//------------------------------//
// Chapter 10: Costumes And Worry 
// Story: The Legend Of Dazzling Hollow 
// by FourShadow 
//------------------------------//

Trixie carefully rested her final costume piece on top of her head, now she was ready. She stood in front of her mirror, taking a quick look at herself. This outfit in particular wasn't something she'd normally wear, but she only wanted to wear it for Halloween. Technically, she wore a witch's outfit, but this one was a bit more... out there.

Leggings were colored in orange and black stripes, with pointed shoes of equal color. A skirt with a very jagged design, held by a leather belt which had little small key-chains displaying images of magic wands over moons. A sleeveless orange, black, and white top held by tiny straps over her shoulders. Her wrists were covered by black and orange glovewarmers, and small bracelets that sparkled. The last piece was just a witch hat, with a yellow bow wrapped around the top, and a tiny jack-o-lantern hanging off the tail like the silver bell of an elf hat. 

"Oh, Dagi, I hope you love it," Trixie giggled. Maybe it was some of Adagio's narcissism or self-loving attitude rubbing off of her, but she actually thought she looked good. 

She skipped down the stairs, landing on her feet when she made it back to the main floor. In the kitchen, she could see her mother, Sunflower, cooking.

"Okay mom, I'm going to head out."

"Just one second..." Sunflower said, walking out to take a look. "Oh sweetie, you look so adorable."

Trixie blushed. "Mom..."

Sunflower giggled. "I bet the boys are going to fall head over heels for you."

Trixie's face only went more red. "Yeah, somehow I don't think that's going to happen..." 

Sunflower stopped and looked her in the eye. "Just promise me you'll have fun, okay?" 

"I will. I promise."

Sunflower smiled and pulled her daughter in for a hug. Trixie hugged her back, and was ready to head out--

"One more thing..."

"Aww, Mom..." Trixie whined. 

"One quick photo."

Trixie sighed. "Okay..." 

Sunflower quickly pulled out a camera and snapped a cute photo. Once she was done, Trixie grabbed her keys and began to get ready. She stepped outside, her eyes adjusting to the dark atmosphere, accompanied by small bits of light from the spooky jack-o-lanterns.

She walked into her car after unlocking it, and pulled out onto the street. Seeing it was now free, she drove on out to her first location! She had a friend to pick up before she would head to Adagio's apartment.





After parking the car, she walked up to the front door and ringed the doorbell. In a few seconds, the door quickly opened up, revealing her friend who stepped out. Light purple skin and blue eyes visible under her costume. A dark purple suit, looking like something you'd wear to work. But what made this outfit stand out some more was the small brooch that was visible near the neck, and the spandex tight mask that covered the entire head leaving only the eyes and mouth visible. And while not clear, a small indentation of a butterfly was on the mask head.

"A party hosted by the heroes of Canterlot? It makes the perfect feeding ground for my little Akumas..." she said in a deep voice, attempting to sound like a man. She tapped her cane on the ground and pointed up at the air, like she was directing a beast to fly. "Fly away my little Akuma, and heroize a kindred spirit..." 

Trixie giggled. "Nice monologue, Starlight."

"Thanks Trixie," Starlight smiled. She jumped on Trixie, giving her a hug. Trixie hugged back. 

"You look really good, Le Papillion," Trixie winked.

Starlight giggled. "Thanks. So I guess you're trying to go for a new witch, or..."

Trixie rubbed the back of her head. "I wore it cause... I think Dagi would like it."

Starlight smirked. "Oh really?"

"Y-Yeah," Trixie stuttered. 

Starlight just replied with a simple boop on Trixie's nose, and locked the door behind her. "So. Shall we go?" 

Trixie smiled and led her to the car. Once Starlight was inside, Trixie turned on the ignition, and drove out again.

"So tell me, why did you invite me? I don't go to CHS, and you told me it was a CHS party."

Trixie still smiled. "Well, because you're my friend, and I think you should be invited. Besides, Adagio's inviting someone from outside of CHS as well."

"Know who she is?"

"Not really. But Adagio says she's bringing her in to help make Aria and Sonata's revenge prank backfire."

Starlight fiddled with her suit while her friend drove. "Remind me again why they're going through the trouble of doing this prank?"

"Because they're my friends, and they care about me. But that doesn't mean I want them to pull it off."

Starlight had nothing else to say. Or really, any idea what to say. But it didn't matter since they were arriving very shortly. As soon as Trixie parked the car, the two friends into the main lobby and went into the elevator. Once the elevator had stopped to the penthouse floor, they got off and walked to the main door where the Dazzlings would be. 

The door opened up, allowing Trixie and Starlight to walk in.

"Hey, Adagio? I'm here. Where are you?"

A single light flipped on, projecting the figure that was standing in the room. Someone dressed in dark blue jeans, a gray cotton turtleneck and black gloves. The final piece of the costume was the mask covering the entire head, all in black. The only things that stood out was the pair of goggles and the mouthpiece that helped the masked person see and speak.

"Adagio is not here anymore. She was too busy staring at her screen, reading words off  from another screen... Screens are everywhere. We all use these screens, we allow ourselves to get controlled by screens... but screens, are  controlled, BY. ME. Screensla--" the masked person started coughing."Agh!" Wheezing and coughing, the mask was lifted off the head, revealing Adagio Dazzle's face, as well as freeing the massive hair that had somehow been contained in her mask. "I can't breathe in this thing!"

Once she had her oxygen collected, she breathed in and out to calm down. "I'll fix that mask, I need to get some more air holes in there." 

Putting the mask on one of the kitchen chairs, she looked back at Trixie's costume.

"Oh Trixie..."

Trixie blushed. "D-Do you like it?"

"Trixie, you look so adorable!" Adagio hugged her girlfriend, purring like a cat. Trixie's cheeks only went more red. "I love it!"

Trixie blushed hard, once she was let go from the hug. "G-Glad you like it..." 

Adagio giggled and kissed her cheek. "You look absolutely gorgeous, Trixie." Her head turned to Starlight. "Starlight, very good to see you too."

Starlight smiled. "It's nice to see you too." She looked around. "Um, where's Aria and Sonata?"

"That's Slugslinger to ya!"

Coming down the stairs was Aria, dressed up in old western style of clothing. Holsters by her sides, spurs on the back of her boots, black vest over her shirt, and a cowboy hat with a brim that blocked her eyes from sight. 

"Back in the Old West. I was the toughest fighter and rough rider you'll ever see," Aria said in her best Western accent she could say. "Now ya'll need to listen carefully, don't touch my guns cause they're the finest revolver's I've got." 

"Aria, do not--"

And without even listening, Aria whipped one of the revolvers up and shattered a glass cup on the marble countertop. Adagio scowled. "You're paying for that cup, Aria. Now where's your sister?" 

"Right here!" Sonata said, zipping off the stairs, landing on her feet. When she landed, she too was revealed to be in costume as well. Dressed in Roman battle gear, with a small helmet on her head with a blue crest, a sword by her side, and painted scars on her face. "Ready to set off for battle! Oh hi Papillion."

Starlight gave a small bow, acknowledging her presence.

"So, what people are you going to heroize at the party?" Aria asked.

"Mmm, maybe someone stood up, perhaps someone in need of confidence..." Starlight thought out loud with a wink. 

Suddenly, they heard the sound of someone knocking on the door. Adagio opened up the door, allowing the two guests who were on the outside, in. Their arriving guests was Lyra and Bon Bon. Lyra was dressed as a Japanese chef, and  Bon-Bon in a simple cat costume; dark clothes with cat ears, and  painted-on whiskers and nose.

"Hey girls! Oh my gosh Sonata, you look amazing!" Lyra cooed.

Sonata grinned. "Thanks! You too!" She looked to Bon-Bon. "Aww, you're a kitty! That's nice!" 

Bon-Bon blushed. "Thanks... I'm not one for dressing up, but Lyra really wanted me too, so here I am. A cat." 

Lyra giggled, playfully stroking the top of Bon Bon's hair like you would to a cat. "Hehe. I'll make sure to chop up some sashimi for you, neko!" 

Bon-Bon rolled her eyes at Lyra's playful banter. Then suddenly, there was another knock at the front door.

"I got it!"

Aria answered the door. Everyone else, too busy focused on talking to one another didn't see who arrived, until they heard Aria laughing.

"Nice. Nice outfits, you two!" 

The girls arriving this time were Vinyl and Octavia. Octavia was dressed in dark, very punk rock clothes. As she grinned, she made the fake fangs in her mouth visible, accompanied by a few carefully painted dabs of "blood" running down from her lips to make her costume apparent. 

"Thanks, luv! You look great yourself!" 

Aria snorted some more, stepping away from the door. When they walked inside, everyone tuned to look at the last arriving guests.

"You're a... vampire?" Bon Bon asked, tilting her head. 

"Punk vampire, Bonnie." 

Sonata stifled a laugh. "And Vinyl?"

Vinyl rolled her eyes, huffing and puffing; her arms folded slightly. She wore white dress, with two prominent bite marks painted on her neck.

"Oi, a vampire's gotta have a bride," Octavia stated.

Bon Bon and Lyra were visibly giggling, making Vinyl sigh.

"I knew I shouldn't have taken that bet..."

The British vampire lightly patted her on the back, smiling fondly at her. "Cheer up, Vi. It's just one night. Next Halloween, you can dress me up however you wish."

Vinyl couldn't help but smirk. "Don't make promises you don't want to uphold, Tavi."

"Now we just need to wait for one more; has anyone seen Amethyst?"

Once again, another knock on the door. Adagio smirked and she opened up the door. On the other side, was indeed Amethyst. She walked into the penthouse, very stiffly. Very robotic, actually. A blank, neutral face stayed. A pair of black sunglasses covered her eyes. Dressed in a black leather jacket, pants, and dark gray shirt, she stared at everyone. She kept her head moving in a slow stiff manner, keeping in tune with her robotic acting.

"I am looking for Lavender Lace. I was told she was going to be here, where is she?" Amethyst asked, trying her best to give the most authentic Austrian accent. But her attempt only made everyone laugh.

"She's going to show up at the party, Amy. Her and Fuchsia."

Amethyst stopped. "I'll be back."

"Agreed. Everyone, lets go! We've got a party to host!" Adagio cheered. 





Once everyone arrived, the party was now rockin' on. Tons of music blaring out of the speakers, students and guests dancing and talking among each other, some enjoying some of the party games, it was a full house. It was so loud, you could easily compare it to a rave or a college party. 

The girls went off in their own separate ways in the party, collective in groups. Adagio stayed in the main party room with Trixie, Starlight, Vinyl, and Lyra. While Aria and Sonata left with Octavia and Bon Bon. Adagio knew they were going to have their plan set into motion, but she wasn't worried. She informed the bouncers to let them know of the arrival of the main targets; especially the other guest they had invited. But for now they would just hang out in the dance party, with a few games. 

Octavia, Sonata, and Bon Bon were all gathered together at the main foyer, waiting patiently for Aria to come back. She stepped away from the group to look for someone somewhere in the mansion party, but they were waiting an awful long time.

"What's taking her so long?" Sonata whined.

"She'll be here soon, just wait."

Eventually Aria came back being followed. Fuchsia and Lavender, in fact. 

"Oh boy," Bon Bon muttered.

"Stay calm, Bon Bon, its okay," Octavia replied, patting her shoulder.

Lavender and Fuchsia looked up to see the other girls who were nearby. 

"Um, is something wrong?" Lavender asked.

Bon Bon tried her best to look convincing, but she could feel it not working inside.

"No. Nothing at all." 

Fuchsia tilted her head, but shrugged. "Look, is Trixie up there?"

"Yeah, she is. We thought there would be less noise up there, too loud down here. Just go down the hall, and down to your right. She'll be up there somewhere, there's some living room area up there."

"Okay," Lavender nodded. 

But before she and Fuchsia went up the stairs--

"Wait."

Aria and Sonata held back a groan of annoyance.

"What?"

Lavender looked into Aria's eyes, dead on. "Thank you for letting us have a chance to make things up."

Aria blanked. Sonata too.

"Well, um... no problem," Aria cleared her throat. 

Lavender smiled, and she led Fuchsia up the stairs. And into the brightened hallway, they left. Aria smirked and chuckled. "The plan is all going together... now I'm going to grab our other guest." 

"No need!" Sonata called out. "Found her!"

Octavia, Bon Bon, and Aria looked over to Sonata who was standing with her.

"Excellent... okay, you know what you need to do?"

The guest shrugged her shoulders, not entirely sure.

"Okay, here's what's going to go down..." 

So for the next few minutes, Aria broke down the plan to their assistant, who understood quite well the intentions. No more words to share, everyone quickly rushed up the stairs to begin their plan. Scare time had come, and now it was ready to get into action...





15 minutes went by, and there was no sign or indication of anyone arriving. Adagio and her group stayed against the wall, ready to enter the hall if they had to run all the way to the foyer. 

"I don't like this, we haven't heard from them in a while. They should be here by now, shouldn't they?" Trixie asked.

"Yes, yes they should..." Adagio worried, gathering her team together. She pulled up a small walkie talkie, and spoke. "Sandalwood, where exactly are Lavender and Fuchsia, have they arrived yet?"

"Yeah dude, Aria and Sonata found them!"

Adagio's face drooped. "What?"

"Yeah, they said something about taking them to apologize to Trixie upstairs. Why?"

Adagio grabbed her own face and groaned. "You had one job, Sandalwood. One. Job!" 

"What, what happened?" Vinyl asked.

"Aria and Sonata got to Lavender and Fuchsia," Adagio moaned.

"What!? Well, wait, what about that girl you said you hired, what about her?"

"Let me check. Sandalwood, has our other guest arrived, the one I told you that wasn't from CHS?"

"Not yet dude! I don't even know what she looks like, you didn't tell me! What she look like?"

"She's short! Should sound like a baby Pinkie Pie."

"That doesn't sound good."

Adagio rubbed her temples. "Okay, how about this. She should sound like a younger version of Pinkie, does that help?"

"Okay, much better. Hang on, I'm checking with the others..." Sandalwood replied.

Adagio stood for a moment and waited. 

"Oh. Um... Adagio? I have some good news, and some bad news..."

Adagio threw her head back. "What's the good news?"

"Good news is, she's already here. Ringo let her inside."

"Well what's the bad news?"

"Well, Sonata found her a couple of minutes ago and walked with her upstairs to the second floor with Aria. Something about needing her for a prank, or something?"

Adagio dropped the walkie-talkie with a scrunched up, eye-twitching death of a stare. She felt like ripping her hair out, and screaming at the top of her lungs. 

"They got to them first!?" 

Trixie didn't even need another word. She pushed through the crowd to get to the front of the stairs leading to the second floor. "Alright Aria. Try to scare them huh? Well I'm gonna make sure that doesn't happen. Ready or not, I'm coming up there!" 

Trixie's feet picked up and she began to run up the stairs. Adagio raced after as well, accompanied by her friends. She hadn't felt this determined to move so fast since the Battle Of The Bands. Now if she could stop them from pulling them off in time like their escape not too long ago...