Fool Moon, Part 15 (The Night is Dark)

>You cross your arms and glare down at the white stallion as he stomps his way into the Boutique, gazing at everything with a bored, arrogant leer as if he already owns the place.
>You wait him out as he scoffs at this or that, muttering about the drabness of the place.
>It reminds you a bit of Rarity, if she was about fifty times bitchier and male.
"You know, your name's kind of familiar."
>He replies over his shoulder, still glancing at the insides of the Boutique.
>"I should hope so. I am, after all, Equestria's rightful Prince."
>You lean against Rarity's chaise as Blueblood makes his way further into the house, still eyeing everything with a suspicious amount of interest.
"Hmmph. That's not where I remember it from, actually. Rarity wanted to strangle you and said my hands might be useful."
>He tenses, ever so slightly, and gives a chuckle so devoid of humor it might as well be a gurgle.
>"Yes, well, I'm sure you're familiar with how...overly dramatic she can be."
>You raise an eyebrow at him.
"Uh huh. Where did you two meet, exactly?"
>He shrugs.
>"At a dance, long ago."
"And HOW did you two go from dancing to her wanting to kill you?"
>"She was trying to hook herself onto me for what I can only assume was my money and title, and I wasn't interested. Bit-diggers are not to my taste. But I'm not here to talk about old feuds."
>Your shoulders rise at the white stallion's implication, and your next words are spoken through gritted teeth.
"Then what ARE you here to talk about?"
>He gives you a dazzling smile.
>"Why, you, of course. And your...future."


"What's that supposed to mea-"
>He raises a hoof to silence you.
>"Come now, we can't have such a serious discussion on empty stomachs, can we? Let's retire to what passes for a kitchen in this hole."
>He lazily makes his way into Rarity's kitchen, and you grumble and follow him.
>You've only known this guy for four minutes, and you're already considering stabbing him.
>He takes a seat at Rarity's table, grimacing at some invisible spec of dirt.
>You sit down across from him after pouring yourself a glass of milk.
>He raises an eyebrow at you.
>"Well?"
"Well what?"
>"Where is my glass of tea?"
>You snort.
"Barking up the wrong tree, pal."
>His face contorts into an irritated expression, before a cruel smile works its way on his face.
>"Barking. Yes. Clever. Well, lets get down to the meat of this discussion, shall we?"
>You sip on your milk.
"Lets."
>"You possess a very particular set of skills, do you not? Skills that skip on the very wrong side of the law."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
>"Don't play coy. A few days ago, Miss Rarity was abruptly cut off from any clients in Canterlot, the primary source of her income. Yet here she is, still thriving, still buying fabrics, and slowly winning back those clients that were previously put off. And you, my dear biped, are the reason why."
>You tense up.
"So what is this? You here to interrogate me? Arrest me? Blackmail me or try to get something out of Rarity?"
>He smiles again.
>"You misunderstand me, Anonymous. I wish to hire you."


>You eye him up and down for a moment, your glass of milk unmoving on the table.
"How the hell do you know so much about me?"
>He smiles again, this one a genuine, pleasurable smile.
>"I am a Prince, Anonymous. I have more bits to my name than half of Canterlot put together. Such a vast amount of wealth requires a vast amount of security, don't you agree?"
>He places stress on the word security, and you take another sip.
>"Part of that security is making sure I have eyes and ears on all of my...investments. An animal as unique as you attracted unique attention from my chief spies. Since you arrived in Ponyville, I guarantee that you havn't been able to scratch your hairless arse without at least one of my employees catching a glimpse."
"That's...creepy, actually. Yeah, really fuckin' creepy."
>He grimaces.
>"Language, please. Do not assault my royal ears with such a vulgar tongue."
>You scowl at him, swallowing the rest of your milk.
"Alright then, Princey. Riddle me this. If you have so much cash lying around, what the hell do you need me for? If your boys have been watching me as closely as you say, you know my 'special talent' is thievery. What can I steal that you can't buy?'
>He blinks at you, momentarily confused.
>Then he chuckles.
>"Oh, oh excuse me. Sometimes I forget that the minds of animals and lesser ponies move so much slower than that of a royal unicorn. My mistake!"
>You scowl, but he cuts you off again.
>"Anonymous, my ponies have been watching your EVERY move. It's not your talent in petty burglary I want to acquire..."
>You feel a chill race down your spine.
>"I want to hire the Wolf."


>What?
"What?"
>Blueblood smiles indulgently at you.
>"I don't believe these royal lips ever stutter."
>Your gut freezes into a solid lump of ice.
"I...uh...I don't know what...you could possibly be talking abou-"
>You freeze. His horn is glowing, and a saddlebag you hadn't even NOTICED before opens up, and several small, flat objects fly out of it onto the table.
>They're...photographs.
>Of you.
>Of IT.
>A photograph of the dark half in Fluttershy's cottage. Another picture, here, of it fighting a dragon in the air. Another picture, a RECENT picture, of it...was that Sweetie Belle?
>The last one takes your breath away. It's standing there, the first light of dawn breaking into the trees, looming over Rarity like death itself.
>While she stands there, defiant, nuzzling its stomach. You remember it, the pain, the burning pain, as you held that thing back from ripping her to shre-
"Where the hell did you get these?"
>Your voice is hoarse and weak, and you watch your hand shake as you set the picture down.
>Blueblood smiles.
>"I told you. Eyes and ears, everywhere."
"Why would you...what would you even want with it? Why..."
>You trail off, as Blueblood gains a faintly scary expression.
>"Equestria, my dear Anonymous, is a peaceful land. But do not believe that peace is maintained with more of the same. Its fragile, barely held together, and liable to collapse at any moment. I hope to return a bit of strength, a bit of iron, if you will, into Equestria's government. And if that is to happen, certain softer elements will have to be...removed."
>He nods at the photographs.
>"Your ferocious friend there could help me do that."


>You need a drink.
>Scratch that, you need twenty drinks.
>A member of Equestrian ROYALTY is here telling you he knows about...it, and he wants to use it in some crazy coup!?
>The bastard's still talking.
>"You would be well compensated, of course, as long as you obeyed your instructions. I can pay you far more than this...common harlot can afford to pay you."
>Your eyes snap up to his, and you glare at him.
"Are you fucking insane?"
>His eyes widen.
>"I don-"
"That thing can't be controlled. It can't be INSTRUCTED. Its not a weapon you can point and fire at a pony. Even if it was, why the hell would I want to use it for YOU?"
>His smile begins to crack and falter.
>"I told you already, you'd be well compensated. I know much about you, Anonymous. You and I are very much alike. You see what you want, you take it. An alliance between us would be mutually beneficial."
"And what about Rarity?"
>He scoffs.
>"What ABOUT her? Why do you even care? I'm offering you a seat at my side, Anonymous. I am offering you the kingdom! And you're worried about that little slu-"
>You casually smash the milk glass you're holding on the table, and hold up the jagged edges to Blueblood.
"Don't finish that sentence."
>He frowns, irritated.
>"Are such crass displays really necessary? I'm offering you a superior deal than hers. I'm being honest about using you, Anonymous. I'm not using you as a meal ticket and repaying you in something as petty as companionship!"
>A thoughtful look comes on his face.
>"Although, if physical companionship is what you desire, that CAN be arranged."


>You don't think about it.
>You just hurl the shard of broken glass at his haughty face.
>Only to watch it get caught by his glowing horn and set down gently on the table.
>You fucking HATE magic.
>Silence reigns between the two of you for a good five minutes, before Blueblood sighs and rises from the table.
>"I had hoped you would be more reasonable than this."
"I'm plenty reasonable. I just don't get along well with pompous assholes."
>His mouth curls.
>"Charming. Very well, then. I see where you stand. You will, of course, regret it."
"Not as much as you, Princey boy. I don't know much about the government here works, but I'm pretty sure that speech counted as some kind of treason."
>He snorts.
>"You are a fool. I am Prince Blueblood. Mares DREAM of the opportunity to so much as SPEAK to me. I am the third most powerful pony in Canterlot. Your word won't mean anything in the face of mine. And you forget..."
>His horn glows again, lifting up the photos of...it.
>"I have these. A few words from me, and you'll be hunted down like the animal you are."
>You grit your teeth, and he smiles at your expression.
>"Really, Anonymous, I am sure that in time, you will change your mind. I will see to it."
>You continue to glare at him.
"Sun's going down soon, Blueblood. You should go."
>His smile doesn't leave his face.
>"Tell Rarity I said hello, then. And that I'm not through with her, either. We'll meet again."
>You smile back at him.
"Oh, undoubtedly. After all, the night is dark, and full of terrors."
>His smile drops off his face , and he trots hastily to the door and lets himself out.


>You shiver as you lock the door behind "Prince" Blueblood.
>You'd known Rarity disliked this pony, but you hadn't known just how fucking evil he was.
>You ran a hand over your head as your mind started racing.
>He knew who you were. He knew WHAT you were. And he wanted to use you, it, whatever, as a fucking weapon!?
>What kind of sick-
>"Anonymous?"
>You glance over at the staircase, jumping.
>Oh, its just Sweetie Belle.
"Oh. Hey Sweetie."
>"Who was that?"
"A...a crazy p0ny, that's who."
>"Oh. Say, Anonymous? Rarity's still asleep, and I wanted to know if I could...well..."
>She moves one hoof in an adorable circle.
"Come on, out with it Sweetie."
>"I just wanted to have a sleepover at Applebloom's?"
>You really don't want to wake Rarity up to deal with this right now, especially after...Blueblood. And you weren't lying about the night. It was pissed, and hurt, and tired, but the dark half was very much active. Not enough silver had gotten into you, you suppose. Not enough to poison it back into unconsciousness.
>You needed to get out of the house before night fell.
"Sure, Sweetie, you can go. If Rarity gets upset, blame it on me. I'm gonna go take a jog. You lock the door behind you when you go out."
>"THANKS ANON!"
>Awww, that squeak.
"No problem. I just need to go clear my head for a bit, alright? I'll clear things up with Rarity tomorrow morning."
>She thanks you, and you step out the door.
>And then you start running.


>You wish you weren't lying when you told Blueblood that thing couldn't be used as a weapon.
>Because it would give you nothing but joy to point it in his direction like a fucking arrow and let the dark half rip his ass to shreds.
>No. Then you'd be just as bad as him. No person, or pony, deserved what that thing would do to th-
>You stumble slightly as you run towards the Everfree.
>You always fucked this up. Always. Fluttershy couldn't stop it this time, and it would turn around and go right for Rarity the second you turned.
>You just wish it would go for Bluebl-
>Your vision goes black as the moon rises.

>You are awake again.
>The weak half's last thoughts had been of a white pony. Male, this time. That was a first.
>Weak words and dialogue and schemes and plots flowed across your mind, and you dismissed them as you fell to all fours, sniffing.
>You had different prey in mind tonight.
>The small one who had broken your hand and tampered with the weak half's memory.
>It was dangerous. Strong, fast, an unknown quantity.
>It was a rival predator. One strong enough to perhaps prey on you. It had tampered with the weak half, with YOUR weak half.
>It had to be destroyed.
>You let out a howl and charge into the night, away from the town of horses, away from the white stallion who even now is fearfully boarding his chariot to escape.
>You would hunt the blood-drinker down and tear it to pieces.

Sweetie Belle's perspective
>You cradle your head in your hooves and groan as Scootaloo flutters next to you.
>"This is SO awesome!"
"No, Scootaloo, for the last time, this is definitely NOT awesome!"
>"Are you kiddin' me, Sweetie? You're almost as fast as Rainbow Dash, you can lift me AND Applebloom up no problem, and you can stick to things! Being a vampony must be like being Spidermare!"
>You groan again, and Applebloom rolls her eyes.
>"Sweetie, ah git ya, ah really do. It must be horrible."
>She pats you on the back, and you resist the urge to drink from her jugular.
>"But dontcha think ya could just use those crazy powers of yours to do some of mah chores? Just once? With that kinda speed, you could buck tha whole South Field in minutes!"
>The three of you are sitting in Applebloom's clubhouse, discussing your "problem."
>They hadn't believed you until you'd showed them some of the things you could do now.
>And you had to admit, you had shown off. Just a little.
>Maybe a lot.
>But then you got thirstier the more you showed off. And now you were just trying to keep yourself together.
>Your friends gushing over what you could do was not helping.
"Applebloom, no! I don't want to be THIS for another night! It's...it's..."
>Your stomach rumbles, and your ear flicks as you hear a branch break.
"Did anyp0ny hear that?"
>Scootaloo stops jumping.
>"No, but your teeth did that cool thing again."
>You roll your eyes.
"Its because I'm thirsty, I keep telling you. And you guys running around and jumping isn't helping that at all!"
>Applebloom's eyes go wide.
>"Wait. You mean...you'd eat us?"
>You close your eyes.
"Not if I can help i-"
>Something breaks through the south wall of the clubhouse.


>You burst through the wooden wall like it was made of soft clay.
>The screams of two prey fill your ears.
>Along with the quiet hiss of the blood-drinker.
>The two fillies turn and look at their friend as her eyes go red.
>"Oh sweet Celestia, not awesome NOT AWESOME!"
>"WHAT IN TARNATION IS THAT THING!?"
>Its the thing that hurt Fluttershy."
>The blood-drinker's voice is deadly quiet, and you drop low as you struggle to fit into the small room.
>You would kill it first, then its simpering pack-mates.
>The blood-drinker starts to circle, eyes on you as you crawl closer to it. It hisses again, and the two prey cringe.
>"Will ya stop doin that!?"
>The blood-drinker doesn't blink.
>"Can't help it. I just, I don't know, do it."
>"Well its creepy!"
>The blood-drinker stiffens, as if hurt, and you choose that time to pounce.
>Your claw slices the bare edge of its leg as it leaps out of the way, blurring in your vision as it tries to make its way out of a window.
>You crash through another wall after it, roaring as the two fillies scream and vacate the collapsing clubhouse.


>You loved it when they ran.
>It was fast, impossibly so, but easy to track.
>It would forget where it was going, or take its eyes off the path to look at you, and stumble.
>The red rips in its leg had long since closed up, but the scent of its corrupt blood still tainted the air where it ran.
>You loped after the blood-drinker, silent now, and furious.
>This thing had tampered with the weak half's mind.
>And by extension, YOUR mind. As far removed as the hairless prey was from you, it was still technically a part of you.
>And none violated you in such a manner and lived.
>Your thoughts immediately flew to the white unicorn female, and you let out a growl.
>The weak half had stopped you then. You had been unprepared. It would not happen again.
>Your thoughts return to the blood-drinker as its trail takes it through the town.
>You watch as it scrabbles and waddles over the side of buildings, pulling itself up on the ceiling and running.
>Always running from you.
>You found such cowardice amusing. You would run it to ground this night. You remembered what you'd seen through the other half's eyes. It could not stand the light of day.
>And neither of you would tire. You would not let it rest, not let it stop. You would hunt it until it burned.
>You leap onto another house, ignoring the screams and shouts from inside as your claws pierce wood and your heavy footfalls pound on ceilings.
>You leap from rooftop to rooftop, chasing after the tiny blood-drinker, spit running from your jaws as you run.
>Its trail comes to an abrupt end, and you leap from your last roof, landing heavily in the street behind the abomination.
>Who is busy pounding on a door with her hoof.
>"Twilight! Twilight! Let me in!"


>You roar, causing the shutters on the nearby windows to rattle.
>The blood-drinker jumps, then slowly turns around, backing up until her flank's touching the door.
>You cock your head, momentarily confused.
>This thing had broken your hand. It was weaker than you, yes, but it was much faster.
>Why, then, was it so afraid?
>The weak half would know, but knowing things was for prey.
>You roar and charge at the blood-drinker, whose eyes turn back into a shining green as she retracts her fangs.
>"TWILIGHT, HEEEELP MEEEE!"
>"Sweetie Belle!?"
>The door behind her opens up, and you hear another scream.
>Music to your ears.
>You grin as you approach, but your grin falters as you remember something. You have hunted at this tree-house before. You had attacked this same purple pony. And bit her.
>Why then, was she not a predator? And why was that strange protrusion on her head shining?
>You roar as your questions confuse you. You don't like to be confused.
>You leap, all four legs leaving the earth as you jump for the door.
>Only to slam into a transparent barrier. Instantly, the barrier slams shut around you, trapping you in a large purple bubble of invisible force.
>The purple pony speaks, terrified.
>"I...I remember this thing! Sweetie, get inside! I'll handle it!"
>The blood-drinker runs inside, and you roar as your vengeance is thwarted.
>The purple one's eyes narrow.
>"You won't hurt anyp0ny any more."
>Her horn glows, and your world goes white.


>You wake up with a splitting, pounding headache.
>You open your eyes blearily and glance around, taking in the wooden root walls, the books, the purple haze everything's lying under, the weird metal stuff on the walls...
>Oh fuck.
>Oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck you aren't in the fucking forest.
>You sit up, groaning as your head kicks your ass for getting up too fast.
>You hear the scrabbling of clawed feet on wood as you shift, and you cover yourself instinctively as Spike comes into the room.
>"Don't even try anything, fuzzball! Nothin's getting out of that force fie-"
>His eyes widen as he sees you.
>"No. Way."
"Listen, kid, I'm sorry about what I did to you on our first meeting, honest mistake. I really, really hope nop0ny got hurt last night, but I'd appreciate it if you DON'T do whatever it is you're about to d-"
>"TWILLLLLLLIIIIIIIIGHT! IT'S AWAKE!"
>"Coming, Spike!"
>You hear the pounding of hooves on wood as the purple pony rushes down the stairs.
>You give the dragon kid your deadliest glare from behind your purple shield, and he does his best to not look at you.
>A purple glow surrounds the door as it opens slowly.
>"Alright, Spike, what's it doing now? I FINALLY got Sweetie to get some rest, and now yo-"
>She cuts herself off as she notices you, naked, sitting in her cage where there was previously a several hundred pound killing machine.
"Uh...good...morning?"
>"A...Anonymous!?"
"Yeah, in the fle-"
>"WHAT THE BUCK!?"