Next Nightmare Night Chapter on the way... · 6:15pm Sep 13th, 2019
At 7k words already, Part 19 might even be draft complete this weekend. Expect this chapter to be alternating between the confrontation between Nightmarity and Eclipse, and the scene back at Canterlot High as a fleeing and frightened Trixie arrives. There will be some adult action, but mostly just scene-setting this time.
When the time comes, you will see not one but two chapters released, as I'm going to split off the second half of the previous chapter into its own chapter as I promised before. I decided not to make a separate release for it as it strikes me as wrong to republish an old chapter without new content accompanying it.
Teaser follows:
“Okay, students, as it’s nearly time to wrap things up, we’re ready to announce our winners of the costume contest!” Celestia called out over her loudspeaker. “We admit, this was a very difficult decision this year, especially on the subject of best costume theme. But before we do, we would like to congratulate both schools on a well-fought football game and a very successful Halloween party!”
“I’d take the time to name everyone who helped out individually, but as I’m sure you’re all tired and have had your fill of few things Luna and I really don’t want to know about—” She paused long enough for laughter and whistles to erupt “—we’ll skip right to the awards.”
“Ha! Trixie and her Great and Powerful Band have this one in the bag!” Trixie rubbed her hands together gleefully.
“Ha! You wish!” Rainbow retaliated as all the students from both schools stepped up to listen, chattering excitedly amongst themselves
“We’ll do team awards for best costume theme first,” Luna announced. “Third place and an award of a $50 gift certificate to Sugar Cube Corner goes to… Young Justice! ” She motioned to Flash Sentry’s band, who whooped and cheered, exchanging high fives with each other and some of the surrounding students before heading up to retrieve the award, getting their picture taken again by Photo Finish while shaking the hands of the three Principals and Dean in turn.
Cadance spoke up next. “Second place and an award of a $100 gift certificate to the Big Burger Palace goes to… The Power People!” she indicated to the rest of the costumed Shadowbolt girls, who smiled and immediately announced which burger they were going to be eating as they likewise stepped up to be photographed, though Principal Cadance stiffened and her smile suddenly seemed slightly forced as Lemon Zest stood next to her with her hand out of sight behind her.
“And for first place…” This time it was Dean Sombra who spoke, giving no indication of which school had won the competition. “With the top prize of season passes to the Elements of Enjoyment Amusement and Water Park goes to—”
His voice trailed off as suddenly there was a growing high pitched ringing and tinkling sound heard from the base of the Wondercolts statue, whose front suddenly glowed with a bright blue light, crackling with electricity. The sight caused the Crystal Prep students to step back in worry while the Canterlot High stepped forward eagerly, recognizing the effect as indicating a portal passage.
“Whoa! Is Twilie coming through?” Flash asked hopefully as a still-tense Twilight stiffened. “She said she couldn’t come before! Guess she wanted to surprise me!”
“I guess. It’s odd, though. I mean, she usually lets us know she’s on the way?” Sunset said with a glance at the others, but gathering close to receive their friend.
“Yeah, but who cares? Now we can show her a good Halloween time after all!” Pinkie proclaimed.
“Oh, I hope her Spike is coming too!” canine Spike rubbed his paws together hopefully. “We need to play the next chapter of our Ogres and Oubliettes game!”
“Man, I can’t wait to meet this other Twilight!” the Millisecond-costumed Lemon Zest rubbed her hands together in glee as she elbowed her way to the front. “Especially if she’s anything like ours!”
“Is she…?” The other Shadowbolt students suddenly wondered nervously as the human Twilight held her breath.
The portal then flashed bright as a familiar but decidedly non-Twilight figure emerged… and promptly stumbled awkwardly to the ground, falling forward like she was uncertain of her footing. She groaned as she tried and failed to pull herself back up.
Her only costume was a simple black cape and pointed witch’s hat, but she was otherwise dressed in what everyone recognized as her usual school attire of a violet skirt and blue hoodie over a lavender blouse.
“Huh? Trixie?” Rainbow recognized. “When did you cross over? And when did you change costumes?”
“Cross over? Change costumes? What are you babbling about? And who are you talking to, Rainbow Trash?” She spun when Trixie’s voice came from behind her, to reveal the original Trixie, still dressed in her Huntress attired, trying but failing to see who the new arrival was through the crush of students..
“What the…?” One of Flash’s bandmates was heard over the general murmur that erupted. Everyone then looked back and forth between the pair in confusion as the newly arrived Trixie attempted to push herself up. “What’s going on?”
“Ow…” the newly-arrived and very disoriented Trixie called out, having not immediately heard the conversation around her. “That was even more unpleasant than Granny Smith’s Timberwolf travel. So where is Trixie now?” She gasped as she opened her eyes and saw her hands, and finally looked up to see the assembled crowd staring at her…
And then she shrieked at the top of her lungs, stumbling back in sheer terror as she beheld the mingled students.
The new chapter should be ready to launch by the middle of next week, or sooner depending on how quickly prereaders get to it. Be looking for it!
Trixie's going to need a lot of explanations since Starlight clearly didn't tell Trixie everything and she very confused right now.