Hello dear readers here Halsenbert once again with a new chapter of Moonbeam.

I hope you enjoy it… and without further ado… LETS BEGIN!

Author's note:MLP does not belong to me, as does its characters, the characters and OC's of this story belong to their respective authors, this story was made not for profit and with the sole purpose of entertaining.

Read and review.

Moonbeam

Chapter 19 –The forgotten ones.

The night had fallen on Canterlot, the ponies were preparing to go to sleep peacefully in the comfort of their beds. The snow falling from the sky completely covered the streets and maintained a rather cold atmosphere outside.

In the center of the city, there was a large manor in which you could observe the light of a window still on.

PLOP

-AUCH!- groaned a snow-white coated stallion with gold blonde mane -You didn't have to hit me with the drumstick!-

The mare on the other side of the room levitate back the drumstick she had threw before, once she got it back she resumed her melody by enthusiastically hitting the drums and cymbals.

-For Celestia's sake, I can't concentrate with that much noise!- reproached the stallion.

-You know, sir, I think that's her way of telling you that you're doing a terrible job with the cost sharing reduction- an earth pony remarked entering Blueblood's office while carrying two cups of tea that were already served.

-Listen to me Cent, if it's someone's fault… I have to reiterate that it's yours for teaching her how to play that hellish instrument, you know I hate it-

-Actually, she seemed to know that fact very well, because she chose it precisely to bring it to your office-

-Well that doesn't help me, does it? And since I haven't told her about my private life, the only one left that could have spill the beans is you Cent-

The drum roll and high-speed pounding of the drums forced the Lord to block his hears with his white hooves in a rather futile attempt to prevent the sound from drill down his head. On the other hoof, the butler remained motionless watching the mare who continued to play enthusiastically at a frantic pace.

-All right, All right. THAT'S ENOUGH!. Just tell me what the hell you don't think is correct so I can fix it.

The mare ended up banging on the cymbals and sketching a white smile that didn't go unnoticed by the butler… being honest it was hard not to do it when the mare had a couple of fangs shining at him.

Vinyl approached Blueblood's desk by taking a pen with her magic and making several notes on the parchment.

The blond stallion looked at the scrolls for a moment, redistributing his resources in that way, would directly affect his budget for a while, but if the charity project succeeded, Blueblood would be able to attract the attention not only of the princesses, but of other noble families too, especially the ones from Manehattan. If the mare's plan was correct, the lack of resources in that area could give him the power to become an important partner as a supplier of goods and of course it will also improve him as a business partner. He just had to make some minor changes and the distribution of his resources will be in no danger.

Despite being a plan formulated without any apparent business knowledge the mare predicted pretty well where to direct the attention of the stallion. The problem now lay in just one question. Why did Red Wine expect him to start the investments? While Red had made it clear that he would support him, he found it strange that the prominent Lord was not interested in achieving fame… Red's interests were apparently completely different and although Blueblood could not yet decipher the high class Lord's game, it was obvious that Red planned to get some benefit in some way.

-It doesn't seem like a bad idea my lord, but I think that to be able to invest in the development of Manehattan, you require an additional partner or else you will risk falling in bankruptcy. Besides, the only families who would dare make such a risky move in our current situation would be the Platinum and the Pants family- the old butler pointed out.

-If the three of us come together we could invest our money safely and speed up Manehattan's business growth- the lord said still in deep thoughts -The problem is that none of them have enough influence in that area, it will be a hard work to convince them to make such an investment-.

A quote levitated in front of the Lord stopping on the town hall that could be seen on a map located next to the pile of scrolls on the Lord's desk. The town hall drawn there was adorned with a perfectly "W" over the entrance of the porch.

-That's right! I remember the Wine family was helping with the construction of the first buildings in Manehattan, although after the war started it seems that Red stopped sending materials to that region. Lord Red could give me the support to start the construction of those business there, he had a lot of influence in that region- The butler exclaimed as he ofered one cup of tea to the electric blue mane mare -I heard Lord Red Wine and Lord Luxury Pants will show up at the castle tonight. It seems Lady Marvel will also be present, if you rushed my lord you could still catch up with them and talk to them about this- Cent commented as he gives the Lord the other cup of tea.

-Damn it Cent, that kind of information is the first thing you should tell me- said the blonde mane stallion, taking the scrolls with his magic and rushing out of the room.

Vinyl decided to drink some tea. The taste was sweet but barely enough for it to be perceived without overshadowing the taste of the herbs. She took off her gaze from tea in order to look at the butler's eyes.

Without letting go of her telekinetic grip from the cup of tea offered by the butler, the mare advanced to the old stallion until he was within inches away from her. Then in a fast and fluid movement the electric blue mane mare kiss Cent on his cheek before turning away and giving a kind smile to the old thin butler.

-I'm glad it was of your liking Miss Vinyl- the butler said, smiling this the mare left the room trotting rhythmically to follow the lord.

Standing on the outside of the fence at the main entrance of the manor you could see the figure of a small earth pony with silver mane and tail and a dark brown fur color. The colt was covered with an old gnawed sweater, which had a strong smell hard to ignore. The colt had several scratches on his little body and its limbs felt as if they were about to break because of the extreme cold. The snow's layer covering the streets did not help him in the least because the height of it made it even more difficult for him to walk through it.

The metal door suddenly opened up by a yellow aura hitting the colt right on the snout and causing the door to bounce equally on Blueblood's face, who had lost his balance and had ended up stumbling upon his own hooves before finally landed face first on the cold colt stood up after the lord did it, the little one felt dizzy and disoriented when the shadow of the lord covered him completely.

-How dare you obstruct a lord your little one...! - looking at the ragged foal he quickly took a couple of steps back as if the little one was infected or something like that.

-I'm sorry- replied the frightened foal crouching as much as he could.

-For Celestia, go somewhere else and take your dirt with you- the stallion said, shaking his hooves while keeping a safe distance from the little colt.

Before the little one could make his own hooves to obey the command a bowling ball-sized snowball hit the lord, knocking him down again on the cold surface.

This time the pony that appeared in front of the colt was a snow-white mare with a rather wild electric blue mane, who wore only a pair of dark glasses while levitating a cup of tea towards the young kid.

The colt looked hesitantly at the liquid offered to him with such kindness before his own thirst and his urge to drink something that might warm him up a little ended up forcing him to drink the content in one take.

-Damn, the fact that you're living in my house at Lord Red's request doesn't entitle you to treat me that way- snorted the blonde mane stallion from the floor.

He just needs to look up to realize his mistake. The mare looked at him from above, just standing next to him, even covered by those dark crystals the Lord could notice the reddened glow that the eyes of the unicorn fired at the time.

-Lady Vinyl! you shouldn't go out without your coat on, you could catch a cold- screamed Cent from the door carrying a coat on his front sigh relieved that his butler ended up having the mare's attention.

The white unicorn mare lit her horn with a violet glow taking the colt and swapping him over the coat Cent carried on his helmet a second ago.

-You know we can't shelter a child from the street just because…- said the lord standing up as he shake off the snow from his coat before picking up the scrolls that had fallen to the ground after his stumbling.

Vinyl just gave him a look -If I'm doing charity work it's because Red asked me to, but I assure you it's not my intention to spend a single bit on that colt, not even a penny. If you want him to stay here, you'll pay for all he needs with your own money and another thing… I will allow this only until the end of winter, then he'll have to go-The mare simply nodded as she put on another coat she already took from some place inside the manor.

-I'm glad it's clear. Cent!- said the blond unicorn with authority.

-Yes my lord?- replied the butler still carrying the colt in his hooves.

-Make sure you give him a bath first- the Lord said -I hope when I come back, he won't smell bad- added the stallion, resuming his path.

Noticing the mare looking at the small foal, the gray coated butler added.

-Don't worry, I will take good care of him, after all I had raised my own children when they were little. Now they live far from here, of course, but we made sure to see each other at every Heart's Warming Eve- Cent replied reassuring that to the white fur musician. Vinyl nodded before setting out to follow the lord.

The butler waited until they were both out of his sight to proceed to close the gate and return to the interior of the manor.

-Well little one you heard it, I'll give you a bath and then I'll pour you some dinner- he said.

The torches of the imposing castle shone in the dark with a warm luminous tone. Through the large windows of the long corridors of the castle any pony could see the beautiful night sky in all its splendor.

The main hallway however was adorned by a pair of quite recent stained glass. In one, it could be clearly observed the two sisters using the elements of harmony against the god of chaos, locking him in his current stone prison. On the opposite side any pony could see a stained glass window containing the now extinct Crystal Empire, however, unlike the first stained glass window this was been dismantling by a pair of ponies who were currently removing the pieces to place them on a cargo cart taking care not to break the colorful crystals.

Three elegantly dressed ponies advanced along the long corridor, one of them had a red fur and black mane, the stallion was wearing fine clothes and a coat in a thick end that certainly also looked extremely warm.

The second stallion was wearing a black top hat and a monocle placed in front of one of his blue eyes, the second lord wore a black matching coat and tuxedo, his fur was as white as the snow surrounding the outside of the castle and his royal blue-colored mane gave him an impressive fancy aura.

In the middle of the two stallions was a beautiful young mare, her white fur and purple mane looked so perfect that it was hard to imagine that she was not a pony doll. Her beautiful violet eyes matched perfectly with the dress she was wearing that night.

The three unicorns advanced to the huge doors of the throne room where two ponies with metallic blue fur and amber eyes awaited them, the guards were dressed in their black armor on theirs's armor's chests was engraved the emblem of the princess of the night.

The immutable gaze of the night guards made the mare felt really nervous, who did her best not to look at them eye to eye.

-Good night gentlemen, Would you be so kind in announcing the princess that Lord Luxury Pants, Lady Marvel and Lord Red Wine have arrived, please?- Red said.

-Of course my lord, wait a moment- replied Alcor entering the throne room and closing the door behind him.

-My Celestia, princess Luna's guards are intimidating- whisper the mare to the top hat stallion, gaining a chuckle from Luxury.

-I hear they come from a special breed of ponies, although it's the first time I've seen them- replied the stallion with a charming voice.

-Princess Luna is waiting for you- said Alcor coming out the throne room. He stepped aside to allow them to enter the room. Merak just imitated his brother.

The three unicorns crossed the threshold, once inside the throne room they clearly hear the gates been closed once again behind them. The throne room was imposing and really spacious, the windows that adorned it were much larger than those seen in the hallway, the salmon-colored walls now obscured by the scarcity of day light were adorned by huge pillars that were placed all over the throne room on which you could see bouquets of lavender flowers adorning them.

At the end of the hallway was the throne of Canterlot, at the foot of the throne was another of the night guards, who carried his helmet under one of his wings. His long mane formed a pair of tips in his back and his physiognomy made him look thin despite having very well-toned muscles.

Sitting on the throne was the deity of the night. Her mane and tail waved gracefully as if some kind of invisible wind force was moving it all the time. Her perfect posture and her cold, calculating gaze remained focused on the newcomers.

-Your Majesty, I hope we haven't made you wait too long- the black mane stallion took the initiative to speak first.

-Don't worry Lord Red- spoke the indigo alicorn -My dear sister mentioned that you have a request for us- the princess said bluntly.

-Yes, your majesty. We have requested this meeting to be able to deal with some issues relating to the current situation of the kingdom- spoke Luxury Pants by removing his hat to make a small bow -The total war damage has not yet been able to be accurately calculated, but it is important to let you know that the northern colonies are the most affected ones-

-We are aware of the damage those lands suffered. When we came back from the battlefield, we had been able to appreciate the state of the northern towns and villages- the princess said, remaining in her seat -We are also aware of the looting and the constant attacks that Manehattan, Fillydelphia and Appeloosa have suffered because of the neighboring kingdoms. However, we hope that you have not requested this meeting just to tell us about what we all already know. I sincerely hope you better have some ideas to analyze them together and see if some of them can be done to improve the situation of the kingdom- added the princess who had finished writing something on a scroll, she later put it at her left side.

-The situation is complicated, your majesty- spoke the mare taking a couple of steps forward -Many of the noble houses are extremely displeased with the situation… We understand that due to the events of recent months the situation turned from bad to worse, but you must understand that the new laws that prevent nobles from collecting taxes in addition to the ones that have abolished the purchase of work strength and sports hunting has begun to affect the life style of many of the noble houses- Explained the young mare.

The deity of the night stood on her four, her gaze completely centered on the mare who, feeling the threat, quickly took a couple of steps back.

-Certainly you are not talking about those laws that prevent slavery, pony trafficking and the "sport activity" as you called, to the action of hunt and kill other ponies and creatures… will you Lady Marvel?-

-Don't get me wrong, Your Majesty...-

-Because I must point out that I completely agree with Celestia… those practices must disappear completely- added the deity of the night taking a couple of steps forward.

-And I agree with you Majesty, but...-

-But what... Lady Marvel?- replied the princess in a distinctly annoying tone, which caused the mare to gulp. The other stallions noticed the way the deity of the night was looking at the mare who was now crouched on the ground under the princess' gaze.

-What Lady Marvel is trying to say is that, although we share your ideals, just as we have with the Platinum family's ideals to improve the relationship between unicorns, pegasai and earth ponies. There are many noble houses whose main sources of income came from those practices, practices that have been carried out for generations entirely and since long before the first heart's warming eve- Luxury Pants intervened trying to lessen some tension.

-Another reason why it is no wonder that the earth was ravaged by the power of the Windigos back then- replied the monarch by turning her gaze to the stallion with the top hat.

-I know that it is not to your liking princess, and I regret if we have offended you in any way, but if we want the noble families of the border of Equestria to change their minds we will have to do something better than harass them and place a sword's edge on their throats every time a soldier discovers them performing those practices. We need a much more stable and permanent solution your majesty- replied Luxury.

"I agree with him. Rather than threaten them we should just execute them, it would be much simpler… fewer mouths to feed and we could distribute their goods with the rest of the kingdom, that would also help reduce poverty" said the voice inside her head, although this time Luna had to accept that it might as well have been her own thinking and not Nightmare's.

-I think I have a solution that might be useful to all of us princess- Red said calmly -Lord Blueblood and I have been talking about it for a while, and I sincerely think his idea could be very useful-

-We are listening- said the indigo alicorn, to Marvel's relief, Luna was on her way back to the throne.

-The young leader of the Blueblood family has told me about his interest in investing with the noble families of Manehattan to develop new markets and businesses- Noticing that the princess was interested, Red continued.

-If we develop new markets in which noble houses on the edge lands can focus, we could deflect their frustrations and lead them in order to generate a new trade that will allow the kingdom's economy get back on track-

-That would be a good solution, although many of the leaders of the families will oppose it. They are more suspicious than the nobles living in the capital. They will almost never accept a deal like that from the Blueblood's family, since they are a very recent noble house-

-Marvel is right even with a noble family as the Wine's supporting the project, I doubt that the nobles of the edge land will accept it- Luxury added.

-What about the rest? Is it possible that the noble houses of Canterlot can come together to carry out this project?- asked the deity with a much more serene look, her tone much more friendly.

-If the princesses give their approval, I doubt that the houses of the capital will oppose and would even give greater solidity to the idea of Blueblood. With the noble houses of the capital supporting him, none of the other Equestria's noble families would see his heritage at risk- Red added placing a hoof on his chin.

-We will speak with Celestia to notify her of Blueblood's project. As soon as we have a response, we will let you know- added the deity of the night.

-Of course, your Majesty- the three unicorns responded simultaneously.

-If you don't have anything else to add… then you are dismissed- added the princess moving her hoof.

-Well I'd like to talk to you a little bit about the Heart's Warming Eve party that will take place in the castle- I've been working on some details and I'd like to be able to share them with you princess- Said Lady Marvel taking several scrolls out of her mare's purse.

-Unfortunately, I must withdraw your Majesty… I will be waiting for your answer- Red excused himself before turn around and leave the throne room.

As soon as Red left the Castle he was intercepted by an exhausted blonde mane unicorn who was accompanied by a crazy electric-colored mane mare who carried a pair of dark glasses on her snout's bridge.

-Oh my dear Blueblood I can see that my assistant is treating you with some rudeness- the lord mocks looking at the huge protuberance on the forehead of the stallion.

-Oh this!? I did it to myself with the fence- replied the blond stallion -But that's not the important thing here Lord Red...-

-Yes, I can see that…- the lord added looking at the mare that was accompanying the other Lord.

Vinyl had always despised the dirty and lascivious look on Red's eyes whenever the lord looks at her, fortunately for the musician her particular state prevented the Lord from forcing over her the same control the firstborn child of the Wine family can force over all the other mares in his harem.

Vinyl had already read lots of the books that Red kept at his Manor. Her researching gives her some knowledge that only the tow brothers, Red and Pink, already knew about the clan's tradition and rituals. Vinyl had discovered an old book in The Private Library of Red, which explained the four blood vampire's rituals.

The first ritual was known as "ABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE BOND". It seemed that a vampire could easily compel a certain level of control over the will of those with whom the vampire combined his blood. It wasn't really difficult; All she needs to do was open a wound on the victim's flesh and then pour some blood on it. For some weird reason it did not seem to work on her when the lord tried to use the ritual to make her do his will.

The second ritual was known as the "SUPREMACY BOND" which indicated that if a mortal pony drinks the blood of a vampire, it gives the recipient a force, speed and ability to heal superior to those of an ordinary pony. That state will only work until the ingested blood is fully digested by the receptor's organism. Although so far Vinyl had had no interest in trying that ritual with any pony, so she did not really know how the ritual could affect the behavior of the receptor.

The third ritual of which Vinyl became aware was called "THE DARK GIFT BOND" which explained that to turn a mortal into a vampire it was necessary for the vampire to inject some poison holder on theirs fangs into the victims body, more efficiently by biting the victim's neck. Most vampires had the ability to control the release of that venom, the same way a viper can hold it, but once that the mortal was poisoned with it, the vampire had to subsequently give some of his blood to the victim before the venom killed the mortal creature. If the victim survived, he would become a vampire too and his strength will be just a bit inferior of his master's.

However, there was also an extremely important and dangerous ritual that Vinyl would never forget, one that could mean her own end. It was a ritual known as "BLOOD BOND" which consisted of pouring the blood of a living mortal directly into an exposed wound of the vampire, in doing so the vampire lost his ability to secrete the deadly venom from his fangs making him completely dependent on the mortal with whom he had shared his blood, which linked the vampire to a single prey for life. This also means that once the mortal dies the vampire would perish too.

To be honest, Vinyl didn't see any sense for a ritual like that and frankly the musician had no plans to use it in her whole no-life. After all, she had already experienced a first death, so Vinyl had no intention to experience a second one.

-Listen to Me Red the plan you have for the investment project will not work without the support of the other noble families...- said the blonde unicorn showing Red the scrolls scribbled by Vinlyl.

-Oh you don't have to distress, your investment project going headwind to stern. I can assure you I've already shared your idea to the princess and I doubt that she misses this opportunity, so… all you have to do is wait for her to request for your presence, Celestia will certainly give you the good news very soon- Blueblood was stunned by the stallion's comment.

-But-But I thought that you-

-Oh no. You don't have to thank me for anything Blueblood- Red said, putting a hoof on the blonde's shoulder -I did it gladly… After all, I have high expectations from you- added Red, removing his hoof and proceeds to retreat from the palace.

-But I thought...-

-Oh by the way- the Lord interrupted him -Be sure to take my dear Vinyl with you when the princess calls you, it will be of great help to you her presence- he said as he passed a hoof over the cheek of the young mare, who was uncomfortable by the contact and immediately departed. Earning a smile from the lord.

While it was true that the mare was rebellious and unwilling when it came to intimacy, the truth was that Red got excited quite a bit every time the young mare refuses to do his will. Vinyl being the only one of his concubines, as he liked to call them, in resisting his charms and methods was also the only one who really offers him a challenge.

-I love that you play difficult, even knowing that you owe me your life- the stallion said -I will look forward to your report, my dear Vinyl- he added before boarding his carriage and taking the journey back to his manor.

The drowned sobbing of a filly woke her from her sleep. It wasn't a particularly good one anyways, but it was still much better than average, yet the small unicorn with clear brown fur opted for researching who of her roommates was so sad… Although she had a very good idea of who might be.

Cinnamon got up and climb down the stairs of her bed trying to make as little noise as possible to avoid waking up the other orphans.

Once out of bed she proceeded to leave the room, in which the rest of her friends slept as did her brother Chestnut.

The foal lit a light at the tip of her horn and proceeded to walk through the dark corridors of the orphanage following the sobbing that was heard more clearly now.

She went out into the back garden, being honest she was not surprised to see her friend there, her white fur glowing in the moonlight, that color make really easily for Cinnamon's best friend to be confused with the surrounding white snow, her pink mane and tail being her only distinctive color.

Cinnamon approached the other unicorn who was hugging a rabbit plushie as if the stuff animal would be able to comfort her somehow. Her crystal tears, however, keep falling like waterfalls on the snow.

-Fresh?-

Her friend's sudden voice made Freshmint hold back some tears.

-Oh Cinnamon I don't... I didn't want to wake you up... I thought if I stayed out I wouldn't bother any pony- she said sobbing.

-All you're going to get out here is a cold Fresh, come on, let's come inside. I'll make you some hot chocolate, I also know where grandma hides the cookie jar- Cinnamon added giving Freshmint a wink.

-But we can't use the stove, Grandma Sweet forbade us- replied the filly by wiping away some tears with her hoof.

-Maybe, but if I can make my friend happy it's worth the risk- the cinnamon fur color unicorn replied.

Freshmint followed her friend back to the orphanage down to the kitchen, Cinamon climbed on one of the benches and using her magic she took a jar full of chocolate bars and a second one filed with her own cookies. Cinnamon placed the chocolate bars in a bowl with some water and proceeded to light the flame of the burner. They started eating some of the cookies while waiting the bars to meltdown under the heat of the fire. Then the light brown coated unicorn took the container and poured the contents into two cups which she proceeded to place on the table. They both took a seat at the table on one side of the other.

-Well Fresh tell me, was it another nightmare?- asked the filly looking at her friend while sipping some of the hot chocolate.

-Yes- her friend replied timidly

Both remained silent for a moment until Freshmint was encouraged to continue.

-I know there's nothing to be afraid of anymore but I keep reliving the same moment over and over again, those crystal ponies entering our house and... And Dad... I... I try to help him b-but.. Mom takes me to that old closet and stands in front of the door so they won't find me, I can still hear her screams- she said as more tears came out of her clear blue eyes.

-I know this won't stop your nightmares, but next time, just shout my name and I'll make sure to keep those Sombra's soldiers away from you and your family- Cinnamon said, hugging her friend nuzzling her affectionately.

-But how are you going to do it?- asked the with unicorn.

-You don't have to worry about that, after all I can do anything in my dreams, I assure you that moving away those nightmares will be a piece of cake- assure her the brown unicorn as she stroked Fresh's mane with her tiny hoof.

-Oh Cinnamon! I wish I was as brave as you, you're not afraid of anything-

-Before passed away, mom taught me the best way to share your courage with someone you appreciate-

-Really? How can you share to me some of it? - asked the white filly looking at Cinnamon right in the eyes.

-The first thing is to drink a cup of hot chocolate- Cinnamon said, lighting her horn and bringing her cup closer to Freshmint.

Freshmint drank the contents of the cup as her friend's hooves hugged her protectively.

-And what's the second step?- asked Freshmint once her cup was empty.

-The next thing is to sleep in my mom's arms, but since she's gone… I'll take care of hugging you while you sleep, what do you say?- asked Cinnamon looking at her best friend with a friendly smile on her face.

-I think it sounds great- Fresh answered hugging her back.

A couple of hours later an old mare entered the room, seeing the two little ones asleep still hugging each other, one of them with swollen eyes due to the constant crying. The old mare took them in her hooves and proceeded to take them both to her own room.

-I wish I could do more for you little ones, but right now, all I can do is watch your sleep- said the old lady, tucking the two of them into the warm covers. She did make sure not to separate them from each other. After all, they only had themselves now -Thanks to Celestia that Blueblood decided to donate some of his money to our orphanage. At least with that we will be able to cook a dinner for the Heart's Warming Eve. I was afraid this year we could not have one- the old lady said stroking the two filly's manes.

Author's note:

I personally liked the end of this chapter. It introduced us some of the characters that will be in this story, hope you can figure out who they are, and you get an idea of the role they will have in our history. I did not know their official names, so I use some of my owns to name them.

The Heart's Warming Eve is approaching. And with it will come some important things … I hope, hahaha. Take care and remember to stay safe.

There is a fan fic called "Simply Rarity" written by Somber, which I suggest you review is very good and will help you understand why Lady Marvel is so similar to Rarity at least physically.

With out further a do... See you Next time... ALLOONSYY!

In memory of Victor Fidel Beloved grandfather and mentor.

March/1938 - October/2018

In memory of Carolina López Beloved aunt and life's example.

May/1947 - February/2020