"We need to strike back! We can't let this invisible threat allow us to show any weakness!" Lucia screamed across the war table that had been set up in the throne room. Dracula sat on the obsidian stone throne and rested his head in his hoof. News spread quickly throught the Ebonmane empire. He remained adorned in his scarlet and black steel plate armor. It was a very light very thin but strong metal. It was not too large and not too flashy. Dracula was not to be worshipped as some sort of god, although he was by some of his subjects.

The throne room was large and repaired to its original grandeur. The columns fixed and the dark granite stone polished. The tapestries fully repaired and the aesthetics as well were fixed. Dracula focused back at the discussion at hoof. Many scouting groups towards the northern border of the Everfree have been attacked. Only three or four remained of the twenty that were sent out. Dracula met with the survivors and he had never seen such dread filled ponies before. He had seen the effects of battle and what it did to their minds, but this was no regular dread.

Dracula watched as Lucia and Spectra argued. They had been doing so for hours, at least it felt like hours. Lucia was the temporary co-leader of the Knights of the Moon and temporary leader of the Omega pack, only long enough until Rainbow Dash came back. She was a dark brown mare with icy blue eyes and a long silver mane. She wore thin lamellar armor and a sword and shield sheathed on her back.

Spectra stated on the other end of the war table, "No. We should wait, we cannot kill an unseen enemy. We need to wait it out, until this sabetour shows its face."

"So you want us to wait while our brothers and sisters die?" Lucia returned in an agitated tone, "Immediate action should be used. You are being overly dramatic sister, you are making this enemy larger than they should be."

Spectra crossed her hooves over her chest and narrowed her already tight gaze on the werewolf. Spectra mused with a slight sting in her words, "We only make our enemies bigger than what they are if we let ignorance rule our sight. I am making careful measures for the Ebonmanes. A skill that seems to be lacking in one of the ponies in this room."

Lucia gripped the hilt of her sword and growled, "Why you-"

"ENOUGH!" Dracula shouted at the top of his lungs. Dracula had enough of this petty argument, they were making no progress. Dracula stood up from his throne and stated in a commanding voice, "I have heard enough out of both of you. Lucia, remember your place, even though Spectra is your collegue you must still treat her as you would a master."

Lucia responded nonchalantly, "Yes. My lord."

Dracula looked to Spectra and commanded in an even tone, "This is why I refuse for you to have an apprentice. You do not take rebellion the right way. Insults and putting them down will only cause them to lash out at you. Mistakes are to be repaired and improved, not burned away."

Spectra saluted Dracula respectfully crossing her hoof across her chest and bowing low and returned in a gracious tone, "It won't happen again my prince."

Dracula stepped down from his throne and leaned on the table. There was a map laid out carefully with markers on it. It showed a map of the Everfree, Equestria, and the Crystal Empire. Various reports as well were scattered around the map. Dracula asked contemplatively, "Now. Where were the scouts sent?"

Spectra leaned in and responded moving her hoof over the various settlements, "They were sent to Deathfall and Moon's Rest. They are empty settlements, their mission was to scout the land around the settlement and report back. If it was clear they were to return and give the all clear to settle there. If it wasn't then they were to report to Wraith in Liches Rest."

Dracula rubbed his chin with his hoof and moved an educated gaze over the map. He stared at the northern border with an inquisitive gaze. The settlements of the north were long abandoned, because of Liches Rest. He doubted that these attacks were from Wilds, they were too clean and precise for Wilds. These were from another enemy. Dracula asked keeping his eyes on Deathfall and Moon's Rest, "What of the Death Knights? Have they reported anything?"

Lucia interjected with her callous and even voice, "Not lately. They have been rather quiet. We'll know once our messenger returns."

Dracula carefully mulled over different ways he could approach this problem. Dracula crossed his forehooves and raised one in front of his muzzle. He continued to stare at the map. He had to approach the situation carefully, any room for error and this could crumble beneath him. Dracula looked to Lucia as she asked, "My Prince. Your orders?"

Dracula kept his pose and commanded, "We cannot spare the ponypower to retake these settlements, most of our heavy hitters are at the Black City clearing it out. We need to be careful if we are to be rid of these attackers quickly and efficiently."

Dracula continued after a pause to think, "There will be two teams. Lucia you will lead a group of Omega wolves and try and know the face of these enemies. Spectra, you will accompany me as we will be reinforcements in case anything goes wrong. I won't let these invisible enemies destroy the kingdom I have made from ashes."

Spectra and Lucia bowed with great respect and left without repeating any words. With their leave a Vampire entered the throne room. Dracula returned to his throne and sat with earnest. The vampire knelt and kept his gaze away from Dracula as he nervously stated, "Fledgling Marcus at your service my lord."

Dracula waved his hoof and responded, "Speak quickly. I have matters to attend to Fledgling Marcus."

Macus stood up and pulled out a scroll from a brown leather satchel. He wore rich fabrics and was well decorated. Clearly a ward of a noble in Shadow Garden. His slick black mane was short and his bright yellow eyes were filled with anxiety and nervousness as he approached the Black Throne. Dracula noticed the missive in his light red aura, it bore the Seal of the North, indicating a letter from Princess Cadance. Dracula had only met the Princess of Love once, and it was not on the healthiest of terms. They were apprentices of each Princess at the time. They were to help intervene in the Second Griffon War, which eventually led to a rebellion in Aviana. Dracula had some semblence of respect for Cadance, she was capable of doing whatever it took to protect the ponies she loved.

Dracula knit an eyebrow and asked, "What is a fledgling vampire doing with a missive from Princess Cadance?"

Marcus shuffled his hooves and responded,"I....my Sire ordered me to give you this. He said that it was important."

"Who is your Sire?"

"Lord Draven Bloodmantle," Marcus replied quickly, "My lord."

Dracula snatched the missive and broke the seal letting the missive unfurl. Dracula read over the neat handwriting of Princess Cadance,

Dear Prince Dracula Belmont of the Ebonmanes,

It has been three months since your Dark Crusade. Congratulations on your victory by the way, it comes to my attention that you have rid this world of a great evil. I must also thank you for returning my emissary safely and soundly. As such, I am doing two things.

The first being that I request a Concordance of Friendship and Allies. And the second being, if you accept the first, is to offer some semblence of protection. Strange occurances have been spotted around my empire. I would use my own soldiers but they are still inexperienced, I fear that it would be a slaughter if they tried to investigate these strange occurances. Please, if you have ponies to spare we could use the extra protction until our guards gain enough experience to do so. I would ask the Celestial Empire but they have too much to handle right now.

Resond as soon as you are able.

With respect,
Princess Cadance

After Dracula read the letter he carefully thought. He wanted to accept the Concordance of Friendship but he needed to conveine with the Originals first. Dracula breathed out a heavy sigh and said, "When did your Sire receive this letter?"

Marcus seemed to let a weight lift from his shoulders and he responded with more pride, "A few hours ago."

Dracula rubbed his chin with his forehoof and said turning to face the throne, "I need you to return to your Sire and tell him I want to summon the Originals. Tomorrow is when we shall meet. Be quick about it."

"Yes my lord." Marcus bowed respectfully and stepped back and then turned to leave. Marcus walked past Riptide as he entered. Riptide called out, "You worry too much brother. These missing parties are nothing to fret about."

Dracula turned and responded dryly to his comment, "If I would to ignore this menace it would show that I am reckless and lazy, painting a target on my back."

Dracula kept a hardened gaze on his obsidian throne. It was there that he sat day in and day out, waiting to pass judgment on some poor waste of a pony. It was there that he controlled an entire nation. It was there that he had spilled the blood of his brother. Sombra, though he had returned, Dracula always saw that scene inside of his head. Dracula moved his ears as he heard Riptide ask, "You seem distraught brother."

Dracula half turned his head and heaved out a heavy sigh. He rested a calm hoof on the hilt of Kal'Drae, resonating with his touch. Dracula remembered the scene of only a month ago of when he refused his father and mother. It was not easy for him, though they each did not play pivotal roles in his life it still caused his heart to remain restless. Chaos churned within his mortal beating heart. He knew he was mortal, his subjects do not. Regular emotions never clashed with what he was, he felt sad when it was meant to be sad. He was angry when it required him to be. And he loved when it was meant to be. Dracula sighed once again and raised his other hoof and inspected it with a careful eye. Dracula asked Riptide not moving his gaze from his armored hoof, "If your parents had kept a secret from you for hundreds of years, could you ever find it within yourself to forgive them?"

Silence. Carefully met silence filled the air of the throne room. Dracula expected no answer and appeared to receive none. Dracula breathed out a heavy breath and lowered his hoof in defeat. He then felt a tender hoof gently place on his shoulder. Riptide answered in a wise voice, "Forgiveness is not something we can openly hand out. Forgiveness is earned. Hatred as well is given out in such a way, but to hate with immortals is too long. Forever is too long to hate. We are all different facing these problems for ourselves. It's not in my place to guide where you go, I am only here to offer advice along the way."

Dracula turned to the owner of the hoof. Riptide's dark blue mane and jet black coat was almost unable to be misplaced. Riptide was the only one, the only Original left that he knew since the beginning. Riptide had been there to help him along the way, no matter how long or how wide the journey. He was somepony you could rely on. Dracula smirked at the scalemailed pony and mused, "Look at me. I'm so distraught I'm asking advice from Riptide."

The all too familiar sly smile of Riptide's returned and he added coyly, "Yeah don't get used to it. Advice is usually not something I like to do."

Dracula placed a hoof on Riptide's armored shoulder and shared a hearty laugh with his brother. Riptide added, "But what I do like to do is help my family, whether it is making them smile or giving friendly advice."

Dracula kept his smile. It had been a long time since he shared such light hearted feelings, his heart felt lighter and his mind refreshed. Riptide clapped his shoulder and said, "Alright lets role the credits on this mare flick, you got a nation to run and some ponies to save. And I have settlements to look after."

Riptide left and Dracula turned to the open hole at the top of the ceiling. Dracula saw the first rays of sunlight dance across the dark granite stone. Dracula took in a calmed breath and he remembered the wise words Cerberus had told him recently,
To master something takes time. A careful mind and an even more careful heart. We were all meant to master certain things. Some to master others and rule above them. Others were made to live amongst his subjects and rule with a kind heart. It is our choice to know which one we are. A tyrant. Or a friend.

That day was the first that Dracula felt the elements of Ketos accept him as their wielder. They knew he was now ready to learn from them.

The sun did not lighten up on its harsh dark red and orange morning glow. Dusk. The time where one world made way for another, as Dracula had constantly told Spectra. He was very cryptic sometimes with the way he talked lately. That mark did something to him, it was like he had awakened from a long sleep. Spectra knew his many sides, she had seen him as something he was not. A monster. And here she was, walking beside him like nothing had happened.

Her hoofsteps were lightly placed, making almost no sound. Her breaths were long and controlled. She used her staff as a balance and as a guide towards open patches of grass not overtaken by vines. Spectra found a bit of peace in this dark forest. The silence that it gave was one that could calm your soul and ease your mind. She once repulsed at the sight or mention of its name, but now that she saw the hidden beauty of the dark Everfree forest. She grew to accept it as her home....beauty.

There had been only one other mare that could bring her to this state of peacefulness. Twilight Sparkle. She was such a natural beauty, her name gave true credence to what she really is. Her name is perfect for her. The beautiful time of day where day breaks into night, casting bright reds and dark purples. Remembering the lavender coat and the dark violet flow of her mane. Pure glistening beauty. Spectra closed her eyes seeing a fresh image of her in her mind. Allowing her to stay, in that moment, the peace she had long sought to find.

But, Twilight was the forbidden fruit she could never pluck. For she was promised to another, Dracula Belmont, arguably one of the most powerful and strong stallions Spectra has ever known. She could not will or bring herself to destroying their carefully built relationship. They were perfect for each other. Twilight was more calm and focused better, now that she knew she had a stallion to look after her. And Dracula was more determined and noble, always knowing he had to protect her.

Spectra turned her head to look at the stallion in question. His coat sharpened and glowed in the bright rays of the sun, the white standing out and glowing against the silhouetted jet black. His dark red eyes focused and ever thinking of what lied ahead of him. His black and crimson plate armor rested lightly on his tall muscular form, scales and plates mixed forming sort of like an armored drake. His jet black mane billowed slightly in the wind the long white strand flowing as well. The crest of the breastplate had a screeching dragon, bellowing at Dracula. He walked with a powerful and commanding stance, a stark difference from the lonely vagabond she had met so many months ago. Spectra sidled closer to her ruler and asked in a casual tone, "You look as though you might have something on your mind. What troubles you my prince?"

Dracula appeared to loosen his commanding walk and let his strides have less seriousness in them. Dracula looked to Spectra and he responded in a calm and even voice, "Family. Friends. Thinking on how much I have failed them or have made them proud."

"Failed?" Spectra knit an eyebrow at the stab Dracula took at himself, "Who have you failed?"

Dracula replied with a heavy heart, "Recently I discovered that I was Luna's dead son. She knew who I was and I lashed out at her....I now question whether or not if I made the right decision. I fear I might have broken her, she has gone missing."

"Missing? How can an immortal goddess of the night just go missing? Surely somepony must have known where she went." Spectra added in a lowered and darkened tone. She bode no such seriousness before, but to have an immortal alicorn to disappear. It was almost unheard of. Considering there are only four immortal alicorns left.

Spectra kept on her way not breaking her gaze from Dracula, who responded, "The only other pony who might know where she is might be Midnight, my birth father, but even then he might not know where she is. And I'm not about to get up and go looking for her, she has to recompense for what she did...and so do I...please lets move on to a different topic."

Spectra moved her gaze away for a second. Luna had always been sensitive, that was just a fact. Anypony who wanted to know about the royal family knew that Luna was more sensitive with her feelings than Celestia. Luna wore her emotions on her sleeves, giving her an edge and a weakness. While Celesita masked her true emotions from the public, not wanting to show how mortal she truly is. When she believed she lost her family before she turned into Nightmare Moon. Now she was nearly losing everypony. Her son. Her sister. She almost no one in her family left to comfort her.

Son....Spectra could still never fully wrap around her brain that Dracula was Luna's son. But then that would mean that Dragomir was her son as well, and so Sunset Shimmer. Spectra decided she did not want to think about it anymore, her brain was starting to hurt from all the questions she was making.Spectra asked after the long silence, "How has things been going between you and Twilight?"

The mention of her name warranted a smile across his face and he responded warmly, "Things could not be better. I visit her when I have no other duties to attend to and she does the same. I hate to sound too emotional, but, we could not be anymore happier. We thought that given our new positions, me as Prince of the Ebonmanes and her as Magistrate, we thought we would see even less of each other but the opposite appeared true."

Spectra gave a friendly smile and added, "I'm glad that you two are happy. You both deserve it."

"And what of you Ms. Crystalline?" Dracula asked in response, getting a knit eyebrow as a response, "...I mean have you found that special stallion?"

Spectra blushed slightly and responded sheepishly, "Well....a lady should never really give away whom she is dating....but....if we are being honest with each other I have not found that special stallion or mare."

"I did not know you were that type." Dracula added coyly and playfully, "You seemed like a mare with much more....exquisite tastes."

Spectra detected the hint of joyful play in his voice and stifled a giggle in response before a playful gasp, "Prince Dracula are you profiling? I thought you were better than that...and proved you wrong. I enjoy the company of a mare a little bit more than a stallion. More soft so to speak."

Dracula laughed heartily. Spectra had not seen him like this in a long time, it must have something to do with the mark. Dracula smiled and added, "I had no idea you were so open Spectra. It seems I am finding out more about you each and every minute I spend with you."

Spectra giggled and added in joyfully, "Be careful Dracula, I very much might steal you away from Twilight."

Dracula goffed and said, "When Tartarus freezes over my friend."

They both shared another round of laughter, only solidfying their relationship as friends. Spectra liked having somepony like Dracula to talk to, it was like having the older brother she never had. They continued on with their company of Knights of the Moon. Spectra had completely forgot about them in Dracula's and her friendly conversation. Their hoofsteps sounding proud behind her, fifteen in total. Seven Mystics and eight Justicars. Justicars are the Knights of the Moon who are more melee oriented and more attune to their battle instincts. Mystics are more connected to weylines and a more direct connection to Dracula, making them formidable casters of magic.

A Mystic walked up to Spectra and asked warranting her and Dracula's attention, "Archmystic. My lord. I apologize for the intrusion but what exactly are we hunting? The others think that it is just another Wilden attack. I just wanted to know what we were facing."

Spectra knit an eyebrow. She was a mare and her coat was a bright shade of yellow and her mane an ethereal bright gold, and her eyes a bright stark crimson red, wearing a thin mage coat with three layers and some pieces of gold leather armor. The usual uniform for Mystics, their uniforms standing out amongst their dark colored manes and coats, an idea Spectra came up with all on her own. Usually Mystics wore light golds and bright silver, to represent the moon and the stars. Spectra tapped her chin, she tried to recall where she heard that innocent and high pitched voice before. Spectra asked, "Have we met before? I...must have seen you somewhere....your voice sounds very...familiar."

The bright colored Mystic bowed while walking and responded, "My name is Mystic Slyph, Archmystic."

Spectra interrupted, "Ah yes...Miss Slyph....a beautiful name by the way...weren't you the one on training day that fought Archknight Rainbow Dash and won?"

Slyph rubbed her hoof and replied sheepishly, "Well...I hardly would call it winning...I believe I put up a very good fight."

Spectra stifled a nicker and said, "Ha...you beat her handily darling. I saw the whole thing, you quite the enemy...well done. And an answer to your earlier question. No, I do not know what we face. All we know is that this threat stands in the way of us and our growth as a people. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news young mystic."

Slyph nodded apologetically and said, "Oh no...Archmystic, I did not mean for you to bring bad news I simply wanted to know what we were facing. Known or unknown, I won't let this threat harm my brothers and sisters."

Spectra clapped her hoof on Slyph's shoulder gently and added with the voice of a leader, "That's good Slyph. Fuel that determination and you will not fail. Now go, return with your brothers and sisters. We are nearing the first town."

"Yes Archmystic."

With a respectful bow she trotted her way back to the others. Spectra turned back and saw the other golden and silver armored cloth Mystics marching with the eight other Justicars. The Justicars wore dark blue plated and black mail armor to represent the night sky. The colors are to represent the unity of the night and the protection it offers. The Order was hardly the backbone of the Ebonmane army, but they played a major role. The Knights are capable of helping all the lost Children of the Night master their skills and allow them to use it as protection for their brothers and sisters under the night sky. Spectra finally looked back ahead of her and they entered what was now known as the Pass of Lost Souls.

The Pass of Lost Souls was a large gaping pass in between two mountain ranges, the Glacial Spires and the Silvermane Peaks. Both used as sort of a wall in the northern part of Equestria. It was hard to settle there though, no food could grow and no game was near for miles. But Ebonmanes do not need to rely on mortal bindings such as food or water. Which is why they had two settlements nestled in the great pass. Moon's Rest and Deathfall. But they were long since abandoned because of Liches Rest bejng too close by, letting the old Necromancers ponies to the slaughter. They were little more than ghost towns.

The environment around Spectra changed, the calm visual forest was now lost behind her. She was now walking on frozen dead ground. A tundra scape loomed out in front of her. Around fifty miles away she saw the Glacial Spires on her left and the Silvermane Peaks to her right and one hundred miles ahead the mountain ranges did not connect and in that pass sat a darkened settlement belonging to the Ebonmane Empire. Spectra looked over and took notice that the large mountains were as if they were teeth, a gaping maw waiting to take a large bite out of the sky. It was grand and the skies remained clear. Giving the sprawling tundra plain in front of Spectra a dark blue look. It was truly magnificent but rather bare aside from the settlement in the pass.

Spectra turned over to Dracula and asked her breath turning into chilled vapor as it came out, "Where is our first stop?"

Dracula made everypony stop. He lifted his hoof and he lowered it. He stared off and looked at the sun that was now beginning to peak out over the glorious mountains. Which suggested it was nearly mid day. They have been trekking for almost twelve hours and Spectra felt no exhausion. Dracula contemplated and finally responded after about a minute, "We will be heading to Deathfall first. It is closer and had the most amount of Phantoms missing from the scouting parties. We will rest there for a few hours until night, in which case we will march to Moon's Rest."

With no other words to say Spectra nodded and so did the rest of their company. They walked on through the tundra plain, feeling the unharsh and numb gale from the mighty north breeze. For they had entered the chilled domain of the north now.

Ice covered rocks and boulders filled Dracula's sight as he led his company through the snow and ice of the north. The sun gave no comfort to the biting cold wind. For he felt the true harshness of winter but he lived through the harsh winters of the north, a familiar feeling he has grown to ignore. His mortal gaze set upon the horizon, bound to not being able to look farther than his crippled mortal eyes can see. It was an odd feeling, unable to see what lies ahead. Like a prophet whom can no longer read the future.

His hoof loosely gripped the hilt of Kal'Drae as he trudged through the icy gales and the bitter snow. He as well did not have his heightened vampire hearing. He was a regular stallion alicorn. He still had many of the powers of vampires but he did not have what made them immortal or apex predators of the night. He had the mortal feelings of ponies and the great ferocity of the primal vampire.

It was not only bitter coldness that Dracula felt however, he as well felt powerful weylines in the north. Arcane flowed abundantly and freely. But it was in a wild state, if one was to use magic in the north...it would turn them mad. Dracula ordered to Spectra and the Mystics that marched behind him, "Be careful when you cast magic in this place. I fear if you cast too much then the Arcane energies will drive you mad. Be wary."

Spectra responded getting Dracula's attention, "So you felt it too?"

Dracula nodded as they continued their trek to Deathfall. He responded nobly, "I feel most arcane energies now."

Dracula motioned for Spectra to come closer and he whispered, "I am weaker now that I have this mark. I am no longer immortal. I can feel everything a mortal feels. I still have some of my powers but not all of them. I bear the elements of harmony now, the magic at least that created them. In order for me to regain my immortality I must master the six arcane elements. Fire, Earth, Wind, Arcane, Water, and Nature. I am mastering Arcane right now."

Spectra looked back ahead of her and said, "What about Nether?"

Dracula corrected, "I am using Nether energy when I am mastering that particular element. Using it as a base. I cannot purely use Nether. I must regain that ability."

Silence ensued after Dracula spoke. They trudged on in utter silence, letting nothing hang in the air. Their breaths were still long and collected as they approached an opening in the Glacial Spires. The light of day escaped behind the large maw of earthen stone and rock. Dracula closed his eyes and focused his mind on the energy that flowed through his veins. Dracula then shot his eyes open and they glowed dark red and darkness no longer filled his mortal vision. Everything had a red hue as he used the tainted vision of his dragon ancestor.

Dracula tightened the grip of his sword and ordered calmly, "Be mindful. The enemy might be roaming around. Ardentfell positions."

Four Justicars marched up on Dracula's left side and the other four marched up to his right with their various weapons at the ready. The Mystics formed a half circle in the rear and Spectra marched right at Dracula's side with her staff at the ready, he heard the resounding hum of magical energy being activated as the Mystics and Spectra formed their magical shields. Dracula kept a hardened gaze on the pass ahead of him. He advanced with his hoofsteps being echoed by his company.

The air was dry and cold, filled with the feelings of forlorn and mystery. Dracula did not like facing something he did not know but he needed to do things he was not comfortable with. It kept him focused and ready for anything. Dracula's eyes had red smoke coming out of the corners as he peered on with the eyes of Rulth the Corrupted. His ancient dragon ancestor. He just had remembered the time at his birth, when they bathed him in the tainted blood. Dracula then skipped to a few centuries later and he remembered the time he had slaughtered every member of the Brotherhood. He heard the faintest sound of their screams. He held his eyes closed and felt a hoof on his and he saw Spectra and she asked, "Everything alright Dracula?"

Dracula moved his hoof away and responded coldly, "I'm fine. Don't worry about me."

Spectra nodded and they continued their focused march. Letting only the sound of the wind to fill their ears. Nothing else pierced the dark silence. It was like the silent wails of a lost soul, the forlorn of a wanderer. Dracula knew that feeling all too well.

For five minutes they carefully marched through the icy dead pass in the Glacial Peaks. As they were getting closer to Deathfall Dracula could sense something. Like an object out in the corner of your vision. He knew something awaited them but he did not know what. As they continued on the large stone walls narrowed and the air grew colder. The natural lighting almost completely disappeared, a deep blue tint on everything in Dracula's field of vision. A Justicar asked aloud with nervousness in his voice, "Does anyone else feel that?"

Another Justicar answered, "What?"

The first had his long spear waver and he added anxiously, "That....that feeling. Like a weight pushing on your chest."

Finally they came into view of Deatfall. It had the same architectural buildings as Gemini and Shadow Garden. Dark mahogany wood buildings, with slanted roofs and a large clocktower in the center of the settlement. Deathfall was the average size of a city and it fit perfectly in the valley it nestled in. Natural stone walls all around them, and a plentiful mine filled with rich metallic elements. Dark archaic buildings, these are what scared the Children of the Day, but to an Ebonmane it was home. Dracula glanced over the town and saw various mansions and shoppes, with a few taverns and inns. But what set everything off was the large blizzard that raged overhead. Crashing winds against he buildings, testing the structure's foundation.

They stood on a slope that overlooked the old town. A large wooden wall of metal and Everfree Birch lined the entrance of the town, with various larges hooks and chains. To intimidate any outsiders. But was set Dracula off was the fact that fresh blood stained the hooms and spikes. Other than that, the town was cloaked in a storm of hazy icicles and spikes. Dracula felt an ominous feeling coming from the town, Slyph said aloud, "That is no natural blizzard."

Spectra responded, "I can sense it too Slyph."

Dracula agreed with them, that was no natural storm. It held a dark power. More ancient power than what Dracula wielded. The Vampire Lord closed his eyes and focused, he sensed the energies of his subjects. He felt the paths that have walked here. They echoed to him like distant memories. Dracula thought for a moment and said opening his eyes, "Lucia and her pack have already been here, their tracks were left here. But they are no longer here."

"Did any of them perish?" Spectra asked pulling down her hood, "Have any of them fallen?"

Dracula shook his head and responded, "No. I would have felt their energies leave. They have just set out for Moon's Rest. Some remain here."

Dracula then thought for a moment. They did not meet any dangers on their journey to Deathfall. He expected an ambush or guards at the entrance. But this...this was odd. Dracula mused, "Set up a camp here. Spectra, Slyph and I will scout out the city. Make sure everything is clear."

A chorus of voices answered, "Yes my lord."

Slyph had sensed the dark energies from afar, but to walk amongst it she felt...like a fish out of water. She felt awkward. Her movements sluggish and slow. Her vision blurred by the blizzard overhead. She stood on the left of Dracula, looking over the place. The streets and roofs covered by a thin blanket of snow, frost covering the walls and doors of the buildings. The city square was left empty, leaving a broken sorrowful feeling. Anything ut comfort to the young mystic.

In the few months she had joined she had surprised both herself and that of her peers and masters. Before she was a mere Fledgling vampire. A weak link that most of the Ebonmanes ignored. A stark difference from her sister, Night Dancer one of the Originals. She was treated fairly but not justfully. But when the time had come when her sister died and the Knights of the Moon arose, Slyph did all she could to join. She was not the strongest when it came to strength, not a lot of vampires are weak physically. While yes she had more strength than the average pony but she was not on the same level of strength as her brothers and sisters. So she joined and hoped that she did better than anything else in her life. Ever since she could remember she did not have a very strong self esteem, although she improved at it she was still weak in that sense. So, she joined and found out that she excelled atwhat she did. Her teachers had told her that she was a prodigy. She was an excellent spell caster and a natural at the arcane arts. She was especially good at Witchcraft, a powerful dark art that she wielded very well and the very powers she used to defeat Archknight Rainbow Dash. And that, she had gained quite the reputation at the academy.

Slyph came out of her thoughts and focused on he barren settlement in front of her. Her astral mane billowed in the numb wind. She looked to Prince Dracula and asked, "My lord, why did only us three advance into Deathfall and leave the others."

The vampire lord drew out a heavy sigh. He was tall and stood one and a half more heads taller than Slyph. Dracula focused on nothing as he answered ominously, "Because they would not survive these conditions."

Slyph knit an eyebrow and asked further, "What conditions? I do not feel any conditions?"

Dracula turned to Slyph looking at her with wise and noble red eyes as he responded, "Because of the power hat you hold. There are many arcanic energies you cannot feel but are resistant to it. The dark power that hangs in the air is old and ancient. The powers of a powerful long dead Lunar Court Mage. You would know him as a Windigo. More specifically Hyrus, Windigo of Despair."

Slyph grew wide eyed as she recalled the story of the founding of Equestria. She stated hysterically, "Windigo!? As in feed off of your strife and a major player in the founding of Equestria Windigo!?"

Dracula answered calmly, "No. The Windigos had nothing to do with the founding of Equestria, that was just a bad snowstorm that came from the north. The Windigos were once apprentices to Starswirl himself. Five to be exact. They were powerful Lunar Court Mages, every battle they fought they did so together and there was no threat that they faced that they could not destroy. One among them, Vanto, decided that they deserved to know more power. Starswirl saw darkness in his heart and refused him. Vanto was outraged and told his fellow students to come with him. He discovered the Dark Arts. They created the first invocations of shadows and diseases. Starswirl caught wind of this and was outraged. The Dark Arts call to use emotions instead of the Arcanic Rift as fuel for their powers. As punishment for tinkering with powers they could not control, Starswirl made them avatars of their appropriate negative emotion. Pride. Anger. Fear. Despair. And Hatred. He cursed them to only be able to feed off of that emotion if they wish to survive. Thus creating the Windigos. They became obsessed with the power, they began a murderous and tormentful campaign to destroy Equestria. But a noble Paladin took it upon herself to imprision the Windigos. This Paladin was without fear, without despair, without anger, without hatred, and without pride. Her name was Aureate Whitevalor. She sacraficed herself to imprison these horrors. I fear that Sombra had released them, as he used them to take over the Crystal Empire."

Dracula gave a soft look to Slyph, the look a friend would give to another as he finished, "I chose you two because you two are without despair. And are amongst the most powerful in the Ebonmanes."

Slyph could tell she blushed briefly as she responded, "Thank you my lord."

Dracula's gaze went back to a calleous stare at the blizzard that raged above them. Slyph took a long look at her leader. Dracula's black and scarlet red plate armor was dull and had no shine, it fit quite well and hugged around his various appendages. It did not look like armor that threatened movement, it seemed to offer more. Slyph had never before seen plate and scalemail armor do that before. Her gaze then fell upon his sword. The sword was sheathed in a black aged leather scabbard, the crossguard took the form of a dragon's head making it seem as though the dragon was breathing out the blade. Other than that there was no counterweight for the blade. No weight to hold back from cleaving a creature in half. Slyph felt the deep power that came from the blade, it emparted on Slyph dark feelings and images. Blood. Death. Murder. It gave her all these feelings, allowing a cold shiver to race up her spine.

She chose to ignore it and looked on. Her dark crimson eyes scanning the streets ahead of her. If there had been any survivors of the Omega Pack, they would have been greeted by now. Slyph turned to Dracula once more and he said kneeling down in the thin blanket of snow on the ground, "This land land is not as it used to be. It feels...sick."

His eyes narrowed on the bare settlement that stood before him. Slyph wondered what he thought of. Most likely he was thinking of a course of action. Slyph took this time to drink in all she had heard of the feared and beloved Vampire Lord.

Slyph had heard many stories about Dracula. She had heard a tale that he had faced an entire horde of Changelings and won, killing every last one of them. She had heard that he defyed death three times. She had heard that he took down two Changeling Hulks, all on his own. She had heard that he rebirthed himself in dark energies in order to kill his father, Arkon Shadow. Not even a year had passed and already he was treated as a legend. Slyph hoped that those stories were true, she wanted to ask him himself but she was a Risen Vampire; she was not to speak unless spoken to. So she kept herself silent and continued her admiration of the Vampire Lord.

Not only was he a legend, but he is much more handsome in person than in the stories. She had heard that he was absolutely stunning, but she did not know if it was true or not. His features were rugged and handsome, but very smooth at the same time. His jawline very powerful and defined. Slyph found her eyes wandering over the smooth muscular form of Dracula Belmont. His muscles no doubt well toned and defined, but he remained thin at the waist. Very muscular but also very lithe. A well balance between the two. Enough for a mare to turn her head to steal a glance. But Slyph let it go to her head, she shook her head and told herself that it was foolish. He was promised to another and she very much knew that. Besides, she was much younger than Dracula anyway.

Finally Dracula spoke and he said, "Okay. Before anything else we need to look for survivors. I sense some nearby but I just want to be sure. Our second priority is to find the source of this blizzard and destory it."

Dracula turned to Slyph and she nodded her head. Dracula turned to the Archmystic and she nodded as well. Slyph cleared her mind and steadied her breathing, just in case of danger. She had no staff or implement of any kind, all she had was her hooves and her magic and nothing else. Slyph waited for an order and Dracula said, "We will search the Market District first."

Dracula stood up promptly and drew his menacing sword. The silver blade shimmered even in the haze of the blizzard, he held it in one hoof and in the other a pale blade materialized out of nowhere. When both swords were drawn he used his magic to pull up his hood, the hood had a red aura over it; as was his horn. Before his face was hidden behind a veil of dark shadows she saw the menacing black scar over his right eye.

Dracula commanded, "Stay close and don't let your mind wander. Hyrus is near."

They advanced through the empty streets and the cold air did nothing to alleviate the bleakness and the ominous feelings it gave off. Every shadow hidden behind the haze of ice and snow. Their hoofsteps resounded in Slyph's hypersensitive predatorial ears. The creaking of oak as the signs ominously swayed back and forth in the chilling breeze. Slyph had never once felt the bone chilling cold that a mortal felt, she was born a Vampire. She started to remember when she was being raised by her mother, Blissful Dawn. She was originally the Vampire Original but she had gotten into an accident that caused her horn to break. She could still cast weaker spells, but she did not have enough power to keep her position as Original. She had twins and Nightdancer got to take the title of Original considering she showed better control of magic. But then she remembered her sister's death. The scene fresh in her eyes. She remembered how powerless she felt and how she had just fallen under that monster, Marrok.

Yes

She felt cold sorrow grip her heart and despair set in on her soul. Slyph looked around hysterically, frantically trying to find the others. They were gone. Why would they abandon her?

They abandoned you because they think you are weak. Think of you as insignificant.

Slyph moved her head quickly trying to find the scource of the voice. Her vision filled with dark ebony shadows. Her ears echoing with that deep reverberating voice. It shook the foundation of her soul with every word spoken. She saw the silhouette of a pony, standing tall and firm in a cloud of leeching shadows, obscuring any definitive features. She felt herself shrink underneath his gaze, she proclaimed angerly to the shade, "They have not abandoned me, they would never do such a thing!"

The shadow lifted an empty hoof and a large ethereal orb appeared and showed a scene of Dracula and Spectra moving through the settlement without her, not even a stroke of sympathy upon their faces. Slyph had let despair encase her, it constricted her and she fell to her knees and listened as the shade slowly advanced to her,
Because you know them so well? If you are as powerful as they say you are, then why haven't you received a promotion? You are kept back because they think you are weak.

Her voice faltered as despair constricted her voice, "No...they...they wouldn't...they...I...I'm needed..."

The shade stood tall in front of her and he was still cloaked in shadows. He brought the picture closer to her and he stated,
Are you?

She felt all her strength leave her, she felt so insignificant that nothing could save her. She felt broken down and tossed away. Almost an entire year of work, gone. She felt her essence being drained away. Her vision grew darker and she collapsed to her knees as her strength receded. Her eyes struggled to stay open she muttered to herself as she felt her life essence being drained out of her, "No....they....I...love....them..."

Her conscience slipped away and the last thing she heard was the voice that said,
Yes. Let despair over come you. Forfeit your mind to my powers, for I have craved it for so long. She cannot stop me this time.