Me and Cloud Streak leaned on each other as we limped to our section of the Reaper Knight wing. Each new step it was becoming more and more difficult. Even my vision was seemly strained as it keep fading in and out. With what little observation abilities I still possessed, I noticed that Cloud Streak was not fairing any better either.

We continued our grueling limp until we got to the end of the hall and reached my room door. I did not have the mental strength to open the seal so I merely knocked. When no response came I groaned and said in a ragged voice, “Twilight…are you…there?”

However again, no response came and at this point my lack of blood caught up with me. I soon stumbled sideways before my vision blurred and I lost consciousness.

I do not know how long I was unconscious, but my hearing was the first sense to wake up. It was a bit muffled at first, but I eventually heard a voice state, “Oh my gosh what happened?!”

Another voice soon responded, “It appears as if something had attacked and drained them. Princess Twilight, I will check Cloud Streak. Please see if you can revive the captain.”

I then felt my mouth partially open before I heard somepony suck in a quick breath. Only a second passed before a familiar and rather delightful taste dripped into my mouth. I was about to enjoy more of it until I realized that I could not let this happen. We needed Twilight to be strong enough for teleportation. So with a groan I leaned up and licked her leg, healing her wound.

“Please Blood Moon, take what you need,” I heard Twilight say softly.

I coughed a few times before I replied, “I cannot…do that. You need your strength…for we need…your help.”

“What happened? What do you need me to do?” she responded in a worried tone.

“No time…to explain. Please teleport us…into the forest…outside the palace,” I said in between labored breaths as I opened my blurry eyes.

She looked taken back at my statement. “Are you sure? I thought you hated portal magic,” she said as her worried tone continued to worsen. I merely nodded in reply before she added “Okay, if you say so. Spike please stay here. We’ll be back in a bit.”

“Aww can’t I come too?” Spike groaned.

“No Spike, It’ll be too dangerous and…well…we umm,’ Twilight started to state, but fumbled on the last words.

“Cooome on! I keep getting left out of everything! I didn't even get to do any sparring either!” Spike protested.

His statement struck a nerve in my mind as guilt washed over me. He was ultimately right. I completely neglected to give Spike a chance to show his mettle. In my thoughtlessness he did not even get to spar. Even other times he very well may have gotten overlooked, if unintentionally.

Before Twilight could respond I stated in a ragged voice, “Twilight…let him go with. He will find out…what we…truly are...sooner…or later.”

Twilight was about to say something, but stopped, frowned and then nodded. So without another word she charged her horn shortly before I blacked out again.

After another unknown period of unconsciousness, I woke up to somepony tapping the side of my face. However, I was soon displeased when I heard Spike state, “Why'd he shriek like a filly?”

“He really doesn't like portal magic. It’s a long story. Come on Blood Moon, wake up. Oooh please wake up. We’re in the forest like you asked,” Twilight replied sounding even more worried than before with a hint of panic.

I opened my eyes and grumbled as I stood up. I then shut down my suppression field in a nearly futile attempt at balance. It did however seem to aid the cool night air to strengthen me physically. My mind on the other hoof was too far gone to properly form thoughts. What I did know was that it abundantly clear that I needed to feed and soon. If I did not, I was either likely to perish or worse slip into a mindless blood rage. The latter of the two would put everypony present at risk.

So with what little mental fortitude I had remaining I stated, “Thank you…Twilight. We need to…find…something to…MOOSE!” The last word of course came when I realized something wonderful was relatively close. It appeared that in my extreme hunger, my senses reached out until they located a walking feast.

I believe that Twilight may have said something, but in my current state, it was almost completely ignored. My mind was focused on one thing and one thing only, the beating heart of the unlucky beast in front of me. What I did notice was that Cloud Streak was standing next to me staring in the direction I was facing. My body only allowed me a moment’s look to notice her mouth was half open and heavily salivating. It apparently seemed to match my own.

Without any further delay I took to the forest honing in on my prey. Its heartbeat was trumping in my ears and I could smell its scent the closer we got. When we finally located the creature I pulled myself back as much as I could. It was blatantly evident that this was a bull moose. If I were to rush it, it very well would try to summon assistance or violently lash out at us. Either way could be disastrous.

So after a bit of mental coaxing I managed to calm my body down enough to try a stealth method instead. I clenched my teeth in strain as my very being started to fight me as I lowered myself to the ground. Then I used slow and even steps to circle the large creature while it fed on vegetation.

With no small amount of luck I managed to get myself into position undetected. I then sprang out of the forest bushes at full speed. The creature started to rear its head up in alarm, but it was too late. I had just spun on my forelegs, pulled in my hind legs , and kicked as hard as I could. The force of the impact hit the poor beast directly in the throat, crushing its larynx.

The creature choked out a strangled grunt as it retaliated. Its antlers swung back and forth, missing me by only a few centimeters. It was then Cloud Streak's turn as she dove from the bushes. I saw her lunge at the creature’s right hind leg with her mouth wide open. In a quick movement she bit down. The successful attack hamstrung it before she jumped away.

The beast gurgled in pain as it fumbled its last antler swing at me. However, before it was able to recover a pony, who I believe was Night Star, jumped out the forest with throwing knives in hoof and hamstrung the other hind leg. In another groan of pain the beast tripped and fell forward. It was then I could no longer hold my urges at bay. I dove on its back, reared up, and slammed my forehooves into the back of its head.

The impact met its mark, but the beast struggled still. So with my burning hunger fully controlling my actions, I reared up and slammed my forehooves in a second, a third and then finally a fourth time. With only one last groan the beast fell unconscious on its side. I then jumped off the creature’s back and bared my fangs. I had no more will to hold myself back any longer as got in close and bit down on the moose’s neck.

Blood spilled into my mouth as I greedily swallowed two large mouthfuls. However, I sensed the others were waiting for some reason. So I pulled away for only a few seconds to say, “Please…feed with me,” before biting down again. This was all that seemed to be required as felt the others bite down in their own spots.

So we fed and fed on the delicious blood for several minutes. None of us spoke a single word. All that could be heard was the four of us sating our own hungers. It was pleasing in an strange way to have us all part of this. Perhaps it was the full moon or perhaps it was just merely primal satisfaction.

After I had finally fulfilled my raging hunger, I pulled my fangs out of the moose. It felt so good to be able to think clearly again. It also did not take long before I started form a few plans in my mind. We were not the only ones in need of a meal. Gray Mane, Shadow Dancer, and Tactics were no doubt famished as well.

My thoughts continued until I realized that I had completely forgotten about Spike. I swallowed uneasily as I searched around and located him. To my surprise he was not distraught or even shocked in the slightest. I realized the way he seemed was quite different than what I was imagining. What was more curious was that he did not look at me at all as I approached him. His vision was fixed entirely on the now expired moose.

After analyzing him and the moose for a few seconds, a realization dawned on me. I have seen that look numerous times on several others. However, I was not completely sure in my assessment so I decided to investigate. I wiped off some of the blood off of my face onto my left forehoof. I then leaned closer to Spike and blew the scent of the blood in front of his face.

In response he half opened his mouth to breath in the scent. The result ended up exactly as I thought it would be. He was hungry and the moose enticed him. In all honesty I was not that surprised as dragons are well known to consume meat among other things. However, I was just not sure if he had done so before or how Twilight would react, but one step at a time.

In turn, I wore a sly grin as I leaned closer to him and whispered, “Are you hungry Spike?”

He responded with a vacant and low toned, “Yes.”

It was well apparent he was in some sort of trance like state. So I decided to push my luck at digging up information. So I continued wearing my sly grin as I stated, “Would you like to dine on some of the moose?”

Again he responded with a semi-vacant growl, “Yes...Spike...want.”

My inquiry seemed to be paying off so I continued, “When was the last time you have consumed meat?”

He replied in his growling voice, “Two days ago,” right before his trance broke and he looked at me in terror. “Ooooh please please please don’t tell Twilight. I've been getting these urges for a while I-” he started to plead before he got interrupted by Twilight

“Don’t tell me what Spike?” she said as she walked up with a confused look on her face.

Spike just stood there shaking and kept looking back and forth from me to Twilight. I felt bad to be honest to put him in such a position. It was not my intention to have her overhear our conversation. It probably would have been better to ease her into the idea of Spike’s little appetite. However, it appeared to be much too late for that plan now. So due to my horrid ability at deception, I decided to just tell the truth.

“You…need to feed your dragon, Twilight,” I said with a slight smile.

“Oh Spike, we’ll be back at the palace soon. I bet there are some nice gemstones with your name all over them,” she said and giggled a bit.

I rubbed the back of my head with my left forehoof and said, “Yes…you see…I somehow do not believe that is what he wishes to consume.”

Twilight tilted her head, looked at me with a confused look, and inquired, “Hmm? What do you mean?”

“I umm…well some of that moose certainly could be a delightful meal,” I said desperately trying to find the right words.

“Haaa haaa very funny Blood Moon. He doesn't eat that stuff right Spike?” she said in a matter of fact tone of voice and laughed a little until Spike did not respond. Her laughter soon took on a nervous hint as she restated, “Right…Spike?” Again he did not respond. He just looked at her as his eyes began to tear up. She frowned and said, “Oooh Spike”.

The air became saturated in awkward silence. Well minus the forest noises and perhaps some of Spike's sobs. This however was not going to do. Spike was a dragon after all. More importantly he was a friend and I did not wish to see him like this. It was my idea he came along to begin with. In turn it did not take much thought to fix this situation.

“Twilight, you have to realize that dragons do indeed consume meat,” I said trying to ease the mood.

“Well Spike…he was…I…” she replied, but fumbled on the words.

After another awkward silent moment I rolled my eyes, half-closed them and said, “Twilight, truth be told, we are not ones to really judge him. If he wishes to dine on some of the moose, I say let him.”

“Huh?! What you mean?!” Twilight blurted out and glared at me.

I merely grinned and tapped my right fang with a forehoof. I then bit the air twice to further get the point across.

Her response went from confusion to embarrassment. She kept trying to say something, but obviously knew my argument was solid. As it is rather difficult to judge another when you yourself have been doing something similar. Not that some have tried however, but I make a note to put them in their place.

After yet another moment of awkward silence I said, “Twilight, perhaps the best method is for you to help him. It is better that you aid him than to let him get himself into trouble. Even one day you two may hunt together.” In my final few words I gave a wink to Spike. He looked ecstatic in response.

So in turn Twilight and Spike went off to the slain moose for a nice midnight snack. The thought of such brought an idea to my mind. If there was this one moose out here perhaps there were more. It could help ease some of the stress around the Reaper Knights. After nodding on the thought I looked around until I found Night Star. She would surely have brought an item that I may require, well hopefully anyway.

I began to walk towards her and then stated, “Night Star, I require your assistance for a moment.”

However, something was a little bit different about her appearance that I could not place my hoof on. It was not until she turned around that I noticed her helm was retracted. In its place was a white opera style mask that covered the right half of her face and neck along with her horn and eyes. It was a bit of a surprise to say the least. I have never seen her with her helm down in all my years.

What was even stranger is that she appeared to have the same color fur as mine, but her mane was a reddish shade. There was something quite familiar about her also, but I just could not determine from where. It did not take long before I got lost in my thoughts so she was the first to speak.

“Do you like it, Captain? Rarity made it for me. However, is there something you require?” she said with a smile and a happy tone.

“Oh yes, that looks delightful on you Night Star. It is good to see you with your helm down. I see that Rarity truly does quality craftsmareship. But…ah yes, do you happen to have a beacon and a locating crystal on you?” I said trying to not to make her uncomfortable.

She just smiled, nodded, and gave a small laugh before stating, “Well I have the locating crystal, but the beacon is already closer than you think,” and then pulled out a blue crystal that began to hover and then point directly at me.

I raise an eyebrow and then laughed when I realized that she had tied a beacon crystal to one of my hind legs. She said that shortly before I dashed off into the forest she attached it so they would not lose me. In hindsight it was a valid idea. I did not exactly wait for them to catch up.

So after I got the crystals I tromped through the forest by myself. I was originally going to use Cloud Streak, but I believe she may have passed out after feeding. Not like it was that much of a surprise. She truly needed it.

At least I ended up having some grand luck at locating the main herd of moose. With only a little bit of effort I managed to tie the beacon crystal to one of the herd’s members. I just hoped they could be enough to replenish the Reaper Knight supplies. Maybe I will even stop having supply sergeants try and bite my head off.

I soon hastily made my way back to our own hunting spot. However, what I came to discover was that the only one awake was Night Star. The others were fast asleep.

I had attempted to wake Twilight, but she just grumbled before rolling over while holding Spike under her wing. This though was going to be problem. The moose we hunted was not just for us so I could not just leave it. However, without Twilight's magic, getting said moose back to the palace was going to be a difficulty. Well difficult until an interesting idea seem to pop into my head. It must have shown on my face as Night Star began to question me.

“Umm Captain, why do you have an ear to ear grin?” she said in sight worry.

“We need to get the moose and everypony else back to the Palace. I have come up with a solution,” I replied with a chuckle.

“Solution? Oh no Captain, you are not thinking…Princess Luna will not be pleased,” she said and began to almost plead with me.

“Do you have any other ideas? There is no possible way to carry the moose and the others all the way back to palace without…aid,” I retorted and raised my eyebrows on the last word.

She was about state something, but just closed her mouth and shook her head.

I then said, “Well then I would suggest standing back and pray we did not drain this poor creature too far,” before raising my magic.

What I was about to do was not something that many had stomach for. It was an odd and horrid little trick I have only used a few times. For some reason Princess Luna did not like me using it after she had attempted to remove my nightmares many moons ago. I never got the reason as to why other than a look of terror. She would no doubt discover I used it, but one issue at a time.

My magic flared crimson bright as it swirled around the fallen moose. I first sealed all the open wounds to prevent further blood loss before I did my more grisly task. My teeth clenched as I concentrated with all my might. My blood magic surged as I took hold of the moose with my mind.

One by one the moose’s legs took hold of the ground as I made it slowly stand up. If I was not sweating profusely I would have been proud of my efforts. At least Night Star had taken charge shortly afterwards and loaded Twilight, Spike, and Cloud Streak onto its back before loading herself. All that required was the more interesting part. I jumped on top of the moose next to Night Star before having it start to walk.

After a few minutes I sped it up to a gallop and we made it to a main road. At least it was late at night and there not many ponies on the road. The ones that were there just stood and gawked. They probably would have been more worried had they known the moose was no longer living. Even still I bit my lip as I charged the moose further onward.

In little time we made it to the front gate of the Reaper Knight arena. At first the vampire guards held up their weapons until they realized it was us. They then just gawked as the full grown moose walked right passed them. I decided it was just best to laugh in hopes of squelching any inquiry.

After we got into the Arena, we shut the doors, woke everypony up and I collapsed the moose. Twilight and Spike just stared at me when they realized what I had just done. I told them I would perhaps explain fully later.

I then told Cloud Streak to take Twilight and Spike to retrieve Rainbow Dash from my alchemy lab. I also noted to have her explain to them as to why we were in our situation to begin with. As they left I then directed Night Star to collect Shadow Dancer, Tactics, and Gray Mane with the invite of a surprise for them.

As they were hard at work I collected a few pitchers, some goblets, a blue flame candle, and a small round table. After setting up the table I then filled up the pitchers with moose blood for refreshments. As I finished setting the table I started to make my way to the supply sergeant from before with the locating crystal. However, as I opened the double doors to the Reaper Knight wing I got a bit of a surprise.

General Black Wing was standing in front of me tapping her right forehoof on the ground. “What in Tartarus do you believe you are doing? Not to spoil your little 'picnic', but the arena is reserved for training drills tonight,” she said in a stern voice and half narrowed eyes.

Now normally this would have had me clearing everything out at speed. I was even starting to become worried for a few seconds until I thought of a clever idea. I could feel a smile spread over my face as I stated, “I have a proposition for you.”

“A proposition hmm?” she replied with a skeptical tone.

“As you full well know, the food supply for the Reaper Knights is a tad…low,” I said as the smile on my face grew.

“Full well know? Yes, low is surely an understatement. The other units will not cease their griping,” she said as I tired look spread across her face.

“Well I may have in my possession a solution to your little…problem,” I said as I held up my locating crystal.

She looked puzzled for a second and stated, “A locating crystal?” before it dawned on her. A glimmer of joy shown in her eyes as she added, “There are more moose out there I presume?”

“A whole herd of them,” I replied, still smiling.

“I also presume you wish to utilize the arena for your ‘picnic’ in return,” she said with a grin.

I laughed and said, “It is difficult to run drills when everypony is feasting. Also here is a taste of what is to come,” as I levitated a goblet full of fresh moose blood to her.

I could see her forehooves shake as she took the goblet from me. Her eyes then glossed over with burning need. It was quite evident that she was rationing herself in response to the food shortage. With little delay she drained the goblet in two long draughts.

She passed me back the goblet before she collected the locating crystal. She then laughed and stated as she turned and sped away, “You are a horrid influence, Blood Moon! The arena is yours for the night!”

I yelled “Good hunting!” before I walked back to my table.

Right after Black Wing left, Night Star returned with Gray Mane, Tactics, and Shadow Dancer. Before I could even say anything Shadow Dancer growled out, “Blood Moon…why have…ya brought us out here…it ain’t safe…for anypony. We can’t control…”

In response I did not want to waste any time. It was quite evident that the full moon was causing them great distress. So while normally I would have kept them in their quarters, I had figured I would let them have some relief. So after I first told Night Star to enjoy herself at the small round table I walked over to talk to them.

With a sly grin I stated, “Are you all hungry?”

Gray Mane sarcastically snapped back, “Hungry!? No, we are twitching and shaking because it’s fun!”

I just chuckled at the comment as sly grin on my face grew. In a simple movement I pointed at the dead moose in the middle of Arena. Both Shadow Dancer’s and Gray Mane’s eyes glossed over. They shook further as they kept glancing back at me. I smiled and said “Enjoy” before they both changed into their lycan forms and dove at the moose.

Tactics was however still standing where he was. He never had a grand time dealing with his more primal side. I had figured he was going to be harder to convince, so I decided on a different method with him. As I was collecting blood for the pitchers, I had cut off a few pieces of meat. I had hoped what I was planning would work out.

I walked over to him and said, “Do you not wish to partake in the feast?”

“I…I…cannot…I…it is…cannot…let it…take over,” he said while struggling against the change.

“Tactic, I know you have not had the easiest time with what you have become. Admittedly, that lycan part inside of you is a polar opposite of how you normally are. However, it is merely just a part of what you are, not who you are. What I am offering is the ability to sate your needs to give you strength in the future,” I said holding the few pieces of meat with my magic.

He started to open his mouth to say something, but right as he did, I stuffed a piece of meat in it. He struggled more as he began to chew. I then gave him the other small pieces after he finished the first.

After he finished I stated, “Now please enjoy yourself.” He again started to say something, but I interrupted him and added, “That is an order, Tactics.”

His closed eyes had tears flowing down them. He then gave a small smile before he whispered, “Thank you.”

Within only a few moments he tipped his head back and snarled as the lycan change took place and he joined the other two with vigor.

I then viewed him happily dining before I made my way back to the round table. After a short while Night Star decided to turn in for the night. So I sat alone at the table until I heard hoofsteps behind me. At first I thought it was Twilight returning with Cloud Streak, Spike, and Rainbow Dash, but it was softer. Without even turning around I smiled and stated, “Good evening, Princess Luna.”

She laughed quietly before taking a seat next to me. “You would not happen to know the reason why General Black Wing is not commencing her drills tonight? She seemed rather overjoyed about something,” she said glancing over at me.

I grinned back and said, “She might have been given the location to a herd of moose by a certain somepony. Along with the notion that it would aid with the shortage of supplies.”

“You are a horrid influence Blood Moon,” she replied smiling.

“So I am told. You are of course free to join me if you wish, princess,” I said floating a full goblet over to her.

However, before she took the goblet, she glanced at me and said, "How did you get that fallen moose here?" When the goblet I held with my magic started to shake she added, "I see...I will let this one and only time pass Blood Moon as you did it for a good cause. Do not try your luck a second time. You do not fully understand as to why I forbid you from doing so. I pray you never do."

She then thanked me and took hold of the goblet with her magic. As I eased slightly, I saw her trying to take measured sips, but her body kept shaking every time she did. With a smile I glanced over and said, “Princess, you are among your children of the night. You do not need your hide your true nature from us. Please feed freely.”

She soon groaned in exhaustion as her canine teeth lengthened to long points and her eyes changed into slitted pupils. Then as her glamour dropped she drained the goblet in one gulp before draining one of the pitchers.

Afterwards while she attempted to catch her breath she stated in obvious relief, “I…thank you Blood Moon. I have not fed in days,”

“You are very welcome, princess,” I replied pouring her another goblet full of moose blood.

And so we talked for a short while before a worried looking Twilight returned with Cloud Streak, Spike, and an exhausted looking Rainbow Dash. Then after they all sat down Luna was the first to speak.

“Hail Twilight Sparkle, it appears your companion has indeed been turned. Given the uncomfortable visage on Cloud Streak’s face I presume it was her doing. Welcome to fold, Rainbow Dash. Here, you look parched. Perhaps this will aid you,” she said in a soothing voice before floating over a goblet to Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash was cautious at first before taking a sip. Her eyes then widened with delight. “This is great! What is it?” she said with surprise.

I snickered and said “Fruit Punch” before a side glance by Princess Luna made me correctly state “Fresh Moose Blood”.

She first made a thoughtful pose before stating, “Oh…can I have some more?” and held out her goblet to me.

I had to admit she did not seem too much worse for the wear considering the circumstances. She was also handling this change better than most I have seen. As I refilled her goblet we all had a laugh at her expense while the night burned on.

For some bizarre reason I really enjoy the "feeding" chapters. Perhaps because it is a darker aspect of the story. Either way after this chapter I am going to start ramping up the story. While I do not want to give too much away, I will state that it is going to get a lot less calm and laid back.