//------------------------------// // Bonus - Nightmare Night Special! // Story: No Nose Knows // by Irrespective //------------------------------// “Nightmare Night?” Celestia asked with concern. “Yeah!” Bean exclaimed with a prancing tapdance down the hallway while snagging the helmet from the nearest guard. He then placed it on his own head, but the intended effect would have worked better if he had put it on the right way. “Why not?” he asked through the ear hole. “I don’t know, love,” Celestia replied, and her ears folded back slightly. “It’s not exactly an anniversary I like to recall.” “Well, then we change the meaning,” Bean said. “Just like how the Summer Sun Celebration is different now.” Celestia’s face was still set in concern. “That’s different. Changing a holiday to commemorate the return of your sister is one thing. How do we change the meaning of the day my sister became corrupted, and at my hooves?” “Well, It’s not about your sister, I would argue,” he said softly while removing the helm and returning it to its proper owner. “It’s about the legend of Nightmare Moon. I never have heard anypony refer to Luna at all when they celebrate it, and we could argue Luna is dressing up like Nightmare Moon for Nightmare Night. Besides, you have to admit it would be fun to go play some games with the Elements and to just relax for an evening.” “It does sound fun,” she admitted, and she gave his nose a kiss. “All right. I’ll try it, but only because you’re cute.” He gave her a broad grin and returned her kiss. “Thanks. If it turns out you hate it, I’ll never bring it up again.” Celestia then tapped a hoof against her chin in thought. “You know, I think I might even have a costume idea…” * * ✹ * * “Bean, love? Are you almost ready?” Celestia called out from the bathroom. “How do they get this stuff on so quickly again?” Bean shouted back. Celestia finished applying the last of her fake eyelashes with a smile as he continued. “I’m not even sure if I’ve got it on frontwards or backwards.” She chuckled at his frustration and she blinked rapidly to ensure the eyelashes were on securely. Once she was satisfied with her appearance, she strode out into the main room where she found Bean struggling with a buckle on his borrowed set of royal guard armor. “Here, let me help,” she offered, and her magic quickly straightened out the strap and buckled it for him. “Thanks,” he offered, but then he snickered a bit as he saw her completed costume. “I still can’t believe you’re willingly dressing up as a giraffe.” “The giraffe is a noble species with exceptional taste in leaves,” she said with a sniff of haughtiness and a sly grin. “Besides, it plays well to my physical attributes, and from what I’ve heard everypony is going as a clown this year so I’ll be different.” “Well, you’ve got me there,” he said as he grabbed his helmet. “Are you going to hide your horn and wings?” She nodded, and with a small pulse of magic they disappeared from view. Bean took a moment to look over his wife, and he had to admit she’d done a good job. The spots running up her back and neck contrasted nicely against her now yellow body, the ossicones sat nicely in her mane and in between her ears, and she’d even wrapped part of her tail up in faux fur to complete the look. “You look good,” he offered. “I’d almost bet some ponies don’t even recognize you.” “Thank you,” she said with a toss of her mane and a giggle. “Are you ready? It’s just about time to go.” “Just need my hat.” He placed it on his head with a grin. He then felt a small tingle go through his fur, and when he looked back over himself he found he now looked exactly like the other guards. “Ah, I see you got me a fully functional set of armor. How do I look?” “Like a Guard.” She chuckled. “I’ll have to make sure I don’t lose you in the crowd.” “I don’t suppose there will be too many guards there. Even if so, I’ll stay close.” “Good. I think having my knight by my side will be most helpful.” Bean gave her a curious glance. “Helpful?” “I have never liked Nightmare Night, love. Who wants to celebrate the loss of a beloved family member? All it has done in the past is remind me of the loss of Luna. I’m only partaking now because you asked me nicely and because I would like to move to a different viewpoint on the whole thing. I don’t like feeling how I feel about this night. I want to enjoy it with my little ponies, and the only way I see to do that is to participate in it with you.” “Hey, I’m sorry,” Bean said with a hoof on her shoulder. “I might have been a bit too forceful in participating in the festivities tonight. I didn’t fully appreciate your feelings on this. Really, we can just stay here.” “Thank you, but you didn’t force it.” She smiled and kissed him. “I want to do this.” “I tell you what: if it turns out that, for whatever reason, you want to leave we will. If you still hate Nightmare Night after this, I’ll never bring it up again.” “Fair enough,” she replied, and she gave him a quick kiss. “Thank you.” He gave her a warm smile and offered a hoof. “Shall we?” * * ✹ * * “Princess Celestia?” “Good evening, Twilight!” Celestia replied, as she and Bean stepped off of the chariot. “Happy Nightmare Night!” “Uh… thank you?” Twilight Sparkle replied. “Forgive me, but I really didn’t expect you to be taking part in Nightmare Night.” “Well, I am hoping to change that. Besides, Prince Bean tells me he likes those chocolate covered wafers.” “Oh. I’m a bit surprised he’s not with you.” “Who says I’m not?” Bean said. Twilight yelped, and she retreated a step. “Bean? You dressed up as a guard?” “Why not?” he said slyly. “Celly says I look good in armor.” “I just… okay.” She took a deep breath, then smiled. “I’m glad you’re both here, really. I think Spike is almost ready to go, so as soon as he comes out we can go check out the carnival.” “My sister is still planning on attending tonight, right?” said Celestia. “I haven’t heard otherwise,” Twilight replied. “Is that going to be an issue?” “No,” Celestia replied, but with a bit of hesitation behind the pleasant smile. “It will be fun to spend the evening with her.” “Oh, hey Princess!” Spike called out while he shut the door to the library. “I love your costume!” “Thank you! You look quite dapper as well.” Spike smiled smugly and straightened his top hat while twirling one end of his curled moustache. “Thanks. I didn’t go overboard, did I?” “Not at all,” Celestia replied with a glance over his freshly-pressed suit and tie. “I especially like the monocle. It makes you look very distinguished.” “Heh-heh, aw.” Spike laughed. “I thought it would match Rarity pretty good.” “Oh? Who is she going as?” “You,” Spike said with a dreamy laugh. “I even helped her find some gems to put in her mane and in the regalia she made.” “It sounds like a most detailed costume! I can’t wait to see it,” Celestia said, and they began walking towards town. “Hey, where’s Bean?” Spike asked. “He didn’t stay in Canterlot, did he?” “Boo.” “Wah!” Spike shouted, and then he clutched his chest. “Bean, dude! Don’t do that!” * * ✹ * * Celestia smiled in joy as she looked out and over the crowd that was assembled for the Nightmare Night Carnival. The entire town had turned out and the festivities had already begun, and she was pleased to hear the gentle sprinkle of conversation punctuated the occasional laugh from both adults and foals as they walked into the thick of it. Most of the costumes seemed pretty standard, with the common theme being animals of various varieties or clowns. A few were dressed as ghosts, vampires, or some other supernatural spook, and one pony had gone with a… well, a cardboard box, it appeared. She couldn’t suppress her smile as a few Baked Bean costumes, complete with an imitation of his Celestial Crystal, made their way around the stalls. “Wow!” Bean remarked while he scanned the crowd too. “I’m all over the place. Hey, is that Wysteria’s sister?” “Raven Inkwell, yes. The resemblance is rather uncanny, isn’t it?” “I wouldn’t be able to tell them apart except for the horn,” Bean replied. “But they both dressed up as vampires?” “Wysteria suggested it. She thought it would be fun to be identical, and Raven agreed.” Bean chuckled a little as both Raven and Wysteria laughed at a joke that had been shared. It was fun to see them dressed the same. “Howdy, Princess!” Applejack’s voice called out over the crowd. “That’s a mighty fine costume you picked out.” “Why thank you, Applejack!” Celestia said, but then she put a hoof to her chin in thought. “Now, don’t tell me. I think I remember this from one of the letters I was sent. Hm.” Applejack said nothing, but she did offer a smug smile. “Ah! Of course. The Mysterious Mare-Do-Well! Your exploits have become legendary among the staff in the palace.” “You told the staff about that?” Twilight asked. “Oh, only the highlights of course. I would never share your names. Most thought I had found one of Spike’s old comic books.” Bean made a mental note to himself to ask about that particular incident later. It sounded hilarious. “Heh, well, comics seem to be the popular thing this year.” Applejack laughed. “And clowns. I dunno why though.” “At least you know what a clown is,” Spike muttered. “Twilight had to go with something obscure again.” “Obscure?” Celestia asked. “She’s an Ursa Major. What is obscure about that?” “Thank you!” Twilight replied, with a smug grin for Spike. “See?” “Whatever,” he scoffed. “Well, care to try your hoof at bobbin’ for apples?” Applejack swept a hoof back towards the large barrel that held the game. “So far Bulk Biceps has the most apples at twelve.” “YEAH!” Bulk shouted from somewhere in the distance. Celestia drew back a little and had a playful grin on her face. “Are you sure this is an appropriate game for a princess?” Applejack scoffed. “Oh yeah. This is one of Princess Luna’s favorites. It’s good enough for ya. Question is, can yah handle it?” “There is only one way to find out,” Celestia said with a determined grin. * * ✹ * * For the next hour, Bean and Celestia had a fantastic and enjoyable time. The Princess managed to snag fifteen apples, but she also somehow managed to lose one set of her fake eyelashes in the water for a brief moment. Bean bested her in the spider toss game, but Celestia’s heart beat just a bit faster with joy when he ‘apologized’ with a large bundle of cotton candy that she was happy to share. “All right, every pony!” Mayor Mare eventually called out from the main stage. “It’s time for the annual Nightmare Night storytelling! Everypony who wants to hear a spooooky story, follow Zecora!” “At least the Mayor is actually spooky this year,” Spike remarked while he and Twilight began walking with Celestia and Bean. “That hockey mask is way better than what she usually comes up with, and the rusty machete is a nice touch.” “Spike!” Twilight admonished her young assistant. “What?” he replied with a defensive look. “I’m just saying she’s usually not that scary.” “Twilight? Oh, Twilight!” Rarity called out from somewhere in the crowd, and the five paused for a moment as a miniature Celestia worked her way towards them. Bean had to admit she’d done a good job: her wings looked fairly real and her mane was both spot-on for color and sparkle with the small diamonds that had been woven into it. The tail was close but still had the trademarked Rarity curl to it, but overall she had produced a very good... well, it was certainly not a copy of Celestia’s distinctive look. Rarity did not do copies. It was undoubtedly inspired by Celestia’s appearance, and had yielded a fashionable princess of its own. “Hello Princess!” Rarity said once she had caught up to them. “I must say, that is a fabulous costume!” “Why, thank you!” Celestia replied with a chuckle. “And I love yours as well. Care to stand in for me at the next ribbon cutting I have scheduled?” “Ah, well.” Rarity waved a dismissive hoof, but she was obviously pleased with the praise. “Just a little makeup and papier-mâché is all this is. Besides, I’m not much of a princess without my prince! Have any of seen my Spikey-Wikey? He promised to escort me to the storytelling.” “Ah, my lady!” Spike popped out and bowed deeply to Rarity. “I was hoping I might find you here. Shall we away?” “Oh, Spike! Aren’t you just the most precious thing!” Rarity cooed and giggled. Bean giggled a bit himself as Celestia rolled her eyes. “Please, let us away indeed!” Spike offered his arm, Rarity eagerly took it, and the two walked out and ahead of the others. “Those two are horrible.” Twilight chuckled. “But sweet as well,” Bean added. “Yeah.” The walk to the statue of Nightmare Moon was a short one, but Celestia held back and allowed everypony else to fill in the area in front of them first. Bean didn’t mind this, he simply went up on his rear legs and leaned into his wife, and she gave him a quick nuzzle. “Holding up all right?” Bean asked. “Yes. I think so,” she said. “I am slightly concerned about this, though.” “Just say the word and we’re gone,” Bean said  firmly, and Celestia saw both sorrow and resoluteness in his face. “Or don’t even do that. Just teleport away. I’ll understand.” “I don’t want to leave, though; I have enjoyed myself immensely. Let’s just see how it goes for now.” “All right,” he said with more than enough worry in his voice. A puff of smoke and a clap of thunder silenced the assembled crowd, and Zecora emerged from the white cloud with her usual white wig and spiders. She gave the audience a eerie glance before smiling devilishly. “Every year, we put on a disguise to save ourselves from her searching eyes.” Luna, I will not fight you! You must lower the moon! Celestia clamped her eyes shut. No, no, no. She wasn’t going to let the nightmare win. “But Nightmare Moon wants just one thing: to gobble up ponies in one quick swing!” I have but one royal duty now: to destroy you! No! That was over a thousand years ago! She had paid her penance! Luna was back, and in her rightful place! “Hungrily, she soars the sky. If she sees nopony, she passes by. So if she comes and all is clear, Equestria is safe another year!” Did you really expect me to sit idly by while they all basked in your precious light? “No!” Celestia muttered through gritted teeth. “I can beat this!” Dark clouds moved in across the sky, obscuring the moon and bringing a furious round of lightning rolling along with a wicked gust of wind through the tree branches. “Celly?” Bean’s hoof gently touched Celestia’s shoulder, but she did not feel or hear him. “Fill up her belly with a treat or two, so she won’t return to come… eat you!” A wicked laugh, one that had haunted Celestia’s dreams for centuries and had tortured her soul like nothing else ever could rang out from the sky with a furious round of thunder. There can only be one princess in Equestria, and that princess… will be me! “No!” Celestia screamed, and that was more than enough to set off more screams from the terrified fillies and colts in the audience. “Twilight!” Bean shouted. There was a flash and the familiar twist of teleportation magic, but then all was still. Crickets chirped their ode to the night over Celestia’s raw and ragged breathing, the cool night air caressed her coat and gently tickled the feathers of her wings, and a warm pair of arms wrapped around her neck while tears dripped from her love’s cheeks to her neck. “I’m so sorry.” Bean’s soft words soothed away her agony and calmed her harried soul. “I should never have brought you here.” Celestia’s wings instinctively went to cover her Bean. Her tears mingled with his, and she felt his love permeate throughout her whole system. In fact, it only took a few moments of consolation before she was able to sit back and look him in the eye. “Thank you,” she said with a kiss. “We should go. I’ve tortured you enough tonight.” Celestia gently shook her head. “No. I want to stay, and you haven’t tortured me.” “You do?” he replied to her. “I’ve had a lot of fun here, Bean. I’ve loved talking with my little ponies, the games have been delightful, and I’ve been able to spend time with you. We maybe should have skipped Nightmare Moon’s entrance, but I think the rest of the night will be fine. Please, let’s stay.” “If you really want to, then,” he replied. “But…” She kissed him to silence him. “No buts. You and I are going to go have fun. Besides, we haven’t gotten any of those chocolate wafers yet.” “It hurt though, didn’t it?” he whispered. “Nightmare Moon will always hurt me, I think. I… I started reliving it, love. I was going back, hearing her words of denouncement and feeling the panic and horror that I felt then. It was… it was painful.” “Sister?” A familiar and welcome voice disturbed their little snuggle. Celestia smiled deeply and released Bean so she could face Luna. “Happy Nightmare Night, Sister.” Luna glanced over Celestia’s costume with a smirk. “A giraffe? Really?” “I like giraffes. They’re cute.” Luna and Celestia then hugged. “I think I scared you when I entered as the Nightmare. I caught a glimpse of you before Twilight teleported you away.” “Perhaps a little.” “Know this, then: you are not the same mare you were then, just as I am not.” Luna then looked her sister square in the eye. “And I do not hold you responsible for what happened. I alone chose the Nightmare.” “But I drove you to it,” Celestia whispered, and her head dipped in shame. “No. I drove myself. Celly, you could have given me the sun itself and it wouldn’t have been enough. The only way you could have appeased me is by forcing our little ponies to worship me, and I realize now that such a thing should not and will not ever be. You were right.” They both sniffled and fought back tears with this, and Bean simply stood aside with a smile. It was a touching moment of divine sisterly-ness, and it did warm and fluttery things to his heart that he was accepted enough to be present when both rulers of Equestria let down their manes to just be as they once were, and would be into the future. “Thank you, Luna. I disagree with you in one area; there were many things I did wrong. But to endlessly review them does no good to either of us. This should be a night of merriment, so let us all go and be merry.” “A wise idea,” Luna said. “Bean? Shall we away?” “Let us away,” he quipped as he marched up between them. “Though I think I left my helmet back at the statue.” “I’m sure Twilight will bring it to us.” Celestia smiled. “Now then. Where are we?” * * ✹ * * The rest of the evening turned out to be a blast. Celestia and Luna had fun challenging each other in the various games, though both were playfully indignant when Bean managed to haul out twenty two apples in the bobbing apples game. Any candy that was presented to Luna—or, Nightmare Moon, to be accurate—by the fillies and colts of town was split evenly with Celestia and Bean, and all three enjoyed dancing with the music being provided. Celestia cheered the loudest, in fact, when the Pony Tones finished their special Nightmare Night Review, but Luna cheered almost as loudly as Celestia did. Almost. It was near midnight when the party finally began to wind down, and though all the visiting Royals were sad to have such a fun night end, they were pleased they had been a part of the festivities and they made sure to thank everypony for such a wonderful time before departing. As they took off into the sky to return home, Celestia gratefully wrapped one wing around Bean and gave him a quick nuzzle of appreciation. “This was a fun night. We should do it again next year,” Celestia said happily. “We should, but I think we’ll skip the story of Nightmare Moon next time.” “I agree.” She laughed. “So… how permanent is that dye?” “Why do you ask?” Celestia questioned back. “Well, I was just imagining you going to day court like that. You might summon a Discord if you do.” “Mm, maybe I will then,” she replied, with another quick kiss. “He hates public displays of affection, so it would be the perfect way to torture him.” Bean let out an undignified snort of amusement. “You are too much sometimes. I love you.” “And I love you, my Bean.”