>"There, my dear Diamond. Maybe now, you'll begin to understand all that I've done for you."

>Those were the last words you heard when your mother's fangs left your neck
>Since then, you've lost all track of time, passing nights in your darkened bedroom shivering, sweating, and writhing in your bed, haunted by dreams that seem to bubble up from somewhere inside your chest, where your heart lurks but no longer carries a pulse
>You are Diamond Tiara, and this is your Becoming
>Around you, your bedroom is the same as it's ever been: four-poster bed with the finest Arabian silk sheets, furniture carved from ivory and gilded with silver, and every flat surface piled with stuffed animals that you hardly ever touch
>As the torturous fever of the last few days finally subsides, you find it's been replaced with a burning thirst
>You try to ignore it, but the thirst builds and builds, until it feels like every vein in your body is pulsating and white-hot
>The window to your room has its heavy black-out curtains closed, so you stand up and pad across the floor, barefoot and wrapped only in your nightgown, and open them
>It's night, and a swollen full moon casts a pallid glow over you and your surroundings
>You rest your head against the cold glass, and run your tongue along the two razor-sharp teeth now adorning the front of your mouth
>A knock sounds against your bedroom door
"Come in," you say without thinking
>Your voice reverberates around the room, sounding clearer and fuller than before
>Chords of some hidden power dance around in it
>The door opens, revealing the tall, gaunt form of Randolph, your family's butler
>"Mistress Tiara, I trust you've recovered fully now."
"Yes, Randolph. Whatever my mother did to me hasn't killed me. It's good to know you're relieved."
>"I had utmost faith in Mistress Spoil's works."
"You know about this?"
>Randolph says nothing
"Randolph..."
>You focus the thrumming energy in your voice, piling it into a single word
"EXPLAIN."
>Randolph stiffens
>"Your mother has chosen to welcome you as one of her kind. She wishes to invite you to join her in her organization. It is a very proud moment for her, and she has sent me to fetch you and bring you to the dining hall."
"Hmph. So I guess this is what it takes to finally get any of her attention."
>Diamond rubbed her fists against her eyes
>They burned, but no tears flowed
>Instead, the thirst inside her deepened
"Alright. Let me dress myself, I'll be down shortly."

>You emerge into the dining hall, finding it dimly lit by flickering candles along the walls
>The curtains are drawn from the floor-to-ceiling windows, letting moonlight spill over the mahogany table and the finely aged portraits along the walls
>Your mom is seated at the far end, on the left, dressed in a flowing, seductively cut red velvet dress
>No food is set on the table, just glass goblets
>"Diamond," your mom says, grinning
>Her own fangs are bared, a subtle reminder of what she's done to you
>"I'm so happy you could join me."
"I didn't have much of a choice."
>Spoiled chuckles at that
>"Smart girl. But please, let's not have this nastiness between us. This is a beautiful night, Diamond. You're finally one of us now. One of the family."
"One of what, exactly?"
>Your mom smiles
>"You're a clever girl. Surely you've figured it out."
>You pause, then slowly nod as you take a seat across from her
>"You're Kindred now," your mom says. "A creature of the night. Immortal, beautiful, and I'd imagine devilishly thirsty. Randolph, if you would..."
>Randolph approaches with a metal cask, and pours something steaming and deep-crimson into your goblet
>It isn't hard to figure out what it is, and your body goes wild with hunger the moment the smell of hot blood reaches your nose
>With shaking hands, you pick the goblet up and slowly raise it towards your mouth
>A wicked grin stretches across your mother's face
>"Good girl. Enjoy~"
"I... I would never..."
>Every remaining human instinct screams out that this is wrong, but you have new, far stronger urges now, and they're anything but human
>You drain the cup in three desperate gulps, and immediately feel a warm surge of pleasure course through your body
>When you set the goblet down, your cheeks are flushed and your tongue is hanging from your mouth
>A mixture of inhuman delight and guilt settles somewhere in your gut, and you hang your head, panting
>Your mom chuckles at the sight
>"Delightful, isn't it? There were be plenty more where they came from, my dear. Now, let us begin. I have so many wonderful new plans for my special girl..."

>You fold your arms over your chest
"Well, I can hardly listen to you, when I'm still in a state like this. I need... more."
>A red gleam flashes across your mom's eyes
>"Oh, but of course. Randolph, pour a little more for her, if you would."
>The butler obliges, and your glass is filled again to the brim
>A sickening wave of hunger pulses through you at the sight, and it's all you can do to keep yourself from sucking the blood down as ravenously as you did last time
>You attempt to take dainty, ladylike sips, but you still end up with plenty of crimson smeared around your mouth
>"There. Better?"
"I suppose."
>"Ready to listen?"
"Hmph. Do I have a choice?"
>"Oh, sweetie. You always have a choice. But I am afraid the consequences for making the *wrong* choice would be extremely unpleasant."
>She bares her fangs and you settle back in your chair, your breathing slowly returning to normal
"Well, fine. Let's get this over with, then."
>"I'm proud of you, Diamond. You're coming along exactly as I hoped. Now, where to begin. Randolph, the car is ready, is it not?"
>"It is, madam."
>"Excellet. If you would, dear."
>Your mom stands, beckoning for you to follow her
>You do, and as the two of you exit the dining hall together, she extends her hand for you to take
>However, you don't take it, and instead keep your arms firmly crossed over your stomach as you walk
"I'm still waiting for my explanation."
>"I know you are. My poor girl, there's so much I've had to keep from you. But you're ready now, I know. Welcome to our world, Diamond."
"What is your world, exactly?" you demand
>"Kindred occupy the same world as humans. But we prefer the darker recesses, where we can safely feed and ensure the future of our kind. Our home is one such corner. We're protected by the will of the Camarilla."
"Am I supposed to know what that is?"
>"A secret society, of sorts. Uniting the clans of Kindred towards a common goal: preserving the Masquerade, the veil of secrecy that keeps us hidden from mortals."
"You keep saying human, or mortal. Am I... are we not?"
>You try to keep the fear out of your voice, but it slips in, just a little
>What felt like a truly bad dream is beginning to feel more and more like a bad reality
>Your mom's eyes flicker
>"Of course not, my dear. You were always destined to be something more."
>The two of you emerge from the house, and the night air envelops you like a frigid pair of wings
>It smells delicious, and a bit of the fear recedes
>This night feels *made* for you
>Your mom's Cadillac is humming softly just a few feet away, and the two of you get into the back of the car
>A glass screen screen separates you from the driver, ensuring privacy
>"You will hunt the night, immortal. And unaging."
"Unaging?"
>"I know," you mom says with a soft smile. "Isn't it wonderful?"
"But, what about school, or my friends, or... or anything."
>"That life was never going to be a part of you, my dear Diamond. Why do you think I kept you away from the other girls? They'd only weaken you. There's so much more in store for you."
>A pause stretches out inside the car as it rolls out of the driveway and heads toward downtown Canterlot
"...and what is that?" you finally ask
>"You will be the critical piece in cementing a new alliance, and ensuring our clan's control over the city. You're one of us, a Ventrue, by blood. Canterlot is falling apart as the end days draw nearer. We need a way to cease this pathetic clan squabbling, if our Kindred are to survive. And you will work nicely."
"So I'm just... just a playing piece to you?"
>"Darling, of course not..."
>As the car rolls through the city, your mom reaches over and touches your arm
>It's the first time she's touched you since the night she bit you, and you remember how horribly cold her flesh had felt then
>But now, it's strangely, almost enticingly warm
>Against your own better judgement, you look up and meet her eyes
>They're cold, and empty, but they're focused exclusively, almost obsessively on you
>"You're my little jewel. You'll be the perfect gift to our allies, and the perfect weapon for me, and only me."
>She gives your arm a little squeeze, and the car pulls up in front of a towering skyscraper
>Moonlight glitters off dozens of mirrored windows, casting a pale aura around the emblazoned Storm King Enterprises sign out front
"Why are we here?"
>"Elysium. A neutral meeting of Kindred from all the city's clans. I want to introduce you to our allies. Maybe one of them will take a liking to you..."
"Am I to be a... gift?" you ask as the two of you step inside and head towards an elevator
>"Of course not, dear. More like a bride, of sorts."
"A bride!?"
>Your voice reverberates around the elevator's tiny carriage, and your mom shakes her head
>"There's no need for outrage. You'll be far more than that, at the end of things. A spy more valuable than even an entire pack of Nosferatu."
"I... I won't let you give me away as a trophy."
>"Darling, that was never my intent. You may choose exactly who you wish to go with. But should you choose to disobey my plans, of course, there will be certain consequences."
>You fall silent, shaking with rage at the indignation of all this
>She's going to give you to someone you've never even met!
>When the elevator reaches its floor, your mom steps out and leads you down a dark hallway
>Royal purple banners hang from the ceiling and strange, twisted black artifacts resembling ancient weapons are mounted on the walls
>At the end of the hallway, double doors open to reveal a lounge full of velvet furniture and lit only by the moon and several small, ruddy lamps
>Four women are spaced around the room
>One, stunningly beautiful with curled violet hair, reclines her slender form on a sofa, sighing and mesmerized by the beauty of moonlight reflecting in crystal decanters
>Another is sitting upright on an armchair, her foot tapping nervously; pink hair shrouds half her face, but you can hear her sniffing the air as the two of you enter
>Something about your scent, or your mother's, makes her let out a nervous squeak
>In the corner, behind the brilliant ivory bulk of a grand piano, a lady with raven-dark hair sits, perusing sheet music as she begins to play
>And, apart from all of them, a silver-haired girl who only looks to be a few years older than you is sitting on the armrest of a crushed-velvet couch, amusing herself by summoning stars from her palm that pulse and flicker out in the air above her
>When she notices you enter, she gives an amused bow
>You look at the four of them, then at your mom
>"Ladies. Is our Princess coming soon?"
>"She's due any minute now," says the dramatic woman lying on the couch, still not taking her eyes away from the play of light
>"Excellent," you mom responds. "This is my daughter, Diamond. Newly welcomed into the embrace of Clan Ventrue."
>Stunned, you simply step forward, feeling your mom's hand at your back
>The four other vampires all turn to watch you, their eyes by degrees afraid, amused, cold, and smug

>You hesitantly step forward, aware that the eyes of everyone in the room are currently following each step you take
>However, you find yourself drifting towards the musician near the back of the room
>As to why you chose her, it's hard to say
>She seems to be the only one here who isn't particularly interested in you, and there's something refreshing about that
>The musician hardly even looks up as you approach, but she gives you a cordial nod once you're only a few steps away
>Behind you, four pairs of eyes bore into your back, but you keep your attention focused on the musician's face
>Up close, she's almost stunningly beautiful, gracefully dressed in well-tailored business attire, charcoal black yet still lighter than her raven hair
>Her skin is deathly pale, like yours is now, free of any blemishes and as silky and white as the moonlight
>You find it hard to come up with something to say
"Good evening," you finally force out
>The woman doesn't smile
>"And to you. It's strange to have finally met. Your mother has spoken quite a lot about you," she says, her voice tinged with a faint accent
"She has?"
>"At length. I somehow expected you'd be older. Silly me."
>She focuses her gaze on you, and for a moment you could swear you see light emenating from her violet eyes
>"Aah. Of course. That explains it."
"What does?"
>"You fear her terribly, I can tell," the musician whispers
"I d-do not!"
>"You do. And you resent that fear. More than anything, you wish for her affection, but you're simply too terrified to ever believe you could receive it. Pity."
"That's... that's..."
>You mask your faltering voice with a tiny, dainty cough
"Is it alright if I play for a moment? I've had lessons since I was five."
>"Please do."
>The musician scoots over far enough for you to take a seat next to her
>You crack your knuckles, and begin a slow, gloomy piece

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78HVly_Tthk [Embed]

>As you play, you whisper to the musician
"How did you know that about me?"
>"Auspex. You could call it my clan's gift, I suppose. I can see the fear radiating off you, plain as the moonlight itself."
"And what is your clan?"
>"Toreador. We're born artists, you could say. My name is Octavia Melody. I'm not much more than a court musician for our lot, but you'd be surprised how much you learn this way."
>Octavia takes another hard look at you
>"You're not afraid of me, I see. I reckon that's a good sign."
"You can't do anything worse to me than she already has."
>"Mmm. I suppose that's true."
>Your piece begins to wind down
>As the last few glum chords come through, your hand slips, and you can feel yourself fumbling the last few measures
>Octavia's hand, though, flashes out unnaturally quickly, moving so fast it seems to blur out of reality for a moment
>Her fingers splay over yours and correct them into the proper position
>The piece finishes beautifully
>"Delightful, darling..." the lady reclining on the couch muses
>"Trixie couldn't have done it better herself! Well, she could have, but she wouldn't have wanted to show you up."
>Your mom nods in approval
>"That's my girl."
>Octavia gives you the tiniest hint of a smile
>"Well played," she says
>Her hand is still holding yours

>You stand, and offer the room a tiny, polite bow
>A bit of the nerves have begun to leave you, after that, and a sort of dark, chilly confidence builds in your chest
>You turn to Octavia, and give her a demure little smile
"Thank you for your assistance, Ms. Melody," you say, letting your new fangs slip out just enough for her to nice
>Octavia glances away for a moment, her cheeks pink
>"You should be careful with a gesture like that. Some may... misinterpret its meaning."
"Some may. But I'm sure some know *exactly* what I mean."
>You squeeze Octavia's hand and step away
>Though she tries to hide it, you can tell her eyes are following you as you circle around the room
>You sit yourself across from the woman draped across the couch
>She sits up slowly, luxuriously, her body languid and pale in a silk slip of a dress that hangs tantalizingly low at her rounded breasts and near the swell of her hip
>You'd say she's built like a model, but that would be an understatement; she's more like the masterwork of a Greek sculptor
>The woman takes her time disengaging her gaze from the light reflecting around the room, and slowly lets it settle on you
>As soon as she does, you shiver
>She's beautiful
>The kind of beauty that immediately makes you want to do everything you can to please her
>You're immediately self-conscious of how overdressed you are, how awkward and undeveloped your body is compared to hers, and of just how badly you want her to think well of you
>"Darling, please do relax. There's no need to be so nervous. You're around friends, after all."
>Her eyes glow a brilliant shade of sapphire, and you recognize that as the sign of Auspex
>Even as you try to mentally force yourself to calm down, the woman's Presence envelops you, filling your mind with scandalous thoughts of her bending over, winking, beginning to slip her arms from the straps of her dress...
>She gives you a smile that seems to indicate that she knows exactly what you're thinking about
>And then she adjusts her position on the couch, splaying herself along it in such a way that her dress rides up her legs, revealing long, creamy thighs
>She sweeps one arm over her brow, pushing back her hair and revealing a painfully enticing swathe of cleavage
>You, however, have a Presence of your own
>Focusing, you try to turn your thoughts inwards, focusing on what you've known and been told your whole life: you, Diamond Tiara, are beautiful, high-class, and sure to inspire jealousy in anybody you meet, male or female
>You let the power inside you radiate out, crossing your legs and adopting a charming, laid-back position on the couch
"I apologize. This is all just a little overwhelming to me. Soon, I'll be in the Princess's own presence."
>The woman looks slightly annoyed you mentioned the princess instead of her
>"Yes, certainly. This is quite a big day for you, isn't it? Oh, where are my manners?" she asks. "My name is Rarity, also of Clan Ventrue. If you need any help, darling, please don't hesitate to come to yours truly. I would *love* to take care of you..."
>You can hear her Presence seeping into each suggestive syllable, and it's all you can do to keep a straight face
"Perhaps. I'm quite sure I'll have help though, but I appreciate the offer."
>Rarity gives you a cold smile and extends her hand
>"If I could be so bold, would you come a little closer? Such a charming young lady, I'd absolutely *die* if I could have you model for me..."
>Her Presence flares, and you find yourself staring at her hand, longing for even her simple touch...
>"Agh, this is *so* boring. Hey, kid, watch what Trixie can do!"
>A firework explodes in front of your face
>It's heatless, and surprisingly quiet, but it flares up in brilliant plumes of purple, blue, and silver stars that twist themselves into the forming of a snarling dragon
>"Now *that's* a vampire power. Trixie's just sorry you guys can't try it out."
>Rarity looks annoyed
>"Ah, yes. Of course, the Ravnos needs to introduce herself."
>"As if Trixie needs an introduction. Good evening, madamooselle," she says to you with a deep stage-bow
>"It's 'mademoiselle,' you uncultured miscreant."
>"Gesundheit."
>Rarity's Presence fades, and you don't need Auspex to see the vein on her forehead bulging in anger
>"Need I remind you," Rarity says, "that as a clan not allied with the Camarilla, your presence here is purely due to our goodwill?"
>"Nah, Trixie's here because you can't get enough of her. Don't worry, she knows~"
>Trixie slides into the couch next to you and props her feet up on the table
>"Trixie's sure you want to know everything about her. Ask any questions you want, don't hold back! She's a bit of a vampire expert, around these parts."
>Rarity snorts at that, but you give Trixie an earnest, somewhat innocent smile, which makes Trixie beam with pride
>In contrast to the other vampires, Trixie is almost painfully easy to read
>A few compliments, a little presence, and she'd play right into your hands
>Rarity you're more than a little scared of; her Presence is clearly way beyond yours, and if Trixie hadn't interrupted you'd probably be sitting in her lap right now, letting her brush your hair
>...wait, why did that specific image come to mind?
>Octavia is still watching you from behind the piano
>Her face is blank, but you fancy she might be a little jealous...
>The last girl, the one with rosy pink hair, is standing a few feet away, wringing the fabric of her dress-- a simple black, lacy gown that's smeared with patches of dirt and contains quite a few ragged holes --between her hands
>"...F-Fluttershy..." she mumbles under her breath when she catches you looking
>She gives a nervous wave and retreats towards the window, where you notice she's whispering to a crow perched just outside
>Your mom, meanwhile, looms at the corner of the room
>She's seated on a leather chair, watching you mingle with a wicked, pleased gleam in her eye
>You feel a little gross; you're doing exactly what she wants, but what choice do you have?


>"You seem perturbed, darling. Please, don't be frightened of us," Rarity coos. "We've taken such a liking to you already, after all."
>"Dunno, Trixie's still holding out," Trixie says, folding her arms
"I'm fair from frightened. If you'll excuse me, I think I'd like to speak to our reclusive friend, there."
>"Oh, Fluttershy is always a delight. But, well, you might not get many words out of her. She's a Gangrel, after all. They're not so, erm, used to contact with those outside their forests."
"Still, I think it's in my best interest to get to know her. Besides, she strikes me as interesting company," you say with just the smallest hint of a smile
>Both Rarity and Trixie look annoyed and somewhat slighted that you're picking someone else over them
>Rarity hides her annoyance behind a veneer of impeccable grace, but Trixie just straight up balks as you stand from the couch and gracefully slide over to stand beside Fluttershy
>"But... but Trixie can do this!"
>Illusionary lights flash behind you, reflecting in the mirror as you take your place next to the Gangrel vampire
>She's tall, almost two feet more than yourself, and bears a willowy, ethereal build, like a slender, skeletal tree in a gloomy forest
>"Oh, um... you really s-should stay with the others. I'm not so interesting to talk to..."
"I'd disagree with that quite a bit. Are you speaking to the bird?"
>"Oh, Quoth? Y-yes. He's a friend of mine, I guess you could say."
"And I take it that's your clan's Discipline?"
>"O-one of them. It's the one I'm most proficient in. I love c-conversing with the creatures of the woods. S-s-sometimes I think I like them more than my own kind. They d-definitely like me more than my kind does, h-heh. Sorry if I'm bumming you out a bit, heh..."
>Fluttershy peers at you through her curtain of hair, apologetic
>An easy smile rests on her face, and you let a little of your own Presence seep into it
>Fluttershy immediately settles down, looking at ease
>"Have you ever seen the w-woods outside Canterlot, at night?"
"I haven't. My mom barely let me out of the house..." you say in a whisper
>"That's t-terrible!" Fluttershy practically shouts
>The whole court of vampires was already staring at the two of you, but now they're listening too
>Fluttershy drops her voice
>"S-sorry. I probably shouldn't say much about your, um..."
>She mouths the word "mom"
>"...but if you ever want to, um, see the w-woods, I can take you! I'd l-love too. You seem really nice. Maybe it's b-because you're new."
"I'd love that," you say. "Unfortunately, I don't think we'll have time tonight."
>"N-no. But maybe, if you g-give me something of yours, I can f-find you again. By smell. Sorry if that's weird..."
"Not at all, not at all."
>You reach beneath your skirt and slide down one of the lacy garters that adorn your slender legs
"Will this work?"
>"P-perfect. It was a p-please to speak with you, Diamond."
"You as well. I look forward to hopefully seeing you again."
>You curtsy, and Fluttershy's deathly pale cheeks take on a brief flush
"Now, if you'll excuse me..."
>You cross the room back to Octavia, who looks slightly relieved to have you back
>Seems like you're rapidly becoming a jealously-guarded treasure around this room
>Your mom seems almost sick with delight
>"Isn't she charming? My precious Diamond. I'm so happy you've all taken a liking to her. Now, my dear, if you would--"
>Mom extends her hand to you, requesting that you return
"Excuse me, mother. I have something I'd like to attend to, first."
>"Oh?"
>Her expression is unreadable
>You hold your hand to Octavia instead, who raises her eyebrows in surprise
"I wish to experience Ms. Melody's skills first-hand. Would you join me in a duet, my lady?"
>Octavia stares for a moment, then regains her composure
>"I... I certainly would. Please, do join me."
>She slides across the bench so you can sit next to her
>Octavia flips to a piece of sheet music and sets it in front of the both of you
>You raise your hands to play, and you're conscious of how close Octavia is to you; on the small piano bench, there's no way to sit without both players' bodies pressing tightly against each other
>She's bigger than you, of course, and in more senses than just being taller
>Her body is full, mature, and you can't held but lean into her a little as her hands begin to dance across the keys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGKh4Vd_n3w [Embed]

>It's a piece you know, fortunately, and you join in almost immediately
>Your fingers move with a fluid precision you never possessed in life
>But Octavia, she plays like nothing you've ever seen
>Her hands don't even seem like they're ever in one place; they blur in and out of visibility, flashing across her end of the keyboard and, occasionally, crossing over your own hands
>Every time she crosses over, she takes time to gently slip her thumb over the back of your hand
>Despite her incredible speed, each touch feels slow and gentle
>You can feel the blood inside yourself roiling, filling your cheeks
>Octavia's face indicates something similar is happening to her
>As you play, her face reddens, and her chest begins to rise and fall slightly as hot breath washes over your neck
>It's exhilarating
>You're hardly playing a piano anymore, you feel more like you're playing each other, toying with each others' bodies in ways neither of you could put into words, but you both feel
>When you finish, a sheen of sweat is standing on your foreheads, and Octavia is staring at you with cold, hungry desire
>The room around you is deadly silent, and all eyes are, of course, on you

"Thank you, my lady," you say mildly. "That was a delight."
>"Please, don't thank me. I haven't seen such talent in many, many years."
>Both of you slowly calm back down, but Octavia is unable to take her eyes off you
>You extend a hand
"Could you help me up, please? I believe I should return to my mother..."
>Octavia reaches to help you stand, but as she does, you allow your dress to be caught on the lip of the bench
>You fake-stumble and fall against Octavia's chest, your mouth just inches from her neck
"...but I look forward to spending many more nights with you."
>You let the last of your breath whisper over her neck, and place a tiny, warm kiss on her
>Octavia gasps, and the hand holding yours squeezes you like a vice
>"I, um, feel m-much the same, Ms. Tiara," Octavia stammers, putting in a herculean effort to maintain her composure
>She releases you and bows, trying hard to keep her eyes on the piano keys, or on her feet, or really anywhere but your face
>But still, she steals a glance
>And when she does, you flash her a demure little smile, your tongue held between your fangs
>Octavia sits heavily down on the bench, hiding her expression behind her hand
>Triumphantly, you return to your mom
>Judging by the look on her face, she knows exactly what you did
>And she seems more than pleased by it
"Well? Have I behaved myself adequately?"
>"More than adequate. You're a treasure to observe, my dear Diamond. Ms. Melody is quite respected among the Ventrue. Her affection for you could pull the entire clan into our alliance."
"Right."
>"Maintain your act and you will become an extremely asset, both to me and to the rest of our clan."
"My act, of course."
>You steal another look at Octavia, who immediately looks away
>You steal another look at Octavia, who immediately looks away
>Is this an act?
>That duet felt real, a hundred times more real than anything had ever felt while you were alive
>Except maybe your time with Silver Spoon, had, before...
>Best not to think about that right now
>Your mom takes a seat on a small two-person couch, and you sit beside her
>She places her arm protectively, and somewhat possessively, around your shoulders and pulls you closer to her
>It's the most touch you've ever received from her

>The doors at the far end of the lounge swing silently open, and two figures enter
>The first glides in more than she steps, and a brilliant night-blue dress seems to flow around her like liquid as she moves
>Star-speckled blue hair fans out behind her, flowing in the air and gradually dissipating into smoke-like shadow that hangs in the air behind her
>Octavia, Rarity, your mom, and Fluttershy all drop to their knees
>Trixie politely inclines her head
>You just sit there, dumbstruck by the woman, or being, in front of you
>She's almost impossibly tall, over six feet easily, with a pale, elegant, and aggressively female body, with curves so tantalizing that even Rarity seems meek by comparison
>Your mom grabs you by the back of the head and forces you to bow, breaking the spell
>Next to the Princess stands a smaller, though no less intimidating figure; she's tall, but by more normal standards than the Princess is, and is a powerful-looking vampire, dressed in a form-fitted bodysuit adorned with battered armor
>A jagged scar juts across one of her cruel eyes, and sleek muscle bulges like whipcord beneath her bodysuit
>What's most noticeable, though, are her arms
>She doesn't have any
>Instead, ghostly shadows flow over the vampire's stumps, forming ghostly claws that seems to melt and bleed into the night around her
>The Princess extends a pale hand and motions for her subjects to rise
>All of you do
>Your mom is the first to speak, and she proudly pushes you forward
>"Your grace. I present to you the new addition to our council I promised in our court's last meeting: my own daughter, Diamond Tiara."
>The Princess nods
>"Yes. Diamond, we have been anxious to meet you," she says in a voice as velvety as the flowing night that surrounds her. "We wish such a meeting had occurred in happier times. Sadly, you come to us in a time of strife, when it seems as if the twilight of our honored Camarilla is at hand. Still, we are happy to welcome you to what remains..."
>She sweeps her hand around the room
"I am honored to join, your grace. My Embrace was sudden, and I'm still afraid of this new un-life. But your kindness, and that of your court, has honored me greatly. I thank you."
>You bow again, of your own accord this time
>The Princess looks pleased
>"This is much you still have to learn, yes. The laws of our kind, and the ways of hunting mortals. Your mother has explained this, yes?"
"She has not."
>Your mom flashes an angry look in your direction
>"I see. Perhaps it would be best if another were to guide you, then."
>"There was simply no time, your grace!" you mother protests. "I will instruct my own daughter, as--"
>"We think it best if she makes the choice herself."
>"But she is mine," you mom says, her voice a low hiss
>You feel her hand fall possessively on your shoulder
>"I will show her the way. It's my right."
>"Do you question the Princess's judgement?" the amputee vampire shouts out, her body tensing as she readies to fight
>You feel your mom's Presence flare, filling the room with an overwhelming dread, but the other vampire doesn't back down
>"Sheriff Tempest, please..." the Princess says. "Both of you, restrain yourselves. This is neutral ground."
>Both your mom and Tempest settle down, though they stare at each other with hateful eyes
>"Our Sheriff will soon strike against the anarchists that seek to weaken our remaining holds," the Princess continues. "While she dispatches our enemies, we hope one of you will take up the mantle and guide our newest member, at her request..."

>You step forward, though still stay close enough to your mom that she can remain touching you
"Your grace, if I may, I believe my mother has a point. As my family, and as the one who brought me into this existence, she has the most right to train me in the ways of our clan. That being said..."
>You cast a glance over at Octavia
>Though her face remains as solemnly professional as ever, you do notice a tiny bit of hope enter into her eyes
"...I would request a meeting outside of Elysium with Ms. Melody. I believe the bonds between our clans are worth strengthening. And I would like to get to know her better."
>Octavia covers her mouth, a tiny bit of red coloring her pale cheeks
>The barest hint of an amused smile touches the princess's lips
>"We will grant such a meeting. The time and place will be your own, but the next time you two share a roof, consider it protected under my power. Spoiled..."
>"Yes, your grace," your mom replies
>"We sincerely wish you well in training this one. There is much potential for someone with a heart such as hers."
>Your mom lowers herself in an aggrandizing, sweeping bow
>"Of course, your grace. After all, she is *my* precious little gem..."

>As the two of you exit the court, you share one last look with Octavia
>She nods respectfully to you, but you can see the longing in her, and you're surprised to find it matched inside yourself as well
>How will you contact her?
>You don't really know yet
>But you're quite certain one of you will find each other too
>Fluttershy also gives you a tiny wave, and you notice she's still clutching the garter you gave her
>Trixie is trying her best to look unconcerned, though you can see her tapping her foot in annoyance
>And Rarity, well, she makes no show of eyeing you up as you walk away
>You can feel her undressing you with her eyes, but then redressing you, grooming you, petting you...
>You push the images out of your mind again, and follow your mom out to the car
>She sits in the back of the car, her hand still on your shoulder
>Gently, she strokes the side of your arm, cooing
>"Oh, Diamond. You were magnificent. And for only your first night at court. You make me so, so proud."
>She kisses the air and moves her hand further down your back, rubbing surprisingly gently along your spine
>"For now, we'll return home. But tomorrow, I'll take you on your first hunt. You'll likely be famished, after all that. Frankly, I think you deserve a reward. Anything my special girl wants, just name it."
"Thank you, mother."
>"Anything for you, dear."

>By the time you get home, the horizon is already turning pink as the sun threatens to rise
>Your mom hurries you inside and up to your room
"Please don't tell me I have to sleep in a coffin."
>"Dear, we're not savages. Your bed will be as comfortable as ever. Hurry now, and make sure the curtains are drawn."
"I know, I know."
>Somehow, you instinctively know that sunlight would be bad, bad news for your new form
>You lay in bed, and almost immediately are hit by a wave of exhaustion
>Your last thoughts are of your mom and Octavia, both of them with a hand on your back, leading you down somewhere dark, warm, and smelling faintly of human blood...

>You wake up slowly, and you feel the edge of thirst creeping back into your body
>When you sit up, your mom is sitting on the edge of your bed in her bathrobe
>You recoil, pulling the blankets around yourself
"Were you watching me?"
>"No, I was waiting. You're quite a heavy sleeper."
"It's only my second night..." you grumble
>"Of course. Which is why our task is of such importance. You need to learn to sustain yourself. Now, dear little Diamond, you have a choice to make. What sort of blood do you prefer? Myself, I prefer my victims slightly... younger than myself. Just around your age, in fact," she says, slipping her tongue over her fangs
>You sink further back into your covers
>"But maybe you'd like a grown man? Or woman, I can't pretend to know your preferences."
"I'd prefer... I'd prefer a woman."
>"I see."
>Her grin widens
>"I can help you find exactly that. So, what do you have a taste for?"


>A half an hour later, your mother's Cadillac pulls out upside the Crystal Prep Institute for Young Women
>The campus is fenced in by black iron, which contrasts heavily with the alabaster and glass buildings that make it up, all of which seem to glow under the light of the moon
>Your mom drives up to the entrance of the school, and the gates open for her
>"They know me here. I'm one of their top donors."
"Then why wouldn't you let me go here?" you pout. "All of my friends did..."
>"Because I had better plans for you," you mom says with a grin, showing you her fangs
>The car turns off the school's main path and opts instead for a winding path of chalky-white concrete
>At the end of the path, a rectangular three-floor building sits surrounded by trees, a swimming pool, a basic running track, and a few dozen lawn chairs stacked neatly against the building's wall
>The building itself has plenty of windows, along an inviting glass door, though you do notice it requires a keycard to get in
>Your mom drives past the dorm to the Dean's hall, which you notice still has windows open, even this late at night
>"They Dean's expecting me, but not you. Go and refresh yourself, dear, but don't waste time. I'm only expecting to stay an hour."
"Fine. How do I get in?"
>Your mom chuckles
>The sound is far from pleasant, more like fingernails along your spine than anything else
"I'm serious. I thought this was about training me. It doesn't feel like you're helping much."
>"Diamond, Diamond. Remember the gifts you've been given."
>Her eyes flash a deadly, hypnotic red, just for a moment
>When she next speaks, power thrums in her voice, a power that outstrips the meager amount she's passed onto you
>"The gifts I gave you, no less. You'll find mortals quite susceptible to them."
>She pats your arm, and then half-pushes you towards the door
>"Now go. You're a creature of the night now, Diamond. Enjoy this."

>You're not really sure how to enjoy it, you think to yourself as you creep back towards the dorms
>There isn't much in the way of security, but you keep your eyes peeled, just in case
>You suppose you aren't too suspicious, as a young girl in a school specifically designed for young girls
>But if someone tries to ask to see your demerit card or something, you're not sure what to--
>You catch yourself mid-thought and almost laugh at your own stupidity
>You're worried about being caught by campus security?
>You're an immortal blood-sucking monstrosity now, they should be cowering in fear of you

>Fortunately, it's a short walk back to the dorms, and you soon find yourself on the edge of the small patch of woods that surrounds the building, hiding yourself in the shadow of a tree
>None of the dorm rooms have any light in them, but your predator's hearing can hear a few hushed female voices whispering in the night
>In addition...
>You don't have the keen nose of someone like Fluttershy, but you definitely smell chlorine
>A tiny splash in the dorm's pool reaches your ears
>A wooden fence hides most of the pool, but you hear a single figure swimming around
>In addition
>You strain a little harder, and swear you hear footsteps on the roof
>Even at night, these dorms are teeming with life
>You reflexively lick your lips as the hunger coiled inside you stirs, urging you forward

>A swimming pool sounds too risky, and you don't trust your climbing abilities in this stupid dress
>So you walk casually down the main path, up to the front door
>You rap on it twice, and behind the front desk a tired-looking woman jolts upright
>She has platinum-blonde hair cut asymmetrically to fall down one side of her face, and wears flared, angular glasses
>A pencil is tucked behind her ear, a sign of a crossword puzzle she started and then dozed off before finishing
>You expected a security guard, but she looks more like a secretary
>Turning, she gives you a weird look, probably not expecting one of the school's girls to be asking to be let in at one in the morning
>You hunch over a little bit, making yourself look defenseless and a little scared
>The attendant stands, slowly, and heads over to unlock the door
>"What are you doing out here this late?" she asks in a prickly New York accent. "Curfew's at ten, hon. And... do you even live here? I swear I've nevah seen you before..."
>You life your head and affix your eyes on the secretary's
>When you speak, you let power seep into your voice, making each syllable impress itself right into the attendant's mind
"My name is Lilac Springs. I was at a late-night study session and asked your permission to return late. You gave it to me."
>For a moment, the attendant just stares blankly at you as your lie muscles the truth out of her head
>"Ah, right. You work too hard, Lilac. Sleepin' is important too."
"Thank you, Ms...."
>You glance at her desk
"Manewitz."
>"Just Janine is fine. I'll remembah you next time, Lilac. You have ya room key?"
"Um, no. I'm so sorry, ma'am. I forgot it," you say, pretending to act embarrassed
>Janine slaps her forehead
>"I swear Lilac, you'd forget ya own pretty little head if it wasn't attached. Here's the master list, just sign off what room you need the spare key for."
>She pulls out a clipboard and waves it in front of your face
>On the left, there's a list of room numbers for each of the building's three floors, along with the names of each room's inhabitants
>Your keen eyes glance down until you see some you recognize
>[Room 325: Applebloom, (Temporarily Vacant)]
>[Room 326: Scootaloo, Gabriella Griffon]
>[Room 327: Babs Seed, Sweetie Belle]

"The key to room 325, if you would, miss."
>"So polite. I always liked that about ya, Lilac. Here ya go."
>She hands you the key, and you sign a meaningless scribble for it, then head off
>Past the receptionist's desk, a short hallway leads you to a rectangular stairwell, which stretches all the way up to the third floor
>The walls inside are the same polished white stone as outside, now with alcoves cut into them to hold vases of flowers, or hung with portraits of esteemed alumni
>All of them look like kindergarten teachers from hell
>Even for someone used to opulence, you feel a little put off by the place; it feels stifling
>You make your way up the stairs, though your high heels clack far too loudly against the tile, so you remove them and pad quietly upwards in only your socks
>At the third floor, you find a small access ladder that leads up to the roof
>It isn't going to be fun to climb that in a dress, but you find yourself curious as to who might be up there
>Besides, you'll be guaranteed some privacy, something you definitely won't be in boarding school dorms
>Holding your shoes in one hand, you grab the rung nearest to your head and begin to climb

>At the top of the ladder, you push open a trapdoor and emerge into a tiny metal shed, about ten square feet in total
>A few electrician's tools are hung up on the walls, and a weather-beaten at the other end stands ajar
>Peering out, you see that the roof is, well, not much more than a typical roof
>Its surface is crushed gravel, and air conditioners and ventilation ducks are scattered almost randomly around you
>You scan the surroundings until you spot the figure you heard earlier
>She's seated near the sheer edge of the roof, dangling her feet over the three-story drop
>Your eyes adjust quickly to the darkness, and you can make out that she's dressed in an oversized Dio t-shirt and short-cut athletic shorts
>And open notepad-plus-pen lie just a few inches from her left hand
>You take a cautious step onto the roof, and the gravel shifts silently beneath you
>As you creep closer, you notice the girl looks somewhat familiar...
>Her hair is a vibrant crimson shade with letter pinkish streaks enmeshed in it, and it's cut asymmetrically to look punkish and jagged
>Though it's been a few years, you recognize her as soon as she comes into decent view
>Babs Seed clearly doesn't notice you, and as you take a few more steps it becomes clear why
>She has headphones in, and your keen hearing even begins to detect crashing guitar chords bleeding through them
>You're only a few feet behind her now and she still hasn't looked up
>Far beneath, you see a sleek, athletic young girl-- Scootaloo, you recognize her almost immediately --doing breaststroke in the dorm's pool
>Is it dark enough to hide you, in case she looks up?
>You eyes go to Babs' notebook, scanning what she's written there
//Abandoned and cast into endless shadow
I'm drowning and there's nobody to save me
Each friendly smile is like glass piercing my skin
and I must hide myself to save--//
>That's as far as she got
>Babs flicks her hair out of her face, glumly watching the horizon

>You let the tiniest bit of your Presence leak out, manifesting it as a wave that passes over Babs like a chilly midnight breeze
>She shivers, then turns to look over her shoulder
>When she sees you, her eyes widen and she pulls out her earphones
>"Diamond? Diamond Tiara?"
"Good evening, Babs. Is this seat taken?"
>Babs look skeptical
>"It might be. Last time I met ya, you weren't exactly great to me and to my new friends. Though..."
>She carefully hides the notebook
>"They did tell me ya turned out alright. Right before your mom took you outta school. And I'm guess I'm not much betta myself, at the end of th' day."
>You glide up next to her and sit down without waiting for her permission
>Babs scoots away, but only slightly, and she keeps her eyes keenly on you
"I was a bit of a menace in the past, I'll admit that. I like to think I've made amends with Applebloom and the others. But it's been so long since I've seen them. I wanted us to talk together again."
>"Well, that's not so hard t' do. You coulda come during a visitation day. Or just called one of us."
>You give her a sad smile
"I'm afraid that wouldn't exactly be possible."
>"Huh? Why not? Your mom got you on a tight leash, or somethin'?"
"You could put it that way. I'm not entirely sure how to explain it, Babs. But I'm in a state now where I, well, can't exactly be around other people. Not without them being hurt."
>Babs protectively clutches the notebook against her chest
>"I... I know what ya mean?"
"You do?"
>"I do. T' be perfectly honest, me an' the other girls haven't been gettin' along great. They're all super close friends, and they love Silva Spoon like she's one of them. But I just can't seem to fit in with the group proper anymore. It sucks. I get jealous and say all kinda stuff I shouldn't and-- wait, why am I tellin' you all this?"
"It's my gift," you say with a tiny smile. "I'm a very good listener."
>"Yeah, well it's kinda freakin' me out. You just sat down and I start spillin' my life story. Forget it, you should go talk with one of the others. I bet they'd be real thrilled t' see ya."
"I could. But I wanted to speak to you, Babs."
>Babs blushes
>"Then ya made the wrong choice. Jeez, you're makin' this so weird..."
>Babs focuses on the pool down below, watching Scootaloo rest before beginning a set of freestyle
"I think I made the perfect choice," you say, reaching out to touch Babs' arm
>She flinches, but doesn't recoil
>"Yeah? An' why's that?"
>She tries to sound unconcerned, but you can feel her subtly move her arm so as to keep it resting against your hand
>You let more of your Presence leak out, coloring your syllables with a seductive, spine-tingling delight
"You're very, very precious to me, Babs. There's something in you that I need, more than anything else."
>"You're... you're makin' this super weird..."
"I won't stop you if you want to leave."
>"What's the even supposed to mean?"
>Sweat is shimmering on her face now, despite the nighttime chill
"You're free to go, if you wish. But I have a secret to tell you, Babs. In return to everything you've told me."
>"A secret?" Babs asks, trying to keep her voice steady. "About why? I don't got all night to listen to your... w-what the..."
>You grin, baring your fangs
>"You doing some kinda d-dress up stuff now, or somethin'?"
"Oh, it's a little more than that."
>Your hand curls around Babs' arm and you pull her closer against your body
>She shudders
>"No way. There's no way. This is some kinda p-prank or something..."
"Don't worry, they're quite real. Would you like a closer look?"
>"I... I..."
>Babs' eyes flutter shut and she lets out a tiny, childish squeak of fear

"I'm sorry."
>You pull away from Babs, letting go of her arm
>For a moment, she looks relieved as her self-preservation instincts take over
>But as soon as you're no longer holder her, she folds her arms around herself, shivering
"I didn't mean to frighten you."
>"You didn't! I'm not scared at all!"
"Oh? You certainly seemed it."
>"No, it's just... are those really real?"
"They are. But you don't deserve the pain they bring, Babs. You're a good person, I can sense it."
>It's amazing how easily the words come to you
>You hardly even have to try, some sort of dark instinct inside of you guides you perfectly towards what you need to say
>"I'm not! I'm terrible. Even after my friends forgave me, I keep findin' ways to push them back away. I don't fit in with anybody at all."
>She grabs ahold of your arms, and you see tears already welling in her eyes
>"You get me! You really do! If you wanna do it, then do it."
"It wouldn't be right. You don't understand what you're asking for."
>"I do!"
>Babs tugs at your arm
>"Please, I wanna know what it's like to... to be good for someone."
"Babs..."
>"Please, Diamond. When you were holdin' me, I felt..."
>You wrap an arm around Babs, and let your Presence wash over her body
>"I felt... that. Ah~"
>She gasps, and falls against your chest
>Your arms curl around her, and she nuzzles against you, her breath coming in deep gasps
>Babs reaches up to the neckline of the baggy t-shirt she wears, and pulls the collar away, revealing soft, tan skin
>A few stray lines of freckles run along her shoulders
>At the sight, the hunger inside of you leaps up like a frenzied animal
>You find your mouth growing moist with saliva, and your tongue flicks between your lips as you bend forward towards her throat...
>Babs suddenly lifts her head up and kisses you
>It's nothing more than a quick, nervous peck
>She breaks away immediately, looking mortified
>"S-sorry! I didn't mean t' do that, just... I've kinda always had feelings and... fuck, I just can't stop myself..."
>You take her face in your right hand
>Your first kiss was already lost to Silver Spoon, when the two of you were curious kids
>But you've never really *kissed* someone before
>Maybe Babs could be good practice...
>You hold her face steady and press your mouth to hers
>Her body goes rigid for a moment, then hangs limp against yours
>Your free arm wraps around her back, carressing her
>Babs' heart is hammering in her chest, sending her warm blood coursing through her
>Her mouth is hot and wet, yet simultaneously refreshing and cool
>Babs likely hasn't kissed anyone before, you realize
>At least, she hasn't ever had a proper kiss
>And she's a bit of a slower learner than you are
>Her lips are rigid and uncertain, whereas yours almost immediately find the gentle way to conform to her shape, to part her lips so that your tongue can slip into her mouth
>Kissing, it turns out, is incredibly easy
>Your tongue swirls with Babs', exchanging silvery lines of your spit with hers, until the two of you break away
>She's panting now, but you've hardly changed
>"Please. I wanna know what it feels like..." Babs whispers, trembling from your touch
>Babs kisses you again, then arches her back, baring her neck to you

>You can't resist anymore
>Bending your head, you drag your tongue along Babs' neck
>She trembles in your grasp
>And when your fangs sink into her neck, a shuddering gasp runs through the other girl's body
>Immediately, white-hot pleasure courses through both of you as Babs' flood fills your mouth
>You drink it greedily, swallowing mouthful after mouthful
>Babs feels no pain
>Instead, she writhes in your grasp, groaning and gasping in ecstasy
>It's hard to hold yourself steady too; you've never felt anything as amazing as this
>Your hands find themselves trailing down the girl's back, running over the soft bulge of her hips, then down to her legs
>Her skin is flushed with warmth, the same warmth in the blood that fills your body
>You want more of that warmth, and you start to fumble around beneath her shirt, letting your fingers explore her belly and her budding breasts
>"Ah..." Babs coos
>She squeezes herself tighter against her, and her blood spurts into your mouth as her heart-rate increases
>Babs' breathing is shallow now, and she only mumbles faintly as she passes into an unconscious haze of bliss
>You force yourself to remove your fangs from her neck
>Two little lines of blood seep from the puncture wounds, but you bend down and lick away the blood
>As you lap at the wounds, the seal themselves, leaving no trace of you having fed from her
>You clench your hands around Babs, squishing your fingers into her thighs
>There's so much you want to do to her right now
>A haze of pleasure still clouds your mind as you cradle Babs against your chest, reeling from the feast you just had
>You kiss her lips gently, as thanks for her sacrifice
"You were wonderful, Babs..."
>Her own body heat flows through you now, and you briefly get to experience the chill of the evening against your skin
>It feels wonderful
>Far below you, Scootaloo is treading water, seemingly oblivious
>You still have the key to Applebloom's room as well
>Though feeding has taken the edge of your hunger, it's also awakened a taste for blood, and the pleasure it brings
>You find yourself wanting more...

>You gently lay Babs down
>She shivers slightly in her sleep, so you strip off the thin jacket you wear around your shoulders and drape it over her like a blanket
"I'll return to you soon," you whisper
>Then you step to the edge of the roof
>Forty feet below you, the dorm swimming pool shines dark and glossy blue in the moonlight, its surface marbled by the waves Scootaloo kicks up in her wake
>Heights that normally would have made your skin crawl now seem almost childishly nonthreatening
>You can easily track your prey as she makes her next lap of the pool
>Scootaloo's dressed only in a blue school-issue swimsuit, and her slender body glides easily through the water, oblivious to the predator standing three stories above her
>A tiny smile stretches your lips, and you rest your fangs on your lower lip
>You're eager to use them again
>You drop your shoes first; they thud onto the pool's concrete deck
>Scootaloo pops her head out of the water, confusedly staring at the spot where your shoes collided with the ground
>And just as she turns her head skyward, you spring forward
>For a moment, you're falling through the night air, your hair whipping at your face
>Then you collide against the surface of the pool with a loud splash
>It slams into your body with enough force to break bones, but you're enhanced toughness turns it into only a mild stinging
>You surface to find Scootaloo scrambling out of the water, startled
>"Hey! The hell do you think you're doing!?"
>She hauls herself up onto the side of the pool
>Water drips from her slender form, and she glistens beneath the starlight
>You rise up out of the water, your hair and your dress soaking and most likely ruined
>Mom will be furious
>But it's totally worth it for the expression on Scootaloo's face
>Her anger turns to surprise, then slowly to doubt
>"Diamond!? What are you doing here? How did you..."
>She looks up at the roof, then down at you
>"What's going on?"
"I was out, enjoying my evening. And I thought I'd join you. You seemed like you could use some company."
>"I wasn't looking for the kind of company that comes dropping in from the sky. How did you even make that jump? You shoulda broken your neck."
"I'm tougher than I look."
>You swim towards the edge of the pool, but Scootaloo backs away
>"Look, I don't know what you're thinking, but you really shouldn't be here. It's a private academy."
"Oh, I don't think they'll be kicking me out any time soon," you say, grinning smugly
>"What's up with you? You don't sound like yourself. I mean you still sound like a bitch, but... not a normal bitch."
"I've gone through a few changes since the last time we met."
>You widen your smile, letting her see your fangs
>Unlike Babs, Scootaloo doesn't seem as instantly skeptical
>In fact, she seems downright terrified
>"No way..."
>She starts glancing around for a way out
"There's no need to be frightened. I just want a little taste. I promise, you'll enjoy it."
>You let your Presence unfold around you
>Scootaloo hesitates for a moment
>The fear in her face starts to melt away, and her legs tremble
>"A-ah... no..."
>Her legs give out from under her, and she sinks to her knees
"See? I'm nothing to fear, especially not for a strong girl like you. Now please, come here..."
>Scootaloo clenches her teeth, trying to resist
>But she still obediently crawls towards you, and slips into the water
>You swim back towards the center of the pool, and she follows
>When she reaches you, you circle your arms around her body, embracing the girl beneath the water
>Scootaloo trembles
>She doesn't give herself away as easily as Babs did
>You can feel her struggling, and veins stand out on her neck as she tries to forcibly break free from your spell
"Scared? Please, Scootaloo, don't be. This will be wonderful, for both of us..."
>You kiss her neck and brush your fangs against her creamy skin, where goosebumps show beneath a sheen of pool water
>Scootaloo lets out a yelp of fear
>Her yelp is matched almost immediately by the gate to the pool creaking open
>"Scoots! Y'all okay? I heard a splash and--"
>Applebloom steps onto the pool deck
>Her hair is down, her feet are bare, and she's wearing plaid pajamas
>She sweeps her eyes over you and Scootaloo, and her face twists in suspicion and horror
>"Diamond! What did you do to her?"

>You glance down at Scootaloo, who's struggling weakly in your embrace
>With a whispered command, she falls limp
>Could your Dominate bring Applebloom to you too?
>It could, but it wouldn't be wise to get too greedy on your first hunt
>You fix Applebloom in your gaze, and give her a calm, reassuring smile, keeping your fangs hidden this time
"I snuck in by the pool. When I came in, she wasn't moving. I jumped in to save her."
>You slowly glide through the water towards the side of the pool, holding Scootaloo next to you
>"You... saved her?"
>You pour a little extra power into your hypnosis, keeping the bond strong
"I did. You should help me get her out of the water."
>With Applebloom's assistance, you raise the shivering Scootaloo out of the pool
>The strain of holding both girls under your sway is starting to make you feel weak as it consumes the blood within you
>Scootaloo lies on the wet concrete, and you run a hand along her skinny, athletic figure
>Wet skin trembles beneath your touch, and she gasps when you touch her face
"I think she'll be okay."
>"That's good."
>Applebloom squats down next to Scootaloo, taking her friend's hand
>"It's strange. She's usually such a strong swimmer."
"She must be pushing herself too hard."
>"Must be. Typical Scoots..."
>You pull yourself out of the water and sit near Scootaloo's feet
>"Why... why are y'all here anyway, Diamond?" Applebloom asks you
"I wanted to see you three again. To see if you're still willing to be friends."
>"Course we are. We were wondering why we hadn't seen ya in so long."
"My mom doesn't approve. Of you, or of this school."
>"Ah. I'm sorry 'bout that. But you don't have to sneak around if you wanna see us! Just come by. We can always let ya in if you wanna talk with us again."
"Thanks, Applebloom."
>You let the hypnosis weaken a bit
>Applebloom's smile, as far as you can tell, is genuine
>You stand, shaking water from your dress and from your hair
>"Aww, your clothes. I'm real sorry about that."
"It's not your fault. As long as Scootaloo's okay."
>"I think she will be. I'll get her up to her room. It's lucky you found her, and not one of the teachers. They'd have killed her."
"Yes. Lucky."
>You smile internally
"I should go. My mom will start worrying about me soon."
>"Don't y'all want some fresh clothes or something? You can borrow some of mine--"
"No, I really should go. I'll see you soon, okay, Applebloom?"
>"Y-yeah, of course!"
>She gives you a weird look as you collect your shoes, and then sneak out the pool's gate

>The walk back up the main road is miserable
>Though cold doesn't bother you, the feeling of your wet dress clinging to your skin is less than pleasant
>You're interrupted by headlights sweeping through the night, and you duck towards the treeline
>However, it's your mother's car, and she pulls up near your hiding spot
>"Come, Diamond. It's time to go."
>You obediently slop your way over to the car, holding your shoes in one hand
>Your mom wrinkles her nose when you plop down into the seat next to her
>"Had a fun night, did we?"
"I did."
>"That's good. I hope you didn't make too much of a scene."
"What do you mean by that?"
>"I've been speaking to the headmistress. She's a good friend of mine. Sympathetic to our cause, you might say. But she fears that some of her students may have Hunter connections."
"Hunters?"
>"Of course. You didn't think we stalked the night unopposed, did you? There exist plenty of mortals who wish to see us reduced back to primordial ash. Had I known there were Hunters here, I'd have warned you not to draw too much attention to yourself. Judging by the look of things, you could have used a warning."
"Hardly anybody even saw me. I hypnotized anyone who did."
>"Hmph. I doubt your power is enough to rewrite memories. Regardless, this danger is something you'll have to live with. And none will dare harm you while you're near me. All the more reason to keep close to me, my dear Diamond."
>She reaches out to touch you, then thinks better of it, on account of your soaked state
>"Ah, I liked the dress so much, too..." she says with a sigh. "Regardless, you'll be happy to hear that our allies are already interested in meeting with you again. You've managed to make quite an impression on several of them. Though, in your current state, I can't help but wonder how..."
>You fold your arms over your chest and pout
>"Regardless, you have many busy nights ahead of you, I'm quite sure. For now, it's best we return home."
>Taking your mom's suggestion as an order, Randolph drives the two of you back to your estate

>You retreat to your room, where you change out of your ruined dress and into a dry bathrobe
>Just as the sun is starting to peak out, you lie down and shut your eyes, your body already sinking into the death-sleep by which you'll pass the day
>Just as you start to drift down into darkness, you recall images of Babs, pleading to be your servant, and of Scootaloo's feeble resistance
>This new world is full of delights, you've concluded
>And, it would seem, an equal amount of danger...


>When you awaken, you rise from your bed and check yourself in the mirror
>Your hair is still a mess from last night; months of expensive treatment was wrecked by the pool water
>Still, you can't help but feel it was worth it, just for the look on Scootaloo's face
>You're actually surpressing a chuckle as you grab your favorite Egyptian-cotton towel and stroll down towards the bathroom
>Your family's manor has nearly a dozen different bathrooms, but the second-floor one near your mom's room is your favorite
>It has a huge jacuzzi surrounded by silver fixtures in the shape of seashells and mermaids, for holding shampoos, creams, and other bathing supplies
>You flick the lights on, but keep them low enough to leave you in near darkness
>Then you throw off your robe and draw yourself a hot bubble bath
>Just as you're lowering yourself in, however, the door opens
>You duck beneath the suds with a splash and prepare to scold Randolph for barging in on you
>But it's not Randolph
>Your mom strolls in, clad in her own robe
"It's occupied," you mumble
>"Nonsense. I can't share a bath with my own daughter?"
"Don't make this weird."
>"Diamond, there's nothing weird about this. We have so much to talk about, too."
>Spoiled drops her robe and struts towards the bath
>Her body is actually somewhat impressive, especially after having had you a decade and a half ago
>Undeath has preserved her curves and softened them, giving her an hourglass, seductive appearance
>You hate to admit it; she's actually fairly attractive
>Not attractive to *you*, of course, you're not that kind of sicko at all
>But in an abstract way, you have to admit that your mother is actually pretty ridiculously sexy; you're somewhat self-satisfied to realize you have some pretty fantastic genes
>Not that that matters anymore, you suppose
>The water ripples as your mom slips into it
>She coos in delight, and sits herself across from you
>"Ah..."
"Hmph."
>"Oh, don't take that attitude with me. I can enjoy some spa time with my daughter, if I wish."
"You never wanted it before."
>"Well, we never had quite so much in common."
>Under the water, her hand brushes affectionately agaisnt your leg
>You curl up away from her
"I... I did have something I wanted to ask you."
>Your mom smiles
>The low light glints off her fangs
>"I hoped you would. What is it, my dear?"
>Spoiled sits up and begins spreading suds over her chest and shoulders
"I have these powers now," you say, lifting your hands out of the water and watching the bubbles drip between your fingers. "But I don't really know what I can do with them."
>"You seem to have a natural talent for employing them, I've noticed."
>There is a hint of genuine pride in Spoiled's voice
"I've started figuring them out. But what are the limits? What can I really do?"
>"Are you asking me to teach you?"
"...maybe."
>"Oh, Diamond, I'd be *delighted.* I didn't have any chance to feed last night. Perhaps we could hunt together! A little mother-daughter date, and I'll teach you *all* you need to know."
>She scoots closer to you and tries to put her arm around you
>You nimbly glide away
>The last thing you want to do is cuddle your naked mom
>Spoiled chuckles, amused by your reluctance
>"After this, let me take you to one of my favorite feeding grounds. Safe territory, where we can enjoy ourselves. Just the two of us."
"Actually... I wanted to ask one more favor."
>"Oh?"
"If it's possible, could we meet with Oct-- with Ms. Melody? The Toreador?"
>A grin stretches your mom's face
>"Taken a liking to her, have you?"
"N-not at all! She simply represents a powerful ally. And I believe she and I have much in common."
>"Of course, of course. I'll invite her to join us tonight. And after our little date, you two can have some alone time. A perfect plan. I knew you'd make me proud, my precious Diamond."
>This time, you can't escape, and are unwillingly pulled into a slippery, intimate hug

>After the bath, you head back to your room to dress yourself
>Fortunately, ruining one dress doesn't set you back too much; just in your room's closet, you have nearly two dozen dresses
>And in your family's various backup closets, you probably have close to a hundred more...
>Unfortunately, most of them are disappointingly childish, bought for you when you were still a young girl
>They're lacy and prominently feature pink, making you look harmless and innocent, not exactly a vampiric look
>There are some others, however, you had bought for you just as you hit your teenage years
>These are cut a bit more enticingly, to show off your developing hips and chest as much as is appropriate
>And then there's the fancy ballroom gowns, floor-length dresses with multiple complicated layers of white, silver, and violet silk
>These are the kind of clothes that really make you look like an heiress
>For such an important night, what should you wear?


>You suppose that, if you're going to accompany your mom, you should at least look the part
>So you select a floor-length gown, complete with silk ribbons and plenty of frills near your shoulders
>You have no memory of wearing the thing before, but once it's on you, it practically screams "my parents can buy our your entire neighborhood, and I'm not afraid to remind you of that fact"
>Once the dress is on, you lounge in front of the mirror and spend the better part of an hour brushing and re-styling your hair, until it sits in perfect purple-and-white rivulets, held together by your prized silver crown
>However...
>You can't help but feel like Octavia won't be impressed much by affluence and forced elegance
>So you'll need something to really get her attention
>Near the end of your closet, you grab up a dress you've wanted to wear for a long time now
>It was purchased from some up-and-coming boutique in Manehattan, and you've admired it and waited for a chance to show it off
>The dress is made from a stretchy, dark purple fabric
>It's cut short, and the back of the dress is left open
>You get a mental image of how you'll look in this, and it brings a smile to your face
>Octavia won't be able to resist you
>You fold the dress and carefully stow it in one of the dozens of designer handbags you've accumulated from years of birthdays and Christmases, and then go to meet your mom

>She's dressed in a flowing evening gown of sea-green satin, and her face lights up when she sees you
>"Diamond! You look fantastic!"
>She sweeps her arm into yours and leads you out towards the car
>"I'm so proud. Our first proper night out together. I can't wait to show you off..."
"And just who will you be showing me off to?"
>"Oh, a few Canterlot somebodies. Many of them are under our sway already, some are even willing victims. You'd be surprised how addictive feeding can become for mortals."
"I have a bit of an idea," you say, remembering Babs
>"Nevertheless, do keep your wits about you. If Hunters have infiltrated crystal prep, they could easily be waiting for us here as well. Choose your victims carefully, and make sure they are well in your sway."
"And how do I do that? You promised to train me."
>"In due time, my dear. In due time."

>The Cadillac rolls into downtown Canterlot, and pulls up to a four-story building, the Canterlot History Museum
>It's designed in a neo-classical style, with pillars and arches carved from soapstone and bearing carved visages of gargoyles, hoplites, and text scrawled in Latin
>Atop the museum, shaped like a circular prism of dark metal and mirrored glass, sits the Royal Court culture club
>You've never been allowed in, though you remember your mom going all the time
>It's supposed to be a club for the most elite of the elite, the richest and most influential in all of Canterlot
>Your heart actually buzzes a little at the thought of going in
>Spoiled takes your arm again, and the two of you walk inside, past security guards who nod respectfully to your mom
>An elevator ride takes you to just outside the club, where you cross a velvet-carpeted foyer and emerge through double doors
>The club itself is brightly lit, and nearly every surface is gleaming spotlessly white
>White tile floor, white tablecloths, pale silver cutlery, white china plates...
>Your eyes actually hurt a bit from all the opulence
>Throughout the club, the elites of Canterlot mingle and chat, while waiters in pressed tuxedos bring expensive cocktails and hours-d'ouvres around on platters
>Mom pats your back
>"A small word of advice: don't try the food. It won't end well."
"Fine."
>You're only a bit disappointed by that
>Compared to the taste of blood, even the best mortal food you've had is styrofoam
>You neglect to give your bag to the attendants; you want to keep your dress close, for when you decide you need it
>Octavia is nowhere around, but you're not surprised
>The night is still young, after all
>Your mom steers you towards the far left corner of the room, where a foppishly handsome man is entertaining two women, one on each side of him
>They're giving him patient, practiced smiles while he blathers on; you get the vague impression money is involved here somewhere
>Mom touches your arm
>"Our abilities of Presence will attract them to me. But they can't truly control anyone. However, when combined with the powers of domination, they can quickly enamor a mortal. Observe..."
>She strolls up to the man, with you next to her
>Up close, you realize both ladies are identical twins, elegant and tall with practiced, easy smiles
>They both have hair cut in short, spike waves, though one's color is blue and the other, pink
>"Good evening, Blueblood," you mom says as she approaches. "Could I have a word with these fine ladies, for a moment?"
>Your mom's Presence flares up
>It's far stronger than yours, and even though you're able to block most of it out, for a moment you have an unpleasant urge to throw yourself into her arms and plead for a way to make her happy
>Gross
>The twins and Blueblood clearly feel it
>Both ladies bats their eyes at your mom, unfurling themselves from Blueblood's embrace
>He himself bows so quickly he nearly trips over himself
>"Of course, madam. Is there anything I can do for the two of you?"
>"There is," your mom replies
>You hear power thrum in her voice as she activates her Dominate
>"Leave us be, for now."
>Blueblood gives another respectful bow, and retreats to another corner of the party, where he begins chatting up a group of trendy young CEO types
>The twins link arms and step up to your mom
>"You must be..."
>"...Spoiled Rich?"
>"It's been so long since you've joined us."
>"We didn't think you'd be coming tonight."
>Your mom smiles
>"I wouldn't miss such an opportunity. I wanted to introduce my lovely daughter, Diamond."
>She pushes you forward, and pats your shoulder reassuringly
>"Oh me, she's so..."
>"...exquisitely lovely. We'd love to have her at the spa sometime."
>"Perhaps that can be arranged," you mom says. "For now, is it alright if I request your company? We're alone here tonight, and my precious Diamond is too embarrassed to have her mother as her date. Maybe you could *accompany* us?"
>Your mom's presence flares again, and both girls sigh
>"We would be delighted."
>Your mom licks her lips
>"Excellent. What is your name, dear?" she asks of the pink-haired twin
>"Lotus," she replies, her desire practically dripping off her words
>You feel kinda sick, but also intrigued; your mom is a master, and it's fascinating to watch her work, even if it's slightly mentally scarring to see your own mother put the moves on anyone
>"And I suppose I get the precious gem here," says the other twin. "My name is Aloe. It's wonderful to meet you, Diamond."
>She extends a hand to you
>"I suppose I'm your date now. What would you like to do?"
>You glance over at your mom, who's already leading Lotus away, towards the private rooms near the back of the club
>She gives you a knowing smile, flashing her fangs at you for just a moment
>Was... was that an invitation?

>You compose yourself, trying to look as dignified as you can while maintaining your vampiric Presence
"We should follow them. I'm sure you two don't want to be split up."
>"I do feel more comfortable with Lotus around," Aloe muses, watching her sister fondly. "And I suppose you don't want to be separated from your mother?"
"I think it's for the best," you say, holding out your arm
>You're about a head shorter than Aloe, so it looks somewhat comical as she takes your arm and heads after her twin
>At the back of the ballroom, a narrow hallway curls away from the main floor of the club
>The hall is dotted with doors, each of them with a number and a small green or red decal saying if they're occupied or not
>In contrast to the blinding white of the ballroom, everything here is bathed in low-watt purple light, giving it an eerie, somewhat erotic mood
>Your senses begin to prickle, and you become aware of Aloe's bare arm resting against yours, of the red-hot vitae flowing just millimeters beneath her skin...
>She must notice you stirring next to her, and she smiles
>"Anxious?"
"Not at all," you lie. "I simply haven't been in the company of someone so beautiful before. And especially now *two* someones," you say, indicating her sister. "It's a little overwhelming."
>Even without needing to use your powers, the compliment lands, making Aloe blush
>"Oh, aren't you a little charmer? Your mom's done a good job with you."
>Up ahead, you see your mom grin
>Her fangs are wet and glistening, with her tongue held between them
>"We'll see just how well I've done in a minute," she whispers
>Spoiled stops outside the door to a private lounge
>A somewhat nervous-looking attendant stands outside the lounge, but he straightens up when your mom approaches
>"We're taking the reservation for this room tonight," she says, and her eyes blaze crimson as her hypnosis twists the poor attendant's mind
>"O-of course ma'am," he stutters, and lets the four of you in
>Inside, there's everything you could want for a night of debauchery
>Champagne on ice, sofas with soft velvet upholstery, dozens of throw-pillows, carpet so thick it feels like a pillow in its own right, red mood-lighting, and even a small platform-plus-pole for dancers
>"Oooh..." Lotus coos. "You *really* know how to treat a lady, Ms. Rich."
>She's practically hanging off your mom now, batting her eyelashes seductively every time Spoiled glances at her
>You might have made a terrible mistake, you realize
>"I have quite a bit of experience," your mom responds with a coy wink
>Internally, you're screaming
>"I'll bet," Lotus responds. "And I guess this little cutie is going to be learning tonight?"
>"That's the plan," Spoiled says. "Now, why don't we make ourselves a little more comfortable?"
>Both twins head over to the couch, sitting together in the middle cushion
>You sit on one side of them, near Aloe, and your mom sits on the other side, with Lotus
>Lotus immediately has her hands all over your mom, going for her breasts, her stomach, her hips, and making her way down to her thighs
>Your mom locks eyes with you, and mouths "watch"
>That's the last thing you want to do, but you obey, keeping your eyes on her even as Aloe peppers your cheek with kisses
>Spoiled runs her hands along Lotus's body, then leans in to kiss the other woman's neck
>Lotus shivers and takes your mom's hand, guiding it to her thigh
>Your mom doesn't give her what she wants, though, she just keeps teasing Lotus with little kisses, or with gentle touches on the sensitive parts of her body
>Meanwhile, you can feel your mom's Presence filling the room, eclipsing yours
>Even Aloe seems like she's falling under your mom's spell
>She leans heavily on her sister, and both of them clasp hands as they lean in to kiss your mom
>Spoiled accepts Lotus first, letting her lips lock with the other woman's
>Then she switches to Aloe, rewarding her with a few short pecks
>Both twins fight for your mom's kisses, lost in the erotic embrace of her Presence
>You, meanwhile, are left pouting on the couch
>In between kisses, your mom flashes you a wicked, unapologetic grin that clearly asks "Well, what are you gonna do about it?"

>You can only sit there and stew, alone and thirsty
>Your mom's Presence floods the room, and even you have difficulties blocking out the flashes of desire to cuddle up to her
>Aloe and Lotus, however, are all over her
>They're unable to wait their turn for Spoiled's kisses now, and instead have their mouths pressed against hers at the same time, tongues wrestling wetly and incestuously as they try to taste your mom
>Lotus shoves her sister aside and slips into your mom's lap
>As she does so, she pushes the straps of her dress over her shoulders, letting it slip down and reveal her pale, perky breasts
>A lusty gasp escapes her lips as your mom lowers her mouth to her nipples
>You're seriously watching your own mom get laid, and in a threesome no less
>You want to throw up, but you can't look away
>As awful as it is, your mom is clearly a master at this; she gives both twins what they want, but never *everything* they want
>Her mouth meets Lotus's nipples for a moment, teasing the rosy flesh with her tongue, then she breaks away, leaving only a thin sheen of saliva
>Lotus groans, practically begging for more
>Aloe, meanwhile, dejectedly prepares to shove her twin away
>But your mom reaches out and tenderly touches Aloe's cheek, turning the woman's face downwards
>Aloe looks down, and doesn't need to be told twice what to do
>She throws herself at your mom's feet, then begins running her tongue along Spoiled's legs like a dog, slowly working her way up towards her thighs
>Lotus, meanwhile, throws her head back, groaning
>Your mom's hands circle around her smooth, bare back, pulling her close
>You creep closer to the three women; none of them notice you, of course, they're far too occupied with each other
>Aloe is fiendishly tonguing your mom's calves, layering them with saliva that soaks into your mom's lacy white lingerie
>The carpet is soft beneath your knees, and Aloe doesn't even flinch as you position yourself right behind her
>Aloe begins pushing up your mom's dress, and Spoiled shifts Lotus to one side and spreads her legs, offering Aloe and, unfortunately, you a view right to her crotch
>Aloe stares longingly at her prize, practically drooling as the possession takes full hold of her brain
>She doesn't even look away when your arms circle around your waist from behind
>Lotus shivers as your mom's breath washes over her neck...
>You pull Aloe against yourself...
>Both twins gasp, mother and daughter moan in delight as fangs meet bare, warm necks
>Aloe's blood gushes into your mouth and pours down your throat, her aroused state making her taste red-hot
>She goes limp in your grasp, overwhelmed as the ecstasy of a vampire's kiss runs through her
>Your mom looks on, satisfied
>After an all-too-short moment of bliss, you release Aloe and let her fall limp, but alive, to the ground
>Lotus is set aside somewhat more gently by your mom
>Her mouth is clean; you, meanwhile, have a tiny line of blood running down your chin
>"That's my girl."
"You were going to take them both for yourself!"
>"Of course I was. Why wouldn't I?"
"That's not fair," you pout
>"Indeed. And that, my dear..."
>She reaches out and wipes the mess from your mouth
>"...was tonight's lesson. We live in a hierarchy, sweetheart. And those at the top have every right to steal prey from whelps like you. It's your choice what you'll do about it."
>It takes you a moment to realize she used Lotus's panties to clean your face
>H-how is she this smooth? She's like forty!
>Actually, she's probably way older...
>You sense something wrong with that, but are still too bubbly with afterglow to put together a coherent thought
"So I guess I've learned not to hunt with you anymore."
>"Not until you learn to match me," she says with a wink. "Next time, I won't let you have my food so easily. Still, it feels good to see my little girl satisfied."
>She holds out her hand to you
>"Now, shall we return? The rest of our evening awaits us..."

>On the way out, your mom addresses the attendant again
>"The young ladies partied a little too hard. See to it that they're removed, quickly."
>"Y-yes ma'am!"
"What will happen to them?"
>"I have absolutely no idea. You shouldn't concern yourself with it. They were a fine meal, and that's all they needed to be."
>Your mom takes your arm and steers you out into the main hall again
>The night has progressed, and now the lights have been turned down to a, golden glow
>Many different people are milling about the room now, well-dressed and conversing boringly
>Most of them appear to be mortal, and you're fell-wed and therefore have little interest in them
>However, two newcomers are of note
>Octavia is here, as per your mom's invitation
>She's stunning in a body-hugging red dress, with cuts along her legs to reveal her milk-white thighs
>Currently she hasn't noticed you yet, she's currently being approached by nearly every unaccompanied gentleman in the place, along with one or two particularly daring ladies
>The other newcomer, though, you don't recognize
>She's seated alone at a table, with a smug, calculating smile plastered on her face
>Streaked hair hangs on one side of her face, and you notice she's eyeing up you and your mother
>Your mother looks displeased, but not in the normal "everyone is beneath me" way
>Instead, she looks somewhat worried
>"What's she doing here?" she hisses
"Who is that?"
>"An intruder. She knows this is Camarilla-protected ground, and she's gone and let herself in. This needs to be dealt with. Stick behind me, Diamond
>The mysterious woman turns her gaze on you now, and her smile deepens
>Your mom heads towards her table, positioning herself between the strange woman and you, and begins reaching in her back for her phone

>The strange vampire only spares her a cursory glance, but her attention does seem quite focused on you
>She raises a hand to her neck, gently running her fingers along a serpant pendant that hangs near her throat
>You cast your eyes around the place, looking for any other potential allies
>However, there's nobody else here; just the newcomer, your mom, you, and Octavia
>Speaking of, the other vampire still hasn't noticed you; she's far too swamped by admirers
>The unknown vampire motions to you, and you make the mistake of looking her in the eye
>A strange, inhuman change flashes over her eyes
>But it's not the glowing red of you and your mom; isntead, her pupils dilate into reptilian slits, set in a glowing yellow orb
>You freeze in your tracks
>"It's okay," she says in an surprisingly sweet, non-threatening voice. "My name's Starlight Glimmer. I'm not going to hurt you! Come sit with me and your mom. I just want to talk."
>Spoiled looks over at you; she's currently trapped between you and Starlight, unsure of what to do
>You, meanwhile, feel like you're sinking deeper and deeper into the amber miasma of Starlight's snake eyes
>You try to move, but your body feels like lead
>But maybe there's something you can do...
>You poor some of the still-hot blood you drank from Aloe into your arm, letting it fill your corpse-form with fresh life
>Slowly, shakily, you manage to raise your arm up
>There has to be something you can do to distract her, to get her to break eye contact
>Unfortunately, you can only think of one thing, but you're sure it'll work
>You rest your hand on the lacy neckline of your dress and yank it down
>The front of the dress tears open, revealing your tender, budding breasts to Starlight, your mom, and everyone else in the room
>It works
>Starlight's eyes drop to your naked chest, and you're free to move again
>Before she can fix you in her snake-stare again, you flare your Presence
>To maximize your allure, you begin peeling the rest of your now-ruined dress off, letting the garment drop at your feet
>You stand before the entire room now in nothing but your underwear
>Every single pair of eyes in the room is on you now
>But fortunately, nobody is looking at your face
>However, you have to deal with the fact that everybody is currently eyeing up your poor exposed form, enraptured by your beauty
>It feels good, in a way, but simultaneously terrifying and vulnerable
>Starlight swallows, and wipes a sheen of blood-tinged sweat away from her forehead
>Then her own Presence fills the room, eclipsing yours
>Hers has the opposite effect, and the inhabitants of the room flinch away, cowering up against the walls
>Many flee through the doors in terror, clattering down the halls to get away from Starlight 
>"Glimmer, you fool!" your mom hisses. "You're endangering the Masquerade!"
>"My master isn't concerned with the opinions of mortals," Starlight replies simply, sounding like a schoolteacher educating her pupils. "They will all be just like us, once he returns."
>Starlight sands up, smiling at you
>"You're much stronger than I expected, especially for one so young. Please don't be scared. I'm just curious. I need to learn if you're a sign from our great minister."
"I..."
>You can't even get the words out
>Her Presence isn't too much stronger than yours, but you've never felt the power used like this before
>You feel an overwhelming urge to drop to the floor and cower, but you resist it as best you can
"I don't understand," you say meekly
>"You don't have to. I just want to explain things. Preferably somewhere else. I can promise your mom you'll return safely."
>"As if we'd trust the word of a Setite," your mom spits out
>"Ouch.
>Glimmer grins
>"I could do some truly horrible things to the girl, if you'd prefer that," Starlight says. "But I really, really do want to play nice."
>"You. Wouldn't. Dare." 
>Your mom throws herself between you and Starlight, bearing her fangs as her own Presence flares
>The room is now a miasma of your mom's vampiric power
>Starlight stands up slowly, grinning
>"You're kind have no place here! Return to your filthy cult at once!" your mom demands
>"I will, once I've discovered what I came for."
>And then she vanishes
>Suddenly you and your mom are staring only at empty space
>The few mortals who haven't fled by now are cowering weakly in the corners
>Octavia runs up to you and throws an arm around you, pulling you back
>"Stay behind me. I can see her."
>Her eyes glow red as she activates her Auspex, and they track something only she can see
>Your mom, meanwhile, is glancing wildly around the room
>With one hand, she roots through her purse and retrieves a small, silver revolver which she points randomly around the room, having no idea where her target is
>Octavia's eyes flicker back and forth across the room, seemingly at random, as she tracks Starlight
>"Little minx is faster than she looks," she whispers under her breath. "I don't know if I can fight her..."
>Your mom is visibly nervous now, and blood-tinged sweat rolls down her face
>She keeps glancing over at you, and you're not sure if the worry in her face is possessive greed over potentially losing you to someone else, or worry about your safety
>Maybe both
>Either way, the tension slowly begins to coil around your heart, though it remains still as a stone
>Octavia reaches back to put a protective arm around your shoulders, but you stop her
"I can lure her out."
>"Don't be daft, she'll kill you."
"No she won't. She wants me for something. I'll keep her busy until more of our friends arrive."
>"No, Diamond--"
>She tries to stop you, but you duck away from her and strut into the middle of the room, standing approximately directly between Octavia and your mother
>Octavia tries to follow you, but she's too busy keeping her eyes focused on Starlight
>The Presence of each individual vampire pulses in the room, but you focus on your own, letting it spread out and blanket the place
>Once you're standing in the open, you ball your hands into fists at your sides and strike a pouty, diva-ish pose
>You resist the urge to cover yourself, and you can practically feel Starlight's eyes crawling along your body
"You know, even for someone like you, this is really sick! I'm s-stuck here alone, I'm almost n-naked, and I'm so helpless. You could do anything you w-w-wanted to me, and I couldn't even stop you!"
>You're not sure how the stutter enters your voice, but it just sounds right
>The "scared, but helplessly aroused" act comes far too easy to you, something that makes you slightly disgusted
"You could s-start touching me anywhere, and I couldn't do anything, no m-m-matter how wrong it felt! Is that what you want?"
>Your mom's eyes widen in shock
>"Diamond! Such talk is hardly befitting a lady of your stature!"
"But I c-can't help it... I f-f-feel so weak... and helpless..."
>You let a tiny bit of Aloe's blood flush your cheeks
>And in that moment, Starlight attacks
>Something you did must have worked, because she's suddenly right behind you
>You feel something wet, hot, and strong curl around your waist, trailing disgusting saliva-like liquid over your bare skin
"She's here!" you cry out
>You grasp whatever's holding you in both hands, holding it tightly
>It feels like a tongue, and it writhes and pulsates beneath your palms
>"I see her," Octavia responds coldly 
>Suddenly, her blurry form is right next to you, clashing with something you can't see
>Starlight hisses, and the slimy appendage uncurls from your waist and whips towards Octavia
>The musician is knocked backwards into a table, which smashes to splinters under her
>"Spoiled!" Octavia shouts
>And then Octavia's hands move so quickly they seem to blur out of reality, much as they did when the two of you first performed
>Only this time, she sends several kitchen knives hurtling across the room, where they stick into Starlight's body with several soft, meaty thuds
>They seem to hover in midair, piercing the vampire's invisible body and giving away her location
>"She's there!"
>Your mom gets off two shots with the revolver, and an explosion of red mist seemingly in midair tells you one of them found its mark
>Starlight hisses and becomes visible again
>Her fangs have grown long and serpentine, and a black tongue curls out from between them
>Starlight's eyes flick from Octavia, to your mom, and then to you, who she settles on
>Her face stretches into a grin, and she yanks the knives out of her body
>The wounds quickly close back up, and within seconds she's fully healed
>"That hurt," she literally hisses. "See, Diamond? They're unreasonable. You really shouldn't keep such terrible company. But, I'm willing to forgive both of them, if you come with me."
>Starlight holds out her hand, and her mouth morphs back to normal as she smiles
>"If you even touch her, I swear I'll ash you," your mom says, advancing with her revolver still held aloft
>"With that? Please, take this seriously. In a real fight, I'd devour both of you."
>Octavia steps to one side of you, and your mom takes the other, protectively placing herself a few inches ahead
>You look around the room; there's not much to help you
>Some splinters of table, silverware, candles...
>Though you swear you can see a figure waiting just outside the windows, hugging the building's shadow...

>The figure melds back into darkness, only to reappear a moment later, closer to you and the others
>Though moonlight shines all around it, a veil of preternatural shadow cloaks whoever it is as they begin to undo the window's latch
"She's right," you say to your mom and Octavia
>You place a hand on your mom's arm and on Octavia's waist, and pull both ladies closer to you
"I don't want you two getting hurt for me," you say, surprised to find you actually mean it
>Then you turn to Starlight, and use what little energy you have remaining to spike your words with your Presence
"Why are you so interested in me? I'm barely more than an infant, by your standards."
>"Oh, but that's why you're so interesting," Starlight responds
>She's circling around your group now, her movements lithe and serpentine
>Her eyes flash yellow, and you're careful to look away
>You press yourself somewhat suggestively against Octavia's side, both hiding your nudity from her and presenting yourself as fragile, demure
>Starlight's tongue darts between her teeth at the sight
>"No kindred can bear children," Starlight says, glancing towards your mother, who flashes her fangs in anger. "Much less embrace their own child. It violates all we know of our kind. I can only assume you must be a portent of dark days ahead, and of our great master's inevitable return."
"So you want me for some kind of doomsday cult?"
>Starlight chuckles
>"So naive. It's adorable. Master Set seeks to unite all kindred in unity, equality, and a dark, obliterating peace. I can explain so much more, if only you--"
>She's interrupted by a great, cacophonous crash
>On both sides of her, the dinner tables rise up, clutched by tendrils of living shadow
>And then both tables are smashed against Starlight, sandwiching her between them in a spray of silverware, wooden splinters, and shattered cutlery
>She cries out in surprise and pain, and drops to her knees
>Her body is pierced by dozens of thin shards of wood, and blood leaks down her arms and legs, staining the tile beneath her
>Even as you watch, the wounds begin to heal and force the foreign objects out her
>Starlight gets to her feet, furious, and turns to face the figure now striding into the room
>Tempest seems to darken the very air around her with her presence, and liquid shadow coils at her feet
>"This is Camarilla territory," she announces in a cold, commanding voice. "You've violated our laws and attacked our brethren. And now, you'll be punished."
>She steps in front of you, and casually tosses you a tablecloth, which you wrap around your nude form
>"You're safe now," Tempest says
>You nod in gratitude, unable to form anything to say in her chilly presence
>"The Princess's dog..." Starlight spits, then launches herself towards Tempest
>The two vampires clash viciously in the center of the room
>Tempest tears at Starlight with her phantom arms, but emerald scales grow over Starlight's skin, deflecting each blow in a splash of inky, ephemeral darkness
>Starlight's mouth distends, and her serpent tongue swipes towards Tempest, slashing through her shoulder like a razor
>Tempest hardly even registers the wound, and she heals it quickly
>Tentacles of pure darkness grow from the flickering shadows across the room, grabbing up tables and hurtling them towards Starlight
>But Starlight flickers in and out of visibility, and it's quickly clear that Tempest doesn't have any way to see through the illusion
>Silver flashes through the air as Starlight hurtles knives towards Tempest
>Darkness swirls around her, absorbing most of the blades, but a few find their mark, sinking painfully into Tempest's abdomen and her left knee
>With a grunt, she yanks the blades out and heals the wounds
>Octavia glances down at you, then up at Tempest, her stoic expression beginning to melt into worry
>She wants to help, but she's scared of leaving your side
>You take her hand and your mother's
"Let's help her. Together."
>"Absolutely not. I can't risk your safety."
"You were risking it as soon as you decided to do this to me," you say, showing off your fangs
>You squeeze both their hands, then stand on your tiptoes and kiss Octavia
"I promise, I won't be going anywhere."
>Octavia tries to say something, but the words won't come
>She nods, and the three of you run to join the fight
>"Tempest!" Octavia calls out, her eyes glowing a deep red. "There!"
>She points to the far corner of the room, and Tempest sends a table hurtling towards it
>It explodes in midair, and a visible, wounded Starlight falls to the ground
>"Stay away from my Diamond, you cultist psycho..." your mom mutters, and unloads the last few shots from her revolver
>Starlight rolls away, desperately trying to dodge, but one of the shots finds its mark and knocks her against the wall
>And then Tempest is upon her
>She rains vicious, unnaturally powerful blows on Starlight, each one hitting so hard it cracks the tile beneath the Settite's feet
>Starlight summons up the scaly hide again, but even it isn't enough to absorb the vicious pummeling
>She drops to her knees as her reserves of blood fail her
>Tempest rips out a table leg, sharpens it with her claws, and then holds it aloft, the edge pointing directly at Starlight's heart...

"Wait!" you call out
>Tempest does not wait
>She slams the makeshift stake down into Glimmer's chest
>Muscles bulge unnaturally beneath her bodysuit, and her shadow-arms ripple as she forces the wooden beam straight through the other vampire's heart
>Glimmer's eyes widen, and she raises her hands to clutch at the shaft embedded in her
>And then she freezes in place, her face a blank, staring mask of terror
>Her body goes rigid, bent in a slight arc and supported by the stake pinning her in place
>Tempest turns to regard you, her eyes focused and cold
>"Wait for what?"
"Don't kill her yet."
>"These matters are beyond your understanding. She's threatened the Masquerade and violated the Camarilla's protection. Plus, her cult is cunning and dangerous. It's best to remove the threat while we still can..."
>As she speaks, darkness coils around Glimmer, ready to snuff out what remains of her un-life
>Your mom places a hand on your shoulder
>"This is what's best, dear. She tried to harm you, and for that she deserves her final death."
"But that's just the problem! She attacked me! I have a right to figure out why!"
>"No. You don't."
>The shadows form tendrils that curl around Glimmer's neck, ready to twist her head off of her body
"But she could be valuable to us. If she's here, there have to be more members of her cult. They'll come looking for us next. She can tell us where they are."
>"She's a Settite. She'll die before she betrays her order."
"Maybe, but there's still a chance we can learn from her."
>Tempest hesitates slightly
>You decide to press your advantage
"She's interested in me, clearly. We can make use of that. And maybe we can expect an attack like this before it happens again."
>Tempest frowns
>"You make a convincing point. But still, to allow such a danger to live..."
"She'll have the Princess watching over her. And you. If we're lucky, her cult might even be stupid enough to try and free her."
>Tempest is silent for several long seconds
>Outside, you hear sirens in the distance
>The mortals have long since fled from the room, and one must have gotten the wherewithal to call the police
>Finally, Tempest sighs
>"You've convinced me, whelp. You're more keen than I expected you'd be. But, rest assured, I take no responsibility if this plan fails. And I won't hesitate to kill this cultist, if she gives me a reason."
>Tempest's tendrils retreat from Glimmer, and she scans the room
>"We've made a real mess of this place," she says
>"Some more than others," your mom grumbles
>"Someone will have to put the mortals' minds at ease. Spoiled?" Tempest asks
>"I suppose I'm most suited to the job. Come along, Diamond. Now you can see my *other* greatest skill."
>"I hardly think Diamond should stay here," Octavia interjects. "She should be taken somewhere safe."
>"Yes," Tempest agrees. "Allow her to come with me. We'll bring the Settite to the Princess together."
>All three vampires are looking at you now
>Your mom's hand remains firm and possessive on your shoulder

>You look up at your mom, then back at Tempest
"I think it would be best if I met the Princess. My presence might make her more willing to talk," you say, gesturing towards Starlight. "And I hope you will join us as well, Ms. Melody. It will only increase me safety," you say, flashing her a sly wink
>She places her hand over her mouth, and you get the sense she's hiding a smile
>Your mom, however, does not look pleased
>She tightens her grip on your shoulder
>"Perhaps it will, but you're safest with me, and I don't want you out of my sight," she insists. "You're far too valuable for me to risk losing you a second time. After we clean this mess up, I'm taking you straight home, understood?"
>Octavia and Tempest share a weird look
>You slip out of her grasp and take a step away
"No. You got me involved with this, I'm not going to let you hide me away while nutjobs like her plot to kill me."
>"I'm trying to protect you!"
"Then let me go with Tempest. Even you can't keep me safer than the Princess herself can."
>"But..."
>Your mom frowns
>For a moment, her expression softens, and she looks ready to admit something to you
>But then she turns away, folding her arms over her chest
>"Fine. I should have known you'd be disobedient. After a mess like this, I doubt I'll be taking you hunting again. Go with the others. But I expect you back before sunrise."
>You sigh
"Of course. I expect we have a lot to talk about, anyway..."
>Then, in a quick flurry of emotion that even you don't really understand, you raise up on your tiptoes and kiss her cheek
>Spoiled's eyes widen
"Good luck, mom."
>She raises a hand to the spot you kissed, momentarily stunned
>Then she turns away again, keeping her nose in the air
>"Hmph. I won't need it. Remember, sunrise."
"I will."

>You retrieve the extra dress you packed, and then the three of you slip unnoticed down a service stairway, reaching the bottom just as police cars are starting to pull into the parking lot outside
>You pause for a moment to dress yourself, relieved to finally have some decency again
>Octavia goes first, stepping out into the lot where several officers are standing watch
>You feel something elegant and warm running over your body as she activates her Presence
>"We're taking this woman to the hospital," she announces. "Please continue to keep the building secure, we require no further assistance."
>Awestruck, the police nod in dumbfounded agreement
>You all get into Tempest's car, a sleek Charger painted in a dark purple finish
>Starlight is laid somewhat unceremoniously in the trunk, and then you and Octavia get in the back while Tempest drives
>In the distance, you watch as the Royal Court fades in the distance
>You think briefly of your mom, wondering what mask she'll use to put the mortals at ease
>How much of her real side have you really seen?
>"You're troubled," Octavia says
>When you turn to face her, you can see her eyes glowing
>"Worried about your mother? Or is it something else?"

"A little bit of everything, actually. None of this has felt real, until now. I was worried about myself, about you, about mom..."
>Neither of you are wearing a seat belt (why bother, when you're immortal?), and so you easily slide across the seat towards Octavia
>You lean up against her side, feeling refreshed and comforted by the presence of a larger, softer body cushioning your slender form
"Thank you for saving me. Both of you."
>Tempest says nothing, but you see her nod
>Octavia tenses up, and you get the feeling she's not exactly sure how to handle this kind of contact
>She remains sitting straight-backed, but gently rests her hand atop your knee
>"Of course. It is all that could be expected of us. We are allies, in these dark days."
>She pauses for a moment
>"And I would be... quite upset, if something were to happen to you."
"Me too. I'm just glad you're okay."
>You rest your head against her shoulder, and for a moment the car is silent except for the humming of its engine
"Can I ask you a question?"
>"Of course," Octavia replies
"How much do you know about my mom?"
>"Ah. Nothing particular, I'm afraid. I only came to Canterlot recently, shortly before she, well... I'm sure you realize by now she adopted you."
"Adopted?"
>"Well, yes. I'm sorry I had to be the one to tell you. Ah..."
>Octavia shifts awkwardly and stares out the window
>You consider it for a moment
>Being adopted wouldn't be the end of the world; it's not like you've ever felt any overwhelming love for your mom, after all
>But still, it doesn't feel... right
>Something inside you tells you that's not true
>"To desire children as a vampire isn't uncommon," Octavia continues, as if trying to appease you. "But of course, we can have none of our own. And we're doomed to outlive them. Unless we, well..."
>Octavia trails off again, now tugging awkwardly at her collar
>"Your mother is of the ninth generation. She bears the rank of Ancilla, meaning she's likely over a hundred, maybe even two. But there's not much more we can say. Her secrets are her own, as long as she respects the Camarilla's traditions. Which she has. The Princess gave your mom her blessing to embrace you. We can use all the extra members we can get, now."
"I see. Do you know who Embraced her?"
>"I don't. It was before... before I was allied with the Princess."
>Something flashes across Tempest's eyes, and you sense that yet more secrets are piling up
"I see. Thank you."
>No matter how many layers you peel back, they only seem to get thicker and darker as you go down
>With a sigh, you physically wrap Octavia's arm around your shoulders and snuggle up against her
>At least this is something you can trust
>She, still somewhat hesitantly, rests her head atop yours

>It's quite late at night when you arrive, nearly three in the morning
>Near the old city center, there's a neighborhood composed entirely of historic houses, dated back almost to the time of the country's founding
>Many of them are considered historical landmarks, and are fenced in
>Tempest pulls up outside a house of weathered, somewhat crumbling stone
>A wrought-iron fence encloses the grounds, but she keys in through the front gate and drives up a path of slick cobblestone
>At the front door, she and Octavia get out and remove Starlight from the back
>She's still unmoving, thankfully, her hands frozen in stasis around the stack piercing her chest
>The door is opened by a young woman clad in a tightly-fitted purple suit, with bat earrings and piercings
>"Sheriff Tempest," she says with a bow. "Please come in, the Princess is awaiting you. You may take the prisoner to the catacombs."
>She gives Octavia a familiar nod, and then turns to you
>"Oh? And what do we have here? A neonate?" she asks in a surprisingly cheery voice
"Diamond Tiara. A newly-embraced Ventrue."
>"Embraced only three nights ago," Octavia says
>"Splendid! A new, adorable Ventrue. Diamond, yes? I look forward to seeing you again~"
>She winks, and then ushers you in
>More staff are standing about the place, all of them dressed in similar suits, though there's an even mix of genders
>All of them have a bat somewhere on their person: earrings, or a pin, or even a subtle tattoo on the wrist
>They keep careful eye on you, and assist in escorting Starlight down a flight of uneven stone steps
>The catacombs are situated in a low-ceilinged room built from dry, dusty stone and lit by gas lamps that cast flickering, unearthly shadows over everything
>A mahogany table sits in the center of the room, and Starlight is laid upon it
>The servants bring thick leather straps, and her hands and wrists are bound to the table's legs, leaving her both restrained and paralyzed
>You aren't involved in the proceedings, and are mostly left standing at the edge of the group, watching them work
>Unfortunately, you're extremely aware of how you're dressed
>After losing your previous dress, you're now left in the tight-fitted and slightly slutty outfit you picked, hardly suitable for greeting vampire royalty
>The light in the room seems to weaken and cower inside the glass bulbs of the lamps as soft, elegant footsteps alert you to Luna's approach

>Around the room, the Princess's servants stand at attention, their heads bowed in respect
>Luna seems to glide more than walk down the stairs; you're surprised to notice that her feet are bare, and a billowing evening gown fans out around her body
>Like her hair, it seems to float around her figure as if she were underwater
>You feel an innate desire to drop to your knees, but resist it
>Instead you step forward, placing yourself confidently in front of Starlight
"Your grace," you say with a subtle nod of your head. "I thank you for inviting me into your home on such short notice."
>You glance down at the revealing, body-hugging dress
"And I apologize for my ill-fitting appearance. I didn't expect to be meeting you tonight."
>Luna's face is calm, unchanging
>"Of course. Above all, it is my duty to ensure the safety of kindred within our city. And please, do not worry about your appearance."
>You swear you see the ghost of a smile somewhere on her face, but for the most part her face remains a pale, impassive mask
>A part of you wonders if she can still feel much of anything at all, after all this time
>The Princess's eyes sweep over you, and you notice they're glowing a subtle, icy blue
>"You are still afraid. May I ask why?"
"I'm shaken, your grace. I've been one of our kind for only three days now, and I've already been attacked. And my attacker seemed to know far more about me than she should. I worry there's a much larger threat that I don't comprehend."
>Again, that same hint of a smile in an otherwise stony face
>"Much about our world is threatening, especially now, in what we believe to be the Final Nights. Our enemies are numerous, so much that it may take some time to explain to you the true depth of the threat we all face."
>Tempest steps forward
>"Your grace," she says, her face steely and all-business. "Respectfully, I believe the neonate handled herself well. She even assisted, in a small part, in capturing this Settite."
>"Is that so?" Luna asks
>"It was," Octavia agrees. "I witnessed it. Though she is young, and yet weak, she has much potential as an ally."
>Luna sweeps her gaze over Octavia, her eyes shimmering as her Auspex scans the other vampire
>"I see. Spoiled will be happy to hear that, I am sure."
"May I make a request?"
>The other vampires give you a look, and you get the impression you might have spoken out of turn
>But no hint of anger enters Luna's face
>"Of course, young one."
"I know nothing of how to fight. But, perhaps, is there someone who would be willing teach me to defend myself? In the future, I may not be lucky to have so many allies around if I am attacked."
>Luna considers that
>"Training of neonates is usually left to the sire. Your mother should oblige you in this. But I do concede, additional instruction would only help you. And Spoiled is not exactly valued for her abilities in combat..."
>Luna trails off for a moment, thinking
>Octavia takes advantage of the opportunity to step towards you
>"Your grace. I volunteer to instruct young Ms. Tiara."
>For the third time, you see the smile drift through Luna's expression, barely touching her lips
>"That seems an acceptable arrangement. Sadly, we have but a few hours before the sun will force us all back into slumber."
>Your remember your mom's insistence that you return home by sunrise
>And the idea of being in your deathsleep in anyplace other than your own room is a little off-putting
>Still, you have some time, and you're standing in the Princess's own court
>You want to request something again, while you have the chance


"Your grace, we only have a short amount of time. Could I request a little more of your time before we break?"
>The various undead around the room stir; you get the sense that wasn't exactly a usual request for a fledgling
>The Princess, however, is unfazed
>"And what is the purpose of this request?"
"If possible, I wish to learn more about the dangers I face as a member of the undead. And I'm sure your grace would be the best to inform me."
>Luna passes her hand over her mouth
>"Your request is extremely forward. Perhaps I would do best to explain some basic manners to you as well."
>If you still had any hot blood left in you, you're sure you'd be blushing
>Luna is silent for several long, tense seconds
>Then she drops her hand from her lips, and continues:
>"Still, you do make a good point. Very well. Join me in my chambers, and we will discuss what we can until sundown."
>"Inviting a neonate to speak with you privately?" Tempest asks, stunned. "Your grace, this is hardly--"
>Luna holds up a hand, and Tempest falls silent
>"I trust I am not in any danger from this young one. Tempest, please, safeguard our prisoner. And Ms. Melody, you are free to go."
>Octavia hesitates for a moment
>She lets her gaze fall on you, and you don't need Auspex to see the vague yearning hidden behind her stoic, violet eyes
>"Thank you," your grace, she says. "Ms. Tiara, I suppose we will convene... some other time."
>Just as she's about to walk away, you reach out and take her hand
"Tomorrow night?"
>She looks a little relieved
>"I should be able to make some room in my schedule. If you wish, you could watch me perform..."
>A tiny smile flutters across her cheeks, and then she slips her hand from yours and struts professionally out of the room
>Tempest takes a seat in the corner of the room, and the flickering shadows seem to coil protectively around her
>Luna, meanwhile beckons you forward
>"Come, Diamond. We have much to share, I imagine."
>You swear you detect the slightest hint of a joke in her otherwise perfectly velvet-smooth voice

>Together, you and the Princess herself stroll through the halls of her home
>Her feet are whisper silent over the stone floor, and the candles seem to lose heart and darken as she approaches
>Up close, she towers over you
>You find it hard to look directly at her for too long, though at times she seems like she must be well over six feet of pale, imposing femininity
>Are you about to let yourself get locked in a room with this?
>Though, you suppose she could have ended you long ago, if she wanted
>At the end of a long, high-ceilinged hall devoid of decorations, Luna opens a mahogany door to her chambers
>The first thing that greets you is a blast of chilly air
>Inside, the room is inky black
>You follow her in, your legs seeming to move on their own
>Darkness closes in around you, the Princess's voice slides along your neck and drip down your back
>"Diamond?"
"Yes, your grace?"
>It's all you can do to keep your voice steady
>"I find myself intrigued by you. If you are willing, I have something I would like to show you."
"What is that, your grace?"
>"It would be difficult to explain. I would rather show you. Do you feel you can trust me?"
"Do I have much choice?"
>"You do."
"Oh. That's... not exactly what I expected. Well, I like to think I'm ready for anything. Show me."
>Suddenly, a purple light flares to life, illuminating the room
>And what a room it is:
>The stone walls are wallpapered with an anachronistic spread of decorations, from silk tapestries to band posters
>But the theme is consistent: skulls, black roses, and plenty of blood
>Alongside the decor, the room is crammed with bookshelves, all of which are literally overflowing, crammed with books two rows deep, with many packed above the shelf and sitting below it
>They're strewn about the floor tool, many of them open and with pages marked, showing they've been heavily read
>The light is shed by silver, skull-shaped lamps attached to the walls, and a four-poster stands at the far wall
>The sheets, of course, are jet-black silk and the pillows are lacy and purple
>Several stuffed toys are scattered around the bed: bats, ravens, dragons... and a possum
>You gape for several seconds, then regain your composure
"It is... not what I expected. But I appreciate your taste in aesthetics."
>A full, true smile finally touches the Princess's lips
>"I thank you for your understanding. But this is only half of it."
>Luna steps towards the bed
"Your grace?"
>Luna spreads her arms, and then the Princess of Canterlot flops onto her bed
>As she does so, her imposing, giantess form melds away
>A vampiric nightmare leaves the ground, and a girl who looks barely older than you hits the bed
>The dress melts away too, leaving her wearing only an oversized Sisters of Mercy t-shirt that falls down to her mid thigh
>She hits the mattress with a squeak of pleasure
>Then she speaks:
>"By the blood, to finally meet our sheets again! 'Tis been a trying day."
>She sits up, crossing her legs, and looks at you
>When she sees your expression, a big grin crosses her face
>"Surprised thee, have we?"
"You... you're..."
>"Our present form would hardly convince the Kindred peasantry of our right to power! Necessarily, we don a convenient guise. But how tiring such a disguise becomes! 'Tis a blight on my own royal arse!"
"..."
>It takes a lot to knock you truly speechless, but here you are
>Luna can't resist laughing at how awkward you look
>"Forsooth, standest thou not like a deaf-mute! We beseech thee, speak, or join us!"
>She thumps the spot on the bed next to her, and you walk over and gingerly sit down about a half a foot from the Princess
>"We hope it shan't hinder thee if we speak in our native dialect. Oh, how we miss it."
"Yeah. Not a problem."
>You're having difficulty getting words out, but your brain is finally starting to process what you just witnessed
>You take one more look around the room
>It looks exactly what you'd expect a room to look like if a goth kid lived to be several hundred years old
>Complete with separate shrines to both Poe and Byron
>And one to Marilyn Manson
>"We are glad to see thee appreciating our accommodations. 'Tis quite a collection, wouldst thou not agree?"
>You nod
"I wish I had something like this. My room is pretty drab by comparison."
>"Ah, well! We certainly wouldn't begrudge a future visit. If we may be frank, we find it quite refreshing to have thy company here."
"You do?"
>Luna nods, so enthusiastic that she bounces a little on the bed
>Her mannerisms seem to grow more hyperactive as she adjusts to no longer being in Princess-mode
>"There is something safe, yet alluring about thee. Thou art yet young, in appearance and in mind. Such a state is rare for the Kindred. Thou hast even now some humanity, and a bit of childish innocence in thee."
"Should I take that as a compliment?"
>"Please do."
"Thank you, your grace."
>Luna blows a raspberry
>"Please, none of that here. For thee, in here, We are Luna. Lulu, if thou feelst brave."
>She winks and elbows your shoulder
"Thank you, Luna."
>You aren't feeling brave, it appears
>She looks a bit disappointed at that
"If I may say, I think I prefer this look."
>You find yourself relaxing a little, and Luna grins
>"We look forward to sharing our true self with thee more often! But please, thou desired to ask us questions, yes?"
"Right. I, uh, don't know where to start, now. I've been caught a bit off guard."
>"We understand. We could not help but delight in the look on thy face!"
>Luna lays down and stretches out along the bed, watching you
>Her shirt rides up to where it's barely covering past her hips
>You swallow, finding your throat dry
"Can we start with... my mother?"
>"Aha! We begin with the richest course, eh?"
"It's just... she's been on my mind a lot lately. I've never wanted anything to do with her before. Always breathing down my neck, dragging me out like a trophy in front of her friends. But tonight I saw... she does care about me. She might be better than I thought. I want to like her. I think I can. It's just... well, there's something that's been bugging me..."
>"Thou doubtest thy parentage, yes?"
"I do. Octavia told me my mom adopted me. But that doesn't feel true."
>"We suspect it is not."
"But how do I exist, then? My mom's dead. Mostly. How could she have had a kid?"
>"We do not know exactly how Spoiled contrived to bring thee into this world. She has ever shown an interest in youth, and life. And she kept strange company, some of which was done without our permission."
"Company? Like who?"
>"The Kine, mostly. Mortals," she explains when she sees the confusion on your face. "Kindred hold the belief that we are the closest to the darkness at the heart of the world, but many mortals delve even further than we could ever hope."
"So she made me with some sort of... dark magic?"
>"Perhaps. Magic, science, or the juncture where the two meet. She did come to us for our permission, surprisingly. We expect she was afraid you would be killed without my blessing."
"And you agreed? To let her make me, however she did it?"
>"We did, much to our surprise. Let us merely say... we had a good feeling about it."
"Well, I hope you were right."
>"Perhaps we may have been," Luna says with a sly smile. "Time will tell, we hope. You had other questions too, I presume?"
>There are no windows in the room, something that would have perturbed you as a mortal but seems strangely comforting as a vampire
>The only way to see the passage of time is jet-black, ivory grandfather-clock sitting propped against the bedroom's left wall
>It's currently four AM, and you estimate you have about two hours before you need to return home, if you want to be back before sunrise

"I had a few," you say, stretching out on the bed. "Questions, I mean."
>You lay back on the bed, still keeping a bit of distance between you and Luna
>The dress you're wearing is far from comfortable; it clings to your body in all the most vulnerable areas, threatening to expose you for the second time tonight
>Luna's eyes do wander, but not in the perverted way Starlight's did
>Instead she seems almost curious, and weirdly appreciative
>You notice she's not fixating on any of your private areas, but instead on your hands, your feet, your hair, your neck...
>She meets your eyes and gives you a friendly smile
>"And so? What can we assist you with?"
"Actually..."
>A storm of questions-- about Starlight, your mother, the various deadly things that lurk all around you --dance around your head
>But you find you lack the energy to delve into them now
>Tonight has been the most trying night of your short time as a vampire, and you find yourself reluctant to continue talking about such dark, dismal topics
>Instead, a very different question seems to arise on its own
"...I wanted to ask about you."
>Luna blinks in surprise
>"About us? Surely there are more interesting topics at hand, yes?"
"Maybe. But, I mean, you're the first vampire I've gotten to really *talk* to. Maybe you could tell me a bit about yourself? How does one even become Princess of a whole city?"
>"'Tis a long, long tale."
"We have a few hours. If that's okay with you."
>Luna giggles
>"We must admit, much time has passed since we've told this story. Perhaps we shall fail to do it justice."
"No matter what, I'm listening."
>You prop yourself up on your elbow, giving Luna your undivided attention

>She drags a pillow towards herself and curls up around it, holding it against her chest
>When she speaks, her voice lacks the childish energy that suddenly flared up in it; now she sounds somber and much, much older than she looks
***
>It was 327 years ago, she tells you, when the city of Canterlot was still young and clogged with the filth of pre-industrial life
>The city was ruled by several lines of nobles: counts or dukes or whatever they were; the titles changed often, and they were impossibly far above Luna's head
>She had been born poor, to a mother who she hardly now remembers
>By a stroke of fate, her mother had the oppurtunity to give her up as a servant to the palace, an offer she quickly took
>Luna muses that, though it must have hurt terribly to give up her child, she must have known that a life in the palace, even one of servitude, would be far better than a life of poverty
>So Luna grew up sequestered by alabaster corridors and glass lamps, listening to the clatter of estate dinners above her while she scrubbed dishes below
>Her life probably would have flickered out quietly like millions of others, had it not been for her love of the night
>While the palace slept, Luna would explore
>Scrawny and naturally dextrous, she could slip through the dozens of secret passages that traced through the floors and walls of the palace grounds, and she had a nose for sniffing them out
>Her curiosity was ravenous
>One night, the nobility of Canterlot accepted a visiting party in secret
>The visitors were taken in during the dead of night; extremely unusual for a royal visitation
>Luna was painfully curious, and she slipped out from her meager bedchambers in the palace's lower levels and shimmied up an old, unused latrine shaft, emerging right inside the old count's bedroom
>She crept to the door, expecting to see the same bizarre, fleshy rituals she sometimes caught the count performing with his servant girls
>But instead, she found the old count trembling in the arms of a woman so radiant the feeble lamplight seemed ashamed to even attempt to illuminate her beauty
>The sight overwhelmed Luna, and she let out a sharp gasp of mixed terror and awe
>The mysterious woman dropped the count and raised her head, looking directly at where Luna crouched at the privy door
>Ever horror-stricken instinct in Luna's body fell silent, and she mechanically rose to her feet and approached
>The woman-- who she would later learn to call Celestia, an Elder vampire of the sorcerous Tremere clan --dropped the limp count and took Luna in her arms instead
>When Celestia held her, Luna experienced something her young self had never known, and that she had never realized how badly she needed
>Affection, which quickly turned to love
>For the next few years of Luna's life, Celestia's visits were her greatest joy
>The vampire stayed in the city, and was often in the palace, welcomed eagerly by both servants and nobles alike
>All loved her and fell over themselves to please her
>Celestia smiled easily and accepted their adoration
>But only Luna could bring true happiness to her face
>Celestia told Luna everything she could about the world outside Canterlot, of hundreds of years worth of history, culture, and life that existed beyond the palace
>But, as time wore on, Luna began to notice that the vampire-- who she looked on as being almost like her own sister --was deeply sad, in a way that the young girl couldn't begin to understand
>On one night, though, they sat in the gardens and watched the full moon bathe the city in pale, clean light
"Do you miss the sun?" Luna had asked her
>Celestia said that, yes, she did
>She missed the day, and she missed feeling a true, selfless love for mortals
>As her un-life had worn on, it became harder and harder to see them as anything more than food
>Until she met Luna
>At that, the two embraced, and Celestia explained she would be leaving soon
>She couldn't stand her life as a monster, and the was determined to seek the state beyond vampirism, the blessed peace known as Golconda
>And more than anything, she was terrified she'd one day hurt the one she cared for most
>Luna begged her not to go, but Celestia refused
>She admitted her desire for the young girl had been growing, and she wouldn't allow herself to feed on anything so pure
>Furious, Luna opened a vein in her own neck with a shard of stone, knowing Celestia could not resist
>When her sister's fangs met her neck, Luna was happy, terrified, and dismayed all at once
>They shared that last night together, locked in a painful, shuddering embrace, as Celestia drained all of Luna and then emptied a little of herself back into the poor, tiny vessel
>Luna awoke many days later, a monster
>She didn't see Celestia again, after that
>From there, she learned of the new, frightening world she'd been thrust into on her own
>More vampires flocked to Canterlot, many older and far stronger than her
>She fought, and many times she lost
>But none could fully destroy her, she had something to live for that her foes lacked
>In time, she learned of the powers her bloodline had passed to her
>And so she rose, and gradually earned the respect of those who remained, in time they came to call her Princess
***
>Luna trails off as she reaches the end of her story
>You realize that, unconsciously, your hands have clenched around the blanket
"I'm so sorry, Luna."
>"There is no place for apologies. 'Tis history now. Though we do still hold out hope we shall find her, someday. We know not where, nor when. But we feel that we would know, somehow, if she were gone, and we've not felt it yet."
"And Golconda? Does it exist?"
>Luna shrugs
>"Perhaps. We believe it very well may, though it existing and it being possible for any of us cursed wretches to achieve are very different matters."
"I suppose..."
>Luna reaches out and lightly punches your shoulder
>"Hey now, do not let our woeful tales dampen your spirits! We have lived long, and well, and we have made many wonderful new allies in our time. And we hope we are making more, even now."
"I don't think I could ever be anything to you like she was."
>"We agree, and we do not expect thee to be. We are happy to have one to confide such a story in. But please, talk of happier things, now! Anything thou wishest to know, please, we would love to help you."
"I want to know more about you, if that's okay."
>Luna beams
>"We find it hard to believe we are so interesting."
"But you must know so much. About the world, about the kindred, about everything."
>"We have tried our best to keep up to date," Luna says with a wink
"You said there were other vampires, trying to kill you. Why? There's so few of us, it seems like we should..."
>"Band together for safety?"
"Or something, at least."
>"An old rivalry, the Jyhad, keeps us apart. Vampires, by our nature, are solitary creatures. Immortal, predatory, territorial. To maintain any sort of camaraderie in our present state, sadly, seems nearly impossible."
"Then... have you not had any friends before? Or anything... well, more?"
>"Any lovers, you mean?"
"Or something of that nature," you say, trying to sound as mature about this as possible
>"We have experimented somewhat," Luna says, a sly hint in her voice. "With mortals as well as kindred. But it has failed us each time. Jealousy, either from within or without, has always destroyed it."
"That's not exactly encouraging."
>Luna shrugs
>"It is an inevitable part of our way of un-life. But thou art young, and there are still traces of humanity in thee. Please, hold onto it."
"I'll try. So we're really the biggest danger to ourselves, huh?"
>"Essentially. Mortals hunt us, but they can be cowed and avoided. Werewolves, nightmarish and nearly invincible beasts, stalk the forests, but they do not interfere in our affairs unless trifled with. No, for us, our own Kindred are the true threat."
"Then what about Octavia, Tempest, all of them? You said they were your allies, right?"
>"Allies they are. Friends, well... perhaps, perhaps not."
"Tempest seems loyal."
>Luna smiles
>"Funny thou wouldst say that. She's a traitor to her own clan. But we have reasons to believe her allegiance to us will not break easily."
"Really?"
>"Indeed. Though that is her story to tell. Octavia... we know her but formally. She impressed upon us well, though. Far better than some that have attended Elysium..."
>You somehow get the feeling she's talking about Trixie
>"Rarity, we fear somewhat."
"Fear?"
>"She is no match for us in terms of power. But she can be devilishly beguiling, when she wishes to. And her clan, Toreador, is easily captivated by beauty, sometimes to the point of obsession."
>You feel a slight shiver touch your spine
>"Others of our court exist, whom thou will likely meet. But enough about them, for now. The hour grows late, and Spoiled did wish you home before dawn."

"Wait, really?"
>You stare at the clock in disbelief
>In the time you've been talking with Luna, all two hours you had remaining have passed
>"Indeed. If thou willst request transport from our vassals, we are quite sure one will assist you."
"Thanks, Lulu."
>You use her pet name, and the Princess wriggles in delight
>"Ah, 'tis good to hear our old name again."
>She reaches out and takes your hand, squeezing it between hers
>"Sadly, we cannot bid thee to spend every such night with us. Many duties must be attended to, and appearances must be maintained. Quite literally, we are afraid."
"I understand. But I'll be able to see you again, right? I mean, like this."
>"We certainly hope so."
>Luna smiles
>Both of you sit up, and she pulls you into a tight, friendly hug
>"Now go. We will hold you here no longer, lest you turn to ash on our behalf!"

>You head back down to the basement, where Tempest is sitting cross-legged on the floor
>She looks almost as if she's in a trance
>The shadows have dispersed from what remains of her arms, leaving only bare, scarred stumps
>When she hears you approach, she looks up
>"Enjoy your audience with the Princess?"
"I did."
>"She must see something in you. Hope you know how lucky you are."
"I have a pretty good idea."
>You can't help but stare at her wounds out of curiosity
>Tempest clearly notices, but makes no attempt to hide the stumps of her arms
>She gets to her feet nimbly and easily
>"You coming to ask for a ride home?"
"I considered it, but I'm sure you have more important things to attend to here."
>Tempest shrugs
>"This is the safest place in the city for a Camarilla vampire. Someone has to make sure it stays that way."
>She casts an eye towards Glimmer, who's still paralyzed on her stone slab
>"We'll be questioning her tomorrow night. If you'd like to be there for it, you may. But I'm not going to ask a whelp to sit in on an interrogation."
>You bristle a lot at being brushed off
"I *was* the one she was after. And it was pretty easily to tell how interested she was in me. Maybe I can help."
>"I won't stop you from joining. What did you come down here for, anyway?"
"A weapon. There's no way my mom'll ever get me a gun."
>A tiny, tiny, tiny hint of a smile touches Tempest's mouth
>"Guns aren't gonna help you too much, kid. Only work on mortals. Most kindred can just spit the bullets right back out. What you need is something like this," Tempest says as she reforms one of her shadow-arms
>From her belt, she pulls out a black, tactical-looking sheath, from which she reveals a glistening, razor-sharp little knife
>"This'll cut through anything, even with your scrawny arms."
"Hey, at least--"
>You almost say "at least I have arms," then shut yourself up real quick
"What do I do with it?"
>"Shove the pointy end at their heart and pray for a miracle. If you get lucky, you might just survive. The damage from this will take longer to heal than a bullet, at least."
>She passes the weapon into your hands
>"Now get along. And if that saves your life, you know who to thank."

>You store the knife in your bag, and politely ask one of Luna's servants to take you home
>As it turns out, you end up getting a ride with Echo, who's bizarrely chatty and way too positive for an undead, in your opinion
>Still, she fills you in on a bit of gossip as you drive; apparently Octavia, world-class musician, also has attempted to write love poetry
>And it's insanely, insanely bad
>Still, she's a sucker for any sort of "shall I compare thee to a summer's day" type nonsense
>You file that info away for later, then thank Echo and head out after she's dropped you off at your family's estate
>The sky above is already turning a dim gray as twilight approaches, and you hurry inside, instinctively afraid of what even a single, weak ray of sun may do to you
>Something rustles in the well-tended gardens that flank the driveway, and you get a brief sensation of being watches as you hurry up inside
>You turn and scan the surroundings, but see nothing
>If it's another vampire, you figure he or she will vaporize before they have a chance to try anything, and you slip inside, locking the door behind you
>Just beyond the foyer, you step into the living room, where your mom is waiting for you
>She's wearing a silk robe and has her legs crossed
>The picture of maternal authority, except for the fact that her right foot is anxiously bouncing
>How long was she waiting her for you?
>A glass of still-steaming blood is clenched in the fingers of her right hand, and she fixes you with a cold, weary look
>"Diamond."
"Hey, mom."
>"You came back on time. I'll admit, I'm surprised."
"I did promise I would, didn't I?"
>A weird, awkward silence descends between you
>Your mom's face softens a tiny bit
>"Well, late is better than never, I suppose. Come, let's get you to bed."

"Wait."
>The softness in your mom's face diminishes
>"Diamond, it's been a tiring night for both of us. I've risked myself multiple times, all for your sake, and--"
"I don't want to sleep alone."
>Your mom blinks in surprise
>"Excuse me?"
"I don't want to be alone right now. Not after everything that's happened."
>You hang your head, embarrassed to be asking for this
>But you were able to see a Glimmer of a different side of your mother tonight
>A side that does care about you as something more than a possession
>Inside of you, there's still a childish longing for her affection that's never really gone away, and after the attack, meeting Luna, and everything else that's happened tonight, you feel opened up and vulnerable, enough for that insecure little part of you to leak out
>Your mom gives you a very strange look
>She quickly raises her hand to her mouth to hide her expression
>"Wanting to keep close together? You're learning so quickly, Diamond. Please, join me. My bed is more than big enough for two."
"I was thinking I'd sleep on the floor--"
>"My own daughter, on the floor like a peasant? No, no. Nonsense. Don't worry, I'll let you have your space," she says with a wink. "Unless you'd rather I hold onto you and--"
"I'm fine staying on my own side, thanks."
>You cross your arms, already feeling like this was a bad idea
>Still, you're somewhat relieved you won't be spending tonight alone...

>You haven't been in your mom's room in years
>At some point when you were little you snuck in hear to play on her bed, but were chastised severely and haven't been allowed back in since
>The bed had seemed like an ocean of velvet sheets and real down throw-pillows to little Diamond, and it's still pretty big to you now
>Your mom excuses herself to the attached bathroom, and reemerges in a nightgown of fine black silk
>You change into a far less thematic bright-pink dress, and crawl into bed next to Spoiled
>The windows in here are blacked out, something you remember being perplexed by when you were little
>Even though you can't see the sun rising, you can feel exhaustion overtaking you as day envelops the city
>Your mom almost immediately lays back, stiff as a board with her hands folded over her stomach
>She doesn't bother with a blanket; what would be the point?
"Hey, mom?"
>"Mm?"
>She sounds barely conscious
"I need to talk to you tomorrow. It's important."
>"I see," she mumbles
>A long silence stretches through the bedroom
"And mom?"
>"..."
"Thank you. For today. I was... lucky to have you with me, today."
>"..."
>You sigh, then give into your own fatigue, and sprawl out next to her
>Just as you're sinking into your own death-sleep, your mom reaches out and places her hand protectively on your arm
>And then you rest

>You surface from sleep as if rising from a pool of dark, cold water
>Inside of you, you can feel the energy seeping out of the blood you've consumed and into your dead flesh, giving you the strength to rise again
>The room is pitch black, so you fumble around until your hand meets the switch of a small bedside lamp
>Pale, thin light fills the room
>Hesitatntly, you turn to find that your mom is still sleeping besides you
>She looks strangely peaceful like this, and incredibly vulnerable
>The haughtiness is gone from her face, and instead she rests silently, without breathing, her face pale and vaguely like that of a worn-down doll
>You reach out and touch her cheek, more out of curiosity than anything
>At your touch, she begins to stir, and you recoil
>Slowly, stiffly, she raises up and her eyes flutter open
>As soon as they land on you, the familiar, domineering expression takes over her again
>"Good morning, my precious."
>She reaches out and cups your face
>"I trust you slept well?"
"The same as I always do. It feels like being dead."
>"Did you think it was something else? You're still so innocent~"
>She pats your cheek then rises from the bed, her nightgown flowing about her body as she crosses the room to her dresser
>"We fed well yesterday, didn't we? What should we do next, I wonder. Perhaps another taste, this time without my guidance. Or maybe I could bring you to a midnight theater, you deserve a treat after being so brave last night."
>She begins to undress, letting the nightgown fall to to the ground, followed by her panties
>The dim light of the room scatters over her pale skin, pooling in shadows at the soft, untouched curves of her body
>You watch, still weirdly curious, seeing parts of yourself in her as she begins to slip on underwear, then dark purple thigh-high socks
>The slender, slightly spidery shape of your hands, the sharp junction of flesh where your stomach meets your hip, the little tuft of hair that just won't comport itself to any amount of styling: you see so many of your own weird, little flaws reflected in Spoiled's own figure
>There's no question about it; however it happened, she's your mother
>"Well?"
>You snap out of your trance, realizing you'd been silently scrutinizing her body far longer than you meant to
"Actually, I wanted to talk to you."
>"Oh? About what, dear?"
>She dons a loose, wine-colored slip of a dress, then elegantly sits on the corner of the bed, her eyes glinting even in the low light
"I talked to the Princess last night. And she told me about how you... had me, or whatever."
>Spoiled folds her hands in her lap
>"Is that so. And this bothers you?"
"I don't know. It worries me. She thinks it has something to do with why I was attacked last night."
>"I did something I wanted more than anything else in the world," your mom says, her voice sharp. "Unsurprisingly, many don't understand it. Rest assured, my dear, I won't let them take you from me."
>She touches your cheek again
>But this time, it feels like she's clutching a prize more than caressing her child
"Then, what she said is true?"
>"It is. I had so much robbed from me, Diamond. But I took something back: you."
>An intensity is burning behind her eyes, and you can feel her hand tremble at your cheek
"Why?" you whisper
>She snaps back to her senses and withdraws her hand
>"It's not something you would understand now, my dear."
"I understand plenty! I'm fifteen."
>"I know. And that's part of the gift I've given you. Diamond, please."
>She stands and extends her hand to you
>"I need you to trust me. I've done so much for you, more than you'll possibly ever understand. I just need time for everything to... to work out."
"You said you wanted to give me away as a prize. As a spy. How am I supposed to trust you?"
>"I promise, Diamond. It will make sense soon. Perfect sense. And then you'll be so, so happy to see the life I've built for you. Please, my precious, let us enjoy this night together."
>Her hand is still extended for you to take

>You stand up from the bed, but move away from Spoiled
"I can't. I already promised Octavia that I would spend my night with her. This is what you wanted me to do, isn't it? To get close to the other clans?"
>Spoiled drops her hand
>"Of... of course it is. I am quite happy to see you're following my instructions. You're everything I hoped you would be."
>A flat, steely edge just barely begins to creep into her voice
>Then she carefully resumes the mask of natural superiority you're so familiar with
>And if you hadn't heard that brief flicker of uncertainty, you'd probably think that your refusal hadn't hurt her at all
>"This is for the best, anyway. I must confer with the Princess over how to ensure the safety of our territory in the future. For tonight, I trust Ms. Melody will keep a careful eye on you."
"Only an eye? It seemed like your plans were hoping for things to go a little further."
>"I included no such things in my plans," your mom sharply insists
"I remember something a little different."
>Your mom waves you away
>"Just go and get ready. And please, try not to make a scandalous mess of yourself this time."
"You didn't seem to mind scandalizing yourself in front of the twins last night..."
>"That's absolutely different! They're just mortals, but you were stripping and moaning in front of our fellow kindred!"
"Good to know you were paying such close attention..."
>"What was that?"
"Nothing."
>Your mom massages her temples
>"I'll inform Octavia you'll be ready in an hour. It would be terribly rude to keep her waiting."
>The threat in her voice is unmistakable now
"Right. Back by sunrise, again?"
>"Ah, well yes. Naturally."
>She relaxes a little at that
>"I'll be waiting for you."
"Excellent. And, if you want my company... you could always just ask a little earlier."
>"Hmph, I'll keep that in mind."
>She sighs
>"Enjoy your night. And give Octavia my regards."

>You leave feeling... complicated
>On one hand you're elated, having one-upped your mom
>But on the other you feel confused, caught up in multiple currents of emotion each trying to drag you in very different directions
>She's impossible to pin down
>Are you really so valuable to her, or are you merely a particularly useful tool at the moment that she needs to keep happy
>And if you are valuable to her, is it because she loves you, or because she needs you for something?
>The swirling emotions don't leave you be even as you lower yourself into a cold, candlelit bath, then return to your room to decide how to dress yourself
>Since last night, your closet has somehow become even *more* full of dresses, with the ones you used being replaced by new, fresh garments still sealed in plastic sheathes
>After last night, you're not sure if you want to subject yourself to another slutty, showy dress
>This time you dress a bit more simply, with a black skirt and a pink, glittery blouse, over which you throw a jacket trimmed with soft white fur
>As the time to meet the other vampire approaches, you slip your feet into the complex straps of a set of silver-studded heels, and then wait by the door
>Exactly on time, a sleek gray Porsche pulls up on the manor's driveway
>You expect a chauffeur, but are slightly taken aback when Octavia herself steps out of the driver's seat
>A faint fall breeze rifles through her raven hair, and she cuts an elegant, alluring figure as she strides towards your front door
>Your mom has either already left, or is avoiding you
>So you head out to meet Octavia alone
>The cold light of the moon bathes both of you as approach each other, meeting just next to a concrete fountain that sits in the center of the driveway's turnaround and features a squatting gargoyle whose mouth spews forth a dull trickle of water
>A raven circles overhead and lands on the gargoyle's spiny back, cocking its head to watch the two of you
>"Ah," Octavia says. "It appears there's some interest in our meeting here tonight."
"Should we be worried?"
>"I doubt it. It's more likely Gangrel curiosity. She may even be hoping to protect us."
>Octavia gives the raven a small wave, and it flaps its wings and circles back up into the night sky
"It's good to see you again," you say to Octavia. "I'm glad we can finally get a little time alone together.
>You reach out and slip your arm into hers
>She tenses up
>"Yes, you as well. Time alone is quite good. Yes."
>Her gait as she heads back towards the car are nowhere near as graceful as before
>She keeps glancing at your shoulders and your waist, as if unsure how and when to push the physical contact further
>Before she can get up the courage to make a move, though, you're back at the car
>Somewhat reluctantly, she opens the passenger door for you, and gets into the driver's space
>"Well, I'm afraid I haven't made much of a plan for the two of us."
"Is it alright if I make the plan, then?"
>Octavia seems relieved to let you take charge
>"Please do. Anything you want, I'll do my best to find it for you."


"Maybe we could keep things simple tonight? I'd love to watch you perform. Maybe even... at your place?"
>You don't even try to disguise the innuendo in your voice
>After days of gently courting Octavia, you're almost desperate for a little time alone
>And you have a strong feeling she is, too
>However, at the mention of going to her residence, Octavia waves her hands in front of her face, visibly flustered
>"My home? Oh, no. Absolutely no. N-not to be rude or anything! It simply is, well, far from being the safest place in Canterlot."
"Your home isn't safe?"
>"Ah, no. I mean it's plenty safe. But it's extremely private. I'm afraid I absolutely cannot invite you there, Diamond."
"Awww. Are you sure?"
>You sag a little in your seat, looking disappointed
"I won't force you to invite me. But I'd really like to spend some time alone with you..."
>Octavia's fingers grip the steering wheel far tighter than is really necessary
"Really, really alone."
>"Ah..."
>Octavia gulps
>"Would you really rather not attend a, ah, midnight ball together? Or stroll through the city gardens, or... or..."
>You can see a sheen of blood-sweat threatening to break out on her forehead as she looks you over
>If you were to try and use your Presence or, God forbid, your Dominate on her, you're quite sure she'd immediately realize what you were trying, even if it worked
>But you have plenty of ways to get what you want that don't involve vampire powers 
>You stick out your bottom lip just a little and give her the biggest, sweetest eyes you can
"Please? I'd really like to spend a quiet, special evening with you."
>Octavia lets her breath out in a defeated sigh
>"Okay, okay. But please, promise me that you, erm, will keep what you see to yourself."
"I think I can promise that? What exactly am I going to be seeing?"
>You have momentary flashes of blood-drained corpses hanging from the ceiling, but Octavia quickly waves her hands in front of her face defensively, as if trying to physically shoo the thought out of your head
>"It's nothing like that! I just, erm, don't exactly live the way my demeanor might indicate."
"Oh. Oh!"
>You can't help but laugh
>Octavia brushes the hair from her neck; if she had any life left in her, she'd be blushing
"So you're a slob?"
>"I most certainly am not! I'm a musician. We are naturally a disorganized bunch!"
>Octavia hurriedly starts the car, visibly flustered
>"Just, please try and reserve your judgment. For me?"
"For you, anything."
>As her hand reaches for the gearshift, you extend yours and make sure your fingers brush against her wrist in the sensuous way you know she loves

>The drive is a slow, methodical one; Octavia obeys the speed limit to a tee
>You take a bit of time to admire the faint moonlight and how the shadows seem to pool around the tall, spindly buildings of downtown Canterlot
>Surprisingly, Octavia stops only a few blocks from the city center, pulling up in front of a battered apartment building
>The structure is composed of aged, crumbling brick and dark, grimy glass
>It's practically the opposite of where you'd expect someone like her to live
>"Well, this is it."
"Will you escort me inside?"
>As you exit the car you extend your arm, and Octavia reluctantly takes it
>"You know, it's not too late to change your mind. I could easily drive you to the Canterlot Botanical Gardens, there's sure to be plenty of--"
"I want a night with *you*," you insist. "Anything will do. Even, um, this."
>For a girl raised in opulence, such a sight makes you shiver
>But your desire to finally have some alone time with Octavia outweighs even the natural disgust you feel at the sight of anything resembling poverty
>Octavia leads you up a set of creaking, rusty metal stairs, and pauses outside the complex's door
>"Ah! Excuse, I completely forgot! I've got a very important, erm, phone call to make! Please, just give me a second..."
>Octavia pulls out her cellphone and clumsily dials a number
>It occurs to you that you have no idea how old she is, but the very concept of a cell phone must seem alien and strange to her
>She visibly struggles trying to get her phone-- an iPhone that you're pretty sure became obsolete two years ago --to work, and she finally gets the call to go through
>"Hello?" she asks, then pauses a moment. "Yes, it's me. I'm bringing someone over, and I need you out of the room."
>She scowls
>"N-not like that! Just give us some privacy! I don't care about what you dropped tonight, just leave us--"
>Octavia slaps her hand against her forehead, nearly dropping her phone in the process
>"Agh, fine, fine. Just stay out of our business! Yes, of course it's *that* kind of business, what are you--"
>You can barely hear the voice on the other end taunting her
>It's obviously female, a fact that fills you with a sense of glee you didn't expect
>"We'll be up shortly. Please just *try* to make yourself presentable."
>She stuffs her phone back into the pocket of her blazer and gives you an exhausted, apologetic look
>"I'm terribly sorry about this. My, well... I don't exactly live alone. I suppose I technically do, but a certain mortal has continuously invited herself into my home and, well, I'm hardly one to refuse free blood, so..."
>Octavia clears her throat
>"I'm afraid a certain layabout of mine may be joining us. Again, if this displeases you I am perfectly willing to take you anywhere else that might suit your taste better."
"No, it's really okay. I want this to be our evening. I'm sure your friend will understand."
>Something tells you it's the right think to do, so you reach out and take Octavia's hands
>She squeezes you back
>That was definitely the right thing to do
>Somewhat reluctantly, though, she leads you inside the complex, where your keen undead nose is immediately met by the smell of mildew and several different drugs
>It's gross, but you keep your face neutral, and follow closely behind Octavia as she leads you up to her apartment
>Sixth floor, number six
>Outside the door, she pauses
>"I'm afraid I have to remind you of your promise."
"Not to make fun of you if this place is a mess?"
>A smug grin stretches across your face
>"Well, yes. And please, don't tell any of the other kindred about this. It's hardly something I'm proud of."
"Believe me, I have no reason to be gossiping with anyone else. I'm here for you. Just... let's see what's up."
>You reassuringly lean against Octavia for a moment
>And then, with a nervous gulp, she opens the door
>Inside, her apartment is... well, it's like nothing you've ever seen before
>There's only four rooms, and you don't see a single silver-framed family portrait anywhere
>The living room contains a TV, a couch, a table, and a shelf practically overflowing with records
>Every single piece of furniture is practically buried beneath piles of dirty clothes; some of them are gray suits clearly belonging to Octavia, and others are neon-colored short-shorts and tank tops you're pretty sure she'd never wear
>The only Octavia-ish thing present is a polished cello that sits elegant and shimmering in the room's far-left corner
>On the walls are posters of bands featuring members clad in leather with faces awash in black makeup-- you see the name Rammstein appear several times
>Octavia hangs her head, embarrassed
>"This is mostly my associate's doing, I promise you," she whispers
>"Associate?" an unfamiliar voice calls out from deeper in the apartment. "The fuck are you talkin' about, Octi?"
>Octavia's eyes go wide with terror
>"I told you to make yourself presentable!"
>"And? This is as presentable as I get, senpai."
>A young woman who looks close to being Octavia's "age" strolls out of one of the bedrooms
>Her hair is a vivid neon-blue, styled into spiked that frame her face
>She's wearing only a white hoodie and a pair of black panties, but carries herself without any sort of embarrassment
>"You could at least put on some trousers!" Octavia scolds. "And are those... are those mine?"
>"Huh?"
>The other woman looks down at her underwear
>"Oh, huh. Yeah, maybe. I dunno senpai."
>She struts on over to the door and leans up against the frame, then finally looks down at you
>"Whoa. Tavi actually brought someone home. Didn't think I'd live to see the day."
>Octavia scowls
>"Vinyl, please. Can you try to be at least a *little* civil?"
>"I can try. Not making any promises, though," she says with a grin. "C'mon in, kid. Surprised you're letting undead C-3PO drag you around. She's impossible, am I right?"
"I don't know, I find I enjoy her company."
>You lean up against Octavia, and she flashes Vinyl a victorious smile
>You sense you just earned some serious points
>"Hey, then we should really crack open some wine or something to celebrate," Vinyl says to Octavia.  "You met someone who can stand you!"
>"I have plenty of associates who can stand my company!" Octavia insists. "Wait, that... that came out wrong."
>Vinyl throws her head back, laughing
>She clears off a pile of clothes from the couch and sprawls out on it, motioning for the two of you to sit next to her
>Octavia reluctantly leads you over to the couch, and the three of you sit together
>Though you and her try to sit together, Vinyl somehow manages to worm her way between the two of you, and she leans herself up against Octavia, sprawling out on the couch like she owns the place
>She tries to put her feet in your lap, but you knock them away as politely as you can
"It's nice to meet you, Vinyl," you say, letting your natural charm ooze out of you
>You still hold out on the Presence, for now
"Are you Octavia's roommate?"
>"More like her favorite snack," Vinyl says
>"Roommate perfectly describes our relationship. Please don't frighten my guest away."
"I'm not frightened. I didn't know a vampire and a mortal could live like this. Isn't it dangerous?"
>"Might as well be honest. It's probably the safest thing for both of us. She keeps me around because I'm the only one she can't fall in love with," Vinyl says. "You do *not* want to see what she gets like when she falls for someone."
>"Vinyl, please. I hardly think it's proper to spill everything at once."
"No, I'm interested."
>Octavia's expression darkens somewhat, but she doesn't say anything further
"You let her feed from you?"
>"Pretty much every day. Your girl here has an appetite."
>She pats Octavia's stomach, and Octavia bites her lip, embarrassed
>"I have to feed in order to live! I only take what I need..."
>"You must need a lot, then! Goddamn though, it is a *rush*," Vinyl says, a dreamy smile crossing her face. "Puts everything else I've been on to shame. Is it like that with *every* vampire?"
>She winks, and you feel her run her bare foot along your leg, as if the innuendo wasn't already overt enough
"Well, I haven't been lucky enough to feel Octavia's kiss yet," you respond. "Maybe she's special?"
>Octavia folds her hands tightly in her lap
>"That would hardly be appropriate..." she mumbles
>"Uh oh. You got her going now! Better run while you still can."
>"Vinyl, please. There are some things I'm hoping to keep private."
>You sense the mood in the room change slightly
>"You mean this cutie doesn't know about your little, uh, issue?"
>"She does *not*, and I was hoping to maintain that."
"What issue?"
>Both girls look at you
>"Uh, do you wanna tell her, or should I?"
>Octavia sighs
>"What Vinyl is referring to is... something I was hoping to keep private."
>Octavia's hands tighten around each other, and you hear several dull cracks as her knuckles threaten to pop out of place
>"Each clan manifests its own weakness, a symbol of our cursed nature. We Torreadors are cursed with an insatiable attraction to beauty. And I, personally, can be somewhat... aggressive, when I find myself attracted to someone."
>"That's why she keeps me around. I'm such a fuckup that I'm immune."
>Vinyl points finger-guns at you
>"I'm trying very hard to restrain myself around you, Diamond. But *some* people are making it very difficult for me to do so. I desire your company greatly, but I'm terribly afraid of what may happen if I allow myself to... to entertain certain thoughts."
>She sighs
>"I'm sorry you had to find out this way."
>For a long moment, the room is deathly silent, save for the gentle flutter of wings somewhere outside the apartment
>Octavia is looking away from you, but Vinyl is watching closely, anxiously awaiting what you'll do next
>You fold your arms over your chest, letting your face fall into a disappointed, yet still somehow dignified expression
>Though it doesn't immediately dawn on you, this is definitely something you learned from your mom
"And you're only telling me this now?"
>Octavia can't even bear to look at you as the indignity rises in your voice
>"I should have been honest earlier, but I--"
"Now, that I'm alone in your house. Utterly helpless."
>"Yes, well, I..."
"You brought a poor, innocent young vampire here, when had no idea what kind of carnal monster you reall are!"
>Octavia's hands are clenched so tightly that her own nails are digging into her flesh, sending thin lines of blood down her pale skin
"Totally here, vulnerable. Capable of being ravaged by you at any minute. You hid the fact that you want me more than anything until now, when I'm helplessly, totally yours?"
>"Wait, are you--"
>Octavia is cut off by the sound of Vinyl throwing her head back and degenerating into a laughing fit
>"Oh man, this is great! Is there anyone who can't pull one over on you, Tavi?"
>Octavia's so enraged that a little of her vitae is seeping back into her body now, bringing an angry blush into her cheeks
>"Y-you're making fun of me, aren't you?" she sputters, furious
>"And she's doing a great job of it, too," Vinyl joins in
>She rests a hand on you, casually, almost without you even noticing it
>It seems like the only thing she needs to enjoy the scene more is a little popcorn
>She's having so much fun that it's hard for you not to smile a little, enjoying a bit of smugness at Octavia's expense
>Octavia herself slumps in her seat, staring miserably at the ground
>"I mean it, though. This isn't some joke. I truly don't want to hurt you. I've hurt enough people, both mortals and my fellow kindred. I won't do it again."
>The jovial attitude immediately drains out of the room
>Even Vinyl stops laughing
>The two of you look at each other, but she gives a noncommittal shrug, as if to say "You got her started, dude. You finish it."
>She mouths those exact words to you about a second later, so you're pretty sure that's what her shrug meant
>Vinyl gives you a reassuring nudge, and you get up from the couch and kneel next to Octavia, slipping your hands into hers
"You won't hurt me, Tavi. My clan is a lot tougher than we appear, after all."
>Octavia raises her head and gives you a miserable look
"I met you on my very first night. There was something between us. I want you, and I'm pretty certain you want me. A little obsession isn't something that'll bother me."
>"It's more than just obsession," Octavia says. "It's about... it's about humanity, I suppose. There's so little of it left in my, Diamond. The last scraps are slowly drifting away, and each time I allow myself to sink into passion, I lose a little more. If I let myself love-- I mean, if I let myself feel something for you, I'll risk not only losing more of myself, but corrupting you as well.
"I'm corrupt enough as it is," you say, squeezing her hands. "I want you. And it feels so, so good to know you want me."
>Octavia holds her bottom lip between her fangs
>"Well, I certainly do... want... you..."
>You see the light in her eyes receding, the black abysses of her pupils growing, almost shark-like, as something inside her threatens to burst free
>Obliviously, Vinyl throws herself onto Octavia's lap, and the predatory instinct dissipates from Octavia as quickly as it arrived
>"Sooo... you two are totally bangin' now, right? Do I get to watch?"
>"Vinyl!" Octavia scolds. "That's hardly proper."
"I want her to watch," you say, a smile spreading across your lips
>You stand up, still holding onto Octavia's hands, and give Vinyl a stern, demanding glare
"But you need to get out of her lap. Now."
>The syllables of your voice ring with the power of your Domination, and Vinyl immediately scrambles to the side of the couch
>She sits with her knees pulled up against her chest, watching intently as you sit yourself down atop Octavia's thighs, spreading your legs shamelessly
>She glances away, and you can feel her blood beginning to course and roil beneath her skin
>A deeper blush colors her cheeks now
"It's okay. You can look."
>Octavia gulps, still hesitant
"Look."
>She lets her eyes trail down to your crotch, and you feel a tremor run through her as she beholds you
>"You're... you're so..."
"Shh."
>You put a finger to her lips
"You don't have to tell me. But I'd like a kiss."
>You stuck out your bottom lip, a pouting gesture that falls somewhere between inviting her and outright demanding she oblige you
>Octavia raises her face, a thin, dead breath whispering path her lips as her mouth approach yours
>Vinyl cheers under her breath as your mouth meets Octavia's
>Her kiss is different from the one you received from Babs; Octavia kisses you steadily, knowing exactly how to meld her lips with yours and when to slip her tongue between your teeth
>You grind yourself against her lap and wrap your arms around the back of her neck, smothering her with your slender little body as her kisses deepen, almost begging for more
>"Ah..."
>She gasps, her face now fully flushed
>A living heat is now coursing through her, but you allow yourself to remind ice-cold as you trail your fingers across Octavia's face and neck, teasing her by never quite reaching her breasts
>You feel restless and inhumanly powerful
>Is this all there is to seduction?
>A creature as old and as powerful as her is captivated by you; you feel practically drunk on how much she wants you
>And you want her to want you even more
>Your fingers tease Octavia, running through her hair and gently stroking along her bare shoulders
>You let her feel just how dexterous and gentle you can be, but keep your hands centered only on the safer parts of her body
>Vinyl has her own finger in her mouth now, her tongue running seductively around its tip as she watches the show
>"Diamond, please," Octavia begs
"Show me you deserve it," you say, the words slipping easily from your lips
>Octavia hangs her head, her face red with embarrassment and lust, and begins unbuttoning her blazer
>The business attire she chose for tonight takes a minute or so for her to fully undo, and then she starts shrugging off each layer of finely-pressed cotton, one by one
>After the blazer, she lets her dress shirt fall from her body, revealing full, pale breasts restrained in a lacy black bra that matches the panties Vinyl is currently sporting
>You hear Vinyl chuckle as she notices this
>"Do you want me to--"
"Yes. All of it."
>Keeping her eyes closed, Octavia undoes her bra and lets her breasts hang free and full against her chest
>They're milky white in the room's low light, with dark, lilac nipples standing out against a healthy scoop of soft flesh
>It's your first time seeing breasts that aren't your own
>Or your mother's...
>You stare, for a moment, but quickly snap out of it and resume your dominant position
"I said *all* of it."
>Octavia starts trying to slide her skirt and leggings down, and is somewhat hampered by you being in her lap
>So you help her, raising up on your knees and placing your hands atop hers as she slides down everything below her waist, revealing slender, supple legs and a hairless pussy
>Your eyes drink in her form, and Octavia shivers beneath your gaze
>You can see her Auspex flashing vividly in her eyes
>"You want me so badly, don't you?"
"Of course I do."
>Octavia writhes naked beneath you, her hands running over her chest and down to her crotch
>You don't need to powers to see how slavishly aroused she is, and neither does Vinyl
>A vampire likely hundreds of years older than you, and she's flailing and begging for the attention of a young girl
>It feels you with a sadistic, erotic glee
>What should you do with her?
"Hold still."
>You let your Dominate spice up your voice a again, and Octavia doesn't resist
>Her hands obediently fall to her sides, leaving her body uncovered and ripe for you to explore
"I want to have my fun with you, first. Then, when I'm done, maybe you'll get rewarded."
>Vinyl audibly grunts
>Out of the corner of your eye, you can see her shifting in her seat, rubbing her thighs together
>You kiss Octavia again, this time just a peck on the lips
>Her body is flushed with her vitae now, and she blazes beneath you as you start to kiss slower, starting with her neck
>Octavia begins to squirm again
"I said I wanted you still."
>"Yes, Diamond..." Octavia squeaks
>You kiss her collarbone, and then the smooth skin of her chest, right above the swell of her breasts
>Speaking of which, now that you have their fullness and their beauty in front of your face, you don't know what to do with them
>Hesitantly, you rest your face against them, feeling Octavia's warm, plush flesh against your cheek
>Then you kiss one
>Then you let your tongue flick out and taste Octavia's nipple
>It tastes like skin, and a slightly tinge of blood-sweat
>You try again, this time letting your tongue rest longer against the nub of flesh, coating it in your saliva
>It's good, you suppose, but hardly the tantalizing shock of delight you hoped for
>Octavia shivers as you move your mouth down to her belly, gently peppering it with kisses
>You're acutely aware of Vinyl's staring at you, and let your Presence flare up for a bit of fun
>She lets out a moan of desire and flops out on the couch, her hands running along her body
>Again, she extends her foot just far enough to touch your shoulder, as if mere contact with you would be enough to satisfy her
>Your face is now just inches away from Octavia's smooth sex
>It smells of nothing; up close, her body is almost like a doll's: preserved by undeath in a perfect, lifeless stasis
>But still, you're curious just what you could do to her...
>You sink to the floor, on your knees, and press your hand against her pussy
>"A-ah~"
>Octavia squeaks
>It doesn't feel too different from your own, really
>You experimented with yourself once or twice back when you were still among the living, and so you have a vague idea of what feels good
>You run your fingers delicately along her lower lips, letting her gradually moisten, her fluids clear and slightly tinged with red
>Octavia's thighs tremble at your touch, and you can see she's having difficulty following your orders to keep still
>She places a finger in her mouth, biting down on it to keep from crying out as you begin to stroke her as you would yourself, coating your fingers in her fluids
>Vinyl's squirming on the couch now, consumed by lust but not knowing how to resolve it
>After a vampire's kiss, simple masturbation would hardly be enough
>You, meanwhile, slow down, letting your palm rest against Octavia's warm, wet cunt
>Internally, you're deciding if you want to take the next step, and make a full-on plunge into this newfound sexuality
>You're aware that oral sex is something people do to each other, and you suppose you understand the basic premise
>But it's something you've never even come close to trying before, and of course something you've never received
>The thought of doing it makes you nervous; if your heart was still beating, you're sure it would be hammering
>Your head inclines towards her pussy in a moment of curiosity and temptation...
>Then you pull away, instead motioning to the wriggling Vinyl
"Pleasure her for me. I want to watch."
>The allure of your voice is impossible for Vinyl to defy
>She rolls off the couch and gets on her hands and knees, approaching Octavia
>"But, Diamond... I want you..." Octavia moans
>You rest your hand on her thigh
"Maybe later," you say with a coy smile
>Octavia looks like she's going to complain, but Vinyl obediently places her head between her mistress's legs, running kisses along Octavia's inner thigh until she reaches the same smooth, tantilizing lips you amused yourself with, and all of Octavia's complaints dissolve into a series of short, sharp gasps
>"Diamond..." Octavia moans
>You place your hand at the back of Vinyl's head and push her face against Octavia's cooch
>Vinyl is clearly experienced at this
>Her mouth comes alive in a flurry of wet, hungry movement, and her tongue runs expertly around the shimmering lips of Octavia's sex
>The vampire arches her back, her fangs biting into her own lower lip
>You find yourself doing the same, anxiously chewing at your tongue as you watch how Vinyl pleasures her vampiric lover
>She wraps her hands around Octavia's thighs and presses her face against the other woman's crotch, greedy slurping noises escaping from her mouth as her tongue lathers Octavia's cunt in her spit
>Thin lines of Octavia's blood-tinged juices coat Vinyl's mouth, and hunger starts to rise inside of you, pulsating like a dry, hot sensation in your veins
>Vinyl laps at the mess covering her face, alternating between tasting it and flicking her tongue out to tease the pink nub of Octavia's clit
>You drink in each of Vinyl's movements, learning something your mom could never teach you (right?), watching intently as she brings Octavia to the heights of mortal pleasure
>Octavia shudders, and you feel a rush of excitement as she cums before your very eyes
>It's nothing terribly dramatic; she shivers and spurts a bit of her fluids onto Vinyl's face as a low, yelping groan of pleasure escapes her lips
>At the end of the day, an orgasm isn't the most dramatic thing in the world
>But it was *Octavia's* orgasm...
>You feel to simultaneous waves of desire rolling inside of you: one part of you calls out for blood to quench your thirst, and the other wants desperately to pleasure Octavia next
>Octavia falls back against the couch, her breasts heaving as the throes of her orgasm calm
>Her eyes are somewhat glassy with pleasure, but she manages to focus on you
>"Please, Diamond. Don't make me wait any longer..."
>She's practically running her tongue over her fangs now, she wants you so badly
>And that's when it dawns on you: why do you have to pleasure her?
>All of this is so strange to you, so new
>You hardly even know what you're doing, but she's lived and loved for hundreds of years
>Why shouldn't *she* be the one servicing *you*, especially after how much Vinyl delighted her?
>And speaking of Vinyl...
>She's regaining her breath as she tries to lick the last remnants of Octavia's juices from her lips
>When she notices you watching her, she bats her eyes demurely
>"Sounds like homegirl here is pretty into you..." she says, her voice dreamy and lacquered by your intoxicating presence
"It's only natural."
>"You're not gonna keep her waiting, are you?"
"Hmm, I'm not sure. She seems to be quite satisfied already, having you here. I'm not entirely sure she needs me."
>"Diamond!" Octavia reprimands. "There's no need to tease. Anything you want, please, I can do it for you."
"Well, there is still something I could use from you. From both of you, in fact."
>Vinyl's eyes light up, and Octavia's darken
>"Anything," Octavia says
>You raise yourself back up on your feet, then motion for Octavia to get onto the floor
"I think there's still a few things you should be teaching me. If you don't mind, though, I think I've had enough of this dress."
>You begin to raise the garment up and over your head, feeling extremely different from when you did the same in front of Starlight
>With Octavia, there's a sense of power, of raw, unbridled allure hidden within you
>You feel enchanting and, well, a little sexy
>Both women's eyes follow the dress as it rises up over your shoulders and then drops to the floor, and then they focus on what you've revealed to them
>Your body is lithe and pale in the room's low light, and you elegantly drape yourself on the couch, spreading your legs
>Nervous anticipation floods through you
>This will be your first time!
>And you'll be getting head from *two* girls at the same time
>You recline against the cushions, feeling quite pleased with yourself
>With a flick of your wrist, you slip your thumb into your panties and begin to slide them down
>Is this all there is to it?
>It's so easy!
>Both Octavia and Vinyl crawl towards you on their hands and knees, and you feel the heat of Vinyl's breath against your cold, glistening crotch
>It's wonderful
>You slip your bra off as well, feeling delightfully comfortable now that you're naked
>Totally at ease, you let the girls get to work
>And they work well, and fast
>Both tongues meet your flesh at once, fighting each other and swirling together in a wrestling match to taste your tender nether regions
>Your mouth falls open and a rattling gasp escapes your lips
>It feels...
>Well, it feels like having your vagina licked by two women at once, but it's so much more than that
>Dominance floods through you, and you place a foot on each of the ladies' backs, holding them in the proper position as they service you
"I could get used to this..." you mutter under your breath
>The orgasm builds rapidly inside of you, and it's nothing like the unimpressive climaxes you've given yourself
>This one is going to be wet, you can feel, and intense
>A wave of something dark and sweet crashes into you, and your slender thighs quiver as your own love-fluids leak out onto Octavia and Vinyl's faces, coating their tongues
>Your fluids are tinged with blood, much as Octavia's were
>Immediately, the shark-look returns to Octavia's eyes
>She grabs Vinyl and forcefully kisses her, sucking your fluids out of the other woman's mouth, and then drags her tongue along Vinyl's face to drink the few droplets that spattered her cheeks
>And when Vinyl has nothing left, Octavia turns to you
>"Diamond..."
"Octavia, that was s-so goo--"
>"I need more."
>Her hands circle around your thighs, and she bends her face closer to your soft, pale skin
>You can see her fangs gleaming
>"I'm so sorry. I knew this would happen. I simply can't... I can't help myself..."
>She licks your inner thigh and quivers
>"I need more of you... so much more..."
"Wait, Octavia..."
>You feel the razor tip of her fang graze your skin, and you panic a little
"STOP."
>You let all the power of your Dominate suffuse your voice, and it rings out loud and commanding through the tiny apartment
>Outside, you hear fluttering wings again, as your shouting scares off whatever was perching near the door
>Octavia looks up at you, the sultry smile fading from her face
>"What?"
"I said, STOP."
>Octavia doesn't even blink
>"Stop? But Diamond, I thought this was what you wanted. I thought you wanted me..."
>A dangerous edge begins to creep into her voice
>Vinyl puts a hand on Octavia's hip
>"Easy, Tavi, she's just a kid--"
>Octavia turns to Vinyl, and you feel her presence unfurl and fill the room with coiling, velveteen power
>"Vinyl. I have no more need of you tonight. Leave us."
>"Y-yes ma'am."
>Vinyl's spunk fades immediately, and she submissively slinks away from Octavia, disappearing into her bedroom
"I do want you," you protest, your voice coming out in a tiny squeak now, very different from the commanding tones earlier. But... but not like this..."
>Octavia's eyes glow crimson as she actives her Auspex
>Her face softens slightly
>"Ah! You're frightened! Forgive me, Diamond, please."
>She gets to her feet and takes your hand, pulling you into a standing position as well
>Her arms wrap around you and pull you into a nude, cold embrace, and your lithe, nubile figure presses against the fullness of Octavia's body
>Octavia runs her hands down her back, gently stroking from your shoulders down to your butt
>She bends in, pressing her mouth against your ear
>"This must be terribly frightening for you. Everything so new, so dark. I'm not going to hurt you, Diamond. I would never. Could never."
>She breathes in the scent of your hair, then exhales in a long, melodious coo
>"Just a little taste, that's all I'm asking for. In return, you can ask anything of me. Even my own blood. I'll make myself totally yours. Just please, be mine. Be *only* mine..."
>She squeezes you tightly, and peppers your head with kisses, bending over as she tries to reach your face...
"Octavia..."
>You rest your head against her chest, lowering your voice to a whisper
"You were right. I am afraid. But not just for myself. For you too."
>Octavia stiffens
>"What do you mean?"
"You're losing yourself. To your curse, and it's all because of me. When I met you, the desire I felt was for you, for the elegant musician who was so kinda to me in the Princess's court. I don't want you to become a monster, not for me."
>You don't bother with your powers of influence; you're surprised to find that you're speaking honestly, and the words practically tumble out from between your lips
"I want you to stay you. I want you to keep the humanity you have left. There's so much time left for us to be together, please, don't spend it living in madness."
>Octavia loosens her grip around you
>And then she sinks to her knees in front of you
>A tall and full woman, she towers nearly a foot and a half over you when standing
>But on her knees, her face is now level with your stomach, and she casts her eyes downwards, towards your feet
>"I... I understand. But I want you to badly, Diamond."
>She reaches up and cups your buttocks, pulling you closer
"And you'll have me. We'll have each other. I'm not going anywhere, I want to help you. And I think others will want to help you, too--"
>"No."
>The dangerous edge creeps back into Octavia's voice
>"They won't help, Diamond. They won't understand. They'll try and separate us."
"They won't."
>"Promise me."
>Octavia places a submissive kiss on your navel
>"Please, promise me that nobody else is going to come between us. Do this for me, and I will forever do anything you wish of me, as long as you are mine."
"I can't make that promise to you, Octavia. You need help, before this monster consumes you. I think we should speak with the Princess."
>"I see..."
>Octavia lets go of you and her arms fall at her sides
"I want to help you. I just want to keep you whole."
>"There's no making me whole, Diamond. There's an emptiness inside me, and inside all of us. Including you. I was hoping you could fill it, but perhaps..."
>Octavia sighs
>"Perhaps I was mistaken, once again. You should go."
"Go?"
>"Take your clothes. Take anything you want. But I think you should go. Return to your mother, or to the Princess, though I doubt she will have terribly much to say."
"I see. I'm... I'm sorry, Octavia."
>"This was my own foolishness that caused it all. I should be begging your forgiveness."
>She kneels there, her eyes hidden by her hair
>Blood-stained teardrops dot the carpet beneath her
>You slowly make your way around the room and gather your clothes
"I'm... I'm sorry."
>As you open the door to her apartment, moonlight spills in and bathes her in pale, cold silver
>She just lies there, naked and pathetic, with her head bowed
>It's strange: an ancient being and yet, here she is, looking sad and broken like a lost child
>You feel your own tattered humanity squirm inside of you
"Hey. D-don't think this is the end, okay? I'm still young, this is all still new. There's so many ways things could still work between us! Just... just trust me and let them happen, okay? If you don't want to see me anymore, then fine. But don't think I'm going to stop caring about you just because of this."
>Octavia raises her head, and glances at you just long enough for you to see the misery and hope in her eyes
>Then she looks away, letting her hair fall over her face
"Don't do this to yourself! Just... give things more time. And don't you dare think of yourself as a monster!"
>You resist the urge to stamp your foot on the last line
"I'll see you again, okay? Goodnight."

>You storm out of the apartment exhausted, and somewhat confused as to where to go next
>Your phone is still with you, you suppose you could always call a taxi home, which seems like the least vampiric thing to do
>Why, why did you have to become an undead monstrosity before you got your driver's license?
>For now, you suppose you could use the opportunity to just go for a walk and clear your head
>Outside of Octavia's apartment are several lower-class Canterlot streets, jam-packed with crumbling budget housing and vacant lots overgrown with weeds
>Your instincts flare up for a moment, telling you that a young girl should hardly be walking the streets of Canterlot at night, especially not when wearing clothes that come with an obvious four-figure pricetag
>Then you remember that any mugger who jumped you would probably experience the worst night of his or her--
>Suddenly, a figure is standing right next to you, as if she'd just melded from the earth itself
"Gah!"
>You jump away, holding your arms up in front of your face
>"Eep!"
>The figure jumps away as well, hiding her face beneath pink, filthy hair
>"I'm s-so sorry! I didn't mean to scare you!"
"Wait," you say, your dead body calming itself far more quickly than a living one ever could. "Fluttershy?"
>She's absolutely filthy, and dressed in torn rags instead of the fine evening dress you last saw her in
>But it's her
>"Good, um, evening. I guess. Sorry, I know it's really rude for me to follow you like this."
"You mean stalk me?"
>Fluttershy waves her hands in front of her face
>"N-no no no, it's not stalking! I wanted to make sure you'd be okay! I heard what happened, with the Settites. Next time, I w-want to be protecting you too."
"You do?"
>Fluttershy nods, wringing one dirty lock of her hair between her hands
>"Yeah. Not for anything particular reason of course, heh. Just, we gotta stick together right? You could always use a nice, experienced vampire to help you along, I'm sure. K-kinda like a cool big sister or something, heheh. Heh. Oh, dear..."
>She starts to sink back into the ground, unable to look you in the eye
>"I should probably just be going now. I, uh... I-sent-a-message-to-your-mom-and-a car-should-come-to-get-you-soon-tell-her-I-think-the Anarchs-might-be-after-you-too-I-don't-know-why-but-yeah-anyways-bye..."
>The last words come out so stuttery quickly you barely even have time to register them
>Just as Fluttershy is about to fully meld with the dirt, you grab her by the arm
"Wait, wait! Who's coming to get me? What are the Anarchs? And... wait, you know how to use a phone?"
>"Sorry, g-gotta go!"
>She slips fully beneath the earth, leaving you alone
>However, a pair of headlights are already rounding the corner, and you recognize your mother's car
"Hmph. More questions I need answered..." you grumble to yourself
>A strip of lace from your dress is mysteriously missing, but you take no notice of it
>Your mom isn't waiting for you in the car, just Randolph, who obediently drives you home
>As you get closer, an exhaustion not unlike the coming of day hits you
>You had your first sexual experience and broke your first heart, all in one night
>And now it sounds like even more foes might be after you
>Is there any sort of break, ever, in this world?

>When you get home, you're alone in the manor
>Like your mom did last night, you take a seat on the couch and wait
>When Spoiled returns home, you're sitting with your legs crossed, calmly watching her
>She looks at you across her nose
>"Well, I hear your little date-night didn't go as expected."
"No. It didn't."
>"I suppose some work may have to be done patching up our relations with the Torreadors. What a fragile bunch."
"I guess so."
>"But still, you've already wrapped one of their most prominent members around your finger..."
>Spoiled places a hand atop your head
>"You did well, Diamond. I knew I was right to--"
>Unbidden, you jump to your feet and throw your arms around her waist, nuzzling yourself up against your mom's soft, cold body
>"Diamond? What's the meaning of this?"
"Hug me."
>"This is hardly approp--"
"Just do it."
>You start pouty, but the energy drains quickly from your voice
"Just hold me for... for a little while, okay?"
>Your mom is silent
>But she stiffly raises her arms and cirles them around you, one around your head and one around your shoulders
>"Ours is a hard world, Diamond," she finally says
"I need your help."
>"I know."
>Momentarily, the burden that's been increasing over the past four days lightens
>You let yourself melt into Spoiled's hug, trying your best to forget them for just a little while
>That morning, you sleep in her bed again, this time without any of you needing to point it out
>You feel good, and safe, when she's touching you
>Outside, just as you're drifting to sleep, a raven alights from the windowsill and carries off into the twilight

[Here, a Trixie sidequest begins.  The events are taking place at around the same time as Diamond's date with Octavia.]

>Darkness and a hushed, expectant silence hang over the main floor of the Silver Bat, one of Canterlot's most famous dive-bars
>It's famous not for its drinks (which are terrible) or for its ladies (who will leave you with a permanent rash and 300 less dollars to your name)
>What the Silver Bat has come to be known for is its entertainment
>Currently, a crowd of nearly two hundred weirdos and degenerates are packed shoulder to leather-clad shoulder, their eyes straining in the darkness
>"Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, the carnage begins anew! Bulk Biceps has returned for his rematch against the femme-fatale who left him bloodless and humiliated."
>A light flares, illuminating a wrestling ring shrouded in fog machine smoke
>A massive man stands in one corner, dressed in black liederhosen, a leather jacket, and a luchador mask
>"The mistress of terror, the queen of illusions, the great and powerful... Madame Vampire!"
>Across from him, purple light spills onto the ring and you step out from the smoke, dressed in fishnets and a tightly fitted leather corset
>You bare your fangs at the crowd, and they erupt in cheers as you strut towards your foe, swaying your hips in a way that keeps every single pair of eyes on you
>The attention nourishes you even more than blood, and you strike a pose in the center of the ring, beckoning Bulk towards you
"Ara ara, they've brought Trixie another victim~"
>Bulk screams something in Spanish (which is nowhere near as cool as Japanese, in your opinion) and charges forwards
>Calmly, you draw a magic wand out from your corset, where it sat nuzzled between your breasts
>With a flick of the wand, smoke poofs in the air around Bulk's legs, and when it clears, writhing snakes are suddenly coiled around the massive man's thighs
>The illusion is generated by your Chimerstry, but to everyone else, it's pure stage magic
>He shrieks and falls to his knees, playing along
>The crowd, meanwhile, cheers you on
>As Bulk tries to stagger up, you glide over next to him and place your heel on his neck
"Is that the best you can do? Muda da..."
>You let out a sultry chuckle, and men and women alike faint throughout the crowd when they hear it
>"Papa... te he fallado... lo siento... AY!"
>With one final warcry, Bulk staggers to his feet
>You run your tongue along your lips, then turn back to wink at the crowd
>A young woman up near the stage rips her shirt open for your benefit
>You pretend not to even notice her, and tap your wand against your palm
>Illusory bats materialize into the air, flying in shrieking circles around Bulk's head
>He swats them aside, and charges at you
"Ohoho, you're approaching Trixie? How foolish..."
>From outside the ring, one of your aides tosses you your katana, still sheathed
>As Bulk barrels towards you, you draw the blade out
>It shimmers a bright, blood-red beneath the light
>The massive wrestler is nearly upon you now, but you snap your fingers and, on cue, he stops
>You hold out the sword to his neck, and he obediently falls to his knees before you
"There there. Why fight? Isn't is so much easier to be an obedient blood slave?"
>You turn to the crowd
"What do you think? Should the great Trixie partake of this foolish mortal?"
>Mixed cries of "yes!" and "take me!" erupt from the crowd
"Oh, Trixie will be coming for some of you *very* soon..."
>You flick your tongue between your teeth, and take a glance at the cutie who flashed you her tits earlier
>She's a somewhat plain, shy-looking girl with powder-blue hair cut into a neat unassuming bob
>When she sees you looking, she gives her chest a hopeful shake
>Unfortunately, though, your attention is momentarily drawn to the back of the crowd
>Between the surging, leather-clad punks who come to watch you, stands a cold-looking woman dressed in tight-fitted, fashionable business skirt and matching blazer, complete with an ascot around her neck
>Her violet hair is drawn back in stern curls, and her eyes are hidden by a pair of sunglasses
>You keep your eyes on both of them as you kneel down and sink your fangs into Bulk's neck

>After the match, you return to your dressing room and change into your normal, ass-kicking leather attire
>Your sword remains strapped to your back; a true warrior never lets herself be separated from her weapon
>Bulk staggers over to his own room, his neck still dripping thin lines of blood; you took only the smallest bit, and he doesn't suspect a thing
>Only a true genius like you could think up such a genius ploy; you're hiding in plain sight
"Ah, Trixie," you say to the mirror, gently stroking your reflection's cheek. You really *are* a master of subtlety."
>You kick open the door and throw yourself into your fans, basking in their cries of joy and the desperate way they clutch at your clothes
>Now... who are you interested in tonight?
>Your mind returns to the desperate girl you saw earlier
>That sort of rare dedication, it really is the kind of desire that a girl like you deserves
>You glide easily through the cloud, your movements graceful and slightly blurred by your Celerity
>Up ahead, you see the blue of her hair
>Her eyes meet yours, and she seems to light up and glow when she notices you're coming for her
>She's backed up against the far wall, squeezed in by the crowds of people around her
>With her hands, she's trying to hold the tattered remains of her shirt over her breasts
>As you approach, she shrinks back against the wall, looking up at you with large, nervous eyes
>You reach out and slam your palm against the wall, right next to her head
>She gulps
"Well, well. Look what Trixie's caught!"
>Um, hey. I'm a really big fan."
"Trixie can see that," you say, nodding towards her tattered top
>"Hah, yeah. I got a little carried away. I'm sorry about that."
"Sorry? Trixie would never ask you to apologize for such a beautiful pair of oppai!"
>You lean in and whisper in her ear:
"That means boobies in Japanese."
>"Yeah, I know. I, uh, kinda like anime way more than I should. It's one of the reasons I love coming to see you."
"Oho! A girl with taste almost as good as Trixie's own!"
>Behind you, your fans are still grabbing at you, jealous of this girl who's getting so much of your attention
"Trixie absolutely must know your name!"
>The girl beams
>"It's Coco! Coco Pommel!"
"Adorable. And of course, you already know Trixie is Trixie. And now Trixie thinks that, maybe, she should take you somewhere where we can be... alone."
>"L-like a groupie?"
>Coco practically swoons
"Groupie? Please, Trixie has class!"
>You run your finger under Coco's chin
"For tonight, you're gonna be her next meal."
>You run your tongue along your fangs
>"Oh God, please..." Coco groans, her knees wobbling
>You take her by the hand and lead her through the crowd, who part to let you pass, though looks of scathing jealousy are thrown in Coco's direction
>The mysterious woman who was watching you earlier is no longer visible
>You're sure she realized really quick that it's better to just not mess with G-and-P T
>Coco's hand in yours is blazing hot and sweaty, and she lets you pull her along behind yourself, her eyes fixed on you with an expression of rapt amazement
>Oh, you're going to enjoy this evening...
>You lead Coco up to the lounge space, which has practically become your own personal den
>Cheesy gothic props are scattered across the place: open coffins, sacrificial altars stained with (mostly) fake blood, and plenty of small electric candelabras
>As you ascend the stairs, you stealthily flick a switch, and all the candles flare to life at once
>Coco gasps
>"It's... it's so cool!"
"Hah! This is but paltry spellcraft. Trixie has magic to show that is far, far more sugoi."
>You pull Coco close and wrap your arm around her waist, still keeping hold of her hand, and spin her around as if in a dance
>Her torn shirt falls open again, revealing her modest, cream-colored breasts
>She pressed up against you, breathing deeply and inhaling your scent as you steer her towards one of the sacrificial tables
>It's decorated with kanji characters you carefully stenciled out on faux-parchment and tape up: they say badass stuff like "death," "skull," "blood," and "eternity"
>Coco lets you lift her up onto the table
>She's already out of breath, and her cheeks are flushed with excitement
>You grab her left breast, gently rubbing the rosy nub of her nipple
>Coco yelps in delight
>She looks up at you with her mouth hanging slack and slightly open, practically begging for a kiss
>You oblige her
>She almost immediately gets her tongue between your lips, running its tip along your fangs
>When she breaks away, a line of saliva connects your mouths, and Coco wipes it away demurely
>"I knew... I knew they were real..."
"Oh-ho! Then Trixie is sure you know what comes next."
>"Y-yeah, I think I do," Coco says
>She's shaking now, though you sense it's far more from excitement than from nervousness
>She brushes her hair away from her neck
"Aha, yes. Something only Trixie can give you..."
>"Oh, yes."
"Something dark, twisted, and utterly unnatural."
>"P-please..."
>You take a step back from Coco and reach into the pocket of your leather trench-coat
>From within it, you withdraw the battered book that stays on you at all times, something that means more to you than even a copy of the Book of Nod
>Coco reads the title, and her mouth drops
>"I-Innocent Club-Going Girl Sacrificed to Horny Tentacles... Volume III?"
"Trixie never goes anyway without it. It just happens to be, in her informed opinion, the best hentai of all time."
>Coco's cheeks pinken slightly
>"Yeah, I know. I, um, read it before. A few times, actually."
>"Oho~. Trixie applauds your taste! You must know the plot, desu ne? First, our poor, innocent protagonist finds herself at the mercy of a gang of thugs. They drag her into a dark, filthy basement."
>At your words, the lights go out again
>(...because you installed several other switches around the room, for exactly this purpose, but Coco doesn't know that)
>Coco gasps
"She tries to get away, but suddenly she finds something holding her arm..."
>You call up the power of the vitae within you and project images of thick, pulsating octopus tentacles, colored a rubbery black with glossy pink undersides
>They surround Coco, and one curls around her arm
"She's scared..."
>Coco plays along, whimpering in the darkness
"So scared she can't move as they begin tearing away her clothes..."
>The tentacles, being images, can't actually do that
>So you help out a bit
>As more of the slimy feelers start to explore the poor girl's body, you hook your fingers into the waistband of her shorts and tug them down, along with her panties
>You yank her shoes off as well, and Coco herself lets her tattered shirt fall away from her shoulders
"Now, she's naked and defenseless, unable to do anything but surrender to the hungry beast..."
>"Oh, no... no..."
>Coco stretches out on the table's cold stone
>She does her best to act the victim, but you can tell she wants this
>Her legs spread the second a tentacle touches her thigh, and she has her mouth hanging open, gasping sluttily and hoping one will find its way inside
>You extend your hand, guiding the tendrils yourself
>They start with her breasts, where the wet suckers tease Coco's perky little nipples
>Another few slither over her feet, making Coco yelp and squirm as they prod her milky-white soles
>Past her feet, they slither along her thighs and approach her wet cunt, stroking her gently
>Coco bucks her hips, her naked skin slapping against the stone, and you finally give her what she's been begging for: a thick, oozing tentacle slips between her lips
>She gags, and her saliva dribbles down her chin as her whole body shudders
>The tentacle wouldn't actually stop her from getting air, you're pretty sure
>So either Coco's a great actor, or your illusions are greater and even more powerful than you thought!
>You're pretty sure it's the second
>Coco is thrashing in the tentacles' embrace, her thighs quivering as she nears an orgasm
>But you have something far better to give her
"And Trixie is sure you remember the ending," you say, bearing your fangs
>Coco locks eyes with you, and nods
"Then tendrils suck the life from our poor protagonist. And she sinks into a pit of the more delightful, painful pleasure she's ever experienced..."
>The tentacles vanish, leaving Coco clean and unspoiled, save for her own juices
>She stretches out, anxiously shivering as your teeth approach her neck
"...and she's sure she'll be coming back for more."
>You bite into Coco, and her eyes roll back in her head
>Her tongue lolls out from her mouth, and she goes full ahegao as the ecstasy of the kiss rocks through you
>Coco's blood is sweet and creamy, extremely filling
>You take only what you need; it would be a shame to spoil such delicious prey
>When you remove your fangs, you quickly lick the bite-marks closed
>Coco is dozing peacefully now; you collect her in your arms and lay her on the couch, covered in a blanket
>And as a gift, you leave her an autographed photo of yourself
>Just as you're standing up from your ministrations to Coco, you find the exit blocked by the same businesswoman from earlier
>She still has her glasses on, but you can feel her eyes burrowing coldly into you
>"Well," she says. "Looks like you took the bait perfectly. Can't say I wasn't hoping you'd just off her."
"Who are you, and why are you not appropriately awed by Trixie's presence?"
>"Look, I'm trying to get to that. My organization might need your assistance. Just sit down and lemme explain, 'kay?"
"Hmm. Well, if you were responsible for Trixie finding such a delicious new bloodbag..."
>You plop down on the same couch Coco is resting on, gently repositioning the girl so that her head rests in your lap
"...Trixie supposes you she can spare you some minutes of her time."
>"Great," the businesswoman says, rolling her eyes
>She pulls up a high-backed ivory chair, carved to have bat wings unfurling from where the sitter's shoulders rest
>This lady doesn't seem nearly impressed enough by that feature, in your opinion
>"Now," she says, crossing her legs. "I'm here on some very important business, on behalf of... are you listening to me?"
>You're busy patting Coco's pretty little head, thinking about all the delightfully horrible things you'll do to her the next time you see her
"Of course! Trixie is a paragon of paying attention!"
>"Hmph. Listen, my master has sent me to offer you a job."
"Trixie is already gainfully employed."
>"Let me rephrase it. My name is Suri, I represent a certain powerful player in these final days. My master is willing to offer you safety in return to remaining on her good side."
"Trixie feels pretty sanctous already."
>"That isn't a word. And believe me, you'll hardly be safe upon Lord Set's return."
"Wait, Set? Isn't he that crazy Cthulhu guy a bunch of nutjobs worship?"
>Suri's eye twitches
"Oh! Oh, you're one of them! One of those Settites! Oh, Trixie is really sorry. No, your gross snake god is super cool! What's he gonna give Trixie if she does his dirty work?"
>"Our master, who speaks for Set's will in this mortal realm, is willing to offer you a down payment of..."
>She points to Coco
>"...her, in exchange for your assistance. Technically, she is mine by right. But we are willing to transfer Miss Pommel to you, if you comply."
"Trixie things she already owns this particular booty."
>Suri bears her fangs
>"You might change your tune, if you refuse to comply."
"Blah blah. You're offering Trixie blood she's already drank. What do you really have for her?"
>"That depends. Whatever you want, I'm quite certain my master can arrange it for you."
"Hah! Whatever Trixie wants? Trixie wants lots of different things!"
>"Well, you'll have plenty of time to think about your price, or whatever. But here's what we need from you."
"Ah, finally, the good part!"
>"One of our brethren has been captured by the Princess."
"Oh, Luna! Yeah, she's a *big* fan of Trixie."
>"Right, how could anyone not be..." Suri says, rolling her eyes
"Trixie is in total agreement!"
>You lean back, crossing your legs
>Coco coos with pleasure and snuggles up against you in her sleep
"So, you want Trixie to get your tomodachi back, right?"
>You wink at Suri
"That means friend in Japanese. Just in case you didn't know~"
>"I'm interested in Starlight Glimmer being returned to us. She's incredibly valuable, and if she wasn't ambushed, we'd probably be that much closer close to Lord Set's return. If you can bring her to us, we're prepared to offer you anything you may desire, as long as it is within our power to grant, get it?"
"Trixie isn't sure if you could erase Highlander 2 from existence..."
>"What?"
"But Trixie is sure to think of something else! Where is this... Star-Light?"
>"She's been imprisoned in the Princess's own home. The Princess herself is meeting with the Brujah primogen, so she should be away. Sounds like the Camarilla's trying to tear itself apart, so now is our time to hit 'em, yeah?"
"Trixie thinks that sounds reasonable."
>"So. You sneak in when the Princess isn't there. Get our girl, and bring her back. We pay you, and you get to earn the friendship of the Lord of Deception himself."
"That sounds like Trixie's ideal evening."
>"Great. Now don't mess this up, 'kay? You've got a reputation to uphold."
"Hah! Trixie has never failed once in her entire unlife. She has a reputation to uphold!"
>You swirl your trenchcoat around yourself, stand, and head for the door
>"That's... that's what I just said."

>Finding your way to Luna's home isn't difficult
>After all, you're a regular at Elysium, and you've wandered in her direction a couple times
>Getting inside of it, though, is a bit more a challenge
>A high, black iron fences encloses the home, and you can see the silhouettes of guards patrolling
>But you're a master of stealth
>You leap the fence, then conjure the image of a plain cardboard box around yourself as you creep towards the building
>When you near the entrance, you pause and hide behind the crumbling remains of an old wooden shack that once stood on the property
>From between gaps in the boards, you can see the house itself
>There's a main door, obviously, along with several windows, all of which have heavy curtains drawn to block out the sun
>It's impossible to tell if there's an entrance around back, but it might be worth investigating
>While you are a master of stealth, a vampire as Great and as Powerful as you doesn't need to slink around like some crummy Nosferatu
>You duck out of the shack and sally on over to the door, where you rap confidently on the wooden paneling
>The door swings open, and you lean up sultrily against the doorjamb, expecting Echo-- Luna's young and definitely impressionable vassal --to answer the door
>She'll be putty in your hands, you're pretty sure
>What you're slightly less prepared for is to come face-to-face with a very serious-looking Tempest Shadow
>Now, you're uncommonly tall for a lady, but Tempest still manages to tower over you
>The black, flowing masses of her forearms are crossed over her chest, and the look in her scarred face is anything but patient
>"Well?" is all she asks
"Uh..."
>You sink even lower on the doorjamb, swirling one finger around its wooden grain
"Hey, Fizzy~"
>Tempest's eye twitches
"Trixie heard you were guarding a pretty omoshiroi vampire here. Don't bother asking how Trixie knows that. She has her ways," you say with a wink
>"I wasn't going to."
"Aaand, Trixie was thinking. She's pretty sure you must be pretty stressed, having to sit around and watch over a dummy corpse all night. And Trixie has always thought you were pretty sexy, all dark and brooding and serious. Totally her type, like a lady Sasuke! So, she was thinking maybe she could... keep her senpai company?"
>You wriggle your eyebrows
>Tempest continues to glare at you
>You flick your tongue out between your teeth, letting her see your pearly fangs
>Tempest glares harder
>You press your finger against your lips and swirl the tip of your tongue suggestively along it
>Tempest still hasn't blinked
>Your hand trails down to your chest, where you gently prod the top button of your leather top
>The button needs only a little motivation before it pops off with a *ploink!*, and the impressive cleavage it was restraining bulges out
"Eeeeya! This is so embarrassing!" you say, pretending to look flustered. "It always happens to Trixie! If only her breasts weren't so voluptuous and desperate to be squeezed..."
>Tempest still hasn't looked away from your face
"Ugu?"
>You bounce your chest a few times, but Tempest remains unimpressed
"C'mon, this is the only chance you're gonna get! You gotta be at least kinda horny! Trixie would be dying by now, if she spent all night in some stupid basement!"
>"The Princess gave me strict orders to keep the prisoner isolated. And why are you even here? Isn't there somewhere else for you to cause trouble?"
"Of course there is. But Trixie's pretty interested in this prisoner you've got."
>"I bet you are. But Princess Luna hasn't authorized you to see her. So, you aren't going to."
"Aww, please?"
>"No."
"Please?"
>"No."
"Pleeeeeease?"
>"No. Now, I have to insist that you leave."
>Tempest places a shadow-claw against your chest and pushes you out of the doorway
"When did you become all no-fun-allowed, Fizzy?"
>Tempest's eyes burn
>"You know exactly when. When *she* showed me I could be something more than a monster."
"She? Who's she?" you ask, trying to look innocent
>Tempest's face twists in fury
>"Don't you dare."
"You couldn't mean... *her*, could you?"
>With a thought, you conjure the image of a young, slender girl: nerdy, with thick-rimmed glasses and purple hair tied up in a messy bun
>It's not much of a disguise, just an illusion you overlay over your own body
"Tempest-sama? It's me, Twilight! I miss you so much, uwu~"
>Only a fool would fall for it, and Tempest is no fool
>She's so angry as to be beyond words
>"You dare to mock her?"
>You can see the shadows in the doorway lengthening, pooling around the sheriff's feet
>A blast of frigid wind hits your back
"If you love me, you should let Trixie-chan into your-- gurk!"
>Tempest's claw reaches out and clamps around your neck
>It's not enough to kill a vampire, but it stops you from speaking
>"Not. Another. Word. Twilight saved me. She was pure, something a vagabond cretin like you could never understand."
>You alter the Twilight-image surrounding you slightly, making her look sad and hurt
>Tempest's face goes blank with horror
"Tempest-senpai! You w-would never hurt me, would you?"
>"T-Twi..."
>She hesitates just long enough for you to wriggle free of her grasp and dart away
>"Hey!"
>You try to book it towards the safety of the open night, but Tempest's shadow-claw lunges out and grabs you
>"Get back here! I'll make sure you suffer for this!"
>With a terrifying strength, she drags you inside the house and throws you over her own head, tossing you into the Princess's foyer
>You land on top of an antique coffee table with a loud crunch, and the table explodes into splinters beneath you
>The Twilight image shatters as well, drifting off into disparate particles of light
>You sit up just as Tempest lunges for you
>Her eyes are pitch-black now, and the shadows writhe furiously beneath her
"Oho! A challenger for Trixie!"
>Celerity slows Tempest's furious charge down just enough for you to draw your sword and enter your favorite kendo-inspired fighting stance
"Trixie will cut you to pieces! Ora ora ora!"
>You lunge for Tempest, infusing the vitae you stole from Coco into your own body
>It floods you with ecstasy-inducing power, and your Celerity bends time comfortably around you, letting you land blow after blow on Tempest's body
>They carve deep into her armor and cut clean grooves in her flesh
"Baka yarou! You're too slow to match Trixie in combat!"
>She swings her claws at you, but you duck away from them, watching Tempest move as if she were caught in slow motion
>It's almost too easy!
>And it would be, if it weren't for Tempest's own abilities
>At her command, the very shadows beneath your feet rise up, and a tendrils of liquid darkness curls around your ankle
"Wait, wait! Trixie didn't know you could do this! You forgot to explain your powers at the start of the fiiiiiiiiiight!"
>She throws you aside, where you smash into the wall
>Then another tendril picks you up and slams you against the floor
>Several dull cracks sound within your body as a few of your bones break
"Is that all you've got? Trixie could do this all day!"
>You use some of your blood to snap your bones back into place...
>Only to have Tempest, who's now snarling with rage, throw you further into the Princess's house
>You land on a flight of stone stairs and bounce painfully down to the bottom
>By the time you hit the basement floor, you're a ragdoll of broken bones
>Tempest appears at the top of the stairs
>Tentacles of darkness writhe around her in a twisting mantle, and she takes the stairs slowly
>Her eyes are pitch-black pits now, and the very air grows freezing cold as she approaches
>Slowly, you infuse more of your blood into your body, first stitching the bones of your legs back together, then repairing your arms
>By the time you're nearly able to move again, Tempest is almost upon you
>Her fangs are bared, and her claws itching to rip you to pieces
>As soon as your legs are functioning again, you use your celerity to jump up and dart towards the other side of the basement
>You duck behind a stone table, on top of which a kindred lies spreadeagled
>Her arms and legs are secured with leather straps, and a stake has been driven through her chest
>It's not hard to figure out this is who you're after
>So, now for the hard question: do you remain honorable and fulfill your mission, or completely rat out the spooky lady who gave you this job and save your own hide?
"Wait, Trixie can tell you everything!"
>Easy choice to make, really
>Tempest reaches the bottom of the stairs, her menacing stride not letting up as she stalks towards you
>Her boots thud dully on the floor, and the sound makes it seem almost as if your own now-dead heart were beating in your ears
>"Tell me what? You barged in here, hit me with that piece of junk--"
"Hey! It's authentic! The sketchy Chinatown dealer promised!"
>"And you impersonated Twilight Sparkle! How dare you!? I have no interest in anything that Ravnos scum like you has to say!"
"But it's important! Trixie was told to come here!"
>"By whom? Since when do you have any loyalty?"
"Since never! But they promised Trixie... uh... well, they were actually kinda vague on that. But Trixie thinks they seemed trustworthy."
>"You absolute fool. Who was stupid enough to put their trust in you?"
"Suri! Her name was Suri! She was interested in this Star Light, whoever she is."
>"Hmph."
>Tempest stops right as she reaches the table
>The roiling shadows around her settle slightly, but they don't calm down; they're like angry animals, waiting and biding their time
>The battle-scarred sheriff is only a few feet from you now
>"So, the Settites are looking to reclaim one of their own. Could you find this Suri again?"
"Probably. Trixie remembers faces real well! And she's definitely gonna be looking for her cute assistant..."
>"Stop drooling and pay attention!"
"Huh? Oh, sorry."
>You wipe your mouth, and Tempest begins to pace towards you
>You circle around the table away from her, keeping your distance
>"So they're getting desperate, sending a Ravnos they hardly know to do their dirty work. Unless you were merely a distraction."
"Trixie's been told she can be quite distracting~~"
>You try the "make your tits pop out of your dress" trick again, but Tempest doesn't even glance in your mammaries' general direction
>Or maybe she does, it's hard to tell with the inkwell eyes she still has going on
>Either way, it's starting to look like you're not going to get out of this easily
>"And now I've trapped their precious mercenary."
"Well, Trixie wouldn't say she's *trapped*, per se."
>A shadow-tentacle rises from the ground and coils around your leg
"But, Trixie would definitely be willing to make a deal to assure she doesn't become trapped! You know, Trixie really does like being on Luna's side a lot more than, uh, whoever these guys are."
>"Don't try to lie your way out of this one. You haven't been on our side since day one."
"Trixie resents that. She at least comes to your club meetings."
>"Unfortunately. But, if you want out of here alive, you're going to have to offer a little more than that."
>You try to pull out of the tentacle, but it has a hellishly strong grip on you
>Tempest steps up to you and leans in close, close enough that her nose is nearly touching yours
>You can see every detail of the scars that cross her face; wounds from life that not even undeath can heal
"Like... some really great head? Because Trixie can definitely--"
>"A blood bond. Offer your loyalty to the Princess, and to me. Then maybe we'll get some use out of your sorry hide."
"Oho! So, you're more interested in Trixie than you were letting on, uwu~"
>The shadow-tentacle holding your leg curls up farther along your body, squeezing you until your bones are nearly ready to shatter
>"Hardly."
>"Then maybe you're more interested in... her?"
>For a second, you let the image of Twilight's face fall over your own
>Tempest grits her teeth, and a second tentacle wraps around your throat, clenching it tightly
>You, of course, haven't needed to breath in decades, but you're still pretty sure this thing could pull your head off if Tempest was really trying
>Now that you think of it, that kind of turns you on...
>"If you do that again, I won't hesitate to stake you down and leave you to shrivel and die in the sun."
"Noted..."
>It's getting hard to force enough air through your throat to speak, but the smug Trixie-brand smile never leaves your face
"But Trixie thought... maybe... getting to see Twilight again... even if it's just an image... wouldn't be too bad... would it?"
>Tempest, for a moment, looks taken aback
>The steely look in her eyes melts into one of nervous desire, and she even takes a step back from you
>"What are you trying to say?"
"Trixie does a... very good... Twilight impression."
>"I'm not interested in a fake."
>Even as she says that, the tendrils loosen slightly
"Trixie is quite an esteemed actress. You should ask her underground luchador club."
>"I have no interest in your acting. But you could, potentially, help me see her again?"
"Of course Trixie could!"
>"I see."
>Tempest falls silent for a moment
>"I'll allow you to bond to me, then. And I'll forgive this offense, though truly, you deserve final death for such treachery."
"If Trixie had an Imported Limited-Run Dante from the Devil May Cry series statue for every time she heard that..."
>The tentacles release you, and you sink to your knees
>Tempest raises her foot and brings it down between your legs
"Hoho, this might be more fun than Trixie thought."
>"Silence. This is a sacred bond."
>She takes your chin in her hand, tilting your face up so that you're looking into her cold, hard eyes
>"Do you swear loyalty to the Princess, her domains, and the laws of the Camarilla?"
"Trixie supposes."
>Tempest's shadow fingers close tighter around your jaw
>The longer they hold you, the colder they feel, even to your dead flesh
>"I need a stronger answer."
"Hai."
>"Will you obey me without regard for yourself, and follow my commands even unto final death?"
"Wakarimashita."
>"And will you swear to reunite me with Twilight Sparkle, regardless of the cost?"
"Uh, wait, Trixie doesn't think that's a normal part of the--"
>Tempest's eyes burn into you, and her voice rings with a commanding presence that isn't supernatural at all
"Trixie swears!"
>"Good. Now..."
>She raises her hand to cup your cheek
>"I'll permit you to drink from me."
"Yes, master."
>Just saying those words makes you shiver
>Defeated in single combat, and now enslaved to a badass and definitely repressed creature of the night?
>This is just like in your questionable Chinese erotic drawings!
>Still on your knees, you bend low and press your lips to Tempest's boot, kissing the hardened mesh that protects her feet
"Fufu, Trixie thinks she could get used to this~"
>"You learn your place quickly, I can give you that much."
"Trixie is a very, very fast learner."
>You meet Tempest's eyes and wrap your hands around her boot, fidgeting with the buckles that hold it strapped around her shin
>She raises an inquisitive eyebrow, but allows you to unstrap the boot, then slowly raises her foot from within it
>You take her foot in your hands, finding it surprisingly soft despite Tempest's otherwise rough appearance
>The hint of a triumphant smile plays on Tempest's face as you bring her foot to your mouth, gently kissing her big toe
"How do you want Trixie to taste you, Tempest-sama?"
>"Don't start calling me that. Here."
>Tempest pinches her own lip with one of her fangs, and blood wells on it
>Then she slips her foot from your hands, and kneels down in front of you
>Even kneeling, she's still nearly a head taller than you are
>She takes your face in her claws, her voice dropping to a silent whisper with the texture of steel thread
>"Let me see her face again."
"Can do~"
>You call up Twilight's own visage as an illusory mask over yours
>"I'm coming for you," Tempest whispers
>And then she kisses you
>You feel the kiss first-- it's hard, forceful, but not ungentle --and then you feel the Kiss
>Tempest passes you only the smallest sip of her essence, but her power courses through you in an orgasmic rush
"Aha..." you gasp into Tempest's mouth
>She lets out only the smallest grunt of pleasure 
>Tempest pulls back, a line of blood and saliva connecting your mouth to hers
>She runs her hand along your cheek, seeing Twilight's instead, but feeling neither of them beneath her ethereal fingers
>Tears are welling in the corners of her eyes, but she fights them back
>A powerful, overwhelming sense of affection for her wells up within you
>She's so strong, yet so sad, like all of your favorite angsty heroes!
>You let the Twilight image fade from your face, still in a haze from the Kiss, hoping she'll now kiss only you
>But the ecstasy quickly fades from Tempest's face
>She tands back up and begins strapping her missing boot back on
"Wait! Master, perhaps you could give Trixie a little more? You've left her still so, so thirsty..."
>You put out your tongue for a little emphasis
>"You'll receive your second taste soon. For now, daylight will be coming soon. I suggest you return to whatever filthy hovel your kind sleeps in.
"Trixie doesn't get to sleep with master!?"
>You get back to your feet as well, letting her see just how disappointed you are
"Trixie will be so lonely~"
>"Well, you won't be for long. I want you to return at nightfall tomorrow. We have work to do. The time is coming to interrogate our prisoner."
"Oho! Trixie is looking forward to this. She can't wait to see Tempest-sama in action again. Maybe she should try and find a maid outfit, hmm..."
>"I told you not to call me that."
>And with that, strides off to her room, leaving you to meander around and wonder what sort of trouble you'll get yourself into next


*[Returning to Diamond's POV]*

>You wake up alone, finding that you're still in your mom's bed
>She must have gone off, so you rise and dress yourself in a robe and slippers, then head out into the hallway
>Concentrating, you can just barely hear the sound of her voice coming from somewhere on the first floor, so you creep towards the sound until you find yourself standing at the entrance to the main dining room
>You press your ear against the wall
>"...think it's best to bring her to you as soon as possible. I'm quite sure she's ready. Yes, I'm sure she'll be upset. But I think it's best we tell her. Otherwise she'll-- yes, I understand. Of course. Listen, she's my daughter, I think she deserves to know. She won't be as easily manipulated as you think."
>A long silence falls, and you can hear your mom drumming her fingers on the table
>"Yes. Understood, my lady."
>As soon as the conversation is over, you push the door in
"Who were you talking to?"
>Your mom, sitting alone at the far end of the table, glances up in shock
>"Diamond! I thought you were still asleep!"
"I was. Who was that?"
>Your mom quickly stashes the phone out of sight
>"It was--"
"Don't you dare lie to me again."
>She bites her lip, glancing away
>"It was our Primogen. The leader of Canterlot's Ventrue."
"Who is she?"
>"Her name is Sugarcoat. She's... she's my own sire, the vampire who created me."
"And so you're loyal to her."
>"I have no choice but to be."
"And she knows about me? About what I am, about how you *made* me?"
>Spoiled rests her head on her hand, staring morosely at your reflection in the glossy table
>"Diamond, you're asking questions you don't want to know the answers to. This world won't become easier for you just because you're seeing the strings as they're being pulled."
"Why won't you just give me a simple answer for once?"
>"Because there are no simple answers."
"Am I just your playing piece, then?"
>"You are."
>You clench your fists at your side, almost ready to storm out of the room
>"Just as I am Sugarcoat's, and we're all the Princess', and even she is like the pawn of something even more ancient and terrible than she is. Playing pieces are all we have."
>She reaches across the table to touch your hair, but you pull away
>"And you, to me, are the most valuable piece I could ask for. My precious little gem."
"Great. Really heartwarming."
>"It's not the way I want things to be, Diamond. I didn't ask for un-life."
"Neither did I, if you remember," you say, folding your arms over your chest
>Your mom winces
>"I did what I had to. I have a plan for you, Diamond. A plan to give you something more valuable than our family's entire fortune. Something I had robbed from me..."
"And just what is that?"
>Your mom finally manages to meet your eyes, and you see something somber and dark behind her stern, stuck-up gaze
>"Youth. A wonderful, endless youth, just for you to enjoy."
"I didn't ask for that either."
>"You don't know how much you'll miss it, once it's taken away."
"I don't want youth. I just want..."
"...friends. Real friends, not blood slaves."
>You think back to your night on the roof with Babs, and then your flurry of lies to escape from Scootaloo and Applebloom
>At the time, it made you feel powerful, seductive
>But afterwards, you returned home alone
>Like always
>Is this really something you can stomach for an eternity?
>You drop your eyes to your own hands, which seem pale and nearly ethereal in the dining lounge's flickering candlelight
>It's not hard to imagine your humanity as grains of sand, slipping easily through your delicate, posh little fingers
>Spoiled clearly doesn't know what to say
>She looks around the room, focusing first on Randolph, as if she could order him to somehow fix everything
>Finally, though, she realizes she'll have to speak to you herself
>Spoiled leans over the table and places her hand on your shoulder
>"Friends aren't a part of our world, Diamond. Only allies."
"Then you brought me into a really rotten world."
>"Maybe it is rotten. But it's real. I've opened your eyes to your real potential. Aren't you at least a little grateful?"
"Hmph."
>"You have the potential to be a truly powerful member of our kind, sweetie. Friends are wonderful, but there's something more than that."
"And what about you?"
>"What do you mean?"
"If I can't have friends, can't I at least have family?"
>"Of course you have family. You have me. And your father, I suppose," she adds as an afterthought
"I don't want a mom who uses me as a playing piece. I want a mother who loves me. Why is that so hard?"
>You stamp your foot, and it echoes impressively on the polished tile floor
>Spoiled winces and withdraws her hand
>"You're acting extremely ungrateful."
"How am I ungrateful? I just want to finally have someone... to have someone actually care about me!"
>"I care about you! I've done so much for you! I've risked me position in the Camarilla and possibly my own existence just to give you this."
"But you never asked if I wanted it!"
>Both of you are raising your voices now, and the air flickers with the intensity of two vampiric Presences waiting to be unleashed
"You just turned me into this... this thing! And now I have to live in your horrible, sad little world. And you still don't even care about me. You don't even pretend that you love me..."
>The fight fades from you as quickly as it flared up
>You collapse into your chair, feeling less like an undead and more like a wretched, miserable girl
>Spoiled closes her eyes and holds her hand against her mouth, fuming
>"I did what I thought was right for you. I won't apologize for that."
>You don't answer, you just fold your arms over your chest and slump lower in your seat
>"I don't expect you to understand. There was no other way to... to let you be made. I don't expect you to understand. But I do love you."
>You are doing your best to look anywhere but at your mom
>"And I think it's time I took you to Sugarcoat. She'd be better to answer your questions than I would. Come along, let's just forget this little spat ever happened."