Cantervania: Symphony of the Nightmare

In a darkened corner of the Canterlot Castle, Chrysalis remained in her appointed room, quietly meditating. A thin layer of gelatinous resin coated the walls, secreted by her drones in an effort to appease her and give her some semblance of her own palace. On a nearby table, one of Nightmare Moon’s slaves had left a tea set, much to her amusement. A scheme had begun to form in the Hive Queen’s head, a mischievous plot of the deepest depravities.

She smirked and inhaled a deep breath, taking in th sweet aroma of her drones' resin. “A pale comparison to the walls of my beautiful hive,” she muttered. She opened her eyes and looked around as she heard footsteps approaching her door.

The door burst open, and she eyed the intruder as he entered, tall and dark, seemingly exuding malice, and grinned to herself mischievously.

“My Lord Sombra, to what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?” she cooed, batting her eyelashes at the unicorn. “And at such a late hour?”

He bared his fangs and hissed at her. “One of your wretches informed me you wished to speak.” Sombra’s eyes glowed with dark magic and his tail swished in the wind. “Speak.”

The Changeling Queen tutted as her horn ignited with a bright green aura, lifting the teapot up and pouring into the two cups she had ready. “Tsk tsk, Lord Sombra, where are your manners?” She levitated a cup up in front of her. “Here. I insist, for we have much to discuss.”

Sombra glared at her and flared his nostrils. “Insect, do not test my patience,” he growled. “What do you want?”

Chrysalis sighed and sipped her tea, grimacing and flicking her tongue at the aftertaste. “Too bitter. Not enough...” She fixed her eyes on him and grinned. “Love.” Her horn lit up again and held the remaining cup to her guest.

The vampire’s hoof swung out, bashing the teacup away.

“Speak, you insolent wretch!” he bellowed. Magic swirled around his eyes, and his horn bubbled with black magic as his lip curled upwards, revealing his sharpened fangs.

The changeling narrowed her eyes. “Very well, Sombra, very well.” She rose and strode over to him, circling him as she began to speak. “Your pretty daughter and the handsome captain seemed rather enamoured didn’t they?” she taunted as she caressed his muscled shoulder.

A low growl emanated from Sombra. “What of it? My daughter is free to choose her own meals.”

She shook her head. “I know what spying your next meal looks like, My Lord.” Her lips parted, revealing a row of razor sharp teeth as she breathed into his ear and pressed her body against him. A flash of green light broke out around her, and a young looking mare appeared before the King, bowing graciously.

“Look at me now, do I look like a mere meal to you, my lord?” the mare asked with a soft voice, and batted her long eyelashes. Her crimson mane spilled out around her head and down her slender neck, and her tail rose ever so slightly in a small gesture as well.

Sombra glowered at her and curled his lip. “So you bid one of your pets to summon me here for what? To seduce me?”

The mare laughed at him. “Oh no, my Lord Sombra, perish the thought.” She fluttered next to him, and grew closer to his mouth. “I come bearing... News...” she whispered seductively.

Sombra’s horn darkened with magic as he fired a black beam of light at her. “Then speak, and stop wasting my time you miserable shape shifter.” His magic hit her square in the chest, breaking the illusion and revealing the changeling once more, making her double over in pain.

She hissed at him and bared her fangs. “Fine.” She straightened up and swept her mane out of her eyes, which gleamed with mischief. “You are deceived, my Lord. One of my spies reported back, informing me he saw your pretty daughter and the captain alone together in the gardens, sharing a passionate kiss. It was all my poor drone could do to stop himself from eating their love then and there.”

She grinned as Sombra’s eyes blazed in fury.

“You lie.”

“I do not, my lord. Also I must suspect...” She leant in closely and looked around dramatically. “That there is a plot against you.”

Sombra raised his head and snarled. “You have my attention, worm. Speak quickly, lest I carve your siren’s tongue from your skull.”

Chrysalis clapped her hooves together and laughed. “Now, now, Sombra, I want an agreement.” She flashed her eyes at him and curled her lip upwards in a twisted smile as the unicorn averted his gaze.

“In exchange for information I provide, you will swear fealty to my Hive.”

Sombra snorted. “You are a fool, insect. I should destroy you for even suggesting such a thing.” he glared at her suspiciously. “You expect me to agree to such a deal?”

Chrysalis sighed. “Well, my lord, you will get to continue living, and you will be a valued servant of my employ, and Nightmare Moon won’t be able to--” She bit her lip, stopping herself from speaking.

The vampire’s eyes narrowed. “Nightmare Moon will have no reason to what?” he slowly asked.

“Oh goodness I’ve said to much.” The changeling cackled and fluttered her wings. She looked at him solemnly. “I am afraid it is Nightmare moon who plots against you, my lord.”

Sombra’s eyes shrunk with rage. “She...” he growled, words failing him. His hooves began to tremble he was that angry. “How do I know you speak the truth, insect?” he murmured quietly. “How is this no trick?”

She looked at him sadly. “We both know the Crystal Kingdom is a shining jewel amongst ponydom, my Lord Sombra. It is no secret Nightmare Moon envies her sister, and how her own subjects revile her, despite her best efforts, while yours...” She paused, partially for effect, partially to watch the vampire tremble in rage. “Yours worship you with utmost loyalty and love.” As she spoke, Chrysalis fought to keep from laughing as the unicorn started to pace.

“She wishes to annex the crystal kingdom, as my drone overheard her Captain telling your daughter.” She leant in close with a hushed voice as his eyes widened. “She plans to place your daughter on the throne as you rot in Tartarus for the rest of eternity!”

Sombra exploded with fury. “How dare she!” His magic grasped a vase nearby, and hurled it at a wall, smashing the priceless ornament into hundreds of pieces. “To twist my own daughter against me?! To plot to usurp my entire kingdom?!”

He rounded on the changeling, who nodded solemnly.

“What else do you know?”

She smiled, seeing he had finally taken the bait. “Me, my lord? What ever do you mean?” She coyly asked him.

His eyes flicking around the room in a mad rage, Sombra finally settled on her and lowered his head. “If you should provide me with information and help me destroy Nightmare Moon...” He paused, sweat dripping form his brow as he struggled with his emotions. He cursed to himself and eventually bent his knees and gazed up at her with a hateful look.

“I will swear the entire Crystal Kingdom to you. We shall rule together, and bring a new age of darkness to Equestria as we feast on her inhabitants.”

Chrysalis cackled manically. “Very well, Sombra, if that is what you wish.” She bowed, sweeping her down low and grinned evilly. “I accept your terms. Let us plan our next move, starting with that old fool, Grogar, then the Queen’s beloved Captain.”

Sombra’s lip curled upwards in a snarl. “Grogar is a mad old goat, he has no power in Equestria.” His ears pricked forwards. “And the Captain is a mere soldier, easily crushed under our combined power.”

“The mad sorcerer is immortal, lest I remind you of the ancient tales,” Chrysalis snapped, “and the Captain has the Queen’s ear. We must be careful around them both, my lord, lest our plans are prematurely discovered.”

She grinned as he reluctantly nodded in agreement. They began their discussion long into the night, drawing up plans of attack and how best to separate the Queen from her forces and her loyal captain. Soon Sombra was satisfied, and with a careful warning, Chrysalis bade him a goodnight. She knew he would not keep his word, and no doubt planned to betray her as soon as he had a chance, but her plan was already in motion, and her mad machinations were put into place.

The changeling queen’s mouth drooled as she thought about the amount of food her Hive would soon have. “The entirety of Equestria...” She licked her lips, forming a twisted a smile and cackled loudly.

“Then the world.”

***

A knock came at the Queen’s study. She opened her eyes, having rested for a moment from the daily politicking that comes with ruling a kingdom.

“Enter,” she barked. Although tired, her voice was still sharp and loud.

The door swung open, revealing Shining Armour, clad in freshly minted sapphire armour and a dark blue tunic underneath. A satchel hung at his side, filled to the brim with papers. His mane was now cut short, and his tail cropped, a picture of military fashion and discipline as he held his head high.

“Ah, Captain,” she said and smiled as he bowed. “Are the dignitaries gone?”

He nodded. “Yes, your Grace. They signed the last of the treaties--here.” His horn began to glow as the rolls of papers floated out from his pack.

“All the dukedoms of Equestria have now sworn fealty to you and you alone, Your Grace. From eastern shores to the west coast, the northern mountains to the southern deserts, they all acknowledge you as the rightful Queen of Equestria and promise tribute with every full moon, as per your order.” He grimaced. “And they acknowledge your treaties with the changelings and vampires as law as well.”

Nightmare Moon nodded in approval as she inspected the treaties. “And any dissidents?”

“Any dissidents found guilty of committing treason or conspiring to commit treason will be given one chance to atone and beg for forgiveness, or publicly executed if refuse. As per your order.”

“Excellent, Captain. Well done.” She looked at him and smiled with pride, almost like a mother at her foal. “You may be at ease.”

He visibly untensed, yet still remained straight and alert. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

Several days had passed since the Queen’s guests had arrived and the incident in the Canterlot town square, and Shining had fully accepted his role in the new Equestria; going so far as to state, on record, that he imagined Nightmare Moon a more capable ruler than Celestia. The former having successfully ended conflict in all of Equestria and bringing order to the world, and instead of just mediating between the problems of the higher born, actively solving them quickly and decisively. He also fully had the Queen’s ear in most matters, military or not.

He knew what the public whispered about him, however. The traitor, a cutthroat mercenary, the Queen’s loyal dog--more of a beast than a pony these days. He ignored them, knowing deep down what he did was the right thing to do, and everything he did was in service to Equestria, whether they liked it or not. “I wonder if Twilight is okay,” he thought, as the image of his young sister flashed through his mind for a moment.

The Queen watched him carefully. “Something on your mind, Captain?” she asked as she folded up a scroll and handed it back to him, an indigo aura releasing the parchments as he took them in his own magic.

Shining swallowed. “I’m just thinking about my sister, Your Grace.”

She nodded thoughtfully. “It is a shame she persists in aiding traitors to the crown. Are you so sure she will not repent, Captain?” Her sky blue eyes gazed into his, and seemed to glimmer in the low light.

He shook his head. “Twilight was Celestia’s favoured student, she’d never turn against Celestia, she’d do anything for her.” He chuckled bitterly. “Even die for her.”

A smile twitched at the sides of Nightmare Moon’s mouth. “Would you not die for me, Shining Armour?” her words were slow, deliberate, taunting almost.

He stammered and nervously looked at her. “Yes, of course, my Queen, but...”

“But what, Captain?”

“...But I am a trained soldier, Twilight is just a... Student.” His face fell as he backtracked his words. “I shouldn’t talk bad about her, she was always much better at magic than I was.” He laughed bleakly. “I remember when we were little, we would compete over everything.”

The Captains face washed over as he remembered those silly games he used to play with Twilight, competing over anything and everything, all for that silly paper crown their parents made.

Nightmare Moon smiled to herself and held up a hoof, bringing him back to the present. “Perhaps you would prefer if she remained in the capital?” she asked.

He slowly nodded, and felt a lump in his throat.

“And If she were turned on our side, she would make a powerful ally.” Her eyes glinted with an idea. “Wouldn’t you agree, Captain?”

Shining slowly nodded his head again. Out of fear for his sister and himself, he couldn’t say yes, but couldn’t say no at the same time. He thought of Cadance, and her request, hoping to change the subject before he Queen suggested something terrible, he cleared his throat. “My Queen... I must ask a--personal... Favour,” he quietly asked, before a loud knock came at the door, interrupting him. He shook his head and quickly fell silent, standing to attention once again, tall and rigid.

The Queen snapped her head towards it and barked a command. “Enter.”

The door swung open, revealing the aged blue ram, Grogar. He held a strange bundle of ragged cloth under one leg as he entered.

“My Queen,” he said, bowing low. His great horns almost touching the floor he inclined that much. “Captain,” he muttered as he rose and nodded at the unicorn.

Shining nodded back out of politeness. The ram didn’t sit right with him, despite Nightmare Moon’s assurances. He claimed loyalty but there was an evil glint in his eye. His creatures, grotesque combinations of ponies and other beasts: goats and sheep, as well as a few ape like creatures, roamed the castle’s grounds, occasionally bellowing at the moon in a guttural language lost to the ages.

The Captain’s muscles rippled as the sorcerer strode forth, limping slightly on three legs. “I come bearing news, My Queen.” His eyes held a dark secret and a twisted smile danced across his face. “I believe the three you seek have found the old Shadowguard fortress.”

Nightmare Moon leaned forwards, holding her hooves together. “Go on, Grogar. Captain-” She turned to the unicorn. “-Leave us. Tend to your pretty friend.” She winked at him, causing a chill to shoot down his spine.

Shining’s ears burned as he bowed respectfully. “Your Grace. My Lord.”

He quickly made to leave, taking heed not to learn of Twilight’s location. He couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to her, and as long as she wasn’t found, she was safe. At least safer than if Nightmare Moon found her. He shuddered and trotted away, hurrying towards the gardens. Negative thoughts were purged from his mind as he thought about his latest rendezvous with Cadance, and his heart swelled as he spotted a familiar pink glow from down below as he approached a window.

“Cadance…” he whispered to himself as he saw her sitting there, simply sitting amongst the flowers and staring up at the night sky. He hurried around the corner, hoping to reach the staircase down to her as soon as possible. He practically kicked the door to the gardens open as he rushed to meet her.

The alicorn turned around as he approached, her face broke into a large smile as he wrapped his hooves around her.

“You’re late,” she giggled as he gave her neck a light nibble.

“I’m sorry, the Queen was asking me about-” He stopped himself. While Nightmare Moon allowed their little meet ups, and approved somewhat, she only requested he not tell Cadance anything about her plans or their conversations.

”It is not her I do not trust, Shining Armour,” Nightmare Moon had said. “But her father is a snake, and looks for any reason for violence. Be careful around her, Captain.”

Cadance looked at him expectantly. “Yes, Shiny?”

He shook his head. “Nothing, forget it.” he gazed into her eyes and smiled. “I’ve missed you.”

She laughed. “It’s only been a day you silly colt, are you that starved for attention?” she teased him and gave his nose a light lick.

“Even so, and yes I am.” He nuzzled her tenderly as she caressed his chest as they laughed together.

She suddenly pulled back and looked away, the hint of sadness in her eyes.

“Cadance?”

“Shining... I fear my father is becoming unhinged.” She turned to him, definite tears in her eyes. “When he goes without blood for too long he grows increasingly erratic, if he finds out about us... I fear he may do something rash...”

Shining Armour sighed sadly. “We must stop him, I was about to ask the Queen if she could help but we were interrupted by Grogar.” He growled lightly. “I don’t trust him, Cadance.”

“He is more trustworthy than the changeling,” Cadance snapped, her eyes darkening for a second, showing the red of her true form. “Shap shifters are dangerous, they could be anyone.”

They shivered as a cold wind passed by them, and one of the sorcerer’s beasts howled something unintelligible in the distance.

Cadance shook in disgust. “They almost sound sad don’t they? Like they’re in pain.”

Shining nodded as he held her, shushing her gently and lightly rocking her in his arms.

A heavy breathing filled the silence of the night as one of the beasts turned the corner, and fixed it’s red, rectangular pupils on the two. It’s heavy ears flapped and it’s nose flared, the iron ring piercing it’s septum shaking lightly. The satyr shook it’s filthy head and it scraped one of it’s cloven hooves across the ground, creating deep marks in the mud. It’s ape-like arms swung limply as it lumbered on, a deep mournful growl emanating from it’s ragged looking throat.

They silently watched it go. Cadance looked at it with pity. “Did you see it’s eyes?” she murmured. “Looking but not seeing. I can’t imagine what foul magic was used to create them.”

Shining nodded again and took her hoof in his. “Come, Cady. Let’s go somewhere a bit... Quieter.”

She allowed him to lead her on, sadly looking back as she heard another mournful cry from one of the beasts.

***

The door closed gently as Shining Armour left, and Nightmare Moon rounded on Grogar as he held up the bundle of rags.

“I saw them, my Queen, I saw the Princess Luna and her companions, Twilight Sparkle and the Shadow in a vision.”

The old ram’s bell glowed green with magic as he unfurled the rags, revealing his crystal ball. The image of a goat’s eye changed into an image of Canterlot and it’s mountain. “Not two days ago they trespassed near us, Your Grace,” he explained as the image shifted and moved, showing Foal Mountain to the north west.

“Amongst the cliffs, they were caught in a storm. Their demise seemed almost assured, however, they disappeared somewhere around here-” He gestured to roughly the middle of the mountain range. “It is my belief the ancient Shadowguard library is stored within this mountain, undetectable by my own magics, protected by a powerful spell of concealment.” He grimaced, his teeth crooked and yellow. “I believe some Divine force may have had it’s hoof in assisting them towards it.”

Nightmare Moon’s eyes narrowed. “Are you suggesting my sister gave them guidance?” Her words were like ice against skin, piercing and freezing as his ears twitched in response. “Or something greater than she or I?”

The sorcerer cowered before her. “My Queen, I offer apologies, perhaps I spoke to soon. The unicorn, her student, must have some connection we were previously unaware of.”

Nightmare Moon closed her eyes. “And are they lost to us now?”

Grogar smiled viciously. “No, Your Grace.” The image in the crystal changed once again, showing the hollowed form of the mountain, and three glowing dots appeared on the inside. “The protective spell placed on the fortress must have broken when they entered, and now I am able to trace their magical signatures. I can have an army sent there immediately and destroy the cursed mountain, trapping them for the rest of their miserable lives.”

She opened her eyes and looked at the sorcerer. A sadistic smile danced across her face, giving him slight unease.

“Send your beasts to the mountain, kill the Shadow and Luna, but bring the student to me alive.” She glowered at him as he covered his crystal in filthy rags once more. “And unspoiled.” She flashed a smile at him. “We shall see how quickly Celestia’s most faithful turns when confronted with my power.”

Grogar bowed deeply as a laugh croaked out from his ancient throat. “Yes, Your Grace. She shall break easily.” He straightened up and made to leave her room, glancing back one more time before slipping into the darkened corridors and the castle beyond.

The Queen watched him go, and listened to his hoofsteps as he strode away. With a sigh, she turned to the dying fire, tutting lightly. She despised the sorcerer, and his foul creations. She sneered as she remembered the old stories about Grogar, about how he would kidnap young mares and experiment on them, breeding an army of monsters and deformed abominations, until he was stopped by the valiant Gusty the Great, one of the mares he had kidnapped. If her plan was to succeed she needed more assurance than the beasts of Grogar were to acquire the student.

“Perhaps Captain Shining Armour would be more capable...”

Nightmare Moon chortled to herself as she rose from her seat once more. “No matter. Perhaps I shall go for a walk tonight,” she murmured.

She walked slowly through the dark castle, her slender legs carrying her majestic and powerful form. She moved with purpose, several servants caring after the castle as they had for years stopped and bowed to her, either out of fear or respect. She returned their nods graciously, only occasionally pausing to gaze up at the Moon. Each time, she grimaced as the Mare Within seemed to silently judge her from upon high.

Soon she reached the expansive gardens, and took a deep breath as the scent of a thousand different types of flowers filled her nostrils. She spotted a small cluster of lunar moths floating in the wind, and stretched a hoof out for them. They landed, and she smiled to herself, finding a momentary peace in such a small act of a mere insect. She gave them a blow of air, helping them on their way as they floated off.

A low rumble disturbed the peaceful night, making her scowl. She strode forwards, and quickly located it’s source, and glowered at the gang of satyrs desecrating a fountain.

With a spread of her wings and a flash of her horn, she slammed a hoof down on the ground, creating a small shockwave and sending the beasts scampering into the darkness, bleating wildly in their foul language.

“I should have the ram flogged for letting his abominations dirty my garden,” she muttered darkly.

She strode forwards and flexed her wings. She gave them a quick preening before she leapt into the air, creating a powerful gust of wind beneath her as she rose.

She soared through the night sky, finding solace in the cold air. Upon hearing the flapping of wings behind her, she saw a pair of her night creatures following her not too far behind. She slowed to a halt, and allowed them to approach her. She extended a hoof and gave one a tender scratch behind it’s large ears. “Go, my beauties,” she softly told them. “I need no escort in my own palace.”

They seemed to comprehend her, and flapped off. Their beastly bodies landed atop a rooftop, and shuffled side by side on their new perch. Their beady red eyes watched as their Queen flew on.

As she flew, her face twisted as she spotted the mountain Grogar had mentioned. A low growl rose from in her as she sensed the Princess’s presence, so close yet so far.

“Luna...” she whispered as her heart grew colder.

Her ear twitched as she heard a shriek from below, and her head snapped downwards. She spotted a serving mare being accosted by one of Grogar’s beasts amongst the bushes and flowers in the garden. She snarled, and flew down to it, startling both it and the mare, who fell back in surprise.

”Enough!” her voice boomed as she landed with a loud crash on the cold stone ground. Her wings fully unfurled, her horn lowered and eyes on fire with the rage of a goddess.

The satyr cowered in fear at her as her horn ignited. It bleated something at her and seemed to beg for forgiveness.

”Burn, filth!”

It howled in pain as a magical fire engulfed it, leaving naught but a charred corpse in a matter of seconds.

The Queen turned to the mare and offered a hoof. “Rise, girl.”

The mare glanced at the hoof before gingerly taking it, standing slowly and shaking in her boots. “Th-th-than--kk-k y-you, y-your-r G-grac-ce,” she stammered, her breath hanging in the air, and her teeth chattering uncontrollably.

Nightmare Moon looked at her quizzically. “Are you cold?”

The mare curtsied and crossed her legs. “Y-yes-s Y-your G-Grac-ce.”

Nightmare Moon used her magic to grasp a large leaf from a nearby tree, and conjured her magic to turn it into a small cloak. She draped it over the mare and smiled. “There.”

The mare quickly stammered a thanks and grovelled. Nightmare moon waved a hoof at her. “What is your name, girl?”

The serving mare looked at her nervously and wrapped the makeshift cloak around her shoulders. “Midnight Harmony, Your Grace,” she said with a curtsy.

A smile played across Nightmare Moon’s face and she bowed, craning her neck downwards. “A pleasure.” She rose up and turned her head, gazing up at the sky before addressing the young mare again. “Why are you out at such a late hour, Midnight Harmony?”

Midnight Harmony quivered and gulped. “I... Enjoy the night air, Your Grace. It calms my nerves.”

The Queen nodded silently. She regarded the mare, a dark blue earth pony with a black mane and tail, her uniform crumpled and muddied from her encounter with the satyr. Her eyes caught her attention--two shining purple pools of beauty.

“I concur, young one.”

Silence fell around them, making the mare increasingly uncomfortable. She coughed lightly and made to leave.

“Begging your pardon, Your Grace, but I must return to my duties, my break’s almost over.” She bowed again and glanced up at the Queen, thoughtfully looking at her. “I beg your forgiveness for the disturbance.”

Nightmare Moon waved a hoof. “You are forgiven. Be careful in future, Midnight Harmony.” She jutted her head towards the castle. “Get yourself cleaned up, then return to your duties.” She turned away and spotted some flowers she recognised from before Celestia tore her soul in twain.

“Yes, miss, thank you miss,” Harmony said respectfully, and curtsied once again as she left. She stole a glance back at the Queen, seeing her lower her head towards some plants. She smiled and silently thanked her Queen, wishing her a good night as she entered the castle once again.

Nightmare Moon gazed at the plant she recognised. Her favourite form when she was a filly. “Night-Blooming Cereus...”

Such a thing was usually found in the more tropical areas of the world, and most featured large, spectacular, sweet-scented white blooms that resembled fireworks amidst the night sky. Like her herself, they bloomed open at night and began to wilt by sunrise.

The Queen smiled as she compared the plant, fittingly named the Queen of the Night by some, to herself. “Never again shall you wilt, little one, for the Sun will never rise in my Equestria.”

She straightened up and looked around the other plants in that section of the garden. She remembered more than a thousand years ago she would sneak out of her bedroom at night to come see her collection. Moonflowers, evening-scented stocks, ironically named daylilies, night phlox, and many others.

She wondered if Shining Armour was enjoying his new found happiness with the vampire princess. She chuckled softly and closed her eyes, listening to the sounds of the smaller creatures of the night, moths, crickets, a wolf’s howl in the distance somewhere.

The Queen smiled to herself and spread her wings once again, relishing in the moonlight.

***

Shining Armour and Cadance held each other’s hooves as he escorted her to her chambers.

“My lady,” he said with a bow as they stopped outside an ordinary looking door. He smiled as she curtsied back at him, and pushed the door open. Her bed remained immaculate, as if she hadn’t even slept on it. Shining gazed around the room, gold fabrics embroidered on almost everything, the curtains a light shade of pink to match the alicorn’s coat.

Cadance shuffled and her cheeks blushed. “Shiny would you... Like to stay... For a while?”

His eyes widened and he stammered a response. “Ah--w-well, you see, Cady--um.” He fell silent as she held a hoof over his mouth and chuckled softly.

“Shh. Come.” She led him over to the bed, where she placed a hoof on his leg, squeezing his muscles gently.

They gazed into each other’s eyes and gently touched horns. Magic rippled through them both, and Shining placed his hooves on her, caressing her soft body and feeling his heart burn with desire.

As his hoof reached her chest, he suddenly pushed her down onto the bed and loomed over her. She laughed and tapped his nose, her wings stretched out behind her on the bed and she traced a hoof over his muscles.

“Don’t be so rough, soldier,” she laughed softly.

The Captain chuckled and ran his nose along her neck, eliciting a small moan from the Princess. He gave her a kiss, nibbling gently on the side of her neck, making her gasp and open her eyes in pleasure.

She wrapped her hooves around him and gazed into his eyes, before he suddenly broke away and straightened up.

“Don’t you want to?” she asked quietly as she rose up from the bed, pouting slightly.

“More than anything, but the hour is late, and I would not dare befoul one of the Queen’s guests.” he sighed with frustration. “I mean... No disrespect, Cadance,” he mumbled as she looked on sadly. He took her hoof in his and gazed into her beautiful eyes.

Cadance glared at him. “I’m very upset, Shining.” She stuck her lip out and pouted. “Don’t make me hypnotize you.” Her eyes were stern, but her threat rang hollow as he kissed her hoof.

He chuckled softly and released her. “My lady.” He bowed and clicked his hooves together.

The Princess giggled and hopped down from the bed, giving him a small curtsy. “Captain.”

They gazed at each other with longing looks. Cadance bit her lip as she next spoke.

“Why don’t you just come straight here tomorrow? We’ll have plenty of time that way...”

His eyes widened and he swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. “If my Queen has no need of me, I shall be here.” he bowed again.

She admired his loyalty to his duty and lowered her head to him. “Until then, my sweet Captain.”

Shining smiled as he closed the door to her chambers and rubbed his face. “Oh Shining, what are you doing?” he muttered to himself as he walked away. “She’s gorgeous, and she’s an old friend--more than an old friend.” His cheeks turned red slightly and he smiled. “Why aren’t you-”

He froze as he saw a pair of eyes glowing at him from down the corridor.

The Vampire King himself leered forwards, his tongue flicking out between his teeth and his eyes red with the blood curse. His horn glowed softly with green magic, and his eyes flashed at him in the dark.

“Captain,” he hissed.

Shining saluted to him and looked him in the eye. “Lord Sombra.”

“So kind of you to escort my daughter to her chambers safely.”

“Anything for an honoured guest of the Queen.”

Sombra chuckled, an evil, malicious sound. “Good dog.”

Shining grimaced and bowed respectfully as the vampire approached him. “My Lord.”

Sombra glared at him as he walked past. “Watch yourself, dog. Mistreat my daughter with anything but the finest respect, and I will tear your soul apart. The Queen won’t always be around to protect you.” he chuckled evilly as he began to circle the Captain. “But... If you were to swear your loyalty to me instead...”

Shining raised his head defensively. His armour reflected the light off of the torches on the wall. “You speak of treason.”

“Precisely. Funny how things work out.”

The vampire continued to laugh, and encircle the stallion like a shark circling it’s prey.

“My lord?” Shining asked, feeling a lump rising in his throat. His heartbeat grew faster, and louder. “I don’t follow.”

Sombra rushed to meet him face to face, bringing them mere inches away from one another. “I know of what you plot, Shining. Armour,” he spat. “I know what the two of you have planned for me. Be warned.” He wiggled a hoof in a mocking manner. “It will not be easy, and blood will be spilt should you pursue your foolish mission.”

Shining’s blood ran cold. Sweat started to dot his forehead as he prepared magic, trying to keep his horn from lighting up until absolutely necessary. His mind raced as he fought to keep his composure, and the anger bubbling inside of him.

The vampire retreated, thankfully, and sneered at him. “Go, little dog. Alert your master if you must, let us see if she believes a traitor over her councilmember.”

Shining Armour stood, frozen, his voice seemingly caught in his throat. “How does he know? Did he have us followed?” He racked his memory trying to remember if anypony had seen them. No-one, only one of Grogar’s things as it shambled off. “It couldn’t have... Could it?”

The vampire cackled at him, enjoying watching the stallion squirm, before rushing close to his face once again. “Run. Before I rip your heart out and feed it to my daughter.”

At Cadance’s mention the Captain finally regained his composure. Images of her beauty flooded his mind, settling his nerves slightly. He smoothed his coat down and nodded to the King.

“My Lord Sombra.” He bowed deeply.

“Thank you for this enlightening talk. I will heed your words very carefully and know I meant no disrespect to such an honoured Guest of Nightmare Moon.” He remained bowed, feeling the sweat drip from his head onto the cold ground.

“I bid you a good night. If I may?” He gestured to the hallway, raising his head slightly to look at the King.

Sombra waved a hoof. “By all means, Captain.” He grinned and bowed back, his fangs sending a shiver down the young Captain’s spine. His words dripped with venom, like a viper waiting to strike.

He chuckled to himself as he saw the stallion’s tail turn the corner, and waited for a moment to hear his breathing. He sounds of his heartbeat filled his ears and he closed his eyes, savouring the sound of fresh blood being pumped through a body. Satisfied the dog had ran back to it’s master, he grinned and muttered to himself.

“All too easy.”

A ring of green light sprung up around him, revealing his true form.

The Changeling Matriarch’s eyes flashed in the dark as she strode away, her form merging with the shadows around her.

“Let the games begin...”