//------------------------------// // Dreams Will Come True, Right Here At The Gala // Story: Shudderbones: The Necromancer of Flame Geyser Swamp // by SkelePone //------------------------------// It was that time of year. Ponies from all over Equestria had converged at Canterlot for the most anticipated ball in months. Shudderbones was decked out in a dapper vest and a top hat he had purchased from Rarity. His date, if he dared to call her his date, was wearing the most beautiful outfit he had ever seen. Rather than having her mane tied back, it was pinned up, completely transforming the mare. The dress was a flattering green and red outfit that reminded Shudderbones of strawberries. When Rarity had seen her friend, she had blubbered excitedly about an apple jewel or something of the sort. Shudderbones did not know who or what an Apple Jewel was. Then Applejack stepped out of the changing room. Immediately after, Shudderbones had blubbered incoherently about a beautiful mare and good looks. Now, Applejack sat in the apple cart with Shudderbones, watching the countryside pass by. Shudderbones held the reins in his hooves. A pair of thick stallion skeletons had been hooked up, and they pulled the cart. Behind them, a separate wagon held Applejack's friends, who had each scavenged their own ticket. Shudderbones tried to avoid looking at Applejack, afraid he would screw something up somehow. He found it hard, as every so often her tail would brush up against his from under her dress. He wasn't sure if it was accidental or if she was purposefully trying to get his attention. He just stared at the road, using his magic and forelegs to keep the skeletons in line. Every tail brush though, Shudderbones swore he heard the carriage behind them erupt into giggling. - - - - - - - - - - - Canterlot had been decorated thoroughly for the event, wreaths and garland lanced about the lantern-posts. The lights had all been dimmed and it provided a very moody atmosphere. But those were merely the streets. The castle itself was basking in red and blue spotlights, giving it a flowing mix of purple, white, pink, blue, and red. It was a sight to behold, and as Applejack gazed up in wonder, Shudderbones dared to look at her. The rainbow of color was reflecting off of her emerald eyes. Shudderbones almost felt his heart give out. He thought of all that had happened the past month or so. Had those three silly fillies not knocked on his door, had Apple Bloom's bow not fallen from her mane, he would never have met the Apples. Never have met Applejack. Nor would he be performing paranormal tasks for good in the Ponyville community. They parked before the castle, and Shudderbones handed the valet stallion the reins. The valet climbed in, unsure of the skeletons waiting patiently at the front of the old apple cart. The valet looked to Shudderbones uneasily. He whipped the reins once, and the skeletons tore off down the street, clattering noisily. Shudderbones and Applejack turned away, chuckling merrily as the other's carriage arrived. The six mares all went separate ways, towards their dates. Applejack went inside with Shudderbones, Rainbow Dash with Soarin, Twilight with a pegasus stallion (Shudderbones believed his name was Flash, or something of the sort). Pinkie had flung herself out of the carriage and was caught by stallion with a similar manestyle, wearing a cowboy hat and a poncho. Fluttershy's date was a bit of an oddity. Shudderbones did not know who he was, but he wasn't a pony. He was long, snake-like and looked like somepony had just grabbed a bunch of animals and stitched them together nonsensically. He called himself "Discord", which Shudderbones found amusing. They entered the lavish hall, already filled with high society Canterlot ponies. Classical, yet upbeat, music was provided by a pretty mare playing the viola, and a crazy-maned mare at a disk jockey's booth. Immediately, Shudderbones and Applejack lose the others. Applejack didn't seem alarmed, she simply led Shudderbones towards one of the several tables set up about the hall. They sat down, and immediately one of the waitstaff galloped over to take their orders. "Just a cider'll do me fine, thank ya kindly." "Same." Shudderbones grunted. He was never one for parties. Shudderbones turned towards his date. They locked eyes for a moment, his glowing purple eyes looking into her green ones. The waiter trotted back, handing them two shiny silver goblets. Nodding to each other, they delved into their beverages. Then Shudderbones choked. His reflection through the silver goblet had glared back at him. Green and red eyes, with purple energy crackling at their edges. Shudderbones coughed several times, and Applejack looked to him in alarm. "Shudders? Are ya alright?" She asked softly. He nodded, still coughing, and ran for the closest mirror. He made sure to look down at his coat and mane before he looked. He appeared to be normal. He gazed about. Nopony else besides a concerned Applejack had noticed him. She was still looking at him, from her place across the hall. Then he turned towards his reflection in the large hall mirror. He gasped. The Nightmare Shudderbones stood before him, grinning. In place of convenient pony teeth, he had sharp fangs. The eyes crackled, swirling with absolute evil. The Nightmare wore not Shudderbones' outfit, but the billowing cape of shadows he had seen in his dreams. He glared back at the shade, angered. "What are you doing here, vile thing? I told you, NO." In a fit of rage, Shudderbones kicked out his forehoof, and the mirror split, it's shattered pieces raining down upon him. The music stopped, all chatter and movement halted. Shudderbones turned turned from the now empty frame and glared at the others in the hall. All of them had looks of fear and disgust on their faces. He was feared. He would always be feared. He felt tears leave his cheeks as realized what was happening. He wasn't going to be having his happily ever after. He was the bad guy. He was suddenly engulfed in darkness. He only saw red as his sadness turned back into rage. His outfit shred itself from his darkening coat, the pieces swirling about him as his eyes closed. They burned. He was screaming. "Everypony stop being such damn COWARDS!" His eyes opened, revealing green and red eyes. Purple energy lapsed over the edges, producing thin trails of raw magic. He felt a cape, the cape of the Nightmare, materialize about his shoulders. He grinned, feeling fangs in his mouth. One quick glance at his cutie mark revealed it had transformed into a skull. Looking down at the shattered pieces of glass, he saw that the transformation was complete. Nightmare Shudderbones raised his head and let out a wicked cackle. Everypony in the room screamed. He let out a lance of magical energy from his horn, striking the ground. Immediately, skeletal hooves erupted from between the tiles, clawing their way out of the floor. A white Alicorn flew up into the air, and fired a single beam of light at the necromancer. Nightmare Shudderbones vanished and re-materialized at her side, his cape flapping like a bat's wings. He sent a jolt of purple lightning directly into her heart. She fell from the sky, and crashed into the floor.