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Children of the Night

by Lord Sylus of Night

Chapter 48: Chapter XLVIII - Death's Harvest Part I

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Chapter XLVIII

Death’s Harvest Part I

The wind cold and the earth steady, ponies armed and weapons ready. Nothing to find and nothing to hold, the wind steadily bracing for the cold. This is the final stand. Every moment hanging by a strand, held together by one band. Of heroes.

One lost. And one found. One broken. And one mended. One loved. And one hated. One new. And One old. One revived. And One dead. Coming out strong, intended on being the victors. Most are of the darkness, trained for fighting alongside the light. Patiently they wait for Death’s Harvest, on one so cold a night.

Death or Life await them. For rusted metal and a sparkling gem. Truly this will be the night, a night of war. Waiting for them death’s cold bite. To finally face the screams and nightmares that came before.

The rain steadily fell from the dark night sky and thunder crashed in the clouds above. Twilight looked up as she continued on with her friends. Their hooves sounded above all noises and seemed to echo. She looked over to her left and looked right at the orange coated mare known as Applejack. Twilight said, “Applejack…”

“Stop right there sugarcube,” Applejack cringed as she said those words. They were not the same tough words that normally came out of her mouth. They were more twisted and scarred. Applejack continued as they walked on to Sweet Apple Acres. “What’s done is done and we aint’ continuing this here conversation.”

Twilight said in a soft and worried tone, “It’s better than suppressing them and pretending that they never happened.”

“What more do you want for me to say Twi?” Applejack snapped. She stopped and looked angrily at Twilight. Holding a cold and tight gaze over the shadows of her hat. She continued, “Do you want me to say that I hate him for what he did? Do you want me to grovel at his hooves because of what he did to protect me? The thing is Twi, I don’t know how I feel about it. Holding it in is the only way that I know to fix the problem.”

Twilight answered with an aggravated expression of her own and said, “Then what do you think you have friends for Applejack!? We’re here to help. Not just to watch the events that happen to you and not do or say anything about it. What are friends for if not…”

“You don’ get it Twi!” Applejack yelled. “You wouldn’t understand because you haven’t lost a family member. You haven’t…”

Twilight screamed, “I LOST MY BROTHER!”

Applejack fell into silence as the words exited her mouth. She stood there in her own self loathing of her words that had escaped. Twilight didn’t breaking her anger and saddened gaze as she continued, “I don’t even know if my parents are alive or not. I know perfectly...of what it’s like to lose a family member. I know every detail.”

Tears started forming in her eyes and they began to stream. She let them flow and continued in a shaky tone, “I had nothing. You have a sister, an older brother, and your grandmother. You have something to return to, something to call family.”

Twilight stopped and rested on a boulder. She sat there letting the tears continue to flow. Applejack walked and sat next to Twilight. Twilight brings out the North Star Amulet and said, “Dracula is the only thing I have left. My only family. If I lose him my family is gone.”

Applejack did not know what to say. Let alone what to do. She felt so guilty and so selfish she did not even know what to think of herself anymore. Silence ensued for what seemed like a century. Applejack finally said in an apologetic tone, “You have us…”

Her statement was cut short with Twilight interrupting shoving Applejack’s hoof off of her shoulder, “You’re right. I have them. But I don’t have you or Pinkie Pie. After how you treated Dracula, not to mention claiming your best friends as monsters. How do you forgive something like that? You’re no better a monster yourself if you claim the same thing on another pony.”

Her last words cut deep into Applejack. She looked and saw her friends, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy waiting patiently nearby for them to stop their discussion. The problem was her words cut too deep, she didn’t know if she could come out of this one. Sure she butted heads with a lot of her friends. Rarity and Rainbow Dash to be more specific. But that does not mean she still didn’t care about them. Applejack looked over at Twilight who was looking at the ground. Twilight was drenched in rain water and she didn’t even seem to care. She held her head low in sorrow and sadness, Twilight was always the best friend a mare could ask for. She was kind, considerate, selfless, and smart. Losing a friend like her would do more than just hurt, it would scar a pony.

Applejack saw that she had a lot of love and care for Dracula. More than she had seen herself in her lifetime. Applejack held back tears as she stood up with a crash of thunder in the sky. She rested a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, she said holding back tears in her eyes, “I am sorry if that does anythin’.”

Applejack walked on in silence. Broken and torn was the very least of how she felt, she felt empty. Like she lost a part of herself. She had nothing for her, she didn’t even know who she was anymore. She walked on and she had only one thought stuck in her mind. She needed to find herself again.

* * *

Fluttershy went after Applejack as she solemnly walked away from them. Rarity stopped her and said, “It’s her call what she decides to do. This is her decision darling.”

Fluttershy had tears in her eyes and desperately tried to hold them in. She fell in Rainbow’s embrace, Rarity looked at Rainbow and they held each other’s gaze. Rarity said, “I’m going to talk to Twilight.”

Rainbow nodded and slowly stroked her hoof through Fluttershy’s pink wet mane. Rarity looked over at Twilight who still sat in silence and pity. Rarity moved her hoof through her mane and felt how wet it was. Under normal conditions she would find some dry shelter and fix her mane back up, but now she didn’t care about that. She let it down and soaked. The rain did not lighten up and Rarity continued and sat next to Twilight.

Rarity looked over at Twilight. Even though the rain and shadows did something to obscure her features Rarity knew them well enough to know what she looked like. Her mane now uncombed but still soft and silky. Her features were so petite and uplifting that she always felt happy around her, so much beauty that came out of so much less amount of makeup and other such things. She held natural beauty that Rarity always envied about her. Rarity found herself staring and quickly shook her head and said, “So...dear...how…”

Her words were cut off with Twilight bringing her in for a warm hug and she held Rarity tightly. Rarity felt warm and protected, Twilight said muffled in her shoulder, “I’m losing everypony Rarity. The elements are nothing without harmony.”

Tears continued to swell out from her eyes. It was in those precious few moments hat she knew something. She always held certain amount of respect and love for Twilight, but she never knew how much. She looked over everything that has happened and it was Twilight of all ponies that stayed by her side. Faithful and caring is only the half of it. Then she felt her body temperature get warmer as she thought about it, Rarity slowly shook her head and said in her mind, ‘Come on. You’re not even into mares.

Rarity returned the sisterly hug and said, “Darling if there is anypony that has succeeded over the past few weeks it’s you.”

Twilight pulled herself away from Rarity and her big eyes met the white unicorn’s. Pools of pure violet and of serene happiness were on the other side of the wall of sadness and self loathing. Rarity now confirmed all of her confusion and felt lost in her eyes, she was just so beautiful she could no longer take it. Rarity fought with her inner thoughts and she reminded herself that she was interested in Dracula not her. Rarity said, “You’re the only one of us that hasn’t faced that much change. You held strong as you faced your inner grief with the loss of Shining Armor. You slowly got the stallion of your dreams. And you still have your best friends. If any of us, you have encountered victories most of us haven’t even fought yet darling. And you’re still here.”

Twilight smiled a bit and she wiped her tears away as Rarity continued, “Just because you can’t forgive Pinkie or Applejack doesn’t mean they still don’t care about you. And you about them. They just need time alone is all.”

Rarity took this moment as a victory for herself. She pulled Twilight in for another hug and said, “We’re still here for you Twilight. No matter what.”

Twilight returned the hug and said warmly, “Thanks Rarity.”

“No problem darling.” She said taking in the moment, “No problem.”

* * *

Die not as my brother but as a monster.

Do not mention that disgrace of a pony. His weakness is that he is too loyal to anypony he sees. This is why he would not kill me or any of you, he is misguided by the past. I am only driven by the future.

The only weak one I see is you. You underestimate Dracula and it will be your downfall. He is on his way now and blood will be spilled. And it will not be his.

Those words spun through his head endlessly and they repeated over and over. Marrok struggled awake and finally burst his eyes open and exhaling a large breath. He goes to sit up but a paw stops him. Marrok looks at the paw and draws his eyes to a large lion who said in a deep voice, “Rès fasil. Rest calm Lou-Kache. Not many are given a chance such as you to return to life. You must take it easy.”

Marrok went to scratch his head when he saw his werewolf paw. He inspected his entire arm and said groggily, “Why haven’t I reverted back? To my pony form?”

Zenzele turned and began dipping bandages in some sort of alchemical solution. He said, “In case you might have forgotten, you died. You died in your werewolf form. Before your death your spirit belonged to your werewolf form and your soul belonged to your pony form, giving you the ability to switch between the two. But now your soul was revived in your werewolf form, making it your permanent form.”

Marrok grunted as he sat up slowly. He looked down and saw the many scars along his body. He reached a hand over his shoulder and asked, “But where did I get these? And why aren’t they healing?”

Zenzele finished dipping the bandages and turned around holding the cloth in his paws. He said mending Marrok’s wounds, “You were resurrected by Cerberus, the First Night. Few ponies know how to resurrect, let alone reincarnate a pony in their original bodies. It takes a lot of focus and Netherial energy. The Crow has decided that your time in this world is not done, but he can only perform the spell only four times and not within a few days of each other.

“The Crow believes that you are not done in this world. It’s obvious that he has plans for you. As far as your wounds, they came from Nuit Chasè, a Night Hunter. Creations of Living Shadow, like hellhounds but more ferocious. Their claws are covered in a special poison that can nullify any and all special abilities. They were created to hunt werewolves. Consider yourself lucky you lived through an attack like that.”

After the minutes it took wrapping the bandages around his wounds he moved his hand over the bandages and said, “But why me? Why am I so important? I betrayed my family.”

He closed his eyes and looked away clenching his fist. Marrok felt a paw rest on his shoulder and he opened his eyes and looked up at Zenzele. He said solemnly, “It was not you. Cerberus works in mysterious ways. He obviously has a plan for you, to be along with your family. Anyways, your wounds will heal pretty soon. Feel free to get up and move around. Do you remember anything before your death?”

Marrok sat up and rested his face in his hands and said, “Everything. I remember my brothers, my sisters...and I remember...Jana…”

His mind flourished in his mind of a mare who always loved him and who he always loved. A brown coated mare Earth Pony with long blonde mane and tail with bright blue beautiful eyes. She was always his way of living through the day. In the final days of the invasion of the Everfree, Marrok made a decision he always regretted. He sent her away, to protect her. After he awoke again his memories of her were gone. But now they were flooding back to him and he felt a wave of sorrow filling his chest and mind. Marrok stood up and he went to leave, Zenzele spoke with great wisdom, “Don’t dwell on the past. You’re here for a reason. And it is your job to find out what that reason is.”

Marrok held the door open and stood in the chilling wind. Marrok looked solemnly down at his hand and slowly clenched it. He said under his breath, “I will repent for my sins I have committed. I will redeem myself no matter how long it takes.”

Marrok walked out and shut the door behind him. He looked around and saw that it had snowed and it rained, making a slush along the ground. Marrok looked up towards the sky and saw the clouds heading towards the town he stood in. He couldn’t help himself from feeling lost and broken. All those he trusted no longer trust him, he needed to earn that back. He thought back on all the memories he shared with Dracula. He saw that everything that he fought with Dracula was petty and stupid. It took him all this time just to realize this, he needed to change. For the better. Marrok leaned against the railing on the porch he stood on. Keeping his eyes closed. He opened them when he heard a soft voice resound through the air, “Marrok…”

He opened his eyes and wide and saw a small group of ponies. Standing out in the front was Riptide and next to him was Jana. She wore thick layered clothing and stared up at Marrok, with large blue eyes. He thought he was just dreaming for a moment, he shook his head to see. He slowly descended the stairs. He was in awe, she stood staring at him. He now stood merely a few feet away from her and after a few moments she rushed towards him and he knelt down. She hugged him tightly with tears welling in her eyes. Marrok didn’t know what to say but these words, “I thought I would never see you again…”

She responded shakily, “Never...ever...do something like that again...you...you hear me…”

Jana pulled herself back she let tears roll down her cheeks and she continued to look at him. She said, “Promise me you’ll never leave me like that.”

Marrok nodded his head and said in a lightly gladdened tone, “I promise. And you promise me that you’ll never leave my side.”

She weakly smiled stopping her crying and leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. She said, “I promise.”

Marrok never thought he would fall in love with a mare like Jana. She was so kind and caring, she could never hurt anything. The mere thought of fighting never even entered her mind. If a loved one was in trouble she would spring into action but never kill anypony. While Marrok was the exact opposite, it’s what makes him special. He knows more than anypony how to kill somepony. But now he could only think about Jana, everything about death and dying escaped his mind, she finally did what she promised so many years ago. She changed him. Marrok looked at himself and saw that his wolf hide color changed from a jet black to almost a light grey. He looked up and saw him in his werewolf form. Covered in bandages around his chest, shoulder, forearms, and his thigh. Three long scars were placed along the side of his snout and a single scar on his nose. His mane was a light silver color and his eyes a bright blue. He looked more calm and serene than his normal wild and careless demeanor. More learned and wise. Marrok sat in the snow holding the love of his life and he closed his eyes.

Nothing made him more collected and calm than now. He looked up and released Jana from his hug when he saw a figure approach him. He looked and saw a jet black and white pony alicorn stare down at him with those unmistakable dark red eyes. His armor he wore was pristine and ornate. Well designed. The trench coat he wore flapped slightly in the breeze. His jet black mane moved slightly in the breeze. He noticed two new features. A long black scar on his left eye and a long white streak through his mane and tail. Dracula stared down at Marrok.

Marrok stood up and kept his hand over Jana’s shoulder. Dracula gave a stern look that could cut through steel. Marrok saw he was carrying something in his magic, they stared at each other for a while until Marrok said, “So...how long was I out?”

Dracula continued to stare coldly as he replied, “After everything that’s happened, after everything you’ve done. All you can say is,’How long was I out?’?”

Marrok tightened his gaze and said in response, “What do you want me to say Dracula? That I’m sorry? There’s nothing I can say or do that will make this situation better. It’s better left the way it is.”

Dracula looked aggravated by the response and tore his gaze away from Marrok. Dracula closed his eyes and sighed heavily. He said, “I suppose you’re right. But you are going to earn your trust back, I’m assigning Riptide as your handler. He’s going to report EVERYTHING that you do. Don’t make me regret this decision.”

Marrok saw a fierceness in his eyes, a threatening glare as well. Marrok looked at the contents of what Dracula held in his telekinesis and Dracula levitated it over into Marrok’s hands. He inspected the contents. It was a set of werewolf made armor, Zetian Studded Leather Armor. Made from Northern Boar Leather, strongest leather in all of Equestria. Marrok put on the armor and snapped the many buckles and buttons needed. He looked himself over and it fit rather well. He was immensely shorter now, about the average height of a normal Werewolf. The total amount of the leather armor is, chestpiece, vambraces, pants, and shoulder pads. As well, around the collar of the chestplate was a thick layer of fur around it. The reason it was considered strong is because they use an armor type not many use, they make their armor lamellar style. Tightly wrapped pieces of light metal armor. It comes in either Steel Lamellar or Leather Lamellar, depends on the demand and coin of the warrior. Steel Lamellar is saved and used by high ranking officers and highly regarded generals, as well as the Zetian King. Leather Lamellar is highly regarded and just as respected as Steel Lamellar is because of the material and enchantments that go into making the set of armor.

Marrok looked again and saw Dracula hovered a sword in his telekinesis. He levitated the sword into Marrok’s hands and he inspected the blade. The blade itself was curved, the hilt ornately decorated and a dragon’s head at the bottom of the hilt. Marrok instantly knew what this was. It’s a Zetian Dragonslayer Tachi, a well tempered curved steel sword. Marrok always held a certain respect of his Zeta brothers and their ideals. Highly revered warriors and great soldiers. A Zetian Dragonslayer Tachi is normally saved and made for high ranking soldiers in the Zetian Army, a Zetian Warmonger is what they’re called. Zetian Warmongers are high powered warriors normally used for forward charges and for flanking the enemy forces, because they are used for this purpose they need to be light on their feet and need a powerful weapon to strike. Zetian Warmongers carry both a Tachi and a No-Dachi.

Marrok looked back over his armor and the sword he now strapped to his side. He said, “I’m guessing by this that I will be joining the Zetas.”

Dracula nodded his head and replied, “They joined our ranks a few days ago. Two days while you were unconscious. Once Shintaro learned of your return he became intrigued and wanted you serving as a personal retainer. These are gifts from him, his son wore that armor and weapon. Shintaro’s son made a name for the blade, Kyōki or Bloodthirst. Wear it with honor and respect.”

Marrok bowed his head and Dracula continued, “While you are Shintaro’s personal retainer, you will be near me at all times. Since you betrayed the Ebonmanes then I will retrain you in our ways, starting from the lowest position.”

Marrok bowed low and said in a respectful tone, “I will not lose this chance to prove myself.”

Dracula nodded and moved on. As he walked away he said, “When you are ready, talk to Riptide and he will guide you to the town hall." Marrok watched as Dracula left from view, he turned and met the gaze of the other ponies around him. He noticed their armor and saw that they were Zetians. One stood out, he was more decorated and his armor was of a better make, Steel Lamellar. His armor was a dark red color and the clothing he wore underneath his armor was a jet black color. Sheathed on his back and at his left side were three swords. A No-Dachi, a Katana, and a Wakizashi. He had a powerful frame with a straight angular face. His mane was a dark brown color and tied back in a ponytail. He stepped forward and said in a medium tenor voice, “I am Rhonen Swiftblade. I am going to be your trainer in our fighting style.”

Marrok bowed his head and said gravely, “I am Marrok.”

When he said his name the other ponies started whispering to each other. Rhonen looked over and as he looked at them they stopped whispering. He turned back and met Marrok’s gaze. Rhonen answered Marrok’s question before he could ask it, he said. “Do not mind them. You are very well known among the Zeta’s.”

“Oh and what am I known as?” Marrok asked crossing his arms intriguingly.

Rhonen answered growling his words, “Friend Slayer.”

Marrok’s expression darkened and turned his head away. He thought to himself, ‘Why would I expect any less...’. Marrok loosened his expression and said, “When do we start?”

Rhonen transformed into his werewolf form. Marrok saw as not only the armor but the clothing changed to fit the larger frame of the werewolf. His wolf hide was the same as his pony coat, a mix of a light orange, light brown, and white. His eyes were dark green and held a fierceness that only seasoned veterans held. Rhonen stood taller than Marrok, and that was fine. Marrok’s icy blue eyes stared right back at Rhonen. Rhonen motions his head over to him and he said, “We will practice now. I don’t want to take an inexperienced pup with me into battle.”

Marrok snarled and followed Rhonen as they made their way to the training grounds. The others that came with Rhonen stepped aside and away from Marrok as he past them. Marrok gives Jana one last look and focuses on following Rhonen.

After a few minutes of walking they found themselves in a snow covered training field. It was large and was more of a decorated arena than a training ground. Rhonen stepped five feet in front of Marrok and said taking off his cloak and resting it on the ground, “Zetian combat is some what similar to what you know, but we are more disciplined. We prefer weapons over our claws, but sometimes the battle calls just for your claws. There are many Zetian Combat Styles, but we’ll start with the basics.”

Rhonen stepped on Marrok’s left side still in his line of sight. Rhonen looks over at Marrok and said, “Do exactly what I do exactly as I do it.”

Marrok nodded. Rhonen spread his legs apart about shoulder length and gripped his katana sheathed at his side. Marrok repeated the motion almost exactly, moving a steady glare on the snow filled field ahead of him. Moving his eyes back over to Rhonen, Rhonen moved and inspected Marrok’s stance down to the last detail and determined that his stance was fine. Rhonen refocused and said aloud, “The first strike is key. Swift and hard, strike true and fast.”

Faster than lightning Rhonen unsheathed his katana and did a slash, which if he was facing an opponent it would cut somepony in the chest. Marrok heard the swift sound of the katana cutting through the breeze. Rhonen stood there like stone and looked back as Marrok repeated the motion. In one swift and fast motion he unsheathed his weapon and cut the wind in front of him. A look of fierce determination and confidence. Rhonen spoke, “Excellent. If your opponent does not fall from your first strike then follow with more swift and fast strikes. The battle form I am teaching you is Form I, Tetsu-Okami or the “Iron Wolf” form. The point of this form is strictly for offense.”

The series of moves followed by the initial strike was a diagonal strike down to the left, thrust, a strike down to the left, and finally rising the blade up and next to his face. Marrok repeated the series of attacks with seemingless perfection. They repeated the series of attacks, followed by more strikes. There was something different about Rhonen’s strikes and Marrok’s strikes, Rhonen’s were faster and harder and Marrok knew that he was stronger than the average werewolf. Rhonen dropped his stance and sheathed his sword as he moved in front of Marrok. He got back in his stance and gripped the sword hilt and readied for an attack. Marrok took this as a sign that Rhonen expected Marrok to apply what he had just learned. Marrok did the same and swiftly drew his sword for his first attack, Rhonen parried the attack and guided the sword away from harm. Faster than lightning Marrok moved in the offensive and started trying to break Rhonen’s defenses. As Rhonen parried every strike he said, “You are using your raw strength, guide your blows with your hips. Your attacks will be stronger and more forceful.”

As he finished he parried Marrok’s last attack and broke through Marrok’s defenses. He swept his leg underneath Marrok’s and knocked him off his paws. Faster than a lightning strike, Rhonen wedged his sword and arm along Marrok’s neck. He was brought to the ground behind Rhonen’s back and was held there. The edge of the sword pressed hard against his neck and saw Rhonen kneeling in the snow. His eyes were closed and held two fingers up in front of his snout. While Marrok was breathing heavily, Rhonen’s breathing was slow and controlled. Rhonen released Marrok and he fell to the ground with a thud. Rhonen stood up and holding his scabbard with his left hand, Rhonen slid the length of the flat end of the katana along his hand and after sliding the length of the blade slid it into the scabbard. He stood proudly and Marrok looked and saw the other Zetians watching along the outer ring of the training grounds. Rhonen did not look at Marrok as he said, “You are a fast learner, but you still have much to learn Yuki-Kawa. We will not stop practicing until you land an effective blow. Again.”

Marrok stood up with a grunt and held Bloodthirst tightly in his hands. He stood in a battle pose and readied for another attack. He knew and kept in the back of his mind that this was going to take a long time.

* * *

Three hours had past and Dracula stood proudly in the town hall. He stared out the window and saw snow fall steadily to the ground. As it had rained recently, the ground would most likely be freezing. Standing behind him was everypony that was called. Twilight, Luna, Celestia, Riptide, Marrok, Cornell, Wraith, Spectra, Rainbow Dash, Rhonen, General Golden Flash, Nightmare Moon, and finally Dragomir.

Dracula spoke proudly as he said, “This is the last battle of the Dark Crusade. The final test of our might, where we become legends in history no matter what fate lies ahead.”

He turns and meets the gaze of everypony and continued, “This is when we take the fight to Living Shadow and destroy what his rebellion against the greater good. Our final test. This will be all of our breaking points. And this is the final meeting where all of us will be under one roof. I take this time to say thanks to you all and to all those whom I might not see after this fight, It was an honor to serve with you.”

Everypony nodded their head in agreement, they all had stern faces on and held themselves tall. Dracula gave a small nod and said, “Okay. Before we leave I will repeat the plan of attack.”

He stepped at the war table and leaned over a marked map of the Everfree Forest. He said, “We will have Rhonen lead his warriors to the front gates, keeping them busy while Luna, Celestia, Twilight, Dragomir, Spectra, and I will lead a small force through the east side. Riptide, Cornell, Con, and Rainbow Dash will have a small force of their own protecting us as we move into the keep. Once inside Riptide, Cornell, Con and Rainbow Dash will lead their forces to the dungeons below, to find the Crusaders of Darkness. My forces will guard the gates of the keep. To keep all reinforcements from entering. If Rhonen and Marrok finish at the gates, your mission is to find the hive and destroy it.”

As Dracula finished he looked around and they all had confident faces on. Nightmare Moon spoke up and said, “Wait. What about me and Wraith? What are we to do?”

Dracula looked at them and smiled as he said, “You two will act as support groups just in case one of our groups are in trouble of losing.”

Wraith bowed his head in response and Nightmare Moon nodded. Dracula moved his gaze around the room and said, “Anymore questions?”

Silence was his answer. Dracula nodded and retorted, “Alright then. I wish good luck to you all.”

* * *

The wind was heavy and broke through the toughest of armors. Snow continued to drift softly from the sky and the thunderous sound overtook the ears of everypony within range. None of this had been new to Dragomir, he had his fair share of battles won and lost. Of all of them though, he felt that this was the one to truly test what he can do. There was a quick explanation of what they were doing to him. Living Shadow has risen from ancient times to take over Equestria and its neighbors. Nothing new as far as agendas go. The Griffons tried to invade Equestria no more than a few years ago, halted back by the Stonebloods.

Dragomir trudged through the snow, the white blanket crunching under his hoof. Dragomir had a hood pulled up over his face to hold back the bone chilling wind. His pristine golden emblazoned armor, ornate and finely made, clanked and chattered with every step. His sword sheathed on his back was at the ready to be pulled and to charge into battle. Standing firm on his shoulder was his lifelong companion Pyre. He heard a voice speak in his mind, “Well you're not very talkative today.”

Dragomir continued to walk and he responded in his mind, “Not right now Pyre. I have to focus. Besides I’d say the same for you.”

Pyre spoke again, “So you’re not avoiding me? Good to know.”

Is it your job to aggravate me?”

Answering almost immediately after him was Pyre, “What else am I here for?”

Dragomir rolled his eyes with a grin and replied, “Why would I expect anything less from you?”

A sound came from Pyre almost like a cackle. Pyre replied, “I don’t know. There must be something wrong with you if you think I’m not going to annoy you.”

Dragomir smiled and laughed to himself. He heard a mare’s voice come from beside him, “Why are you laughing?”

Dragomir looked and saw a cyan colored mare clad in dark blue armor. Her rainbow mane was tied back in a ponytail and her dark violet eyes looked at him suspiciously. Dragomir replied to...oh what was the mare’s name...oh right Rainbow Dash, “My phoenix, Pyre. Said something I found amusing.”

“I didn’t hear him say anything?” Rainbow replied raising an eyebrow.

Dragomir lifted his hoof to his companion on his shoulder and said, “Like most ponies I have a special talent. My special talent is the ability to harness and control Phoenix magic. That includes being able to communicate with them telepathically.”

Rainbow pursed her lips and said, “That’s kind of cool.”

Don’t look now, but I think she’s trying to hit on you.” Pyre said loudly in his head.

Dragomir replied back, “I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that.”

Dragomir said to Rainbow, “So...what’s your talent if you don’t mind me asking?”

Rainbow drew a cocky smile across her face as she said lifting off into the air and landing back down with lightning like speed, “My special talent is being the fastest flyer in all of Equestria.”

She closed her eyes and placed a hoof on her chest and said proudly, “Don’t mean to brag but I’ve saved Equestria from natural disaster like three times.”

Dragomir slowly nodded his head and said, “Impressive.”

After a few moments of silence Rainbow Dash said, “So… it’s Dragomir right? Anyways, I hear you're not from Equestria. Where did you come from and why are you here?”

Dragomir’s expression darkened and turned his head away and she said noticing the motion, “You don’t have to say it if you don’t want to.”

Dragomir took in a breath and looked back over at Rainbow Dash and said, “No...it’s fine...it’s just...a touchy subject. I think I’m willing to share a small part of it with you. But you have to promise to keep this to yourself.”

Dragomir saw as Rainbow Dash nodded her head slowly. He didn’t know what it was, but he felt he could trust this mare. Beneath the rock hard surface of her there was a heart of warmth and trust. While yes he felt he could trust her he also felt skeptical to tell anypony what it was that brought him here. After a long sigh and pulling down his hood he said, “I’m here because I’m looking for my lost sister. Celestia said she knew where she saw her last.”

Rainbow looked shock and she said, “I’m sorry to hear it. I hope she’s okay.”

Dragomir looked ahead of him and said, “Me too Rainbow Dash. Me too.”

* * *

“Are there any stragglers round the castle?” Dracula asked as he walked with Twilight, Luna, Celestia, Spectra, and Wraith.

Wraith replied, “A few skirmish groups but nothing we can’t handle. What we should worry about is the Changelings inside.”

“Your worry is justified Wraith,” Luna interjected, “They have made their drones more powerful than last we knew of them. Powerful creatures.”

After a few moments Celestia said, “Nothing too powerful however. There shouldn’t be any Dread Brutes left, the amount of Changelings and magic it takes to make one of those is too much now. It would take two days if they were to raise another.”

“Yes but our information is a few days old. They could have one up and ready for battle by now.” Twilight said moving her eyes around to the three monarchs marching next to her.

Twilight looked as she saw Spectra said something, “Not very optimistic darling. You could be wrong, hope for the best.”

“My student is right.” Dracula stated, “Let’s not immediately expect the worst to happen. Wraith you may return to your soldiers.”

After a few moments of silence ensued until Spectra said directing her attention towards Dracula, “When we get inside, how are you going to kill Living Shadow? It comes as my understanding that he can’t manifest his full form in this realm.”

“A good question.” Dracula replied. “I am going to manifest his full physical form in this realm by combining the powers of the Blades of Shadow, using the Orb of Darkness to amplify my powers and increase my chances of killing him.”

Dracula looked and saw that the rest of them had the same idea he had, hoods over their faces. Dracula looks onward and they are still marching through the forest. From memory, they were nearing the edge of the castle. Dracula looks around again and finds the Zetians, they were a regiment of roughly 150 Zetian Iron Wolf Warriors. Dracula spots the back of Marrok’s and Rhonen’s heads. Focusing he moved to meet the approaching pony to his right, Dracula looked and saw Dragomir walking next to him.

Dracula glances at Dragomir and said, “It amazes me that you are so willing to help us when we have only known each other a few days ago.”

Dragomir focused on Dracula and said, “You are a pony that is trying to protect those he loves. I am here to do the same, protect those I care for. Even though I have only known you a few days I can tell that you are a sensible pony.”

Dracula laughed to himself and Dragomir said shrugging his shoulders, “What?”

Dracula shakes his head slowly and said, “Nothing. It’s just...you’re the first pony not to question my intentions upon first meeting me.”

Dragomir continued talking, “Of the short time I have known you, I can see you are a pony to protect and defend the innocent. Some would say a hero.”

“That’ll be a first.” Dracula said to himself. Dracula felt something change inside of him at that moment, something deep within him. Dracula didn’t know what it was but he knew it had something to do with Dragomir. Ever since Dracula saw him a few days ago, something about him just kept Dracula thinking that some how Dragomir was involved in all of this but didn’t know what.

Dracula noticed they stepped into a large clearing and Dracula saw standing in the distance the Castle of the Two Sisters. Dracula looked at the small group of Zetian Iron Wolves and saw that they stood waiting in the snow. Dracula looked behind him and saw his small group of Vampire Blood Casters, all wearing large black trench coats clad in leather armor as well. Blood Casters were among some of the powerful among the Vampiric society. Dracula looked behind him and said proudly to all, “Ready yourselves. The final battle will begin shortly, follow.”

Dracula and the rest of them were moving around the Zetian Iron Wolves who looked prepared for combat. They rushed on and hid under the deep canopy of the Everfree. Dracula looked back and saw them waiting patiently waiting at the front gate. Dracula refocused on the castle and after a few minutes of marching they were staring up a large wall of solid stone. Everypony looked at Dracula, Dracula breathed in a heavy breath and stepped forward in silence. He walked on a few feet away from the wall and closed his eyes. Bright red magical energy swirled around his horn and weaved through the air and seeped into the ground and around him.

Pulsating on his armor and skin. The air grew warmer and Dracula lifted into the air and reopening his eyes that now glowed a bright red. Dracula said before he cast his spell,

Wait for a moment

Crossing together at the mountain city road

Let us speak of the world passing away in time.

Dracula’s face filled with strain and slammed his hooves on the ground with all of his might. He cast his spell and erupting from the ground the ground cracked and broke under his godlike strength and amplified strength. The ground turned black and Dracula could feel the pure amount of netherial energy that broke the wall at its foundation. The wall exploded from another wave sent out from Dracula. Chunks of stone flew through the air, Dracula knew it was the right time because in the distance he heard the sounds of battle. Through the haze of smoke and dust rising in the air, Dracula stood in the large crevice in the wall and looked back and said, “Blood is life, brothers and sisters. Kill them with our mother by our side. Attack!”

With a loud shink, Dracula summoned his Voidsword and pointed it forward and rushing past him was roughly 30 Blood Casters. Shouts of battle erupted and they charged into the castle. Following behind them was the small company that would storm the keep. Their hooves beating against the stone as they rushed on through the stone paved streets to the keep.

* * *

Marrok held his stance hard and firm like Rhonen had said and began slaying every Changeling that approached. With almost expert cuts and jabs he felled every opponent that approached. At first Marrok was worried they would lose because they were outnumbered nearly five to one. But now he realized that numbers did not matter, it was the martial skill of the ponies that are fighting. Marrok refocused as he noticed two large Changelings that attacked him. In a flurry of iron they attacked and Marrok dodged and parried every attack. One with a spear thrust towards him and Marrok counterstruck, and landed a blow across the Changeling’s chest green blood splattering from the wound. The momentum of his blade continued on and slashed the other Changeling along the face and cut deep into the Changeling’s face. With a cry of victory Marrok continued on killing more and more Changelings under the weight of his steel blade.

They began advancing into the Castle of the Two Sisters and held the gate rather well. Marrok killed the last Changeling around them with two cuts along its chest. As it fell to the ground limp an unearthly silence befell the castle town. Marrok moved his gaze towards Rhonen who had his No-Dachi in his claws. Rhonen ordered, “Alright. Here’s what’s going to happen. We are going to split in half. 75 stays here and guards the gate for any Changelings that decide to enter the castle. The other 75 are going to follow me to the keep to help them out. Marrok, you’re stayng by my side at all costs.”

Marrok advances next to Rhonen and they charge through the streets towards the keep. As they charged through the streets they encountered Changelings who fell under their tide of steel and iron. Nearing the steps they stopped as they saw something fall from the sky and land hard on the stone pavement. The dust cleared and revealed a dark alicorn with a fiery red mane and tail, clad in dark ebony steel armor. His eyes fierce and fixated on them. In his magic he held a large battle axe. Rhonen looked behind him and said, “Guard the steps. Marrok and I will take care of this.”

The alicorn stood tall and firm, nearly the height of them six feet tall. Marrok and Rhonen readied their blades for a fight. They waited patiently, Marrok and Rhonen snarled in unison at the alicorn. Caught on the wind the alicorn charged and attacked Marrok first, Marrok parried the strong blow and tried to counter but was deflected. The fight was joined, the alicorn attacked one of them and moved on to the other quickly changing targets. Sparks flung through the air as steel clashed against steel. Marrok’s face grew more and more determined as the fight drew on.

The alicorn saw an opening and bashed the hilt of the axe against his face disorienting him and the alicorn slammed his axe on the ground throwing up stone pillars at Marrok sending him flying through the air and smashing against the wall. Rhonen watched as his pupil fell unconscious and his face grew fierce as he howled. Rhonen activated a magic and his sword ignited in flames and he mercilessly attacked the alicorn. The alicorn dodged and weaved, narrowly missing the blows.

While yes Rhonen fought against an immortal alicorn, Rhonen was faster and more precise. The alicorn relied on his godlike power to hold Rhonen back, had it been a unicorn or a pegasus this fight would have been over by now. Rhonen guided the axe away and moved in, he swiped the alicorn along his face with his claw and grabbed the alicorn by his throat. Rhonen picked him up and slammed him on the ground with his supernatural werewolf strength. Pulling back Rhonen reared his No-Dachi up and shoved the blade through the alicorn. Blood splattered along Rhonen’s armor and face, Rhonen growled in victory. Rhonen took out his sword and sheathed it in his back.

Rhonen knelt down and noticed this was no ordinary alicorn. Something was different about it. Rhonen didn’t know what but he was not about to wait to find out. He unsheathed his wakizashi and in one swift motion decapitated the alicorn. Blood continued to flow out of the stump that remained. Rhonen held the head in his hand threw it down the steps. He knew how immortal being regenerated, they reconnected their body parts. Rhonen jogs over to Marrok who now was reawakening. Rhonen helped him up and Marrok said groggily, “What...was that?”

Rhonen answered, “I don’t know and I definitely do not want to find out.”

For the first time in a long time Rhonen felt a little bit exhausted from the fight and they rushed down to help their comrades fight to defend the keep. Rhonen could feel the air begin to grow heavy and Rhonen smiled at that fact and rushed back into the fray.

* * *

The halls were cold and dark. Dracula held his Voidsword close and looked around. The entrance hall was long and extensive. Stone columns, red scarlet carpet. Everything was shattered and broken. Dracula felt empty as he crossed the threshold, all emotion. All feelings. Gone.

The darkness that filled the room hugged him and it was not as comfortable as he thought. This was not a natural darkness something set up a trap for them. But Dracula continued on through the darkness despite knowing that this was probably a trap. He thought back to the battle on the way to the keep. It was not easy, some of his brothers and sisters died. Leaving around 20 Blood Casters with him. Their steady breaths could be heard, while they were out of breath and almost to the point of exhaustion he was not. They stopped at two sets of stairs, one leading to the left and the other to the right. Dracula could feel where he needed to go, he looked back and said, “Spectra, Twilight, and Dragomir. Take the others and find the Crusaders, we will handle Chrysalis.”

Twilight said in objection, “But…”

Dracula interrupted, “I’ve made up my mind Twilight. You will go with them and rescue the Crusaders…”

“You mean these four?” Dracula looked and saw standing a few feet in front of him was Icarrus, Aros, Kydaos, and Isaris. Dracula saw that in four magical bubbles hovered Scootaloo, Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle. Discord as well was on one of the bubbles, he looked a little worse for wares. Dracula said sternly and threateningly, “Release them. Now. I am not in the mood for games.”

Dracula turned his attention towards Kydaos as he said with a cruel smile, “Oh but I like games.”

Dracula snarled and leapt forward and landed in front of the half breeds. He summoned his magic and lifted them all into the air. Dracula concentrated not even putting a strain on his magical stamina. He heard them starting to gasp for air, he said in the same tone of voice, “I have always had the least amount of patience for you Kydaos.”

Dracula performed a spell that paralyzed Aros, Icarrus, and Isaris. A soft red glow enveloped them as they fell from the ground. Dracula stood on his hind hooves and held his hoof out strengthening his grip on Kydaos’ throat. Dracula stared coldly at Kydaos and he heard Icarrus cough as he said in an injured tone, “Don’t...kill...him…”

Dracula felt Lucius try to overtake his mind but through sheer willpower and using more spells he kept Lucius suppressed. Dracula looked at himself and he noticed that Lucius didn’t need to overtake his mind to let his actions proceed himself. He released Kydaos and said, “Do not take this kindness likely Kydaos. Consider yourself lucky that I didn’t kill you right here. Next time I will not be so merciful.”

As he finished his last sentence a lightning bolt flashed and in the flash of light his form shifted to his Chthonian Form, or his Netherial form. A large bright white stallion with red smoke coming out of his eyes and clad in dark ebony plate armor. Kydaos looked threatened and scared. Dracula slammed his hoof on the ground causing the ground to crack and tremble under his superior Alicorn strength. Even if they attempted to try and kill him, they would not stand a chance. Dracula said in a stern voice, “Release them. I will not ask a second time.”

Icarrus nodded as Dracula released them from their paralysis. He said, “We had every intention on helping you in any way we could. We decided to start by giving you your allies back to you.”

Icarrus leveled with Dracula and he stared suspiciously at Icarrus. Dracula said holding his gaze, “Why are you helping us?”

Icarrus took in a deep breath and said, “Ever since that fight in the Everfree Forest I have wanted to betray my mother. You were right, she does not care for her kingdom or her subjects. She only cares for her vendetta. She sits waiting in the Shattered Throne room.”

Dracula nodded his head and turned his attention to the rest of the ponies in the room. He announced, “The only ones to proceed are Princess Luna, Princess Celestia, Dragomir, and I. The rest of you are to clear this castle of the remnants of the Changeling Horde. Those are your orders.”

Spectra and Twilight replied in unison, “What!?”

Dracula moved down to them and said letting the large gathering of ponies rush on into the streets of the Castle of the Two Sisters. “I am sorry but you two must sit this one out. Twilight, I love you too much to see you hurt. I don’t want to be put in a situation similar to the one with Sombra. That and the physical connection is still there.

“Spectra, if the worst happens...you need to take my place as leader of the Ebonmanes.”

Twilight and Spectra stared at him wide eyed and he said pulling them in for a hug, “I have made up my mind. I am not going to be convinced otherwise. Stay safe and stay hidden. Dark shadows lie within this place that not even I can protect you from them.”

Spectra stopped hugging Dracula and looked as Twilight stayed in his embrace. She tightened her hooves and said holding back tears in her eyes, “Then...promise me you’ll return safely.”

Dracula winced and said, “I will.”

Twilight pulled Dracula away and leaned up and kissed him softly on his lips. After a few seconds of his moment of bliss Twilight, they stopped and stared at each other’s eyes. Staring for what seemed to be eternity. Finally Dracula felt a hoof on his shoulder and looked to see it was Dragomir’s, he said in a soft tone, “Come. We must be off.”

Dracula gave her a look that she could never forget. It was not a look of sorrow or a look of confidence. It was a look of despair. From the look alone she knew that he wanted to say something, but could not considering the weight it might carry behind it. She welled up her tears and fell into her friend’s embrace now. Dracula turned and let every step he took echo his despair he felt inside. He stopped when he stood next to Luna and Celestia, he needed to keep those emotions and all others buried deep in his mind. His fierce look returned and he said to them starting down the hall leading right into the Shattered Throne room.

After a few seconds of walking they stood in front of two obsidian stone carved doors. Carved into the doors was a famous painting. Known as the Death Harvest. It was a picture of Cerberus as a skeletal pony holding a scythe standing on a large pile of bodies with the sun rising behind him. Dracula looked at the grotesque carved door and said, “Death’s Harvest...truly what waits behind these doors. Is everypony sure they want to do this. This is your last chance to back out now.”

Luna rested her hoof on his shoulder and said in her soft and serene voice, “I said I would be next to you until the very end of this crusade and I meant every word.”

Dracula turned to Dragomir and he said, “You are not the only one here representing your own ponies. It seems as if our fates are intertwined, wherever you may go my sword will follow.”

Lastly he looked over at Celestia who sighed. She said, “My judgment on you was wrong. I expected the worst out of you because of those horrible rumors and for this I am sorry. I am with you until the end.”

Dracula took in a deep breath rested both of his hooves on the cold stone doors. Pushing the doors began to slide open, when they were fully opened revealed a dimly lit open throne room. Which has certainly seen better days. Stone was shattered in one corner by the two thrones and a large hole in the ceiling above it. Only a few braziers lit the chamber. Dracula and his companions continued on into the throne room. They saw Chrysalis standing not facing them in front of the two thrones. They all immediately noticed the two shadowed figures on both the left and right side of her.

She spoke and her voice sounded as if a second voice followed and echoed it, “So...Cerberus’ vaunted justice has finally arrived. Shall I lay down my weapon and throw myself at your mercy Dracula?

Dracula growled back, “A swift death is more than what you deserve, for all those you have tortured and killed. It ends tonight.”

Chrysalis steps forward revealing herself fully. She stood taller and more slender, more insect like as well. Her carapace looked to be thicker and her features much smoother. Dark shadowed mist came off of all over her rather than patches. Dracula sensed the lingering magic of his father and knew exactly what happened. Living Shadow turned Chrysalis into his own Avatar of Darkness. The other two figures revealed themselves. It was Sombra and Shining Armor.

Their coats were jet black and their eyes were glowing a dark scarlet red. They both wore heavy layered white plate mail armor. Sombra held a broadsword and Shining Armor held a sword and shield in his magic. They stared blankly off into space and held cold gazes. Luna stepped forward threateningly and said her eyes flashing a bright white color, “You monster...what have you done to them!?”

I rebirthed them.” Chrysalis said with a cruel smile, letting her hoof run along Shining Armor’s cheek, “It was very tricky getting them back to their bodies and having them reborn in dark magic. You know all about that don’t you Dracula?

“Mine was Netherial,” Dracula said through gritted teeth, “And it was under my own will not the mind controlled will of another. The blind lead the blind I suppose.”

Chrysalis chuckled and directed her attention to Celestia and said, “Well well the almighty Princess Celestia, Goddess of the Sun, wishes to participate in a fight? Likely involving a lot of death? Are you sure you are up for something like this, the last time we had a little scuffle you injured your horn.

“I am not the same mare I was back then.” Celestia said with an even tone and a neutral face, “I will not show the same amount of mercy that I had given you that day.”

Now I am intrigued. If you were showing mercy I want to see the full extent of your powers.

“The only thing you will see is your quick end.” Dragomir said interjecting. Chrysalis’ dark purple glowing eyes shifted their gaze upon Dragomir.

She tightened her cold gaze on Dragomir and said, “So. Dragomir Petran has gained the trust of the Lord of Shadow’s son.

“Lord of Shadow’s son…”

It’s a shame.” Chrysalis continued, “Living Shadow had plans for you as his favorite son. But it looks as if you two must share the same fate.

Dracula and Dragomir stared at each other and lifted their hooves to their own scars. They couldn’t believe it, they were brothers. Chrysalis let out a long agitated breath and said, “You two seriously did not know that you were brothers? It couldn’t have been more obvious.

“Enough!” Luna shouted shaking the entire room under her loud commanding voice, “The time for talking is over! The time has come for you to die.”

Chrysalis only smiled and stood tall. Silence ensued for a few moments and the two sides stared coldly at each other in those moments, deciding who would make the first move. Dragomir unsheathed his sword and held it at the ready in his magic. Dracula slammed his hoof on the ground and he changed into his Chthonian Form. His mane and tail looked a lot like Celestia’s and Luna’s mane and tail, but his was shorter and looked more like crackling flames of netherial energy. Dracula summoned Whiteash and held it in a ready stance, then summoned his Voidsword and held it up as well. Luna summoned Chillrend, and Celestia summoned the Ashbringer. They all stood next to one another ready to fight.

Chrysalis smiled and a dark violet aura enveloped her horn and materializing was a large scythe. It was no regular scythe, this scythe was enchanted and made from a superior weaponsmith. It was emblazoned with many glowing purple runes on the blade and some on the shaft. Chrysalis stood on her hind legs and readied it in her hooves, standing in a battle stance. Sombra and Shining Armor stood in a ready stance and waited to see who would make the first move. Dracula started crackling with red energy and pounced forward, leaping through the air he was going to land a blow on Chrysalis. Dracula slashed with both of his swords and they were parried by her scythe and she tried to counterattack but he dodged out of the way. Dracula did not lose this chance to give Chrysalis the offensive so he went into a flurry of cuts, slashes, and thrusts. All subjected to send sparks flying through the air.

Celestia charged a spell in her horn and shot a ray of light at Sombra and the magical blow was absorbed into the shield and the shield began to glow a scarlet color and he bashed the air in front of him and a solidified shield of red energy shot out and met to land its blow on Celestia. Celestia crossed her hooves in front of her and summoned a shield. Dirt and dust kicked up and Sombra leapt through the dust and was about to land a blow on Celestia when Dragomir slashed Sombra at the neck and tackled him to the ground. As Dragomir collided with Sombra, fire crackled on him and singed Sombra’s armor. Celestia refocused and saw they were exchanging blows farther away from her. Celestia joined in the exchanging of blows and parried and dodged a few of his attacks. Celestia expected Sombra to rely on his physical strength to overpower his enemies, but she noticed that he put more martial finesse into his strikes and blocks. This was the first official time that she has had a combatant last this long.

Luna jumped and charged through the air and clashed with Shining Armor. Shining Armor hefted a large two handed sword while Luna used a longsword, giving her the advantage of speed. But she needed to be careful because if he lands a blow on her then she might be in trouble. Luna went to thrust her sword through Shining Armor’s chest but he sidestepped out of the way and bashed his large hilt against the side of Luna’s head. Dazed and blurred she attempted to dodge out of the way but the weight of his great sword came down on Chillrend. Luna held her sword there kneeling on the stone. Armor was trying to overpower her with brute strength, Luna strained holding him back. She could hold him there, but not for very long. She needed to do something, she cast a spell and she felt her form dissolve into bright blue smoke and in a second she materialized behind Shining Armor. Luna charged her weapon and was about to land her blow on the back of Shining Armor’s neck when she felt something hard strike against her and sent her flying.

She flew through the air and slammed into the stone wall. The room shook but nothing collapsed aside from a few stones. Luna shook the haze from her eyes and saw Dracula reverted back into his mortal form. Dracula strained and lifted himself off of the ground with his two swords and immediately summoned a storm of red energy around him and charged towards Chrysalis, transforming into his Chthonian Form again. Leaping through the air and unleashing another flurry of strikes. All of them were precise and strong, blows that only a seasoned warrior can land. Anger spread across Dracula’s face as his attacks were either parried or dodged. Chrysalis thrust her scythe and Dracula crossed his swords absorbing the blow. Dracula charged his weapons with red energy and then stabbed them into the ground erupting around him was a large wave of netherial energy. Chrysalis summoned a shield and was only pushed back a few feet, she stood on her hind hooves and started throwing bolts of energy from her hoof. Dracula slashed his sword vertically and a wave of netherial black and white energy collided with the three bolts that shot out at him. There was a small explosion that kicked up dust. Dracula covered his face with his hoof to prevent the dust from getting into his eyes or nose. Once the dust cleared he saw a wave of bright purple needles flying at him. It was too late for him to throw up a shield to block it so he took the damage from the needles. There were three of them and were at least two feet long and struck hard into his left shoulder, neck, and left fore hoof. Dracula then felt poison rush through his veins and attempt to destroy his insides but one of the powers he received from being a Vampire Lord was being able to control poisons.

The poison subsided but the shooting pain of large needles in his body was still there. He pulled them out and blood started to trickle out of the three large irritated holes. The scarlet liquid slowly oozed out of his wounds and he lifted his hoof to the blood that fell down and his hoof started to get stained, he started moving the blood around and formed runes on his arm and neck as he did he chanted in a deep reverberating voice,

Et nox sicut dies et nox sicut dies praeterit hora venit diluculum. In hora, omne robur et omnis potentia in frigore lapsis sopitam manent. Virtus mea, et cum finis tuus.

When he finished the lighting changed from dark to a dark red color and smoke came off of his wounds. Dracula held both of his swords in his hooves and readied them for a charge. He leapt forward and his sword glowed the same color as the blood runes on his arm, shoulder, and neck. His attacks were harder and faster. Dracula guided her scythe away from her and landed two slashes. One across her cheek and the other a thrust into her chest. Dracula went to take out Whiteash from the stab but noticed it was stuck. He looked at Chrysalis and she smiled then smashed her head against his and he fell backwards in a daze. He returned just in time as she went to land a blow, Dracula crossed his swords and saw as the blade was within inches of cutting across the base of his neck. The both struggled to overpower each other, Chrysalis said, “I can taste your hatred for your father. I can feel your fear of losing, and it is delicious.

Dracula strained and closed his eyes as he tried with all of his might to overpower her but she had the same amount of strength as him. She laughed evilly and said, “I think I’m not going to kill you. I leave you an inch away from death, tie you down, and have you watch your precious Twilight die right before your eyes.”

As she said her last sentence she transformed into Twilight and put on a look of sorrow. Dracula’s heart sank as she said her next words, “Help me Silver! Help me please!

Dracula looked away and felt as his strength began to falter. He looked again and saw she had tears in her eyes and she said, “Please! Please Silver...please…

Dracula’s strength gave way and cut him a the base of his neck and over to his shoulder. His swords fell out of his hooves and cried in horrible pain as the wound burned and singed. The butt of the scythe slammed into him and he flew through the air and landed on the ground hard. he felt a few of his bones crack and break. He tried to stand up but faltered and fell to the ground. Chrysalis returned to her original form and laughed maniacally.

Chrysalis relished in the impending victory, Dracula lied limp on the ground until Luna unleashed the full might of her powers and stabbed her longsword deep into Shining Armor. His body shook and cracked as moonlight seeped through the cracks and finally he exploded. She rushed over to Dracula and helped him up. Then looked over as Celestia reduced Sombra to a pile of ash. Things were not looking so good, distress fell upon her and surmounted as Twilight Sparkle and the unicorn known as Rarity stepped into the room. She had to think fast, she would be able to handle four but if they joined the fight she would surely lose. She needed to think to think of something, and she needed to think of it fast. Her eyes darted around the room, in the corner of her vision she saw Dragomir and Celestia slowly advance towards her. She charged her horn and shot a large bolt of pure violet magic. It shot out from her horn and blasted the base of a large column, she watched as it fell to the ground with resounding speed.

* * *

Luna leapt over to help Dracula. As she lifted him up she heard him say under his breath, “I...I...I can’t...I can’t do it…”

Luna turned him so he looked directly at her and she said, “Yes you can. You’re the only one that can. You can defeat him and you can surely defeat her.”

She heard hoofsteps sound through the room and she saw Twilight with the same physical wounds as Dracula. Dracula looked up in fear and said shouting, “Twilight! Get out of here!”

Twilight was about to say something when they all heard stone crack and break. Luna looked to her left in horror and fear. She watched as a stone column slowly descended upon them. She threw Dracula away and he cascaded across the floor ten feet away from her. Dracula shouted, “NO MOTHER DON’T!!!”

He lifted his hoof and watched as she was crushed under the weight of the column slammed down on the Princess of the Night. Dracula laid there in horror, the ground shook as it made contact with the ground. Dracula laid there in horror waiting for almost an eternity for the dust and dirt to clear. He looked back and saw Celestia and Dragomir engaged in a fight with Chrysalis. He looked back and prayed to the night that Luna was okay. The dust and dirt cleared, revealing the limp form of the Princess of the Night underneath the stone column. Dracula stared in horror for a second then finally got to his hooves and said, “No…”

He galloped over and used his godlike strength to lift the large stone column. He strained with all of his might and finally lifted it he picked it up and dropped it five feet away from them. Dracula knelt down and held Luna’s head in his hoof and as he did this he said in a shaky tone, “No no no no no no...no...no…”

With blood on the corner of her lip and covered in dirt, bruises, and blood she coughed and said with her final breath, “It’s...you...now...lead them...well…”

She slowly closed her eyes, her color was now dead pale and she laid there lifeless. Dracula’s lip quivered and tears started to stream down his eyes and he winced. He felt complete emptiness and his strength leave him. He buried his face in her chest, and tears continued to fall from his eyes. But he felt the spell that connected the children of the night to her shift through the Arcanic Rift and moved into Dracula. He felt a weight on his shoulders and it did not help how he was feeling now. Dracula lifted his head up and continued to let tears fall from his eyes, he lifted Luna’s head to him and kissed her on the forehead then slowly put her down. Dracula stopped his crying and stood up. He heard an explosion behind him and he looked and saw Chrysalis casting a spell. A large beam of pure violet energy shot at Dracula’s head and continued to pump energy into his head. His mind ripped itself apart and he screamed in agony and pain. He felt his conscience slip and being torn away from him and his soul screamed in great pain and agony. Darkness filled around his physical form and in his vision. Black filled all that Dracula could see.

* * *

Unnatural darkness filled the air and Twilight strained as she tried to see through it. She heard Dracula scream in agony but that couldn’t be right, she didn’t feel any physical pain. She cried out in the darkness, “Dracula? Dracula are you alright?... Rarity do you see him?”

Twilight did not hear a word. Finally the darkness lightened up and she moved her gaze as fast as she could to where Dracula stood. Darkness and shadows swirled around where Dracula stood. She moved her hoof to step closer to it but Rarity stopped her and said, “Twilight...wait.”

The darkness subsides and reveals Dracula. Dracula shoots open his eyes and they exude black and red smoke. Looking at him Twilight can feel dread filling her lungs and mouth. She can’t move or speak. She falters even more when he spoke, it looked as if Dracula spoke but he carried a different but all too familiar voice,
Ah finally. I have returned to this world.

Author's Notes:

Welcome everpony, to the beginning of the end of Children of the Night! May I just say, that is has been a blast writing this fanfic and thank you to all of you who have read it up to this point. The reason this chapter was so long was because at the rate I was writing it it would have finished in the fifties and I don't want to torture you guys that much, so I decided that instead of having multiple little chapters of two thousand or three thousand words I would condense it and form two ginormous chapters. Expect chapter forty nine to be just as long if not longer. Happy reading!

~Sylus~

Next Chapter: Chapter XLIX - Death's Harvest Part II Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 28 Minutes
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