//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: A Nightmarish Double Date // by Jondor //------------------------------// Twilight had insisted they start getting into costume early, well before the sun began to set.  Applejack and Rainbow Dash had exchanged slight groans, but Twilight was vindicated in the end.  Rarity turned out to be even fussier than usual, asserting that everything about her costume be absolutely perfect for her first Nightmare Night in years. Applejack had grumbled her usual grumbles about Rarity’s behavior, but Rainbow merely contented herself with a couple of quips that were more playful than spiteful.  She spent most of her time helping Scootaloo with her costume and sneaking glances over at Rarity’s progress.  Applejack’s grousing had come to an abrupt halt when Twilight nudged her in the ribs.  The two of them finished getting into their own costumes while surreptitiously watching Rainbow glance at Rarity. The sun was just disappearing beneath the horizon as the four mares, three fillies, and one young dragon set out from Sweet Apple Acres.  Applejack and Twilight led the way down the road towards town.  Their tails were intertwined and Twilight’s wing was draped across Applejack’s back, the tips of her primaries resting against her costumed flank, right over her cutie mark.  Their shoulders and hips gently bumped against each other as they walked so closely together.  Twilight let out soft giggles whenever the soft hay of Applejack’s costume tickled her, despite the simple print dress covering most of her barrel. Behind them, Rarity and Rainbow Dash walked side by side, close but still a comfortable distance apart.  The younger ponies, and dragon, scampered playfully around the four adults, excited by the prospect of candy, games, and staying up late into the night. “You look good tonight, Rares,” Rainbow said, finally breaking the silence between them with as much bravado as she could muster. “Thank you, darling.  It took some work, but it was well worth it.  Silver does suit me.”  Rainbow’s gaze followed Rarity’s own as she looked admiringly over her body.  She was covered in a close-fitting skin of shiny silver material, stitched with rivet patterns. Rarity looked back up to catch a glimpse of Rainbow gazing at her, before the latter turned to face forward again.  “You look…” Rarity searched for a fitting word, her eyes drifting over the shaggy lion’s mane surrounding Rainbow’s head, “rugged.  But in a good way.”  She hastily added the last in response to a raised eyebrow.  “It’s fitting for your character.” “Hey, what is up with these costumes anyway?  I bet they’re from some book or something.” “They are, yes.  Well, for the most part, anyway,” Rarity chuckled.  “If she were really staying faithful to the book, Twilight’s shoes should be silver instead of ruby.  But of course, that play adaptation was so very popular.” Rainbow simply looked confused. “The Wizard of Oz, darling.”  Rarity turned incredulous eyes on Rainbow.  “It’s not quite as action packed as Daring Do, admittedly, but I would have expected Twilight to have offered it to you at some point.  You are playing the part of the Cowardly Lion.” Rainbow’s eyes narrowed and she opened her mouth to speak, but not fast enough. “Before you complain, that’s only his name.  He may spend most of the story thinking he needs to find courage, but he is actually the most courageous person in the book.  He simply lacked a bit of confidence at first.  I hate to spoil part of the story, but trust me, darling.  It is a compliment, not an insult.” Rainbow’s grimace turned quickly into a confident grin, accompanied by a single, exuberant wing flap.  “Okay, okay.  I’ll give Princess Egghead a break this time.”  Rainbow looked over Rarity’s costume once again.  “So, who are you dressed as, then?” Rarity gave her curled mane a flick, causing the light of the rising moon to glint off of her highly reflective costume.  “I am the Tin Woodman, sans rust of course.  He was convinced he required a heart, not realizing that he was already quite compassionate.” Approaching the edge of town and the beginning of rows of houses, Twilight and Applejack gathered all four youngsters in from the impromptu game of tag they’d started shortly after leaving the farm. “Alright young‘uns.  What’d ya rather do first, candy collectin’ or games?” All four adults were unsurprised by the quadraphonic response.  “Candy!” “Okay, then,” Twilight chuckled, levitating four orange jack-o-lantern sacks out of her saddlebags.  “Here you go.  Remember, only houses with porch lanterns lit, and stay in sight.” “Thanks, Twilight!” they chorused, dashing off as a group to the nearest house.  Like many of the houses on the street, it was decorated with copious amounts of cobwebs strung from roof to foundation, all covered with stuffed spiders. Twilight and Applejack leaned against each other as they strolled slowly down the street, Rarity and Rainbow Dash following.  All four watched the children run excitedly from home to home, greeting ponies and gathering candy, as well as getting compliments on their costumes. “So…” Rainbow opened, in an effort to break the silence again.  “How’s business?  You and Fluttershy get everything done on time?” “Indeed we did, darling.  I had to ensure dear Fluttershy only worked on innocuous costumes of course, nothing dark or dreary, but she was a great help.”  Rarity smiled.  “I must say, this is a refreshing change from my usual mad, caffeine fueled rush to finish too many orders, followed by a day long sleep and an emergency spa treatment.” Rainbow frowned, her ears raking back.  “You really shouldn’t do that to yourself, Rares.” Rarity’s ears also folded back as she bit her lip.  “I know, darling.  I let myself get far too caught up in my work sometimes.  I’m quite lucky to have a friend to remind me when I need a break.” “No problem, Rares.”  Rainbow took a step closer and gave Rarity a nuzzle.  “I know a thing or two about taking breaks to keep from going crazy.” Rarity smiled and turned back to watching the children.  “How about yourself, darling?  I’ve seen you practicing in the sky near the boutique lately.  Are you still working hard towards a Wonderbolts career?” Rainbow’s expression quickly turned into a cocky grin at the mention of her idols.  “You know it, Rares!  I’m scheduled for another week at the academy next month.  Can’t be too long before I make rookie status.” “Wonderful, darling!”  Rarity leaned in to return a nuzzle to Rainbow.  “I wonder if you’d get a spot in the derby right away?  I always make sure to get tickets if one is being held while I’m visiting Canterlot, and it would be simply marvelous to be able to watch and root for a familiar face.” “Yeah, I probably could swing that.  Spitfire’s pretty cool when she’s not in drill sergeant mode, and I do have some serious speed.”  Rainbow blushed slightly. Spike and the three fillies were all moving a bit slower now.  Their bags were obviously loaded down and slackening their pace, but they seemed determined to finish combing the street to add to their mounting stash of candy. Rainbow’s eyes followed Scootaloo as the filly strained to move her candy bag, finally propelling herself along with all four hooves and her wings.  Her concentration broke when she heard a wistful sigh come from beside her and turned toward it.  She found Rarity gazing goo-eyed at the couple ahead of them, a tissue telekinetically dabbing at her eyes. “They really do make a lovely couple, don’t they?”  Rarity gave a sniff, inclining her head toward Rainbow and nodding at the ponies ahead of them.  Twilight had her wing draped over Applejack’s back again and was nuzzling against her neck lovingly, their tails wrapped tightly together. “They can get pretty mushy sometimes, but yeah.  I can totally see them getting married, like really soon.” “Married?” Rarity exclaimed in a poorly suppressed squeal of delight.  “Really?  Have they said anything?  Rainbow Dash, are you privy to a little inside information?”  She turned her wide sapphire eyes on Rainbow and fluttered her lashes. Rainbow felt her heart catch in her throat, suddenly treated to a point blank dose of Rarity’s charm delivered at full power. “What?  No, they haven’t said anything.  I mean, just look at them.  No way you could separate those two,” Rainbow stammered, shifting her eyes away from Rarity’s intense gaze. “Hmm, yes,” Rarity mused dreamily.  “I do rather envy them.  Finding one’s perfect mate so close to home really is a dream come true.” Rarity and Rainbow lapsed into silence, both of them now fixated more on Applejack and Twilight than on the children they were escorting.  Without warning, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle popped into their line of sight, blocking their view of Twilight and Applejack, and causing both of them to stumble mid-stride and fall right onto their rumps. “Look at how much candy we got!” Scootaloo proudly declared, both fillies showing off bulging sacks full of sugary treats.  “We totally beat last year!”  She and Sweetie shared a high hoof while Rarity and Rainbow both shook their heads from the sudden shock. “Great job, Squirt.”  Rainbow managed to get out once her eyes came back into focus.  She playfully ruffled the filly’s magenta mane with a hoof. Rarity offered Sweetie Belle a hug before standing up and brushing the dirt off of her costume with her magic.  “That is quite an impressive amount of candy.  I hope you don’t plan on eating it all at once.” “I won’t.  I promise.”  Sweetie grinned her best innocent grin, causing a raised eyebrow. “You kids ready fer some games now?” Applejack asked, as the other half of their group cantered over, Twilight’s wing still cuddling her back. Her inquiry was met with nods and noises of assent.  “Alright, let’s go drop off all yer sweets at the library so ya don’t lose ‘em, an’ then we can go see what’s happenin’ in the town square this year.” Two lunar guards were present at either side of the road leading into the town square.  Even though they were visually imposing with their bat-like features and dark armor, they were friendly enough in voice and manner, greeting the group and offering a bow to Twilight. “Good evening, Nightshade, Cereus.”  Twilight nodded at each of them in turn.  “I take it Princess Luna has joined our celebration again this year?” “She has, Princess,” Nightshade confirmed.  “Your friend, the pony with the curly pink mane and high pitched voice, approached Mistress Luna with an offer to be the ‘Princess of Fun’ at this year’s festival.  Mistress Luna was most enthusiastic to accept the post.” Twilight giggled.  “I’m sure she was.  Let’s go see what Luna has in store, shall we?”  Twilight looked back at the rest of the group, receiving nods of agreement. Nightshade and Cereus offered the group another bow as they passed into the town square.  Looking around, they surveyed the booths, the decorations, and all the ponies milling about in a variety of costumes.  Before they could go far, Luna spotted their group and enthusiastically waved them over. “Greetings, Twilight Sparkle and friends.”  Luna smiled and nodded at each of them; they all offered her a bow in return.  “I trust your Nightmare Night is treating you well?” “We’re doin’ just dandy, Princess.  Young’uns got themselves a mess of candy already, so we thought we’d mosey on over to check out the games.  We heard y’all were in charge of the fun in town tonight.” “‘Tis true, fair Applejack.  I was entrusted with the sacred honor by your friend and mine, most excitable Pinkie Pie, so that she might be free to soothe dear Fluttershy’s worries and fears for the night.  I could not refuse such a noble cause.” “And I’ll bet the prospect of getting out of the castle for a night of revelry didn’t enter into the decision at all.”  Twilight grinned and winked. “Twilight Sparkle, thou knowest me too well.”  Luna returned the grin.  “Scootaloo, you are still doing well, I presume?  Courage remains strong in your heart?”  Luna stepped forward and offered a hoof to shake. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Spike stood slack-jawed, amazed to see a filly like Scootaloo being addressed and offered a hoofshake by the princess.  Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow.  Rarity’s eyes widened, her thoughts momentarily distracted from the matter at hoof. “Yes, Princess. Thanks to you and Rainbow Dash.”  Scootaloo buzzed her wings, hovering momentarily before dropping back to all four hooves.  She motioned for Rainbow to lean in close and whispered to her, “Princess Luna helped me out when I had some bad dreams once.  You remember the thing with the Olden Pony, right?” Rainbow nodded in answer. “You should not sell yourself short, young Scootaloo.  But come; if Rainbow Dash and company will permit, perhaps you may walk with me and introduce me to your friends while they enjoy some time to themselves?” “Can we, please?!”  Three fillies and one dragon chorused, and each turned their best puppy dog eyes on their respective guardian. “I suppose, but y’all behave.” “Sure, yeah.” “Yes, that sounds reasonable.” “As long as you think you can handle them, Luna.  These four can be quite the hoofful.” “We’ll be good, we promise!”  Came the same four young voices, now all gathered in formation before Luna’s hooves. “I promise they will be in good hooves, Twilight Sparkle.” “Alright, then.  Have fun!”  The four adult mares waved as the others trotted away. “Well, I didn’t expect a break from the kids so soon.”  A gurgling noise erupted from Twilight’s belly.  “But, apparently my stomach is thankful.”  The others chuckled.  “It looks like Horte’s is open.  Anyone else hungry?” “I could go fer some grub, sugarcube.  How about you, Rarity?  Dash, I know ya said you were excited ta check out the games this year.” “My hooves certainly would like a rest, and perhaps a bite to eat wouldn’t be amiss.  Rainbow, darling?”  Rarity fluttered her eyelashes. “I’m not all that hungry, but I’ll stick with you guys.  The games just aren’t as fun on my own.” Twilight and Applejack shared a knowing look before they led the way down to the outdoor cafe. Horte greeted the group as they strode up, offering the sort of small bow which was all Twilight would accept from the residents of Ponyville.  “Happy Nightmare Night to you all.  Table for four, or will each couple be dining separately.” “A table for four, thank you,” Twilight replied. Both Rarity and Rainbow Dash pretended they hadn’t heard the insinuation, though there was a bare hint of amusement in Rarity’s eyes.  Twilight and Applejack just shared a silent giggle and carefully failed to acknowledge or correct the discrepancy. The mushroom tables and haybale seats at Horte Cuisine’s were all decorated in orange and black.  The menu was likewise Nightmare Night themed to match the festive air of the rest of the town square for the night.  Twilight and company found themselves dining on dark rye bread sandwiches with blood red mayonnaise and dyed orange cucumbers along with mugs of pumpkin juice. Twilight and Applejack sat together, cuddled so close that Rarity was amazed they had enough mobility to eat.  Rainbow Dash alternately snuck glances across the table at the couple and beside her at Rarity who was sitting close enough on the narrow hay bale that their forelegs occasionally brushed. “You know, I envy you two,” Rarity sighed, gazing wistfully across the table at the happy couple.  “I was telling Rainbow Dash earlier, finding somepony you love so completely and also finding them so close to home is really quite lucky.” “Well, thank ya kindly.”  Applejack smiled. “Yes, that’s very sweet of you to say,” Twilight agreed, nuzzling against Applejack once again.  “I know my life has become infinitely better since Applejack and I started dating.  She’s really one of a kind.”  She capped off her praise with a soft kiss. “I shan’t give up the search yet.  Somewhere out there is the pony for me.”  Rarity’s voice took on a slightly hard edge.  “At least that fiasco with Blueblood taught me that I need to be more practical when it comes to my love life.  Being handsome and charming are nice qualities, of course.”  Her voice softened.  “But I need somepony courageous to capture my heart.  Somepony who knows the value of hard work and dedication, and who understands the challenge of striving for one’s loftiest goals, but is not afraid to insist I take a break when I need one.” Rarity’s gaze remained fixed forward.  Her voice was directed toward the couple across the table, and did not waver, even on the least syllable.  Even so, all three other ponies could tell exactly who her words were aimed at and each of them could feel the conviction behind her words, Rainbow Dash not least of all. Rainbow felt her mouth go dry.  Even to a pony who was not always the greatest at picking up on mushy feelings, Rarity’s words were easy to read.  Her mind replayed a vivid flashback of the conversation they’d shared about their costumes, walking along the road into town with the moon just rising over the surrounding hills. Rarity had said that the Cowardly Lion was courageous, but still sought out courage, not recognizing it.  She’d said that the Tin Woodman was compassionate, but still sought out a heart.  Rainbow’s eyes darted toward Twilight Sparkle.  She’d been the one to suggest the costumes, Applejack agreeing wholeheartedly.  The pieces slowly put themselves together inside Rainbow’s head while the silence at the table stretched on. “Huzzah!  I have not felt this young in ages!  Thank you for allowing me to escort your young companions, Twilight Sparkle!” The silence was broken as Luna bounded up behind Twilight and Applejack, appearing so suddenly that Rainbow would have sworn she rose up out of the earth itself.  The volume of Luna’s voice was only a fraction below Royal Canterlot Voice levels.  Only Applejack’s steady nerves and firm hoof kept Twilight from falling over in shock.  Rainbow’s quick reflexes saved Rarity from the dirt as well. While the adults steadied their nerves, three young fillies and a dragon crowded around the table, a wide smile on each young face.  Each of them had at least one ribbon or trinket of some sort; Scootaloo had several. The moment completely broken, Rainbow latched onto the distraction gratefully.  She scooped up Scootaloo and ruffled her mane.  “Way to show those games who’s boss, Squirt.”  Rainbow grinned wide and Scootaloo matched it. Luna smiled at the group as each of the youngsters exchanged hugs and thank yous with their respective guardian.  “I must return to my duties and ensure everypony is having fun, Twilight Sparkle.  However, if I may make a suggestion, there is a ride I would recommend you visit.”  Luna pointed a hoof down the road.  “Just left at the first intersection, you will not miss it.  The proprietor insisted on a location well away from the other booths, citing potential magical interference.” “Thanks, Luna.  We’ll go take a look.”  Twilight smiled, giving Luna a bow from her seat.  The entire group waved and the fillies and dragon chorused their thanks as Luna retreated, returning to the town square with a spring in her step. Rarity patted her lips with a napkin and stood up.  “Shall we, darlings?  It is getting to be a bit late, but it would be quite rude to scoff at Princess Luna’s recommendation.” The other adults stood up as well, nodding and voicing their agreement.  A chorus of yays erupted from the youngsters. As soon as the group rounded the corner, they immediately spotted the booth Luna had spoken about.  Unfortunately, the appearance of the booth, not to mention presence of the proprietor himself, simply raised a slew of questions in their minds. Discord, smiling and wearing a top hat and suit jacket, stood by a fairly large and perfectly cubic cardboard box which came as high as his chin.  He beckoned the group forward with his left claw, while his right paw patted the plain and unadorned box. Warily, the group cantered nearer.  They were not comforted by the fact that while the box was plainly open on both ends like a rather short tunnel, the inside was pitch black and no sights could be seen through what should have been empty space. “Good evening, my little ponies!”  Discord’s deep, booming voice projected and echoed along the street.  “Welcome to my quaint little Nightmare Night ride.”  He ran his lion’s paw over the cardboard again and the previously blank side of the box was now emblazoned with the legend: Discord’s Tunnel of Mystery.  At the same time, in front of the box appeared a bench seat with a safety bar, typical of any ferris wheel. After several moment just staring at the box, Twilight finally stated what the whole group had been thinking.  “How can this be a ride?  It’s just a cardboard box.” Discord stood for a moment, as if waiting for something to happen.  With a noise of clattering chains and rusty gears, another bench seat emerged from the opposite end of the box.  The mixed group of colts and fillies lining the bench gave a cheer, thanking Discord as the safety bar raised, and rushing off back to the town square with much excited chattering.  The bench seat popped out of existence in a puff of pink smoke.  A smug grin spread over Discord’s long muzzle. “Princess Luna recommended it, so it mus’ be safe, right?” Applejack wondered, uncertainly. “Perfectly safe, my dear Applejack.”  Discord gave a sweeping bow.  “Luna herself explained the idea of Nightmare Night to me and suggested that it might be the ideal setting for a little well controlled chaos.  Needless to say, I heartily agreed.” “So what does ‘Tunnel of Mystery’ mean anyway?” Rainbow said, eyeing the sign suspiciously. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be much of a mystery, now would it?”  Discord waggled a claw as his grin grew even more smug than the ponies thought possible. All four adults raised an eyebrow, looking back and forth between themselves. “Oh, very well,” Discord conceded, sighing.  “I suppose there will still be an element of surprise.  Everypony will see something different, and whatever you see are simply insubstantial images,” he explained, gesturing at the box.  “Most ponies, of course, are expecting a haunted house, so the box will craft one for them.  But, what you see could be anything at all.  You might even say it’s a mystery.”  Discord waggled his eyebrows suggestively at the last word. “I suppose Fluttershy would be highly disappointed if we turned up our noses at the gesture.”  Rarity’s face contorted into an odd mixture of conciliatory and pained expressions. Discord beamed, conjuring two more benches in line behind the first.  With a shrug, Twilight and Applejack climbed into the first, Rarity and Rainbow Dash into the last, and the children into the middle one.  With the same clanking of invisible chains and clatter of unseen rusty gears, the three bench seats began to roll forward into the unnatural and impenetrable darkness inside the simple cardboard box. “Have fun, everypony!”  Discord’s cry echoed through the entrance as the riders were swallowed by the black space.  As the light from the entrance faded behind them, the clattering stopped.  The bench glided forward in perfect silence, and all sight abruptly ceased.