causing the younger lord to drop hard to the ground once more.

-I'm sorry, it's just that...-

-I don't need excuses Blueblood, I need actions. Or tell me, wouldn't you like to become a prince?- said the maroon stallion looking at him from above -I can get Celestia to make you part of the royal family, but I can assure you that no matter how hard I will work to elevate your reputation with the other lords, if you're incapable of attracting the princess' attention, all this will be in vain-.

-It was a mistake, won’t happen again- replied the blonde stallion.

-I'm sure it won’t- Red said. -Dear sister, you'd be so kind as to give me my knife please- he added, extending his forehoof.

Pink Wine lit her horn with a red-violet aura levitating the knife she was carrying hidden under her dress to her brother's hoof. Vinyl was sure that wherever Pink Wine had hidden it, it wouldn't be easy for any guard to notice it without invading the mare's privacy.

-Your foreleg Blueblood- ordered the lord as he took the knife with his own magic aura.

The stallion looked at the imposing lord before looking at his foreleg, he then look back at Red's violet-red eyes.

-What are you waiting for?-

At the lord's impatient voice, the blonde pony stretched out a trembling hoof. Red took the younger lord's foreleg and opened a small wound on it before doing the same with his own and pouring some of his blood on Blueblood's wound, closing both wounds as if nothing had happened.

-Remember this Blueblood, your mission is to approach the princesses and earn their trust, I’ll take care of the others. Do it right and soon you'll be at the top of the society, but if you fail me again… I’ll assure you that your leg won't be the only thing that will bleed.

The blonde gulped once again, it seemed that every time he did it, that simple action was becoming harder for him.

-Come on dear I want to enjoy this evening-

At the invitation of her brother, Pink approached Red by offering her hoof to him so that they would both return to the inside of the castle.

-By the way, Vinyl.- the lord added, looking at the white coated mare over his shoulder- Save the last piece for me-.

The mare didn't answer, well it wasn't really like she could do it anyway, but she just decided to stay in her place, completely stoic as a big pile of snow. What attracted Red most to that mare, was her ability to resist him that way, it was a delight to have a real challenge from time to time.

-I have to go back inside too, you're not exactly alive, so you're not able to feel it, but it's pretty cold out here and I'd like to warm up a little bit- said the blonde pony standing up, before returning back inside the castle.

Vinyl looked away into the dark lonely garden as she watched the winter’s stars fall from the sky.

Flashback

That night the snow fell in abundance, through the streets of Manehattan walked a mare of white fur, her mane and tail were an electric blue color and looked perfectly combed in an elegant style.

She wore a beautiful pink dress with baby blue bows, an elegant coat to match the dress, on one of her hooves she was carrying a beautiful bouquet of red roses and on her back carried a black case containing her favorite violin.

That night had been one of her best nights, the gig she had performed with the piano back at the auditorium had been a success, she could not be prouder of her own performance.

Her fellow musicians had offered to take her to a party across the town, but the young mare could only think of another pony that night. Her grandmother was the last member of her family, she had gone to see her a few days before the performance to personally invite her and give her an exclusive ticket to the event, but the old lady's health had prevented her from going to her granddaughter’s presentation that night.

However, Vinyl had promised to give her a beautiful gift that night in addition to the bouquet of roses Vinyl promised her she would win just for her. Her granny had always liked to hear her play music, perhaps that was why she had decided to become a great musician in the first place. And she was, Vinyl knew thousands of symphonies by heart, and could interpret most in more than one instrument. In the words of her grandmother, Happy Harp, she was the pride of her family and was hopping Vinyl could give her family the reputation she deserved.

It didn't take long for her to get to the hospital. Vinyl walks into the complex greeting the receptionist before following her way to the second floor, approaching the room where her grandmother was resting, the white unicorn hear the whispers another pony on the other side, however that voice did not belong to any pony on the hospital staff.

-... She's not ready yet, I'm asking you, you can't take her- that was her grandmother's voice for sure.

-I don't have a choice Happy, you don't have much time left and she's the only survivor who carries your blood- Vinyl wasn’t sure she had heard that voice before, but she was sure it wasn't the voice of any of the hospital staff members.

-Then take mine Sitar-

-Are you sure about this? You've always refused to do it-

-If you're looking for Vinyl just because she's the only one who carries my blood on her own’s, then I'd rather let you take mine-

Vinyl could barely hear the conversation and even though Happy Harp rebuked her whenever she listened to other ponies' conversations, she couldn't stop her curiosity. So Vinyl place an ear at the door to hear better what they were talking about.

-It will be fast, I promise Happy-

-I don’t mind that. However, you must promise me that once I give it to you, you won't touch her.

-I promise-

Unable to hear clearly, Vinyl pressed her ear harder at the wooden surface, unfortunately one of her hooves pushed the handle causing the door to open completely and her to fall down face first.

She got up quickly… What she saw left her completely frozen instead, in the darkness of the room, she managed to distinguish a pony who was biting her grandmother's neck. After hearing the sound of the door opening so suddenly… the pony quickly turned away directing his gaze at the entrance of the room showing his snout full of blood. The strange pony had a long pair of fangs and bright red eyes looking at her with expression of surprise and confusion.

Before Vinyl could say anything, the pony jumped out the window of the room through the glass.

The white unicorn galloped to her grandmother trying to stop the bleeding from her neck, while crying for some pony to help her. By the time the paramedics pushed her away to take care for the old lady, the pony had lost too much blood already they were unable to do anything to help her.

Unable to contain her own feelings at the time, the mare left the room ready to find the culprit and make him pay for what he had done. She galloped through the streets aimlessly until she turned around a corner surprising a maroon coated stallion with black mane and tail, the stallion was accompanied by a mare of pink fur with red mane and tail.

Suddenly Vinyl felt the weight of another pony knocking her down on the snow before a couple of fangs bite her throat damaging her vocal cords and preventing her from being able to deliver some cry for help.

-Viper stop- ordered the stallion, causing the mare to release Vinyl instantly, however, the wound she had received was fatal, just like the one on her grandmother, one of the tusks had pierced her artery releasing blood from her body at an alarming rate.

-I'm sorry, master, that mare came out of nowhere, I thought she'd attack you-.

-It's a beautiful specimen- the stallion said, looking at Vinyl as her blood dyed the snow around her in a deep red color. -It would be a shame to waste her- the lord added.

The Lord bit his own helmet by opening a wound deep enough before taking the mare and placing his wounded foreleg on Vinyl’s lips.

-Red, what do you think you're doing?- rebuked Pink Wine, but the stallion didn't seem to pay attention to her.

-Drink it if you want a chance to survive, Viper's poison is extremely potent, and you are very unlikely to survive even after giving you my blood- he replied.

Vinyl didn't know if it was the lack of blood clouding her mind, the anger she felt for ending up dead in that place without having found her grandmother's killer or mere impulse, all she knew was that she wanted to survive at all cost... So she did what the stallion had asked her to do and drank as much of the thick liquid flowing from the steed wound as she could, until she lost consciousness.

End of Flashback

Vinyl opened her pair of violet eyes, she could feel a couple of blood tears rolling down her cheeks, although she did not like working for Red, it was true that his presence that night had given her the opportunity to find and defeat the vampire who had attacked her grandmother and she will avenge Happy Harp, even if it took the rest of her no-life.

Suddenly she felt something hits her on her neck, she wasn't sure what could had been, but almost immediately she started to feel as if she had been completely drunk, a feeling she had ceased to be familiar with. Except for that time when he had fed on a drunk pony, but this sensation was even weirder. She felt dizzy, and disoriented, but also, she was fully aware of what was happening around her.

-Hey puppet, what are you doing out here? the party is inside- Vinyl knew the voice, although she only heard it once, she was good enough to memorize sounds, so there was no mistake about who this colt was.

-I don't know, Melon, it looks like our little Puppet’s gone over drinking- said a second voice she couldn't recognize.

-You're right, maybe it's better for us to take her to lie down for a moment-.

Vinyl tried to light her horn, but the feeling of dizziness quickly broke her concentration causing her a headache.

She felt the young colts' hooves guide her deeper into the garden, she didn't need to be a genius to know what they were both trying to do with her, by taking her farther away from the crowd and considering that they were in the darkest part of the garden it would be impossible for any of the pegasai guards to see them easily.

Luna and Chrysalis reached the center of the dance floor while the joyful music began to play once more.

Both stand up in their hindlegs and began dancing along with the rest of the multiple couples who had gathered around them.

The Changeling Princess guided her like an expert, spinning her over and over again as her dress waved with every lap she took. However, the most incredible thing was that every time Luna finished a pirouette her eyes and Chrisi's meet each other, it was funny and exciting at the same time, that night was for them and the princess of the night wouldn't let anything ruin it.

She let Chrysalis took complete control of the situation, felt the left hoof of the changeling grasp her waist while the other intertwined with hers, both danced together piece after piece non-stopping, they were completely embellished, fully immersed in the gaze of the other, they felt like if they were completely alone in the main hall… there were just Luna, Chrysalis and the music, nothing more matters anymore.

-I'm glad you could come tonight- the princess of the night spoke in a soft voice.

-I couldn't lost this night my love, not even for all world’s treasures, besides, the Heart’s Warming Eve is like a delicacy for us. With so much love around, we are able to get a good feast without fearing of being discovered- added the Changeling Princess, as she could sense a lot of the love energy been absorbed by her own body. It was a great feeling, as she could sense the energy flowing inside.

Chrysalis got closer to Luna, their bodies so close that they could feel each other's breathing.

-Also, I was hoping that after the party we could spend some quality time together… alone in your room- Chrysalis whispered in Luna’s ear, an act that caused an electrifying sensation rushing through the alicorn princess' body.

-Oh Chrisi!, Did you ever think of anything else but my flanks?-

-Of course...- replied the changeling princess pretending to be hurt by the dark blue alicorn’s comment, her noses barely touching each other -I also think of your beautiful eyes, on your soft lips, on your undulating mane and yes, I will admit that your squishy flanks occupy most of my thoughts- both laughed as they nuzzled each other tenderly.

Suddenly the rhythm of the melody got slower, It was a slow ballad that allow both mares to take a short break without having to leave the dance floor.

-The song played in the background is “Kayla - Arms” by “Broadway Zoophobia”-

-Chrisi- said the princess of the night in a gently and softer voice, her snout placed over her dancing partner's neck.

-Yes, Lulu?- asked the changeling nuzzling the mane of the dark blue alicorn.

-When I found you in that dungeon, I feared I'd lose you forever-.

The changeling remained silent as the two danced sharing a warm embrace.

-You don't need to remember that Luna, now I'm here with you and that's what matters-

-I know and that's why...-

The alicorn hesitant voice got Chrysalis‘ full attention. Her own Emerald eyes finding a pair of huge sapphire ones looking at her in the most tender and adorable way Chrysalis's ever seen. The changeling felt like her heart had skip a beat.

-Luna-

-Chrisi, I... I want to spend the rest of my days by your side. I wish to enjoy you like this from now on-

-Luna, I also want to spend my time by your side like this as much as possible. And… I wish I could be with you every day from now on and never be apart from you.

-Oh Chrisi! you don't know how happy it makes me know that you feel the same-.

-Of course Lulu. I love you… really I do and I’ll do anything I could to protect you from any harm-

The two continued dancing still sharing an embrace, they didn't care if the song was over anymore and now it was a new melody playing, Because in that moment, in that priceless moment there were only them and nothing more.

-Chrisi...-

-Hmmm- the changeling hummed without breaking the embrace she shared along with the alicorn she had fallen in love with.

-I want my friends and sister to know you-

-mmhmmm- the changeling replied still hugging her princes of the night while enjoying the fresh scent of Luna’s mane.

-I mean, for them to meet... the real you- said the dark blue alicorn in a mumbling.

It took a few seconds for the changeling princess to process those words, and when she did, she finally broke the embrace, just enough to look Luna’s gaze with an expression of surprise placed on her own face.

-Luna... You can't, we can't, I can't...-

-Why not Chrisi? I am sure that Epsilon and the others will not care, after all, they know very well what it is like to be rejected by society.

-What about your sister?-

-Tia is very open minded, I am sure that she will understand and end up accepting you, besides if she had said nothing about me dating another mare it is because she actually approves my relationship with you-

-I know, but...-

-And even if none of them accepted you, I would stay by your side, I would rather give up my title than give up how I feel about you-

-No... You... Oh for all ponies Luna, we can't do it, not now, and don't you dare say you'd give up your title for me, I don't want you to ruin your life because of me-.

-You are such a selfish creature Chrisi, after all, you yourself have rejected your own right to the throne just to be by my side-

Chrysalis remained silent. She could not tell Luna what her plan would be once their night together ends. She had to go back to the hive and face her mother, this time Chrysalis would make sure not to fall in one of the Queen’s booby traps, Chrysalis had to free the changelings from Cocoon’s iron-hoof and take her place.

And to accomplish that, Chrysalis has to be sure that her beloved princess did not get involved more than she already was. After all that was a personal matter and if she wanted to stay by Luna's side without having to pretend been a pony or to see each other in secret, she had to make sure that the Changeling kingdom and Equestria could form an alliance.

-I just want you to give me a little time Luna, I promise you that very soon you and I will be able to be together and show them my real form- the changeling princess assured her by raising Luna’s chin before kissing her sweetly and tenderly.

Some Minutes before

-I don't understand what the problem is, why can't Luna and Chrisi be together? there is no law that forbids it, and even if there was, I could help change it, it's not right to set aside two ponies that love each other. Just look at them Lady Gemstone, it's pretty obvious that they're both in love with each other- explained the deity of the Sun incapable of understanding the attitude of the unicorn by her side.

-I know princess and believe me that is not the problem, if the situation were different I would not object, after all I too wish to see my beloved daughter happy. However, she's my only heiress. And you know very well that if she and Princess Luna join my daughter… she won't be able to have descendants.

-I don't think it's right to base a pony's happiness on her ability to have children- added the Princess of the Sun. -And besides, I believe that there are other ways to get pregnant if that’s what bothers you-

-Excuse me if I sound rude, but you and Princess Luna don't need to worry about those things anyway, after all, it is said that your race can live thousands of years. But I want you to put yourself in my own hooves for a moment. As soon as I die, my daughter will be the last of our house and without any other descendant our lineage will be extinguished.

The princess looked to the two mares who were dancing with each other cheerfully. She knew how much noble families treasured their blood line and although she had never agreed with their way of thinking, nor could she force them to break with their traditions when these were technically traditions they followed in order to preserve their name, lineage and sometimes their status, besides that, they were doing nothing illegal.

As ruler she had learned that all families had their own traditions and could not simply impose hers on them because theirs were, in her own eyes, incorrect.

-If I may ask Lady Gemstone, why didn't you have more foals?- asked the deity, looking back at the emerald unicorn.

-My pregnancy was risky, fortunately my daughter managed to be born healthy, but unfortunately, I could barely survive it. The doctor assured me that trying a second time could end up killing me-.

-I understand- the princess said looking down.

She was at the edge of the sword now. She knew that some sorcerers had sought alternatives that could help infertile couples to have children. However, the procedures were risky and only a small percentage were successful, if she added the possible medical history of Chrisi's mother, the risk of end up dying if Chrisi decided to try an alternative method to get pregnant, would be too high.

-It is also important that you think of your sister princess- the unicorn's voice brought her back to reality.

-My sister? What do you mean?-

-Well it's certainly hard to say this, but... Have you started to think about what's going to happen in a few decades? What will happen to Princess Luna when my daughter is gone. Certainly, unicorns have the highest life expectancy among ponies, but I don't think it's much compared to the life expectancy of a princess like your sister or yourself.

Celestia remained silent looking at her hooves with concern. Gemstone was right.

-I know it's not easy, I'm not sure if this is the best for both of them, but I want to believe it's the most sensible decision- Gemstone said with an almost palpable tone of guilt. The Princess of the Sun look at her finding a guilty and sore expression on the face of the emerald unicorn, possibly very similar to her own.

-No, these things are never easy-

-It is part of being a leader, your highness. Frequently we have to make decisions that are not simple and live with the consequences that these may lead us to-

-I'll talk to Luna- replied the Princess of the Sun with her ears droopy -I just want to ask you one thing Lady Gemstone-

-Whatever you need, your majesty. As long as it is in my power, of course- the unicorn politely replied.

-Let them stay together at least tonight-

-Of course princess- the unicorn replied, watching the princess retreat, then she look at the dancing couple, the princess of the night and her daughter were hugging each other in the middle of the dance floor.

-O my dear Chrysalis, I will show you the pain I once felt and you may learn to listen to me- the unicorn smiled as her yellow eyes twinkled brightly for an instant in a bright green color.

Two young mares approached the group, drawing the attention of Gemstone's bodyguards.

-It doesn't seem to be that easy to get love from some of these nobles- said one of the mares.

-At least not of that Red Wine, for a moment I thought that crazy female would slit our throats open- added the second pony.

-That happened to you, because you chose your meal incorrectly, now fence and feed yourself, but make sure you get enough love for the hive, I want to have a chat alone with my dear and rebellious daughter before we leave-

-But Majesty, is dangerous- spoke one of the bodyguards.

-Don't worry Moth, this party is full of love, it shouldn't be difficult to get enough love especially for all of you-

The guards and the two mares nodded before dispersing through the great hall.

-I'll hunt a couple of desserts before addressing my daughter. After all It’s important to enjoy this party- Cocoon said quietly as she advanced deeper into the dance floor.

Author's Note

Looks like things didn't last long as calm as it were. I hope these chapters have been to your liking.

Again, I thank you for the enormous patience and for supporting this story.

Have a great weekend and don't forget to comment.

By the way, in the original chapter was nota song placed for the chapter, thought, after I discovered Vivziepop’s work I found a song that I Think match that scene perfecly.

Until next chapter…. ALLONSY!

In memory of Victor Fidel Beloved grandfather and mentor.

March/1938 - October/2018

In memory of Carolina López Beloved aunt and life's example.

May/1947 - February/2020