It was 2 weeks before Nightmare Night, and all of the ponies in the small town of Ponyville were getting ready for the annual celebration. It was always a staple in the local community for there to be some fun and games around the town. However, there was always the… unique event. Whenever the main six weren’t busy doing some kind of chaos, there tended to be some… unusual events. Last year there were reports of some kind of haunted hotel that gave out invitations. A few ponies went to investigate, but there was no sign of the building.
In spite of the concerns, the local ponies did their best to make this year better than the last, hosting the party outside the edge of town where they tend to set up concerts. There were promises of fun, games, and no haunted mansions.
Rarity was always busy at this time, trying to manage all of the costumes before Nightmare Night. It was busy, and sometimes draining, but it did set her up with plenty of bits for Hearths Warming, and then some.
As she was finishing a dress that to any normal pony would be a bloodied dress, she turned her head to the sound of the little bell on top of her door ringing.
“Welcome to Rarity’s Carousel Boutique, where everything is Shick and Magnifique.” She said in her ladylike voice before pausing to see a large half dragon in front of her. “Um… Do you need a costume… or do you need this one tailored?”
The large halfbreed chuckled a little at the misunderstanding. “Forgive my appearance, I would like to get a custom-made costume for Nightmare Night.” The Big half dragon asked her in his booming, yet calm voice.
“Umm.. y.. yes.” Rarity nervously said. “Let me take your measurements, if you don’t mind.” She told him. before pointing to her small platform which she usually used for measuring and modeling.
“Ok, thanks.” He said before going to where the white unicorn was pointing. “The name is Kirouac by the way.” He let her know, wanting to help her relax around him.
“I.. I see.” Rarity replied before getting out her measuring-tape. “Well, this will be one of my most unique designs so far. So.. what costume did you have in mind?” She asked the big “stallion”.
“Oh, just the greatest hero in the world, All-Might.!” Kirouac said in glee.
“Oh..” Ririty blushed. “I have heard of him.” She admitted as she thought about those comics that Spike has been talking about. This hero was a symbol of justice, like a lot of other comics. To her the one thing that made him stand out was the hero’s inability to hold his powerful form. Either way, it was simpler than other designs he could have asked for.. “I just need to measure you and I can easily make it for you.”
“Really!?” Kirouac asked. “Thanks!” He told her before wrapping his claws around her body
“It’s nothing, darling.” She said, blushing while finishing the last measurement around her waist. “I’ll have it done by next week.” She let him know.
“Ok, thanks again.” He asked before getting off of the stage, and walking out of the door, his back pony legs kicking up some dust. “I love how helpful and welcoming ponies are here. It makes me feel rather at home.”
“Oh? You are from out of town?” Rarity asked, trying to ignore how obvious that question was.
“You can say that.” Kirouac said with a small grin. “I heard about the incident last year, and thought that I may help ponies feel more comfortable this time around. After all, what can go wrong when a big hero shows up to help you?”
“Fair enough.” Rarity said as she admittedly saw how a big handsome hero could bring a mare to her knees. She had to make a mental note to later see about dating this “pony”. Well, if he was available.
As Rarity was thinking of that big strong blue half dragon, she didn’t notice that there was a familiar three-tailed fox walking in her shop.
Kohaku walked through the doors of the Carousel Boutique. thoughts of his favorite holiday Nightmare Night swam through his head. The one time of the year the barriers between the planes of the living and dead would fall apart at one special spot. Finding that spot was like a treasure hunt. And this year, like last, he received a letter with a hint as to where it was. All he needed now was a costume, and he had a special one in mind. the hero to his favorite manga.
Rarity had been kind enough to sew one together last year free of charge but he doubted she would do so two years in a row. Thankfully his new mom had given him some bits to pay for it. As he entered the showroom, he heard the standard greeting.
“Welcome to Rarity’s Carousel Boutique, where everything is sleek, shick and magnifique. How may I help you… OH Kohaku dear. How are you today?”
“Konichiwa miss Rarity,” Kohaku said with a smile. “I’m doing well. how are you?”
“Oh as well as can be, Business is just booming like usual. Sweetie Belle is upstairs your welcome to go up.”
“Thanks I’ll head up in a bit. but I wanted to ask if you would make my costume again this year for Nightmare Night. I can pay too” He smiled holding out a small bag of bits.
“You sweet boy, I would adore making your costume this year, but I’m so swamped with all the new requests.” Rarity walked over and placed her hoof on the boy’s shoulder. “I just don't have the time this year. I’m so sorry. I just received half a dozen orders this day alone.”
Looking defeated, Kohaku sighed deeply. “Okay. I understand.”
“I really am sorry darling, why don’t you go up and see Sweetie Belle, I’m sure she can cheer you up. She should be in her room, you just make sure that door stays open.” Rarity told him with a smirk. laughing a bit internally at seeing the boy blush a bit.
“Thanks miss Rarity.” Kohaku said and dashed upstairs.
Once in the living area he sniffed the air and caught the sweet scent of sugar cookies. A low deep purr escaped his lips as he faded his body till he was invisible. walking about till he came to a partially open door. Moving in, Kohaku found his target. The sweet smelling teenage girl who he loved deeply. Lowering his invisible body to the ground he stalked closer and closer to the bed. He was about to pounce when he heard her voice.
“Kohaku if you even think about pouncing, you can forget about making out with me for a week,” Sweetie Belle said without so much as lifting her head up. Her silver quill scribbled along a book as she wrote every day.
Shedding his illusion, Kohaku stood up on all fours. “How did you know?”
Sweetie Belle closed her book, she turned and smiled at her beloved fox. “Because I smell petrichor. And it hasn’t rained in days so only you could be producing it.” Sweetie Belle gave a little chuckle as she watched his face scrunch up while he grumbled. Patting the bed next to her she invited him up.
Kohaku wasted no time as he leaped up onto the bed and nuzzled close to his fillyfriend. his forelimbs wrapped around her barrel, holding her close. his forehead nuzzled up against hers. “Gomen, I had to try ya know.”
“Yes I know,” She said slightly rolling her eyes, Kohaku, her wild hunter.
“Sense I didn’t pounce you, think I could have my…” Kohaku was so swiftly interrupted by a set of sweet candy flavored lips up against his own. As well as a pair of soft forelegs around his shoulders. Closing his eyes he sank into her kiss, his tongue ever so lovingly pressed up against hers. two of his tails puffing up, he always got excited by her kisses.
“So I take it you’re here for Rarity to make you a costume? What are you going as this year? Another manga character no doubt.” Sweetie Belle asked, after breaking the kiss, saw those puffy tails and giggled. She loved him, but Sweetie Belle couldn't see the appeal of reading those books. It did warm her heart to know that Kohaku and Spike had found something to bond over given that they couldn’t stand each other.
“Yup, I was hoping to go as Naruto this year.” He said with a slightly sadder voice. “Only I might not, Rarity has so many orders she can’t sew my costume this year.”
“Well she does get busy this time of year.” Sweetie Belle gave a soft pout seeing that slightly defeated face of his. She hated to see his deep liquid amber eyes shaded over. “How about I sew it together, Rarity’s been giving me lessons on the weekend so I can help her when she gets swamped. I can certainly follow a pattern and work a sewing machine.”
“Really? You’d do that for me?” Kohaku’s face lit up as he smiled ear to ear.
With a swift kiss to his nose and a roll of her eyes, Sweetie Belle just chuckled and shook her head. “Of course, you’re my special some-creature afterall. let's go downstairs and we’ll get your costume. and please don't stare at my flank this time.”
Sweetie Belle pushed herself away and trotted over to the door, her tail swishing back and forth.
“I can’t make that promise.” Kohaku smirked as he leaped off the bed and followed his girl downstairs. his eyes focused on that shapely flank of hers.
Pearl looked around the shop nervously. It was her first time here, and even though she had heard nothing but good things about Carousel Boutique, it was still a tad overwhelming to be in one of the most famous shops in Ponyville.
Rarity smiled, doing her best to put the filly at ease. She might not have known her as well as some, but she still rather liked the filly. If nothing else, Pearl was much more controlled and easy going than many her age were. “Hello Pearl. Are you here for help with your costume?”
Pearl nodded, looking worried for a moment. “Am I too late?”
Rarity shook her head, her own smile growing. “Of course not, darling. And seeing as this is your first Nightmare Night since moving to Ponyville, I am more than happy to help. Do you have something in mind?”
Pearl nodded, quickly pulling a sheet of paper out of her saddlebags before letting Rarity take it with her own magic. “I’m not an artist. But I think I got it.”
Rarity didn’t respond for a moment, taken aback by what the drawing was of. She knew of course that Pearl had a fascination with and love of dragons. But she hadn’t expected it to go this far. “I must say that considering how few have ever actually seen her, this is a rather good attempt at Tiamat.”
Pearl’s smile grew a bit as she blushed. “Is it too much? I asked Spike and even Princess Twilight. They said you would know better than they would.”
Rarity hummed thoughtfully as she looked at the drawing more closely. “Well, I would not say it’s impossible. Depending on how complex others ask for, this might be my most challenging costume this year. But I have always been one for a challenge. This shall be no different.”
Pearl giggled. That was a weight off of her shoulders. “I know this might be asking for too much. But can I help? I don’t know why. I just want to. It wouldn’t feel right.”
Rarity blinked in surprise, but her smile returned quickly. “Of course, darling. Let it never be said that Rarity Belle never turned down the chance to let a young one learn a thing or two of the craft. I can’t say when I will be able to start. But you most certainly can help when I do come to it.”
“Thank you. I…” Before Pearl could finish her sentence, she heard a door open up behind her as a young grey mare with large shades walked into the room. Rarity visibly cringed at the sight of her messy dark yellow mane and tail, but clearly recognized her.
“Hi Rarity. Is it ready?” The little filly said as she walked in, using her walking stick to find her way to the counter.
“Of course, and I made sure that there were no eye holes as you wished.” Rarity said as she handed a bag to the child.
The kid smiled brightly as she felt inside the bag and pulled out a mask that had devil horns on it, along with two Ds. She felt it a moment before holding it towards Pearl. “How does it look?” She asked her fellow filly.
“Oh… it looks lovely..” Pearl said with a nervous smile.
“Thanks.” She said happily as she started walking towards the door. “I would recommend that you put your mane in a bun on Nightmare Night. It would get in the way of that costume you talked to Rarity about. Also, the charcoal and mint shampoo tends to lead to frizzy hair from what I’ve heard. I’d ask Rarity on recommended brands for you to switch to.”
Pearl watched her go, trying to make sense of all that. “Well that was weird.”
Rarity gave a soft sigh as she turned to Pearl. “That’s Mind Sight. She is a blind filly who somehow keeps ponies guessing if she is blind. Twilight tells me that it’s because of her trained hearing and senses. If you ask her how she knows, she will make it sound obvious.”
Pearl rolled her eyes. “Twilight was right. Everypony in this town is crazy!”
“I held that opinion for a long time, but I learned something that helped me deal with it.” Rarity said as she got out her checklist. “Insanity is relative.”
Pearl looked at her mane. She rather liked the style. It had taken her a long time to get it like this. “Do I need to find a new shampoo? I actually like how my mane is.”
“Mind is a very to the fact pony. She always says that it involves how she learned to adapt to her blindness. Twilight says that she takes everything as a challenge, especially when she meets new ponies. Maybe she was just getting some insight on you?” Rarity suggested. “She likes doing these, and I am quoting her on this, parlor tricks.”
Pearl gave her a look. “What the hay is that supposed to mean?”
“Telling when you change manestyle, what type of soap you use, what you eat, all kinds of stuff that makes some ponies ask how blind she is.” Rarity explained before petting her shoulder. “But don’t worry about it. Let’s focus on that costume.”
Pearl nodded, more than happy to change the subject. Though she was impressed that anypony, blind or not, could be that insightful, Especially about somepony she had just met.
“NO NO NO NO NO!!!” Light screamed out as he was boxing up some toys that he was giving to some of the ponies who were running some games in town. “I am not going to any more of those parties!!!” Light said firmly as he stamped his hoof on the ground. “And that is that!”
FlashTruth frowned as he was trying to reason with his best friend. “Come on. Nightmare Night is a fun time.”
“We were in a haunted mansion! I ran for my life! Rarity bit my head off for tearing that suit! I’m tired of having the stuffing scared out of me! Tonight, I’ll take a page out of Fluttershy's book. I am going to stay home, read a book, and go to bed early!” Light said as he finished stacking the boxes by the door. “And you can do nothing to convince me otherwise.”
“I’ll be with you all the time.” Flash instead. “With The Most Versatile Magic User Of All Time.” He said in a booming voice. “The Prince of Toy-Land has nothing to fear while his Merlin is next to you.” He said before petting Light’s back.
“Like last year?” Light asked, not looking comforted by this.
“That was different.” Flash inisted. “I had to take care of my two daughters first.” He explained. “But this year they are staying with the C.M.C., so you’ll have me all for yourself.” He said before hugging his friend.
“Look, you are my best friend and all, but we have a bad history with parties on this day.” Light warned him with a small shudder.
“So..?” Flash asked. “You have a bad history with magic.” He pointed out. “Does that mean you should stop ever trying to get better, and not have fun with the wanders that this can bring you?”
“So what’s keeping this invite to a party from becoming another horror story?” Light asked as he crossed his hooves.
“It’s in Ponyville Park.” Flash said. “You know, a place you have been before.” He pointed out. “It will be a big public party that will have plenty of kids and people you know. Come on. You’ll love it.”
Light bit his lip as he tried to decide if he should really take this risk. “I don’t know…”
Flash leaned to Light’s ear and whispered softly. “I’ll let you pick what we go as.” Flash offered as he knew that Light liked to choose something that is comfortable with.
Light gave a long sigh as he finally relented. “Fine, but no haunted mazes or haunted houses, and if things go south, I’m outta there.” Light said firmly.
Flash nodded before lowering his head. “and I’ll leave with you..” He promised.
Light took a deep breath as he tried to think of how to keep this fun instead of fearful. “Okay, how about we go as Shaggy and Scooby Doo? It’ll be a fun costume design and something that the kids might like.”
“ohr key Shaggy!” Flash said, trying to do his best Scooby Doo voice. “Hiii hiii hiiii…”
Light looked a little embarrassed as he raised a hoof. “Actually, may I be Scooby? I already have a tail prop that I have been working on for… a play I was writing.”
“Zoinks, Light Heartdoo, it’s like.. totally ok with me, body.” Flash said acting like he was a hippy like Shaggy.
“The accent needs a little work, but now I feel like this is going to be fun.” Light said with a light chuckle as he playfully shoved Flash. “Come on. Let’s see if I can pull together a costume for us before the week is out.”
“Ok, but first, I’m very hungry for a Super Shaggy Sandwich.” Flash said. “I just need ketchup, mustard, cheese, lettuce, marshmallow and fudge” He told Light. “As for you, maybe we should stop and see Flutter for some Scooby Snacks.”
Light grinned as he followed Flash into the kitchen. “Thanks, but I may eat your sandwich for an appetizer. After all, we can’t have you putting on too much weight.”
“If you do that, you’ll sleep in the doghouse, Light Heartdoo!” Flash said before looking at himself. He was skinny enough to play Shaggy, just as long no pony tried to lift his Crystal body up.
“Ront Ret on it Raggy.” Light said with a Scooby accent before the two boys laughed, ready to try to have a good time on a Nightmare Night for once.
“What do you mean, take the night off on Nightmare Night?!?” Book Knight asked angrily as he was staring down the mare who took a firm stance against his more physical approach on crime, Twilight Sparkle. “This night is the time when criminals come out and take advantage of the exposed and ignorant. I need to be out there protecting the people!”
“Book, last year you attacked three clowns.” Twilight told him. “You kept claiming that they were connected to Jester, your little arch nemesis.” Twilight scolded him as she was drinking a cup of tea.
“They were panting devices around the town, and because of that, we still have no leads on the haunted hotel incident! I’ll admit that I messed up there, but who will be there when this haunted building comes back? Who will keep the public safe?” Book asked as he leaned over the table that Twilight had set up in the library.
“That’s why I called an old friend of the princesses to be here tonight.” Twilight said with a smirk.
Book raised an eyebrow at this, not liking the sound of this. “What? Some half beat guard who has never been in a fight in their lives?”
Twilight looked at Book. “He could easily take you down.” She told him with a smirk.
Book grinned back as he leaned closer to her. “Compared to me, I bet he couldn’t whip cream.” Book said with a cold tone in his voice. “Show me this cupcake that you brought to a real man’s war.”
“Oh, K.!” Twilight called out.
Book waited impatiently, starting to crack his knuckles, reddy to take this smuck down. The both started to hear some booming steps as a Large Blue, monster like pony walked to Book, towering over him. Book’s horn barely reached the chin of the “pony” that Twilight asked to be there for Nightmare night.
“Where did you get him, the circus?” Book asked as he stared at this large halfbreed.
“Hello.” The blue large thing greated. “I’m Kirouac.”
“You are the one Twilight called to spite me?” Book asked as he stared at the large beast.
“Yes.” Kirouac was before flecking his large dragon arm, showing off his muscles.
“You do know that I am under the direct authority of Luna, and Twilight can’t order me to take a night off, right?” Book asked, wondering if this thing was all muscle and no brains.
“yes.” Kirouac said. “But by cord 3, section B5, paragraph 4 , any Princess can veto any ruling made by the current ruler of Equestria, in the Town or City that they may have taken reserdent in, if they deem the situation necessary.” He said with a smirk.
“Except paragraph 5 states that matters of security and military must have a majority ruling amongst the princesses or the specified unit’s superior officer/s. To put it simply, I am under Luna’s orders, and I am much too effective for Celestia to put me aside. Now If Twilight wants to go soft and have thugs run ramped, she and her friends can go on a holiday, but I am not leaving my post just because she picked some giant thug to try and drag me out. So do me a favor, and go back to where you came from. You don’t know half of what I do for a living.” Book explained coldly as he stared at the giant pony.
“Well, I can overrule them.” Twilight said with a proud grin. “You forget that my babysitter is princess Cadence.”
“That’s a tie. You need a majority, and there are only four princesses.” Book reminded the purple alicorn. “And just because my little brother has wings and a horn, doesn’t mean that he’s royalty. So, you don’t have the votes.” Book said smugly as he crossed his hooves.
“We can either have him, or Flurry!” Twilight pointed out as she finished her tea, almost smugly.
Book’s eyes widened as he realized what Twilight was doing. “She doesn’t know whether she wants to be a princess or a dinosaur yet. You can’t count those two and just say that you win. Did you even tell Luna and Celestia about your hair brained scheme or Mr Blown Out Muscles over here?” Book asked as he pointed at Kirouac.
“Yes.” Twilight said.
“And..?” Book asked
“We are having a new debate about your position.” Twilight pointed out.
Book scowled at the princess as his eyes started to glow green. “This is all about my night shift job, isn’t it? What are you planning to do with me now? Try to expose me again? Discharge me? Maybe toss me in a cell with your other failures?” Book asked her as he almost felt tempted to go violent.
“I’m just trying to keep the peace and have the town come together.” Twilight replied.
“And wait for the next Chrysalis and Tirek to come along? To let mob bosses rule free? You don’t want to admit that you need ponies like me in order to keep your peaceful little world turning!” Book barked as he slammed his hoof on her desk.
“We can solve this bad comeback.” Kirouac suggested.
“You’re not even relevant. If you faced half of the things I did, you’d be crying for your mother.” Book mocked the larger pony. “Twilight would be running for her mentor.”
Kirouac looked over his big size, claws, wings and Celestia size horn on his head. “A), my mom has passed away from old age, so please don’t say anything bad about her, and B) I live in the between the everfree forest and Dragons lands.” He pointed out.
“Well, I apologise for the mother quip, but I can see the Everfree part. All go and no show. You rely on muscles, but you have no brains.” Book said before turning to Twilight. “I will be taking my complaints over your head, but just barely so you can feel it.” He said sternly before turning to Kirouac. “Now step aside. That’s an order from a Lieutenant.”
“Book.” Twilight said in exasperation. “I’m only doing this to help you.”
“Forget it. You want your perfect world without the work being put into it.” Book said as he tried to brush past Kirouac.
“Boy, I don’t think we need to shake our groove things in front of a lady, do you?” Kirouac asked as he clenched a claw right in front of him.
“If your waist is a groove thing, Galloping Gulch is a ditch.” Book said as he placed a hoof on Kirouac’s chest. “Now move, Ovur Compunsat.”
“Mister Book, I’m starting to feel like you are being disrespectful.” Kirouc told him while blocking his way.
“Now you are learning, now move!” Book said as he tried to push past him.
Kirouac shoved Book back as he pointed to Twilight. “I suggest you apologise.”
“No.” Book said. “And I don’t need a hired freak to tell me what to do.” He finished with a punch to Kirouac’s chest.
When Books hoof made contact with Kirouac’s chest, he didn’t move, he doesn’t seem to be phased by this. Book stared in shock before trying to hit the joint of his knees, but to no avail.
“Mister Book, please stop before you hurt yourself.” Kirouac said in an exasperated voice. “My dragon skin is too strong for you to do any damage.”
“You’re big… but I fought bigger.” Book said as he tried to hit Kirouac’s head to no avail. “I swear that no dragon is that tough.”
“I’m a dragon with a unicorn horn, so…” Kirouac pointed out before Book jumped up and kicked his horn, actually making his head hurt as he realized that he pointed out his one weak spot.
“I can do this all day big boy.” Book said angrily as he tried once more to hit Kirouac.
Kirouac just slapped Book away, making him fly into a wall. Book grunted as he bounced off of the bookshelf and landed on the floor with a thud. “Take a break on that night, Book.” Kirouac said firmly as he brushed himself off. “I can fight and deal with everything.”
Book was breathing heavily as he rubbed his chin, feeling infuriated and betrayed as he turned to Twilight. “You want me gone? Fine! I’m letting Luna know about this, so let him know about the list of things he has to do for these two whole weeks, just so you understand what it means to be the one man security force for the town..” Book said as he got on his hooves, looking slightly disoriented. “But if you tell him my secret, then I doubt that Flurry is going to bail you out of the mess you are making.” Book said as his horn gave a dark glow before he walked into the shadows of the bookshelves.
Kirouac was shocked to see no trace of Book as soon as he walked into the shadows. He turned to Twilight as he took a deep breath to keep calm. “So, are you actually discharging him?”
“No.. but I want him to take a break for at least a night. Him blowing up and saying two weeks was a good thing.” Twilight explained.
“And what’s with the stuff he insists on being secret? Is there something I don’t know?” Kirouac asked as he sat down next to her.
“That.. you would have to be a princess, or at the least an Alicorn.” Twilight told him with a smirk.
“I am afraid of what that pony will do. He seems to be a pessimist.” Kirouac pointed out.
“Don’t worry about that.” Twilight insisted. “All you just have to do is scare off any misdeeds.”
“That’s it? I’d think having two weeks of a lieutenant’s job would be tougher than that.” Kirouac said, looking confused about how simple she made that sound.
“It’s a small town, and you’re..” Twilight looked Kirouac over. “You’re a big guy!” She pointed out.
“I’m not a formal guard. Are you sure that I don’t need to do any paperwork?” Kirouac asked nervously.
“I don’t mind having to do that part.” Twilight insisted.
“Yeah, but it sounds like there is more to it than I’m hearing.” Kirouac said as he stretched out his arms. “Oh well, let’s get started.”
“Ok, follow me” Twilight insisted.
Kirouac nodded as they went off to try to do Book’s job.