Welcome to Nightmare Night, Megan.
As the sun sets in Equestria, Twilight Sparkle, dressed as a wizard, and Spike, dressed as a bigger dragon, wait in a forest next to the statue of the frightening Nightmare Moon.
"I know that the Nightmare Night festivities don't start for a while," Spike said, "but why are we here? This statue creeps me out."
"Princess Luna said that we're having a guest coming over tonight." Twilight answered.
"Who is it?"
"I don't know. She wouldn't tell me."
Suddenly, they hear something coming through the woods. It turns out to be a human girl carrying a duffle bag. She's dressed as a witch with a flowing cape. Twilight recognized the girl. "Megan!"
"Hi, Twilight. Hi, Spike." Megan greeted. "Happy Nightmare Night."
"I'm guessing that's why you're dressed like this."
”Princess Luna said I should wear a costume. And, that's what I'm doing. This midnight blue ribbon in my hair is a nice touch."
"What's in the duffle bag?" Spike asked.
Megan gave an explanation. "Parts of an accessory for my costume, a pair of pajamas, and a change of clothes. My mom suggests that I spend the night here in Ponyville."
"You know what they say," Twilight said, "mother knows best."
Megan approached the statue, and got a little scared. "So, this is a likeness of Princess Luna's dark side."
"I'm afraid so." Twilight replied. "At least she's getting used to this yearly event."
Megan looked at the statue a little longer before going back to Twilight and Spike. "Hearing about how this started, Twilight, no wonder this creature is named Nightmare Moon."
Just then, a bolt of Lightning struck Megan in the rear and scared her. "What was that?!"
"That was that!" Twilight answered as she points to her answer. It was Rainbow Dash dressed as a Shadowcolt laughing hysterically while riding a dark cloud.
"Rainbow Dash!" Megan called out. "That wasn't very nice."
"Aw lighten up, Megster." Dash replied. "This is the best night of the year for pranks."
Megan rubbed her seat, trying to relieve herself from her pain. "You sure shocked that fact to me."
Spike gave a response to her comment. "Emphasis on the word SHOCK."
"Come on, Megan." Twilight said. "Let's head for Ponyville."
As the trio head for Ponyville, Rainbow Dash gives Megan a departing comment. "I love your costume, Megan. You look pretty good as a witch."
Rainbow and her cloud zip away as Megan smiles at her, knowing that the daredevil liked her costume. Back in Ponyville, Twilight and Spike waited outside her castle. Megan comes out holding a broom.
"What's with the broom, Megan?" Spike asked.
"It's the accessory to my costume, Spike." Megan answered. "Just attach the bristles to this handle, and I have a good looking broom."
"A broom is a mode of transportation for a witch, Spike." Twilight explained. "Let's go, friends."
The three friends made their way as Twilight explained to Megan about this yearly event.
"You see, Megan, we celebrate Nightmare Night the same way you celebrate Halloween." Twilight explained. "Everypony dress in costumes, there are decorations put up, and little foals getting candy."
A bunch of kids came to the door of a house, and sang a song. "Nightmare Night. What a fright. Give us something sweet to bite."
As the little ponies get their candy, Megan smiled at the song. "Cute phrase."
"That's our way of saying 'Trick or Treat'." Spike added.
As the trio continued, they see all the activities.
"This festival is so cool, Twi." Megan said happily. "Music and dancing, bobbing for apples, and haycart rides. I been on many of those back home."
"Glad you like it, Megan." Twilight replied.
In the distance, they watch Rainbow Dash use the storm cloud she rode to scare other ponies.
"Looks like Rainbow Dash is having fun." Spike said.
"If you call using a storm cloud to scare others fun." Megan chuckled.
Suddenly, a group of kids approached Twilight and company with Pinkie Pie, dressed as a chicken, leading them.
"Twilight. Twilight!" Pinkie chirped as she presents her bag full of candy. "Look at our haul. Ah! Can you believe it?"
Pinkie pecked at the candy. Megan looked at Pinkie's costume and is filled with joy.
"Pinkie," Megan chirped, "you're dressed like a chicken. You look so cute!"
"I do?" Pinkie blurted.
"I've seen many chickens on farms back home." Megan soon gave Pinkie a hug. "You're the cutest, fluffiest chicken I've ever seen."
Megan kissed Pinkie as the party pony smiled. Megan soon showed Pinkie her witch outfit. "How do you like MY costume?"
"Great costume, Megan." Pinkie answered. "You make a fantastic housekeeper with that broom."
Pinkie zipped away as Megan got shocked again.
"A housekeeper?" Megan said as she chuckled silently. "Thanks a lot, pal."
"Don't let Pinkie get to you, Megan." Twilight told her. "She's just having fun with you."
"I know she was just kidding. But, oh boy. What a sense of humor."
As the night rolls on, Applejack, dressed as a scarecrow, greets Twilight and company. "Howdy, Twilight. Howdy, Spike. Hey, Megan. Nice costume."
"Thanks." Spike responded. "I'm a dragon."
"She's talking to Megan, Spike." Twilight said to the young dragon.
Applejack walks up to the visitor. "Pointed hat, flowing cape, broom, I believe y'all are a witch."
"You got it, Applejack." Megan replied. "You make a great scarecrow."
"Thanks. While you're here, would you like to bob for an apple?"
Megan looks at the tub of water and apples. She realized that it's busy. "Maybe later."
A cloud of smoke appeared. From the smoke, Trixie stepped out wearing her own witch costume. Her pointed hat is black with white stars, so is her cape, and she wore a purple dress.
"The great and powerful Trixie has arrived." Trixie announced. She then saw Megan in her costume. "Hello, my sister witch."
"Sister witch." Megan chuckled. "That's a good one, Trixie."
"Thank you, Megan." She came close to talk softly. "Personally, I think you look more like a witch than I do."
Spike got a little confused. "How can many ponies know what Megan is dressed like when they didn't recognize your Starswirl costume from two years ago?"
"Maybe Megan goes for something basic instead of something specific like I do." Twilight explained.
A huge crowd gathers as Mayor Mare, dressed as a clown, steps onto a stage. "Thank you, everypony. All you little kids with treats in your bags will now follow Zecora as she tells you the tale of," The Mayor gets scary. "Nightmare Moo-oon."
The Mayor laughs wickedly. Spike is not impressed. "Her scary voice would've been better if she wasn't dressed like that."
Twilight and Megan chuckled at that comment. Soon, if a puff of smoke, Zecora arrives with her hair done differently, spiders in her hair, and dressed like a vampire countess. "Follow me. And, very soon, you'll hear the tale of Nightmare Moon."
Young ponies follow Zecora as Twilight and Spike follow them.
"Would you like to tag along, Megan?" Twilight asked.
"I'll pass." Megan replied. "I had enough of that statue for a while."
Minutes later, Zecora leads the group to Nightmare Moon's statue.
"Listen closely, my little dears. About the creature that give you fears." Zecora said to the little ponies. "A Nightmare Night so black and scary." She takes out her illusion powder and throws it in the air. "And, of Nightmare Moon who makes all weary."
The illusion of Nightmare Moon hits the ground as Zecora continues the story. "Every year, we wear a disguise. So that nopony is spotted by her searching eyes." Two young ponies ran in terror. "This vicious black mare is set to strike. To gobble up any little ponies as much as she likes."
"Sounds like Zecora changed some of her words a little." Spike said nervously. "Maybe we should've stayed behind with Megan."
Zecora continues using her powder to create more images of Nightmare Moon. "Nightmare Moon searches everywhere, every town and every farm. If she sees no ponies, she does not do harm." The image flies up into the air. "Satisfied, the mare disappears. Then, Equestria is safe for another year." The image vanishes.
"Excuse me, miss Zecora." A little pony dressed as a princess said. "If we're to hide from Nightmare Moon, why should we leave her candy?"
"A very good question, my little friend. For Nightmare Moon, you should not offend." Zecora answered. "Fill her belly with a treat or two. Before she comes to gobble up you!"
The kids cautiously put their candy under the statue. Suddenly, a wind blows all over the area as a female voice calls out to the group. "So, you have left me some candy to fill my belly! I thank you for the offering. You all are safe." The voice grows lower. "For now."
Laughter fills the air as Pinkie Pie panics. "Nightmare Moon! Let's get out of here!"
Pinkie and the kids run off. Twilight, Spike, and Zecora follow them. Behind a bush, Princess Luna watches secretly.
"I'm glad Twilight and Zecora asked me to help out every year." Luna said to herself. "This holiday is not as bad as I thought. I wonder how Megan is enjoying her first Nightmare Night."
Back in Ponyville, Megan takes off her witch hat, puts her hands behind her back, and looks at the tub full of water and apples.
"Think ya can grab one, Meg?" Applejack asked.
"I hope so." Megan replied as she lowers her head to the water. "Here goes."
Taking a deep breath, Megan dunks her head into the water. After a few seconds, she lifts her head up with an apple in her mouth. Applejack was surprised. "By the stem! Megan, y'all are amazing!"
"Perhaps not, darling." Rarity said as she enters the scene dressed as a punk rock musician. "Probably just lucky."
Megan takes the apple from her mouth and sees the elegant pony. "Rarity! This is a big surprise!"
Rarity's costume is just a leather vest and studded hoof bracelets. But, it's very imaginative. "Reminds you of my little mane episode. Doesn't it?"
Megan puts her witch hat back on. "Maybe a little. Rock on!"
Suddenly, Pinkie Pie and the young ponies run past the tub, giggling along the way. Twilight, Spike, and Zecora walk up to Megan.
"I guess the candy drop went well." Megan figured.
"It sure did." Spike replied.
"Princess Luna even used her Equestrian voice to make her presence known." Twilight added. "It's as if Nightmare Moon came back."
Zecora approached the human visitor. "Kind, helpful Megan. You look very fine. Your witch costume is indeed divine."
"Aw. Thank you, Zecora." Megan replied. She noticed somepony is not around. "Where's Fluttershy?"
Suddenly, Fluttershy swooped down to confront Megan. Wearing bat wings, a cape, and fangs, Fluttershy hissed viciously.
"Vampire bat pony!" Megan shouted as she gets behind Twilight Sparkle. "Get it away from me."
Fluttershy walks up to Megan and takes out her fangs. "Please, Megan. Don't be afraid."
The human girl was surprised. "Fluttershy? I thought you don't like Nightmare Night."
"Usually not." Fluttershy replied. "But, sometimes even I have to leave my comfort zone. Besides, I'm starting to get used to this time of year."
"She does have a point, darling." Rarity said.
The Cutie Mark Crusaders soon arrive. Apple Bloom is dressed like a wolf, Sweetie Belle is dressed like a ladybug, and Scootaloo is dressed like a Wonderbolt.
"Hi, everyone." Twilight greeted. "Nice costumes."
"Thanks." Scootaloo replied. "We all like your costumes too."
"Especially Megan." Sweetie Belle added.
"Thanks, Sweetie Belle." Megan said. "What can we do for you, Cutie Mark Crusaders?"
Apple Bloom explained the situation. "We're trying to think of a way to scare Zipporwhill and her dog Ridley."
"You mean the tale of Nightmare Moon didn't scare them?" Rarity asked.
"We're afraid not."
Megan soon had an idea. "How about letting me scare Zipporwhill?"
"You?" All three CMCs replied.
"Sure. And, since she has her dog, Ridley, with her, I have the perfect scare. But, I'll need some extra help." Megan spots Rainbow Dash and her cloud and called out to her. "Hey, Shadowcolt!"
Rainbow Dash came down. "You called, Witch Megan?"
Megan gathered Rainbow Dash and the CMCs together. "Okay, squad. Here's my idea."
Minutes later, Zipporwhill, dressed like a cat, walks her dog, Ridley, when the CMCs approached her.
"Hi, Zipporwhill." Sweetie Belle greeted. "Are you ready for a scare?"
"I'm afraid not." Zipporwhill answered. "Like I told you earlier, I don't scare easy. Not even from that tale of Nightmare Moon."
Scootaloo points behind the calm pony. "Oh no?"
Zipporwhill turns around and saw Megan ready to strike as she gives her a scary greeting. "I'll get you, my pretty! And, your little dog too!"
Megan rose and cackled wickedly as lightning surrounds her. Zipporwhill and Ridley both screamed with fear and hid in a barrel. Rainbow Dash and her cloud joined the group.
"I don't believe it." Dash said. "It worked. She fell for it!"
Rainbow Dash, Megan, and the CMCs shared in a laugh. Dash and her cloud went back into the sky.
"Come on, Cutie Mark Crusaders." Megan told the crew. "We better calm Zipporwhill down."
After the explanations, Zipporwhill was surprised. "I can't believe that I got scared. Megan, you got me and Ridley good."
"Thanks, Zipporwhill." Megan replied. "Opportunity knocks, who am I not to answer?"
Twilight and Spike arrived to be back with their human friend.
"Having fun, Megan?" Twilight wondered.
" I sure am." Megan answered. "Whether scaring or being scared, Nightmare Night is a blast!"
Suddenly, Spike felt funny, and belched out a fireball. The fireball transformed into a letter from Princess Celestia. Twilight reads the letter. "Dear Wicked Witch of the West. Something is happening at the statue of Nightmare Moon. You better check it out. Yours Truly, Princess Celestia." Twilight turns to Megan. "Sounds like she's talking to you."
Megan got worried. "The statue of Nightmare Moon? Why am I being summoned there?"
"I don't know. But, no being refuses a request from Princess Celestia, you know."
"Good point."
Megan grabs her broom and heads for the statue. Spike got confused about something. "Wicked Witch of the West?"
"The main villain from the story, 'The Wizard of Oz'." Twilight explained. "You read that book Megan brought over one day. Remember?"
"Oh yeah. I remember."
Megan soon arrives as the Nightmare Moon statue. Placing her broom down, she waits to see what will happen. Suddenly, a long piece of rope zipped out and wrapped Megan's upper body. Scared, she sits down, hoping to relax. Then, a small piece of rope came out and ties Megan's ankles together. Bound and helpless, Megan starts to panic as blue fog comes pouring in. She sees a shadow in the fog. Out comes an armored black alicorn with vicious green eyes.
"Nightmare Moon!!" Megan yelled as the alicorn chuckled maniacally. "That's impossible! The Mane Six defeated you and saved Equestria from eternal night!"
"So." Nightmare Moon said in an eerie voice. "You honestly believed that Twilight Sparkle and her friends defeated me. Don't you?!"
Megan nods as Nightmare Moon glowed in a bright white light. The alicorn shrank and revealed herself as Princess Luna, and she takes out false sharp teeth.
"Princess Luna?" Megan yelled as she soon developed a smile. "And, I thought the changelings are tricky."
"I can learn a thing or two from Thorax." Luna said humorously. "Hold still while I remove your bonds."
Using her magic, Luna uncoiled the ropes off Megan. The young human stood up and looked at the princess of the night.
"That was some scare, Princess Luna." Megan said, trying to calm down. "I actually thought your dark side took over you again."
"I figured that I'd have some fun, Megan." Luna explained. "Just like you had fun with the young pony, Zipporwhill."
Megan was surprised to hear that. "How did you know that?"
"My sister, Princess Celestia, watched in secret. That's how she had the idea to send you that letter."
"Touché."
Luna approached Megan."Did you enjoy your first Nightmare Night, Megan?"
"I sure did." Megan replied as she hugs Luna. "Thank you."
Megan and Luna embraced each other in a hug. Later that night, Twilight and Spike walked through the castle.
"Another successful Nightmare Night has come to an end." Twilight said.
"Thank goodness." Spike said with relief. "This night had a lot of surprises this year.”
"And, Megan joined the fun."
"That's right. Her witch outfit looked great. I wish I was there when she scared Zipporwhill."
In a guest room, Megan changed into a pair of blue pajamas and removed her hair ribbon when she heard a knock on her door.
"Come in." Megan said. "I have my sleepwear on."
Twilight and Spike came into the guest room to talk to their guest.
"Nice looking pajamas, Megan." Twilight complimented. "I like that shade of blue. As blue as the ocean."
Megan blushed. "Aw. Thanks, Twilight."
"Are those flannel pjs?" Spike asked.
"They sure are, Spike. Good guess."
"We were just checking on you." Twilight said. "You must be exhausted after this night."
"I am bushed." Megan yawned. "Nightmare Night is one experience I'll never forget."
Twilight gave Megan a sweet hug. "Good night, Megan."
"Good night, Twilight." Megan replied as she turned to the little dragon. "Good night, Spike."
"Nighty night, Megan." Spike said as he and Twilight left the room .
Megan laid her head on the pillow, draped the blanket over her body, and went to sleep. Through a window, Luna looked at the sleeping girl before flying back to Canterlot. "Sweet dreams, my young friend."
THE END