A mare with Psychic Powers, a stallion practicing Necromancy, a unicorn with dark magic, and a Ouija Board does not make a good matchup
Equestria is supposed to be a peaceful land of fun and friendship. But when Princess Luna encounters two ponies and a unicorn with strange gifts they received at birth, she takes them in to teach them as her personal students. But when one of them discovers a mysterious board that allows her to speak with the dead, she attempts to try and reach out to her long lost father who had disappeared many years ago while researching how to bring back the dead. What she believed was her father speaking to her would turn out to be something more sinister. One by one monsters, ghosts, and demons from horror movies everypony has seen, are becoming reality. Sightings of creatures from urban legends are being reported, and now permanent eclipse has showered Equestria in darkness. Now Luna must find a way to send the monsters back into the paranormal portal before Equestria is overrun by malevolent spirits seeking revenge.
This story was meant to be written for entertainment and is not meant to scare, insult, or offend anybody in any way. Crossover with urban legends, creepypastas, horror games, and horror movies from around the world. These franchises belong to their original creators MLP FIM belongs to Hasbro Studios.
Prologue: I never should've played with that board
It was a beautiful night in Equestria and Luna was exhausted from another day teaching her students. Black Magic, Mind Reader, and Grave was getting better but they still weren't strong enough to control their abilities. Luna had remembered the first day she took them in. The three had been orphans ever since they lost their parents and nopony wanted them because of their abilities. However being a mother and teacher didn't change Black Magic's attitude towards others. Out of the three, it was clear he had suffered the most considering that both of his parents didn't just pass but had their lives taken from them. But she didn't give up, she believed he could change and she was going to do whatever it takes to make it happen, but for now she needed some rest. She pulled out her headsets and sat down in front of the T.V. She couldn't wait for another night with her favorite Nintendo Switch. Meanwhile, two rooms down from hers Mind Reader was up to something.
"Ugh I don't know if I should do it," Mind Reader paced up and down near her bed. She looked over to her nightstand and stared at the board that she got from Twilight. She hesitated for a moment but gathered her courage to pick up the small planchette. She remembered her warning when she received the board. That speaking to the dead was a risky thing and that it wasn't a safe game to play alone. But she couldn't help it, she had to find out what happened to her father. She placed the planchette on the board and asked. "Is there a spirit in this room?" For a moment nothing happened. Mind Reader repeated the question. This time the planchette slowly but surely moved towards the word yes on the top left hand corner. She closed her eyes and let go of the piece of wood. "Who are you?" she asked. There was nothing but silence so Mind Reader repeated the question. This time a faint voice responded.
"I'm here," Mind Reader opened her eyes and looked around.
"Where?" she asked.
"I'm here," the voice repeated.
"Who are you?" Mind Reader repeated the previous question.
"My........name......." the voice responded.
"What?" asked Mind Reader.
"Board," the voice responded. Mind Reader looked at the board to see the planchette moving on it's own. First it moved to the F then the E then the A and finally to the R.
"F-E-A-R, Fear?" asked Mind Reader confused. "Hey what do you mean by that?" she asked.
"Good.....bye," the voice responded.
"Wait don't go!" Mind Reader called out. But nobody responded the voice was gone. Mind Reader slumped down feeling disappointed that she couldn't learn more. "I want to try again, but I'm too tired, maybe I'll stop for now," said Mind Reader. She walked over and hopped into her bed. Yawning she closed her eyes and fell asleep. Meanwhile she didn't notice the black figure slowly peeking out from inside her closet. She soon found herself alone in a dark void. "Where am I?" she asked herself. She looked around but the only thing around her was the darkness.
"Hehehe oh wow a new friend," a voice spoke up. Mind Reader looked around trying to find the origin of the voice but the darkness was the only thing that remained.
"Hello is somepony there?" Mind Reader called out. Nobody responded. Mind Reader took a step forward only to jump from the sound of a filly's giggle. She quickly turned around just as something ran past her. "Hello?" Mind Reader asked again. Suddenly a single light source shined down on a chair. Mind Reader turned to face the chair to find a small doll seated on it. Mind Reader slowly approached the doll and stared into it's lifeless eyes. She gently picked up the doll while keeping her eyes on it. "Aww, how cute," she cooed.
Suddenly the doll looked in her direction and giggled, "Yay thank you!" before lunging at Mind Reader. She screamed as the doll grabbed her by the neck. "I'm cute!" the doll giggled shaking her violently. Mind Reader gasped as she tried to pry off the doll, but the more she struggled, the more the doll seem to tighten it's grip. "I'm cute but you're not so you should die!" The doll hissed demonically.
"Luna..... HELP!!!!" Mind Reader gasped. The doll quickly turned around as a blue light shot out of the darkness and knocked the doll off Mind Reader. She sat up, coughing and gasping as Luna walked up next to her with a worried look on her face.
"Are you alright child?" Luna asked grabbing her. Mind Reader hugged Luna as she sobbed.
"I was so scared," she sobbed.
"It's alright, I'm here now," cooed Luna. She looked up as the doll was slowly getting to it's feet.
"My friend," the doll giggled. Luna was about to blast the doll for a second time when the sound of moaning could be heard behind her. She turned around as a horde of undead ponies began approaching them.
"Let's get out of here," said Luna. Mind Reader nodded in agreement and soon, in a flash of light the two escaped the terror. Mind Reader shot out of her bed gasping and sweating. She looked over to see Luna, Black Magic, and Grave standing next to her bed.
"Oh thank Celestia you're awake," said Grave.
"Luna," Mind Reader whimpered looking at the alicorn.
"It's alright I'm here," said Luna. Mind Reader nodded as Grave jumped on her bed.
"Is everything alright, we heard you screaming so we came as fast as we could," said Grave.
"I'm fine," she winced.
"Is something wrong?" asked Black Magic. She gently clutched her neck.
"What is it?" asked Luna.
"My throat feels sore," answered Mind Reader.
"Are you sick?" asked Black Magic.
"No," answered Mind Reader.
"Hold on, move your hooves away from your neck for a sec," said Grave. Mind Reader did as she was asked and when Grave examined her neck he gasped and fell back.
"What is it?" asked Black Magic. Grave moved out of the way so that Luna and Black could see what he was looking at. What they found was large claw marks around her neck.
That next day Luna had took Mind Reader to visit Nurse Redheart to examine the marks on her neck. After 30 minutes of waiting in the E.R. lobby Nurse Redheart called in Luna, Grave, and Black Magic into the room.
"I'm sorry to say but this is unbelievable, none of our doctors can figure out who these marks belong to," apologized nurse Redheart.
"Please there has to be some sort of explanation," said Luna.
"Unfortunately there really is no clue on how those marks got there," said Redheart.
"I'm sorry child, but it looks like we can't help you this time around," said Luna.
"It's fine, thanks for trying," said Mind.
"But really, who could've done something like this?" asked Grave.
"I tell you it's that damn board!" growled Black Magic.
"What board?" asked Grave.
"This!" growled Black Magic pulling out the board that Mind was using last night.
"Is this?" asked Luna.
"What is this?" asked Grave.
"I believe that is a Ouija Board," answered a voice. The five turned around to see stallion with blue coat walking up to them. His horn stuck out of his black mane and had K2 meter as his cutie mark. He had an eye patch over his left eye while his right exposed the shining green color.
"Um sorry who are you?" asked Mind.
"My name is Spectral, but my friends call me Specs, I'm a paranormal investigator," answered the stallion.
"Oh Mr. Specs I didn't see you there," said Nurse Redheart. Specs walked past Redheart and walked over to Mind. He inspected her neck and scratched his chin. After 5 minutes Specs nodded.
"Hmm yes no doubt about it," said Specs.
"What is it?" asked Luna.
"Your friend here, it's no doubt that a paranormal entity is responsible for inflicting harm on her," answered Specs.
"How can you tell?" asked Black Magic.
"Mind Reader was it?" asked Specs. "You said that you used this Ouija Board last night correct?" asked Specs. Mind nodded.
"Wait a what board?" asked Grave.
"An Ouija Board, a dangerous game played in order to contact the dead, it is said that many who have played with the Ouija Board have experienced terrifying moments in their lives after trying to reach out to the fallen," answered Specs.
"And I assume this time was no different?" asked Luna.
Specs nodded,"Did you notice anything strange after playing with the Ouija Board?" Specs asked Mind.
"Aside from a nightmare nothing in particular," answered Mind.
"Can you briefly explain that nightmare to me?" asked Specs. So Mind explained everything from the dark void, to the doll, and the pony zombies.
"So you say, that this doll strangled you last night?" asked Specs. Mind nodded. Specs scratched his chin before answering,"It's just a theory but my guess is that doll that attacked you was being possessed by some sort of demonic entity,"
"A possessed doll?" asked Redheart.
"Yes, when it strangled you, it wasn't the doll that committed the act but the demon possessing it," answered Specs.
"Now that you think about it does make sense," said Grave.
"Tell me why were you using a Ouija Board in the first place?" asked Specs.
"My father disappeared when I was still a filly, I was hoping that maybe I could contact his spirit to see if he was ok," answered Mind.
"You wouldn't happen to have a photo you could show me would you?' asked Specs. Mind pulled out a picture of an old stallion standing in a field in front of a forest, and handed it to Specs. He took the picture and examined the photo for a while. "Say who's that with your father?" asked Specs.
"Huh I don't know what you're talking about, my father is alone in that photo," Mind answered in a confused tone. Specs returned the picture and pointed at something in the photo.
"Who's that then?" asked Specs. When Mind looked at the picture she didn't notice any changes until she noticed something odd. Behind her father in the background near the entrance of the forest, she could notice a human like figure standing there. It was wearing a suit and looked a lot taller than an average human and had multiple black tentacles protruding from behind it. But the thing that made her skin crawl was the fact that this human was faceless. There was no facial features except the blank white head.
"What....but that's....no.......there's no way......." said Mind.
"Is something wrong?" asked Redheart. Mind passed the photo to the other four so they could see. The looks on all four faces clearly showed the fear they were feeling at that moment.
"What is that?" asked Grave.
"That's not normal," said Black Magic.
How terrifying," said Luna. Nurse Redheart didn't say anything but was clearly shaken by what she was seeing. Whatever that creature was, obviously it didn't belong in the photo. It only made it worse considering that this was a black and white photo of Mind's father smiling. Grave returned the photo back to Mind as she slipped it back into her bag.
"It seems you all saw what that thing was correct?" asked Specs. All five nodded.
"But how, my father was the only one during that time and I didn't have this photo edited at any given time," said Mind.
"It's just a theory, but if I had to guess, that creature must've been brought into this world from the paranormal portal that was opened somewhere in Equestria after you used the Ouija Board," said Specs.
"Paranormal Portal?" asked Redheart.
"I guess I forgot to mention, but when somepony uses the Ouija Board, the user is technically using it to open a gateway that blocks off our world from the paranormal world," answered Specs. "By using the Ouija Board, the user is letting the paranormal enter our world by opening the gates and summoning a portal,"
"Ok so I get that a portal was opened after Mind used the board, but what was the entity that attacked Mind?" asked Grave.
"There are many malevolent spirits that could've been responsible for the marks,but from the shape and size of the mark, I could only narrow it down to a single entity," answered Specs.
"Who?" asked Black Magic.
"His name is Black Skull," answered Specs.
"Black Skull?" asked Luna.
"Black Skull is said to be one of the many Grim Reapers that works for the devil himself," answered Specs. "He is a malevolent spirit said to be responsible for taking the souls of many innocent ponies,"
"Taking souls?" asked Grave swallowing hard.
"Black Skull is said to feed off the fear of the living and it is also stated in legends that he will hunt down victims until they are dead," said Specs. "He has the ability to shape shift, mimic the voice of others, possess ponies or objects, and even appear in dreams or nightmares to try and convince certain individuals that he considers are worthy to carry out his bidding, but he is most easily distinguishable from the black cloak he wears and the giant scythe he carries around with his skeletal hands, his skull is said be enveloped in ominous blue flames and every time his eyes flash red, it's a sign that warns the living that he's found his next victim,"
"How horrifying," said Grave.
"Luna I'm scared," whimpered Mind.
"Don't worry child, I won't let him take you," said Luna.
"Is there any way we can stop Black Skull?" asked Black Magic.
"If the legends are to be trusted, then he should be incredibly weak in places where sources of light is at it's best," answered Specs.
"Then all we have to do is shine light at him if he were to show up easy as that," said Graves.
"I would watch my mouth if I were you, Black Skull isn't stupid, he knows when he's at a disadvantage, the only way you can strike at him is by outsmarting him," said Specs.
"Great and just when I thought it can't get any worse," groaned Black Magic.
"At any rate we must be sure Black Skull doesn't get to Mind Reader," said Luna. Both Graves and Black Magic nodded their heads in agreement.
"Allow me to go back with you, you'll need all the knowledge you can get," said Specs.
"We're counting on you," said Luna. The five thanked Nurse Redheart and made their way back to the castle. For the majority of the trip, Mind Reader couldn't get the image of the creature out of her head.
The next few days didn't get any better. She didn't know if she was going crazy, but Mind felt that every time she looked at her father's photo, the figure seemed to get closer and as it got closer, the faceless figure appeared in Mind's nightmares more often. She asked Luna if she could do anything about it, but the figure would always disappear before she even got a chance to confront it. After about severals week of terrifying nightmares, a new terror made it's presence known. Early Monday morning while Mind was having breakfast with Luna, Black Magic, and Grave, Specs walked in carrying a folder.
"Morning Specs," said Grave.
"Yes, good morning," replied Specs as he took a seat next to Black magic and threw down the folder.
"What's that?" asked Black Magic.
"We got more trouble on our hoofs," answered Specs.
"Oh great, what is it this time?" asked Black Magic.
"According to recent police reports, there had been incidents of ponies brutally murdered in their own homes," answered Specs. Mind quickly spit out her milk and looked at Specs with a shocked expression.
"A killer!?" she gasped.
"That's what I considered at first, but after looking at the reports, I noticed that something seemed off," answered Specs.
"What does thou mean?" asked Luna.
Specs spread out the files from the folder onto the dining table,"First things first, all the murders had taken place almost seven days after the victims watched a mysterious video tape, from witness reports they state the victim has gotten a phone call from an unknown caller stating that they will die in seven days after watching the tape,"
"Do they know who the caller is?" asked Luna.
"No, but they said that the voice closely resembled to that of young filly," answered Specs.
"A filly?" asked Grave.
"I'm almost as confused as you are so I'm planning to go do some investigating myself after breakfast," said Specs. "I've already planned out a appointment with the parents of a victim,"
"We'll go with you as well," said Black Magic. Specs nodded in agreement. So the five quickly finished up breakfast and made their way down to ponyville.
Specs was extremely disappointed to find out that the owner of the house had gotten rid of the tape, but he couldn't stay mad considering that the mother had lost her son at a young age, all because he had watched a video tape.
"Hey don't worry at least we know where it is," said Mind.
"Yeah I guess so, what did they call her?" asked Specs.
"Elise I think was the name," answered Graves.
"Well whoever it was, let's go find that video tape," said Black Magic. The location that the mare had given the five eventually led them back into Canterlot. They walked up to a house with a bright purple door and knocked. The door was answered by a mare that looked to be in her 50s or 60s. She wore a blue sweatshirt and a purple eye cutie mark on her flank.
"Hi are you Elise?" asked Specs.
"Yes," answered the mare. "Can I help you with something?"
"Yes, uh my name is Spectral, but my friends call me Specs, I'm here with a couple of friends because we received news that you brought home a mysterious video tape," said Specs.
"Yes, that's right," answered Elise.
"Would you mind if we take a look at it?" asked Specs.
"No, not at all, please come in," said Elise opening the door.
"Please excuse us," said Specs as the five entered.
"Oh you're majesty," gasped Elise as Luna stepped in.
"Please, uh excuse us," said Luna.
"Yes of course, please make yourself at home," said Elise bowing. Mind Reader, Black Magic, and Grave explored the house, while Specs went off to find the video tape.
"Ok now that's fucking creepy," said Black Magic. The four turned towards Black Magic's direction to see two dolls locked up in glass cases. One of the dolls was a Raggedy Ann doll with red hair while the other was a male with red hair and had blue overalls with a blue, green, and red stripped shirt.
"Oh those, I got those from a certain stallion I used to know," said Elise.
"He gave them to you?" asked Black Magic. "No wonder, they're freaky as hell!"
"Well yes, he gave them to me because they were haunted, but the real reason was because he figured that maybe I could communicate with the spirits possessing the dolls," answered Elise.
"I guess that didn't go well huh?" asked Graves.
"No, so I had to lock them up to keep them from causing trouble," said Elise.
"Who was this stallion exactly?" asked Luna.
"His name was Andre Toulon, he used to create puppets and dolls and would bring them to life using some sort of ancient spell," answered Elise.
"Hey just like Black Magic," joked Mind.
"Will you shut your fucking mouth," growled Black Magic.
"You guys know the local pizzeria near here called Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria right?" asked Elise. The four nodded. "He actually built those animatronics that the company uses for the attraction, he used the designs given to him by his boss, a stallion named William Afton,"
"Hmm so I suppose these two dolls were also made by this Andre Toulon?" asked Luna.
"Well not exactly, Chucky, the one with the overalls, was created by a company called Good Guy Dolls, and Annabelle was bought from a local flea market held in ponyville," answered Elise. "But nobody wanted them because they were supposedly haunted,"
"Hey guys I think I found it!" Specs called out from the living room. The five quickly ran to the living room, where they found Specs holding an old worn video cassette. "This is the one isn't it?" Specs asked Elise.
"Yes, I didn't actually watch the tape myself because I was afraid of the outcomes," said Elise.
"Well now you won't have to worry," said Specs inserting the cassette into the player.
"Wait you're not actually thinking of playing it are you?" asked Mind.
"Of course we're watching it, I need to know what's going on, and this is the only possible way to do it," answered Specs. He pushed the play button on the player and turned on the T.V. For a moment the six stared at a black screen but soon a white ring came into view. After 10 seconds of the ring, the screen changed to a scene with a well, followed by a scene with several dead horses washed up on shore. The next scene showed a lighthouse followed by a scene of a mare brushing her hair.
"What in Celestia's name is this?" asked Graves confused. The next scene showed another mare jumping off a cliff before finally returning to the scene with the white ring and shutting off completely.
"That was it?" asked Mind. Just as she asked that the phone began to ring making the six jump. Specs slowly walked over to the phone and picked it up.
"Hello?" he asked putting the phone up to his ears. From the other side a young filly answered in a raspy voice.
"Seven days," Specs slammed down the phone as he turned around and faced the other five.
It had been almost 12 hours since Specs the cursed video tape and today was their first day. While the four at their breakfast as usual Specs was in his room inspecting the tape. After breakfast was over Specs walked into the dining room and plucked an apple from a nearby fruit bowl.
"Well?" asked Graves.
"Unfortunately I still have no clue," answered Specs. Just as he said that, the phone began to ring.he walked over and answered. "Paranormal Investigator Spectral speaking" said Specs holding up the phone to his ear.
"Um yes hello," a mare's voice answered.
"Who is this?" asked Specs.
"My name is Applejack," answered the mare.
"Yes how can I help you?" asked Specs.
"Is Twilight Sparkle there?" asked Applejack.
"No I'm afraid not," answered Specs.
"Ah see," said Applejack. For a moment Applejack's voice faded as several background noises along with chatting could be heard. After a while Applejack came back. "Y'all said y'all were a Paranormal Investigator right?" asked Applejack.
"That's right," answered Specs.
"Um it ain't paranormal but, could y'all come down to the Apple Farm so we could talk?" asked Applejack.
"I don't know why you need me for a non paranormal conflict but sure I'll be down there right away,"answered Specs.
"Thank you," said Applejack.
"No problem and yes I'll see you soon," said Specs hanging up.
"I wonder what Applejack needs," said Mind.
"That's what we're about to find out," said Specs grabbing his hat and coat.
As the group made their way to Apple Farm Grave decided to ask the question he had.
"Um Specs, I was just wondering if you wanted us to walk around in a group like this," said Grave.
"Definitely, Princess Luna told me of your gifts, surely they should come in handy when the time comes," answered Specs.
"Well I was just thinking should we call our little group something, like a team name," asked Grave.
"You know exactly what I was thinking!" exclaimed Mind Reader.
"I suppose it'll be easier if we had a team name," said Luna.
"Team name huh, might be a good idea to come up with one," said Specs.
"How about Ghost Hunters?" suggested Grave.
"No to simple and it's not just ghosts we're dealing with," answered Specs.
"Paranormal Investigators?" suggested Mind Reader.
"Again too simple," answered Specs.
"The Luna Squad?" suggested Luna. The four shot her a look as if she was stupid.
"Really?" they asked in unison.
"Sorry," apologized Luna.
"Spectral Phenomenons," suggested Black Magic.The group stopped and turned towards Black Magic. "Spectral Phenomenons," Black Magic repeated.
"Spectral Phenomenons, not bad," said Specs.
"Isn't a bit mouthful though?" asked Grave.
"I like it," said Mind Reader.
"As do I," said Luna.
"Then I guess we don't have any objections," said Specs. Everyone nodded their head in agreement. "Then it's decided," announced Specs. "Well comrades, we're almost there, let's keep pushing forward!"
It didn't take very long for the members of the Spectral Phenomenon to arrive at the Apple Farm. As they approached the farm they could see Applejack standing at the front gates.
"You must be Applejack," said Specs.
"Ah would like to thank y'all for coming on such short notice," said Applejack forcing a smile.
"What seems to be the problem?" asked Grave.
"Follow me," said Applejack leading the group to her house. The group was lead to tall orange house near the barn. As they got closer the group could see yellow police tapes surrounding the house.
"Um sorry to ask, but did something happen here?" asked Grave.
"You'll see," Applejack sighed sadly. They walked over the tapes and entered the house where two officers were walking around. A small yellow filly with a red mane and a bow of the same color stood at one corner of the house crying into a red stallion with an orange mane. The group was lead upstairs and stopped in front of a door. "In here," Confused Specs opened the door and gasped.
"What is it?" asked Luna. The four looked in and saw in horror the terrifying scene. Just above the bathtub a small brown and white dog hung from the ceiling by it's neck. It's stomach was cut open and the organs were placed in the tub. Blood was dripping from the dog and out of the tub. On the sink mirror written in blood were the words, "Ponies can lick too,"
"What the hell?" asked Black Magic.
"Applebloom found her early this morning," said Applejack.
"Do you know who could've done something like this?" asked Specs inspecting the dog.
"Afraid not, she was alive and well last night," said Applejack.
"Could you explain to us about what happened?" asked Luna.
"Well Applebloom said she jumped into her bed as usual and draped her hoof over the edge of the bed so Winona could lick it, she didn't think too much of it at the time, but it wasn't until 2:00 this mornin' that she heard the sound of somthin' drippin' in the bathroom, so she went to check it out an found this," said Applejack.
"How terrible, it's hard not to understand the pain and fear she feels," said Mind.
"Oh, it ain't because Winona is dead that she's afraid, she believes that the killer might still be out there somewhere," said Applejack.
"So you called the police," suggested Grave. Applejack nodded.
"Damn, and after all the things that's already happened," growled Black Magic.
"Do you think y'all can help us?' asked Applejack.
"None of us are cops or detectives, but I'll see what we can do," said Specs.
"Aww thank you, y'all," said Applejack close to tears.
"In the meantime try not to take your eyes off of your sister, and contact the police if you see something suspicious," said Specs.
"Ah will," said Applejack.
"And if any paranormal incidents start taking place, be sure to contact us," said Specs.
"Oh right, aside from Princess Luna, Ah never got y'all names," said Applejack.
"I'm Spectral, but my friends call me Specs," said Specs.
"I'm Mind Reader the Psychic," said Mind.
"Grave the Necromancer," said Grave.
"Black Magic, user of dark magic and voodoo," said Black Magic.
"Well it was mah pleasure to meet y'all," said Applejack removing her hat.
"If you need any help contact the Spectral Phenomenon," said Specs. Applejack nodded as she followed the group out the house. She waved goodbyes with them and watched them walk off their farm.
It was another day at school and recess had just started for the students. Mrs. Cheerilee was sitting on a bench near the school flipping through a book while monitoring the students.
"Oh such a beautiful day today," said Cheerilee stretching out her hooves.
"Mrs. Cheerilee can I go get my stuff, my mom's here to pick me up," said a yellow filly walking up to her.
"Oh that's right it's your doctor's appointment today isn't it?" asked Cheerilee. The filly nodded. "Well then I'll see you tomorrow Lemon Drop," said Cheerilee. The filly nodded as he walked into the school. Lemon Drop walked into the classroom and walked over to grab his stuff when a mysterious voice suddenly rang out in his head.
"Red Paper or Blue Paper?" the voice asked. Lemon Drop looked around the room but found nopony else was in the room. Feeling completely unsettled he turned around and was about to walk out when he noticed the apparition of a red stallion wearing a white mask. The ghost approached Lemon Drop and held up to papers. "Red Paper or Blue Paper?" asked the ghost.
"What?" whimpered Lemon Drop.
"Red Paper or Blue Paper?" the ghost repeated holding out the two papers. Lemon Drop looked at the two papers nervously. He didn't want any paper and just wanted to go, but the ghost didn't seem like he was going to move unless he got an answer. Lemon Drop was about to answer neither when he remembered that Mrs. Cheerilee needed a new supply of red paper. If this ghost was giving out red paper for free he couldn't say no when this was for the school. "Red Paper or Blue Paper?" the ghost repeated annoyed.
"Red Paper," Lemon Drop answered.
Starlight and Trixie picked up speed as they ran towards the school. They came to a halt in front of the school where police tapes blocked off entry into the school.
"Looks like we made it," said Starlight catching her breath.
"You had to bring me along?" asked Trixie.
"Yes!" Starlight exclaimed.
"Starlight?" a voice asked. Starlight and Trixie looked across from themselves to see Twilight and her friends running up to the school.
"Twilight you got called here too?" asked Starlight.
"Not really, we wanted to see what was going on," answered Twilight. They moved out of the way as a group of officers walked out followed by Cheerilee.
"Oh your majesty!" Cheerilee said bowing.
"What's going on here?" asked Twilight.
"Well it's bit of a long story but, if you're here to help, then I'm afraid the job's already taken," said Cheerilee.
"What by who?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"Your answer has arrived!" a voice spoke up. The group turned around as five ponies stood before them. The ponies walked up to the group as the stallion with the eye patch tipped his hat. "Spectral Phenomenons at your service,"
"Princess Luna!?" Twilight gasped.
"Hello Twilight Sparkle, it's nice to see you," said Luna.
"Oh thank Celestia you're here," said Cheerilee.
"Yeah just great, we were already busy with the whole Apple Farm incident and then we get a call from this place," groaned the stallion with black overcoat.
"Now, now Black Magic isn't it better to be busy than free?" asked a mare with a magenta overcoat.
"Whoa, whoa wait who are you exactly?" asked Rainbow Dash pointing her hoof at the five.
"This is the Spectral Phenomenons, a Paranormal investigating organization," said Cheerilee. "I've called them in to help us with today's murder mystery,"
"Murder Mystery?" Fluttershy whimpered.
"My apologies I guess I should introduce you to the team, I'm Spectral but you may call me Specs, I'm a paranormal investigator," said the stallion with the eye patch.
"I'm Mind Reader, the Psychic of the group," said the magenta mare.
"My name is Graves, I'm a Necromancer," said a grey stallion.
"Black Magic, the dark magic and voodoo user," said the black stallion.
"And of course, Luna, Princess of the Night," said Luna.
"Mrs. Cheerilee please try not to run off like that," said an officer.
"Sorry officer, I had to greet the Spectral Phenomenon Investigators," apologized Cheerilee.
"Oh so they've arrived, in that case we're ready for them," said the officer.
"This way," said Cheerilee leading the group into the school. Starlight and Twilight looked at each other and followed them into the school. The officer led the group into the classroom covered with police tape.
"So far we haven't found any clues or suspects involved in the murder of Lemon Drop," said the officer.
"Ok, and how long have you been looking?" asked Specs.
"Well we say we haven't found anything, but we DID find a piece of colored paper," said the officer.
"Paper?" asked Black Magic.
"Yes, one Red Paper," said the officer.
"What I find strange is how this got in here, we ran out of Red Paper and nopony had any red paper the day Lemon Drop was murdered," said Cheerilee.
"Strange indeed, is this red paper the only clue you found so far?" asked Luna.
"Not anymore!" a voice announced. The door opened as another officer walked in. "We found this blue paper with blood stains lying out in the hall," said the officer holding up the blue paper.
"Ok and how is paper supposed to act as clues?" asked Rarity.
"We need ever piece of evidence we can find," said Specs taking the two colored paper.
"So one blue paper and one red paper," said Grave.
"What do you think they could be used for?" asked Fluttershy. Specs closed his eyes as his horn began to glow. After a minute he opened his eyes.
"Just as I suspected, Paranormal Aura," said Specs.
"Um say what now?" asked Trixie.
"Paranormal Aura, mysterious energy that is left behind by ghosts and other paranormal entities," answered Specs.
"Which means a ghost was somehow involved in the murder," said Mind.
"But what kind of ghost uses colored paper to commit murder?" asked Starlight.
"There is one, a legend that I've heard from my parents when I was younger," said Specs. He turned towards the officers and nodded. "Please officers continue with the investigation, we have work of our own," said Specs. The officers nodded as Specs lead the others out. He took them out to front and sat at picnic table and pulled out a worn book from his bag. The ponies gathered around as he flipped through the book to a page. "Here it is," said Specs. He turned the book towards the ponies so they could see. There was a single photo of a red stallion wearing a white mask.
"The Red Phantom," Twilight read.
"This is an ancient spirit said to appear in front of ponies and asks them whether they want Red Paper or Blue Paper," said Specs. "It is said that those who answers Red will be sliced into pieces and will bleed to death until there is nothing but red,"
"That's horrifying!" exclaimed Starlight.
"Yes, however those who pick blue doesn't seem to get anything better," said Specs.
"What happens if you pick blue?" asked Rarity.
"It is said that anypony who picks blue, will be strangled to death until their face turns blue," said Specs.
"Oh no," whimpered Fluttershy.
"Is there anyway to avoid this ghost?" asked Cheerilee.
"Well duh just say some other color like purple or green," said Rainbow Dash.
"I'm afraid not, those who answers with a different color is said to be dragged into another dimension," said Specs.
"So there is no way to avoid it?" asked Trixie.
"No there is one way," answered Specs. "If the Red Phantom happens to appear in front of you, just answer I don't want any paper and he is said to leave you be," said Specs.
"So just decline his offer?" asked Twilight.
"That's right, but make sure to do it politely since you'll never know what disrespect can get you," said Specs.
"Is there anyway to get rid of the ghost permanently?" asked Cheerilee.
"I'm afraid I don't have an answer to that yet, maybe we'll find out a way, but for now we have a job to do, especially the investigators of the Spectral Phenomenons," said Specs.
A day after the death of Lemon Drop, the students at the ponyville schoolhouse began to refusing entering the building. Unable to find any other solutions, Mrs. Cheerilee decided that maybe a nice trip to Manehatten would calm them down. When Cheerilee announced the trip the fillies were all in their good moods again. Eventually the day came for the trip. Unfortunately the train wasn't in working order so Cheerilee decided to borrow a carriage big enough to carry her class.
"Phew that should be enough to keep their thoughts off the whole Lemon Drop incident," said Cheerilee wiping away the sweat on her forehead. "I suppose I could finally relax too,"
"Mrs. Cheerilee, we're bored can you tell us a story?" asked a small white unicorn with a pink and purple mane and tail.
"Well um, I don't bring any books with me Sweetie Belle," said Cheerilee.
"Please," all the fillies begged. Cheerilee couldn't say no to the cute faces her students were making, but she wasn't good a t storytelling either. She had to come up with something quick so she wouldn't disappoint her students. That's when she remembered a story her mother used to tell her when she was little. But was that story safe? She didn't have time to think, this was her best shot.
"Well I do have this one story that my mother used to tell me when I was just your age," said Cheerilee. "So how about I tell you that?"
"Yay!" cheered the fillies with excitement.
"Great, then let's get started," said Cheerilee.
"What's the name of the story?" asked one filly.
"Cowhead," answered Cheerilee with a smile.
Specs, tapped his chin with the pencil as he stared at the half written report. He had to deal with two incidents already and he felt that it was enough. But because Lemon Drop's death involved a paranormal entity and Winona's killer still remained unknown, Specs had a harder time trying to solve the case. Why did Applejack depend on him anyway, he wasn't a detective or a cop, he was a paranormal investigator.
"Come in!" Specs called out as a knock rang out from the other side of his door. Spike walked in carrying a pile of papers and dumped them onto Spec's desk. "Oh great more papers," groaned Specs.
"Sorry, just doing my job," said Spike.
"I wasn't blaming you Spike," said Specs.
"Great to hear that and all, but shouldn't you take a break by now" asked Spike.
"No Spike I already have to cases on my hoofs, I can't bear another-," but Spec's statement was interrupted when the phone rang. He picked up the phone and held it up to his ears. "Hello, Spectral Phenomenons this is Specs speaking, how may I help you?" asked Specs.
"Specs, glad I managed to reach you," said a familiar voice.
"Elise is that you?" asked Specs.
"Yes, and it's an emergency, you need to come quick, Nurse Redheart wants you immediately," said Elise.
"What?" asked Specs.
"Sorry can't talk, I'll see you soon," said Elise. Specs tried to stop her but she had hung up before he could say another word.
"Damn!" growled Specs slamming down the phone. He got up and grabbed his jacket and hat.
"Going for a third?" asked Spike.
"Yeah, just be sure that Pinkie doesn't eat that Oreo cake in the fridge," said Specs walking out of his office.
Elise stood next to Pipsqueak's bed while comforting him. The door opened open as Nurse Redheart walked in with Specs and the gang following behind.
"Thank Celestia you're here," said Elise standing up.
"What the hell happened?" asked Grave. Elise stepped out of the way as the group walked over to a badly injured Pipsqueak lying in bed.
"A couple of traveling ponies found him in a ditch with a damaged carriage and several others from the schoolhouse," answered Redheart.
"Say what now?" asked Mind.
"How did this happen?" asked Specs.
"Apparently he heard some story and before he knew, he found himself in the ditch," said Elise.
"A story?" asked Graves.
"We tried asking but he refused to tell us," answered Elise.
"Child what's this story you heard?" asked Luna.
"No....please...don't...make.......me.....say.....it," Pipsqueak whimpered close to tears.
"Can you at least tell us what happened?" asked Mind. Pipsqueak grew silent for a moment before nodding his head.
"Mrs. Cheerilee....she....knew....we.....were..afraid.......after......what.....happened with....Lemon Drop....so......she said.....we were going to.......Manehatten...... and along the way.......we....wanted to....hear a story..... so......she told us.....this scary.....story," Pipsqueak sniffled.
"Ok, what happened next?" asked Mind.
"She...suddenly.....started to.....faster.....and...nopony....wanted to.....hear.....the story......anymore.....so we told her......to stop.....but she wouldn't stop," sniffled Pipsqueak.
"What do you mean she wouldn't stop?" asked Black Magic.
"She looked like......she was......being....controlled.....and white stuff....began.....coming out.....of her.....mouth....and before.....I knew it......we were in.....the hole," sniffled Pipsqueak. "No.....please don't make me say more," sobbed Pipsqueak.
"Shh, it's alright child, you don't have to talk if you don't wish to," cooed Luna stroking his mane.
"Wait one thing, what was the name of the story Mrs. Cheerilee told you guys?" asked Specs.
"Cowhead," answered Pipsqueak.
"Cowhead?" asked Grave confused.
"What the hell kind of story is Cowhead?" asked Black Magic.
"I don't know, but it's worth researching," said Specs getting up.
"Wait I'm going too," said Elise.
"No, I suggest you stay here to comfort Pipsqueak, we're just going back to do some research," said Specs. He walked out the door followed by the rest of the group.
"Twilight, Cadence find me every book on legends and myths you can find," said Specs walking into the Canterlot library.
"Another emergency?" asked Twilight putting down her book.
"Hell yeah," answered Black Magic.
"Geez excited aren't you?" asked Spike pulling a ladder. Twilight, Cadence, Spike, and the gang walked around gathering all the books on legends and myths while Specs flipped through the pages in the books they group gave him.
"What exactly are you looking for?" asked Cadence grabbing two books off the shelf.
"A legend based on a certain story," answered Specs. After several minutes of searching, Specs finally found what he was looking for. "Here we are," Everypony ran over to Spec's side to see what he found. "Let's see here Cowhead," He suddenly stopped short.
"What is it?" asked Twilight. Specs looked up with a shocked face. He held up the book to see that several pages had been torn out.
The group stared at the book in disappointment. The page with the words Cowhead staring back at them. Specs dropped the book on the table confused.
"I'm sorry Specs, I guess we should've warned you," apologized Cadence.
"About what?" asked Specs. "You knew about this, and you didn't even bother to speak?"
"Look, this story, it's forbidden to tell," said Twilight.
"What do you mean?" asked Specs closing the book.
"Let's just say it's not safe to speak of it right now," answer Cadence.
"Now what do we do?" asked Mind.
"I don't know, but I'm exhausted, it's getting late, we should hold this off until tomorrow, we still have to figure out who murdered Winona and finish the Lemon Drop case," said Specs. "Until then, just try to get some rest," Everypony looked at each other and watched as Specs left the room. Sighing the rest followed him out the door to close off the night.
It was cloudless night and everypony in Equestria was asleep. Except for two individuals in Canterlot. Gentlecolt Fancy Pants and his date Fleur de lis was out on a midnight stroll considering that the skies were clear. Little did they know that their night would be ruined.
"Beautiful night tonight ain't it dear?" asked Fancy Pants.
"Indeed, we must thank the Pegasus for it," agreed Fleur. The two continued to laugh and chat until something caught their ears.
"Hmm something wrong dear?" asked Fancy Pants.
"I believe I'm imagining it, but did you hear that?" asked Fleur.
"Hear what?" asked Fancy. The two stopped talking and sure enough, the sound of scratching could be heard coming from behind them. The two turned around to see a mare lying on the ground crawling towards them. "Hello is somepony there?" asked Fancy. The mare slowly crawled out into the moonlight revealing bruises and scratches covering her body.
"Oh my!" Fleur gasped. Fancy ran over to her and looked down.
"Are you alright miss, do you need assistance?" asked Fancy. The mare looked up and smirked as she threw her arm at Fancy followed by a loud slicing sound. Fancy Pants took a step back and put his hoof on his left cheek to see blood dripping down his face. He looked back at the mare who was holding a large blade. She crawled out revealing that she was missing the bottom half of her body.
"Honey is something wrong?" asked Fleur.
"Run!" Fancy yelled.
"What?" asked Fleur. But as Fancy ran towards her she could she the mare with the blade. Her eyes widened in horror as she took a step back. The mare was crawling at them swinging her blade extremely fast. Both Fancy and Fleur turned around and begin running with the mare in hot pursuit.
"What is that thing?!" asked Fleur.
"I don't know, but if she catches us, we're good as dead!" said Fancy. The two continued to run all the way back to their home and didn't see the mare for the rest of the night.
Luna soon awoke to the sound of knocking on her door. She looked over to her clock and saw that it was already 6 in the morning.
"Luna wake up you're majesty!" Specs called out from the other side of her door.
"I'm coming, I'm coming!" said Luna jumping out of her bed. She opened the door and saw that the rest of group was there. "What is it?" asked Luna.
"The moon is what's it," said Black Magic. Luna stared at him confused.
"What?" asked Luna.
"Actually, now that I think about it, I don't think today was scheduled to be a Solar Eclipse," said Grave.
"It's not," said Luna.
"Then how do you explain the thing out your window?" asked Specs. Confused, Luna walked over to her window and looked out to see the sun covering the moon in the dark night sky.
"We didn't do that," said Luna.
"Well it's up there," said Mind.
"Look I don't know whats going on, but I plan to get to the bottom of this," said Luna. Suddenly the phone in Luna's room began to ring. Luna walked over and picked up the phone. "Spectral Phenomenons, this Princess Luna speaking, how may we help you?" asked Luna. The group watched as Luna took the call. "Yes, uh huh, understood we'll be there as soon as possible," Luna hung up and looked towards the group. "Let's go,"
"Another emergency?" asked Black Magic.
"Yes, this time at Fancy Pant's place," answered Luna.
The gang wasted no time in getting ready and was at Fancy Pant's place in under an hour. Specs walked up and knocked on the door to his house.
"Spectral Phenomenons!" Specs called out. The door opened as a stallion with a white mane and tail answered the door. He wore a white shirt and brown suspenders.
"Can I help you?" asked the stallion.
"Um we got an emergency call from this house," answered Specs.
"Oh yes, you're the Spectral group aren't you?" asked the stallion.
"Spectral Phenomenons at your service sir," said Specs taking off his hat.
"Andre, let them in!" Elise called from inside the house.
"Yes, of course, please come in," said Andre.
"Please excuse us," said Specs as he walked inside with the rest of the gang.
"Thanks for coming on such short notice, Spectral Phenomenons," said Elise walking out of the living room.
"Mrs. Elise, would you mind introducing your friend here?" asked Specs.
"This Andre Toulon, the stallion I told you about," answered Elise smiling.
"The puppet master right?" asked Grave.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," said Toulon.
"Same," said Specs shaking his hoof. "The names Spectral, but you may call me Specs," Toulon nodded smiling.
"Mind Reader the Psychic," said Mind.
"Grave the Necromancer," said Grave.
"Black Magic the dark magic and voodoo user," said Black Magic.
"Princess Luna, princess of the night," said Luna.
"This way, Fancy Pants is waiting for you," said Elise leading the group into the living room. There the group saw Fancy Pants sitting in a chair drinking tea as Fleur stood next to him. Around the two, the gang saw seven small figures standing as if they were on guard.
"The hell are those things?" asked Black Magic.
"Those are Andre's little creations," answered Elise.
"His puppets?" asked Mind.
"The best ones," answered Toulon. He clapped his hoofs and the seven puppets immediately got into a single file line facing the group. "Let me introduce you to them," The puppet on the left end stepped forward and looked at the group. It had a white face and white hair with a black hat and trench coat. It had a knife on it's left arm and a hook on it's right. "That one, his name is Blade," said Toulon.
"Simple enough," said Specs. The next puppet to step forward had a red dress, long black hair, and hollow black eyes.
"That one, is Leech Woman," said Toulon.
"Where's the leech?" asked Grave.
"She spits them out," answered Toulon.
"TMI," said Black Magic. The next puppet was dressed like a military soldier and had a drill attached to it's head.
"That's Tunneller," said Toulon.
"The drill's a nice touch," said Mind. The next puppet was dressed like a clown.
"That's Jester," said Toulon.
"Original I guess," said Specs. The 5th puppet was dressed like a cowboy and had six arms holding little pistols.
"Meet Six Shooter," said Toulon.
"Unique design I suppose," said Luna. The 6th puppet wasn't at all detailed. It only had a large body and hands and a small head.
"That's Pinhead," said Toulon.
"I bet that one was the easiest to create," said Grave. Pinhead looked in his direction as if it didn't appreciate his sense of humor. "Sorry," he said looking ashamed. The final puppet had a brown jacket and a black head with glowing red eyes like a robot. It raised it's right arm as a small pillar of fire erupted from the cannon on it's arm.
"And the last one, is Torch," said Toulon.
"That one I like," said Black Magic.
"Such delightful little bodyguards wouldn't you say?" chuckled Fancy Pants.
"Well Mr. Toulon it's our pleasure to have met you and your friends, but we would like to get right down to business if you don't mind.
"Oh of course," said Toulon.
"So what exactly did you say attacked you last night?" asked Luna.
"I don't know, it was a mare, but she was missing the bottom half of her body," answered Fancy Pants.
"And what's more, she carried around this large Blade, it was dreadful!" said Fleur.
"Didn't you say she made a scratching sound every time she crawled around?" asked Mind.
"Oh yes, the sound, it was the most horrible thing we've ever heard!" said Fancy Pants.
"If it isn't too much to ask, would you please describe what it sounded like if you were to use words?" asked Specs.
"Oh well, if we were to use words, it would've sounded something like Teke Teke," answered Fancy Pants.
Day 5: Are you glad you didn't turn on the lights?
Later that day back at Celestia's castle, Twilight had received an invitation to the Gala from Pinkie. She had hoped to lighten Twilight's mood after all the terrible things going on in Equestria and decided that if her old jokes didn't do the trick, then maybe the Gala would.
"Sorry Pinkie but I have work to do, Specs really wants these cases solved as soon as possible, but you go on and have fun at the Gala," said Twilight.
"Oh ok, I guess if it's for work then maybe it can't be helped, but is it alright if I stayed here for the night?" asked Pinkie.
"Sure I'm sure Princess Celestia won't mind having you over," answered Twilight.
"Thanks Twilight!" cheered Pinkie jumping up and down. Specs and the gang later returned that evening obviously tired.
"Welcome back," said Twilight greeting them.
"Sweet Celestia I don't know how much more of this I can take," groaned Specs.
"We have had at least four cases in a row," said Mind.
"Hey the great galloping gala is actually tonight, why not take a break and go enjoy yourself?" asked Twilight.
"I'm so tired, there's no way I can refuse that offer," said Specs.
"Great, you go have fun and leave the cases to me," said Twilight. Later that evening, Specs and the gang left for the Gala while Twilight stayed behind to deal with the cases. At around 10, Twilight checked the clock. "Wow it's this time already, I guess I should take a break for now, I mean I would like to keep working but I'm pretty sure Specs wouldn't want me to stay up this late," She blew out her candle and walked into the bathroom to brush her teeth. Meanwhile she didn't notice the stallion sneaking into her room. After she spit out the last bit of paste she walked back to her bed and hopped in. Yawning she was about to drift off to sleep when she heard the closet door creek. "Is somepony there?" Twilight asked. When nobody responded, Twilight shook it off and closed her eyes. Slowly and carefully the stallion walked out and approached the bed and loomed over the bed. Twilight slowly opened her eyes to find the stallion smiling demonically at her. When she tried to scream the stallion put his hooves over her mouth and whispered
"Shh, go to sleep,"
The Gala finally ended at around midnight and Pinkie was just heading back to Twilight's room. When she arrived, she found the lights off and Twilight in her bed asleep. Smiling she quietly walked over to her bed careful not to wake her friend and jumped into her own bed and fell asleep.
After all the things that's happened in Equestria, Specs was ready for a vacation and he finally got what he wanted last night. It wasn't a common thing for him to enjoy dancing with a complete stranger. But now that experience was over he had to get back to work. But that morning, he began to worry when Twilight didn't show up on time for breakfast.
"Hey does anypony know where Twilight is?" asked Specs.
"No," answered Luna.
"She's probably still asleep," suggested Mind.
"Guess she stayed up late then huh?" chuckled Grave. But the humor in his joke was destroyed when Pinkie's scream rang out throughout the castle.
"What the fuck!?" yelped Black Magic. Specs wasted no time in jumping out of his seat and ran towards Twilight's room. The others worried followed after him.
"Pinkie is everything alright?" Specs asked bursting into Twilight's room. He found her on the floor trembling in fear as if she saw a ghost. Specs looked up and stepped back.
"What happened?" asked Mind catching up to him.
"Shit guys," said Specs.
"What?" asked Luna. Specs pointed towards the bed not moving his eyes from the horror. The four looked towards the bed and gasped.
"No," whimpered Luna.
"So you found her dead by the time you got to her room?" asked the officer. Specs nodded. Cadence held Shining Armor and sobbed as officers walked around the bed taking pictures of Twilight's limp body.
"You find anything?" asked the officer.
"Sorry chief there really isn't anything much that can help," said the second officer.
"Except the writing on the wall," added Black Magic.
"Please Chief Hopper, you can't just let this killer run loose," pleaded Cadence.
"Your majesty, we're trying our best and you know that," said Hopper. While Cadence argued with Hopper, Specs walked over and inspected Twilight's corpse.
"It's too big isn't it Grave?" asked Specs.
"No, but it will take some time to revive her fully," answered Grave.
"Please, just try everything you can," begged Specs.
"I'll see what I can do," said Grave. Specs moved away and looked up to the wall. Aren't you glad you didn't turn on the lights? Seriously, who's sick joke was this. Well whoever it was, Specs was going to make sure that this killer was going to be stopped.
"Your majesty it's far too dangerous!" Hopper exclaimed.
"What, she's a psychic so technically she shouldn't have too much trouble dealing with the culprit right?" asked Cadence.
"Your majesty that's not the point, El she may have those powers, but stopping a killer isn't something I can accept!" said Hopper.
"Then who's going to stop them huh?" Cadence asked furiously.
"I will," answered Specs.
"What!?" everypony turned towards him with a shocked look.
"She was my responsibility, and I failed to protect her, I was foolish enough to think that I could leave her alone while I was at the Gala, and that's why when I find the killer, I'll send them to hell where they belong," said Specs storming out the door.
"Specs wait!" Mind called out to him. But he was already halfway down the hall by the time she looked out the door. So many innocent ponies had already lost their lives. First it was the ponies that watched the cursed tape, next was Winona, then Lemon Drop, and now Twilight. It was time that Specs put an end to these murders, and send the killers back to hell. Aren't you glad you didn't turn on the light, he would remember those words when he avenges Twilight's death.
Tempest took another sip of her coffee as she flipped through the day's paper. For the past few days strange things have been happening in Equestria. The permanent Solar Eclipse that was totally uncalled for, all the mysterious deaths, the strange creature sightings, and now this. Tempest wiped away the teardrop away from her eye, the pony who had considered her as friend and saved her had been murdered by an unknown assailant. But their was still hope, the group that calls themselves The Spectral Phenomenons had been attacking these cases nonstop. If they could stop these terrifying happenings then, maybe they could even bring back Twilight. "Check please!" she called out to the waiter as she tossed the paper off to the side. She leaned back an sighed wishing that this was all just a nightmare. She thanked the waiter as he brought the check for the coffee and placed three bits on the table. She was about to get up and leave when her ears caught something unusual.
"Look this is too dangerous I'm telling you," a voice stuttered. Tempest turned around to see four fillies arguing nearby.
"You want to find Will don't you?" asked one fillies.
"But what if we run into that thing!?" asked asked another.
"Excuse me can you four explain to me what you're talking about here?" asked Tempest walking up to them.
"Um sorry who are you?" asked the female filly.
"I'm Tempest Shadow, a friend of Princess Twilight Sparkle," answered Tempest.
"Oh yeah we've heard about you," said the filly with the hat.
"Wait, Dustin we can't just trust her," said the filly with the blue jacket.
"But Mike maybe she'll help us find Will," said the filly with the hat.
"Look, I'm pretty sure at a time like this, trusting strangers is the best bet," said the filly with the skateboard.
"No I'm not taking any chances," said Mike.
"Mike I think Max is right, at this point I don't think it matters," said the zebra.
"Lucas she doesn't look like the type who would help others," said Mike.
"Alright, alright listen, I know you guys are still under a lot of pressure assuming that you lost a precious friend, but you can trust me, I promise," said Tempest.
"She Mike, even she's saying we can trust her," said Lucas. Mike hesitated looking like he wanted to refuse Tempest's offer, but he knew that time was running out, surely whatever took Will this time would not hesitate to hurt him.
"Alright fine, but if she does anything stupid then we're dropping her out," said Mike.
"Alright a new member!" cheered Dustin.
"No Dustin, just a temporary one, just because I agreed doesn't mean I trust her," said Mike.
"Come on Mike don't be like that," said Max.
"Whatever," said Mike rolling his eyes.
"So where were you four headed" asked Tempest.
"The Everfree Forest," answered Lucas.
Will stood before the animatronics tapping his foot impatiently. Surely Joey would've finished preparations for the stupid ritual by now. The door suddenly swung open as the stallion walked in smiling demonically.
"You're back already?" asked Will.
"Hey I told I've done this a million times already," laughed Jeff.
"Did do you do it right though?" asked Will.
"Pfft Mr. Afton I know how to do it right, you on the other hand had to be brought back to life by Bendy after you got trapped in the springlock suit," said Jeff.
"Shut up asshole I can always send you back," growled Will.
"Oh please threats don't work on me Mr. Afton," laughed Jeff.
"Ahem sorry to ruin you're little conversation, but I'm just letting you know the ritual is ready," said Joey poking his head out of the parts and service room.
Sweetie Belle waved goodbye as Rarity left the boutique. As soon as she was out of her sight she quickly shut the door. She was planning to have another play date with Applebloom and Scootaloo while Rarity was out on another business. She was about to head over to the kitchen to get some snacks when the phone began to ring. She picked up the phone and held it up to her ears.
"Hello?" asked Sweetie Belle. For a moment there was no response. "Hello?" she asked again. She was about to hang up the phone thinking it was a prank when a little girl's giggling could be heard. "Hello?" she repeated for the third time.
"I'm Mary, I'm at the Apple Farm now," said the voice. freaked out she quickly hung up the phone. At first she didn't know whether somepony was actually playing a prank when she remembered that she got a creepy porcelain doll that she named Mary. She had lost the doll on accident and never told her parents because she knew that they would be upset with her for losing such an expensive doll. She decided not to think too much about it and decided to think about her play date. But her thoughts were suddenly interrupted when the phone began to ring again. Sweetie looked at the phone with a nervous look. She slowly reached over and answered the phone.
"Hello?" she asked.
"Hi I'm Mary I'm at the library," giggled the voice. Freaked out even more she slammed the phone and ran around the boutique closing the windows in hopes that she might not see her.
"It's ok it's probably somepony playing a prank on me," Sweetie Belle laughed nervously. Her thoughts were interrupted when the phone began to ring again. She got on her knees and covered her ears hoping that the she might leave her alone. But after a minute passed she found that the phone was still ringing. Sweetie Belle swallowed hard as she gathered up every ounce of courage she could squeeze out and answered the phone."Hello?" she asked nervously.
"Hi I'm Mary, I'm at your front door," giggled the voice. Sweetie dropped the phone and ran to the door and opened it to find that nopony was there. Sweetie let out a sigh as she closed the door and walked back towards the kitchen when the phone rang again. She slowly reached over and held up to her ears.
"Hello?" she asked.
"Hi I'm Mary, I'm right behind you," giggled the voice.
Mind Reader sat in her room as she tried to keep her tears from showing. She clenched her teeth as she punched the ground in frustration. "I'm so stupid!" But just as she did the lamp on her nightstand flew off the table and crashed onto the ground. That tend to happen a lot. Whenever Mind Reader would get angry or upset, her psychic powers would get out of control as well. She covered her face with her hooves as she sobbed. "I never should've played with that stupid board in the first place!" She looked up at the eclipse and sniffled. "Father I'm so sorry, wherever you are please, make all this stop,"
The next evening Specs had received a call from Prince Blueblood, he had confessed to Specs and the rest of the Spectral Phenomenons to poisoning Rarity after their marriage. He believes that her ghost was haunting him for her death and had reached out to them to try and quiet her spirit so he could live in peace. He was now making his way with the gang to Prince Blueblood's house the night before his wedding with a new mare. This was day 6 the day before their final day, the day that their death would take them. He knocked on the door to his house and waited for the Prince to show. The door opened as a distressed Prince Blueblood appeared. "Spectral Phenomenons at your service," said Specs.
"Oh thank Celestia you made it, please I can't do this before my wedding," said Blueblood. "Please come in," he said as the gang entered. As Blueblood explained his situation, Elise and Mind Reader got straight to work. "Please just stay for this one night and my wedding tomorrow, I can't stand Rarity's ghost haunting me like this," begged Blueblood.
"We'll do what we can," said Specs.
"Well what do you think?" asked Luna.
"I'm sorry, we tried to talk to her but she wouldn't answer," apologized Elise. Suddenly the ceiling light began to flicker.
"Huh strange I know I paid my electric bills," Blueblood laughed nervously. He got a stool and tried to fix the lights when he felt that somepony was watching.
"Hmm is something wrong?" asked Luna. Blueblood turned to answer her question only to find that her face was replaced with that of Rarity's disfigured face.
"Betrayal!!!!!" she hissed. Screaming Blueblood attacked Luna with a blast of magic to which Luna quickly avoided.
"Princess!" Grave said running to her side.
"What the hell is your problem?!" growled Black Magic. Blueblood blinked to see that Luna's face had returned to her.
"Oh nothing I'm seeing things, I'm so sorry your majesty," said Blueblood bowing in front of her. Specs looked at him as he scratched his chin, something had definitely terrified him, and he was going to figure out what. The next day was the day of Blueblood's wedding. Specs and the rest of the gang kept their promise and attended his wedding. As the mare walked in with the veil over her face, Specs kept his attention to Blueblood.
"You may now kiss the bride," said Princess Luna. But when Blueblood lifted his wife's veil, Rarity's disfigured face glared at him.
"Betrayal!!!!!!!!" she hissed. Frightened Blueblood quickly grabbed one of the nearby guard's staff and swung it, decapitating his wife's head. The crowd and even Luna was shocked as the mare's body dropped dead. Specs along with the others from the crowd began to get up. Meanwhile Blueblood quickly dropped the staff and squinted to see that he had beheaded his own wife's head instead of Rarity. That evening Blueblood returned home from the wedding with the Spectral Phenomenons.
"I can't take it, Rarity has ruined my wedding, please you have to make it stop, I don't know how much more I can take!!!!" Blueblood pleaded. Suddenly there was a knock on the door followed by an angry stallion's voice.
"Hey Blueblood I know you're in there, I heard you killed my daughter!!!!!!!!" screamed the stallion.
"Oh no," said Blueblood.
"Who's that?" asked Grave.
"My wife's father," answered Blueblood.
"Hey I get out here and face me coward!!!!!" hissed the stallion.
"What should I tell him?" asked Blueblood nervously.
"Tell him the truth, why lie when he knows?" asked Mind Reader. Swallowing hard Blueblood walked to the door and answered it. "Sir I'm so sorry I didn't mean to-" But what he found was Rarity's ghost and her disfigured face glaring at him.
"Betrayal!!!!!!!" she hissed. Screaming Blueblood reached over and grabbed the hammer sitting on his lamp stand and begin hitting Rarity's ghost with hit. Specs and the others heard the screams of the stallion and ran to the door to see Blueblood beating him with the hammer.
"Blueblood!" Luna called out to him. He quickly turned around and saw the six standing there in shock.
"Wha?" Blueblood asked. He turned around and saw that Rarity's ghost had vanished and in it's place a dead stallion. Panicked Blueblood threw the hammer to the side and tried to dust off the blood.
"What's your deal!?" Black Magic hissed. Blueblood turned to face him only to find Rarity's disfigured face staring at him.
"Betrayal!!!!" she hissed. Yelping, Blueblood fired a blast of magic at him which he dodged.
"Knock it off will ya?" Black Magic hissed.
"I.....I can't stay here she's coming for me!!!!!!!" Blueblood screamed. He scrambled to his feet and ran out the door.
"Hey wait!" Elise called out to him.
"We ain't letting this go, come on after him!!" Specs said running after him. The other five ran out following after Specs. As Blueblood ran, the Spectral Phenomenons followed. While their chase for the terrified prince, Mind could've sworn she could hear Rarity's maniacal laughter echoing throughout Canterlot. The chase lead Blueblood all the way to Celestia's castle but was denied entry by two guards.
"Blueblood!!!" Mind called out after him. Blueblood turned around to see the Spectral Phenomenons chasing after him.
"What's going on?" asked one of the guards. Blueblood turned around to answer his question only to find two disfigured ghosts of Rarity stared at him.
"Betrayal!!!!!!" she hissed. Blueblood yelped and fell backwards. By then the gang had caught up with him.
"Blueblood are you alright?" asked Specs. Blueblood looked up at him and once again saw Rarity's disfigured face staring at him.
"Betrayal!!!!!!!" she hissed. Blueblood scrambled to his feet and backed up towards the cliff.
"WHAT DO YOU WANT!!!!??????" he yelled towards the sky. "WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME!!!!!?????" Luna's eyes widened and gasped as she saw what was standing behind him. "What?" asked Blueblood. He noticed the guards looked at him with terrified expressions on their faces.
"Um Blueblood," said Grave swallowing hard.
"What?" he asked.
"Behind you," said Mind Reader. Blueblood slowly turned behind him to see Rarity's disfigured face once more. However unlike all the other times, her ghost had a blue grayish color to it.
"BETRAYAL!!!!!!!!!!!!" she hissed louder than ever. She than reached out and grabbed him by the collar.
"Look Rarity I'm sorry," said Blueblood. Rarity's ghost shook her head and pulled him closer.
"Betrayal," she whispered. Then with one swift toss, she threw Blueblood of the edge of the cliff then jumped off after him. The Spectral Phenomenons watched in horror as the mixed sound of Blueblood's terrified screams and the sinister laughter of Rarity echoed throughout the land. The sound came to an end as a loud thud could be heard. The guards and Spectral Phenomenon rushed to the edge to see Blueblood's body at the very bottom not moving.
"Holy shit," said Black Magic. Suddenly a large flash caught the groups attention. When they looked up they could see a large purple portal had opened up out of nowhere.
"What is that?" asked Grave. The group stepped back as two large skeletal hands slowly reached out, followed by a large figure wearing a large black robe. Once the creature was completely out, the portal behind them closed shut. The creature had no legs and was clearly levitating in the air. He removed the hood to reveal a black skull that suddenly burst into ominous blue flames. it reached over it's shoulders and pulled out a large black scythe.
"What the hay!?" screamed one of the guards.
"Specs is that?" asked Luna.
"It is," answered Specs.
"What no way that can't be, there's no way thats......" hesitated Mind Reader.
The Spectral Phenomenons and the two guards stared in horror as Black Skull made his entrance. After 3 minutes of complete silence, Black Skull lets out a bloodcurdling screech that shattered windows and forced the group to cover their ears.
"Sweet Celestia that's ungodly!" Black Magic yelled over the screeching.
"My head feels like it's going to split!" exclaimed Graves. Black Skull finally stopped screaming and snapped his fingers as the spirit of Rarity and Blueblood appeared in front of them. He slowly reached out and grabbed both souls and dropped them into his mouth, devouring the two spirits.
"Hey give them back, asshole!!" Black Magic yelled. Black Skull looked down at the group and hissed.
"Don't tempt him Black Magic," Specs ordered. Black Skull was about to raise his scythe when he noticed Mind Reader staring at him nervously. The blue flames in his eyes grew bigger then died down as he smirked. He pointed a bony finger at Mind Reader.
"M-Me?" Mind Reader stuttered. Just then Black Magic raised one of his arms and slammed down on top of Mind Reader.
"MIND!!!!" Luna screamed in horror. Black Skull began to curl up as he lifted his hand. Mind Reader poked her head out of his hand and looked around.
"Hey put me down!" Mind ordered. "Luna help me!!!!"
"Mind hang on!" Luna called out to her. "Give her back you fiend!!!" Luna ordered as she flew up to the Grim Reaper. But Black Skull ignored her as he disappeared into another portal that just opened. Luna desperately tried to save her student only for her face to vanish into the portal. Luna flew down and slammed her hoof down in anger. Tears began to roll down her cheek as the remaining four ran up to comfort her.
'It's alright Luna, we'll get her back somehow, trust me," said Specs.
Tempest stood before the entrance to Everfree forest with the four fillies hesitant to move.
"Ok maybe this wasn't such a good idea," said Dustin.
"Do we really have to go in there?" asked Max.
"If we want to find Will then yes," answered Mike.
"Hey Mr. Afton you hear that?" asked a voice.
"Looking for me eh?" asked another voice. The five turned around to see Jeff and Afton standing behind them.
"Who....who are you?" asked Dustin.
"Oh just a couple of loose killers, anyway we're going to have to ask you five to come with us," answered Afton.
"Yes, you would make such great sacrifices for the lord," laughed Jeff.
"Sacrifices!?" yelped Lucas.
"Sorry but I won't let you hurt these kids," said Tempest.
"Oh come now you don't want to anger the Grim Reaper now do you?" laughed Jeff.
"Grim Reaper?" asked Max.
"Ugh I was hoping this wouldn't take too long, whatever, Bendy you're up," said Afton.
"Drip, drip motherfucker," said Jeff as he threw down a jar of ink. The jar popped open as the ink began to grow and split into five puddles. The puddles of ink eventually began to take form into a demon with a sinister smile, three humanoid creatures, one with a gaping mouth, one with a fishing line for it's head, and one with an extendable punching arm, and a fifth humanoid creature with a projector for a head. The four quickly hid behind Tempest as she stared down the ink creatures.
Specs threw down the catalog in front of the group and begin to flip through the pages.
"I know that there was some information about Black Skull that I missed," said Specs. "I just need to find it,"
"It's alright Luna, I'm sure she'll be fine," said Grave handing her a handkerchief.
"I hope so," said Luna.
"Aha, here we are, let's see Black Skull is weak to light but hates fire more than anything," said Specs.
"Fire?" asked Elise.
"It would seem so," answered Specs. "It also states that Black Skull has the ability to control others at his own free will,"
"Oh great so the Grim Reaper can use others like puppets," groaned Black Magic. "As if things weren't bad enough already,"
"That's all I could find, everything else I told you about," said Specs closing the book.
"Ok so how exactly do we get to Black Skull?" asked Grave.
"I don't know, but there has to be a way, I'm sure of it," answered Specs.
"I suggest we start looking for it," said Luna. Everyone nodded their head in agreement.
The old building stood gloomily giving off a terrifying atmosphere and even so Hopper stood outside shining his flashlight on the crumbling building walls, Andre Toulon clutched his suitcase containing his puppets.
"This is the place?" asked Hopper.
"That's what she said," answered Toulon.
""Let's go," said Hopper walking towards the building. Hesitant Toulon eventually gives in to his nerves and follows him. The two entered the building walking around the darkness. "Let's split up it'll be faster that way," said Hopper. Toulon nodded and the two went their separate ways. As Hopper walked around the dark building he could see graffiti of a strange creature in a black robe holding a giant scythe hovering above a pentagram spray painted on the walls. "What the hell is this?" He shined the light next to the drawing to find the words Don't Summon written in blood. "Sweet Celestia," said Hopper.
"Aye Chief I think I found it!" Toulon called out from the inside the building. Hopper pulled out a camera and snapped a picture of the drawing with the message before running off to find Toulon. After searching for about 5 minutes Hopper found Toulon on the second floor standing in front of a small pedestal containing a small jar filled with blue liquid.
"That's it?" asked Hopper.
"Yes, the secret substance used to bring the dead back to life," answered Toulon.
"Then if we use this on the princess of friendship," said Hopper.
"Yes, it should be able bring her back to life," said Toulon.