Dead.

Everypony was dead. The streets were silent, as she walked through Ponyville. A blood red moon hung in the sky, and a chill wind moaned, causing her to shiver. But something else made her shake far worse than the cold.

Fear.

Her heart pounded, drowning out the wind, as she tried to look everywhere at once. Every shadow seemed to stalk her, and her own mind turned against itself. All her friends were gone, and she trotted alone in a desolate wasteland that was once her home. The feeble light of the moon was all that she had to see by, and the darkness was everywhere.

Something stalked her through the streets. Something hungry and patient. A creature she could not see, but could hear just out of range. As much as a presence as a physical entity. The darkness itself crept up on her and waited for her to falter so it could pounce and add her to it’s list of victims.

Then she heard it. A low growl, felt as much as heard, echoed through the streets behind her. It had caught her scent, and was closing in for the kill. With a whinny of fear she broke into a gallop, no longer trying to be quiet, but now fleeing for her life. She could hear it behind her, softly padding closer, it’s rank breath warm against her flanks. The fetid stink of death and ruin filled her lungs as she panted in blind panic.

Suddenly the sound stopped, for only a moment, just long enough for her mind to register, before a weight slammed onto her back and she was forced to the ground. The creature had pounced, and was now bearing her to her death. It did not bite, but instead crushed the breath from her body. Like a giant serpent, it constricted around her, slowly squeezing as she fought for breath. She gasped for air that would not come, and her eyes began to bulge. The creature wrapped around her slender neck and began to squeeze. A strangled cry was all she was able to get out as she slipped into the blackness.

Twilight Sparkle opened her eyes with a gasp. She was awake. She was in bed.

She still could not breath.

In a panic, her mind raced, trying to free herself. Something had her from behind and she was slowly being strangled. On instinct, she cast the first spell she could think of, and the world went white for a moment. Then a second later she appeared across the room, staring out of her bedroom window.

Still gasping for breath, she turned to see a rather small purple dragon curled up in the bed she had just vacated. He stretched, grabbing the nearby pillow in a deathgrip, and muttered in his sleep. “Mmmm... Rarity. Don't go...” the rest was punctuated by a rather loud snore.

Catching her breath, the events of the dream came flooding back, along with the confusion of seeing Spike in her bed. Then she remembered him waking from a bad dream, and asking to sleep in her bed. Being half asleep, she must have agreed before falling back into the arms of Morpheus herself. The lovesick dragon was having another dream of Rarity, the object of his unrequited love. She made a note to never let him crawl in with her, bad dreams or no.

Her own bad dream was troubling enough. She had stayed up late studying again, researching old myths of the nearby Everfree forest. She must have crawled off to bed before morning, and collapsed into the sleep of the overworked. She hated when that happened, especially when there was more research to do.

Now that she was awake, and her heart rate returned to normal, she fought with the urge to levitate Spike outside into a rain barrel. She opted instead for starting her day, and finding some breakfast. A quick shower, and a fight with her brush left her feeling ready to face the day, and she trotted off moodily to find some food at the local bakery. She would deal with Spike later, when she was feeling a bit less cranky.

As she approached Sugarcube Corner, she saw a small crowd had formed outside. Several ponies were milling around and chatting excitedly. Twilight was still not feeling social yet, so tried her best to slip past them and into the shop. Inside there were more ponies, mostly chatting over morning coffee. The smell made her perk up, as she took in a deep draught of the heady aroma.

Making her way to the counter she saw a familiar pink pony busy pulling shots from a big brass contraption. The espresso machine was new, and the Cake’s had spent a small fortune on it, but it had nearly doubled the morning traffic. Unfortunately, the first round to be served had nearly cost them the shop when Pinkie had taste tested the potent brew. She was now banned from anything but serving, although the contact buzz alone still made her dangerously hyper.

Turning to see her unicorn friend, she bounced to the counter, sliding the foaming cup down the bar to a waiting patron like an old west bartender. “Oh, hi Twilight! You here for one of my super fantabulous, mocha-mint-jalapeno java explosions, with extra foam and sprinkles?” She gushed, in her usual Pinkie Pie manner. “Its a new flavor I invented last night when I was up all night trying to find a way to make more recipes to serve and I had just one teeny sip of espresso so I wasn’t able to sleep, but actually I still cant sleep, so I just kept on working and so far everypony likes the new flavors I have come up with and...” she paused to take in a huge gasp of air.

Twilight took the moment to stop her friend, reaching across the counter to stick a hoof in her muzzle. “Pinkie! Thanks, but I just want a regular coffee and an oat bagel, please. I’ve got to get the old cobwebs outta my head after a night of study.” She shook her head. “And didn't the Cakes say you are not allowed to have any of the espresso after the last fiasco?”

“Oh, they just said I can’t drink on duty, but I wasn't on duty last night, but I don't think it wore off yet.” The pink pony started to bounce in place.

Twilight just rolled her eyes. “Bagel and a coffee please, Pinkie. I’m not awake enough yet for this.”

“Okie Dokie Loki!” The earth pony bounced around, tossing a cup, saucer and bagel on a tray, then expertly pouring a mug of coffee for her waiting friend.

Twilight tossed a few bits on the counter, and levitated a few sugar cubes into the cup before stirring it. Taking a sip, she sighed as the warmth slid down her throat and the fog began to lift from her brain. “So, Pinkie. What’s with all the commotion outside? Business isn’t usually this brisk in the morning, even with the new coffee.”

Pinkie’s eyes went wide in surprise as her mouth formed a perfect “O”. “You haven’t heard? They found somepony dead this morning! They still aren't sure who it is, and she was all pale, like all the color had been drained outta her.” The pony pulled her friend closer, whispering in her ear, “They say, her cutie mark was missing too!”

“Oh Pinkie. You can’t make a cutie mark disappear, any more than you can make one appear.” Twilight rolled her eyes at the earth pony. “Do they know how she died though? What killed her?”

Pinkie Pie looked nervously from side to side, as if somepony were watching her. “They say, something drained all her blood! There was a bite on her neck, and there was not a drop of blood on, near, or in the body. She was sucked dry!” She started to chew on her hooves as she worried. “What can do something like that? Was it from the Everfree Forest?”

But Twilight wasn’t listening anymore. Her brain was kicking into gear and she remembered the research she had been doing the night before. A particular legend about creatures that came out at night and drank blood. What was worse, the creatures spread a disease to some of their victims, turning them into creatures like them.

Her eyes now wide in horror, and her breakfast forgotten, the unicorn bolted for the door. “Gotta go Pinkie!”

Pinkie stared worriedly after her friend a moment, then stealthily made sure nopony was watching her. In one swift motion, she downed the remaining coffee and swallowed the bagel, then sighed deeply. A smile of contentment spread over her face, and then suddenly her eye spasmed. She let out a slow laugh, “Ha. Ha. Ha!” Grinning hugely, she bounced back to work, all cares forgotten in her new rush of energy.

Twilight raced home at top speed, dodging ponies along the way. Some tried to wave hello to her, but most saw her coming and just got out of the way. It was not unusual to see the unicorn or her friends on some urgent errand, and most had gotten used to the oddity in the mostly laid-back town. She didn't even notice one way or the other in her mad dash to the library.

As she burst through the door, she stopped a moment to catch her breath then yelled for her assistant. “SPIKE! Wake up now, I need you!” Without waiting for a response, she charged upstairs to find the dragon still asleep, hanging half off the bed, still gripping her pillow. With a sigh, she levitated a pitcher of water over his head, the tipped it into his face.

With a sputter, the purple dragon jumped awake. “Huh? Wha.. what happend? Twilight?” he saw the look on the unicorn’s face and groaned. “Aww.. Gee Twilight, I’m sorry. I overslept again didn't I?”

She interrupted him impatiently, “Forget about it Spike, I need your help. Something bad has happened and I think I may know what the cause is.” She turned to trot back down the stairs, still talking over her shoulder.” Get yourself together and help me get some books so I can finish my research.”

Spike groaned, muttering under his breath about good mornings and pushy bosses. He made his way down the steps, running into the kitchen to grab a gem for breakfast, before joining said boss in her work. “So what do you need me to find?”

Already deep in a book from the previous night, she rattled of a list of references without even breaking her concentration reading. She turned frantically through the pages with her magic looking for the passage she had read the night before. Finally she stopped and stared at the passage before her. Reading is three times to be sure, she nodded to herself, and called for her assistant again.

“Spike! I need you to take a letter for Princess Celestia.”

The purple dragon was approaching with a stack of books in his arms, which he dropped at her feet, looking rather cross at her abrupt manner. He kept his tongue, knowing the pony usually had a good reason to act this way, and rarely was so bossy intentionally. But he still didn't have to like it.

Seeing his reluctance, Twilight stamped a hoof in frustration. “We don’t have time, Spike! This is important. One pony is already dead, and if I am right, more will be soon if we don’t act.”

Shaken by this news, the dragon snapped out of his funk, and grabbed a scroll and ink. “D-dead? How? What happened? Who was it?”

“Later Spike, we need to get the Princess here as soon as possible. Please take a letter for me.” She paused t make sure her assistant was listening, then cleared her throat.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

I have grave news today, and I really need your help. Today a pony was found dead, and I believe it may be the beginning of something bigger. The victim was drained of blood, and witnesses say she had lost her color and her cutie mark. My research into Legends of the Everfree Forest have led me to believe that this may a disease that was seen long ago, and may have resurfaced again. The texts I researched mention creatures that come out at night, and drink blood, and often passing the disease on to their victims. The story is still very vague, and I would greatly appreciate your attention in this matter before the situation gets out of hand. Please respond as soon as possible, for I believe Ponyville to be in great danger.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle”

As she finished, she noticed that Spike had stopped writing and was just staring wide-eyed at her, mouth hanging open.

“Spike! Send the letter, this is important. We need to prepare before nightfall, and the Princess needs to be warned in time.”

Shaking himself, he rolled the scroll, then flamed it into magical ash, which flew out of the nearby window. He turned back to the unicorn with a worried look on his face. “Holy guacamole, Twilight. We are in big trouble aren’t we?”

Looking uncertain now, the unicorn fidgeted. “I don't know Spike, it seems serious. But I am sure the Princess will know exactly what to do, and then it will be all right.”

A moment later the dragon felt the familiar tickle, before a large belch of green flame burst forth from his mouth, materializing into a scroll. He snatched it out of the air, and broke the seal. “That was quick. I guess she really does think it’s important.”

Twilight nodded knowingly, relieved that her mentor had trusted her, and responded right away. “So what does she say? How soon will she arrive?”

Spike skimmed the page, a frown on his face. “Umm, Twi? I don't think she’s coming.” He cleared his throat and began to read.

“My diligent pupil, Twilight Sparkle,

I have read your report on this matter, and I believe I know what the situation is. Despite your reports to the contrary, I regret to inform you that curses do indeed exist. They are a form of self-perpa... purple... uhh..”

Spike stammered over the unfamiliar word.

Impatiently, Twilight levitated the scroll out of his hand and began to read, her face going from shock, to worry, to fear.

“...self-perpetuating enchantment, usually with ill intent. This is a very old and forbidding form of magic, which was thought long lost. The particular curse that you describe sounds like Vampirism. The curse causes the creature to become sensitive to sunlight, extremely strong and fast, and to crave the blood of others to sustain itself.

However, I regret to inform you that I am dealing with a curse here of my own, and cannot spare the time to assist you just yet. A cursed diamond dog is spreading Lycanthopy, and it is taking both me and Luna to track it down and cure it.

I am forwarding you a comprehensive guide that should aide you in your fight to eradicate the curse you described, as well as defend yourself and Ponyville from the threat. Please take care, as the book is very old and has been entrusted in my care for a very long time in my duties as a Watcher, and Princess of Equestria.

I have the utmost confidence in your ability to deal with this menace, and trust you and your friends will overcome this obstacle in the darkest of times. Please continue to send your reports on this matter, and I will attempt to join you as soon as it is possible.

Your loving mentor,

Princess Celestia”

“We are so boned.” Spike exclaimed.

Twilight snapped out of her shock at this. “Spike! I am sure that the Princess has reason to trust us in this. She must be very busy to not help, and leave us... to our doom!” Her voice ended in a wail as she lay down on the floor and covered her head with her hooves. All confidence had gone out of her with the failure of her teacher to appear and save the day.

“Cheer up Twi. If the Princess says you can handle it, I’m sure you can handle it!” The purple dragon puffed with pride. “You are the most powerful magician in Ponyville! You took on Nightmare Moon, and an Ursa Minor. What’s a stinky old vampirism curse thingy gonna do against that?”

The lavender unicorn picked her head up and smiled weakly. “Yea. You’re right Spike. The princess knows what she is doing, just like always.”

Suddenly there was a hum in the air, and a flash of light. A bubble of magical energy appeared in the air between the two, and slowly drifted to the ground. It popped, just before touching down, and deposited a very heavy book with a loud thump.

Slowly creeping closer, Twilight noticed several things about the book. First, it was VERY old, even slightly dusty. Second, it was bound in leather, a thought that made the pony shiver. Some poor animal had been killed to cover this book. It also was clasped close with metal fasteners. Finally, in large print, embossed in the heavy leather was the title: