//------------------------------//
// Like Halloween, Only Not 
// Story: My Twilight Facade 
// by axelsempai 
//------------------------------//

Spike flipped through the final page of his comic and set it down with a sigh.  Not a sigh of contentment, rather one of disappointment.  Why was it that all of these things seemed so short?  There were still hours left in the day, and that comic barely lasted him a few minutes.  He looked around the main room of the library.  He wasn't about to read any of this stuff.  While he really wanted something to pass the time, he wasn't desperate enough to start reading those long, boring novels.

Figuring he had some old comics left to re-read, he went upstairs to check the collection.  His search was disheartening, as he already read each of them at least three times.  With a shake of his head, he ventured elsewhere in search of some kind of activity.  In the basement, he looked over the hoard of boxes.  Lots of board games (none of which were playable solo), plastic utensils, tools, and other such questionable items.  But one box in the back got his attention.

It was unopened and sealed with packing tape.  Covered in a layer of dust, it must have been one of the boxes they brought from Canterlot when Spike and Twilight first moved.  Spike climbed over the debris blocking his path.  He carefully cut open the container with a claw and flipped it open to view its contents.  At the very top was a book he recognized easily:  a photo album.  He opened the book.

He remembered the first picture.  It showed a little filly Twilight with a newly hatched Spike.  It was shortly after Twilight hatched him in her entrance exam.  Spike smiled at the memory.  While he didn't personally remember that moment, he knew how much it meant to his Twilight.

He turned the page to another memory, this one showing Twilight holding up her student forms for the school.  She was so excited to begin learning magic at Celestia's exalted school.

The next picture froze Spike solid.  Twilight was held aloft by the magical aura of a white unicorn stallion.  Both were smiling and laughing with shared excitement.  While Twilight was accepted into a magic school, the other in the picture was sharing his news that he was going to the officer's academy.

Spike slapped a claw to his face.  He was such an idiot.  How could he have forgotten somepony so important?

New avenues of action were opened with his new revelation.  He dropped the album back into the box and leaped back to the door.  He swiped some writing materials on his way out of the darkened basement and placed everything on the nearest table.  Without hesitation, he penned a letter with a plan in mind.



Dear BBBFF,



It was important for his plan if his contact believed that Twilight was writing to him.  He continued.



It has been too long since we last wrote to each other.  How have you been?  I've been doing very well.  Magic studies have been more rewarding than they usually have.  I have many great friends here in Ponyville.  Maybe you could come see my new place sometime?  It's a library!



This part was of particular importance.  Suggesting a visit in the future was vital to his plan's success.  Now all he had to do was add some natural sounding padding to the letter.



How's Canterlot been?  I haven't been there for a few months now, and I can only imagine what your reign of terror has done to the place.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Your LSBFF,
Twilight Sparkle.

P.S.:  Spike says hi.



Looking over his letter for anything out of the ordinary, he assured himself that everything was okay, and blew his fire onto the letter.  Its remains swirled into the air and up the chimney, no doubt going straight for his intended target.

He didn't have to wait but ten minutes before he belched out a reply.  Spike greedily grasped the letter and read it eagerly to see how his plan was turning out.



Dear Twiley,

It's great to hear from you again!  I'm glad to hear you're doing well in your new town.  Told you getting out once in a while wouldn't hurt.



Spike rolled his eyes playfully at the teasing.  That was so like him.



You actually picked a good time to write, because I have some incredible news.  Remember your foalsitter, Cadence?  Well guess what?  We're engaged!



Spike gasped at the news.  This was huge!  He wished Twilight were here to read this.



We're still discussing when the wedding should be, but we're in no rush.  Things couldn't be better!

We'll have to visit you sometime.  We can't come over now, however, since Cadence and I just came to Prance on vacation.  But don't worry, we'll surprise you soon!



Spike's mouth twitched.  He was abroad right now, which meant that Spike still had to wait for far too long to get anything done.  While it was a depressing setback, this could actually work out pretty well.  If nothing else, the addition of Cadence would further cement his victory when the time came.

He just needed to be patient.  If he could keep things going for a little while longer, then a fool-proof plan would win the day.  For the first time in a while, Spike felt optimistic.

Optimism that didn't last very long when the catalyst of his ire entered the library.  Spike hurriedly hid the letter under the table, hoping to dispose of it later.  In the meantime, he straightened his brow towards the damned impostor.

The evil clone of Twilight closed the door behind her and smiled at Spike with excitement.  "Spike, there's been a change in plans."

"How so?"  Spike asked.

"Nightmare Night."

Spike quirked an eyebrow at the news.  "What about it?"

"It's just a few days away!"  "Twilight" declared.  "You know what that means, don't you?"

Oh yes, that's right.  It was the time of year where foals would go from house to house and get candy.  It was a shame really; Spike never got to enjoy Nightmare Night like the other children.  He was hoping this year would be different, but he was very doubtful.  "Yeah, it means we get to distribute candy to the kids."

Twilight blew a dismissive raspberry.  "Nah, that's boring shit.  We're gonna make badass costumes and do stuff around town!"

We?  This monster was making a lot of assumptions about what Spike wanted to do.  Well, he did want to explore the town in a cool outfit, he just didn't want his first Nightmare Night to be with some kind of beast instead of his sister.  "Nah, it's fine.  I'll be fine staying here."

Twilight's face fell into something resembling concern.  "You sure about that?  I mean, Nightmare Night sounds like a pretty big event, and I'm sure there's a lot of fun things to do."

"Yes, I'm sure."  Spike said, doing his best to mask his building temper.  "I think I'd rather stay in the library than do any of those activities in town."

Twilight was skeptical.  "Okay, so what did you plan on doing?"

Spike only gave it a little thought.  "I guess I'll just hand out some candy."

"But what about for passing the time?  Surely you'll be waiting a while between each visit, and you'll want something to do in the meantime."

Spike didn't have anything to say in response to that.  Just moments ago, he had that same dilemma.  With writing letters out of the question, he truly had nothing to do.

Twilight spoke up in his silence.  "Maybe we should go out into town together?  It beats staying in the library all night while everyone else is having fun.  Besides, you've been pretty tense lately.  Getting out once in a while will do you some good."

There was little he could say against that.  "...Alright."

Twilight flashed a hopeful little smile.  "Great.  What do you say we go shopping for some supplies?  We can make our own costumes however we want."

"Okay."

Twilight beckoned him to do just that and they left the library behind.  Spike's mind was still twirling with emotion and paranoia.  What was this impostor trying to accomplish?  What could this wolf in pony skin possibly have to gain from spending time with Spike?  It didn't make sense.  Something was up.  This clone wanted to do something to Spike that involved being really nice to him, but it had to know about his distrust, so why bother?  Spike was angry and confused.





After three days of tireless work, it was nearly time for Nightmare Night.  I worked hard on making this costume so kick ass, and I was eager to give it the spotlight it deserved.  The costume was on its stand in the basement, waiting for me.  I transformed into a human to don each portion of my outfit.  The cardboard greaves, magically altered to resemble worn metal, fit me well.  Boots completed my lower body in the appearance of heavy crimson armor.  The breastplate, adorned with a golden eagle insignia, made itself at home on my torso.  I put on the large white shoulder pads and gauntlets last, completing the set of fake power armor.

Next I dug out a replica sword.  I studied for an entire day to get this particular illusion down:  I enchanted the sword to crackle with illusory electricity.  A few practice swings confirmed it had the slight trail of lightning following the blade wherever it went.

Perfect, my costume was complete.

I looked myself over in the mirror.  If I didn't know any better, I'd say I was supposed to be fighting aliens right about now.  It's almost too bad that it was all just for show.

Feeling and looking like a badass, Force Commander Twilight Sparkle stepped into the library's main room.  Spike was readjusting the helmet of his costume, which was a suit of knight's armor custom made for baby dragons.  He strapped a toy sword to his back and acknowledged me.  He looked me up and down with a curious expression.  "Nice get up."

I stood proud with my shoulders squared and hand to my hip.  "I fight in the name of the Emperor."  I quoted.

"Who's that?"

"I dunno, some guy.  You ready to go, Sir Spike?"

Spike erected himself in a chivalrous display of might.  "Of course."

With a nod, I opened the front door of the library and took a step.  My step was a futile effort, as my ginormous shoulder pads blocked me in.  With a side-step through the door, we finally left to greet the festivities the night had to offer.

Autumn greeted us.  The slight chill of the fall pressed into my bare face.  Bright green decorations pierced through the dark veil of the night.  While well lit, the streets were dark enough to promote the fear this holiday deserved.  Ponies idled and sped by with costumes of their own; not all of them designed for fear.

While I, on the other hand, was dressed as fear incarnate.

"Not impressed, are you?"  Spike noted.

"No, nobody here is dressed scary.  Look at Daisy, over there:  she's dressed like a sunflower!  The only way she would be scary is if I was a botanophobe!"  I noticed another pony's costume.  "And Carrot Top over there is a vampire!  Those haven't been scary since tolerance was invented!"

"You're just saying that because you're dressed like a space warrior."

"Space Marine."  I corrected.

"Whatever you say, freakazoid."

I rolled my eyes at his half-hearted insult.  I wouldn't expect a heretic to understand.  "So what do you think we should do around here?  Looks like the kids are all trick-or-treating."

Spike shrugged.  "Eh, I'd rather not.  We could just look around to see what the others are doing."

"Yeah, maybe they're doing something interesting."

We didn't even start walking before one of them found us.  Surrounded by a group of curious foals, that one specific pink pony popped up and clucked a smile.  "Twilight!  Nice costume!"

"Thanks, Pinkie.  I see that you are... a chicken."

"Yep!  You like it?"

"Err..."  I fought a while for the right choice of words.  "Well, the important thing is that I won't judge you."

Pinkie's face fell.  "Oh, you don't like chickens?"

Well, they make tasty sandwiches...  "No, sorry."

"Aw."  Pinkie sagged.

"Hey, come on, it's not a big deal."

Pinkie jumped up with an idea.  "Wait, I got it!"  Pinkie zoomed down the street.

While I stared after her, a small colt dressed as a pirate challenged me.  "Hey, you scared the captain away!"

"Well, it was less scaring her and more convincing her to change her ways.  Accidentally."

"She was to lead us to sweet treasure!"  The little pipsqueak continued.

"Is that a euphemism for candy peddling?  Then I'm really sorry I delayed you kids for, like, two seconds."

The little pirate looked down the street in the direction that Pinkie fled.  "She's not coming back yet."

Ha ha, the little fool.  Pinkie wasn't gonna come back from that direction.  In fact, Pinkie came from the other way.  I poked him with the tip of my boot and gestured the other way, where we caught a glimpse of Pinkie's new costume.  She dropped a few jaws.  She wore this thin black dress that hugged her form pretty tightly.  I'm not much of a dress guy, so forgive me if I don't use any terminology here, but the part of the dress going down her hind-legs was split down the sides, barely showing off a glimpse of her cutie mark.  While the dressy black shoes fit her image pretty well, I could only assume her poofy pink mane did no favors.  The dark eyeliner was a nice touch.

Pinkie smiled coquettishly, lidding her eyes and turning her body just enough to show her entire outfit.  "So, how's this?"

"I don't even know what you're supposed to be."

She fluttered her eyelashes and tilted her head to the side.  "I'm a seductress."

Ah, it was one of those sexy costumes.  "Are you sure that's okay to wear around kids?"

Pinkie waved off my concern.  "Probably not, but I don't care."

I laughed.  "Ha ha, I like you!"

Pinkie beamed.  "Thanks!"

"Heh heh, alright, I'll let you get back to your trick-or-treating.  Have a happy Halloween!"

A few heads tilted in confusion.  "It's Nightmare Night."  Pinkie corrected.

I nodded with hidden frustration.  "Of course it is."

We separated with a wave, at which point Spike and I headed further into town for more exploration.  Being the busy part of town this evening, it didn't take us very long to run into someone else who shot me a quick greeting.  We crossed paths with Mayor Mare, dressed like a clown in a rainbow afro.  "Ah, is that you, Twilight?"

"Yeah."

"Oh, that's a great costume.  I almost thought you were an alien!"

"Thanks.  I see you're dressed as terror."

"I'm a clown, actually."

"Clown, terror; what's the difference?"

Mayor Mare frowned.  "Twilight, are you scared of clowns?"

"Was."  I said.  "Then I learned that they're just like you and me:  mortal."

She nodded slowly.  "Don't cause any trouble, please."

"Who, me?  Never!"  I swore with my hand raised like it was a solemn oath.

The mayor went onwards to speak with other ponies, giving me a cautious look, leaving me and Spike on our continued journey through the (Nightmare) night.  Not that our musings over spooky decorations lasted long when a relatively new couple in Snowflake and Blossomforth walked by and commented on my attire.

"WOW, GREAT ALIEN COSTUME, TWILIGHT!"  Guess who yelled that.  Guess.

I turned from a particularly amusing spider plush to address them directly.  Snowflake dressed rather according to his name, while his girlfriend was dressed in some kind of white leotard with bright pink tassels around her legs.  Was she some kind of dancer?  "Thanks, and I see you're a weather pattern.  And you, miss Blossomforth, seem to be late for rehearsal."

Blossomforth chuckled politely.  "I'm not really a dancer, silly; I just play one on Nightmare Night!"

"Coulda fooled me."  I joked.  "Having a good time?"

"THE BEST TIME!"  Snowflake said with a smile.  "THINGS COULDN'T BE BETTER!"

"Ah, that's good to hear."  I said in way of congratulations.  "I take it you two are happy together?"

Blossomforth leaned against Snowflake with an endearing smile up at her boyfriend.  "We are; Snowy is such a sweetheart."

"EVERY MOMENT WITH BLOSSOM IS LIKE DANCING IN A WARM SPRING MEADOW!"  Snowflake poetically remarked.  It was the kind of phrasing that would call for brain bleach if it wasn't yelled in the same tone of voice used for battle cries.

"Well I'm very happy for you two."  I said.

"Thanks!"

We said our farewells and they departed.  It's always good to see someone so happy, even if it's in that sappy romantic way.

Spike had his claws on his hips with an expression of bemusement.  "Well, somepony sure is popular."

I shrugged at his remark.  "What can I say?  I have a magnetic personality."

"Yeah, either that or a working knowledge of enchantment spells."

I crossed my arms in a faux sneer.  "For your information, enchantment is my least favorite school of magic."

"Uh huh."

"You doubt me?"

"A little, yeah."

I shook my head in dismissal of his accusations.  I would have made some kind of sarcastic retort over his attitude, had the sky not turned dark all of a sudden.  "Huh, is it just me, or did the night just get blacker?"

Spike inspected the night sky as well.  "Yeah, where'd these clouds come from?"

Despite the darkness of the sky, a pegasus-drawn chariot was visible flying by.  At least, it should have been drawn by pegasi.  Were there pegasi with naturally pointy wings like bats?  I couldn't tell you, but the chariot landed just around the corner where the square was.  It was the perfect time for investigation.

Spike and I peeked around the corner to behold the scene before us.  Upon closer inspection, the ponies pulling the chariot were ponies with bat-like features.  What were they, bat ponies?  Whatever, the real star of the evening was the chariot's disembarking occupant:  the Princess of the Night.  She stepped off the chariot, a casual and innocuous act that forced every pony in the plaza to freeze up and bow in reverence.

Either that or fear.  Was there a difference?  I had to look that up.

Luna couldn't just drop into town quietly, however.  She used her earth shaking voice to announce her presence.  "CITIZENS OF PONYVILLE, YOUR VILLAGE HAS BEEN GRACED BY THE PRESENCE OF THE TRUE PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT!"

I shook my head with a laugh.  She should really know how unnecessary doing that was.  I walked past the corner behind our distracted royal visitor.  "Hey Luna, what's up?"  I greeted with my arms held out to my sides.

Luna turned to face the one that addressed her so casually and gasped in shock.  I don't know what it was about my costume that spooked her; maybe the lightning sword was a bit too much, but she freaked when she saw me.  "Ah, man-fiend!"  Her horn lit up suddenly.

My carefree demeanor dropped in an instant.  "Wha-"  A turquoise beam of energy shot at me suddenly.  "Ah!"  I reflexively blocked it with my crappy plastic sword.  The magic twisted and destroyed my little prop easily, rendering it useless.

That would all be well and good if Luna stopped at a single energy blast.  She didn't.  In her apparent panic, she sprayed an excessive amount of energy beams in rapid succession with nothing to hit but me.  Each beam struck me in the chest, pushing me back with the recoil like I was getting shot apart by an AK-47.  One final, larger blast shot me off my feet and onto my back.

I sat up clutching my chest.  "Holy shit.  What was that for?"

"T-Twilight Sparkle?"  She shakily asked.

"Yeah.  By the way:  fucking ow."

Luna breathed a sigh of relief and apologetically approached me.  "Our apologies; your outfit made us believe you to be one of the invaders of old!"

I gave her a flat look.  "Invaders?"

"Yes, your outfit looks exactly like the kind of armor they wore in their attacks.  We should have realized you were only wearing a costume."

I sat there for a moment just taking in what she just implied about Equestria's history, and shook my head.  I really needed to read a history book.  "Whatever, it's okay."  I picked myself up and inspected my broken sword, twisted and flickering pitifully.  "Damn, there goes that."

"Actually, we can't help but notice that your costume is unscathed.  Did you reinforce it with your magic?"

"Right, like I'm going to make a suit of armor and not reinforce it."

Luna raised a brow.  "Why would you alter your costume thus?  Surely you weren't trying to make an actual suit of armor?"

"Okay, so I might have gotten a little overzealous with its design and invented a meta-plastic on a whim.  It happens."

"You invented a new material for no better purpose than a single costume?"

"That's not important right now."  I dismissed the topic.  "What are you doing here?  Canterlot not a good place to celebrate this kind of thing?"

"It could be, but We have friends in Ponyville."  She said with a smile pointed to me.

I returned her smile.  "Aw, that's sweet of you.  Any plans?  'Cause me and Spike were just looking around for something to do."

"To be honest, we had few plans ourself."  Luna admitted.  "Perhaps you would be willing to go plus one on your search for adventure this night?"

"Sounds good to me!"  I lightly elbowed Spike, who sauntered on by sometime in the last couple of minutes.  "Whattya say, Spike?  How does a Halloween adventure with a princess sound?"

"You mean a Nightmare Night adventure?"  He asked with a smug look.

I growled with embarrassment.  "Yes, that's what I said.  Please answer the question."

Spike shrugged.  "Alright, I guess."

I pumped a fist into the air while Luna simultaneously threw a hoof up.

"Huzzah!"

"Hell yeah!"

Luna and I immediately shot each other looks for our nearly coordinated celebration.  "... Is this the part where we say 'jinx'?"  She asked.

"I believe that only applies when we both say the same thing."

"Ah."

We sat there in silence for a brief moment, some stallion in the still bowing crowd coughing awkwardly.  "Right," I said, getting back on track.  "We should take a look around for something cool.  I'm not exactly sure what they've set up around here."

"You know the way, Twilight Sparkle."

"Well, we're mostly going to be wandering around randomly.  Stop me if you see anything you like."

"Ah, bully!"  Luna gladly declared.

"Uh, is that good?"

"Yes."

I nodded strangely and nervously cast my eyes around.  "Alright, let's go... that way."  I pointed in some meaningless direction and began walking.

Luna and Spike (Spike being impassive about it all) followed me across the plaza in search for anything fun.  I'll admit that it was pretty annoying trying to walk over a bunch of ponies who were lying on the ground like that.  I sure hoped that it wouldn't be too much of an issue the rest of the night.