A Nightmarish Double Dateby JondorChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 1“You’re doing great, Squirt!” Rainbow Dash turned her head to call over her shoulder, the wind whipping through her mane. Her wings lazily beat against the air, setting quite a leisurely pace for the young daredevil. Behind her, Scootaloo grinned wide and flapped her wings harder, putting on a bit more speed to catch up. “Thanks, Rainbow Dash! I’m really starting to get the hang of this!” Her small wings continued to buzz enthusiastically. Overall, it was not a fast pace, more akin to a brisk jog rather than a sprint to an earth-bound pony, but enough to challenge Scootaloo to improve herself. Instead of their usual route, criss-crossing and looping the empty meadow where Rainbow kept her cloudominium, the two pegasi took a straight flight across Ponyville proper, from Scootaloo’s house to Sweet Apple Acres. Three months ago, such a trip would have been risky, and Rainbow would have needed to be on her guard to prevent any accidents. However, after twice weekly flight lessons, Scootaloo was more than up to the challenge of a flight across the town. Both ponies reveled in their time together. Some of Scootaloo’s preconceptions about her idol had been shattered, and her outright adoration had dimmed somewhat, but she had settled happily into a more usual little sister role instead of being a star-struck groupie. Rainbow had adored having her vanity tickled by such a devoted admirer at first, but as time went on, she found that simply being a big sister had other, and better, perks. Her entire awakening began with Tank; before gaining a pet, she’d never known what was missing. Taking care of the tortoise and being included in the pet playdates had strengthened her bond with her friends, and given her an extra sense of responsibility. She’d even bonded with Rarity more than they ever had before when Tank and Opalescence had hit it off. Despite their new-found bonds, and a deeper understanding between her and her friends, Rainbow still felt a bit of a rift. That finally changed after the camping trip to Winsome Falls. Her new bond with Scootaloo was rewarding; not only for her bond with the filly herself, but also for bringing her relationship with her friends to another level. All of them, even Pinkie with the Cakes’ twins and Fluttershy with her animals, had had someone to help care for. Hanging out with Scootaloo, teaching her to fly, and being a role model, eventually brought her the same sort of feeling as hanging out with Tank. She felt closer to filly she could call her sister, and she felt closer to her friends. Rainbow was slow to admit to such a sappy feeling, but her heart soared as high as she could fly as her sense of responsibility grew in step with her bonds of friendship. The only slight pang of disappointment she felt after gaining a nominal little sister, came from Rarity. She’d grown closer to all the others, even Apple Bloom, Spike, and Sweetie Belle, but Rarity stayed a bit distant by comparison. Rainbow chalked it up to Rarity’s tendency to be less than enthusiastic about the numerous ways her younger sister found to get into trouble. She hoped, in the back of her mind, to help change that for both of their sakes. As the two pegasi began their descent toward Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow turned her head again to speak to the filly following her. “Okay, Scoots! Landing time! Rule one: make sure avoid the trees! It’s a lot trickier landing in them than on the gr—” Her lecture was cut off in a rustle of leaves and a crack of wood. “Rainbow Dash! You okay?!” A few moments later, her eyes opened to see Scootaloo calling her name and running frantically around the trunk of the tree she’d crashed in. She groaned a bit, as her eyes rolled around in her skull. “Rule two:” she slurred, “make sure you watch where you’re going, so you don’t crash.” Rainbow shook her head a couple times and rolled off the branch she was unceremoniously straddling. She gave a couple quick flaps of her wings to come to rest gently on the ground next to her young friend and ruffled the filly’s messy mane with a hoof. “Nice landing, Squirt. I’m proud of you.” Scootaloo just grinned. “Thanks, Dash!” Rainbow’s hoof gave three sharp raps on the front door before she called in through the open window. “AJ! You home?” “In the kitchen! Come on back, Dash!” As they walked through the hallway toward the farmhouse kitchen, the smell of sweet treats filled their nostrils. Rainbow’s mouth began to water, and from the expression on Scootaloo’s muzzle, hers was as well. “Hey there, Dash, Scootaloo.” Applejack greeted them warmly as they entered the kitchen, quickly returning to the bubbling pot on the stove. The sweet scent of the boiling syrup rose into the air as she gently stirred, wooden spoon clutched in her teeth. Satisfied with her progress, she lifted her head and smiled, wrapping her long, blond tail around the striped purple and pink tail of the pony working at her side as she turned off the gas burner. “Hello, Rainbow. Hi, Scootaloo.” Twilight flashed them a smile of her own and turned back to the counter. Her horn lit up with the purple glow of her magic aura, telekinetically rolling something soft and orange into a long, thin, snake-like shape. Sitting alongside her work surface were two more snakes, identical in all but color: one white, the other yellow. “Whatcha making?” Rainbow stood on the tips of her hooves to look over their shoulders, while Scootaloo buzzed her wings and hopped on Rainbow’s back for a better view. Applejack gripped the handle of the pot in her mouth, pouring the syrupy mass out on a mat to cool. When the pot emptied, she moved over behind Twilight to help guide her through the next stage of the process. “Take a gander, y’all.” Under Applejack’s coaching, Twilight lined up the three different colored candy snakes and trimmed the ends so they were the same length. Her magical aura enveloped then the entire mass, first pressing the whole length into a wedge shape, and finally slicing the long wedge into individual pieces. As Twilight began to separate them, Applejack held one up. “Homemade candy corn.” She grinned and popped the candy in her mouth, chewing it happily. Both Rainbow and Scootaloo stuck out their tongues and groaned. “You actually like candy corn, AJ? Gross.” Their reluctance was met with a hearty chuckle. “Twi said the same thing at first.” Applejack smiled, cocking an eyebrow at the two pegasi while Twilight gave her an affectionate nuzzle. “But this ain’t that factory made junk that comes out of Manehattan. This here is made outta real food. Catch!” Applejack picked up two pieces and tossed them straight at both Rainbow’s and Scootaloo’s muzzles. Instinctively, they both snapped them out of the air and chewed. “Hey, that’s good!” Rainbow’s eyes widened as she swallowed. “Yeah, can I have some more?” Scootaloo put on her best grin. Applejack scooped a couple dozen pieces into a small bag and hoofed them to Scootaloo. “Apple Bloom’s finished up her chores already. I think she an’ Sweetie Belle are waitin’ fer ya in the clubhouse. You be good an’ share, alright?” “Thanks, Applejack!” Scootaloo ginned and buzzed her wings, fluttering at shoulder height for a moment before landing and zooming out of the house with her prize. Rainbow simply smiled after Scootaloo as she ran off to play. However, her look of joy was interrupted by a cough and a look of embarrassment when she noticed both Twilight and Applejack watching her with doe eyes. “Yer enjoyin’ bein’ a big sister, I take it?” Applejack gave her a knowing grin, as she hoofed over some of the candy corn scraps. “Huh? Yeah, it’s cool.” Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively, but the corners of her mouth still turned up in a grin. “It’s pretty fun to teach her how to fly and stuff. She really looks up to me. Plus it’s nice to be able to hang out with you guys and Apple Bloom and Spike.” “I betcha like being able ta take her home ta her mom at the end of the day, though.” The smug grin still firmly planted on Applejack’s muzzle. “Ha ha,” Rainbow deadpanned. “You and Twi are the patient ones. I don’t know how you handle having a kid around all the time.” She shrugged. “I’m working on it. Scoots has slept over a couple times. It’s a good thing I have a cloud home, though, otherwise I’d probably have to deal with all three of them for the night.” Rainbow shuddered. Applejack chuckled. “Yep, if there were a cutie mark fer mischief, I bet those three woulda earned one by now.” “Are you still coming on Nightmare Night with us?” Twilight piped up. “We’ll have all three of them and Spike, but it won’t be so bad with three of us to look after them.” Rainbow’s eyes brightened up immediately. “Of course I’m coming! You think I’d miss Nightmare Night?” Rainbow’s wings flared and her eyes lit up. “It’s only my favorite holiday of all time! Of course, I usually get so worked up about pranking that I haven’t played any of the games in forever.” She grinned sheepishly. Applejack chuckled and nuzzled Twilight. “Looks like it’ll just be you and me looking after four foals and a dragon.” “Well, I think we can handle them.” Twilight grinned and nuzzled back. Rainbow stuck out her tongue at both of them. “Wait, isn’t Rarity coming?” “She’s still balking.” Applejack huffed. “Sweetie Belle’s pretty torn up about it according ta Apple Bloom.” “Aww man, I thought somepony would have convinced her by now. Seriously, I think I hang out with Scoots more than Rarity does with Sweetie Belle.” Rainbow’s tone was casual, but her grin was gone and her wings drooped and folded against her barrel as she dug at the wooden slats with a forehoof. “Applejack and I were hoping that you might have an idea on that front.” Twilight admitted, her head cocked toward Applejack’s, brushing their ears together. “Though I can kind of understand; she took on too many costume orders again this year.” “Again? I can’t believe she always does that to herself.” Rainbow frowned, staring at the wall, her eyes going out of focus as the gears turned inside her head. As she stood, stock still and thinking, first the front door, then the kitchen door banged open, accompanied by the light galloping of three sets of small hooves. “Hey, Sis?! Can we have some more candy corn?!” Apple Bloom’s smile would have given Pinkie a run for her money. “Y’all have had enough sweets already, but if ya want a snack, I’ll make ya some apple slices instead.” Applejack turned to reach into the root cellar, letting her tail trace along Twilight’s back and wing. “What’s wrong with Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo plopped herself down on her haunches in front of her mentor, and waved a hoof in front of her blank stare. “We asked her if she had any ideas about convincing Rarity to come with us for Nightmare Night. She’s still—” “I got it!” Rainbow burst out, cutting Twilight off. Her wings shot back up and her mouth broke out in a wide grin. She blinked, looking around at the three young ponies staring at her for a moment. After a pause, she singled out Sweetie Belle, whose eyes were wide with curiosity. “Stay here for a bit. I’ve got a plan, but I gotta go check on something first.” Sweetie Belle gave a squeal as Rainbow zoomed off, the still open doors slamming shut in the wake of her slipstream, cutting off the rainbow trail she left behind in her haste. Applejack set down the basketful of apples she’d retrieved, her eyes fixing on the kitchen door. “She’s got it bad, ain’t she?” “Wings up, bad.” Twilight grinned as Applejack started cutting up the apples. Suddenly, her eyes sparkled as an idea formed. “Hey, do you think Rainbow has a costume picked out yet? I have the perfect idea for four costumes, if Rarity comes with us.” “Oh, yeah? She’ll probably just drag something outta her closet at the last minute, so I wouldn’t fret.” Applejack nodded sagely. “I was just gonna get out the ol’ scarecrow costume myself, ain’t used it fer a couple years, but if y’all got a better idea, I’m all ears” “That’s a lucky guess, but it’ll need a little adjustment.” Twilight giggled a bit as she whispered her idea into Applejack’s ear. Applejack’s eyes widened a bit and she grinned broadly. “I like that. I bet Dash won’t even suspect. Do ya think Rarity’ll notice?” Twilight grinned back. “Maybe. Who knows, it might even help.” As Applejack served sliced apples to three fillies who had been engrossed in their own conversation, Rainbow Dash barged back in the kitchen at full tilt, her face alight and her wings at full mast. “Rainbow Dash’s awesome ‘get Rarity to come out on Nightmare Night’ plan is a go!” she proudly declared, grabbing an apple slice and downing it in one gulp. “Here’s how it’s gonna go down...” “Pleeeeeeeease, Rarity?” Rarity cringed. Sweetie Belle’s vocal range had been steadily increasing on the high end ever since the stylized heart and treble clef had appeared on her flank. It wouldn’t be long before she would be breaking wine glasses at fifteen paces. “Sweetie, dear, you know I’d love to go with you, but I have dozens of costume orders to fill. I just don’t know if I can get them all done in time.” Another bolt of cloth floated across the room and wrapped itself around an empty dress form. Rarity felt her resolve cracking under the force of Sweetie’s industrial strength puppy dog eyes, turning her head away under the pretense of pinning the material in place for her current creation. It didn’t help; she could still feel her sister’s tearful doe eyes boring into the back of her head. Before she could attempt to fight back against her sister’s adorable argument, the door of the Carousel Boutique banged open, and Rainbow Dash spilled inside. Rarity smiled for a moment, noticing that Sweetie’s attention had turned. Then, her eyes alit on the mess. Rainbow Dash had come to rest, all four legs in the air, against a trunk full of horn-made jewelry Rarity had placed near her workstation for easy access. Small piles of loose feathers stretched from the open door all the way to Rainbow Dash’s side. “May I help you, Rainbow Dash?” Rarity asked shortly, her right eye twitching. Rainbow regained her hooves and shook out her wings before folding them carefully, still standing in a pile of feathers. “Just came to ask a question.” She grinned brightly, as if her method of entry was a completely normal occurrence. “You’re coming with us for Nightmare Night, right?” Rarity gritted her teeth. “Not likely, darling.” The last word sounded quite forced. “As I was just explaining to Sweetie Belle, I have several dozen costume orders to fill between now and Nightmare Night. By the time I finish them all, I highly doubt I shall have the energy for a walk around town, much less a walk even as far as my own bedroom.” Rainbow just stared at her incredulously. “Come on, Rares. You’re always skipping out on Nightmare Night. You gotta get out and live a little.” Rainbow’s words were punctuated by Sweetie Belle’s vigorously nodding head. “Like scooting around the sky on a storm cloud and zapping unsuspecting foals?” Rarity returned flatly. “Yeah. I mean, no. I mean, I’m trying to do the big sister thing right. You should be out there with the rest of us.” Rainbow stammered. “Twi’s taking Spike, AJ’s bringing Apple Bloom, I’m bringing Scoots.” She scooped Sweetie Belle up with a wing and held her in front of Rarity’s face. “You don’t want Sweetie to be left out, do you? How can you say no to this face?” Sweetie put on her best adorable look. Rarity sighed. “You know I would if I could, but I am not lying about my workload, see for yourself.” She swept a hoof in the direction of her drafting table. A half dozen designs were laid out, and another stack of drawings indicated almost two dozen more. “What if I can get Fluttershy to help?” Rainbow asked, grinning almost too broadly. Sweetie echoed her facial expression. Rarity’s next protest died in her throat. She hadn’t expected Rainbow Dash, of all ponies, to come up with a sensible and workable plan. “I… Perhaps… Oh, very well. If Fluttershy is willing to help, yes. Perhaps I will have time to finish and design a costume for myself. Then, I shall be able to join you this year.” “Awesome!” Rainbow jumped on the spot and did a small victory loop in the air. “Oh! Twilight said she had an idea for costumes for all four of us if you were coming along too. I’ll tell her to drop by, okay?” “Very well, Rainbow Dash. I suppose that does save me the trouble of designing from scratch.” Sweetie rushed forward and hugged her sister. “Thanks, Rarity! I’m going to go tell Scoots and Apple Bloom!” The door slammed again as Sweetie rushed outside. Rarity couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll go talk to ‘Shy.” Rainbow said, as she flew over toward the door. “I promise it’ll be lots of fun!” “Mmm, yes. I’m sure it will be, darling.” Rarity’s horn lit up and several bolts of fabric sped across the room to her workbench. “I suppose I had better get to work as well. Even with Fluttershy’s help, we shall have to work fast.” Rarity begin her work in earnest as Rainbow Dash flew out the door and around the building, towards a nearby bush, which Sweetie Belle had plopped down in front of. The bush in question immediately sprouted two filly heads. “How’d it go?” the bush’s orange coated, magenta maned head inquired. “Awesomely.” Rainbow grinned, polishing a hoof against her chest. “Told ya it would work with Rainbow Dash on the case.” “I’ve never been able to get Rarity to come with me for Nightmare Night before. This is going to be so much fun!” Sweetie squealed in excitement, causing the other three ponies to flinch and cover their ears. “We sure are happy fer ya, but y’all gotta watch that voice when ya ain’t singin’, Sweetie.” Apple Bloom shook her head to clear her ears. “So, now we go help Fluttershy so she can go help Rarity?” “You got it, sprout! Let’s go!” Rainbow spread her wings while the fillies donned their helmets and got situated in their wagon. Rainbow and Scootaloo took off at their respective top speeds, Scootaloo towing the other two fillies as usual. Big grins were plastered on all three young faces. Sweetie Belle’s smile was the widest of all three fillies, and if she could have seen, was matched in equal measure by Rainbow Dash. Chapter 2Twilight 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. Chapter 3Rarity and Rainbow Dash sat, rather rigidly, in the total and oppressive darkness. They could still feel the wooden bench beneath their rumps, could hear each other breathing and the rhythmic beating of their hearts, and could smell, and almost taste, a slight sheen of nervous sweat on their coats. Except for the faint heat of each other’s bodies, the vast empty space was quite chilling. Unconsciously, their forehooves found one another in the dark and they gripped each other’s tightly. Though it felt like an eternity, in reality they had not long to wait before a pale light showed itself in the gloom. It began as merely a bright white speck directly before them, where the two other benches should have been. As they continued to move forward, the pale light expanded outward, turning the solid black before them into a dim grey gradient. The growing white light now became fragmented. It shone pale blue on top, bright green below, and between them, a tumult of colors from throughout the spectrum. A faint warmth spread over their coats, emanating from the light ahead. The cold chill was slowly left behind in the darkness. On a warm breeze, voices wafted toward them as the scene began to take shape. “Rainbow Dash, you did this all for me?” Rarity’s affected Canterlotian accent was unmistakable. “I know how much you like surprises, Rares.” Likewise, Rainbow’s scratchy voice could not be missed. “Oh, this is simply too much, darling.” Rarity’s phantom voice broke in a sniffle. “You said you were going to be busy and you got me these lovely earrings last week, I expected I’d be spending Hearts and Hooves day on my own. Oh, I think I may cry.” “Nah, Rares. I’d never leave you hangin’.” The scene before their eyes grew sharper and sharper as the conversation poured into their ears. Colors resolved into shapes, and shapes resolved into recognizable objects. The streets and skyline of Canterlot grew out of an insubstantial blur, and suddenly Rarity and Rainbow Dash were faced with a touching scene playing out before them. The phantom Rainbow Dash, wearing a brand new Wonderbolts rookie uniform, hugged a teary eyed Rarity to her chest. The front of her uniform was already a mess of tear stains and eyeshadow, which the real Rarity thankfully noted was almost the exact same shade of blue as the fabric. The phantom couple sat at a red, heart shaped table at an outdoor cafe in Canterlot. The street behind them was decorated in streamers of red, pink, and white, and everywhere, ponies walked, talked, cuddled, and kissed in pairs of all sorts, as well as an occasional threesome. “Dare I ask what you have planned for us today, darling?” Rarity’s voice came out a bit hoarsely and was muffled by Rainbow’s chest, but the watchers were able to understand every word perfectly. “Well, I don’t want to spoil the surprise yet, but let’s just say I got a helping hoof from Fancy Pants.” Rainbow grinned down at her marefriend. “So, I think you’ll like it.” Rarity slowly raised her head, tears no longer flowing freely, but still glinting at the corners of her eyes. “Oh, Rainbow Dash. I simply don’t deserve a marefriend like you.” The phantom Rainbow stroked Rarity’s mane for a moment looking back into her eyes. “Rarity, you deserve the best. You’ve worked hard to get where you are; your name is famous all over the city. You deserve a cool and totally awesome marefriend to go with your success. And lucky for you, I am cool and totally awesome.” The phantom Rainbow gave a her best cheesy, overconfident grin, to which Rarity giggled as she wiped a tear from her eye. “Thank you, Rainbow.” The phantom Rarity leaned up and placed a soft kiss on Rainbow’s lips. “I don’t know how you always manage to be so upbeat and cheerful, but you are just the good influence I need.” As the phantom couple shared another, more passionate kiss, the scene before the real Rarity and Rainbow Dash’s eyes began to blur again. Beginning at the edges, the sights and sounds of Canterlot grew fuzzy and faded around the two ponies, locked in a deep, loving embrace. The blurred outline framed them for a moment, portrait-like, frozen in each other’s hooves, and the scene winked out entirely. “That was so awesome when those ghosts just swooped out of the brick wall!” Scootaloo’s wings buzzed excitedly as she hovered in circles above the heads of the other youngsters. “I liked the part with all the zombies fightin’ the skeletons,” Apple Bloom stated defiantly. “No, no. The best part was that witch trying to hypnotize us!” Sweetie Belle said, adding her opinion to the fray. “I just liked all the delicious gem cakes.” Spike licked his lips. “Eww! Spike, those were all rotten!” The three fillies chorused as one. “The gems weren’t!” Spike’s tongue lolled out and his eyes slid out of focus. All three fillies closed their eyes tight and stamped their hooves, trying to get the image out of their heads. The clatter of a bench seat emerging from Discord’s ride caused them all to stop. Twilight and Applejack stepped off as the seat popped out of existence, and both adults stared, rather confused, at the children. “How in tarnation did y’all get out before us? We went in first, shouldn’t we have come out first?” Applejack looked first at the fillies and dragon, then turned to Twilight beside her. After a moment of silent debate, they agreed on the answer: “Discord.” Apple Bloom cantered up to the pair excitedly. “What did y’all see in there? We saw all kinds of great, spooky stuff an’—What’s that on yer horn, Twilight?” Twilight blushed and raised a hoof to her horn, gently touching the shiny golden ring fitted around the base. “It’s an engagement ring. Applejack asked for my hoof in marriage.” Four young pairs of eyes went wide with amazement, and suddenly Applejack and Twilight were surrounded by three chattering fillies and a dragon, all hugging them and talking over each other in a jumble of excited voices. When the cheers and tears had settled down into smiles and sniffles, Twilight looked around, craning her neck to find the final two members of their group. “Where are Rarity and Rainbow Dash?” “Maybe they’re still inside?” Scootaloo suggested. “They weren’t here when we came out.” “Discord?” Twilight trotted around to the opposite side of the box. “Rarity and Rainbow Dash haven’t come out yet. Please tell me nothing went wrong.” Discord put a single claw to his chin, looking puzzled. “Let me take a look. With those elements of yours, you all have rather abnormally strong magical auras.” Discord stuck his head into the darkness of the box. His neck craning this way and that, and eventually doing a full 360 degree turn that left Twilight feeling slightly nauseous. He pulled his head out once again, properly attached to his neck despite the implied contortions, and leant over to place an ear to the box. In one final move, he rapped on the box twice with his lion’s paw and gave the cardboard a little shake. “They should be out in a moment, Twilight Sparkle. Just a minor malfunction; probably some heated emotions interfering with the thought pickups.” Twilight rejoined the rest of the group at the exit, just in time to see Rarity and Rainbow Dash emerge, both slightly stunned from the scene they’d watched. Twilight and Applejack couldn’t help noticing that their forehooves were clasped tightly together. The two of them grinned openly at each other before turning their attention back to their friends. “I take it y’all didn’t see a haunted house, then?” Applejack’s grin grew even more smug. “We did not, darling. We saw something, well... Something a bit more personal,” Rarity admitted. Rainbow and Rarity turned to look at each other. As their eyes met, they instinctively flexed their forehooves a fraction of an inch and discovered that they were still gripping each other tightly. Twilight and Applejack held their breath, while Spike and the fillies watched with wide eyes. Rainbow swallowed a lump she hadn’t even known was in her throat and opened her mouth to speak. Her voice began a bit shaky, but quickly grew in strength and confidence, heedless of their audience. “Hey, Rares? You wanna go on a date sometime? Like dinner or something?” Rarity smiled, and reached over with her free hoof to tousle the lion’s mane of Rainbow’s costume, as well as the bits of her own rainbow mane sticking out from under it. “I would love to, darling.” Sweetie Belle filled the air with another ear splitting shriek of joy. As Rarity and Rainbow dismounted from the bench seat, Rarity caught sight of the gold band around Twilight’s horn. “Twilight, is that—can it be?” Twilight wrapped a wing around Applejack and nuzzled her neck, her cheeks still happily flushed. “We didn’t see a haunted house either. Instead, we saw ourselves getting married during the Summer Sun Celebration, and Applejack proposed before we left the ride.” Rarity closed the ground between herself and Twilight like a shot. She let out a squeal of delight that rivaled her sister’s, clasping both of Twilight’s forehooves in her own. “Absolutely marvelous, darling! I’m so happy for you!” While Twilight and Rarity were busy exchanging happy squeals and tears, Rainbow strode forward to join the other adults and offered Applejack a congratulatory hoof bump. “Not that you’ll need it, but good luck, AJ.” “Thank ya kindly, Dash. An’ good luck yerself. We’ve been rootin’ fer ya, ya know.” Applejack gave a sly wink. Rarity let Twilight go, turning to Rainbow. “I must confess, I’ve been waiting for you to gather up your courage and offer to share my heart.” Rainbow grinned and wrapped a wing around Rarity, pulling her close. “Still on about that book, Rares?” Rarity leaned against Rainbow, resting her head on her shoulder. “It is a classic, darling. Perhaps after we take Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo home, you’d like to come to the boutique and read it together, in front of the fire?” Rarity flicked her ear, tickling the underside of Rainbow’s chin. “Eww! Dash, you’re not gonna let Rarity turn you all mushy are you?” Scootaloo frowned, raising an eyebrow at her mentor. Sweetie was quick to run up and brush her tail in Scootaloo’s face. “That’s my sister you’re talking about, you know? And if she and Rainbow Dash are dating, I bet we’ll get to spend more time together.” Rainbow chuckled and grinned. “Sweetie’s right, Squirt. I’ll make sure of it.” She fought the urge to giggle as Rarity hit a particularly ticklish spot with her ear, still waiting for a response. “Okay, Rare. We’ll go read the book tonight on one condition.” “Yes?” Rainbow waved a hoof vaguely in front of them. “If I ever, ever get as sappy as we saw in there, I want you to give me a smack upside the head.” Scootaloo just looked back incredulously, peering at Rainbow through the long pink and purple tail hair still obscuring her face. Rarity chuckled and nuzzled against Rainbow’s shoulder. “No promises, darling.”
Chapter 1“You’re doing great, Squirt!” Rainbow Dash turned her head to call over her shoulder, the wind whipping through her mane. Her wings lazily beat against the air, setting quite a leisurely pace for the young daredevil. Behind her, Scootaloo grinned wide and flapped her wings harder, putting on a bit more speed to catch up. “Thanks, Rainbow Dash! I’m really starting to get the hang of this!” Her small wings continued to buzz enthusiastically. Overall, it was not a fast pace, more akin to a brisk jog rather than a sprint to an earth-bound pony, but enough to challenge Scootaloo to improve herself. Instead of their usual route, criss-crossing and looping the empty meadow where Rainbow kept her cloudominium, the two pegasi took a straight flight across Ponyville proper, from Scootaloo’s house to Sweet Apple Acres. Three months ago, such a trip would have been risky, and Rainbow would have needed to be on her guard to prevent any accidents. However, after twice weekly flight lessons, Scootaloo was more than up to the challenge of a flight across the town. Both ponies reveled in their time together. Some of Scootaloo’s preconceptions about her idol had been shattered, and her outright adoration had dimmed somewhat, but she had settled happily into a more usual little sister role instead of being a star-struck groupie. Rainbow had adored having her vanity tickled by such a devoted admirer at first, but as time went on, she found that simply being a big sister had other, and better, perks. Her entire awakening began with Tank; before gaining a pet, she’d never known what was missing. Taking care of the tortoise and being included in the pet playdates had strengthened her bond with her friends, and given her an extra sense of responsibility. She’d even bonded with Rarity more than they ever had before when Tank and Opalescence had hit it off. Despite their new-found bonds, and a deeper understanding between her and her friends, Rainbow still felt a bit of a rift. That finally changed after the camping trip to Winsome Falls. Her new bond with Scootaloo was rewarding; not only for her bond with the filly herself, but also for bringing her relationship with her friends to another level. All of them, even Pinkie with the Cakes’ twins and Fluttershy with her animals, had had someone to help care for. Hanging out with Scootaloo, teaching her to fly, and being a role model, eventually brought her the same sort of feeling as hanging out with Tank. She felt closer to filly she could call her sister, and she felt closer to her friends. Rainbow was slow to admit to such a sappy feeling, but her heart soared as high as she could fly as her sense of responsibility grew in step with her bonds of friendship. The only slight pang of disappointment she felt after gaining a nominal little sister, came from Rarity. She’d grown closer to all the others, even Apple Bloom, Spike, and Sweetie Belle, but Rarity stayed a bit distant by comparison. Rainbow chalked it up to Rarity’s tendency to be less than enthusiastic about the numerous ways her younger sister found to get into trouble. She hoped, in the back of her mind, to help change that for both of their sakes. As the two pegasi began their descent toward Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow turned her head again to speak to the filly following her. “Okay, Scoots! Landing time! Rule one: make sure avoid the trees! It’s a lot trickier landing in them than on the gr—” Her lecture was cut off in a rustle of leaves and a crack of wood. “Rainbow Dash! You okay?!” A few moments later, her eyes opened to see Scootaloo calling her name and running frantically around the trunk of the tree she’d crashed in. She groaned a bit, as her eyes rolled around in her skull. “Rule two:” she slurred, “make sure you watch where you’re going, so you don’t crash.” Rainbow shook her head a couple times and rolled off the branch she was unceremoniously straddling. She gave a couple quick flaps of her wings to come to rest gently on the ground next to her young friend and ruffled the filly’s messy mane with a hoof. “Nice landing, Squirt. I’m proud of you.” Scootaloo just grinned. “Thanks, Dash!” Rainbow’s hoof gave three sharp raps on the front door before she called in through the open window. “AJ! You home?” “In the kitchen! Come on back, Dash!” As they walked through the hallway toward the farmhouse kitchen, the smell of sweet treats filled their nostrils. Rainbow’s mouth began to water, and from the expression on Scootaloo’s muzzle, hers was as well. “Hey there, Dash, Scootaloo.” Applejack greeted them warmly as they entered the kitchen, quickly returning to the bubbling pot on the stove. The sweet scent of the boiling syrup rose into the air as she gently stirred, wooden spoon clutched in her teeth. Satisfied with her progress, she lifted her head and smiled, wrapping her long, blond tail around the striped purple and pink tail of the pony working at her side as she turned off the gas burner. “Hello, Rainbow. Hi, Scootaloo.” Twilight flashed them a smile of her own and turned back to the counter. Her horn lit up with the purple glow of her magic aura, telekinetically rolling something soft and orange into a long, thin, snake-like shape. Sitting alongside her work surface were two more snakes, identical in all but color: one white, the other yellow. “Whatcha making?” Rainbow stood on the tips of her hooves to look over their shoulders, while Scootaloo buzzed her wings and hopped on Rainbow’s back for a better view. Applejack gripped the handle of the pot in her mouth, pouring the syrupy mass out on a mat to cool. When the pot emptied, she moved over behind Twilight to help guide her through the next stage of the process. “Take a gander, y’all.” Under Applejack’s coaching, Twilight lined up the three different colored candy snakes and trimmed the ends so they were the same length. Her magical aura enveloped then the entire mass, first pressing the whole length into a wedge shape, and finally slicing the long wedge into individual pieces. As Twilight began to separate them, Applejack held one up. “Homemade candy corn.” She grinned and popped the candy in her mouth, chewing it happily. Both Rainbow and Scootaloo stuck out their tongues and groaned. “You actually like candy corn, AJ? Gross.” Their reluctance was met with a hearty chuckle. “Twi said the same thing at first.” Applejack smiled, cocking an eyebrow at the two pegasi while Twilight gave her an affectionate nuzzle. “But this ain’t that factory made junk that comes out of Manehattan. This here is made outta real food. Catch!” Applejack picked up two pieces and tossed them straight at both Rainbow’s and Scootaloo’s muzzles. Instinctively, they both snapped them out of the air and chewed. “Hey, that’s good!” Rainbow’s eyes widened as she swallowed. “Yeah, can I have some more?” Scootaloo put on her best grin. Applejack scooped a couple dozen pieces into a small bag and hoofed them to Scootaloo. “Apple Bloom’s finished up her chores already. I think she an’ Sweetie Belle are waitin’ fer ya in the clubhouse. You be good an’ share, alright?” “Thanks, Applejack!” Scootaloo ginned and buzzed her wings, fluttering at shoulder height for a moment before landing and zooming out of the house with her prize. Rainbow simply smiled after Scootaloo as she ran off to play. However, her look of joy was interrupted by a cough and a look of embarrassment when she noticed both Twilight and Applejack watching her with doe eyes. “Yer enjoyin’ bein’ a big sister, I take it?” Applejack gave her a knowing grin, as she hoofed over some of the candy corn scraps. “Huh? Yeah, it’s cool.” Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively, but the corners of her mouth still turned up in a grin. “It’s pretty fun to teach her how to fly and stuff. She really looks up to me. Plus it’s nice to be able to hang out with you guys and Apple Bloom and Spike.” “I betcha like being able ta take her home ta her mom at the end of the day, though.” The smug grin still firmly planted on Applejack’s muzzle. “Ha ha,” Rainbow deadpanned. “You and Twi are the patient ones. I don’t know how you handle having a kid around all the time.” She shrugged. “I’m working on it. Scoots has slept over a couple times. It’s a good thing I have a cloud home, though, otherwise I’d probably have to deal with all three of them for the night.” Rainbow shuddered. Applejack chuckled. “Yep, if there were a cutie mark fer mischief, I bet those three woulda earned one by now.” “Are you still coming on Nightmare Night with us?” Twilight piped up. “We’ll have all three of them and Spike, but it won’t be so bad with three of us to look after them.” Rainbow’s eyes brightened up immediately. “Of course I’m coming! You think I’d miss Nightmare Night?” Rainbow’s wings flared and her eyes lit up. “It’s only my favorite holiday of all time! Of course, I usually get so worked up about pranking that I haven’t played any of the games in forever.” She grinned sheepishly. Applejack chuckled and nuzzled Twilight. “Looks like it’ll just be you and me looking after four foals and a dragon.” “Well, I think we can handle them.” Twilight grinned and nuzzled back. Rainbow stuck out her tongue at both of them. “Wait, isn’t Rarity coming?” “She’s still balking.” Applejack huffed. “Sweetie Belle’s pretty torn up about it according ta Apple Bloom.” “Aww man, I thought somepony would have convinced her by now. Seriously, I think I hang out with Scoots more than Rarity does with Sweetie Belle.” Rainbow’s tone was casual, but her grin was gone and her wings drooped and folded against her barrel as she dug at the wooden slats with a forehoof. “Applejack and I were hoping that you might have an idea on that front.” Twilight admitted, her head cocked toward Applejack’s, brushing their ears together. “Though I can kind of understand; she took on too many costume orders again this year.” “Again? I can’t believe she always does that to herself.” Rainbow frowned, staring at the wall, her eyes going out of focus as the gears turned inside her head. As she stood, stock still and thinking, first the front door, then the kitchen door banged open, accompanied by the light galloping of three sets of small hooves. “Hey, Sis?! Can we have some more candy corn?!” Apple Bloom’s smile would have given Pinkie a run for her money. “Y’all have had enough sweets already, but if ya want a snack, I’ll make ya some apple slices instead.” Applejack turned to reach into the root cellar, letting her tail trace along Twilight’s back and wing. “What’s wrong with Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo plopped herself down on her haunches in front of her mentor, and waved a hoof in front of her blank stare. “We asked her if she had any ideas about convincing Rarity to come with us for Nightmare Night. She’s still—” “I got it!” Rainbow burst out, cutting Twilight off. Her wings shot back up and her mouth broke out in a wide grin. She blinked, looking around at the three young ponies staring at her for a moment. After a pause, she singled out Sweetie Belle, whose eyes were wide with curiosity. “Stay here for a bit. I’ve got a plan, but I gotta go check on something first.” Sweetie Belle gave a squeal as Rainbow zoomed off, the still open doors slamming shut in the wake of her slipstream, cutting off the rainbow trail she left behind in her haste. Applejack set down the basketful of apples she’d retrieved, her eyes fixing on the kitchen door. “She’s got it bad, ain’t she?” “Wings up, bad.” Twilight grinned as Applejack started cutting up the apples. Suddenly, her eyes sparkled as an idea formed. “Hey, do you think Rainbow has a costume picked out yet? I have the perfect idea for four costumes, if Rarity comes with us.” “Oh, yeah? She’ll probably just drag something outta her closet at the last minute, so I wouldn’t fret.” Applejack nodded sagely. “I was just gonna get out the ol’ scarecrow costume myself, ain’t used it fer a couple years, but if y’all got a better idea, I’m all ears” “That’s a lucky guess, but it’ll need a little adjustment.” Twilight giggled a bit as she whispered her idea into Applejack’s ear. Applejack’s eyes widened a bit and she grinned broadly. “I like that. I bet Dash won’t even suspect. Do ya think Rarity’ll notice?” Twilight grinned back. “Maybe. Who knows, it might even help.” As Applejack served sliced apples to three fillies who had been engrossed in their own conversation, Rainbow Dash barged back in the kitchen at full tilt, her face alight and her wings at full mast. “Rainbow Dash’s awesome ‘get Rarity to come out on Nightmare Night’ plan is a go!” she proudly declared, grabbing an apple slice and downing it in one gulp. “Here’s how it’s gonna go down...” “Pleeeeeeeease, Rarity?” Rarity cringed. Sweetie Belle’s vocal range had been steadily increasing on the high end ever since the stylized heart and treble clef had appeared on her flank. It wouldn’t be long before she would be breaking wine glasses at fifteen paces. “Sweetie, dear, you know I’d love to go with you, but I have dozens of costume orders to fill. I just don’t know if I can get them all done in time.” Another bolt of cloth floated across the room and wrapped itself around an empty dress form. Rarity felt her resolve cracking under the force of Sweetie’s industrial strength puppy dog eyes, turning her head away under the pretense of pinning the material in place for her current creation. It didn’t help; she could still feel her sister’s tearful doe eyes boring into the back of her head. Before she could attempt to fight back against her sister’s adorable argument, the door of the Carousel Boutique banged open, and Rainbow Dash spilled inside. Rarity smiled for a moment, noticing that Sweetie’s attention had turned. Then, her eyes alit on the mess. Rainbow Dash had come to rest, all four legs in the air, against a trunk full of horn-made jewelry Rarity had placed near her workstation for easy access. Small piles of loose feathers stretched from the open door all the way to Rainbow Dash’s side. “May I help you, Rainbow Dash?” Rarity asked shortly, her right eye twitching. Rainbow regained her hooves and shook out her wings before folding them carefully, still standing in a pile of feathers. “Just came to ask a question.” She grinned brightly, as if her method of entry was a completely normal occurrence. “You’re coming with us for Nightmare Night, right?” Rarity gritted her teeth. “Not likely, darling.” The last word sounded quite forced. “As I was just explaining to Sweetie Belle, I have several dozen costume orders to fill between now and Nightmare Night. By the time I finish them all, I highly doubt I shall have the energy for a walk around town, much less a walk even as far as my own bedroom.” Rainbow just stared at her incredulously. “Come on, Rares. You’re always skipping out on Nightmare Night. You gotta get out and live a little.” Rainbow’s words were punctuated by Sweetie Belle’s vigorously nodding head. “Like scooting around the sky on a storm cloud and zapping unsuspecting foals?” Rarity returned flatly. “Yeah. I mean, no. I mean, I’m trying to do the big sister thing right. You should be out there with the rest of us.” Rainbow stammered. “Twi’s taking Spike, AJ’s bringing Apple Bloom, I’m bringing Scoots.” She scooped Sweetie Belle up with a wing and held her in front of Rarity’s face. “You don’t want Sweetie to be left out, do you? How can you say no to this face?” Sweetie put on her best adorable look. Rarity sighed. “You know I would if I could, but I am not lying about my workload, see for yourself.” She swept a hoof in the direction of her drafting table. A half dozen designs were laid out, and another stack of drawings indicated almost two dozen more. “What if I can get Fluttershy to help?” Rainbow asked, grinning almost too broadly. Sweetie echoed her facial expression. Rarity’s next protest died in her throat. She hadn’t expected Rainbow Dash, of all ponies, to come up with a sensible and workable plan. “I… Perhaps… Oh, very well. If Fluttershy is willing to help, yes. Perhaps I will have time to finish and design a costume for myself. Then, I shall be able to join you this year.” “Awesome!” Rainbow jumped on the spot and did a small victory loop in the air. “Oh! Twilight said she had an idea for costumes for all four of us if you were coming along too. I’ll tell her to drop by, okay?” “Very well, Rainbow Dash. I suppose that does save me the trouble of designing from scratch.” Sweetie rushed forward and hugged her sister. “Thanks, Rarity! I’m going to go tell Scoots and Apple Bloom!” The door slammed again as Sweetie rushed outside. Rarity couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll go talk to ‘Shy.” Rainbow said, as she flew over toward the door. “I promise it’ll be lots of fun!” “Mmm, yes. I’m sure it will be, darling.” Rarity’s horn lit up and several bolts of fabric sped across the room to her workbench. “I suppose I had better get to work as well. Even with Fluttershy’s help, we shall have to work fast.” Rarity begin her work in earnest as Rainbow Dash flew out the door and around the building, towards a nearby bush, which Sweetie Belle had plopped down in front of. The bush in question immediately sprouted two filly heads. “How’d it go?” the bush’s orange coated, magenta maned head inquired. “Awesomely.” Rainbow grinned, polishing a hoof against her chest. “Told ya it would work with Rainbow Dash on the case.” “I’ve never been able to get Rarity to come with me for Nightmare Night before. This is going to be so much fun!” Sweetie squealed in excitement, causing the other three ponies to flinch and cover their ears. “We sure are happy fer ya, but y’all gotta watch that voice when ya ain’t singin’, Sweetie.” Apple Bloom shook her head to clear her ears. “So, now we go help Fluttershy so she can go help Rarity?” “You got it, sprout! Let’s go!” Rainbow spread her wings while the fillies donned their helmets and got situated in their wagon. Rainbow and Scootaloo took off at their respective top speeds, Scootaloo towing the other two fillies as usual. Big grins were plastered on all three young faces. Sweetie Belle’s smile was the widest of all three fillies, and if she could have seen, was matched in equal measure by Rainbow Dash.
Chapter 2Twilight 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.
Chapter 3Rarity and Rainbow Dash sat, rather rigidly, in the total and oppressive darkness. They could still feel the wooden bench beneath their rumps, could hear each other breathing and the rhythmic beating of their hearts, and could smell, and almost taste, a slight sheen of nervous sweat on their coats. Except for the faint heat of each other’s bodies, the vast empty space was quite chilling. Unconsciously, their forehooves found one another in the dark and they gripped each other’s tightly. Though it felt like an eternity, in reality they had not long to wait before a pale light showed itself in the gloom. It began as merely a bright white speck directly before them, where the two other benches should have been. As they continued to move forward, the pale light expanded outward, turning the solid black before them into a dim grey gradient. The growing white light now became fragmented. It shone pale blue on top, bright green below, and between them, a tumult of colors from throughout the spectrum. A faint warmth spread over their coats, emanating from the light ahead. The cold chill was slowly left behind in the darkness. On a warm breeze, voices wafted toward them as the scene began to take shape. “Rainbow Dash, you did this all for me?” Rarity’s affected Canterlotian accent was unmistakable. “I know how much you like surprises, Rares.” Likewise, Rainbow’s scratchy voice could not be missed. “Oh, this is simply too much, darling.” Rarity’s phantom voice broke in a sniffle. “You said you were going to be busy and you got me these lovely earrings last week, I expected I’d be spending Hearts and Hooves day on my own. Oh, I think I may cry.” “Nah, Rares. I’d never leave you hangin’.” The scene before their eyes grew sharper and sharper as the conversation poured into their ears. Colors resolved into shapes, and shapes resolved into recognizable objects. The streets and skyline of Canterlot grew out of an insubstantial blur, and suddenly Rarity and Rainbow Dash were faced with a touching scene playing out before them. The phantom Rainbow Dash, wearing a brand new Wonderbolts rookie uniform, hugged a teary eyed Rarity to her chest. The front of her uniform was already a mess of tear stains and eyeshadow, which the real Rarity thankfully noted was almost the exact same shade of blue as the fabric. The phantom couple sat at a red, heart shaped table at an outdoor cafe in Canterlot. The street behind them was decorated in streamers of red, pink, and white, and everywhere, ponies walked, talked, cuddled, and kissed in pairs of all sorts, as well as an occasional threesome. “Dare I ask what you have planned for us today, darling?” Rarity’s voice came out a bit hoarsely and was muffled by Rainbow’s chest, but the watchers were able to understand every word perfectly. “Well, I don’t want to spoil the surprise yet, but let’s just say I got a helping hoof from Fancy Pants.” Rainbow grinned down at her marefriend. “So, I think you’ll like it.” Rarity slowly raised her head, tears no longer flowing freely, but still glinting at the corners of her eyes. “Oh, Rainbow Dash. I simply don’t deserve a marefriend like you.” The phantom Rainbow stroked Rarity’s mane for a moment looking back into her eyes. “Rarity, you deserve the best. You’ve worked hard to get where you are; your name is famous all over the city. You deserve a cool and totally awesome marefriend to go with your success. And lucky for you, I am cool and totally awesome.” The phantom Rainbow gave a her best cheesy, overconfident grin, to which Rarity giggled as she wiped a tear from her eye. “Thank you, Rainbow.” The phantom Rarity leaned up and placed a soft kiss on Rainbow’s lips. “I don’t know how you always manage to be so upbeat and cheerful, but you are just the good influence I need.” As the phantom couple shared another, more passionate kiss, the scene before the real Rarity and Rainbow Dash’s eyes began to blur again. Beginning at the edges, the sights and sounds of Canterlot grew fuzzy and faded around the two ponies, locked in a deep, loving embrace. The blurred outline framed them for a moment, portrait-like, frozen in each other’s hooves, and the scene winked out entirely. “That was so awesome when those ghosts just swooped out of the brick wall!” Scootaloo’s wings buzzed excitedly as she hovered in circles above the heads of the other youngsters. “I liked the part with all the zombies fightin’ the skeletons,” Apple Bloom stated defiantly. “No, no. The best part was that witch trying to hypnotize us!” Sweetie Belle said, adding her opinion to the fray. “I just liked all the delicious gem cakes.” Spike licked his lips. “Eww! Spike, those were all rotten!” The three fillies chorused as one. “The gems weren’t!” Spike’s tongue lolled out and his eyes slid out of focus. All three fillies closed their eyes tight and stamped their hooves, trying to get the image out of their heads. The clatter of a bench seat emerging from Discord’s ride caused them all to stop. Twilight and Applejack stepped off as the seat popped out of existence, and both adults stared, rather confused, at the children. “How in tarnation did y’all get out before us? We went in first, shouldn’t we have come out first?” Applejack looked first at the fillies and dragon, then turned to Twilight beside her. After a moment of silent debate, they agreed on the answer: “Discord.” Apple Bloom cantered up to the pair excitedly. “What did y’all see in there? We saw all kinds of great, spooky stuff an’—What’s that on yer horn, Twilight?” Twilight blushed and raised a hoof to her horn, gently touching the shiny golden ring fitted around the base. “It’s an engagement ring. Applejack asked for my hoof in marriage.” Four young pairs of eyes went wide with amazement, and suddenly Applejack and Twilight were surrounded by three chattering fillies and a dragon, all hugging them and talking over each other in a jumble of excited voices. When the cheers and tears had settled down into smiles and sniffles, Twilight looked around, craning her neck to find the final two members of their group. “Where are Rarity and Rainbow Dash?” “Maybe they’re still inside?” Scootaloo suggested. “They weren’t here when we came out.” “Discord?” Twilight trotted around to the opposite side of the box. “Rarity and Rainbow Dash haven’t come out yet. Please tell me nothing went wrong.” Discord put a single claw to his chin, looking puzzled. “Let me take a look. With those elements of yours, you all have rather abnormally strong magical auras.” Discord stuck his head into the darkness of the box. His neck craning this way and that, and eventually doing a full 360 degree turn that left Twilight feeling slightly nauseous. He pulled his head out once again, properly attached to his neck despite the implied contortions, and leant over to place an ear to the box. In one final move, he rapped on the box twice with his lion’s paw and gave the cardboard a little shake. “They should be out in a moment, Twilight Sparkle. Just a minor malfunction; probably some heated emotions interfering with the thought pickups.” Twilight rejoined the rest of the group at the exit, just in time to see Rarity and Rainbow Dash emerge, both slightly stunned from the scene they’d watched. Twilight and Applejack couldn’t help noticing that their forehooves were clasped tightly together. The two of them grinned openly at each other before turning their attention back to their friends. “I take it y’all didn’t see a haunted house, then?” Applejack’s grin grew even more smug. “We did not, darling. We saw something, well... Something a bit more personal,” Rarity admitted. Rainbow and Rarity turned to look at each other. As their eyes met, they instinctively flexed their forehooves a fraction of an inch and discovered that they were still gripping each other tightly. Twilight and Applejack held their breath, while Spike and the fillies watched with wide eyes. Rainbow swallowed a lump she hadn’t even known was in her throat and opened her mouth to speak. Her voice began a bit shaky, but quickly grew in strength and confidence, heedless of their audience. “Hey, Rares? You wanna go on a date sometime? Like dinner or something?” Rarity smiled, and reached over with her free hoof to tousle the lion’s mane of Rainbow’s costume, as well as the bits of her own rainbow mane sticking out from under it. “I would love to, darling.” Sweetie Belle filled the air with another ear splitting shriek of joy. As Rarity and Rainbow dismounted from the bench seat, Rarity caught sight of the gold band around Twilight’s horn. “Twilight, is that—can it be?” Twilight wrapped a wing around Applejack and nuzzled her neck, her cheeks still happily flushed. “We didn’t see a haunted house either. Instead, we saw ourselves getting married during the Summer Sun Celebration, and Applejack proposed before we left the ride.” Rarity closed the ground between herself and Twilight like a shot. She let out a squeal of delight that rivaled her sister’s, clasping both of Twilight’s forehooves in her own. “Absolutely marvelous, darling! I’m so happy for you!” While Twilight and Rarity were busy exchanging happy squeals and tears, Rainbow strode forward to join the other adults and offered Applejack a congratulatory hoof bump. “Not that you’ll need it, but good luck, AJ.” “Thank ya kindly, Dash. An’ good luck yerself. We’ve been rootin’ fer ya, ya know.” Applejack gave a sly wink. Rarity let Twilight go, turning to Rainbow. “I must confess, I’ve been waiting for you to gather up your courage and offer to share my heart.” Rainbow grinned and wrapped a wing around Rarity, pulling her close. “Still on about that book, Rares?” Rarity leaned against Rainbow, resting her head on her shoulder. “It is a classic, darling. Perhaps after we take Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo home, you’d like to come to the boutique and read it together, in front of the fire?” Rarity flicked her ear, tickling the underside of Rainbow’s chin. “Eww! Dash, you’re not gonna let Rarity turn you all mushy are you?” Scootaloo frowned, raising an eyebrow at her mentor. Sweetie was quick to run up and brush her tail in Scootaloo’s face. “That’s my sister you’re talking about, you know? And if she and Rainbow Dash are dating, I bet we’ll get to spend more time together.” Rainbow chuckled and grinned. “Sweetie’s right, Squirt. I’ll make sure of it.” She fought the urge to giggle as Rarity hit a particularly ticklish spot with her ear, still waiting for a response. “Okay, Rare. We’ll go read the book tonight on one condition.” “Yes?” Rainbow waved a hoof vaguely in front of them. “If I ever, ever get as sappy as we saw in there, I want you to give me a smack upside the head.” Scootaloo just looked back incredulously, peering at Rainbow through the long pink and purple tail hair still obscuring her face. Rarity chuckled and nuzzled against Rainbow’s shoulder. “No promises, darling.”
