Starlight was currently sitting at the map table, laughing at something Twilight was asking of her. It was just too funny for her to take seriously.
“Oh, good one Twilight. You are too funny.” Starlight said as she calmed down.
“I’m not joking. I really want you to help me chaperone the CMC this year for trick or treating on Nightmare Night.” Twilight, who was in a vampire costume, said awkwardly.
“Wait seriously?” Starlight asked in shock, “Twilight, I may like Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle just fine, but I hardly know the three fillies. Why would you need me to help chaperone them?”
“Well first of all, I feel like it would be good if they were used to your presence, they like you just fine but they may as well know that you’re a safe presence to be around in the unlikely scenario you will have to chaperone them again.” Twilight said happily.
“Why can’t Applejack, Rainbow Dash, or Rarity chaperone them and why do they need to be chaperoned? I thought they could handle themselves just fine.” Starlight asked curiously.
“Last year, the three of them Teepeed the Mayor’s house by accident when it was just meant to be some random ponies’ place. We wanna prevent an incident like that from happening again.” Twilight explained, “And as for why my other friends can’t chaperone, Applejack and Rainbow Dash are gonna spend most of their time competing in Nightmare Night competitions and Rarity wants to try and hang out with Spike, Big Mac, and Discord since I planned to be with you anyway to strengthen our relationship, and Pinkie was handing out candy in Sugarcube Corner to spread joy.”
“That does sound fair.” Starlight put a hoof to her chin in thought before smiling nervously, “But are you sure I can’t just stay with Fluttershy? She’s probably really lonely by herself in that cottage of her’s. Plus you and I live together so we pretty much can always spend time together.”
“Starlight, we both know you’re full of crap, Fluttershy can manage just fine with her animals.” Twilight sternly raised an eyebrow before softening up and grabbing both her shoulders, “Is this about Chrysalis? Because I promise Starlight, she’s being detained in Canterlot. She can’t hurt you anymore.”
Starlight admittedly was worried about Chrysalis, just last month, when Starlight went to the Crystal Empire to visit Sunburst, Chrysalis posed as her friend in an attempt to attack the mare. If it hadn’t been for Starlight’s quick reflexes, she would have died that day.
While Chrysalis was in the Canterlot Dungeons with magic restraints, Starlight wasn’t sure if that would hold her for long. She couldn’t shake the fear of Chrysalis destroying her and everything she holds dear, especially Twilight.
However, Starlight had to be strong, Twilight had be right about Chrysalis not escaping after all. She couldn’t look like a scaredy pony in front of her girlfriend.
Starlight just chuckled with false bravado, “Me? Scared of that Swiss cheese legged changeling? I defeated her twice already. Besides, she totally wouldn’t escape. I just hope the Cutie Mark Crusaders won’t be annoying is all.”
Twilight didn’t seem to believe her story but she raised her eyebrow in acceptance, “Okay. So what’s your costume gonna be?”
“Well I decided to be an astronaut for the holiday in case I ended up going out. Hang on, I’ll go get the costume Rarity made.” Starlight smiled a bit enthusiastically before teleporting with a flash.
Twilight sighed with a smile, at least Starlight seemed somewhat happy, she wasn’t gonna force Starlight to talk about Chrysalis if she didn’t have to.
She then heard a knock at the door and teleported to the castle entrance where Rarity was, in her mermaid costume with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Applebloom was dressed as a pig, Scootaloo was dressed as a fly(even with green glasses to pull off the look), and Sweetie Belle was dressed as a chicken.
“Oh hey Rarity. You’re here with the girls earlier than I expected.” Twilight smiled warmly.
“I figured I could drop them off early since Spike told me to meet him here at the entrance to Discord’s Dimension.” Rarity told Twilight with a snicker.
“Uh… which room is it in?” Rarity asked with a sheepish grin.
“At the library.” Twilight smirked playfully, “Spike will lead you inside.”
Rarity nodded before walking inside with a nervous grin, Twilight had great respect for her friend for willing to try hanging out with Discord and Big Mac for Spike’s sake. Even if it meant dealing with Discord’s pranks.
“Hey Twilight.” Applebloom greeted enthusiastically, “How do you like our costumes? We decided to try being animals this year.”
“Unfortunately Scootaloo didn’t get the memo that flies don’t qualify as animals.” Sweetie Belle gave a sarcastic glare to Scootaloo, who scoffed, “I wanted to be something that could fly and a fly seemed more unique than being a boring old bird.”
“Well I’m sure that a fly is definitely unique.” Twilight reassured the fillies, “Why don’t you come inside, I’m just waiting for Starlight to join us.”
“Huh, I don’t think we ever interacted with Starlight much.” Applebloom admitted to her friends.
“Yeah, it is weird, she is friends with our sisters and Twilight’s girlfriend after all.” Sweetie Belle acknowledged which caused Scootaloo to snicker, “You doofs just solved your own mystery.” She said with a playful smirk, “She’s probably usually doing gooey romantic stuff with Twilight like kissing and watching stars.”
Twilight blushed crimson at that accusation with a smile, those were true but it was kinda silly to hear from a child.
Soon a turquoise flash appeared and Starlight was soon at the scene in an astronaut type costume, but without the helmet.
“Sorry I kept you four waiting but I just had to get fitted into this costume.” Starlight said happily before smirking playfully at Twilight, “How do I look?”
“Starlight. Not in front of the fillies.” Twilight lectured with a teasing smile.
“Come on, it was just harmless flirting.” Starlight rolled her eyes with a carefree look before seeing Scootaloo’s costume in shock. For some reason, her costume looked strangely like Chrysalis, it was a fly but it was the same black skin and same green beady eyes.
“Uh… Starlight, is everything okay?” Twilight asked in concern.
Starlight immediately shook off her shock and smiled nervously, “Oh yeah. Totally. I was just surprised to see Scootaloo dressed as a fly.”
“Oh yeah, me and the girls agreed to dress as an animal. Apparently flies don’t count but I’d rather be that than a bird.” Scootaloo spoke with an oblivious tone and glared towards her two friends.
Starlight was a bit relieved by that explanation, besides Scootaloo was with her friends the whole time, she couldn’t be Chrysalis or anything like that.
“Oh. Don’t worry. You still look nice.” Starlight reassured the filly with a smile.
“Yeah Scootaloo, I gotta admit that you do look kinda creepy. Definitely ignites the spirit of Nightmare Night.” Applebloom smirked.
“Yeah, you kinda look like Chrysalis.” Sweetie Belle smiled wholeheartedly which make Starlight’s hairs shoot up a little as she bit her lip, she immediately kept calm once Twilight looked at her. She could not show fear in front of her girlfriend.
“Ugh. Don’t make me vomit.” Scootaloo groaned in fake disgust before smirking, “If I wanted to look intimidating I’d go as Sombra.”
“Sombra feels more like a dark maned unicorn with dark armor. I think Tirek’s more intimidating. He EATS magic.” Applebloom argued earnestly.
“Okay!” Starlight smiled nervously, “How about we go trick or treating instead of talking about Chrysalis, or… the other two.” Starlight smiled nervously as she began to sweat.
“Starlight? Are you feeling okay?” Twilight asked a bit concerned.
“I’m fine Twilight.” Starlight waved off with a false smirk, “You seriously think I’m scared over some holiday. After all, we all know that Nightmare Moon lie is total hogwash.”
“Yeah. We met Luna, she’s really nice.” Sweetie Belle smiled.
“I’m aware, she helped me with my nightmares.” Starlight chuckled, “Alright let’s get you your candy.”
The Trick Or Treat session went smoothly, though Twilight did notice that Starlight was usually on guard more than usual. She’d expect that a little on Nightmare Night but she seemed really tense. She shuddered at the sight of webs, the cauldron of fake green liquid made Starlight act squeamish, and she kept looking over her shoulder.
As the five ponies began heading to Twilight’s castle, Starlight looked on with a calm smile, Twilight figured now was the best time to talk with her girlfriend, “Starlight, are you sure your okay? You can talk about this y’know.”
“Like I said Twilight, I’m practically a fortress of fearlessness. Nothing can scare me.” Starlight smirked triumphantly.
Suddenly Applebloom perked up, “Hey! Maybe we could go to my family’s Corn Maze. I heard it’s supposed to be really scary this year.”
“Ooh, I don’t know. Isn’t it already pretty late?” Starlight asked with a nervous smile that Twilight was all too familiar with.
“Pfft. You’re not scared are you?” Scootaloo snickered teasingly.
“I mean… Starlight does seem more jumpy lately.” Sweetie Belle admitted, “We may not know you well Starlight but I can tell that you’re upset.”
Starlight scoffed as she put on her best fake smile, “Clearly… you are mistaken… I am a grown mare, I fear nothing.”
“Sure you do. And I’m running Sweet Apple Acres myself.” Applebloom spoke with a sarcastic smile.
“Girls! That’s enough teasing!” Twilight flew in front of Starlight to defend her before turning to her girlfriend, “Starlight, if you’re scared…”
“I’m not scared. I’m not a defenseless coward.” Starlight spoke defensively.
Suddenly a shadowy figure slithered towards Starlight and soon Discord popped up behind her and laughed, “MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”
Starlight yelped in fear and immediately blasted Discord in fear, not seeing who it was, “HOOVES OFF MY TWILIGHT, CHRYSALIS!”
Discord fell down from the impact of the blast and brushed off his stomach, where he was hit, “Whoa. Note to self, don’t jump scare you.”
Starlight’s eyes widened when she realized who she hit with her magic.
“Discord, are you okay?” Spike asked as he flew over to him along with Big Mac trotting over to his side, Rarity also walked over, a bit annoyed.
“I told you not to go after Starlight, but clearly you couldn’t listen.” Rarity said in annoyance to Discord who awkwardly smiled.
“Well how was he supposed to expect Starlight would react that way?” Spike spoke in the Draconequus’ defense before turning to Starlight in annoyance, “Seriously Starlight what the heck?”
“Eeeyeah, that was kinda harsh.” Big Mac said, not mad like Spike was but felt awkward.
“I…I’m sorry… I thought you were Chrysalis. I swear, I wasn’t aiming to hurt you Discord.” Starlight apologized remorsefully.
“It’s fine. It’s fine.” Discord reassured the unicorn, “You were clearly tense and I shouldn’t have pulled that prank with you so vulnerable.”
“Why’d you think he was Chrysalis though?” Sweetie Belle asked curiously.
“And what was with the whole ‘Hooves off my Twilight’ spiel?” Applebloom added.
Starlight blushed when she realized what she had said, and soon she realized all eyes were on her.
“I…I…” Starlight stammered, “I think I should go. I’ve suffered enough scares tonight.”
She then teleported away from the scene, leaving the eight creatures confused.
“Oh poo. I screwed up again, didn’t I?” Discord asked with a sigh.
“It’s not completely your fault Discord.” Twilight spoke reassuringly, “Although I think that Starlight’s going through something serious. I gotta go talk to her. Can you four watch Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle?”
“Of course darling. I don’t see why not. Discord has mostly been harmless tonight.” Rarity smiled reassuringly.
“Hey.” Discord groaned.
Twilight soon teleported away from her friends, and soon found herself in Starlight’s room, and Starlight herself was out of costume and her face was on the pillow in shame.
“Starlight. Are you okay?” Twilight asked sadly.
“I’m sorry Twilight.” Starlight’s voice spoke softly.
Twilight looked confused at this statement, “Sorry for what?”
“Sorry for making you look like a fool in front of the Cutie Mark Crusaders and your other friends. Imagine, Starlight Glimmer can’t control some stupid fear of a captured criminal.” Starlight said monotone before laughing bitterly.
“Starlight. You fearing Chrysalis is not stupid. It’s perfectly natural. I can understand you being afraid for your life.” Twilight spoke as she sat besides Starlight on the bed.
“It’s not just that.” Starlight sighed sadly, “Remember how I told Discord to keep his hooves off you when I thought he was Chrysalis?”
“I remember. It was kinda endearing, albeit confusing.” Twilight admitted with a neutral frown.
“I…I remember you telling me that she turned Shining Armor into her mindless drone by impersonating as Cadence and fed off his love for her to destroy his barrier. I…I’m afraid she’d do the same to you, but she’ll probably trick you into kissing or making out, and… I just can’t bare the thought of anything happening to you ” Starlight whimpered, before tearing up, the thoughts of what Chrysalis could do just horrified her.
Twilight immediately embraced Starlight and spoke comfortingly, “You won’t lose me Starlight. Even if Chrysalis escapes, I won’t let her touch me or you. I’ll even recommend to Celestia and Luna to heighten her security for extra measures. I’m not gonna let what we have be destroyed by some gigantic cockroach.”
Starlight smiled as she leaned deeper into Twilight’s embrace, “I know it sounds sappy but I’m starting to not feel scared anymore.”