Chapter Two
"Got her!" One of the Hunters yelled, as they came out of hiding. "Talk about luck, good thing Striker predicted she'd come back here, and mask our scent."
"I figured there was a reason she has stayed within this town for so long, this one is normally nomadic, and would come back to check on that reason." Hunter "Striker" said, before drawing a silver stake from his cloak. "Now, let us end this abomination's existence, and be done with it."
The moment they headed towards the unconscious Vinyl, the sun had finally set. When the darkness of night overtook the land, each Hunter became aware of the, countless, red eyes staring right at them from within Everfree Forest. Those numerous, unblinking, eyes unnerved the stalwart Hunters. Striker, believing it was some sort of illusion, took a single step forward. Within moments, the Vampire Hunters found themselves within a raging torrent of black ravens! The dark feathered birds creating a tornado of feathers around them.
"H-How is this even possible!? We were only told of one Vampire, and it was a Beta!" Striker yelled, trying to swat the large birds away from him. "These ravens belong to, at the very least, a powerful Alpha Level Vampire!"
The torrent ended, when a cloak was thrown out, causing the black feathered birds to suddenly disappear from sight. The Vampire Hunters started to recover, not believing that they had accidently pulled a rookie mistake of not checking the area themselves. Though, they became confused after noticing Vinyl was now missing. "W-What? Where did she go? That Vampire was out cold!" The youngest of their group, who had been the one to strike Vinyl, shouted.
Though, Striker had noticed that a member of their group was frozen, staring at something. "Dart? Everything alrigh-?" He then noticed the urine at Dart's feet, something just utterly terrified him! A Vampire Hunter terrified enough to wet himself!
"W-WE need to run, now!" Dart shouted.
"Why do we-?"
"Because of that!" He interrupted Striker, pointing towards the top of a nearby lamp post.
They all followed where he was pointing, seeing a figure standing on top of said lamp post, one foot on the light while the other crossed behind it. His clothing was that of a higher end noble's attire, giving a royal feeling, with its primary color being crimson and secondary being black. His black cloak, shoulders cued upward, covered most of his form, but they managed to see the shoulder length silver hair, snow white skin, and red eyes locked on to them. He wore a red mask over his half of his face, but they all knew a Vampire when they saw it. What was worse, this newcomer held Vinyl Scratch, bridal style, in his arms with a cane tucked between his left.
The mare's head rested against his broad chest, her injury had already somehow stopped bleeding. "Why should we run from this guy, Dart? We out number him, literally, nine to one."
"Cannon, you idiot, get a good look at this guy!" Dart shouted, terror within his eyes. "When we each joined the order, they told us about one Vampire we should never cross blades with." The Hunter's eyes examined the figure before him, his mind connecting each piece with the description. "Hair silver as the moon's light. Skin pale as the snow of winter. His eyes carry the sight of a killer, the truest of hunters. Clad in the clothing of crimson, the blood of his past victims, adorning the night's very darkness as his cloak. To know you stand before a Monster, even among other Vampires, is to realize that he is no pony… But a Child of the Forgotten Ones."
"My, my, one versed in forbidden knowledge. What has gotten into those two, just allowing such a thing to happen with the common folk." The figure taunted, his rather charming voice unnerving the Hunters.
"To better protect them, and Equestria, the Hunters dared to research what is forbidden!" Dar quickly looked back at his companions. "We need to leave, and get-!"
"Oh, that is not going to happen." His voice was much closer to Dart, and the Hunter could see the sheer terror in his comrades. Slowly, Dart turned around and came face to chest with a Vampire of Nightmares for Hunters. When he looked up, all Dart saw were Maximillian's pin point red irises looking down at him. "Because you are going to forget ever seeing me, or this little rose of a mare, and sleeeeeeeep."
The last word had been drawn out, Dart instantly realizing what it had been. "Quick, don't look into his-!" Too late, they were all taken by his spell, and fell to the ground… Each Hunter fast asleep.
Maximillian grinned behind his mask, before looking at the unconscious Vinyl. His keen eyes had already examined her injuries and the humanoid Vampire knew she was in critical condition. The fact she was so close to a vampire his level; her minor wounds had been healed. But there were major, internal, ones that require much more work to mend. With a deep sigh, he smiled down at her. "You shall owe me, greatly, little rose. I will have to travel a great deal, and deal with two angry daughters, for you."
The two suddenly vanished within a burst of raven feathers, leaving them behind like a calling card… Maximillian not even noticed a cream colored, pink haired, pegasus mare with a hoof over her muzzle. She could not believe what she had just been a witness to.
-Unknown. Three Days Later-
Vinyl's eyes slowly opened up, the mare regaining consciousness. But, when she fully did so, her head felt like somepony had just struck her in the head with a sledgehammer, she rather not admit as to how she knows what that feels like, it was a very bad day. Placing a hand on to her aching head, the mare leaned up in the bed she was in-wait… Bed?
The mare instantly looked down, noticing that she was sitting in a Canterlot Style bed, with electric blue sheets and comforter. Vinyl was still wearing her punk rocker outfit, the attire torn from the prior events. Her gaze went from the bed, to the high society styled room around her, noticing all the royal décor. The chairs and sofas looked rather comfortable, and soft, possibly made from fabric imported directly from Saddle Arabia. The transparent blue drapes, a silver light shining through, flowed with some sort of breeze. The room itself was lit by candle light, placed in certain areas of the room to help those inside see. This placed looked like the inside of a Princess' personal chamber!
The sound of a doorknob turning suddenly caught Vinyl's attention, her body tensing as she watched the door slowly open. Though, when a Canterlot Castle Maid walked in, carrying a smooth red silk dress, Vinyl relaxed. The unicorn mare's coat as a glistening yellow, her mane being a red wine color. The maid placed the dress on to a nearby chair, smiling. "There we go, washed, cleaned, pressed, and ready to go." Her emerald eyes went to Vinyl, the newcomer just now realizing that their guest was up. "Oh! You're finally awake!" She giggled, bowing a little from her waist. "Greetings, my lady, I am Harmony Bell and the maid assigned to assist you, during your stay here at Fremont Castle… His Majesty is waiting for you in his personal study, just down the hall.
Vinyl raised an eyebrow, somewhat confused by this. "Harmony Bell" and what she just said. "Fremont Castle? I have never heard of such a place."
"Oh, that is because this place is a closely guarded secret, my lady! Only the staff here, and their majesties, know of Castle Fremont's existence." Harmony Bell's tone was chipper and innocent, far too happy for Vinyl's tastes. She grabbed the silk dress, and gently placed it on to Vinyl's lap. "Now, let us save the questions for later, we cannot leave His Majesty waiting. I am very sure he is already aware of you being awake. Best get a shower and changed, I will take you to him once you are finished, my lady."
Hesitantly, Vinyl pulled the blankets back so that she could get up, but noticed that she was also sitting on a pile of dirt underneath it, shortly after. Carefully, she lowered a hand down, and scooped up a handful of the soil. It had a strange, soothing, effect on her, making the mare pull it closer to her muzzle. Taking a careful sniff, of the soil's scent, the mare's eyes went wide at the familiar smell. "T-This is… It c-can't be." Her mind screamed, her hands shaking. The mare needed answers, and there was currently only one way of her getting them.
When she stood up, looking around, Harmony Bell smiled and bowed again. "Your personal showers are behind the door, on your right, my lady. I will be right outside, while you get ready." With that, the maid left Vinyl alone.
After taking a hot shower, causing the protective ointment to wash off, the mare just stared at the red silk dress on her bed. Something really seemed off about this whole situation, and she really did not wish to indulge the Lord of Castle Fremont. However, she could not approach him in nothing but a bath towel, since it seems like Harmony Bell had come in, while she was taking a shower, and collected her torn clothes. So, if she wanted answers, Vinyl will have to play house guest, and approach the lord while wearing the dress given to her.
The mare released her towel, allowing it to fall down to the floor, exposing her naked, pure white coated, body. Carefully, Vinyl picked the dress up from her bed, noticing a matching pair of red silk panties within the dress' creases. "Well, at least I won't be fully naked under this dress." She muttered, placing the dress back on to the bed, and slipping the panties on, her electric blue tail slipping through an opening on the back. Once they were on, and were sitting just right, she slipped the tight fitting dress on… Noticing that there were no sleeves, a front and back V-Cut, and a slit exposing her right leg all the way up to mid-thigh.
When she looked into a nearby vanity mirror, Vinyl had to admit… She looked hot. This thought was increased, after she stepped out and noticed that Harmony Bell was blushing at how well the other mare wore the dress. "U-Um, f-follow me, my l-lady. His Majesty's personal study i-is this w-way." The maid headed towards the study, her blush remaining.
As the two walked, Vinyl noticed the countless suits of Sentinel Style black armor. They stood on guard, upon decorative stands, with halberds in hand and arming words at their hips. These suits of emotionless armor gave off the feeling that they were the castle guard. She also noticed another thing, the suits of armor weren't made for ponies, and something was watching them. Slowly, vinyl looked back and went wide eyed at what she saw.
The suits of armor, that they had passed, were now watching the two mares.
"Don't worry, long as you're not a threat to His Majesty, his House, guests, or staff; they will ignore you." Harmony Bell said, dumbstrucking Vinyl at how nonchalant she was being about empty suits of armor moving on their own! "The study isn't very far now."
They approached a decent sized double door, the wood blackened with red accents adorning its framing. The strange designs depicted a black rose, upon a red stem, on each door. Harmony Bell grasped the golden door handle, and gently pulled it down. The maid slowly pushed forward, passing into the study, before standing with the door. She canted her head down, smiling as Vinyl entered.
"Your Majesty? Your guest has arrived." She spoke out loud, looking towards a lone royal chair, sitting and facing towards a blazing fireplace.
"Thank you, Harmony, you may go. She and I have much to discuss before they arrive." A calm, yet charming, voice echoed from behind the chair.
Vinyl was about to ask what he meant, before noticing that Harmony Bell's coat had become pale. "Y-Your Majesty, what in Equestria did you do this time? They are already at a short fuse, since you have decided to go out on your own, and take strolls without their knowledge. Somepony might see you, and panic!"
The voice chuckled a bit, before sounds of a newspaper page turning followed. "All I did, was rescue our guest, and ensure her speedy recovery. No, I did not bite her, Harmony. Ms. Scratch was already afflicted when I found her, she was attacked by their overzealous hunters." The Lord replied, followed by a rather cheerful hum. "Don't you think that everything should be ready for their arrival? They'll be here soon."
"Oh dear, you're right! Their Majesties will be furious with you! I need to tell the others, and get the jasmine tea ready!" Harmony Bell quietly left, shutting the door behind herself, but Vinyl heard the maid shout. "Why must you be so difficult, Your Majesty!" Which earned a playful chuckle from him.
Vinyl was honestly confused by what just happened, and looked back at the occupied chair and burning fireplace. It was obvious that the lord as not going to be getting up anytime soon, and walked towards the mysterious noble. As she rounded the large chair, the Lord of Castle Fremont's entire upper body was covered by the Equestrian Daily Newspaper, his right leg crossed over his left. His crimson trousers were cut off by he nearly knee-high black boots. Their triangle shaped ends told Vinyl this was not a pony. Possibly the same kind of creature that could wear the suits of armor within the hallway.
Her gaze went from the mysterious lord and to the left, seeing a completely new suit of crimson armor with black accents. The helmet was rectangular shape, with an angled face and visor going forward. The shoulder guards, knee guards, and forearm protectors; were spiked. The helmet had a four pronged crown, the center spike having an onyx jewel embedded into it. Held in the suit of armor's gauntlets, a black bladed single edged sword kept its tip against the floor. There was even a raven black cape draped over its back.
This armor gave off an eerie aura, somewhat spooking Vinyl, so she turned her gaze towards the fireplace. Curious to see, as to why the lord positioned his chair towards it, Vinyl examined every inch of the area. She found, placed above said fireplace, an early Equestrian Painting of the Royal Sisters! They were still in their younger years, Celestia's mane being a pink color, while Luna's being an icy blue. They were wearing robed like red dresses with strands of matching fabrics draped from their backs to both wrists. Around both of their necks, were black jewelry collars with a familiar red stemmed black rose, hanging from a metal lope, giving off a royal necklace piece.
Whoever did this painting was some master artist! They managed to paint every hair in their coats and mane, detailed every feather. Had it not been framed, Vinyl would have believed she had been looking into a portal to the past. That was when she noticed, the very fireplace in front of her, was behind the younger Royal Sisters in the painting!
"Do you like the family portrait? Painted it myself, so that my guests may see those two, as I do." The lord's voice caused Vinyl to whip around, seeing Maximillian staring right back at her, newspaper on his lap, head resting in the palm of his right hand. "I am glad you are up and about. You were unconscious for the past three days, the staff and I feared you would not wake up." His gaze went to the dress Vinyl was wearing, smirking a bit. "That dress looks good on you, please. It is yours to keep."
The mare just looked at him, unfamiliar with the kind of Vampire in front of her. Vinyl could smell the blood and death everywhere on him, it was terrifyingly intoxicating. Something about this particular vampire terrified her, far more than her former Master ever could have, even on his bad days. This guy, from what he is allowing her to sense, was on a whole new level of sheer power. "T-Thanks, not to sound ungrateful or anything, but I have a couple of questions-?"
"What happened to the Hunters and where did I get the soil of your birth from?" Maximilian asked, for her, the mare simply nodding. "For the first question, I surprised them before knocking each Hunter out, erasing their memory of you and I with a simple spell. As for the second question?" He simply showed the newspaper's front page, which read. "Canterlot Street Destroyed, Authorities Baffled!" The picture was of a back street in Canterlot, the cobble stone completely destroyed and ground dug up. "The smell was all over you. Only difficult part was getting to Canterlot and breaking that stone out of my way."
The fact that he did something not even Alphas dared to do, unnerved Vinyl quite a bit. No vampire would dare make themselves known so close to the Royal Sisters, fearing that Celestia would destroy them with her Solar Magic. Yet, sitting in front of her, was one willing to destroy a Canterlot Street and retrieve a bit of dirt without care of them spotting him.
"You are lucky to be alive, though. The only reason I was forced to retrieve the soil of your birth, was because you have been separated from your Alpha for far too long." His words made her go wide eyed, looking towards the strange vampire. "I know you have been growing weaker, with each passing year, a Beta cannot be separated from their Alpha for very long, yet you have done so for one hundred and fifty years. Do you not fear turning into a Ghoul?"
"I-I will be fine, no need to-?"
"In your current state, there is no possible way for you to fend off even the weakest of Alphas." Maximillian, bluntly, stated and caused Vinyl to flinch. "I have been keeping a very close eye on you, Vampire who hunts other Vampires." His red eyes suddenly locked on to her. "Have you not ever wondered, why Alphas have appeared in every place that has been home to you, except for Ponyville? Why not even a strong Alpha, such as your former Master, dares to come anywhere near such a place?"
Her eyes widen, memories of all her pony friends being killed not long after she arrived, yet no harm has come to the ones in Ponyville. Vinyl honestly thought that she had done such a good job hiding, for the past ten years. But, the real now sitting right in front of her. They have been too afraid of another vampire this whole time, who had just now revealed himself to her.
A fanged grin appeared on Maximillian's lips, as she realized it. "Betas could never tell territory lines that well, making mishaps happen all the time, but an Alpha do not have much trouble and do their best to have any of their Betas steer clear of a stronger Vampire's Territory." He uncrossed his legs, before placing the left over his right this time. "Now… Do you know how a Beta can be free of their Master's hold, and not gradually grow weaker until they are nothing but a mindless, ravaging, Ghoul?" Vinyl shook her head, as Maximillian gave a nod. "Understandable, most Alphas do not wish to give up their pets that easily… The answer is simple. A Vampire, stronger than the current Alpha, just needs to drink the Beta's Blood… Breaking the other's hold."
Vinyl's eyes shot open, as she stepped back and away from the other vampire, instantly covering the faded bite scar under her white coat. "No way, in Tartarus, am I getting rid of one Master, just to be claimed by another!" She argued, glaring at the seated vampire in front of her.
Maximilian just looked at her, with a raised brow. "Really? Even if that means you, yourself, will become an Alpha?"
That comment caused her to falter, quite a lot, not expecting such a response. "W-What? T-That's impossible! An Alpha cannot turn a Beta into another Alpha, unless they drink all of that Alpha's blood!" Vinyl stuttered, but felt a chill run down her spine, when he gave her a wide grin.
"Oh, sweet little rose, your first mistake was assuming that I am just a mere Alpha. I am quite sure; you can sense otherwise." He continued to hold the bone chilling grin. "Did you not believe that there could be something stronger than an Alpha? Something stronger, to keep Alphas from going too crazy with their thirst?" Maximillian's words echoed within Vinyl's mind, her eyes going wide. "Ah, so the realization of the fabled Omega existing now appearing within your mind?" Before Vinyl knew it, Maximillian was now towering over her, making it seem like he was larger than life itself. "So, how do you feel about such a thought, now? To no longer be bound, like a Beta? To have the freedom of an Alpha?"
"W-What is the catch?" She asked, her eyes locked on to Maximillian's matching ones. It was almost like she was in a trance, because Vinyl did not even notice that he had wrapped his cloak fully around her body, the mare exposing her original bite to him. "What h-happens to me?" Her eyes lulled, half asleep, as both ears flatten back into her mane. In all honesty, Vinyl actually felt safe within his cloaked embrace, rather than threatened.
"Only that you become a vassal, and member of House Fremont, just like the days I am quite sure you're familiar with, little rose." He whispered into Vinyl's ear, allowing his mouth to open up and hover over her exposed neck. "If you accept, and join my house, I shall shatter his hold over you, like a glass on stone… Freeing you to hunt both he, and his ilk, with my blessing and power at your back."
She was, indeed, familiar by what he had meant, to be a vassal of House Fremont. While she will be bound to him, obviously, being an Alpha meant that she could do a great many things without his permission. To be her own mare again, to do as she please without fear of being mind controlled. To be forced to do anything for another, to have her will taken away. To be used as a doll for another's pleasure. Vinyl would even be allowed to say no, within reason of course. Not to mention, as an Alpha, she could go toe to toe with her former Master. There was also the fact that this Lord of Castle Fremont had power within Canterlot, seeing how he had a servant from the very Castle within the Equestrian Capital.
With her eyes still half open, a wide grin formed on her muzzle. Vinyl exposed her entire neck to him. "I-I accept… Master."
Those three words were all Maximillian needed, before he leaned fully over. In seconds, his long fangs punctured the old bite mark, sinking deeper into Vinyl's neck. The pain of his bite only lasted for a split second, before it was replaced by utter bliss and pleasure. She actually let out an erotic moan, her legs shaking weakly, her arms wrapping around the lord's chest, a deep crimson blush appearing on her face. Compared to that terrifying moment, two-hundred years ago, his bite was by far better! Her former Master made her feel every ounce of pain, as he drained the life from her body… But not him. Every second was filled with unbelievable pleasure, her entire body heating up and becoming unbearable between her legs, Vinyl actually thought of begging him not to stop.
It was during this moment of bliss, that Harmony Bell opened the study's doors. "Your Majesty, they have arrived-!" The maid's eyes went wide, seeing what was transpiring in front of her. All Harmony Bell could see, was Maximilian leaning over on to the right side of Vinyl's neck, his cloak wrapped fully around her. She had a full view of the other mare's pleasure filled face, her tongue lulled out while releasing heated breaths… Even Vinyl's hooves were shifting, weakly, within Maximillian's hold, her electric blue tail shifting around excitedly. "Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-Your M-M-M-Majesty…."
The scene had caused Harmony Bell's mind to go haywire, unable to believe what she is seeing right now, wondering why he could not just wait until after they had left… Completely forgetting that the two royals were still standing behind her. "F-Father!?" They both yelled, causing the maid to look between Maximillian and the Royal Sisters, Celestia and Luna.
The Omega Level Vampire waited until he had finished with Vinyl, the mare falling more into his hold from the sheer pleasure of that experience, before he looked back at the three. "Ah, Agneta and Cecania; I wondered when the two of you would arrive. Good evening, you two, do you have a pleasant trip here?" Maxmillian gave them a charming smile, blood staining the sides of his lips.