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Bound By Blood

By MoreMaresPls
Created: 2021-11-01 11:13:46
Updated: 2021-11-10 05:39:37
Expiry: Never
anonsaferainbow dashnightmare nighthalloweenvampirebat ponybloodshe wants to drink your blood

  1. > You should have known Pinkie Pie would come through.
  2. > Looking at the library, you could tell the pink party expert was clearly not limited to tea parties and birthdays for foals. She had outdone your expectations by a mile and a half!
  3. > You didn’t know ponies could grasp the concept of Halloween parties for those older than twelve.
  4. > Or rather, Nightmare Night as it was called here in Equestria.
  5. > Yet Pinkie understood you. When she had asked you what you wanted to do for your first Nightmare Night since you arrived, you had first rolled your eyes.
  6. > The images that came to your mind were not compatible with Equestria. There was no way these candy horses could grasp the frankly terrifying atmosphere you and your group of buddies would come up with each year.
  7. > Yet before you had even been able to blow her off, she got that dark and mischievous twinkle in her eye and said,
  8. > “Wow Nonnie! Halloween sure is spooky huh? This’ll be fun to decorate!”
  9. > She had skipped away before you could say a word, let alone think of a response.
  10. > Then zipped back to you, her face pressed against yours with those big blue eyes filling your vision.
  11. > “Those eyeballs weren’t real right? That would be kind of hard to get on short notice, the fishhooks should be easy though.”
  12. > All you could do was shake your head.
  13. > She closed her eyes with a cute giggle and said:
  14. > “Roger that, Nonny-Non!”
  15. > Before promptly bouncing away, humming one of the many tunes that seemed to run through her head.
  16. > Now seeing the result in the present you have to stop yourself from thinking too hard about how Pinkie managed all this in just a few short days.
  17. > Twilight’s library home had been transformed from a welcoming and comfy tree house to an eerie and foreboding den, with twisted limbs reaching down from the branches like elongated bony fingers.
  18. > Those barren branches looked as if they were desperately stretching out to try and grab up any passerby. Heck, maybe they had been enchanted to actually swipe at ponies, who knows what Pinkie was capable of if she had Twilight help her.
  19. > Somehow they had even changed the wood of the tree. In place of the healthy and familiar brown oak was the grey wood of a tree long dead. There were even chunks of rot in a few places, really selling the image.
  20. > It almost seemed as if twisted faces were screaming silently in the pattern of the bark, but only on the edges of your vision. If you focused too closely they would meld into the tree, only for more to appear in your peripheral view.
  21. > There was a subtle dark aura of unease surrounding the whole thing, not quite seen but definitely felt.
  22. > It’s hard to believe a tree could look so unsettling.
  23. > A bit of motion catches your eye. Did you just see something crawling around in the branches?
  24. > Perhaps it was just the wind responsible for that movement. It was hard to tell in the dark purple of the Equestrian night.
  25.  
  26. > You hurry your way toward the door, expecting to see some signs of life. It was supposed to be a party after all!
  27. > Yet just as you started to give the door a few knocks, it opened before you with a long and drawn out creak. It was pitch black inside.
  28. > As you peered forward trying to pierce the darkness by squinting, a few of the lower branches swayed in the wind, grabbing onto you as a spider bigger than your hand jumped from the leaves directly on your neck.
  29. “FUCKSHIT GYEAAAAAAAAA!”
  30. > Powered by instinct your legs carry you forward, crashing the door open as you try to run away from the creature now crawling down your back.
  31. > Your heart is pounding in your ears as you flail around in an attempt to dislodge the awful thing skittering around on your skin.
  32. > In your panic you bump into something cold and slimy which grabs onto your arm.
  33. > Now trying to get away from two freaky things, you take hold of the appendage that’s latched onto you and try to yank it off.
  34. > A stream of curses and screaming steadily pours from your mouth as your brain tries to process what’s happening.
  35. > You feel a sharp pinch on the right side of your back, and your muscles seize up, locking you in place.
  36. > You can’t move and your yelling has stopped.
  37. > Your heart certainly hasn’t though, it feels like it’s about to break out of your chest and run away on its own.
  38. > At this point the spider calmly crawls down from your back and walks back outside through the open door.
  39. > Your eyes continue to adjust to the dark while your body is stuck and you can see the thing grasped onto your arm.
  40. > It’s a… hoof?
  41. > There’s no pony attached to it though, just a bloody stump.
  42. > That slimy feeling was the blood running down the pony leg, now smeared onto your arm.
  43. > Your panicked mind races with frightened possibilities and adrenaline. Whose hoof is this?
  44. > A tingly feeling spreads from your back out toward your limbs as they regain sensation and motor control.
  45. > The first thing you do is fling the hoof away from you, since its iron grip had loosened while you were forced to stay in place.
  46. > Your impromptu imprisonment had allowed you to calm down a bit, so you’re now looking around the dark room to get your bearings.
  47. > You were in a black hallway, a new addition to the library.
  48. > Looking closer, these walls had to have been made recently. You could still smell the new coat of paint.
  49. > The wall you had bumped into earlier had a number of hooves jutting from it, ready to catch guests as they entered.
  50. > Your rational mind catches up as the adrenaline ebbs away and you figure this must be part of the party, like how you used to design yours.
  51. > Forcing yourself to control your breathing you begin the march forward, deeper into the dark hallway.
  52. > Now that you’ve convinced yourself this is all a part of the show, you try to admire the decorations with a more analytical eye.
  53.  
  54. > Frighteningly realistic, the pony legs jutting from the wall feel like they reach out toward you as you pass.
  55. > Maybe they actually are?
  56. > Poking one with your finger causes it to bend, attempting to grasp onto you as you pull away.
  57. > Neat!
  58. > Reaching the end of the hallway you steel yourself for the jump scare you know is waiting on the other side of the curtain.
  59. > Passing through the fabric you see it’s even darker in the main room.
  60. > Just a trickle of moonlight at the far end casting a ghostly silver light around lets you barely recognize where the walls are.
  61. > Yet there is no one there. No pony or prop attempts to scare you. It just seems empty.
  62. > You walk forward as you look around, but still the house seems abandoned.
  63. > “HIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS”
  64. > The sudden harsh sound and motion in front of your face trips you as you scramble backward, falling right on your ass with a yelp.
  65. > Then, you hear a cute giggle you’d recognize anywhere.
  66. > Opening your eyes to what is now full blown laughter, you see the culprit.
  67. > It’s your ‘special somepony,’ the one and only Rainbow Dash!
  68. > She’s greatly enjoying herself at your expense at the moment, having fallen to the floor herself as she grabs her tummy trying to contain her laughs.
  69. > “BAHAHAHAHH! Oh dude I got you so good! HeheheHAHAHA!
  70. > Your face is feeling more than a little warm, but you quickly join her with your own peals of laughter.
  71. > She did get you pretty good. You haven’t felt the rush of being scared like this since you had been transposed between earth and Equestria.
  72. > Still sniggering, she trots over to you and reaches out a hoof to help you up.
  73. > At this time you notice her costume.
  74. > Her colors have been muted a bit, to better camouflage in the night. Her ears are pointier and taller. Her wings are no longer feathered; instead they are leathery like a bat’s. Along the apex of the spine of each wing rests a wicked claw.
  75. > There’s a set of pointed and sharp looking fangs pushing down from her lips, but she’s still got that trademark Dashie grin.
  76. > Her eyes even seem to be glowing in the dark, a predatory energy shining as she looks you over.
  77. > Her hair even seems more aggressive than usual, somehow.
  78. > “Well? Impressed, aren’t you? Come on, let’s get you to the main party.”
  79. > Taking her proffered hoof, she pulls you closer to plant a smooch on your cheek.
  80. > Her fangs make your pulse quicken with a sense of danger as they barely scrape your skin.
  81. > As you stand she flaps her wings to hover at your height.
  82. “I am impressed Rainbow, especially since those wing coverings don’t impede your flight at all. Awesome costume for the most awesome mare!”
  83. > She looks confused for a moment.
  84. > “Oh uh, right! Yeah the costume haha, it is pretty cool huh?”
  85. “I thought this wasn’t a costume party though?
  86. > “Well it’s not but I uh, I left mine on from earlier, you know, taking Scoots around town to get candy heheh. It’s hard to take off.”
  87.  
  88. > Even if she sometimes felt embarrassed over it, you loved seeing her soft side.
  89. “You’re a good pony, Rainbow Dash. I can help you out of the wings if they’re uncomfortable?
  90. > “No no they’re fine, besides I do look pretty radical don’t I?”
  91. > With this she plops herself onto you, hind legs draped over your shoulders as she rests her front on top of your head.
  92. > Riding around on your shoulders is one of her favorite places to be. You definitely don’t mind her being close either.
  93. > She guides you through the darkness to the other end of the room and you open the door into the main section of the library.
  94. > Already gathered here is your herd of cute little pony friends (sans a certain timid Pegasus), eyes watching Twilight as she is projecting imagery with her magic. They had been watching the entryway, enjoying the show you put on.
  95. > The purple unicorn stops channeling as they all turn to face you, each giggling in their own adorable way.
  96. > Twilight is the first to speak.
  97. > “Wow Anon, I didn’t know you could scream so loud! I guess we did a good job huh Pinkie?”
  98. > Pinkie is jumping in place as she squeals with delight at the praise.
  99. > “We sure did! Anon is usually the one scaring his house guests, but he felt right at home, didn’t you Nonny?”
  100. > Read like a book yet again, how does she do it?
  101. “Yeah Pinkie, you guys actually got me scared! It was great, like I was back in my hometown for a bit. The spider was a nice touch, can’t do that kind of thing where I’m from.”
  102. > Twilight jumps at the opportunity to disclose her methods.
  103. > “Oh yes! The enchantments needed to be just right, and the ‘venom’ needed to induce static tetany, and it couldn’t be a simple paralytic because then the pony might fall over and-”
  104. > Rainbow cuts her off from her perch atop your head “Sheesh Twilight, don’t you know explaining it ruins the mystery?”
  105. > Flapping down to join her friends, she grabs two mugs of cider and brings one back for you to enjoy.
  106. > As you start to drink the delicious apple family special Pinkie hops over to you and gives your arm a big lick, cleaning off the ‘blood’ left there from the hoof.
  107. > “Mmmmm, strawberry!”
  108. > Applejack looks over with an expression of disdain at the mention of the inferior fruit, but says nothing.
  109. > They’ve either not dressed up or shed their earlier costumes, except Rarity of course. Whatever pony icon her poofy, ruffled dress is referencing is lost on you.
  110. > Sipping the spiced autumn cider as you make your way to the group, you voice your curiosity.
  111. “So if this is like my Halloween parties, we hang out and shoot the breeze now?”
  112. > “Oooh we can do that, we’ve also got games and cider and spooky story books and music and we could dance too!”
  113. > Pinkie’s ready to party.
  114. > So you proceed to party!
  115. > In between games you swap stories with them, sharing about times you scared your friends and they scared you.
  116.  
  117. > Hearing about the Apple family’s corn maze reminds you of the one in your hometown, getting chased by costumed chainsaw wielders with your friends.
  118. > As you talk you learn about some of their past Nightmare Night shenanigans and can’t help but wonder if there’s something crazy planned for later on.
  119. > While the party progresses, Rainbow looks like she wants to tell you something, acting nervous a few different times.
  120. > You’re just making up your mind to pull her aside to ask what’s on her mind when Applejack stands up.
  121. > “Lansakes, I’m hungrier than a tick on a teddy bear! I’m gonna grab the snacks.”
  122. “I’ll help!”
  123. > Aj will know how to best approach her friend or might even know what’s bothering her.
  124. > As you’re following her back out of the kitchen with your hands full of the platter, you ask her.
  125. “Mind sharing what’s got Rainbow nervous tonight? Was it something I did?
  126. > Scrunching her face before she opens the door, she looks back at you anxiously.
  127. > Her eyes won’t stop shifting around.
  128. > “Well partner I, I uh… I better get these treats back to our hungry friends!”
  129. > She dashes through the door and in her haste it rebounds.
  130. > Right into your face.
  131. “OW!”
  132. > Reeling back, you manage not to drop your tray of snacks.
  133. > Still hurt though.
  134. > Pushing through the door, you rejoin your friends and set the platter on the table.
  135. > Yet as you do you notice the liquid now dripping from your nose.
  136. “Oh shoot. Dangit Aj you need to be more careful! Twilight where are the towels?
  137. > You grab your nose and apply pressure to get the bleeding to slow.
  138. > As you turn back to the group, they’re all looking at you with apprehension.
  139. > Except Rainbow.
  140. > She staring at you with… hunger?
  141. > Mouth openly drooling onto the floor.
  142. > Wings outstretched.
  143. > Nose wildly sniffing at the air.
  144. > Her whole body is coiled like she’s ready to pounce on you.
  145. “Uh, guys? What’s-”
  146.  
  147. > “HHHHHHHEIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII”
  148. > Unlike the clearly overacted and comedic hiss from earlier, the sound coming from Rainbow sends ice through your veins. It is way out of place.
  149. > Your mind recalls those videos of alligators hissing at people before they lunge.
  150. > For three long seconds, there is only quiet. No one dares to breathe.
  151. > Without a sound, Rainbow bares her fangs and lunges at you, pupils wildly dilated.
  152. > As you try to jump back, the girls all scream. Your peripheral vision picks up a purple flash coming from Twilight and suddenly that purple light overtakes you.
  153. > Everything is black and you feel like you’re falling.
  154. > You hit the ground with a painful grunt.
  155. > Opening your eyes reveals nearly nothing; it’s almost pitch black wherever you’ve ended up.
  156. > Sitting up, you clutch your nose again to try and stem the flow.
  157. > You start to shiver from your contact with the cold stone floor.
  158. “Hello? Twilight?”
  159. > Your voice echoes away from you and back.
  160. “If this is to scare me again, now’s really not the time! I could use your help to stop this bleeding.”
  161. >…
  162. “Please?”
  163. > Waiting for a response, you’re only met with the fading echo of your own voice, then pure silence. It presses down on you with a deafening presence.
  164.  
  165.  
  166. > You have been stumbling your way through the darkness for some time now.
  167. > It’s been slow going and you’re not even sure if you’ve made much progress.
  168. > You know your sense of time has been distorted as well, it’s felt like at least an hour or two has passed but your panicked and racing mind is likely exaggerating your memory.
  169. > After being unceremoniously dumped into what you assume is a dungeon, you had freaked out a bit.
  170. > Your hyperventilation was made harder with the blood clogging your airway, which had actually forced you to sit down again and take stock of your situation.
  171. > Continuing to keep pressure on your bleeding nose with one hand you had started to crawl around, feeling for any landmarks or light sources.
  172. > In your blind reaching you hit a wall, and after following that wall for a bit your hand had sunken into it when pushing against one of the stones.
  173. > This was not a good move on your part, as the whole area around you started to rumble. Then you had been tossed forward and around, tumbling with no reference of direction.
  174. > When the walls finally had ceased their movement you were still left in much the same situation as before. Your hand was still depressing the stone switch, and you had tried to remove and press it again with no effect.
  175. > It must have been made to only work one way.
  176. > After controlling your breathing you found that the bleeding had stopped, so you shakily stood to your feet and began to walk, keeping your now bloodied hand on the wall to guide you.
  177. > That had been at least thirty minutes ago, right? You pushed these concerns over time spent away from your mind, that didn’t matter right now.
  178. > You had a more pressing need to get the hell out of wherever you were.
  179. > It was quite cold.
  180. > Continuing your stoic march forward you made sure not to let go of that wall, having now become your lifeline to make sure you weren’t aimlessly wandering in the dark.
  181. > Though you could actually be going in circles if the room was circular, now that you think about it.
  182. > NO! Now is not the time to dwell on possibilities and lose hope. You had to keep pressing forward. What would Dash think of you if you quit now?
  183. > Dash…
  184. > What on earth was going on with her?
  185. > Your marefriend was either really dedicated to this scare or something was seriously wrong.
  186. > If this was just a prank though, shouldn’t somepony have fetched you from wherever this was by now?
  187. > Rainbow always knew when a prank was going too far, so this situation you’re in is either an accident that got out of hand, or somehow it’s all real.
  188. > Gosh your mind sure wants to keep freaking you out.
  189. > You’re going to need to keep your focus on surviving at the moment, so you instead turn your thoughts to your happy memories.
  190.  
  191. > Some of them are from your time on earth, fresh in your mind’s eye thanks to your pony friends and their party styled for your tastes.
  192. > Yet looking back on your life almost all of your joyful experiences are from your time here in Equestria, especially after you and Rainbow confessed your mutual feelings.
  193. > It has been the greatest blessing of your life to end up here and meet her.
  194. > That honeymoon feeling between the two of you has yet to end, if it ever will, and you can hardly even put words to your relationship.
  195. > It’s an all-encompassing feeling of warm love every time you see her, or think of her, or hear her beautiful voice.
  196. > Her well-earned confidence, which sweeps you up into admiring her.
  197. > Her competitiveness which shines through even her hugs, squeezing you tight to show you she’s the one who loves you the most.
  198. > Her unmatched devotion to her friends and now to you has inspired you to be your best and to be there for her in turn.
  199. > Her sappy, soft side which comes out when you are cuddling together on your couch, giving you licks and kisses as your run your hands over her body to pleasure her taught muscles.
  200. > Her rarely seen insecurities that can bubble to the surface when the threat of failure looms. You wanted nothing more than to be there for her in those times, giving her all your love as support, cheering her through her doubts.
  201. > Now she was cheering you on through your memory, encouraging you to persist through the dark, cold halls as you faced your fears head on!
  202. > You could even almost hear her voice.
  203. > “Come on Anon! You’re the toughest human I know! Since when have you been afraid of the dark? This is Equestria, everything’s safe here. You’re gonna find your way outta here in no time, and then when you get back I’m gonna snuggle you so hard! Speed it up buddy!”
  204. > Smiling to yourself you walk faster, a new warmth in your chest driving your feet with determination to see her again.
  205. > Then you promptly trip and fall forward onto the stone floor.
  206. > You’re able to catch some of your weight with one arm but the rest of you slams your side into the ground.
  207. > Groaning in pain, you lay there for a minute to catch your breath. If this trend keeps up you’ll soon lose count of how many times you’ve hit the ground today.
  208. > As you push yourself back to your feet, you realize there’s something next to them that caused your fall.
  209. > After nudging the thing and not receiving a bite or sting in retaliation, you crouch down and grasp it.
  210. > A rough wooden texture topped with an oiled cloth makes your heart soar with hope.
  211. > Reaching into your pocket you fish out your knife, one of the few possessions that traveled with you when you found yourself in this new world.
  212. > With utmost care and measured slowness you gently remove the compartment with the magnesium block. If you were to drop this now you’d need to spend a long time scraping the ground to find it.
  213.  
  214. > Setting the torch onto the ground in front of you, you maneuver both hands to the cloth section.
  215. > Wary not to slice one of your fingers off, you position the block of flammable metal and the blade of your knife over the torch.
  216. > Using your mind to picture your hands and the blade, you bring the sharp edge in contact with the block and begin to meticulously scrape shavings onto the torch.
  217. > With no light to visualize how much magnesium you’ve cut, you estimate you’ve made enough after a few seconds.
  218. > Flipping the block around you feel the position of the iron rod and bring your blade to rest on it.
  219. > Now is the moment of truth.
  220. > Sharply driving the edge of blade down against the striker rod, you cause sparks to fly with each hit.
  221. > kritch, kritch, kritch, kritch…
  222. > With each brief illumination you are able to more accurately aim your sparks at the torch until…
  223. > Fwoosh!
  224. > The magnesium burns bright and short, but long enough to catch the torch alight.
  225. > As you blink away the white afterimage, that small spot of flame slowly spreads upward. You lift your new light source off the ground and stow away your pocketknife.
  226. > Squinting your eyes against the unfamiliar light yet eager to finally see your surroundings, you raise the torch and cast the illumination around yourself.
  227. > Your heart sinks.
  228. > Wherever you are, it’s somewhere totally unfamiliar.
  229. > You had visited Canterlot before and while this area could be a part of one of their castles, the construction was too foreign.
  230. > Though the architectural design was similar enough this place had been made with tenebrous stonework in place of the white marble and gold pillars.
  231. > The cold stone of the floor also composed the walls, everything a dark mottled grey. The ceiling was vaulted and so high you could not tell what it was made from though you assumed it was likely built from the same rock.
  232. > You could see only an inky pit of darkness far above your head.
  233. > Your field of view was quite limited almost as if the darkness around you was pushing in with all its weight to snuff out your torch, angry that you had dared to intrude.
  234. > You could feel the gravity of it burdening your soul, reminding you that you were alone.
  235. > From the curvature of the wall you guess that this room is indeed circular.
  236. > It must be some kind of entry hall for the floor you were on. With how dark everything was, you had to be underground.
  237. > How many times had you already circled this room? With no way to tell how large it was, you could have been moving forward fruitlessly for hours.
  238. > The strain of the situation was starting to get to you again but you had to press on, for her.
  239. > Now you had a light source! You think your torch should last an hour or two; you can’t let this opportunity go to waste so you gird yourself mentally as you press on.
  240. > The torch only allows you see a few yards ahead so you decide to stick to the walls instead of getting lost in the vast center of the room.
  241.  
  242. > From what you know about fire you feel that you should be seeing further, yet it seems like the darkness here has some kind of extra density or will to it.
  243. > You try not to dwell on what this might mean.
  244. > Following the wall you eventually come across an open archway, and luckily there’s a torch in one of the sconces.
  245. > Debating to take the spare or leave it, you decide to light it and swap them out so you can carry the fresh one while still marking where you’ve been.
  246. > Moving through the archway you find yourself in a hallway which, while grand by pony standards, feels claustrophobic with the ominously dense darkness.
  247. > As you’re walking you feel one of the stones underfoot give way and you’re suddenly falling again, the floor’s trap door closing up in your wake.
  248. > Hitting the ground again pushes the air out of your lungs and sends the torch out of your hand, tumbling across the floor.
  249. > Desperately you struggle to draw a breath as you crawl over to the torch.
  250. > You can’t let it get extinguished or you’ll never find it again.
  251. > Grasping the wooden haft and lifting it up off the floor you allow yourself to relax and focus on breathing.
  252. > There are traps in this place too, apparently. You make a mental note to look before you step.
  253. > As you get your bearings you notice the flame of the torch tends to flicker one way, and concentrating you can now feel a faint draft.
  254. > Your heart quickens with the allure of escape and so you gingerly make your way down this hallway nearly identical to the one you fell from, following the direction of the moving air.
  255. > This time you make sure to look carefully at the floor as you step, also glancing at the walls periodically to see if anything is out of place.
  256. > Reaching the end unscathed, you enter a new circular room and see a set of stairs that spiral up and into the darkness.
  257. > You begin your march up then stop, listening back the way you came.
  258. > Was it just your imagination? Your own footsteps echoing back at you?
  259. > Up until now you hadn’t even thought that you weren’t alone here.
  260. > Heart pounding in your ears, you hold your breath as you scan behind you.
  261. > Met with nothing and hearing no sound, you slowly resume your ascent.
  262. > Step after step you remain mindful of possible traps and keep listening for any out of place noises behind you.
  263. > On your way up you hit a loose stone with your foot, sending it tumbling over the edge of the stairs.
  264. > You keep totally still as you peer over the edge, listening and waiting. After the rock hits the floor, silence once again fills the air.
  265. > Hearing your own shaky breathing rouses you to move again, and after moving a bit higher up you can see a doorway at the top of the stairs.
  266. > There’s a wooden door here and after looking it over you push at it. It doesn’t move.
  267. > Pulling it toward you doesn’t budge it either, so you push more forcefully this time and see the frame scrape against the stone at the bottom.
  268.  
  269. > “Come on Anon put your back into it! You’re not gonna let some stupid door stop you huh? Now PUSH!”
  270. > Rainbow’s voice in your head fills your heart and you give a mighty heave, moving the door a few inches.
  271. > Breathing heavy, you step away and run at it with some momentum, pushing it open another few inches.
  272. > One last push sees the door swinging free of the stone arch, swinging out into another hallway.
  273. > This one has a surprise for you though.
  274. > Light!
  275. > Hardly able to contain your enthusiasm you rush over to the stained glass window.
  276. > Moonlight streams through an incredibly beautiful work of art depicting what looks to be Princess Luna flanked by her guards, but you’re not concerned with that right now.
  277. > You are more interested in the possible escape, so you ready yourself and wrap your fist in your jacket.
  278. > Winding up you throw your fist at the glass… only for it to rebound away and leave your hand aching from the impact.
  279. > This glass was some thick stuff apparently.
  280. > You spend the next few minutes hitting it with your fists, elbows, running at it with your whole bodyweight thrown into your shoulder.
  281. > Each time harmlessly glancing off the surface. Maybe it was enchanted to be extra durable?
  282. > Panting from exertion, you take some time to look out from the window and assess what lies beyond.
  283. > Through the textured and colored glass you can make out that you’re likely on the ground floor. There appears to be a bridge in the distance crossing over a chasm of fog, a dense forest on the far side.
  284. > As you’re trying to figure out where you might be, something chills you to your core.
  285. > A distant scream.
  286. > The high pitched, raspy wail almost sounds like a woman being brutally murdered. Yet this is different.
  287. > This shrill outcry is not one of terror, but one of dominance. You had heard something similar while camping on earth before, the sound of a mountain lion screaming after making a kill.
  288. > It feels like your blood has stopped moving.
  289. > Your heart struggles to keep pumping as the terror in your veins makes you feel like you’re skipping beats.
  290. > Even though you’ve never heard that scream before, it’s familiar to you.
  291. > Your heart knows who is making it.
  292. > Sure enough, you see a faint shape flying in the moonlight.
  293. > You get the feeling that it… no, she knows exactly where you are even though you can hardly see her through the glass.
  294. > The tingling in your spine is telling you to run but there’s a part of you that feels frozen, rooted to the ground where you stand.
  295. > With unnerving precision, she tucks her wings and dives in an arc right at the glass.
  296. > Stopping just before impact she hovers there, eyes locked onto you through the glass.
  297. > You can hardly think as you stand there transfixed on her body, terrified yet in awe.
  298. > Her rose irises seem to glow as they stare at your through the window.
  299. > In the back of your head you notice how beautiful she is, even while changed into this bat-like form.
  300.  
  301. > It’s an odd swirl of emotions you’ve never felt before. Your fear and adrenaline are mixing with the love you already have for her.
  302. > She slams her hooves into the glass causing you to jump, yet you’re still spellbound by her.
  303. > She pounds on the glass a few more times before giving out another blood-curdling shriek and flying straight up out of your view.
  304. > A sinking feeling materializes in the pit of your stomach, your body telling your brain that you are now being hunted.
  305. > Panicking, you scramble to decide where to go.
  306. > After running a short way in the direction you were going, you change your mind and backtrack.
  307. > You’re more familiar with the way you came from and you can probably hide under the stairs.
  308. > Throwing the heavy door closed takes all your might.
  309. > You race down the stairs as fast as you can go without tripping.
  310. > You can hear another ‘SCREEEEEEEE’ from above, the sound muted through that heavy door.
  311. > Is she already where you were moments ago? You’re running out of time to hide.
  312. > You keep pounding your feet on the stairs, desperate to get away.
  313. > Making it to the bottom of the stairs, you run up to the doorway you had previously come through and are about to rush through, but the loud thudding of a body against the door above makes you stop in your tracks.
  314. > Thinking quickly, you toss your torch into the sconce at the entrance to the corridor you originally came from and fumble your way under the staircase, just out of range of the light.
  315. > You crouch down, huddling away from the light as you focus all your willpower to steady your breathing.
  316. > There’s a moment of quiet, then a loud crash as the door is blown off its hinges above you.
  317. > The same door then crashes onto the floor right in front of you, making you jump.
  318. > You just barely manage to hold in your scream.
  319. > Another screech rings out above you as she dives down, bypassing the stairs to come to a hover in the middle of the room.
  320. > For a small moment, time slows. You see her there, the danger so close it makes your heart leap in your chest.
  321. > With another scream suddenly she’s speeding away down the passageway you’d marked with your torch.
  322. > Waiting for her powerful wing beats to fade away you continue to hold your breath as long as you can, exhaling once she’s been gone for a bit.
  323. > You may have given her the slip but you know she’ll be back soon, so you grab the torch again and look around the room, noticing another doorway.
  324. > Marching forward down this new hallway, you remind yourself to look for traps just a hair too late.
  325. > Looking down as your foot hits the oddly colored stone, you realize what’s about to happen and jerk to throw your body forward.
  326. > You hit the ground and look back – you’ve managed to avoid the trap of the wall swinging around as you faintly see another room beyond the spinning panel.
  327. > With a loud CRUNCH, the spinning comes to a halt.
  328. > That trap is now the least of your worries as you realize the gravity of your mistake.
  329.  
  330. > As if in reply to your thoughts, the scream of the vampire hunting you echoes from down the corridors.
  331. > Jumping up you start running for your life again, throwing caution to the wind as you barely have enough time to look for the next doorway, let alone any traps.
  332. > Running through door after door you only care about getting away from her and finding somewhere to possibly hide.
  333. > All while barely being able to see in front of you.
  334. > The sound of your heavy breathing fills your ears as you continue to run hysterically, feet pounding as you hold the torch above your head.
  335. > You know you can’t keep this up. She knows it too, her screeching sounding closer and closer each time.
  336. > “SCREEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA”
  337. > She collides with your back and there’s a sudden explosion of stabbing pain from your shoulder.
  338. > Her weight and the burning agony throw you off balance, sending the both of you tumbling.
  339. > You land on your arms and chest, but she stays latched onto your shoulder, sucking away as you hear her gulping down your blood.
  340. > Feeling sick and nauseous, your body hits you with another shot of adrenaline and you act.
  341. > Rolling over you lift up and down to drop your back onto her, and she detaches with a yelp.
  342. > You scramble over to your torch just in time to raise it in front of you, stopping her mid lunge as she hesitates from the fire.
  343. > Her eyes are pinpricks and she’s got blood all over her muzzle, your blood.
  344. > Licking her lips and gulping again, she watches you as you shakily rise to your feet and shuffle back.
  345. > She steps once toward you and you wave the torch, causing her to hiss and step back.
  346. > Despondently you look around for any options to get you out of this certain death situation.
  347. > There’s another hallway but you aren’t sure how long the fire will keep her at bay. It’s your only option so you back into it, continuing to hold her back with your outstretched torch.
  348. > She’s constantly testing that boundary, hissing gently as she trots and flits around closer.
  349. > You don’t let your eyes leave hers for a second.
  350. > *click*
  351. > Unfortunately, this has left you vulnerable to the other danger of this blasted castle.
  352. > Looking down to see your foot sinking into yet another fake stone, you look back up at Rainbow, who is crouching down ready to pounce.
  353. > You feel light, as though you’re about to pass out.
  354. > Wait, that’s not right, you literally feel lighter than before.
  355. > Your feet lift off of the ground underneath you as your world shifts and suddenly you’re falling upward.
  356. > Rainbow lunges at where you were, a little too late to catch you as you shoot into the opening in the ceiling. The trap door closes right behind you leaving a frustrated vampire pony screeching outside of it.
  357. > The reversed gravity continues to carry you upward way too fast for your liking.
  358. > You’re surprised your torch is still lit with the rushing wind, and even more surprised you kept your grip on it.
  359.  
  360. > Abruptly there is a shift to your momentum and you find yourself slowing down. Above you another door opens and you float through the opening.
  361. > The door closes behind you and abruptly cancels the gravity spell, letting you fall on your ass for the millionth time tonight.
  362. > You find yourself now at the top of the tallest spire of this castle.
  363. > There are no walls, just columns supporting the pointed roof above you. The moon aids your torch to illuminate your surroundings as the cold night air makes you shiver.
  364. > The frigid elevation is not the only cause for your shaking though.
  365. > You’ve been delivered right into your worst nightmare.
  366. > It’s a nest.
  367. > A vampire’s nest.
  368. > There’s an area of it clearly dedicated to past feeds, dark stains on the floor layered over each other.
  369. > Some desiccated… thing is there along with a few old bones.
  370. > Another wave of nausea hits you from the sight.
  371. > With your free hand you grasp onto your shoulder’s puncture wounds to stem the flow of blood running down your body and clothes.
  372. > The other holds up the torch painfully as you look away from the gruesome exhibit.
  373. > The other part of the nest is an old mattress with some arranged blankets atop it.
  374. > Next to the bed is… a Daring Do book?
  375. > If you had any doubts of whose lair this was, now you know for sure.
  376. > With no visible way down you are convinced you’re cornered.
  377. > There is nowhere to run now.
  378. > Making your way back to the trap door you look around for any switches or levers, finding nothing.
  379. > Despair and panic well up within you as you peek over the edge reassuring yourself that yes, you are trapped unless you feel like jumping to your death.
  380. > Even worse, you can see the harbinger of your death as she flies from out from one of the wings of the castle.
  381. > She’s looking around frantically and sniffing the air so you back away from the edge.
  382. > You briefly consider rubbing yourself in the bloodstains on the ground to cover your own scent but before you can act, she gives a victory screech.
  383. > She must have picked up your blood on the air.
  384. > Within seconds, she’s hovering just off the ledge.
  385. > Wearily you keep your torch held in front of you.
  386. > She lands on the ledge and slowly steps toward you, one hoof at a time.
  387. > You back up a bit as she keeps the pressure up.
  388. > Her movements seem more measured and relaxed now.
  389. > Her eyes are incredibly dilated as your blood drips off her fangs, her muzzle stained with it.
  390. > You wave the torch at her but this time she doesn’t react.
  391. > Instead she just smiles at you and opens her mouth.
  392. > You close your eyes in fear.
  393. > “Hey.”
  394. > Your eyes shoot open to see her still there, watching you with a tender look on her face.
  395. > “I’m sorry I hurt you.”
  396. > You’re too shocked to say anything.
  397. > “I was trying to work up the courage to tell you about this at the party, but then I got, uh, frenzied after you started bleeding.”
  398. > “I was hardly myself until just a bit ago, once I got some of your blood.”
  399.  
  400. > “I’ll explain the rest later but I need more BLOOD right NOW!”
  401. > Her voice got a bit out of control at the end of that sentence and she has to take a moment to get her composure back.
  402. > “Heh, um, sorry it’s really hard to control myself when I’m like this. I need to get a full meal so I can get control back.”
  403. > You’re obviously hesitant.
  404. > Before you can speak she reads your body language, and her face falls into sadness.
  405. > She’s… crying?
  406. > “Please Anon, I need to drink your blood or I’ll frenzy again and I’m afraid I’ll hurt you again and I don’t want- I can’t lose you. Please trust me!”
  407. > Her pleading eyes tear at your emotions.
  408. > Is this some kind of vampire trick for an easy meal?
  409. > She could obviously overpower you with the state you’re in.
  410. > You’re in no condition to fight her off and you have nowhere to run.
  411. > Maybe she’s being sincere.
  412. > You realize you’re already lowering the torch.
  413. > You breathe out, ready to accept your fate.
  414. > Even if you die here, you love her too much. You would do anything for this mare.
  415. > You would give her everything, including your own life if she needed it to live.
  416. “Ok Rainbow, I trust you. Please be gentle.”
  417. > You sit down and cautiously lower the torch onto the ground to your side, anticipating her to pounce on your neck and rip it apart.
  418. > She doesn’t move right away. Hesitantly, she trots over to your side before hugging you.
  419. > The gentle embrace of her leathery bat wings catches you off guard but from force of habit you’re already hugging her back.
  420. > She forces you to recline, laying your head down on the mattress gently.
  421. > “You’ll want to stay down for this. Oh right, let me fix this first.”
  422. > After giving your shoulder bite wound a few licks, you can’t feel the blood trickling there anymore.
  423. > She shudders at the tasty treat before moving on to the main course.
  424. > Settling at your side, she takes your arm in her forehooves and lays it on your lap.
  425. > She gives your arm a critical look before settling on a particularly large and juicy vein.
  426. > She brings her head down and bares her fangs.
  427. > You close your eyes but open them again when you feel her tongue gently licking at your arm.
  428. > The sight before you is somehow sensual, almost lewd.
  429. > It’s actually a view you’ve seen before, but with a different organ.
  430. > She’s licking along your arm, her cute little tongue rasping along your skin as she wets her intended puncture site.
  431. > All the while staring up at you with those lustful, hungry eyes.
  432. > She’s hot but at the same time loving.
  433. > With the foreplay(?) out of the way, she opens her mouth and rests her fangs along your vein.
  434. > She looks up at you and you nod, this time not caring to shield your vision from the show.
  435. > With compassionate tenderness, she squeezes her jaw down and drives her fangs into your skin just enough to pierce the vein.
  436. > There’s no pain this time. It appears she had purpose in slobbering all over your arm.
  437. > Just a sensation of pressure building, then release.
  438.  
  439. > It reminds you of that first bite into an apple when you pierce its skin.
  440. > Only this time you’re on the receiving end.
  441. > She brings her lips down to close around the wound and sucks.
  442. > It’s an odd sensation, a lot like donating blood but you can really feel it draining from you.
  443. > She moans out in pure pleasure, slightly muffled by your flesh.
  444. > Her face flushes red as she indulges in your sanguine gift.
  445. > It feels good to you for some reason too. There’s a physical pleasure attached which is odd, but even more blissful is the lifting of your soul.
  446. > It’s the same feeling you have when you give a present at Christmas time, though this is far more powerful.
  447. > Whether it’s because of the incredibly intimate nature of the gift, the weird magic of it all, or because of who you’re giving it too, you’re not really in a mood to care.
  448. > You just lay back and enjoy watching her drink your blood straight from you.
  449. > Your heart quickens with the nature of it all as if eager to provide for her.
  450. > Her tail swishes back and forth as she gulps down your vital fluid, eyelids fluttering in time with her moans.
  451. > This is quite possibly the most personal and loving thing you’ve done together.
  452. > She takes a few more draws from the elixir of your body, then darts her tongue out without removing her lips.
  453. > Firmly pressing down on each hole with her tongue, her special enzymes and the pressure quickly close off each wound.
  454. > Drawing away with one final gulp, she pants with a massive blush on her face.
  455. > You’re as flushed as she is, high on the unexpected thrill.
  456. > You find yourself… wanting more.
  457. > She reaches her face forward and you slightly tilt your head up to offer her your neck, but she goes for your lips instead.
  458. > You can taste a bit of your own blood as she kisses you hungrily, breathing heavy every time you break apart.
  459. > “Haaah haaa, mmmmm…”
  460. > “We’re, haaaa, we’re sharing breath Anon.”
  461. > You moan into her mouth as she pulls you back in for another hot kiss.
  462. > You can’t take it anymore.
  463. “Rainbow wait, stop.”
  464. > She pulls away, looking confused and a little hurt. You firmly grasp her by the cutie marks as you grind her into your lap, getting her to gasp lewdly.
  465. “Do you want more to drink? I want to give it to you.”
  466. > She looks at you in surprise, then her face falls into that classic bedroom look. Yet she still holds back, placing a hoof on your chest.
  467. > “Anon, I know it feels good, for both of us. I don’t want to take too much from you though, and I’ve drank enough for now ok?”
  468. “I can handle it Rainbow, I’ve got more blood than ponies do since I’m bigger. Take it from me.”
  469. > She’s now licking her lips and moaning with each exhale.
  470. > You’ve convinced her. This is your last chance to back out if you want to change your mind.
  471.  
  472.  
  473. > …………………..
  474. > …..“-eas wak-”…. “-ome on! You have to-”….
  475. > ………….
  476. > ….…you feel…..tired…….
  477. > …..someone is calling your name……
  478. > …the fog begins to retreat...
  479. > A great exhaustion weighs down your bones, but the thumping on your chest and the occasional jostling from someone shaking you is waking you up.
  480. > Your brain is telling your muscles to move but you really don’t want to.
  481. > Lethargically you move your head a bit but can’t bring yourself to even open your eyes.
  482. > You’d rather… go back to sleep…
  483. > “ANON!”
  484. > The sharp report of your name finally breaks through to your newly conscious mind and you scrape back control.
  485. > Cracking your eyelids open takes far too much effort but her familiar voice has sparked your fire again.
  486. > With all your effort you reach your arm out to her as your blurry vision begins to focus.
  487. > Her soft gasp seems to give you life as she rubs her neck into your palm and you can see the tracks her tears in the short hair on her cheeks.
  488. “Why are you crying Dashie?”
  489. > Your voice sounds like you’ve been in a drunken coma for a few days, and as soon as you start vocalizing you feel extremely thirsty.
  490. > She sniffles.
  491. > “Y-you weren’t waking up a-and I thought I hurt you and I’m such a terrible pony because I couldn’t control-”
  492. > You pet and scritch her neck as you hum to calm her.
  493. “Whatever happened Rainbow, it’s alright. I’m awake now aren’t I? You know it hurts me to see you sad.”
  494. > You open up your arms to her as she rubs the tears from her eyes.
  495. “Give me a hug and lets get you smiling again ok?”
  496. > Instead of jumping into your arms like she usually would, she reservedly embraces you.
  497. > In place of her typical loving squeeze is a timid caress, as if she is afraid to hurt you.
  498. > You end the hug, intending to look into her eyes to find what’s wrong.
  499. > As your lethargic eyes focus on her you notice her red face.
  500. > Not from a blush as usually appears when you are affectionate with each other.
  501. > There’s blood all over her mouth.
  502. > You feel a little shocked while your sluggish brain struggles to reconnect what you’re seeing to your memory.
  503. > She opens her mouth to speak and that’s when you see the wicked sharp points of her long fangs.
  504. > Those pure white knifepoints seem to glow in the moonlight.
  505. > Your body instinctively tenses with fear just before the hazy memories converge in the back of your mind.
  506. > Rainbow looks like she’s about to cry again, set off by your reaction to her appearance.
  507. “Hey, look at me Rainbow. I’m not afraid. You didn’t hurt me ok? I feel fine. You’re a good pony and I love you so please don’t be sad. Come here.”
  508. > You pull her back into the hug and squeeze her gently to show her your love.
  509. > As you hold her close you can feel her trembling. It’s clear she’s really upset that you could’ve been hurt.
  510. > You run your hand down her neck and back to calm her while you whisper how much you love her.
  511. > Continuing to speak sweet things to her as you rhythmically pet her is slowing her hitched breathing.
  512.  
  513. > She relaxes enough to wrap her wings around you in a pegasus style hug, though this time you’re embraced by leathery wings instead of feathered.
  514. > It’s a different sensation than you’ve come to expect but it’s not entirely unpleasant, though the claw tips at the top joint occasionally dig into your skin.
  515. > You lose track of time as you continue to support her emotionally through your touch and voice, sinking into the sensation of her warm body hugging yours.
  516. > She’s really snuggled into you now, rubbing her neck against yours to ensure every part of you is sharing in her embrace.
  517. > “I love you, Anon.”
  518. > Her voice tickles your ear.
  519. > You find yourself smiling like you haven’t got a care in the world, just like you do every time she tells you that.
  520. > Pulling away just enough to look into your eyes, she exhales and blinks away the last of her tears.
  521. > “Heheh, thanks. Didn’t mean to get all sappy back there.”
  522. > You give her a smooch on the cheek to which she blushes, prompting you to follow up with an eskimo kiss. This one leaves her stammering and lights her cheeks up even more.
  523. > You would sometimes lay the affection on a bit thick as a fun way of teasing her, but you always meant every bit of it.
  524. > If you weren’t careful though, sometimes you’d set her off and she would return the love tenfold.
  525. > Since you feel like you both should get back home you decide to cut her off before she really starts to kiss you back.
  526. “So, you’re a real vampire then huh? Does this mean I’m going to sprout fangs and batwings too?”
  527. > Her nose scrunches with a bit of indignation.
  528. > “It’s not like those silly campfire stories Anon! It’s not a curse, or a hex, or some other crazy explanation. It isn’t infectious either so you don’t have to worry.”
  529. “So it’s just more freaky Equestrian magic, got it.”
  530. > She blows a horsey snort of air in your face as she rolls her eyes.
  531. > “Not that either, and our magic isn’t freaky! It’s just genetics.”
  532. > Your raised eyebrow prompts her to explain further.
  533. > “Pegasi have a latent gene that gets activated sometimes, it originated when Nightmare Moon first came into power but stuck around even when she was banished.”
  534. “So then it’s /evil/ horse magic.”
  535. > “Anon I’m trying to be serious!”
  536. > Her glowing eyes meet yours for a few seconds.
  537. > “Though I guess you are right, sort of.”
  538. > She hangs her head down a bit.
  539. > “It’s definitely not just a spell that can be undone, believe me. I’ve asked Twilight and even Princess Luna herself.”
  540. > She looks back into your eyes as her voice wavers.
  541. > “Even though the transformation was initially done with dark magic for those pegasi loyal to Luna at the time and the spell was banished along with Nightmare Moon, they still had foals during her reign.”
  542. > She pauses to think over her words.
  543.  
  544. > “I suppose reign isn’t quite right, it was a period of war without much fighting. I think Princess Celestia tried negotiating for a while between skirmishes and the banishment came later. Anyway the point is there were a lot of pegasi houses and families loyal to Luna who continued to have children while under the effect of the spell.”
  545. > By now she’s started using her ‘coaching voice’ as you like to call it, though there’s also hints of ‘military officer.’ Something she’s picked up from her Wonderbolts exposure?
  546. > “Not all the foals sired during this time displayed the vampire bat traits, some had only normal bat characteristics and some had none at all, but the new genes were present in every Pegasus conceived during that time. The houses all re-integrated and those traits mostly disappeared, but they’ll show up from time to time.”
  547. > Her voice softens as the topic becomes personal again.
  548. > “Those of us unlucky enough to be vampires don’t always look like this. We can change shape when we want but we do have to get blood every so often – our bodies will encourage us to shift and seek out a meal. I went a bit crazy back there because I haven’t been able to feed for quite a while. Ever since, well…”
  549. > She takes a deep breath and exhales, looking right into your eyes.
  550. > “Ever since I met you. I wanted to tell you about this tonight at the party but seeing you bleed like that made me so hungry I couldn’t help myself. There’s a quirk that comes with being a vampire – once we are truly in love our bodies will only accept blood from the one we love. Nopony really knows exactly why or how.”
  551. > You hold your tongue, but what you want to say is written on your face.
  552. > She gives you a pointed look, then lets out a mildly exasperated sigh.
  553. > “Yeah, that part of it probably is ‘weird horse magic.’
  554. > You boop her nose in victory but quickly give her a genuine hug to support her. Opening up emotionally isn’t something she does lightly, especially with such an intimate subject.
  555. “I don’t think you’re weird.”
  556. > She rolls her eyes.
  557. > “Gee Anon, nice compliment you egghead!”
  558. > It’s your turn to scrunch your face with playful indignation.
  559. “I wasn’t done yet! Now that I’m not running in terror, it’s honestly kind of cool. Who else can say they have a vampire marefriend? A special mare who’s so in love with me they need my blood to survive?”
  560. > Your words, though spoken jovially, sober your mood.
  561. “This is a pretty big deal isn’t it Rainbow? Sort of like… marriage?”
  562. > Dropping the ‘M-word’ has her blushing furiously but she stoically meets your eyes and nods.
  563. > There’s a part of your mind which insists this needs more consideration, that you should pump the brakes and back out of the relationship to consider what’s being proposed.
  564.  
  565. > These intrusive thoughts exist for a mere moment before you dismiss them. You know deep down there is nothing to worry about. This fantastic, beautiful, confident mare who loves you with her whole being is the same mare who defines loyalty for her nation. She’s inspired you to be your best self, always cheering you on and happy to see you succeed. Whenever you look at her your heart swells with love and admiration.
  566. > You break out of your inner monologue to find yourself smiling. Why wouldn’t you be? After all, you’ve got the best mare in the world by your side.
  567. “Of course I’m yours Dash. I will love you forever. You ar-”
  568. > You’re cut off by her lunging forward with happy tears in her eyes, squeezing you tight in a true Rainbow hug.
  569. > You just stroke her hair for a bit as rubs her cheek into your chest, once again relaxing into the intimate closeness.
  570. > She pulls away a bit to look up at you and just smiles, blinking her tears away.
  571. “Some blood donations aren’t gonna scare me away. It was actually, uh, kind of hot. Surprisingly.”
  572. > She giggles with her cute voice at this as she blushes, thinking back to your heated fluid exchange.
  573. > “It was pretty exciting for me too. Until you passed out on me!”
  574. > She thumps your chest with her hooves, scowling cutely.
  575. > “Don’t do that again alright? I don’t want you to get hurt.”
  576. “Hey that wasn’t my fault, you greedy bloodsucker. Well okay, it sort of was.”
  577. > “I won’t drink so much next time and you’ll be more honest about what you can handle, alright hotshot?”
  578. > You concede, both laughing at the banter.
  579. > She stands up and with the sudden removal of her body heat and soft coat you’re left shivering slightly in the nighttime air.
  580. “Alright, we should probably head back. I hope the others aren’t too worried. You think Twilight knows where she sent me?”
  581. > You move to stand up…
  582. > Promptly losing your sense of balance you quickly sit back down.
  583. > The world is spinning as you try to catch your breath.
  584. > Your heart is hammering in your ears, but thankfully this sensation retreats relatively fast.
  585. > Waving off Rainbow’s concern, you steel yourself to try again but her hoof keeps you sitting.
  586. > “Take it easy big guy, you’re not gonna be at a hundred percent for a while alright? Let me get you to some lower altitude first. I’m going to get you back home safe.”
  587. > You give her a tired nod and she hooks her legs under your armpits.
  588. > With a few mighty flaps of her leathered wings you’re airborne and she’s gliding the both of you off the tower.
  589. > It’s actually a lovely view, though the dark moonlit castle is still eerie and ominous. Your time spent inside may leave you with nightmares.
  590. > Within a short time your ride is over, Dash flapping to slow your descent and gently set you down on your wobbly legs.
  591. > Eyeing the old wooden bridge with trepidation, you opt to lean your hip against her barrel and place a hand on her back.
  592.  
  593. > She wraps her wing around your lower back and pushes into you slightly to support you, matching her trots with your unsure steps.
  594. > She doesn’t need to say anything; you know she’s not going to let anything happen to you.
  595. > Just focus on the plank in front of you, one at a time. Just don’t look over the side…
  596. > “Easy there Anon, I’ve got you.”
  597. > Losing that blood seems to have done a number on you. Normally you’re not this scared of heights, not this shaky.
  598. > For some time the quiet night air is only broken by the creaking of the aged wood underfoot and your quickened breaths.
  599. > “Y’know Anon, I’m actually the one who fixed this bridge! You’ve got nothing to worry about.”
  600. > You just nod and focus on keeping your balance.
  601. > The fog underneath the bridge swirls and roils noiselessly in a rendition of the River Styx.
  602. > It’s hypnotic but not as entrancing as the mare by your side who keeps you focused with a tug of her wing.
  603. > In relatively short order you’re across, thankful to have your feet on solid ground again. You still feel ‘off’ though you’re not exactly sure how.
  604. > You don’t let go of Rainbow and she makes no move to push you away, content to support you as you both head down the path back into the forest.
  605. > The forest is almost supernaturally dark so you trust Rainbow’s enhanced vampire eyes to guide you.
  606. > The gentle forest sounds of frogs and crickets work to put you at ease and you’re reminded of camping back home. Through it all your ears can pick out the soft, determined breathing of your mare as she shepherds you across the dark loam.
  607. > After a few minutes of walking the canopy opens up to let the moonlight in, however the illumination does not penetrate past the edges of the trail.
  608. > Being able to see again if only for a short distance relaxes you.
  609. “I bet you could give Twilight a run for her money with that egghead history lecture you gave back there, instructor Dash.”
  610. > Her ears which had been previously swiveling to focus on various forest sounds flatten to the side as she shakes her head. You imagine she’s rolling her eyes.
  611. > “Yeah, yeah sure Anon, you let me know when you can make ancient history sound as cool as one of my airshows. Not even I can do that.”
  612. “I’ll have you know history can be very exciting! We had a whole TV channel devoted to that back home, but that kind of got ruined after a while.”
  613. > “Mhmmm.”
  614. > She doesn’t sound too convinced.
  615. “For what it’s worth Dashie, you did make it interesting. I don’t know if it’s because you’re the one telling the stories or because you’re the subject matter, but you always manage to fascinate me.”
  616. > You can hardly see it, but you know she’s blushing at the compliment.
  617. > “T-thanks! I am pretty incredible aren’t I?”
  618. “You’re the best for a reason Dash and I won’t let you forget it.”
  619. > Her ears twitch fitfully as her blush deepens and she hugs her wing tighter around you.
  620.  
  621. > Some ponies think she has an ego problem but you don’t see it that way. She has every right to be proud of herself – she’s earned it.
  622. > Even if she gets a bit too cocky you can’t help yourself from supporting her. You’ve seen her rare vulnerable side from the few times she’s opened up to you and you can’t envision yourself being anywhere but by her side.
  623. > You’re proud to call this mare yours and be hers in return.
  624. > A tug from her wing as she stops moving pulls you out of your ruminating mind.
  625. > Her ears are pointed to the side toward the dense forest. As she swivels her head that way you follow suit, though you can see nothing but darkness and twisted shapes from the overhanging branches.
  626. > The only sounds you hear are your breaths and hers. Noticing the sudden lack of ambient noise puts you on edge.
  627. > Rainbow’s enhanced senses must’ve picked up a threat before you could because before you know it she’s pushed you back and out of the way of some incoming danger.
  628. > Right as you fall on the trail behind you, you hear the drumbeat of footfalls approaching through the forest on the left.
  629. > A crashing noise and splintering branches announce the arrival of an enormous lion, screeching as it jumps with claws outstretched to tear at Rainbow.
  630. > She was ready for it - faster than your impaired brain can process she’s already turned away from the leaping cat and cocked her rear legs.
  631. > A meaty thump and a hard crack echo out into the night as her rear hooves fly out faster than you’ve ever seen before, impacting the animal in the face.
  632. > You watch with your jaw hanging open as the blow sends the monster airborne, sailing about fifteen feet back into the trees.
  633. > For a moment there is silence again, then chaos.
  634. > The beast roars out in pain and frustration as it crashes back through the forest again, though this time it has entered onto the path just behind you.
  635. > Though it’s clearly dazed from the concussion it takes notice of the more vulnerable prey and lunges for you. Your adrenal glands kick in and prompt you to roll out of the way.
  636. > Unfortunately you reacted too late.
  637. > Searing pain lances up your thigh as the creature manages to rip one of its claws across you.
  638. > You can’t help screaming. Your injury protests as you try to scramble away.
  639. > It’s now throwing its scorpion tail down into the ground around you, trying to finish the job.
  640. > The pointed tip of it glints in the moonlight as it sails down at you haphazardly, throwing dirt into the air each time it rears back for another strike.
  641. > A rainbow-colored blur impacts the side of the animal and you hear it bellow in pain.
  642. > She’s got it pinned on the ground and has bitten into it several times, finally shoving it away again with an otherworldly vampiric scream.
  643. > With this display of force the creature runs away into the trees, no longer interested in fighting for territory or food.
  644.  
  645. > Rainbow is panting as she spits out the blood from her fresh bites while you stare at your wound in shock.
  646. > It all happened so fast.
  647. > Your hands are shaking too much to be an effective seal and you feel weak, unable to keep enough pressure with your arms to prevent your blood from seeping out of your body.
  648. > Your vision is swimming and an odd feeling fills your head, as though there is a vacuum inside. You feel nauseous.
  649. > For some reason you are hyper-focused on the warm slickness running through your fingers. Your whole leg is throbbing with pain and your ears are ringing. In the back of your mind you’re dimly aware of Rainbow trotting closer.
  650. > “Anon? Hayfeathers! You’re hurt! Anon listen to me. Focus! Move your hands away so I can stop the bleeding.”
  651. > She puts her hooves on your arms and you sluggishly nod, letting her push them out of the way.
  652. > Now you’re getting a good look at the gash in your thigh as the dark blood flows out fast. It’s a pretty nasty cut but not so deep that it is spurting blood.
  653. > Rainbow bends her neck down to it and begins to lick. Her saliva runs freely as she laps up the blood while taking care to lick along the edges of the wound while pressing them together.
  654. > Like a coagulant superglue, her saliva stops the bleeding and adheres your skin back together.
  655. > Very quickly you’re looking at a thin red line where your skin was previously gushing blood.
  656. > Rainbow leans back with a look of concentration on her face, then bares her fangs to gently puncture the skin next to the wound.
  657. > Soon you feel a numb tingling radiate out from where she’s biting you and your pain slowly retreats.
  658. > You feel yourself relax a bit, breathing out a sigh of relief as her analgesic pours into your body.
  659. > Rainbow pulls her fangs from you and lovingly licks the punctures, her orange tongue darting out between her sharp teeth to tickle your skin.
  660. > She turns her head up to look you in the eyes with determination.
  661. > “I’m not gonna let anything else happen to you!”
  662. > Her voice cracks cutely with the force she puts into her proclamation, making you chuckle in spite of your battered state.
  663. “You’re such a lovebird.”
  664. > Her cheeks redden and puff up from your cutesy nickname.
  665. > You move your hand up to rub her ear, but it’s shaking too much. Your vision wavers and your head feels heavy.
  666. > It’s getting difficult to hold your head up and your eyelids keep closing on their own, like you’ve been awake too long.
  667. > You feel drained, empty.
  668. > Two hooves hold onto the sides of your head, steadying your vision to meet her eyes. The polished glass feel of her hard nail and her soft frogs press into your temples as she rouses you from your exhaustion.
  669. > “Hey, don’t pass out on me again now! I promised I was gonna get you home in one piece and I never break a promise.
  670. > You sleepily nod your head in her hooves and yawn.
  671. > “Can you walk?”
  672. > She’s now behind you, pushing her head into your lower back to get you to stand.
  673.  
  674. > The uncomfortable prodding wakes you up a bit and you sluggishly rise to your feet. You’re a bit wobbly but otherwise fine.
  675. > Another poke from her hoof starts you walking forward. You almost feel drunk but you think you can do this.
  676. > You make it about 10 steps before your vision wavers.
  677. > As you stumble down Rainbow is there, catching your weight with her back and her plush rump.
  678. > Her soft and squishy butt feels really nice against your chest and you instinctively lower your face to it, rubbing your cheek against her lower cheek as if it’s your favorite pillow.
  679. > You wrap your arms around her hind legs which makes her let out a surprised whinny, then she snorts a puff of air from her nostrils as she glares back at you.
  680. > “Anon! Cut it out! This is no time to be getting all… grabby with those hands of yours. Hey!!”
  681. > You now have one of her teats in each hand. Those warm spheres are such fun to play with and you find yourself squeezing and kneading them. Once you start rubbing her nipples between your fingers she flares her wings out and bucks her flank up, tossing you onto your back.
  682. > As you sit back up you see Rainbow glaring at you with a red face. It’s hard to focus on her with your world spinning like you’re drunk, but you still manage to giggle at the blush that nearly has steam coming from her ears.
  683. > “Stop laughing! I know they’re not as nice as other mares but you don’t have to rub it in.”
  684. > She’s frowning adorably as she grumbles.
  685. “You’re so cute when you’re mad.”
  686. > That made her really scrunch her nose.
  687. > “You know I like your teats Dashie. They’re really soft and pretty, and the perfect size for me.”
  688. > She can’t handle your forwardness so she turns away from you, stammering.
  689. > “W-well ok I guess I can f-forgive you, since you l-like them so much! Now hurry up and get over here so you can r-ride me.”
  690. > A moment of silence passes as you stare at her. She looks back with panicked eyes.
  691. > “N-not like that you horny stallion! I need to carry you since you can’t walk! STOP LAUGHING! Ugh.”
  692. > She rolls her eyes at your antics and trots over to you, pushing you up and getting you to sit on her back. She’s just big enough to keep your feet off the ground and so you lean forward, wrapping your arms around her strong neck and placing your face into her mane.
  693. > In your stupor you have no filter at all and take a big whiff of her sweet smelling mane.
  694. > Her pure scent instantly triggers nostalgia for you. Pleasant memories of time spent with her overlay atop some of your treasured experiences back on earth.
  695. > Images of mountain forests in fresh rain play across your mind, endorphins releasing among the recollection of comfortable times spent with family and friends hiking and camping out in nature.
  696. > The almost citrusy scent of pines and juniper mingle with the indescribably subtle scent of wind, snow, and fresh rain.
  697.  
  698. > Under it all a hint of ozone and delightfully spicy mare sweat tickles your nose and tells you this is definitely your marefriend Rainbow Dash.
  699. > You realize she’s stopped trotting and open your eyes to see her looking back at you with a confused, slightly peeved expression.
  700. > “Were you just… sniffing me?
  701. “You smell nice.”
  702. > Apparently you have no filter when you’re impaired like this.
  703. > “What.”
  704. > Oh. She’s staring at you. How long has she been waiting for more information?
  705. “You’ve always smelled really good.”
  706. > That should do it! You smile and nod to finish your explanation.
  707. > She just raises one eyebrow at you.
  708. > Alright Anon time to use your words.
  709. “Everything about you is amazing Rainbow, but your scent is freedom. It reminds me of the time I would spend in nature exploring, discovering the world and sharing that with the family I loved dearly.”
  710. “Now it’s the same, even though I don’t have them anymore. I have you! Experiencing a whole new world was pretty great, but I can’t imagine doing it anymore without you by my side. I know it would just be empty.”
  711. “People used to tell me a relationship with a beautiful woman would just tie me down, get in the way of doing the things I loved. Maybe that’s true for some, but now? Now I know for sure I would rather share all those things with you. You are my freedom.”
  712. > That’s odd, your cheeks are wet for some reason.
  713. > Rainbow looks touched, tears brimming on the edges of her beautiful eyes.
  714. > Oh. That’s what those are.
  715. > You’re crying too.
  716. > You realize you’ve been missing home. There’s a hole in your heart for your family. Yet everything you just said echoes truth in your mind.
  717. > You know you meant every word.
  718. > You let your held breath out and all that deep-seated emotional turmoil flows away with it.
  719. > You may not have been able to say a proper goodbye, but you loved them and they knew it, loving you back.
  720. > Your heart has found in Rainbow a perfect reflection of your love.
  721. > You won’t ever stop loving your family but you feel ready now. Ready to commit all you have to your new life, to her.
  722. > It’s not so much letting go of them, more that you’re bringing them with you. You know they would be proud.
  723. > The tears won’t stop flowing but Rainbow’s got you. At some point she lowered you to the ground and wrapped you in another tender hug.
  724. > “You really miss them don’t you?”
  725. > You can’t do much else besides nod into her neck as the grief flows away in your tears.
  726. > Like Dash, you don’t often bare your feelings. For her sake though you’ll get better at it.
  727. > She’s already done the same for you.
  728. > After a few minutes of her petting your back and rubbing her neck against you, the tears subside.
  729. > The weight you didn’t realize you’d been carrying in your soul has been lifted, carried away by your angel with blue wings.
  730. > Pulling your head back, you look into her eyes. Still as beautiful as ever, even with slit pupils.
  731.  
  732. > Her rose irises glow as they catch the moonlight. She’s revealed herself to you, full of trust and love.
  733. “Thank you Dash.”
  734. > Nothing more needs to be said. You both close your eyes and lean in, foreheads touching as you release your hug.
  735. > She stands to her hooves and nods toward her back.
  736. > Carefully reaching over her barrel to not hurt her wings you pull yourself atop her.
  737. > You’re riding her again, bareback.
  738. > Giggling a bit to yourself, you wrap your arms around her chest and lean forward to rest your head on her neck.
  739. > She’s not as big as an earth horse but you’re a perfect fit to ride on her back. It’s more comfortable than you thought it would be.
  740. > Rainbow dutifully sets off to carry you back to Ponyville. Her enhanced vampire batpony form handles your weight with ease.
  741. > The rhythmic bouncing of her body under you works to relax you along with the steady clip clop of her hooves.
  742. > You can feel her muscles working as she walks. The movement and warmth of her is greatly comforting.
  743. > You close your eyes as you breathe in deeply from her mane.
  744. > Despite everything, you know you’re safe with her. You could almost fall asleep.
  745. > The general pain returning to your body and the cold night air keeps you from it though.
  746. > Probably for the best, you’re a bit afraid to die in your sleep from blood loss.
  747. > Another silly idea crosses your mind and without a second thought you decide to try it.
  748. > You subtly squeeze her side with your right leg and watch as she starts to trot a bit more to the left.
  749. > As you release the pressure she resumes her canter straight ahead, then she drifts to the right as you repeat the action with your left leg.
  750. > You giggle to yourself as you keep guiding her left and right until her voice breaks the silence.
  751. > “Um… why are you laughing?”
  752. > Apparently she’s been more focused on her surroundings and carrying you than which part of the path she’s trotting on.
  753. “Watch where you’re going Rainbow.”
  754. > “Huh? I don’t…”
  755. > You slowly guide her all the way from the right side of the road to the left.
  756. > “How did you do that?”
  757. > A more insistent pressure from your left leg makes her sharply turn back to the right.
  758. > “Oh. This feels a bit weird… but it’s kinda cool.”
  759. “Cool?”
  760. > “Yeah actually! It’s like we’re a team. I can focus on other stuff and you decide where we go. I bet flying would be really fun like this!”
  761. > As always her enthusiasm for life warms your heart.
  762. > You tighten your hug around her neck as you rub your hands through her fluffy chest.
  763. “We’ll have to go riding more then. It’s pretty nice for me too, I feel so close to you.”
  764. > She flicks her ears a bit as she hears your smile in your words.
  765. > You lay your head back down on her neck and relax, losing track of time to her hoof beats.
  766. > Just as you’re closing your eyes again, lively notes reach your ears. The strings of a fiddle and banjo mix with the cheering of foals.
  767. > You raise your head up and rest it atop Rainbow’s mane.
  768.  
  769. > The sight of Ponyville in full swing of Nightmare Night festivities greets you.
  770. > “Still holding up, right Anon?”
  771. > You give Rainbow a kiss behind her ear.
  772. “All thanks to you, Dashie. We’d better find your friends.”
  773. > “What? We need to get you to the hospital!”
  774. “I don’t think that’s a great idea Dash. Twilight probably has some magic that can help me. I don’t want you to get caught because you’ve got my blood all over your face.”
  775. > She rubs her muzzle with a hoof, grimacing at the feeling of dried blood.
  776. > “Ok I guess you’re right.”
  777. > Rainbow sets off toward the library. After a few feet however, she stops in her tracks.
  778. > She whips her head to the left just as you hear the chime of magic.
  779. > Suddenly you’re airborne, floating above Rainbow as a lasso wraps around her.
  780. > Applejack and Twilight gallop toward you from down the street followed by the rest of Rainbow’s friends, all wearing their Elements of Harmony.
  781. > Rainbow puts up no fight even as Applejack tugs her to the ground, while Twilight calls out to you both.
  782. > “Anon! Rainbow! Oh my gosh are you alright?”
  783. “I’ve been better, but I’m alive.”
  784. > Twilight lowers you to the ground while Applejack rushes to your side
  785. > She looks quite upset with her Rainbow.
  786. > “Consarn it Dash, I told you to fess up before somethin’ happened and now look! You darn near sucked him dry!”
  787. > Rainbow lowers her ears with some shame over what she did to you, but you speak up.
  788. “It’s ok Applejack, I think everything worked out. I just need to rest.”
  789. > You lean in close to whisper in her ear.
  790. “I also need your advice later for the best way to propose to a mare.”
  791. > Applejack stares at you with her jaw open, glancing back at Dash a few times.
  792. > Then she chuckles.
  793. > “Heheh, you sure know how to pick ‘em, huh RD?”
  794. > Applejack trots over to help RD out of the rope, seeing she’s not a threat anymore.
  795. > Twilight speaks up.
  796. > “Anon, you can stay in the library tonight. I’ll mix a potion that should work for a human so you can get your strength back.”
  797. > The rest of the girls give you and Rainbow a hug before deciding to head home, clearly tired from running around looking for the two of you.
  798. > With a hum, Twilight’s horn flashes and the three of you find yourselves on one of the upper floors of her home.
  799. > The guest bed looks incredibly inviting, but it’s missing somepony.
  800. > You reach an arm around Rainbow and stumble to the bed, dragging her down as you collapse on top of the fluffy mattress.
  801. > Twilight giggles softly as she turns out the lights.
  802. > “I’ll check on you two later to make sure you’re ok. Try to get some sleep.”
  803. > Twilight trots away, her hooves clip-clopping on the wood floor.
  804. > Rainbow hugs her legs and wings around you as you yawn and wrap your arm around her.
  805. > You turn to her and can’t help yourself from jumping a little at her glowing eyes in the darkness.
  806. > Your body might always have a bit of instinctual fear of her vampire self, but your mind is used to it.
  807. > It is pretty cool.
  808.  
  809. > She smiles at you, those white fangs of hers still catching every bit of light to shine in the dark.
  810. > “I’m never letting you go Anon.”
  811. > Maybe being a vampire makes her more possessive since you’re her source of blood now, but you don’t mind at all.
  812. > You kiss her, and she kisses you back. The taste of your own blood is a bit off-putting but her taste draws most of your attention.
  813. “Goodnight, my little vampire.”
  814. > She giggles at that, closing her eyes and smiling as she snuggles her head into your neck.
  815. > Her ear is right next to your pulse. Maybe it’s comforting to her?
  816. > “Goodnight, my little snack.”
  817. > You laugh as you start to pet her mane and back.
  818. “I love you Rainbow.”
  819. > She sighs contentedly as you both quickly sink into sleep, exhausted and hopeful for your future together.

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