Warning: The next chapter may contains violent scenes or explicit sexual content, so reader's discretion is advised.

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Moonbeam

Chapter 37 – Cause and Effect.

POW

The impact of the hoof against her face forced her to look away as her glasses flew away, she could clearly feel that one of her teeth seemed to have broken, mainly because of the uncomfortable feeling that it seemed to wiggle from the inside out. Second, it was impossible for the albino unicorn to avoid recognizing the metallic taste of the blood that most likely emanated from her wound.

-I can't believe you were so careless and stupid-, said her master's voice, for the first time carrying an annoying tone towards her.

The musician tore her broken tooth out of its cavity and proceeded to spit it out before turning her gaze back to her master. Vinyl's eyes shone with an unmistakable crimson tone uncommon even among her own kind.

-I don't understand it dear. I consider myself as a fairly understandable and also tolerant stallion. But, attacking two nobles in the middle of the celebration, shows me a monumental magnitude of lack of control that I’m just waiting the other punch– Red lectured her as he began to walk around the room.

The reception room of the Wine mansion was one of the largest rooms Vinyl had ever seen, not counting the rooms in the princess castle.

The place was full of multiple valuables, from ceramic vases belonging to ancient cultures, as well as combat weapons the Lord had collected over the years, mainly in the course of the clashes in which Red participated throughout the decades of Equestria’s existence, wars that took place, several years before the existence of alicorn princesses was known, times when pony breeds lived in constant conflict with each other.

The room had a large fireplace that kept the area at a comfortable temperature, even during the harsh winter. In front of it, there was a wine-colored sofa on which Pink Wine was lying with both hindquarters extended wide open, while holding between them the mane of one of her brother's collection of mares, forcing said mare to give Pink some pleasure, while the mistress was enjoying with extreme delight the scene in front of her, after all, was the first time the albino unicorn was punished since her arrival at the mansion. On one side of the armchair was Viper, the mare proudly wore a glooming black tuxedo that perfectly fit her figure.

On the periphery there were several cushions on which the rest of the mares of the harem were lying, mares that blindly served the lord. All the concubines looked at Vinyl with a frown, clearly judging her by her actions. However, noticing Vinyl's pair of crimson eyes looking back defiantly, the harem quickly turned its gaze in the Lord’s direction, who continued to stroll around the room.

-Do you have any idea how serious your fault has been?- Red continued, trying to maintain a serene tone, despite the obvious discontent that carried each of his words.

Vinyl's gaze again focused on her master, as Red continued to reject the attempts of the multiple mares to gain his attention. Vinyl had always found the behavior of those mares pathetic; it was strange that they were so devoted and blind to their master, unlike the way Pink and Viper acted with him. So, Vinyl could easily deduce that such behavior had a lot to do with the power of the “Bond of Absolute Obedience”, after all the musician was aware of the power that the four vampire rituals possessed.

-I doubt very much that your stupidity was caused by hunger. You usually disobey my orders and look for animals to feed yourself instead of consuming the blood of other ponies. And even during our meals you are the one who shows the most control when facing the need for blood-, the stallion continued raising his voice.

-Master, please. I’m thirsty, I need something to drinking-, said one of the mares as she tried to reach her master with her forehoof.

Vinyl's gaze drifted then to a figure that was tied in the center of the room. It was an earth pony, who wore a single white garment that covered her from shoulders to her flanks. Her coat sported a light green color, and her mane had a mixture of baby blue and light gray color. The pony’s hindquarters were crooked in opposite directions and their front hooves remained tied together against her back. Vinyl could see the mare’s chest rise and fall rhythmically, so she could tell that the mare was still alive.

-You could have broken a pair of their hooves or their necks, I wouldn’t have cared-, the stallion continued ignoring the constant pleases of that and many other mares. -But nooo-, he said with special emphasis on the final word. -You had to tear off the throat of one and drink the other completely–, Red reproached while shaking his head with disapproval.

Vinyl again turned her gaze to her master.

-Don't get me wrong dear-, said the lord approaching her to lift her face using one of his fore hooves. His magenta eyes staring at the reddened cheek of the electric blue-maned unicorn. –I don't mind you feeding on them. In fact, I find it quite fascinating that you deigned to drink a pony without being forced to do so–, the Lord said approaching the mare's cheek before sticking out his tongue and licking the area he had hit before.

Vinyl pushed her face away as soon as she felt the rough extension of the stallion traveling along her coat, which made Red smile from ear to ear.

-The problem here dear, is that you did it literally... IN THE PRINCESS BACKYARD, DURING A BIG EVENT! - shouted the stallion lighting his horn, a magenta glow enveloped the body of the young performer squeezing it suddenly.

Vinyl felt as if her bones were about to break. Her muscles tightened as if they were being ripped apart and her lungs contracted preventing her from breathing. She was sure that were it not for her supernatural resistance such a spell would have shattered her in an instant.

-Couldn't you have gotten rid of the bodies? Are you so naïve, that it didn't occur to you to get rid of their bodies at least? After all, you had already taken the liberty of killing them. Why didn't it occur to you to take them to the end of the garden and throw them into the cliff? At least then it might be easier to make it look like an isolated accident. I don't know, it's even likely that some Timberwolf ended up eating their bodies–, the steed continued to concentrate more energy while the mare struggles in pain.

-It's a shame we can't hear her screams- Pink Wine muttered, Viper laugh under her hoof. Both were greatly enjoying the punishment to which the albino mare was subjected.

-Now because of your stupidity, the princesses know of our existence and what is worse, those damn zebras know that we are in the capital. I've killed others for less than that and you know it Vinyl-, said annoyed as he continued to increase the power of his crushing spell.

-Master please. I want to drink some blood-, begged another of the concubines taking the lord's hoof, forcing him to break his concentration andconsequently releasing Vinyl’s body, who barely had time to recover to avoid falling face first on the ground.

Vinyl’s body hurt enormously, but her own pride did not allow her to give Red or any other pony the pleasure of seeing her on the ground like the rest of Red’s trophies, so, the albino unicorn simply took a few seconds to gather her strength before getting up again. Her crimson eyes quickly focused on Viper and Pink who were laughing at the cost of her pain.

-My dear, don’t you see I’m giving an important lesson about manners?- asked the Lord looking at the purple-fur mare who had interrupted him, the concubine looked at him as if she were a filly who had been denied a candy.

-But I’m thirsty my lord-, replied the mare followed by several more.

-Not yet!-, said the Lord, removing the mare from his hoof. -Of course, I could forgive you this time, in exchange for something that may be of interest to me-, said the lord, addressing the albino unicorn.

Vinyl immediately noticed the instant Viper and Pink stopped laughing, and most say, almost choking themselves. They knew what the lord was insinuating with his statement.

-Brother, what do you think you’re doing? – Pink grumbled.

-Master-, Viper said.

Due to the abrupt movement of the Wine’s House Mistress, one of her knees hit the mare that remained between her hindquarters, after which the concubine fell on her back over other mares that were lying on the cushions located in front of the sofa.

-What do you say? Is better than the alternative, don't you think so?- Red Added with some malice.

Vinyl simply raised her gaze to observe the lord with those crimson eyes that kept shining. She wasn’t interested in taking such option.

-You know, even in this situation you are quite stubborn-, the stallion pointed out. –Well then. Show me that you can control your impulses-, Red commanded, pointing his hoof at the mare lying in the center of the room.

Vinyl's gaze traveled from the mare to her master and back.

-I can't keep a mare who can't help but consume as many ponies as she can, so I need proof that you can control your hunger. I want you to take the first bite of tonight’s dinner-, said the Lord looking at the unicorn.

-But Master!- Viper protested.

-Silence!- ordered the stallion lighting his horn.

The bodyguard reluctantly stepped back. Pink looked at Viper before addressing her brother once again.

-Tell me brother, why give Vinyl a second chance? You said it yourself; you have killed others for less-.

-The decision is mine, dear sister-, the Lord replied harshly. -And if I want, I can change my clan’s rules when I feel like it, for example... - the stallion looked at the mare who had interrupted him a moment ago.

With a rapid movement, Red casted the accumulated energy directly on the mare igniting her in flames.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH

The unfortunate mare's screams in deep pain, alerting the rest of the harem, forcing them to retreat in terror as they growled and showed their sharp teeth to their master. The unexpected attack also surprised Viper and Pink who watched with their eyes wide open, how the mare was consumed alive by the flames.

The heat of the flames, as well as the uproar caused by them, made the pony that remained on the ground regain consciousness.

-And well Vinyl, can you do it?- asked the stallion looking at their food.

Vinyl looked at her victim, watched intently as the unfortunate mare looked back at her in terror, before noticing the group of growling vampire ponies showing their sharp teeth and whose eyes glowed red, all watching intently every movement of the stallion behind her. The victim’s gaze subsequently looked at the mare with white fur and electric blue mane that approached her side, under the albino unicorn’s lips could be perceived small tusks while her crimson eyes gave off a much more intense shine than the rest of those present in the room.

-Wait... P... please- pleaded with tears in her eyes.

“I'm sorry” Vinyl thought before launching herself at her victim’s neck. The bite was accurate and powerful, breaking the neck of her victim instantly, while she began to drink the viscous and warm liquid that emanated from the earth pony’s veins.

Vinyl felt the familiar feeling of excitement and desire, as well as a terrible thirst that was beginning to invade her. Very few vampires were able to withstand that instinct, and for the first time, Vinyl could tell why.

It was the first time Vinyl felt an unbridled desire to continue feeding, her instincts as a predator urging her to continue until she left her victim completely dry, however, the mere fact of imagining the taste of the butler's blood, made Vinyl return to her senses. She couldn't stand the simple thought of drinking Cent Melody's blood again; Not because she didn't want it, but quite the opposite. Vinyl knew that if she let herself be overcome by her instincts, she would be one step closer to hurting the old butler; And that was something she couldn't allow to happen.

-Very well that’s enough-, Red said.

Vinyl moved away from her victim's neck instantly, blood residues drained from her lips, and her eyes slowly began to change to a purple color. Red looked at the mare quite fascinated, it was not the reaction he expected. He knew well each of the mares he converted, but all of them, even his sister had a huge problem controlling their bloodlust. He himself was no exception, after all it was not until after several decades of preparation that Red Wine was able to control his impulses and even now there were times when he had a hard time stopping. But Vinyl had never had a similar problem since the day she was converted.

That made Red think deeply, what could have triggered that kind of reaction in Vinyl, that forced her not only to murder two ponies, but literally drained one to death.

Viper had shared with Red the details she managed to investigate after the meeting with the princess. The information contained in Viper’s report was strangely accurate and detailed. He certainly did not doubt the ability of his best hunter, but he found it unconvincing that Viper could obtain so many details of the attack, especially when his contacts on the forensic investigation team had given him a copy of Clover and Shayla's latest report. A report that lacked some details that Viper had obtained on her own, especially the ease with which Vinyl had given herself to those nobles before feeding on them.

It was clear that Vinyl had not dined on them for pleasure or lack of self-control. And if that part of the report was not present, it was because the investigation had focused on the attack on the two nobles taking them as victims and not as aggressors. However, the forensic report had highlighted the fact that both nobles were involved in a fight with another pony. Red knew that Vinyl could have broken their bones if she had wanted to fight back, so, why would she take the risk of drinking them? especially when she was, of her entire clan, the least likely to feed on other ponies.

Something had pulled the trigger on Vinyl and turned her into a predator in that instant. Something that was clearly absent from the forensic report and that was related to some of the details Red had received from Viper.

-Dinner is served, be sure to share it-, Red announced.

Without wasting time, the harem haste to the body of the victim lying in the center of the room, in order to take a bite and drink its blood.

-Viper-

-Yes, Master?- replied the bodyguard a little confused.

-I want you in my room tonight and make sure you clean yourself well-, Red replied.

-But brother, tonight I'll be with Wind Chaser-, Pink Wine reproached.

-That's precisely why I'll need company tonight-, Red replied cynically. -As for you Vinyl-, he said, drawing the attention of the albino mare, whose wounds seemed to have healed completely, including her broken tooth, after having drunk blood. -You can go back with Blueblood, if I need something else I'll call you-, he waited for Vinyl to nod before leaving the room.

-Don't enjoy him too much dear-, Pink muttered to Viper.

-No need for it, my lady, after all I'm not the one who you should be worry about-, added the bodyguard as she kept her gaze fixed on the albino unicorn that came out of the room levitating her glasses placing them in front of her eyes.

It was done, the princess knew that it was the best option to reassure the kingdom’s nobility and remove suspicions of the attack away from the crown of Equestria and consequently from her sister. Now she and Blueblood were united to each other. That same afternoon she herself had given the official announcement to all of Equestria and although Blueblood would not share her bed until after the wedding, Celestia could not help but feel... Miserable.

Celestia’s mind told her that it was the best option, Blueblood did not look like a bad steed, in fact, he was quite attractive, he was affectionate and cared about the kingdom, he certainly lacked some tact when talking to other ponies, especially Earth ponies, but that seemed to be a general problem in most nobles. her heart, however, was not sure that this had been the most appropriate. That night, sitting on her flanks, at the foot of her bed; the Sun deity couldn't help but feel extremely lonely.

With an absent look, the princess of the Sun observed her surroundings. her room lacked furniture, as most had been sold at auctions to raise some money for the celebration of the heart’s warming Eve or were offered to poor families who needed them. That made her notice how huge and empty her room looked now, with the exception of her bed, the curtains on her balcony, a wardrobe and some other things, among which was the dress the princess had worn in the celebration of the Heart’s Warming Eve, the room was practically empty.

Remembering that night made her irretrievably remember the incident with the noble families that had led her to her current situation.

Hurricane certainly didn't seem to have intentions of giving them away, but she was sure she wasn't happy with her decision either. While Luna's decision had been a blow to slave trade and pony trafficking activities, Celestia could not agree with her methods.

He also thought of the two ponies that had fallen victim to what Shayla and Clover had called a Vampire Pony. Apparently the zebra had extensive knowledge of the subject, but for some reason Shayla had decided to give her the details in person, instead of writing them down in the reports. Although that took her by surprise, what really distracted her at the time was the closeness the zebra seemed to have with the sorceress. Despite the fact that, it was clear that Clover tried to remain calm throughout the conversation, it wasn't until the mare curled her tail with the zebra’s one that the latter remained serene.

-I'm glad the incident in the Everfree forest wasn't a one-night thing-, said the princess looking at the ceiling of her room, -It's good to have someone who cares about you that way-, she added without addressing anyone in particular.

The deity of the Sun closed her eyes remembering the kiss of her sister and Chrysi. For some inexplicable reason, Celestia felt as if her heart didn't have enough space in her chest. The ruler knew already Chrysi and Luna shared a True love relationship, she had seen it at that moment, the way in which the two danced together, embraced to each other and fully immersed in their own world completely oblivious to the looks that the rest of those present threw at them, until culminating with that kiss that seemed to seal their destinies.

The deity of the Sun refused to think that Chrysi had really been the cause of what had happened to Epsilon. Moreover, that prophecy that Zephora had made to her and the zebra’s description of the creature of her dreams, was something concerning, but Celestia couldn't imagine Chrysi hurting Luna, at least not intentionally.

The pear alicorn princess then remembered her old friend who remained a prisoner in the garden. She had to accept that at that time the god of chaos occupied a special place along with her sister within her heart, but Celestia never thought that something like this would work, especially since they were both of different races. She was an Alicorn princess and Discord was the lord of chaos, how was it possible that there could be a union between the two?

Flashback

Luna approached Celestia, that night the stars shone brighter than on other occasions.

-Hello dear sister-, spoke the deity of the night.

-Hello Luna-, Celestia replied in a droopy tone.

-I guess you've already talked to him-, said the Indigo Alicorn.

-He didn't take it very well-

-I know, I could see the explosions from my tower. Tell me, you told him how you felt?...- Celestia shook her head. -Oh... I understand...- replied the princess of the night sitting next to her.

-If I had told him, He would not have accepted it-

-So you lied to him-, said Luna, raising an inquisitive eyebrow.

-He confessed his feelings to me, but I could not reciprocate them. We are the rulers of this land and you know that our subjects do not get along very well with him. They would never accept a union between us, especially the noble families, so I thought it was best not to give Discord any hope.

• I assume you're right, but what about you? -

-You know, lately I've thought that many times a ruler can have less freedom than her subjects.-

-We should impose our own rule and send them to...- Luna stopped when she noticed her sister's disapproving gaze.

-Have you found any special somepony?- asked Celestia with a tender voice.

-I... No...- Luna lie, she wasn't sure what her sister would think if she found out about Chrysi, especially from the outcome of her older sister's talk with the master of chaos.

-When you do, I'd like to meet him, I want to be sure to scare away the bad ones- Celestia jokes.

-TIA!- the princess of the night reproached.

-Just kidding... the truth is that I have already asked Epsilon for that favor-.

-You are the devil-

• I know... But she's much more overprotective than I am. Sometimes I find it hard to believe that she is just your friend, she behaves very jealous at times, you know?- added the deity of the Sun.

-I just hope it's okay-, the deity of the night spoke after a short silence.

-What do you mean Luna?-

-I was just thinking about Discord,- Luna clarified.

-Oh... Yes... Me too... Said the princess looking at the horizon where a great storm of pink clouds exploded deep in the Everfree forest.

End of Flashback

-It seems that I'm just making mistakes-, said the princess lying on the floor.

That led her back to her current predicament, she had abandoned her feelings for the draconequus, especially after he vented his hatred against other ponies, Celestia could have understood it if Discord had taken it out on her, but hurting innocents was too much. But wasn't that what Luna had done? To vent her anger and resentment on entire families and order her own friend to carry the death of small foals and fillies into her consciousness.

-Violence only begets violence- she said exhausted.

-However, there can be no good without evil. The balance of the world depends on both-, a voice replied.

Celestia looked up, on the door’s threshold was SmartCookie, in one of her hooves rested a small pink pegasus.

-I am very sorry to leave this responsibility to you and Pansy-, the princess said.

-I’m glad you do, though. Cadence is a sweetness once you get used to her. We also know well that you have your hooves pretty full with all your work, your Magesty. If we can help you at least with this, you know you can count on us-, the earth pony commented as she proceeded to lie the Pegasus down on the huge bed.

-I'd like to spend tomorrow with her if you don't mind SmartCookie, most of my duties are outside and I'd like to take Cadence for a walk-, the princess said.

-If you like, we can accompany you- SmartCookie offered.

-It won't be necessary, and it seems to me that Clover wants to talk to you about a matter-

-Oh, yea. She mentioned something like that a few hours ago. Well I guess tomorrow we will be free for a Mare’s night, it’s been some time since the last we had. Thank you again princess and good night- commented the mare closing the door of the room behind her.

Celestia rose from her position and advanced to the bed’s side where the young filly was sleeping. With a fore hoof the deity began to caress the little pegasus by removing a couple of strands from her face before placing a soft kiss at the base of the filly’s forehead.

-Sweet dreams Luna-

Realizing her mistake the princess took a second look at the filly, surprised by what her eyes showed her. Under the sheets slept a foal with indigo fur, a small horn peeking out between the strands of hair while her small hoof rested on Celestia’s.

The princess of he sun shook her head before looking at the filly again, this time it was a pink Pegasus with a multicolor mane. It wasn't the first time Celestia had mistaken a filly or Cadence for her sister when she was younger.

-What happens to me?– she said tired.

With a tired step, Celestia walk towards a small bedtable located next to her bed. Opening the top drawer she extracted the book that Zephora had given her.

-Maybe I could read a little to catch some sleep-.

The monarch lay down besides of the small filly with pink fur. As soon as she felt comfortable enough, Celestia proceeded to light up her body to illuminate the book’s pages with a warm light.

As on the previous occasion, the monarch was able to identify quite a few differences between the version that Mistmane had read to them many times on the past, and the one she was reading in Zephora’s book.

In the fairy tale’s version Celestia knew; Vicy, the heroine of the inspiration’s kingdom, was hired to stop the demon of Greed, who possessed a large number of treasures and which, apparently, had enslaved three ponies of great talent.Which is why Vicy did not hesitate to accept the job to free the unfortunate ponies.

When Vicy managed to enter the demon's domains, however, the heroine discovered that the ruler of the kingdom had sold those ponies in exchange for gold, precious gems, sculptures and paintings, as well as clothes and technology that the demon had offered them in extravagant quantities.

After engaging in a conversation with the demon, the heroine discovered that the demon had given those payments in exchange for the three most talented ponies possessed by the kingdom, ponies who, however, were repudiated by the society of their kingdom because they possessed unpleasant bodies and appearances, which made that, instead of being appreciated for their abilities, they were repudiated for their appearances.

Upon learning this, Vicy discovered that the kingdom had finally understood the value of the talent of those ponies, for all the goods that the devil had paid for, the ponies had tripled in value.

After learning that truth, the heroine and the devil decided to travel through different realms to share their talents with anyone who wanted to learn it. That way, the kingdoms could prosper and the devil would not had to be separated from those ponies he had learned to love, just as they loved him.

Moved by the generosity of the devil, the heroine gave her own heart to him and in return the devil gave Vicy's descendants the gift of inspiration.

Celestia closed the book before meditating a little. The story she remembered been told by Mistmane had a happy ending, and a life lesson that the old sorceress had tried to pass on to the, back then, little Alicorns. However, the stories found in Zephora's book contained something different, they had somewhat disturbing stories, stories that the more she thought about it, the more they concern her. The princess of the Sun remembered the words of the mare she met in her dreams and the warning she had given her.

If the mystery was hidden in the stories of that book. Then, she would have to start researching a little more about the origin of those child's stories.

Without giving more thought to the matter, the deity of the sun turns off the lights of the room before letting herself be carried away to the world of dreams that ruled her younger sister.

On the other side of the balcony was an owl watching intently the scene through a small gap situated between the curtains.

-I found you-, the animal murmured, its eyes flashing an emerald color for a second.

Author's Note

Well here you have it, the second story of the seven heroines, I hope you find it enjoyable. I must remind you, that these stories are the versions that Mistmane told our protagonists when they were youngers.

Also, I would like to correct something regarding Celestia, as it is important, and I had not had a chance to land the idea properly until this chapter.

Sure enough, Celestia had feelings for Discord, just as he had feelings for her. However, due to Celestia's fear of what her subjects might think, she chose to reject the lord of chaos, who never learned that she also had feelings for him. Luna was aware of those feelings they shared with each other and that's why she also blames herself for not saying anything to Discord after Celestia rejected him (that's why the princess of the night's was saying to him when Luna was in the palace garden the other night). Unfortunately the draconequus did not take this well and ended up unloading his anger and pain on Equestria, something that undoubtedly ended up bothering Celestia, who blames him for attacking innocent ponies, which is why the ruler decides to bury her own feelings that, until that moment, she still kept in her own heart. And in doing so Celestia makes the decision to not to forgive him for his actions. The dilemma now is that something very similar has just happened with Luna;for our princess of the night, has not only fallen in love with a creature that is not a pony, but has caused the death of several innocents using Epsilon as her personal enforcer.

That's all for now my dear readers, and don't forget lend a comment on whether you liked the chapter or not. I am Halsenbert and wish you a very nice day.

Until next time ... ALLONS-Y

In memory of Victor Fidel beloved grandfather and mentor.

March/1938 - October/2018