Candy Corn Kittenby pokefreak13ChaptersOne TwoThreeFourFiveSixSevenEightNineTenElevenTwelveOne One "Do ya like it?" Apple Bloom asked. She held up a drawing of a jet black cat with green eyes who was sitting on a pumpkin. "I made it just for you." Applejack looked up from her bowl of Wheat Brand. She squinted as the morning sun blazed in her eyes. "That's really good. Maybe you'll get your cutie mark in drawing." Applejack replied. "Ya think so?" Apple Jack nodded. It was Monday morning. Which meant one week until Nightmare Night. It also meant big bucks for selling apples. A.J could already see Filthy Rich paying handsomely. After all, he threw one of the best, thanks to Pinkie Pie, Nightmare Parties in town. So he'll need a lot of apples for apple bobbing and caramel apples. "Do ya know what you're gonna be?" she questioned her little sister. "I'm gonna be Catmare!" Apple Bloom chimed. "Catmare?" Granny Smith walked into the kitchen and poured herself some warm apple cider. "Who in the hay is that?" "She's a villain in Batcolt." Applejack explained. Granny Smith walked over to her granddaughters and sighed. "In my days we didn't have superheroes and villains named after animals." "Really? Then what were their names?" Apple Bloom asked. "Ironstallion, Ghost Killers, and Captain Zoo just to name a few." Smith answered. "Cool!" The filly reached for a pear from the fruit basket on the table. "I can't wait for Friday! Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and I have all ready figured out the rout we're gonna go on." Then she turned to her sister and put on her best puppy face. "Can we bring Winona with us?" Apple Bloom pleaded. The brown and white collie jumped up out of her blue dog bed and started to wag her tail when she heard her name. Applejack sighed, "Apple Bloom, ya can't take Winona." "Why not?" "Because with her canine abilities, it'll give her a really big advantage in the apple bobbing." Granny Smith explained. The thought of Winona with her head in a wooden box, chasing apples made Apple Bloom grin. However, A.J only shook her head. Granny Smith looked at the kitchen clock and smiled, "Come on ya two. It's time to buck some apples." the elderly pony said. "But Pinkie Pie said that Scootaloo and I can help her brainstorm for party games." Apple Bloom explained. "What about Sweetie Belle?" Apple Jack asked. "She's helping Rarity with our costumes." Granny Smith patted Apple Bloom's head, "I guess ya could go." The filly smiled and then hopped down from the chair, "See ya." she called out. Then Apple Bloom galloped out the door and headed off to Sugar Cube Corner. "Identifying slimy things in jars." Scootaloo said. Suddenly, Apple Bloom opened the front door panting, "Sorry I'm late." she breathed. "Don't worry." Pinkie Pie said. Then she patted a chair and the country filly jumped up onto it. "What do we have so far?" Apple Bloom asked. Pinkie Pie looked at her list, "Just apple bobbing and identifying slimy things in jars." "Okay then. How about we git jelly beans out of powder sugar using only our teeth." The red maned filly replied. As Pinkie scribbled on the piece of paper, Scootaloo reached for the plate of sugar cookies on the table. They were shaped like pumpkins and frosted with orange butter cream. "Pin the tail on the headless horse?" Pinkie Pie questioned. Scootalo shook her head. Even though the camping trip was one year ago, the headless horse still gave the filly creeps. "What about doughnuts on strings then." The pink mare suggested. The two fillies nodded their heads. Then, there was a soft knock at the door. "I bet that's Fluttershy." Pinkie Pie said excitedly. She slipped out of her chair then hopped towards the door. Once she opened it, Pinkie was greeted by a masked pony with a chainsaw. "Hi Dashie." Pinkie Pie chimed. The pony took off her mask and scowled. "How in the hay did ya know it was me?" she demanded. "Because I saw you buying the same hokey mask at the Nightmare Night store." Rainbow Dash entered the bakery and then put the fake chainsaw and hockey mask on the floor. "Rainbow Dash!" Scootalo shouted. The filly jumped off the chair and galloped towards the blue pegasus. Giving her a hug. "Nice ta see you too kid." Rainbow smiled. "What are ya doing here?" Apple Bloom questioned. Her mouth full of sugar cookie. "Pinkie Pie and I are going to put together a haunted house." She answered. Then she picked up Scootalo and placed her on her shoulder, "What are you kids doing here?" the pegasus asked. "Pinkie Pie is letting us help her brainstorm activities for the party." Apple Bloom replied. Rainbow Dash flew carefully over to the table and started to read the paper. "Hanging doughnuts and cookies? That's my favorite!" Rainbow explained. Scootalo hopped down her idol's shoulder and then climbed back onto the wooden chair. "It's my favorite too." she said. Rainbow Dash smiled down at the orange filly. Suddenly, the oven timer began to buzz. "Oh! My cupcakes!" Then Pinkie Pie galloped to the oven, turned off the timer, and then opened the oven door. She was quickly greeted with hot steam as she pulled out the tray of blue colored cupcakes. "Blue?" Apple Bloom asked. Pinkie set the tray on the kitchen counter and closed the oven door. "For the main event, I'm going to pretend to be a psychotic killer who kills Rainbow Dash and then I'm going to turn her into cupcakes." "That sound gruesome." Scootalo gulped. Rainbow Dash gave the filly a playful noogie, which calmed the orange pegasus. "So do ya know which houses your going to trick-or-treat at?" The blue pegasus asked. She took a seat next to Scootalo. Apple Bloom and Pinkie Pie were sitting diagonal from her. "We're going to risk going to Diamond Tiara's and Silver Spoon's houses since they give out full sized candy bars." Apple Bloom replied. "We're going to skip Colgate's house since she just gives out floss." Scootalo informed. "And we're going to go to Twilight's last because we still need to return some books." The orange filly said. "The first house we're going to go to is Ditzy's because she gives out double chocolate muffins." Apple Bloom finished. Pinkie Pie put her hooves on her stomach. "Ugh. Now you're making me hungry." she moaned. Rainbow and Scootalo laughed while Apple Bloom shook her head smiling. The two fillies waved goodbye to Rainbow and Pinkie before heading outside. "Let's check on Sweetie Bell." suggested Scootalo. Apple Bloom nodded her head and then the fillies headed towards Carousal Boutique. "Sweetie Bell stop moving." Rarity commanded. When the two fillies entered the boutique, Rarity looked over her shoulder and motioned them to come over to her. When they did, she handed them each two rolls of fabric. "I'm so glad you've come." she smiled. "Can I go now?" Sweetie Bell whined. She's been in the same standing position for one hour. Rarity sighed and then levitated the dress off of her sister. "So where's our costumes?" Scootalo questioned. "Over here." the unicorn filly lead her friends over to three mannequins. "There...so...AWESOME!" Scootalo shouted. "Can we try them on?" Apple Bloom asked. Sweetie Bell looked at her sister who nodded her head. They then took their dresses and proceeded to put them on, Rarity helping with some minor pieces. "I'm Catmare!" shouted Apple Bloom. She was dressed in black silk that covered her body. Her face was concealed by a plastic cat mask with realistic looking whiskers. A feathered tail was attached to her bottom. "Watch out soul eaters!" Sweetie Belle shouted. She was dressed in a simple brown and black robe with a snowy owl pin attached to it. The filly had black rimmed glasses with a drawn on lightning bolt on her forehead. "What are ya suppose to be again?" Apple Bloom asked. "I'm Henry Poker." Sweetie answered. "And I'm the most awesomeness mare in Equestria!" Scootalo jumped out of the red curtains. She was painted in blue and had a rainbow wig and tail. Rarity put a fake tattoo of a cloud with a rainbow colored lightning bolt and even put violet contacts in the filly's eyes. "Wow! If ya were one foot taller, ya could be Rainbow's twin." Bloom complimented. Rarity walked out of the curtains wearing a silver crown, crystal slippers, and a light blue dress. The three fillies stared at her blankly. "I'm a princess." Rarity sighed. "Aren't you a little old to dress up as a princess?" Sweetie Bell questioned. "You are never to old to be a princess Sweetie. Now why don't you get out of those costumes and do your cutie mark crusading." TwoThe sun was shinning down as Apple Bloom, Scootalo, and Sweetie Bell walked into the bustling town. It wasn't long before they were strolling down a narrow street were poorer ponies lived. Sweetie Bell popped a baby carrot into her mouth, Scootalo carried some skipping stones, and Apple Bloom was holding her bow as a strong gust of wind blew their way. As they arrived at a three crossroads, a cold breeze pulled at Apple Bloom's bow. Making it air born. "No!" the filly tried to grab the bow. However, it was too high up. "Don't you have another one?" Sweetie Bell asked. Apple Bloom nodded her head and then the three fillies took the right street. "See ya tomorrow?" the country filly asked. They were at Scootalo's house. It was a two story house painted teal. "You can count on it." Scoots replied. The the two fillies waved goodbye and started to head towards Sugar Cube Corner to see how the haunted house was coming along. "Pinkie Pie, the fake bodies need to look more realistic. And Discord, stop making it rain chocolate milk! You're suppose to make scary clown masks appear." Rainbow Dash shouted. Discord rolled his eyes but made the chocolate rain disappear. And Pinkie Pie pulled out a paintbrush and started to paint the dummies into real life looking carcasses. Suddenly, the door opened and the two fillies let out a scream. "Too scary?" Rainbow questioned. "Maybe we went a little over board." Pinkie Pie said sheepishly. Discord beamed and then snapped his fingers. Turning the room into an ocean. While he and the two fillies were on a paper boat, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were swimming in the salty water. "DISCORD!" Rainbow shouted. "What, Pinkie Pie said that you went overboard." he replied. "I didn't mean it litter...hay this water tastes like salt water taffy!" Pie Pie yelled with delight. The pegasus rolled her eyes as the pink mare started to drink the water. Out of curiosity, Apple Bloom took a sip of the water and beamed. "She's right!" Then the two fillies started to drink the water from the safety of the paper boat. "Your kidding me." Rainbow Dash muttered. Discord smiled a toothy grin. "Relax. Nightmare Night isn't for what? Two weeks?" The pegasus flew into the air and shook the water from her body. "Exactly. Which means we only have fourteen days to get Sugar Cube Corner transformed into the best haunted house Ponyville has ever seen." Rainbow Dash explained. "Why don't I just snap my fingers and transform this place into the ideal haunted house?" Discord questioned. "Because you'll put some kind of twist in the process." Rainbow pointed out. Discord put his paw on his chest. "What ever do you mean Dashi?" "Hay! Only I get to call her that!" Pinkie Pie shouted. Rainbow sighed. "You know what I mean Discord." He rolled his eyes but snapped his fingers. Instantly the water and paper boat vanished. "Awe." Pinkie Pie moaned. After saying goodbye to Discord, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie, the two fillies headed to Carousal Boutique. The sun was starting to set. Blazing the blue sky to a fiery red orange. "I can't wait until Nightmare Night." Sweetie Bell sang. Apple Bloom nodded her head in agreement. Soon, the two fillies arrived at the boutique. "See you tomorrow." Sweetie Bell said. "See ya." Apple Bloom replied. Once she waved goodbye to her friend, the country filly headed back home. ThreeApple Jack took a swig of cider as the three fillies had a drawing competition in the kitchen. "Look at my picture of a cat face." Scootalo said proudly. Apple Jack set her mug on the willow table and looked at the filly's drawing. "Do you like it?" Scoots asked. Apple Jack bit her lip. For the cat's face was the shape of a football, the whiskers looked like floppy noodles, and the eyes were blood red. Not to mention the filly scribbled all over the place with a black and grey crayon. "Um...It's better then your last attempt." AJ replied. Scootalo smiled. "I'll make you an extra copy." Suddenly, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it." Sweetie Bell chimed. The unicorn jumped from her chair and galloped to the door. When she opened it, a brown colt with a propeller hat was shifting uncomfortably when he met Sweetie Bell's eyes. "Button Mash?" The unicorn filly asked. "Yeah. My um..mom got some candy from her sister who lives in Saddle Arabia. She um...wanted me to uh...ask if you and your friends want to try some." Button Mash explained. Sweetie Bell looked over at her friends who looked at her eagerly. "Sure. Well go." The unicorn answered. "Just make sure yall come back before sun down." Apple Jack informed. Apple Bloom waved at her sister lazily and walked with her friends to Button Mash's house. Button Mash's mom was waiting impatiently at the door of Seeds and Hay, her restaurant, when the four fillies walked towards her. "Took you long enough." she teased. "Sorry mom. I forgot that the farmer's market was today." Button Mash replied. "Well, you're here now. So come on in." They followed the mare around the back of the restaurant and into the kitchen, where Derpy Hooves was making a large batch of blueberry muffins for breakfast. The smell of the freshly baked muffins made Scootalo's stomach rumble. "Here to try some candy corn?" Derpy asked. "The candy of what?" Apple Bloom questioned. "Candy corn." Button Mash's mom smiled. "That's what this Saddle Arabian candy is called." "Were is it?" Button Mash asked. "The box is over on the table. Help yourself." The cream colored mare replied. Sweetie Bell walked over to the box and peered inside. "They look like little teeth!" she said excitedly. "It's expose to look like kernels of corn." Button Mash's mother explained. "Don't they look perfect for Nightmare Night?" Derpy said. The candy corn were stripped purple, orange, and black. Apple Bloom took a piece and ate it. The sweet, fudgy taste was heavenly. The filly closed her eyes. Savoring the taste. "If ya give them out to trick-or-treaters, this place will be really popular." Apple Bloom informed. "Do ya wan to take some with you?" The cream colored mare offered. "Thanks." Sweetie Bell said. popping some of the candy into her mouth. "Are ya sure ya'll could spare them?" Apple Bloom asked. "Take as many as you like." The mare replied. Patting her son on the head. "Do you want to see my new pet rabbit? She's in her run." Button Mash offered. The three fillies eagerly followed the colt into the small yard were a large run with wire mesh stretched over a wooden frame. Weeds and lettuce leaves laid at one end, while a bowl of water was at the other. A brown and white spotted bunny was munching on a leaf and enjoying the crisp October air. Button Mash smiled as he lifted up the top and scooped the bunny into his arms. "What's her name?" Sweetie Bell asked. "Chocolate." The colt answered. They played with Chocolate, tickling her tummy and petting her while they talked about the haunted house and Diamond Tiara's Nightmare Night party. When a zebra shaped shadow fell across the freshly cut grass. Apple Bloom looked up to see Zecora strolling by. A basket on the top of her head and a carrot sticking out of her mouth. "Wounder what's in the basket." Scootalo said. Shading her eyes and watching the back of the Zecora's cape flapping in the wind like the wings of a bluejay. "It's probably ingredients for her potions." Scootalo explained. "P..potions." Button Mash stuttered. The three fillies told him about Zecora while Button Mash put Chocolate back into her run. "And all of you think she's a witch?" Button Mash asked with interest. "Scootalo thinks she's a witch." Sweetie Bell corrected, nudging the orange filly. "Ah just think she knows a lot about herbs and medicine." Apple Bloom explained. "I bet she is a witch." Scootalo made her voice sound deep and spooky. "I bet she casts spells that make you go-" "AAAAHHHH" A piercing scream echoed around the yard. The fillies all jumped out of their coats. "That was Derpy!" Button Mash said. He turned and ran back inside, with Sweetie Bell, Apple Bloom, and Scootalo close behind. In the kitchen, the grey mare looked like she just saw a ghost. Her face was white, and she was leaning against the kitchen table with one hoof on her chest. "I've just had the scare of my life." she declared when the four fillies rushed in. "Look at the candy corn! I swear it's moving!" Apple Bloom peered inside the box. Derpy was right. The candy was rustling and shivering as if it were alive. Then, like a small volcanic eruption, two black ears and a furry black head rose out of the purple and orange candy. A pair of wide yellow eyes blinked at the surprised ponies. Apple Bloom was so shocked she could barely speak. There was a kitten in the candy corn! FourThe kitten tipped crocked its head to one side and looked at its openmouthed audience. Several pieces of candy corn slid off its head and landed on the table with a plop. "What in Equestria is a kitten doing in a box of candy?" Derpy said at last. The kitten shook its head and yawned, showing a pale pink mouth and a set of tiny sharp teeth. "It's adorable." Apple Bloom whispered. "Do you think that maybe it came all the way from Saddle Arabia?" Scootalo asked. "The box was taped shut when it arrived. A kitten would never be able to survive a wagon ride sealed in a box like that." Button Mash explained. "Maybe it came through the kitchen window." Sweetie Bell replied. She pointed to a window that was opened a little to let in some fresh air. "But the window's only opened about two inches! I know cats can squeeze through small spaces, but that's just crazy!" Scootalo said. "Not as crazy as coming by mail." Apple Bloom informed. She walked slowly towards the box of candy corn without taking her eyes off the kitten. The little cat looked at her as she approached, but didn't try to scamper away or burrow back into the candy corn. Apple Bloom reached carefully into the box and stroked the kitten's head. The jet black fur was warm and was soft as feathers. The kitten closed it's yellow eyes and let out a small purr. Smiling, Apple Bloom dug her other hoof into the candy corn and gently lifted the kitten out. "Awe." Derpy whispered, coming closer to admire the little ball of fur that sat cradled against Apple Bloom's chest. "Is it a male or female?" Button Mash asked. Sweetie Bell looked at the kitten's stomach. "It's a boy." she said. Then Apple Bloom examined the kitten. Feeling for injuries the way Fluttershy taught her. There was a long scratch on it's back, which probably was the result from squeezing through the window, and the kitten was also a little thin. Otherwise he seemed fine. Apple Bloom guessed that the kitten was five weeks old. The same age when Apple Jack found Winona. "So where do ya think he came from?" Scootalo questioned. The kitten wiggled and then gave the loudest meow Apple Bloom has ever heard. Long and loud. It sounded like it should be coming from a creature three times it's size. "Yikes." said Sweetie Bell, taking two steps back. "That's spooky." The hairs rose on the back of Apple Bloom's neck as the kitten was about to meow once again. "It's alright pussycat. You're safe with us." Button Mash whispered. "What in the hay is going on here!" Button Mash's mother asked as she came into the kitchen. "First a scream, then a wail. Are there ghosts in here?" Apple Bloom held out the kitten. "He was in the candy corn. Isn't he adorable?" "He's certainly a handsome fellow." The cream colored mare said. "But what was this kitten doing in the candy corn?" Apple Bloom felt the kitten tense. Before she could stop him, the kitten sprang out of her hooves and dug his tiny claws into Mrs. Button's leg. Quick as light, the kitten climbed up the mare's leg, hopped across her shoulder, and came to a stop on top of her head. "What the?" Mrs. Button stuttered. The kitten clung onto the mane, ears pricked and mouth open as if he was laughing. "I'll get him." Sweetie Bell laughed. She was about to use her magic to levitate the kitten off, however Button Mash stopped her. "Mom, take him into the restaurant like that." the colt begged. "See if anypony notices." Mrs. Button smiled, turned around, and walked out of the kitchen. The kitten remained perfectly on her head. Crouched and steady. "Hay, does my hat belong to anypony?" The fillies and Derpy heard laughter and Apple Bloom peered through the door to see what was going on. It was breakfast time, so the restaurant was full. Mrs. Button stood with the kitten resting on her mane. Filthy Rich was sitting at a table with a glass of orange juice in front of him and a huge grin on his face. "Suits ya Lilly." Filthy Rich teased. "It's the fashion these days Rich." Carrot Top joked. The cream colored mare looked upward. "You don't recognize this kitten?" "It's not yours?" Rich said with surprise. "Nope. He just showed up in the kitchen. Does anypony recognize him?" Apple Bloom saw ponies shaking their heads. No pony seemed to know where the tiny black kitten came from. Suddenly, the kitten got bored. He took a flying leap from the top of Mrs. Button's head and landed on a table, where he raced up and down and batted at some coasters. His tiny front paws shot out from beneath him and he slid in a small puddle of water. With a look of surprise on the kitten's face, he tried and failed to grip the table, slid gracefully along the wood, off the edge, and plopped into Filthy Rich's lap. "Well!" Rich held the tiny black kitten up close to his face. "You are a feisty one, aren't ya." The kitten meowed quietly and began to lick the stallion's hoof. Button Mash's mother lifted the kitten out of Rich's hooves and brought him back into the kitchen. "Sorry that didn't help." the mare said sympathetically. Apple Bloom took the kitten and she placed the kitten onto her back. "Looks like we'll have to take him to Fluttershy's house. Sweetie Bell explained. The kitten stretched and then curled up into a ball of fur. "Can I hold him now Apple Bloom?" Scootalo begged. The CMC were taking a bumpy road to Fluttershy's cottage. "Sure. But ya have ta walk very carefully." Apple Bloom informed. Scootalo nodded and then carefully picked up the kitten and placed him on top of her head. "What should we name him?" Sweetie Bell questioned. "How about Candy since he came from candy corn." Apple Bloom answered. "I like Bright Eyes." Scootalo informed. "Lets name him Pumpkin." Sweetie Bell piped up. "Look, we're almost to Fluttershy's. We'll let her pick which name to call him." Apple Bloom explained. "Deal." Sweetie Bell and Scootalo said simultaneously. FiveThe three friends made their way slowly to Fluttershy's cottage, taking turns carrying the kitten. The black kitten was endlessly entertaining. One minute he'd be sleeping, and the next he'd be playing with the fillies' manes. It was almost as if he had a switch of energy that flickered on and off in an instant. At last they walked into Fluttershy's house and found the yellow mare sweeping the wooden floor. "Guess what we have." Sweetie Bell sang. Fluttershy looked up wary. "If it's one of those timber cubs again.." Scootalo sighed. "It was only that one time." The mare set the broom on the ground and walked towards the fillies. Sweetie Bell levitated the kitten off her back and gave it to Apple Bloom. The country filly held the kitten up for Fluttershy to see. "What a darling! You've got to tell me were you found him." the mare exclaimed. "He popped out of a box of candy." Sweetie Bell informed. Fluttershy shook her head. "I won't ask." she said with a grin. "So whose is he?" "We don't know." Apple Bloom confessed. Then the CMC quickly explained what happened at the Seeds and Hay. "I'll make flyers and put them around town." Fluttershy explained. "Can ya take care of him tonight? Ah would but Winona hates cats." "And Opalescence hates to share attention." " Also, my dad is allergic to cats." Fluttershy picked up the kitten and smiled as it played with her pale pink mane. Then the kitten gave one of his loud meows. "That sounds like Burmese," Fluttershy said with surprise. "The color's definitely wrong, but I bet he has some Burmese ancestry in him." The kitten blinked his big, gemlike eyes and meowed in agreement. "I almost forgot!" Sweetie Bell looked at her friends then at Fluttershy. "Which name do you like better? Candy, Pumpkin, or Bright Eyes." Fluttershy thought for a moment. "I um..like Pumpkin." "YES!!!" The three ponies looked at the unicorn. Suddenly, the kitten yowled and struggled. "Oh my! Looks like somepony wants some food." Fluttershy replied. "I'll get the cat food." Scootalo volunteered. The mare shook her head. "He's still very young. So Pumpkin just needs milk for now. If he's still hungry then I'll judge whether or not Pumpkin can have a little bit of solid food." Fluttershy put the kitten on the floor, where he immediately started to chase his own tail. When Apple Bloom set a bowl of warm milk down beside him, Pumpkin stopped what he was doing and began to lap at it. Milky droplets trembled on his stringlike whiskers. Then Pumpkin stopped drinking and gave a huge yawn. "Up you go." Fluttershy whispered, picking up the sleepy kitten and setting him down on the sofa. Pumpkin curled up with his nose tucked under his tail. "Thanks for taking care of him." Apple Bloom whispered. Fluttershy smiled at the three fillies then closed the door. Suddenly, she heard a loud crash and looked over her shoulder to see Pumpkin chasing three squirrels. The mare sighed. This was going to be a long day. "Now what should we do?" Sweetie Bell asked. "Lets see how the haunted house if coming along." Scootalo replied. "Okay." Apple Bloom replied. SixThe three fillies walked into Sugar Cube Corner and gasped in awe and horror. For they were face to face with a dummy hanging by a rope. "I never knew Pinkie Pie was such a great painter." Apple Bloom replied. Suddenly, Pinkie jumped from behind the counter and beamed. "Isn't this place amazing! And we're not even done yet!" she exclaimed. "Th..there's more?" Scootalo gulped. Pinkie Pie nodded her head. "I'll show you to the kitchen. Discord and Dashi turned it into the perfect torturing room for were I'm going to turn Dashi into cupcakes." So the three fillies hesitantly followed the chirpy mare into the kitchen. There was a silver table with ropes embedded into it to strap Rainbow Down, a set of realistic looking knives, and a jug of fake blood of in the corner. "Wow." Apple Bloom breathed. Scootalo let out a yelp as Rainbow Dash picked her up into the air. "Awesome isn't it." The light blue pegasus exclaimed. Discord popped in with a bag of popcorn. "It is going to be quite fun watching fillies scream in terror as psychotic Pinkie Pie kills Rainbow Dash." he said. Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow, "Psychotic?" Pinkie Pie held out a white apron with fake blood splattered on it. "Rarity made it out of a really soft fabric." Sweetie Bell felt the apron and smiled. "It is really soft." Suddenly, Apple Jack galloped into the room. Her face red with anger. "Ah told ya not ta take that long!" the country mare shouted. Apple Bloom cowered. "Sorry sis." she muttered. "It's not our fault!" Sweetie Bell shouted. "Yeah! We found a kitten in the candy corn and took it to Fluttershy's. Then we decided to see how the haunted house was coming along." Scootalo explained. Apple Jack's face started to turn back into it's natural orange. However, the mare still glared at the three fillies. "Besides, it's only been what? One..Two hours." Scootalo replied. "Ya still need to give out the invitations." Apple Jack pointed out. The fillies gulped. "Th..the invitations?" Sweetie Bell said. The country mare hoofed a basket full of orange envelopes to Apple Bloom. "Ya better git going." AJ replied. The CMC nodded their heads and galloped out of the bakery. Apple Bloom held onto the basket tightly as gusts of wind threatened to capture the invitations. "How come we have to had out the invitations? We're not even invited to Diamond Tiara's party!" Sweetie Bell complained. "Maybe we can keep one of the invitations and forge three of our own." Scootalo suggested. "Mmmhm." Apple Bloom replied. Suddenly a huge gust of wind blew against the three fillies. Making them shiver. "I hate days like this. Do you think it'll take long to pass out the envelopes?" Scootalo asked. "I hope not." Sweetie Bell replied, taking out one of the orange envelopes and smoothing out the wrinkles. "I don't want to be in this weather for long either." Soon the fillies came to the post office and went inside. Mr. Firefox, owner of the store, was nowhere to be seen. Apple Bloom dropped the basket. "Hello! Is anypony here!" the filly hollered. Mrs. Firefox appeared at the back of the shop. She was uncharacteristically solemn. "You'll find Richard outside. However, he's not in the best of moods today." "Why is he in a bad mood?" Sweetie Bell asked. Mrs. Firefox pursed her orange lips. "Vandals. They paid us a visit last night. Spray painted all kinds of rubbish on the walls. Now my poor husband is having to clean it up while I run the store." the earth pony explained. Apple Bloom thought back one month ago when she had a conversation with Mrs. Button and Dr. Hooves. Mrs. Button's said that two of her windows got broken with bricks. Then Dr. Hooves explained that his house got spray painted a horrible purple. Apple Bloom had a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach, imagining how she'd feel if somepony did this at Sweet Apple Acres. The post office door chimed and Mr. Firefox came in, looking tired and annoyed. He was holding a bucket of soapy water and a scrub brush. His bright red wings were wet and dirty. "Please put the kettle on dear." he said wearily to his wife. "I need a strong cup of tea." He then noticed the three fillies. "What do you three want?" Mr. Firefox sighed. "We're very sorry about the graffiti Mr. Firefox." the fillies said. The red pegasus grunted. "So am I. I don't suppose you three know anything about it?" Apple Bloom shook her head, hoping that her expression wasn't giving anything away. Was it really possibly that Silver Spoon had something to do with this? After she got Biscuit, a golden retriever puppy, Silver became really nice. She even threw away her spray cans right in front of Apple Bloom. "Anyway, what do ya rascals want?" Mr. Firefox asked. Scootalo held out the orange envelope. "Your son, Firefly Jr., is invited to Diamond Tiara's Nightmare Night party." the pegasus explained. "Also, if ya want, you can adopt a kitten named Pumpkin! He's really nice and sweet and energetic!" Apple Bloom cut in. Mr. Firefox sighed. "I'll think about it. However promise me this, if you see any brutes hanging around, give them a piece of my mind." "Poor Mr. and Mrs. Firefox." Sweetie Bell said as the three fillies walked towards Seeds and Hay to give Button Mash his invitation. "Yeah. And the only suspect is Silver Spoon." Scootalo muttered. Soon the fillies came to the restaurant and saw Button Mash pacing outside. When he saw the CMC, he galloped towards them. "Finally yall came here. Dad made posters of the cat and placed two around the restaurant. There's a lot more so I thought that we could place them around town." Button Mash explained. "That's great! The sun's almost about to set so let's get going!" Scootalo explained. After the fillies delivered the last of the invitations, except for one, they started to hand out posters. Suddenly, Apple Bloom stopped walking. In the park, she could see a group of four fillies hanging around the pond. "Uh-oh." Button Mash whispered, stopping besides her. Scootalo stepped forward to get a better look at the fillies while her three friends cowered behind her. It was hard to tell in the dull evening, but one of them looked like he was wearing a necklace of pearls. "I think one of them is Silver Spoon." Scootalo whispered, her heart sinking. Button Mash tucked his chin into the collar of his coat. "She was doing so well." he sighed. "Come on, let's go another way." replied Sweetie Bell. There was a splash, followed by a shout. One of the fillies had thrown an empty soda can into the water. The geese in the middle of the pond squawked in alarm. Flapping their wings and taking cover on the far side. "That's it." Apple Bloom breathed. She was about to yell at the fillies. However, Sweetie Bell tugged on the country filly's red mane. "Don't! I have to see Silver Spoon next week, and I don't want any trouble." the unicorn whispered. "They aren't worth bothering with Apple Bloom." Scootalo said. The country filly reluctantly followed her friends, looking over her shoulder to see Silver talking and laughing with the other fillies. Kicking another can into the pond. The fillies walked on until they reached the Everfree Forest at the edge of town. "One more invitation to go. Who's it addressed to?" Button Mash asked. Sweetie Bell levitated the envelope and looked at the address written on it. "Fluttershy." she said. "Great! We can take the shortcut through the forest." Apple Bloom chirped. Button Mash looked slightly pale. "Do we have to?" "What are you worried about? It's migration season for the monsters and the Uras are hibernating." Apple Bloom explained. "I...I'm n..not worried." Buttons replied. Button Mash kept close to Sweetie Bell as the group of fillies picked their way along the narrow path under the twisted trees. Dark branches loomed over their heads. Cutting off what light the moon offered, while shadows danced around them. "Zecora lives in these woods somewhere." Scootalo gulped. Button Mash stopped dead. "I wish you hadn't reminded me of that." he said nervously. Sweetie Bell's eyes gleamed in the pockets of light. "Where's her house?" Apple Bloom shrugged. "Ah don't know." "She could be watching us know. Dusk is the perfect time for witches." Scootalo whispered. "Don't talk like that." Sweetie Bell ordered. Button Mash gulped and pressed himself closer to the unicorn. "It's better to be prepared. Zecora could be flying around on her broom stick so she can follow her victims through the woods!" Scootalo exclaimed. "Don't be silly." Apple Bloomed stiffed a laugh. Even she was starting to feel scared. "Fluttershy's house is only five minutes away." They continued walking in silence. The darkness pressed down on them like a thick blanket. Twigs snapped loudly under their hooves. Apple Bloom was beginning to wish that Scootalo start talking again. Suddenly an owl hooted somewhere above them. WHO-HOO Button Mash yelped in terror and bolted off the path. Making Sweetie Bell fall over onto the wet carpet of leaves that littered the forest floor. Apple Bloom galloped to where the white filly was lying. "You ok?" she asked urgently. Sweetie Bell blinked behind the tears. "My..ankle." she replied. Button Mash came slinking back. His head low and his ears drooped. "Sorry." he apologized. "It's okay." the unicorn replied. Then Sweetie Bell heaved herself onto her elbows and tried to get up. But she fell back again with another grunt of pain. "Can ya walk?" Apple Bloom asked, concerned. Sweetie shook her head. "Nope." Scootalo looked around. The Everfree was now looking really creepy, and she began to feel frightened. Sweetie Bell can't teleport and the unicorn was too heavy to carry. Swish. Swish. Swish. Button Mash turned around. "What was that?" "Just leaves." Apple Bloom replied. An icy feeling creeping up her neck. "You mean, somepony walking through leaves." Scootalo whispered. Her eye round and fearful. Swish. Swish. The sound was getting louder. Somepony was coming. Apple Bloom felt a moment of terror as she stared into the trees. It was all she could do not to scream out loud when a tall, striped figure stepped onto the path. "Dear, dear. Whatever happened here?" SevenApple Bloom felt faint with relief. "Zecora! We were just talking about you!" Zecora's face was unreadable in the darkness. She swept her black cape out of the way and knelt down besides Sweetie Bell. "What happened to you filly?" she asked. Sweetie Bell smiled nervously. "I hurt my ankle." she pointed to her right hoof. Zecora felt Sweetie's anklebone with a firm but gentle hoof. "No broken bones. But don't you think it's quiet silly to walk in this darkness fillies?" She suddenly noticed Scootalo and Button Mash hanging back in the shadows. "Who are you?" the zebra inquired. Apple Bloom made the introductions as the two fillies stared hard at the ground. "Please to meet you." she said, smiling unexpectedly. "You four look frozen half to death. I'll make a hay stew at my house. Don't worry, I won't turn you into a mouse." Zecora lifted Sweetie Bell up as is she was a feather, turned her back, and vanished. "Where did she go?" Scootalo asked. Apple Bloom grabbed her friends and galloped in what she hoped was the right direction. "Zecora? Where are you?" she hollered. There was a glimmer of black and white stripes as Zecora turned around. With her back to Scootalo, Apple Bloom, and Button Mash, her long black cape had been the perfect camouflage in the dark forest. "My house is right up here. Listen to your ears." the zebra explained. Apple Bloom heard a faint howl. When she squinted her eyes, she could see a timber cub howling a welcome by a tree decorated by masks. "I really thought Zecora had vanished just then." Scootalo panted and appeared beside Apple Bloom. "Serves ya right for tellen scary stories." the earth pony scolded, but the grin on her face showed that she didn't mean it. They waded on through the damp leaves, following an invisible path between the trees until they reached a clearing. In the middle of the clearing sat a large old willow tree with masks hammered into the bark. The timber cub came running up and jumped onto Button Mash's back. Making him scream. "Oak! You could've given Button's a stroke!" Zecora scolded. Oak whined and jumped off the bug eyed filly. Zecora opened the door and motioned the fillies inside. The house was one large room lit by dozens of candles and a blazing log fire. Herbs and flowers hung drying from rafters and misshaped bottles containing powders and colorful liquids lined the long shelves. A tray of cookies sat cooling on a small table. Zecora was tending to the fire. Apple Bloom couldn't help thinking that this was the perfect witch's house. There was even a pot big enough to fit a filly hanging on a hook over the fireplace. Button Mash and Scootalo stopped dead on the doorstep and looked wide eyed at the pot. "Don't be shy. For I am not a bad guy." said Zecora. She looked smaller and less scary without her cape. Scootalo and Button Mash walked in hesitantly and sat down next to Sweetie Bell, who was lying on a long, low sofa. They looked uncertainly as Zecora spooned five bowls of stew. The Zebra laughed. "It won't poison you." Then she turned to Apple Bloom who was petting Oak. "Apple Bloom? How about you?" The filly took a bowl of stew and started to eat it. The hay stew was warm and soothing, with an odd taste that Apple Bloom couldn't quite identify. "Delicious. What's in it?" she said. "Spiced nettle. My own recipe." Zecora said proudly. Sweetie Bell levitated a bowl to her and took a sip. Then another. Before long, the stew had disappeared. Zecora straightened up. "Apple Bloom. I need some daisy tomb for your friend's ankle. It's growing under the window. Could you please collect some for this poor widow?" "Sure. But what does daisy tomb look like?" "Sturdy little things with blue beans." Zecora explained. After hunting around, Apple Bloom found the daisy tomb growing in a sheltered corner under the window. She carefully picked a hooful and went back inside. Where the smell of hay stew had been replaced by the smell of boiling cabbage. Apple Bloom couldn't help wrinkle her nose as she gave the plant to Zecora. "Daisy tomb and cabbage." Zecora explained. Noticing Apple Bloom's expression. She stirred the leaves into the pot. "It'll bring down the swelling. Though the smell isn't very compelling. When the mixture was ready, Zecora ladled the steaming daisy tomb and cabbage onto a clean sturdy cloth and placed it gently on Sweetie Bell's ankle. "That's amazing," the unicorn said in amazement. "It feels better already." She moved her hoof experimentally and winced. "It won't heal all at once. So stay still and don't be a dunce." Zecora warned. There was a strange shuffling sound in the corner of the room, and Oak gave a playful bark as a furry figure waddled into view. "Ah..badger?" Apple Bloom said. "His name is Brock. He's as active as a rock." Zecora explained. The badger sniffed the air with a funny, nodding motion and batted one claw at Oak. Who was play biting the badger's ears. Button, who never saw a badger before, was speechless with amazement. Apple Bloom smiled as Brock tried to waddle away from the overexcited Oak. "Let me get this straight. You not only have a pet timber wolf, but a badger as well!" Scootalo said. Zecora shook her head. "You are incorrect little filly. Oak is mine, however owning a badger is a little silly." "So Brock doesn't sleep here?" Sweetie Bell asked. "On and off." Zecora replied. She hoofed out some hot chocolate. Apple Bloom took hers gratefully and cupped it between her hooves. The heat spread through her hooves and up her legs. Warming her all over. Zecora settled herself comfortably in a shabby purple armchair besides the fire and looked at her visitors. "So. Had you planned this visit, or did our paths simply cross by chance?" "We were on our way ta git this ta Fluttershy." Apple Bloom informed. The filly pulled out the remaining envelope and poster from the basket, straightened it out, and showed it to Zecora. Who read it thoughtfully. "A kitten? What is it's name, Mitten?" the zebra said. "His name is Pumpkin." Button Mash explained. "Would ya like to adopt him?" Apple Bloom asked hopefully. Zecora shook her head sadly. "My hooves are full taking care of these two. However, I hope that you are not screwed." Apple Bloom nodded her head sadly. Then she looked out a window and gasped. "What's wrong?" Scootalo asked. "It's really late out! Ma sis is ganna kill me!" Apple Bloom replied. "Why don't you get your sister? I'll watch your friends and maybe we can play Twister." Zecora suggested. "OK." said Apple Bloom. "I'll go and git my sis and a wagon to put Sweetie Bell in." Button Mash and Sweetie Bell looked nervous at the prospect of being left behind with Zecora. Scootalo didn't look veryy happy either. Apple Bloom smiled encouragingly at them. "Ah won't be long." she promised. "Before you go, take my cape. It'll keep you warm from this windy..um..shape?" Zecora blushed Apple Bloom was out of the forest within ten minutes, feeling very relived at how easily it was to take the path Zecora showed her. It wasn't long before she was galloping into town. However, when she turned around a corner, the filly almost galloped straight into Silver Spoon. Who was standing by the side of the road. Apple Bloom dug her hoof into the dirt and fell onto the ground. Silver Spoon helped the country filly up. "Are you OK?" she asked, sounding concerned. Silver's friends appeared behind her. "Who's this Silver?" a black and white colt looked Apple Bloom up and down. His dark almond eyes bore into the country filly, "Your marefriend?" Silver Spoon stepped back from Apple Bloom as if she'd been stung. "I know that cape!" exclaimed a stocky orange mare with a book on her flank. "It belongs to that crazy witch!" Apple Bloom glared at her. "Zecora is not a witch." she said. "Zecora's not a witch." a blue unicorn mocked. His friends laughed. Silver Spoon laughed too, but quietly. As if she felt uncomfortable. "You must be a friend of hers if your defending her blank flank." Diamond Tiara sneered. "We don't like the witch." the black and white colt leaned forward and thrust his face aggressively towards Apple Bloom, "She's somepony who should keep her opinions to herself." It sounded like Zecora had told these trouble makers off the day before. Apple Bloom felt glad. "Since we don't like the witch," he continued, "I guess we don't like you too." He grabbed at Apple Bloom's red mane. "Nice hair though." he added slyly. "Git out ov my way!" Apple Bloom snapped. She tried to push back the group of fillies, but they laughed and grabbed at her and the cape. Silver Spoon joined in, but Apple Bloom noticed that she avoided her eyes. Suddenly, two pegasi shined flashlights at the fillies. They shielded their eyes and the ringleader leaned towards the country filly. "We know were that witch lives. Tell her to expect a visit from us soon." Then they all melted into the darkness as Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash landed next to Apple Bloom. Author's Note So far, would this story be considered comedy? Eight"Fluttershy! Rainbow Dash!" Apple Bloom exclaimed. She'd never been so happy to see anypony in her life. Rainbow put her hooves on her hips. "Where in Equestria have you been Apple Bloom! Apple Jack is worried sick!" she asked. Fluttershy frowned. "And um..who were those fillies?" "I'll tell ya later. But right now we've gotta go ta Zecora's. Sweetie Bell hurt her ankle." She told the pegasi the whole story and they listened attentively. "Zecora's house is incredible! She even has a pet timber cub!" "Oh my." Fluttershy replied. Just then, the yellow mare's backpack gave a familiar yowling meow, and Pumpkin's head popped out. "Pumpkin?" Apple Bloom asked with surprise. Rainbow Dash picked the filly up and Fluttershy took the energetic kitten into her arms. "Looks like that pest finally woke up." Rainbow huffed. "Pumpkin is not a pest. He just has a lot of energy and like to play with hair." Fluttershy informed. Rainbow sighed and the two pegasi took off to the Everfree. With Apple Bloom clinging onto the blue mare's back. Soon they were all inside, eating Zecora's hay stew while Apple Bloom told everypony about the group of fillies in town. "That's awful! Somepony needs ta teach those punks a lesson." Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "The ringleader sounds like Spot." Button Mash said. "The mare you described is his sidekick, Orange Blossom. They always hang around Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara at school, causing trouble." "They recognized your cape Zecora. Did ya speak ta them yesterday?" Apple Bloom asked. "I certainly did. I saw them throwing lids at the ducks. So I told them about what I though about their actions and uh..luck." Zecora replied. "I um..don't like the sound of the threat they made about paying you a visit." Fluttershy said. She stroked Pumpkin who gave a nod in agreement. Zecora gave a dismissive snort. "They don't scare me." Rainbow Dash checked her watch. "We should get going. Apple Jack is sick with worry, Sweetie Bell will need to see a doctor, and Scootalo's dad is almost ready to call in a search team." Suddenly, two bright green eyes and a striped snout appeared around the side of Zecora's armchair. Apple Bloom felt the same thrill of excitement that she'd had two hours earlier when she first saw Brock. I'll never get tired of looking at him, she thought. Fluttershy squealed in delight and raced over to the badger. Knocking Pumpkin to the ground. "Oh my." the mare smiled as Brock nuzzled her chest. Oak jumped off of Zecora's bed and trotted over to Pumpkin. Who hissed and meowed in fear as the timber cub shoved his nose into the kitten's chest. "Hey Fluttershy. We should go now. Before.." Everypony gasped as Pumpkin jumped onto the ceiling and clung onto it with his sharp claws. Zecora shook her head. "This is why I hate cats Apple Bloom." Then the Zebra looked up at Pumpkin who was swatting at Oak. "He'll come down soon." she said flatly. Fluttershy looked up from the badger and gasped in horror at the kitten. Then she flew over to Pumpkin and got him down. "Thanks for letting us stay here Zecora." Apple Bloom said. Zecora nodded her head and smiled. Then she closed the door behind the filly. "Let's go!" Rainbow Dash shouted. Scootalo climbed onto her idol's back while Fluttershy put Pumpkin back into her backpack. Then the yellow mare picked up Sweetie Bell gently and the group of ponies headed into town. "There ya are sport." Scootalo's dad picked her up and nodded at Rainbow Dash. Who smiled and flew back to the group of ponies. "Oh my Sweetie Bell!" Rarity gasped in horror as her muddy sister was carried into the Carousal Boutique. "Set her into the tub Fluttershy." the unicorn ordered. Fluttershy nodded and headed upstairs. "Apple Bloom!" Apple Jack squeezed her sister tightly. "Ah was so worried!" she sobbed. "C..can't breath." Apple Bloom replied. "Sorry." Apple Jack let go of her little sister. Who collapsed onto the ground. Gasping for air. "Thanks Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy." "No problem." the pegasi replied simultaneously. Once they left, Apple Jack glared at her sister. "Ya have some explaining ta do." NineThe next morning dawned bright and frosty. Perched on a stool in the kitchen, Apple Bloom reached across the table and grabbed a green apple from the fruit bowl. Pumpkin was sleeping peacefully in her lap. Tuckered out after an energetic game of chasing his tail. Looking down at the kitten, Apple Bloom felt her heart ache. he trusted her to find him a new home, and Apple Bloom knew she was letting him down. "Um," The filly turned around to see Fluttershy leaning on a wall. "When Apple Jack wakes up, can you please tell her that I'm glad she let me stay over for the night? If..you want." Apple Bloom nodded. Her mouth full of apple. Suddenly the front door swung open and a very tired Apple Jack walked inside. When she saw her little sister getting another apple, she shook her head. "Apple Bloom, those apple are for Diamond Tiara's Nightmare Night party." the mare reminded. The filly smiled, grabbed three more apples, and took one bite out of each. Apple Jack sighed and then looked at Pumpkin. "Don't worry sis, I'm gonna take him around town today and show him off. Somepony is bound ta take him." Apple Bloom replied. "I could always take Pumpkin." Fluttershy informed. Apple Jack put her hoof around the pegasi's neck. "Sugar Cube, ya already have enough critters as it is." she pointed out. After Fluttershy headed home and the two sisters had breakfast, Apple Bloom put Pumpkin onto her head, put on her coat, and went outside. Scootalo was at the mailbox waiting for her. "Scootalo?" Apple Bloom asked. "Yep. Dad is off to work so I thought that I could come here and see what you're up to." Scootalo explained. They walked happily down the dirt road to Lilly Cottage, where Apple Bloom's grandparents lived. Apple Pie and Sugar Twist were overjoyed to see them. After a cup of warm cider and several of Sugar Twist's homemade peanut butter cookies, Apple Bloom took a deep breath and gently picked up Pumpkin, who was inside Apple Bloom's red mane. The kitten woke up with a shake of his head. "You've brought a kitten!" Apple Pie exclaimed. "Ya see, I'm," Scootalo nudged her in the ribs. "I mean we need ta find Pumpkin a home. So ah thought we'd take him around town and see if anypony wants him." Apple Pie picked up the kitten in his hooves and cradled him there for a moment. He glanced at his granddaughter, understanding in his teal eyes. "And ya hoped that we'd take him?" "Would ya? Pumpkin'll be no trouble. Well, all kittens are a bit of trouble. But it would be worth it, don't ya think? Anyway, I'd love it if Pumpkin went to somepony in the family." The kitten yawned so widely, they were given a full view of his pink, ridged mouth, and little tongue. Sugar Twist laughed and looked at her husband. "He is very sweet Pie." she said. "Do ya think that maybe we could?" Apple Pie put Pumpkin down on the red sofa, where the kitten immediately attacked a tassel on a pillow. Within seconds it was torn to shreds. Bits of silk thread strewn across the sofa. "He does have a taste for your pillows. I guess we could consider it." Apple Bloom observed humorously. Apple Bloom rose from her seat in delight. However her grandfather put his hoof in the air. "However, there is somepony we need ta ask first. Blaze may have a different opinion on the subject. And we have ta be fair Apple Bloom. Blaze was here first." On cue, an old blood hound walked into the living room and spotted the kitten. Apple Bloom and Scootalo held their breath as the brown dog glared at the kitten. Oh Blaze, please give Pumpkin a chance,she thought. Blaze started to growl at the back of his throat and stepped stiffly towards the kitten. Pumpkin yowled with fright and backed deep into the sofa pillows. Blaze continued to growl, his almond eyes fixed onto the kitten. When Apple Pie picked up the kitten and put him on the floor in front of Blaze, the old blood hound's growling got louder. Pumpkin batted his paw, inviting Blaze to play. However the dog only narrowed his eyes and twitched his tail. Pumpkin bolted under the sofa in an instant. Sugar Twist met Apple Bloom's eyes. "It just won't work dear." she said, bending down to pick up Blaze. "Your grandfather's right. Blaze was here first. It just would not be fair ta make him share his house with a kitten. "I'm really sorry." Scootalo managed to coax Pumpkin out of hiding and was now trying to soothe the scared kitten. Apple Bloom felt crushed with disappointment. "Ah..understand. Thanks for considering it though." Walking into town with Scootalo, Apple Bloom realized just how much she'd been counting on her grandparents to adopt Pumpkin. She couldn't think of a single other pony who might take the kitten in. The situation was getting desperate. Pumpkin was fast asleep on Scootalo's back. Swatting at the air in his sleep. It would've made Apple Bloom laugh if she was in a better mood. "How about we check on Sweetie Bell?" Scootalo suggested. Apple Bloom nodded her head. "About Time!!" Sweetie Bell shouted, looking up from a mound of dresses. "I need you guys to get me out! Rarity's on a dress rampage!" Scootalo was about to say something, when Rarity galloped downstairs with five dresses floating behind her. "Thank Celestia your friends are her!" the unicorn threw the dresses on the growing mound. "I need your opinion. Fancy Pants is going to take me on a date and I need to look my best." Pumpkin plopped onto the floor. Making Rarity scream. "What the?" she stuttered. Apple Bloom picked up the kitten and set it down besides Sweetie Bell. "It's the kitten I was telling you about." the little unicorn chirped. Rarity smiled sweetly as Pumpkin played with a blue ribbon tied to one of the dresses. Suddenly, the door opened and Zecora came in with a ripped up cloak. "Zecora! What happened ta your cloak?" Apple Bloom asked. "I'm afraid those fillies were right on their promise. However, this is just the beginning if those fillies were being honest." Zecora explained. Rarity stomped her hoof. "Those fillies! Somepony needs to teach them a lesson!" Pumpkin meowed in agreement. "How loud can that kitten meow? It could scare the daylights out of anypony!" The unicorn exclaimed. Suddenly, Apple Bloom got an idea. "Ah think ah know just the perfect way ta teach them a lesson." Apple Bloom replied mischievously. TenAt four-fifteen that afternoon, Apple Bloom stood by the fire in Zecora's house and adjusted her Nightmare Night costume. It was time for Operation Meow. If everything went according to plan, Silver Spoon and her friends will never bother Zecora ever again. "Your costume looks amazing! When those meanies see you in the forest, they'll think they've gone crazy!" Button Mash exclaimed. "Indeed," said Zecora as she zipped up Button Mash's Spidercolt costume. "Is this glow in the dark paint?" "Yes it is. My mask will glow in the dark, if that won't scare them I don't know what will." Sweetie Bell adjusted her crutches. "I'm sure these stupid sticks will get in the way." she grumbled. Scootalo finished painting herself a light blue. She felt excited at the thought of scarring Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. "That's where you're wrong Sweetie Bell. Just imagine hearing not three thumps, but four! Three hooves and one crutch! We'll defiantly scare those meanies out of their costumes!" Scootalo bent down and gave Oak an encouraging scratch under the chin. "And you look pretty awesome in your ghost costume too." The timber puppy did look faintly like a ghost. He was painted in a white, glow in the dark paint and because timber wolves don't have eyes, Oak had blinding yellow light bulbs in his eye sockets. "Are you sure you aren't missing a party?" Zecora asked. "We weren't invited to one." Apple Bloom informed. "What if the vandals don't come tonight?" Button Mash said. Sweetie Bell smiled. "Of course they'll come back. It's Nightmare Night! They won't be able to resist trying to scare Zecora. Now, what props did you bring Buttons?" The colt dug around in his backpack. "A CD with creepy sound effects and a CD player. We'll put up the speakers in a branch of a tree, and I'll us a wireless remote to switch it on." Scootalo held out a jar full of red sludge. Sweetie Bell and Apple Bloom made a face. "What is that Scoots?" they questioned. "Red Sludge. It's Pinkie Pie's own recipe. We'll dab it around the trees. Just wait till they put their hooves in this." "Cool. Ah brought some cobweb spray that we can also put on the trees. And of course ah have Pumpkin too." Apple Bloom replied. Looking over at her back. "Get ready Pumpkin. Tonight's your big night." The filly waited for the kitten to meow, however there was no response. Apple Bloom gently picked up the kitten and held him close to her face. Pumpkin's nose was tucked beneath his tail. "Is he alright?" Sweetie Bell asked, leaning forward. Apple Bloom scratched the kitten's chin. "Hey, little fella! What's up?" The kitten sat up slowly in the filly's hooves and yawned. Then Pumpkin yowled softly. It was the saddest thing Apple Bloom ever heard. She soon realized for the first time that the kitten must be feeling lonely, with no other creatures to play with and no home except Fluttershy's cottage. "He needs a home. That way he won't feel so alone." Zecora said. "Ah know Zecora. But trying to find Pumpkin a home is harder than ah thought." Apple Bloom replied unhappily. I just hope he's not too sad ta meow tonight. The filly thought sadly. Placing Pumpkin back onto her back. Setting up the props was harder than Apple Bloom thought. Now they were aware of every sound out in the forest. However this time it wasn't because they were afraid of monsters. If Silver Spoon's gang came too early, the whole thing could be ruined. However they were in luck. After Button Mash hid the last of the speakers, Zecora stood at her doorway. With a small smile upon her lips. "Thank you fillies." Scootalo beamed. "Hay Zecora, want ta help us scare them?" Zecora gulped. "I'm sorry. However I will stay in my home where it's not so chilly." and with that, she shut the door behind her. "Okay team. Get into position." Apple Bloom ordered. Button Mash, Scootalo, Sweetie Bell, and Apple Bloom hid behind some bushes and began to wait. The minutes ticked away, and Apple Bloom felt a twinge of doubt. What if their victims never come? What if Pumpkin didn't meow? She stroked the kitten and bit her lip. Anxiously staring into the darkness. Thump, thump, thump. It was the sound of hooves pounding into the ground. Apple Bloom and her friends tensed up as they heard voices. "The witch might be expecting us. So be very quiet OK?" Peering around the bush, Apple Bloom watched as Spot, Orange Blossom, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon crept along the dirt path. Diamond Tiara held up her hoof and the gang stopped. "Here's the plan, Orange'll dig up some of the witch's plants. Spot, that witch's woodpile needs rearrangement. And Silver Spoon," Diamond threw a can of spray paint to the grey filly. "Use the whole can." Then she picked up some rocks. "Leave the windows to me. Apple Bloom looked at Button Mash and nodded her head. The colt smiled and pressed a button on a remote. "Hehehe." The sound of a psychotic killer's laugh began to fill the night. Spot and Orange Blossom turned around. Fear flooded their eyes. "GRRRRR!!!" Oak let out a fierce growl from Scootalo's lap. "Timber Wolves!" Silver Spoon stopped dead in her tracks. "In October? I...it's j..j..just the wind." Diamond Tiara said. The sound of a ghost moaning made them jump. "I'm out!" Orange Blossom galloped into a line of sticky cobweb spray. She let out a blood curling scream and tried to pull the cobwebs from her orange coat. Apple Bloom raised her hoof. It was the signal! The group of rotten fillies screamed in terror as four things and a small glowing ghost rushed out of the bushes and galloped towards them. Then the cat pulled something off it's back and held it in the air. From all the commotion, Pumpkin gave the loudest meow in his young life. ElevenSpot and Orange Blossom hightailed out of the Everfree forest, screaming their heads off. Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara slammed into each other, falling into a puddle of red gunk, and fell flat onto their faces. Screaming, Diamond Tiara scrambled to her hooves as fast as she could and galloped out of the forest. However, Silver Spoon was frozen to the spot. Staring in horror at a rustling bush in front of her. Putting Pumpkin on her head, Apple Bloom skidded to a stop. A rustling bush? That wasn't one of their tricks. Scootalo, Sweetie Bell, and Button Mash ran to Apple Bloom's side. They all stared at the bush in alarm. What was in there? Silver Spoon looked at them, her eyes wide. She didn't seem shocked to see that the five creatures turned out to be the CMC and Button Mash. However, the grey filly did gulp as Oak started to sniff her. Oblivious to the moving bush. The bush shook like a living thing. Apple Bloom's throat was dry. So far everything was a great laugh. But it was Nightmare Night. And this was impossible! It wasn't even windy and all the animals that lived here were either sleeping, or went somewhere else for the upcoming winter. The country filly felt Pumpkin extending his claws. Ready to attack anything that came out of the bush. "W..What's i..in there?" Button Mash whispered, clutching onto Sweetie Bell's arm. "A..ah d..don't know." Apple Bloom stuttered. The small branches at the bottom of the bush parted, and a long snout appeared. There was another rustle, and it was followed by a set of shoulders. Brock, the badger, emerged from the bush and let out what appeared to be a sigh as Oak started to nip at his ears playfully. "It's Brock!" Scootalo laughed with relief. "It's just Brock." Pumpkin jumped off of Apple Bloom's head and ran up to the badger. Brock growled a grumpy warning and began to waddle away towards Zecora's house. With Oak following behind happily. "Was that a badger just now?" Silver Spoon asked in amazement. Sweetie Bell nodded. "Awesome!" the grey filly exclaimed. They all stared at one another, realizing how odd the situation was. There was an embarrassing silence, and Apple Bloom was confused. Silver Spoon is the enemy. She thought. Isn't she?" "Nice prank." Silver complemented. "How did you blank..I mean guys make all those scary noises?" She sounded genuinely curious. "Sound effects." Button Mash replied proudly. "It was great. Spot almost wet himself." Suddenly, the fillies were all laughing at the thought of Spot wetting his ninja costume. "I always knew ya were alright Spoons." Apple Bloom helped the grey filly up. Suddenly, Sweetie Bell shivered. "Hay, lets go back inside. It's getting pretty cold out here." Silver Spoon took two steps backwards. "With that witch!" "Ya have ta face Zecora someday." Apple Bloom pointed out. "But she'll turn me into a toad!" Silver Spoon insisted. "Don't be so dumb. Zecora's just a wise zebra who lives in the Everfree." Scootalo said. Apple Bloom punched her friend lightly on the shoulder. "About time ya figured that out Scoots." The orange pegasus shrugged. "I knew all along. I was just teasing you." The front door opened, and a stripe of light flooded the yard. Zecora was leaning by the door with Oak and Brock. Her front hooves folded and her witchy shadow sprawled on the forest floor. "You caught one of the visitors, I see. Now should we throw her in the sea?" Zecora said icily. Apple Bloom watched Silver Spoon's reaction. At first, the grey filly was too scared to say anything. Then, she lowered her head. "I..I'm sorry." Silver replied. Zecora stared at the filly in silence for a minute or three. Silver Spoon looked up slowly and shivered. "Are you cold?" the zebra questioned. Silver Spoon nodded slowly. The CMC and Button Mash ushered Silver Spoon into the house. After her eyes adjusted, the grey filly looked around the room uncertainly. "Sit down." Zecora commanded. "You've had a well deserved scare filly." Button Mash gasped. "Zecora! You didn't rhyme!" The zebra poured some milk into the pot, over the fire, and began to stir in some chocolate and vanilla. "I do not always rhyme. But I will in time." Soon they were all sipping the warm hot chocolate. Apple Bloom stroked Pumpkin, who was fast asleep on her lap. His little tongue sticking out. She looked at Silver Spoon who was petting a wet Oak. "So...do ya have a pet of yer own?" Apple Bloom asked. Silver Spoon's eyes lit up. "Do I!" she said right away. "What is it?" Scootalo questioned. Suddenly, Silver Spoon started to talk. She explained that her dad got a German Shepherd puppy name Hunter. It was for the whole family, to help them adjust to moving to Ponyville. "We always wanted a dog in Manehatten, but our apartment didn't allow animals." Silver Spoon told them about how scared she'd been about leaving all her friends and how she wasn't sure if she'd ever find new ones. "Diamond Tiara and her gang were better than no friends." Silver explained, sounding apologetic. Apple Bloom leaned forward. "Do ya still think Diamond Tiara is a friend?" she asked. Silver Spoon looked down at Oak. "She's not a friend. I don't know what I saw in her in the first place. I really made a mess of things, haven't I?" Zecora nodded. "You certainly have. But I forgive you lad." Silver Spoon beamed. Apple Bloom felt Pumpkin's claws digging into her legs. He'd woken up again. The filly smiled and then scooped up the little kitten and kissed him on the forehead. "Ya did ah good job out there. Ah am sure that your meow was the best ah have ever heard." Silver Spoon's eyes widened. "I thought Button Mash said that you guys used sound effects!" she exclaimed. "We also used Pumpkin and Oak." Scootalo informed. Grinning as Pumpkin began to sharpen his claws on Apple Bloom's fake cat tail. "He's really cute." Silver Spoon said, tickling Pumpkin's head. "Ah don't suppose ya want him?" Apple Bloom asked hopefully. Silver shook her head sadly. "Sorry. But Hunter doesn't like cats." The country filly sighed. "Guess your gonna go ta Fluttershy's." Scootalo smiled sadly at her friend. "At least you tried." Suddenly, Brock waddled over by Sweetie Bell. Pumpkin took notice of the badger, jumped out of Apple Bloom's lap, and walked towards Brock. The badger growled. He was use to tolerating Oak, however Pumpkin just flat out annoyed him. So Brock lashed out at the kitten. Pumpkin jumped out of the way landed in Zecora' arms. "Brock!" Zecora scolded. The badger cowered to the ground. Suddenly, Apple Bloom noticed two things. First, there was a kind of rightness to see the kitten in Zecora's arms, tonight of all nights. And second, with how much energy Pumpkin and Oak share, they were also meant to be. "Zecora?" Apple Bloom said hesitantly. "Ah know ya don't like cats and everything, but Pumpkin's got Burmese in him so he acts a lot like a dog, and..." She shook her head at the words she was about to say. "What ah am trying ta say is, well, Pumpkin really likes ya, and ah think ya will be just perfect together." Zecora took a long, hard look at the jet black kitten in her arms. Pumpkin wriggled, put out his tiny pink tongue, and started to lick the zebra's hoof. Zecora laughed for the first time Apple Bloom had met her. Then she nodded slowly. "I think perhaps you were right about this kitten Apple Bloom. I'll keep him in my home. Were he can play with Oak, Brock, and be able to roam." Apple Bloom jumped up and hugged Zecora tightly. "Thank You!" the filly shouted happily. "Hay, look at the time!" Scootalo exclaimed suddenly. "It's five to eight! We need to go trick-or-treating now!" The fillies jumped out of their chairs. "See ya Zecora!" they hollered. The zebra smiled as the group of fillies galloped out the door and into the cold night. TwelveRainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Discord sat on the curb gloomy. "I still can't believe the mayor shut us down! That was the best haunted house I..I mean we've ever made!" Rainbow exclaimed. "She said that it was too scary." Pinkie sighed. "Now what do we do?" Discord asked. Suddenly, they heard hoofsteps and looked up to see Scootalo, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell, Button Mash, and Silver Spoon walked their way. Each dragging a sack full of candy. "Is that Silver Spoon?" the pegasus questioned. "It is!" Discord exclaimed "Why is she with them?" Pinkie said. Once the fillies arrived, Rainbow gave Scootalo a friendly noogie and raised an eyebrow at the silver filly. "Don't worry. She's cool." Scootalo informed. Apple Bloom nodded. Handing a very eager Pinkie Pie some candy. "So, why are you all outside?" Sweetie Bell questioned. "That mayor shut us down, because she said that our haunted house was too scary." Discord said flatly. Button Mash popped a caramel into his mouth. "That sucks." he replied. Silver Spoon nodded. Suddenly an idea popped into her mind. "What if we brought the haunted house to her?" she said. The ponies looked at her in confusion. "How the hay are we gonna do that?" Rainbow asked. "Remember what you did last year with Luna?" Silver replied. A smile formed on the three pranksters faces. "I'll get my sound effect." Button Mash volunteered. "And I'll get Twilight." Pinkie Pie replied. Author's Note Hope you enjoyed! This is a parody of the book, Kitten in the Candy Corn by Ben M. Baglio. Check him out!
One One "Do ya like it?" Apple Bloom asked. She held up a drawing of a jet black cat with green eyes who was sitting on a pumpkin. "I made it just for you." Applejack looked up from her bowl of Wheat Brand. She squinted as the morning sun blazed in her eyes. "That's really good. Maybe you'll get your cutie mark in drawing." Applejack replied. "Ya think so?" Apple Jack nodded. It was Monday morning. Which meant one week until Nightmare Night. It also meant big bucks for selling apples. A.J could already see Filthy Rich paying handsomely. After all, he threw one of the best, thanks to Pinkie Pie, Nightmare Parties in town. So he'll need a lot of apples for apple bobbing and caramel apples. "Do ya know what you're gonna be?" she questioned her little sister. "I'm gonna be Catmare!" Apple Bloom chimed. "Catmare?" Granny Smith walked into the kitchen and poured herself some warm apple cider. "Who in the hay is that?" "She's a villain in Batcolt." Applejack explained. Granny Smith walked over to her granddaughters and sighed. "In my days we didn't have superheroes and villains named after animals." "Really? Then what were their names?" Apple Bloom asked. "Ironstallion, Ghost Killers, and Captain Zoo just to name a few." Smith answered. "Cool!" The filly reached for a pear from the fruit basket on the table. "I can't wait for Friday! Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and I have all ready figured out the rout we're gonna go on." Then she turned to her sister and put on her best puppy face. "Can we bring Winona with us?" Apple Bloom pleaded. The brown and white collie jumped up out of her blue dog bed and started to wag her tail when she heard her name. Applejack sighed, "Apple Bloom, ya can't take Winona." "Why not?" "Because with her canine abilities, it'll give her a really big advantage in the apple bobbing." Granny Smith explained. The thought of Winona with her head in a wooden box, chasing apples made Apple Bloom grin. However, A.J only shook her head. Granny Smith looked at the kitchen clock and smiled, "Come on ya two. It's time to buck some apples." the elderly pony said. "But Pinkie Pie said that Scootaloo and I can help her brainstorm for party games." Apple Bloom explained. "What about Sweetie Belle?" Apple Jack asked. "She's helping Rarity with our costumes." Granny Smith patted Apple Bloom's head, "I guess ya could go." The filly smiled and then hopped down from the chair, "See ya." she called out. Then Apple Bloom galloped out the door and headed off to Sugar Cube Corner. "Identifying slimy things in jars." Scootaloo said. Suddenly, Apple Bloom opened the front door panting, "Sorry I'm late." she breathed. "Don't worry." Pinkie Pie said. Then she patted a chair and the country filly jumped up onto it. "What do we have so far?" Apple Bloom asked. Pinkie Pie looked at her list, "Just apple bobbing and identifying slimy things in jars." "Okay then. How about we git jelly beans out of powder sugar using only our teeth." The red maned filly replied. As Pinkie scribbled on the piece of paper, Scootaloo reached for the plate of sugar cookies on the table. They were shaped like pumpkins and frosted with orange butter cream. "Pin the tail on the headless horse?" Pinkie Pie questioned. Scootalo shook her head. Even though the camping trip was one year ago, the headless horse still gave the filly creeps. "What about doughnuts on strings then." The pink mare suggested. The two fillies nodded their heads. Then, there was a soft knock at the door. "I bet that's Fluttershy." Pinkie Pie said excitedly. She slipped out of her chair then hopped towards the door. Once she opened it, Pinkie was greeted by a masked pony with a chainsaw. "Hi Dashie." Pinkie Pie chimed. The pony took off her mask and scowled. "How in the hay did ya know it was me?" she demanded. "Because I saw you buying the same hokey mask at the Nightmare Night store." Rainbow Dash entered the bakery and then put the fake chainsaw and hockey mask on the floor. "Rainbow Dash!" Scootalo shouted. The filly jumped off the chair and galloped towards the blue pegasus. Giving her a hug. "Nice ta see you too kid." Rainbow smiled. "What are ya doing here?" Apple Bloom questioned. Her mouth full of sugar cookie. "Pinkie Pie and I are going to put together a haunted house." She answered. Then she picked up Scootalo and placed her on her shoulder, "What are you kids doing here?" the pegasus asked. "Pinkie Pie is letting us help her brainstorm activities for the party." Apple Bloom replied. Rainbow Dash flew carefully over to the table and started to read the paper. "Hanging doughnuts and cookies? That's my favorite!" Rainbow explained. Scootalo hopped down her idol's shoulder and then climbed back onto the wooden chair. "It's my favorite too." she said. Rainbow Dash smiled down at the orange filly. Suddenly, the oven timer began to buzz. "Oh! My cupcakes!" Then Pinkie Pie galloped to the oven, turned off the timer, and then opened the oven door. She was quickly greeted with hot steam as she pulled out the tray of blue colored cupcakes. "Blue?" Apple Bloom asked. Pinkie set the tray on the kitchen counter and closed the oven door. "For the main event, I'm going to pretend to be a psychotic killer who kills Rainbow Dash and then I'm going to turn her into cupcakes." "That sound gruesome." Scootalo gulped. Rainbow Dash gave the filly a playful noogie, which calmed the orange pegasus. "So do ya know which houses your going to trick-or-treat at?" The blue pegasus asked. She took a seat next to Scootalo. Apple Bloom and Pinkie Pie were sitting diagonal from her. "We're going to risk going to Diamond Tiara's and Silver Spoon's houses since they give out full sized candy bars." Apple Bloom replied. "We're going to skip Colgate's house since she just gives out floss." Scootalo informed. "And we're going to go to Twilight's last because we still need to return some books." The orange filly said. "The first house we're going to go to is Ditzy's because she gives out double chocolate muffins." Apple Bloom finished. Pinkie Pie put her hooves on her stomach. "Ugh. Now you're making me hungry." she moaned. Rainbow and Scootalo laughed while Apple Bloom shook her head smiling. The two fillies waved goodbye to Rainbow and Pinkie before heading outside. "Let's check on Sweetie Bell." suggested Scootalo. Apple Bloom nodded her head and then the fillies headed towards Carousal Boutique. "Sweetie Bell stop moving." Rarity commanded. When the two fillies entered the boutique, Rarity looked over her shoulder and motioned them to come over to her. When they did, she handed them each two rolls of fabric. "I'm so glad you've come." she smiled. "Can I go now?" Sweetie Bell whined. She's been in the same standing position for one hour. Rarity sighed and then levitated the dress off of her sister. "So where's our costumes?" Scootalo questioned. "Over here." the unicorn filly lead her friends over to three mannequins. "There...so...AWESOME!" Scootalo shouted. "Can we try them on?" Apple Bloom asked. Sweetie Bell looked at her sister who nodded her head. They then took their dresses and proceeded to put them on, Rarity helping with some minor pieces. "I'm Catmare!" shouted Apple Bloom. She was dressed in black silk that covered her body. Her face was concealed by a plastic cat mask with realistic looking whiskers. A feathered tail was attached to her bottom. "Watch out soul eaters!" Sweetie Belle shouted. She was dressed in a simple brown and black robe with a snowy owl pin attached to it. The filly had black rimmed glasses with a drawn on lightning bolt on her forehead. "What are ya suppose to be again?" Apple Bloom asked. "I'm Henry Poker." Sweetie answered. "And I'm the most awesomeness mare in Equestria!" Scootalo jumped out of the red curtains. She was painted in blue and had a rainbow wig and tail. Rarity put a fake tattoo of a cloud with a rainbow colored lightning bolt and even put violet contacts in the filly's eyes. "Wow! If ya were one foot taller, ya could be Rainbow's twin." Bloom complimented. Rarity walked out of the curtains wearing a silver crown, crystal slippers, and a light blue dress. The three fillies stared at her blankly. "I'm a princess." Rarity sighed. "Aren't you a little old to dress up as a princess?" Sweetie Bell questioned. "You are never to old to be a princess Sweetie. Now why don't you get out of those costumes and do your cutie mark crusading."
TwoThe sun was shinning down as Apple Bloom, Scootalo, and Sweetie Bell walked into the bustling town. It wasn't long before they were strolling down a narrow street were poorer ponies lived. Sweetie Bell popped a baby carrot into her mouth, Scootalo carried some skipping stones, and Apple Bloom was holding her bow as a strong gust of wind blew their way. As they arrived at a three crossroads, a cold breeze pulled at Apple Bloom's bow. Making it air born. "No!" the filly tried to grab the bow. However, it was too high up. "Don't you have another one?" Sweetie Bell asked. Apple Bloom nodded her head and then the three fillies took the right street. "See ya tomorrow?" the country filly asked. They were at Scootalo's house. It was a two story house painted teal. "You can count on it." Scoots replied. The the two fillies waved goodbye and started to head towards Sugar Cube Corner to see how the haunted house was coming along. "Pinkie Pie, the fake bodies need to look more realistic. And Discord, stop making it rain chocolate milk! You're suppose to make scary clown masks appear." Rainbow Dash shouted. Discord rolled his eyes but made the chocolate rain disappear. And Pinkie Pie pulled out a paintbrush and started to paint the dummies into real life looking carcasses. Suddenly, the door opened and the two fillies let out a scream. "Too scary?" Rainbow questioned. "Maybe we went a little over board." Pinkie Pie said sheepishly. Discord beamed and then snapped his fingers. Turning the room into an ocean. While he and the two fillies were on a paper boat, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were swimming in the salty water. "DISCORD!" Rainbow shouted. "What, Pinkie Pie said that you went overboard." he replied. "I didn't mean it litter...hay this water tastes like salt water taffy!" Pie Pie yelled with delight. The pegasus rolled her eyes as the pink mare started to drink the water. Out of curiosity, Apple Bloom took a sip of the water and beamed. "She's right!" Then the two fillies started to drink the water from the safety of the paper boat. "Your kidding me." Rainbow Dash muttered. Discord smiled a toothy grin. "Relax. Nightmare Night isn't for what? Two weeks?" The pegasus flew into the air and shook the water from her body. "Exactly. Which means we only have fourteen days to get Sugar Cube Corner transformed into the best haunted house Ponyville has ever seen." Rainbow Dash explained. "Why don't I just snap my fingers and transform this place into the ideal haunted house?" Discord questioned. "Because you'll put some kind of twist in the process." Rainbow pointed out. Discord put his paw on his chest. "What ever do you mean Dashi?" "Hay! Only I get to call her that!" Pinkie Pie shouted. Rainbow sighed. "You know what I mean Discord." He rolled his eyes but snapped his fingers. Instantly the water and paper boat vanished. "Awe." Pinkie Pie moaned. After saying goodbye to Discord, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie, the two fillies headed to Carousal Boutique. The sun was starting to set. Blazing the blue sky to a fiery red orange. "I can't wait until Nightmare Night." Sweetie Bell sang. Apple Bloom nodded her head in agreement. Soon, the two fillies arrived at the boutique. "See you tomorrow." Sweetie Bell said. "See ya." Apple Bloom replied. Once she waved goodbye to her friend, the country filly headed back home.
ThreeApple Jack took a swig of cider as the three fillies had a drawing competition in the kitchen. "Look at my picture of a cat face." Scootalo said proudly. Apple Jack set her mug on the willow table and looked at the filly's drawing. "Do you like it?" Scoots asked. Apple Jack bit her lip. For the cat's face was the shape of a football, the whiskers looked like floppy noodles, and the eyes were blood red. Not to mention the filly scribbled all over the place with a black and grey crayon. "Um...It's better then your last attempt." AJ replied. Scootalo smiled. "I'll make you an extra copy." Suddenly, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it." Sweetie Bell chimed. The unicorn jumped from her chair and galloped to the door. When she opened it, a brown colt with a propeller hat was shifting uncomfortably when he met Sweetie Bell's eyes. "Button Mash?" The unicorn filly asked. "Yeah. My um..mom got some candy from her sister who lives in Saddle Arabia. She um...wanted me to uh...ask if you and your friends want to try some." Button Mash explained. Sweetie Bell looked over at her friends who looked at her eagerly. "Sure. Well go." The unicorn answered. "Just make sure yall come back before sun down." Apple Jack informed. Apple Bloom waved at her sister lazily and walked with her friends to Button Mash's house. Button Mash's mom was waiting impatiently at the door of Seeds and Hay, her restaurant, when the four fillies walked towards her. "Took you long enough." she teased. "Sorry mom. I forgot that the farmer's market was today." Button Mash replied. "Well, you're here now. So come on in." They followed the mare around the back of the restaurant and into the kitchen, where Derpy Hooves was making a large batch of blueberry muffins for breakfast. The smell of the freshly baked muffins made Scootalo's stomach rumble. "Here to try some candy corn?" Derpy asked. "The candy of what?" Apple Bloom questioned. "Candy corn." Button Mash's mom smiled. "That's what this Saddle Arabian candy is called." "Were is it?" Button Mash asked. "The box is over on the table. Help yourself." The cream colored mare replied. Sweetie Bell walked over to the box and peered inside. "They look like little teeth!" she said excitedly. "It's expose to look like kernels of corn." Button Mash's mother explained. "Don't they look perfect for Nightmare Night?" Derpy said. The candy corn were stripped purple, orange, and black. Apple Bloom took a piece and ate it. The sweet, fudgy taste was heavenly. The filly closed her eyes. Savoring the taste. "If ya give them out to trick-or-treaters, this place will be really popular." Apple Bloom informed. "Do ya wan to take some with you?" The cream colored mare offered. "Thanks." Sweetie Bell said. popping some of the candy into her mouth. "Are ya sure ya'll could spare them?" Apple Bloom asked. "Take as many as you like." The mare replied. Patting her son on the head. "Do you want to see my new pet rabbit? She's in her run." Button Mash offered. The three fillies eagerly followed the colt into the small yard were a large run with wire mesh stretched over a wooden frame. Weeds and lettuce leaves laid at one end, while a bowl of water was at the other. A brown and white spotted bunny was munching on a leaf and enjoying the crisp October air. Button Mash smiled as he lifted up the top and scooped the bunny into his arms. "What's her name?" Sweetie Bell asked. "Chocolate." The colt answered. They played with Chocolate, tickling her tummy and petting her while they talked about the haunted house and Diamond Tiara's Nightmare Night party. When a zebra shaped shadow fell across the freshly cut grass. Apple Bloom looked up to see Zecora strolling by. A basket on the top of her head and a carrot sticking out of her mouth. "Wounder what's in the basket." Scootalo said. Shading her eyes and watching the back of the Zecora's cape flapping in the wind like the wings of a bluejay. "It's probably ingredients for her potions." Scootalo explained. "P..potions." Button Mash stuttered. The three fillies told him about Zecora while Button Mash put Chocolate back into her run. "And all of you think she's a witch?" Button Mash asked with interest. "Scootalo thinks she's a witch." Sweetie Bell corrected, nudging the orange filly. "Ah just think she knows a lot about herbs and medicine." Apple Bloom explained. "I bet she is a witch." Scootalo made her voice sound deep and spooky. "I bet she casts spells that make you go-" "AAAAHHHH" A piercing scream echoed around the yard. The fillies all jumped out of their coats. "That was Derpy!" Button Mash said. He turned and ran back inside, with Sweetie Bell, Apple Bloom, and Scootalo close behind. In the kitchen, the grey mare looked like she just saw a ghost. Her face was white, and she was leaning against the kitchen table with one hoof on her chest. "I've just had the scare of my life." she declared when the four fillies rushed in. "Look at the candy corn! I swear it's moving!" Apple Bloom peered inside the box. Derpy was right. The candy was rustling and shivering as if it were alive. Then, like a small volcanic eruption, two black ears and a furry black head rose out of the purple and orange candy. A pair of wide yellow eyes blinked at the surprised ponies. Apple Bloom was so shocked she could barely speak. There was a kitten in the candy corn!
FourThe kitten tipped crocked its head to one side and looked at its openmouthed audience. Several pieces of candy corn slid off its head and landed on the table with a plop. "What in Equestria is a kitten doing in a box of candy?" Derpy said at last. The kitten shook its head and yawned, showing a pale pink mouth and a set of tiny sharp teeth. "It's adorable." Apple Bloom whispered. "Do you think that maybe it came all the way from Saddle Arabia?" Scootalo asked. "The box was taped shut when it arrived. A kitten would never be able to survive a wagon ride sealed in a box like that." Button Mash explained. "Maybe it came through the kitchen window." Sweetie Bell replied. She pointed to a window that was opened a little to let in some fresh air. "But the window's only opened about two inches! I know cats can squeeze through small spaces, but that's just crazy!" Scootalo said. "Not as crazy as coming by mail." Apple Bloom informed. She walked slowly towards the box of candy corn without taking her eyes off the kitten. The little cat looked at her as she approached, but didn't try to scamper away or burrow back into the candy corn. Apple Bloom reached carefully into the box and stroked the kitten's head. The jet black fur was warm and was soft as feathers. The kitten closed it's yellow eyes and let out a small purr. Smiling, Apple Bloom dug her other hoof into the candy corn and gently lifted the kitten out. "Awe." Derpy whispered, coming closer to admire the little ball of fur that sat cradled against Apple Bloom's chest. "Is it a male or female?" Button Mash asked. Sweetie Bell looked at the kitten's stomach. "It's a boy." she said. Then Apple Bloom examined the kitten. Feeling for injuries the way Fluttershy taught her. There was a long scratch on it's back, which probably was the result from squeezing through the window, and the kitten was also a little thin. Otherwise he seemed fine. Apple Bloom guessed that the kitten was five weeks old. The same age when Apple Jack found Winona. "So where do ya think he came from?" Scootalo questioned. The kitten wiggled and then gave the loudest meow Apple Bloom has ever heard. Long and loud. It sounded like it should be coming from a creature three times it's size. "Yikes." said Sweetie Bell, taking two steps back. "That's spooky." The hairs rose on the back of Apple Bloom's neck as the kitten was about to meow once again. "It's alright pussycat. You're safe with us." Button Mash whispered. "What in the hay is going on here!" Button Mash's mother asked as she came into the kitchen. "First a scream, then a wail. Are there ghosts in here?" Apple Bloom held out the kitten. "He was in the candy corn. Isn't he adorable?" "He's certainly a handsome fellow." The cream colored mare said. "But what was this kitten doing in the candy corn?" Apple Bloom felt the kitten tense. Before she could stop him, the kitten sprang out of her hooves and dug his tiny claws into Mrs. Button's leg. Quick as light, the kitten climbed up the mare's leg, hopped across her shoulder, and came to a stop on top of her head. "What the?" Mrs. Button stuttered. The kitten clung onto the mane, ears pricked and mouth open as if he was laughing. "I'll get him." Sweetie Bell laughed. She was about to use her magic to levitate the kitten off, however Button Mash stopped her. "Mom, take him into the restaurant like that." the colt begged. "See if anypony notices." Mrs. Button smiled, turned around, and walked out of the kitchen. The kitten remained perfectly on her head. Crouched and steady. "Hay, does my hat belong to anypony?" The fillies and Derpy heard laughter and Apple Bloom peered through the door to see what was going on. It was breakfast time, so the restaurant was full. Mrs. Button stood with the kitten resting on her mane. Filthy Rich was sitting at a table with a glass of orange juice in front of him and a huge grin on his face. "Suits ya Lilly." Filthy Rich teased. "It's the fashion these days Rich." Carrot Top joked. The cream colored mare looked upward. "You don't recognize this kitten?" "It's not yours?" Rich said with surprise. "Nope. He just showed up in the kitchen. Does anypony recognize him?" Apple Bloom saw ponies shaking their heads. No pony seemed to know where the tiny black kitten came from. Suddenly, the kitten got bored. He took a flying leap from the top of Mrs. Button's head and landed on a table, where he raced up and down and batted at some coasters. His tiny front paws shot out from beneath him and he slid in a small puddle of water. With a look of surprise on the kitten's face, he tried and failed to grip the table, slid gracefully along the wood, off the edge, and plopped into Filthy Rich's lap. "Well!" Rich held the tiny black kitten up close to his face. "You are a feisty one, aren't ya." The kitten meowed quietly and began to lick the stallion's hoof. Button Mash's mother lifted the kitten out of Rich's hooves and brought him back into the kitchen. "Sorry that didn't help." the mare said sympathetically. Apple Bloom took the kitten and she placed the kitten onto her back. "Looks like we'll have to take him to Fluttershy's house. Sweetie Bell explained. The kitten stretched and then curled up into a ball of fur. "Can I hold him now Apple Bloom?" Scootalo begged. The CMC were taking a bumpy road to Fluttershy's cottage. "Sure. But ya have ta walk very carefully." Apple Bloom informed. Scootalo nodded and then carefully picked up the kitten and placed him on top of her head. "What should we name him?" Sweetie Bell questioned. "How about Candy since he came from candy corn." Apple Bloom answered. "I like Bright Eyes." Scootalo informed. "Lets name him Pumpkin." Sweetie Bell piped up. "Look, we're almost to Fluttershy's. We'll let her pick which name to call him." Apple Bloom explained. "Deal." Sweetie Bell and Scootalo said simultaneously.
FiveThe three friends made their way slowly to Fluttershy's cottage, taking turns carrying the kitten. The black kitten was endlessly entertaining. One minute he'd be sleeping, and the next he'd be playing with the fillies' manes. It was almost as if he had a switch of energy that flickered on and off in an instant. At last they walked into Fluttershy's house and found the yellow mare sweeping the wooden floor. "Guess what we have." Sweetie Bell sang. Fluttershy looked up wary. "If it's one of those timber cubs again.." Scootalo sighed. "It was only that one time." The mare set the broom on the ground and walked towards the fillies. Sweetie Bell levitated the kitten off her back and gave it to Apple Bloom. The country filly held the kitten up for Fluttershy to see. "What a darling! You've got to tell me were you found him." the mare exclaimed. "He popped out of a box of candy." Sweetie Bell informed. Fluttershy shook her head. "I won't ask." she said with a grin. "So whose is he?" "We don't know." Apple Bloom confessed. Then the CMC quickly explained what happened at the Seeds and Hay. "I'll make flyers and put them around town." Fluttershy explained. "Can ya take care of him tonight? Ah would but Winona hates cats." "And Opalescence hates to share attention." " Also, my dad is allergic to cats." Fluttershy picked up the kitten and smiled as it played with her pale pink mane. Then the kitten gave one of his loud meows. "That sounds like Burmese," Fluttershy said with surprise. "The color's definitely wrong, but I bet he has some Burmese ancestry in him." The kitten blinked his big, gemlike eyes and meowed in agreement. "I almost forgot!" Sweetie Bell looked at her friends then at Fluttershy. "Which name do you like better? Candy, Pumpkin, or Bright Eyes." Fluttershy thought for a moment. "I um..like Pumpkin." "YES!!!" The three ponies looked at the unicorn. Suddenly, the kitten yowled and struggled. "Oh my! Looks like somepony wants some food." Fluttershy replied. "I'll get the cat food." Scootalo volunteered. The mare shook her head. "He's still very young. So Pumpkin just needs milk for now. If he's still hungry then I'll judge whether or not Pumpkin can have a little bit of solid food." Fluttershy put the kitten on the floor, where he immediately started to chase his own tail. When Apple Bloom set a bowl of warm milk down beside him, Pumpkin stopped what he was doing and began to lap at it. Milky droplets trembled on his stringlike whiskers. Then Pumpkin stopped drinking and gave a huge yawn. "Up you go." Fluttershy whispered, picking up the sleepy kitten and setting him down on the sofa. Pumpkin curled up with his nose tucked under his tail. "Thanks for taking care of him." Apple Bloom whispered. Fluttershy smiled at the three fillies then closed the door. Suddenly, she heard a loud crash and looked over her shoulder to see Pumpkin chasing three squirrels. The mare sighed. This was going to be a long day. "Now what should we do?" Sweetie Bell asked. "Lets see how the haunted house if coming along." Scootalo replied. "Okay." Apple Bloom replied.
SixThe three fillies walked into Sugar Cube Corner and gasped in awe and horror. For they were face to face with a dummy hanging by a rope. "I never knew Pinkie Pie was such a great painter." Apple Bloom replied. Suddenly, Pinkie jumped from behind the counter and beamed. "Isn't this place amazing! And we're not even done yet!" she exclaimed. "Th..there's more?" Scootalo gulped. Pinkie Pie nodded her head. "I'll show you to the kitchen. Discord and Dashi turned it into the perfect torturing room for were I'm going to turn Dashi into cupcakes." So the three fillies hesitantly followed the chirpy mare into the kitchen. There was a silver table with ropes embedded into it to strap Rainbow Down, a set of realistic looking knives, and a jug of fake blood of in the corner. "Wow." Apple Bloom breathed. Scootalo let out a yelp as Rainbow Dash picked her up into the air. "Awesome isn't it." The light blue pegasus exclaimed. Discord popped in with a bag of popcorn. "It is going to be quite fun watching fillies scream in terror as psychotic Pinkie Pie kills Rainbow Dash." he said. Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow, "Psychotic?" Pinkie Pie held out a white apron with fake blood splattered on it. "Rarity made it out of a really soft fabric." Sweetie Bell felt the apron and smiled. "It is really soft." Suddenly, Apple Jack galloped into the room. Her face red with anger. "Ah told ya not ta take that long!" the country mare shouted. Apple Bloom cowered. "Sorry sis." she muttered. "It's not our fault!" Sweetie Bell shouted. "Yeah! We found a kitten in the candy corn and took it to Fluttershy's. Then we decided to see how the haunted house was coming along." Scootalo explained. Apple Jack's face started to turn back into it's natural orange. However, the mare still glared at the three fillies. "Besides, it's only been what? One..Two hours." Scootalo replied. "Ya still need to give out the invitations." Apple Jack pointed out. The fillies gulped. "Th..the invitations?" Sweetie Bell said. The country mare hoofed a basket full of orange envelopes to Apple Bloom. "Ya better git going." AJ replied. The CMC nodded their heads and galloped out of the bakery. Apple Bloom held onto the basket tightly as gusts of wind threatened to capture the invitations. "How come we have to had out the invitations? We're not even invited to Diamond Tiara's party!" Sweetie Bell complained. "Maybe we can keep one of the invitations and forge three of our own." Scootalo suggested. "Mmmhm." Apple Bloom replied. Suddenly a huge gust of wind blew against the three fillies. Making them shiver. "I hate days like this. Do you think it'll take long to pass out the envelopes?" Scootalo asked. "I hope not." Sweetie Bell replied, taking out one of the orange envelopes and smoothing out the wrinkles. "I don't want to be in this weather for long either." Soon the fillies came to the post office and went inside. Mr. Firefox, owner of the store, was nowhere to be seen. Apple Bloom dropped the basket. "Hello! Is anypony here!" the filly hollered. Mrs. Firefox appeared at the back of the shop. She was uncharacteristically solemn. "You'll find Richard outside. However, he's not in the best of moods today." "Why is he in a bad mood?" Sweetie Bell asked. Mrs. Firefox pursed her orange lips. "Vandals. They paid us a visit last night. Spray painted all kinds of rubbish on the walls. Now my poor husband is having to clean it up while I run the store." the earth pony explained. Apple Bloom thought back one month ago when she had a conversation with Mrs. Button and Dr. Hooves. Mrs. Button's said that two of her windows got broken with bricks. Then Dr. Hooves explained that his house got spray painted a horrible purple. Apple Bloom had a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach, imagining how she'd feel if somepony did this at Sweet Apple Acres. The post office door chimed and Mr. Firefox came in, looking tired and annoyed. He was holding a bucket of soapy water and a scrub brush. His bright red wings were wet and dirty. "Please put the kettle on dear." he said wearily to his wife. "I need a strong cup of tea." He then noticed the three fillies. "What do you three want?" Mr. Firefox sighed. "We're very sorry about the graffiti Mr. Firefox." the fillies said. The red pegasus grunted. "So am I. I don't suppose you three know anything about it?" Apple Bloom shook her head, hoping that her expression wasn't giving anything away. Was it really possibly that Silver Spoon had something to do with this? After she got Biscuit, a golden retriever puppy, Silver became really nice. She even threw away her spray cans right in front of Apple Bloom. "Anyway, what do ya rascals want?" Mr. Firefox asked. Scootalo held out the orange envelope. "Your son, Firefly Jr., is invited to Diamond Tiara's Nightmare Night party." the pegasus explained. "Also, if ya want, you can adopt a kitten named Pumpkin! He's really nice and sweet and energetic!" Apple Bloom cut in. Mr. Firefox sighed. "I'll think about it. However promise me this, if you see any brutes hanging around, give them a piece of my mind." "Poor Mr. and Mrs. Firefox." Sweetie Bell said as the three fillies walked towards Seeds and Hay to give Button Mash his invitation. "Yeah. And the only suspect is Silver Spoon." Scootalo muttered. Soon the fillies came to the restaurant and saw Button Mash pacing outside. When he saw the CMC, he galloped towards them. "Finally yall came here. Dad made posters of the cat and placed two around the restaurant. There's a lot more so I thought that we could place them around town." Button Mash explained. "That's great! The sun's almost about to set so let's get going!" Scootalo explained. After the fillies delivered the last of the invitations, except for one, they started to hand out posters. Suddenly, Apple Bloom stopped walking. In the park, she could see a group of four fillies hanging around the pond. "Uh-oh." Button Mash whispered, stopping besides her. Scootalo stepped forward to get a better look at the fillies while her three friends cowered behind her. It was hard to tell in the dull evening, but one of them looked like he was wearing a necklace of pearls. "I think one of them is Silver Spoon." Scootalo whispered, her heart sinking. Button Mash tucked his chin into the collar of his coat. "She was doing so well." he sighed. "Come on, let's go another way." replied Sweetie Bell. There was a splash, followed by a shout. One of the fillies had thrown an empty soda can into the water. The geese in the middle of the pond squawked in alarm. Flapping their wings and taking cover on the far side. "That's it." Apple Bloom breathed. She was about to yell at the fillies. However, Sweetie Bell tugged on the country filly's red mane. "Don't! I have to see Silver Spoon next week, and I don't want any trouble." the unicorn whispered. "They aren't worth bothering with Apple Bloom." Scootalo said. The country filly reluctantly followed her friends, looking over her shoulder to see Silver talking and laughing with the other fillies. Kicking another can into the pond. The fillies walked on until they reached the Everfree Forest at the edge of town. "One more invitation to go. Who's it addressed to?" Button Mash asked. Sweetie Bell levitated the envelope and looked at the address written on it. "Fluttershy." she said. "Great! We can take the shortcut through the forest." Apple Bloom chirped. Button Mash looked slightly pale. "Do we have to?" "What are you worried about? It's migration season for the monsters and the Uras are hibernating." Apple Bloom explained. "I...I'm n..not worried." Buttons replied. Button Mash kept close to Sweetie Bell as the group of fillies picked their way along the narrow path under the twisted trees. Dark branches loomed over their heads. Cutting off what light the moon offered, while shadows danced around them. "Zecora lives in these woods somewhere." Scootalo gulped. Button Mash stopped dead. "I wish you hadn't reminded me of that." he said nervously. Sweetie Bell's eyes gleamed in the pockets of light. "Where's her house?" Apple Bloom shrugged. "Ah don't know." "She could be watching us know. Dusk is the perfect time for witches." Scootalo whispered. "Don't talk like that." Sweetie Bell ordered. Button Mash gulped and pressed himself closer to the unicorn. "It's better to be prepared. Zecora could be flying around on her broom stick so she can follow her victims through the woods!" Scootalo exclaimed. "Don't be silly." Apple Bloomed stiffed a laugh. Even she was starting to feel scared. "Fluttershy's house is only five minutes away." They continued walking in silence. The darkness pressed down on them like a thick blanket. Twigs snapped loudly under their hooves. Apple Bloom was beginning to wish that Scootalo start talking again. Suddenly an owl hooted somewhere above them. WHO-HOO Button Mash yelped in terror and bolted off the path. Making Sweetie Bell fall over onto the wet carpet of leaves that littered the forest floor. Apple Bloom galloped to where the white filly was lying. "You ok?" she asked urgently. Sweetie Bell blinked behind the tears. "My..ankle." she replied. Button Mash came slinking back. His head low and his ears drooped. "Sorry." he apologized. "It's okay." the unicorn replied. Then Sweetie Bell heaved herself onto her elbows and tried to get up. But she fell back again with another grunt of pain. "Can ya walk?" Apple Bloom asked, concerned. Sweetie shook her head. "Nope." Scootalo looked around. The Everfree was now looking really creepy, and she began to feel frightened. Sweetie Bell can't teleport and the unicorn was too heavy to carry. Swish. Swish. Swish. Button Mash turned around. "What was that?" "Just leaves." Apple Bloom replied. An icy feeling creeping up her neck. "You mean, somepony walking through leaves." Scootalo whispered. Her eye round and fearful. Swish. Swish. The sound was getting louder. Somepony was coming. Apple Bloom felt a moment of terror as she stared into the trees. It was all she could do not to scream out loud when a tall, striped figure stepped onto the path. "Dear, dear. Whatever happened here?"
SevenApple Bloom felt faint with relief. "Zecora! We were just talking about you!" Zecora's face was unreadable in the darkness. She swept her black cape out of the way and knelt down besides Sweetie Bell. "What happened to you filly?" she asked. Sweetie Bell smiled nervously. "I hurt my ankle." she pointed to her right hoof. Zecora felt Sweetie's anklebone with a firm but gentle hoof. "No broken bones. But don't you think it's quiet silly to walk in this darkness fillies?" She suddenly noticed Scootalo and Button Mash hanging back in the shadows. "Who are you?" the zebra inquired. Apple Bloom made the introductions as the two fillies stared hard at the ground. "Please to meet you." she said, smiling unexpectedly. "You four look frozen half to death. I'll make a hay stew at my house. Don't worry, I won't turn you into a mouse." Zecora lifted Sweetie Bell up as is she was a feather, turned her back, and vanished. "Where did she go?" Scootalo asked. Apple Bloom grabbed her friends and galloped in what she hoped was the right direction. "Zecora? Where are you?" she hollered. There was a glimmer of black and white stripes as Zecora turned around. With her back to Scootalo, Apple Bloom, and Button Mash, her long black cape had been the perfect camouflage in the dark forest. "My house is right up here. Listen to your ears." the zebra explained. Apple Bloom heard a faint howl. When she squinted her eyes, she could see a timber cub howling a welcome by a tree decorated by masks. "I really thought Zecora had vanished just then." Scootalo panted and appeared beside Apple Bloom. "Serves ya right for tellen scary stories." the earth pony scolded, but the grin on her face showed that she didn't mean it. They waded on through the damp leaves, following an invisible path between the trees until they reached a clearing. In the middle of the clearing sat a large old willow tree with masks hammered into the bark. The timber cub came running up and jumped onto Button Mash's back. Making him scream. "Oak! You could've given Button's a stroke!" Zecora scolded. Oak whined and jumped off the bug eyed filly. Zecora opened the door and motioned the fillies inside. The house was one large room lit by dozens of candles and a blazing log fire. Herbs and flowers hung drying from rafters and misshaped bottles containing powders and colorful liquids lined the long shelves. A tray of cookies sat cooling on a small table. Zecora was tending to the fire. Apple Bloom couldn't help thinking that this was the perfect witch's house. There was even a pot big enough to fit a filly hanging on a hook over the fireplace. Button Mash and Scootalo stopped dead on the doorstep and looked wide eyed at the pot. "Don't be shy. For I am not a bad guy." said Zecora. She looked smaller and less scary without her cape. Scootalo and Button Mash walked in hesitantly and sat down next to Sweetie Bell, who was lying on a long, low sofa. They looked uncertainly as Zecora spooned five bowls of stew. The Zebra laughed. "It won't poison you." Then she turned to Apple Bloom who was petting Oak. "Apple Bloom? How about you?" The filly took a bowl of stew and started to eat it. The hay stew was warm and soothing, with an odd taste that Apple Bloom couldn't quite identify. "Delicious. What's in it?" she said. "Spiced nettle. My own recipe." Zecora said proudly. Sweetie Bell levitated a bowl to her and took a sip. Then another. Before long, the stew had disappeared. Zecora straightened up. "Apple Bloom. I need some daisy tomb for your friend's ankle. It's growing under the window. Could you please collect some for this poor widow?" "Sure. But what does daisy tomb look like?" "Sturdy little things with blue beans." Zecora explained. After hunting around, Apple Bloom found the daisy tomb growing in a sheltered corner under the window. She carefully picked a hooful and went back inside. Where the smell of hay stew had been replaced by the smell of boiling cabbage. Apple Bloom couldn't help wrinkle her nose as she gave the plant to Zecora. "Daisy tomb and cabbage." Zecora explained. Noticing Apple Bloom's expression. She stirred the leaves into the pot. "It'll bring down the swelling. Though the smell isn't very compelling. When the mixture was ready, Zecora ladled the steaming daisy tomb and cabbage onto a clean sturdy cloth and placed it gently on Sweetie Bell's ankle. "That's amazing," the unicorn said in amazement. "It feels better already." She moved her hoof experimentally and winced. "It won't heal all at once. So stay still and don't be a dunce." Zecora warned. There was a strange shuffling sound in the corner of the room, and Oak gave a playful bark as a furry figure waddled into view. "Ah..badger?" Apple Bloom said. "His name is Brock. He's as active as a rock." Zecora explained. The badger sniffed the air with a funny, nodding motion and batted one claw at Oak. Who was play biting the badger's ears. Button, who never saw a badger before, was speechless with amazement. Apple Bloom smiled as Brock tried to waddle away from the overexcited Oak. "Let me get this straight. You not only have a pet timber wolf, but a badger as well!" Scootalo said. Zecora shook her head. "You are incorrect little filly. Oak is mine, however owning a badger is a little silly." "So Brock doesn't sleep here?" Sweetie Bell asked. "On and off." Zecora replied. She hoofed out some hot chocolate. Apple Bloom took hers gratefully and cupped it between her hooves. The heat spread through her hooves and up her legs. Warming her all over. Zecora settled herself comfortably in a shabby purple armchair besides the fire and looked at her visitors. "So. Had you planned this visit, or did our paths simply cross by chance?" "We were on our way ta git this ta Fluttershy." Apple Bloom informed. The filly pulled out the remaining envelope and poster from the basket, straightened it out, and showed it to Zecora. Who read it thoughtfully. "A kitten? What is it's name, Mitten?" the zebra said. "His name is Pumpkin." Button Mash explained. "Would ya like to adopt him?" Apple Bloom asked hopefully. Zecora shook her head sadly. "My hooves are full taking care of these two. However, I hope that you are not screwed." Apple Bloom nodded her head sadly. Then she looked out a window and gasped. "What's wrong?" Scootalo asked. "It's really late out! Ma sis is ganna kill me!" Apple Bloom replied. "Why don't you get your sister? I'll watch your friends and maybe we can play Twister." Zecora suggested. "OK." said Apple Bloom. "I'll go and git my sis and a wagon to put Sweetie Bell in." Button Mash and Sweetie Bell looked nervous at the prospect of being left behind with Zecora. Scootalo didn't look veryy happy either. Apple Bloom smiled encouragingly at them. "Ah won't be long." she promised. "Before you go, take my cape. It'll keep you warm from this windy..um..shape?" Zecora blushed Apple Bloom was out of the forest within ten minutes, feeling very relived at how easily it was to take the path Zecora showed her. It wasn't long before she was galloping into town. However, when she turned around a corner, the filly almost galloped straight into Silver Spoon. Who was standing by the side of the road. Apple Bloom dug her hoof into the dirt and fell onto the ground. Silver Spoon helped the country filly up. "Are you OK?" she asked, sounding concerned. Silver's friends appeared behind her. "Who's this Silver?" a black and white colt looked Apple Bloom up and down. His dark almond eyes bore into the country filly, "Your marefriend?" Silver Spoon stepped back from Apple Bloom as if she'd been stung. "I know that cape!" exclaimed a stocky orange mare with a book on her flank. "It belongs to that crazy witch!" Apple Bloom glared at her. "Zecora is not a witch." she said. "Zecora's not a witch." a blue unicorn mocked. His friends laughed. Silver Spoon laughed too, but quietly. As if she felt uncomfortable. "You must be a friend of hers if your defending her blank flank." Diamond Tiara sneered. "We don't like the witch." the black and white colt leaned forward and thrust his face aggressively towards Apple Bloom, "She's somepony who should keep her opinions to herself." It sounded like Zecora had told these trouble makers off the day before. Apple Bloom felt glad. "Since we don't like the witch," he continued, "I guess we don't like you too." He grabbed at Apple Bloom's red mane. "Nice hair though." he added slyly. "Git out ov my way!" Apple Bloom snapped. She tried to push back the group of fillies, but they laughed and grabbed at her and the cape. Silver Spoon joined in, but Apple Bloom noticed that she avoided her eyes. Suddenly, two pegasi shined flashlights at the fillies. They shielded their eyes and the ringleader leaned towards the country filly. "We know were that witch lives. Tell her to expect a visit from us soon." Then they all melted into the darkness as Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash landed next to Apple Bloom. Author's Note So far, would this story be considered comedy?
Eight"Fluttershy! Rainbow Dash!" Apple Bloom exclaimed. She'd never been so happy to see anypony in her life. Rainbow put her hooves on her hips. "Where in Equestria have you been Apple Bloom! Apple Jack is worried sick!" she asked. Fluttershy frowned. "And um..who were those fillies?" "I'll tell ya later. But right now we've gotta go ta Zecora's. Sweetie Bell hurt her ankle." She told the pegasi the whole story and they listened attentively. "Zecora's house is incredible! She even has a pet timber cub!" "Oh my." Fluttershy replied. Just then, the yellow mare's backpack gave a familiar yowling meow, and Pumpkin's head popped out. "Pumpkin?" Apple Bloom asked with surprise. Rainbow Dash picked the filly up and Fluttershy took the energetic kitten into her arms. "Looks like that pest finally woke up." Rainbow huffed. "Pumpkin is not a pest. He just has a lot of energy and like to play with hair." Fluttershy informed. Rainbow sighed and the two pegasi took off to the Everfree. With Apple Bloom clinging onto the blue mare's back. Soon they were all inside, eating Zecora's hay stew while Apple Bloom told everypony about the group of fillies in town. "That's awful! Somepony needs ta teach those punks a lesson." Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "The ringleader sounds like Spot." Button Mash said. "The mare you described is his sidekick, Orange Blossom. They always hang around Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara at school, causing trouble." "They recognized your cape Zecora. Did ya speak ta them yesterday?" Apple Bloom asked. "I certainly did. I saw them throwing lids at the ducks. So I told them about what I though about their actions and uh..luck." Zecora replied. "I um..don't like the sound of the threat they made about paying you a visit." Fluttershy said. She stroked Pumpkin who gave a nod in agreement. Zecora gave a dismissive snort. "They don't scare me." Rainbow Dash checked her watch. "We should get going. Apple Jack is sick with worry, Sweetie Bell will need to see a doctor, and Scootalo's dad is almost ready to call in a search team." Suddenly, two bright green eyes and a striped snout appeared around the side of Zecora's armchair. Apple Bloom felt the same thrill of excitement that she'd had two hours earlier when she first saw Brock. I'll never get tired of looking at him, she thought. Fluttershy squealed in delight and raced over to the badger. Knocking Pumpkin to the ground. "Oh my." the mare smiled as Brock nuzzled her chest. Oak jumped off of Zecora's bed and trotted over to Pumpkin. Who hissed and meowed in fear as the timber cub shoved his nose into the kitten's chest. "Hey Fluttershy. We should go now. Before.." Everypony gasped as Pumpkin jumped onto the ceiling and clung onto it with his sharp claws. Zecora shook her head. "This is why I hate cats Apple Bloom." Then the Zebra looked up at Pumpkin who was swatting at Oak. "He'll come down soon." she said flatly. Fluttershy looked up from the badger and gasped in horror at the kitten. Then she flew over to Pumpkin and got him down. "Thanks for letting us stay here Zecora." Apple Bloom said. Zecora nodded her head and smiled. Then she closed the door behind the filly. "Let's go!" Rainbow Dash shouted. Scootalo climbed onto her idol's back while Fluttershy put Pumpkin back into her backpack. Then the yellow mare picked up Sweetie Bell gently and the group of ponies headed into town. "There ya are sport." Scootalo's dad picked her up and nodded at Rainbow Dash. Who smiled and flew back to the group of ponies. "Oh my Sweetie Bell!" Rarity gasped in horror as her muddy sister was carried into the Carousal Boutique. "Set her into the tub Fluttershy." the unicorn ordered. Fluttershy nodded and headed upstairs. "Apple Bloom!" Apple Jack squeezed her sister tightly. "Ah was so worried!" she sobbed. "C..can't breath." Apple Bloom replied. "Sorry." Apple Jack let go of her little sister. Who collapsed onto the ground. Gasping for air. "Thanks Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy." "No problem." the pegasi replied simultaneously. Once they left, Apple Jack glared at her sister. "Ya have some explaining ta do."
NineThe next morning dawned bright and frosty. Perched on a stool in the kitchen, Apple Bloom reached across the table and grabbed a green apple from the fruit bowl. Pumpkin was sleeping peacefully in her lap. Tuckered out after an energetic game of chasing his tail. Looking down at the kitten, Apple Bloom felt her heart ache. he trusted her to find him a new home, and Apple Bloom knew she was letting him down. "Um," The filly turned around to see Fluttershy leaning on a wall. "When Apple Jack wakes up, can you please tell her that I'm glad she let me stay over for the night? If..you want." Apple Bloom nodded. Her mouth full of apple. Suddenly the front door swung open and a very tired Apple Jack walked inside. When she saw her little sister getting another apple, she shook her head. "Apple Bloom, those apple are for Diamond Tiara's Nightmare Night party." the mare reminded. The filly smiled, grabbed three more apples, and took one bite out of each. Apple Jack sighed and then looked at Pumpkin. "Don't worry sis, I'm gonna take him around town today and show him off. Somepony is bound ta take him." Apple Bloom replied. "I could always take Pumpkin." Fluttershy informed. Apple Jack put her hoof around the pegasi's neck. "Sugar Cube, ya already have enough critters as it is." she pointed out. After Fluttershy headed home and the two sisters had breakfast, Apple Bloom put Pumpkin onto her head, put on her coat, and went outside. Scootalo was at the mailbox waiting for her. "Scootalo?" Apple Bloom asked. "Yep. Dad is off to work so I thought that I could come here and see what you're up to." Scootalo explained. They walked happily down the dirt road to Lilly Cottage, where Apple Bloom's grandparents lived. Apple Pie and Sugar Twist were overjoyed to see them. After a cup of warm cider and several of Sugar Twist's homemade peanut butter cookies, Apple Bloom took a deep breath and gently picked up Pumpkin, who was inside Apple Bloom's red mane. The kitten woke up with a shake of his head. "You've brought a kitten!" Apple Pie exclaimed. "Ya see, I'm," Scootalo nudged her in the ribs. "I mean we need ta find Pumpkin a home. So ah thought we'd take him around town and see if anypony wants him." Apple Pie picked up the kitten in his hooves and cradled him there for a moment. He glanced at his granddaughter, understanding in his teal eyes. "And ya hoped that we'd take him?" "Would ya? Pumpkin'll be no trouble. Well, all kittens are a bit of trouble. But it would be worth it, don't ya think? Anyway, I'd love it if Pumpkin went to somepony in the family." The kitten yawned so widely, they were given a full view of his pink, ridged mouth, and little tongue. Sugar Twist laughed and looked at her husband. "He is very sweet Pie." she said. "Do ya think that maybe we could?" Apple Pie put Pumpkin down on the red sofa, where the kitten immediately attacked a tassel on a pillow. Within seconds it was torn to shreds. Bits of silk thread strewn across the sofa. "He does have a taste for your pillows. I guess we could consider it." Apple Bloom observed humorously. Apple Bloom rose from her seat in delight. However her grandfather put his hoof in the air. "However, there is somepony we need ta ask first. Blaze may have a different opinion on the subject. And we have ta be fair Apple Bloom. Blaze was here first." On cue, an old blood hound walked into the living room and spotted the kitten. Apple Bloom and Scootalo held their breath as the brown dog glared at the kitten. Oh Blaze, please give Pumpkin a chance,she thought. Blaze started to growl at the back of his throat and stepped stiffly towards the kitten. Pumpkin yowled with fright and backed deep into the sofa pillows. Blaze continued to growl, his almond eyes fixed onto the kitten. When Apple Pie picked up the kitten and put him on the floor in front of Blaze, the old blood hound's growling got louder. Pumpkin batted his paw, inviting Blaze to play. However the dog only narrowed his eyes and twitched his tail. Pumpkin bolted under the sofa in an instant. Sugar Twist met Apple Bloom's eyes. "It just won't work dear." she said, bending down to pick up Blaze. "Your grandfather's right. Blaze was here first. It just would not be fair ta make him share his house with a kitten. "I'm really sorry." Scootalo managed to coax Pumpkin out of hiding and was now trying to soothe the scared kitten. Apple Bloom felt crushed with disappointment. "Ah..understand. Thanks for considering it though." Walking into town with Scootalo, Apple Bloom realized just how much she'd been counting on her grandparents to adopt Pumpkin. She couldn't think of a single other pony who might take the kitten in. The situation was getting desperate. Pumpkin was fast asleep on Scootalo's back. Swatting at the air in his sleep. It would've made Apple Bloom laugh if she was in a better mood. "How about we check on Sweetie Bell?" Scootalo suggested. Apple Bloom nodded her head. "About Time!!" Sweetie Bell shouted, looking up from a mound of dresses. "I need you guys to get me out! Rarity's on a dress rampage!" Scootalo was about to say something, when Rarity galloped downstairs with five dresses floating behind her. "Thank Celestia your friends are her!" the unicorn threw the dresses on the growing mound. "I need your opinion. Fancy Pants is going to take me on a date and I need to look my best." Pumpkin plopped onto the floor. Making Rarity scream. "What the?" she stuttered. Apple Bloom picked up the kitten and set it down besides Sweetie Bell. "It's the kitten I was telling you about." the little unicorn chirped. Rarity smiled sweetly as Pumpkin played with a blue ribbon tied to one of the dresses. Suddenly, the door opened and Zecora came in with a ripped up cloak. "Zecora! What happened ta your cloak?" Apple Bloom asked. "I'm afraid those fillies were right on their promise. However, this is just the beginning if those fillies were being honest." Zecora explained. Rarity stomped her hoof. "Those fillies! Somepony needs to teach them a lesson!" Pumpkin meowed in agreement. "How loud can that kitten meow? It could scare the daylights out of anypony!" The unicorn exclaimed. Suddenly, Apple Bloom got an idea. "Ah think ah know just the perfect way ta teach them a lesson." Apple Bloom replied mischievously.
TenAt four-fifteen that afternoon, Apple Bloom stood by the fire in Zecora's house and adjusted her Nightmare Night costume. It was time for Operation Meow. If everything went according to plan, Silver Spoon and her friends will never bother Zecora ever again. "Your costume looks amazing! When those meanies see you in the forest, they'll think they've gone crazy!" Button Mash exclaimed. "Indeed," said Zecora as she zipped up Button Mash's Spidercolt costume. "Is this glow in the dark paint?" "Yes it is. My mask will glow in the dark, if that won't scare them I don't know what will." Sweetie Bell adjusted her crutches. "I'm sure these stupid sticks will get in the way." she grumbled. Scootalo finished painting herself a light blue. She felt excited at the thought of scarring Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. "That's where you're wrong Sweetie Bell. Just imagine hearing not three thumps, but four! Three hooves and one crutch! We'll defiantly scare those meanies out of their costumes!" Scootalo bent down and gave Oak an encouraging scratch under the chin. "And you look pretty awesome in your ghost costume too." The timber puppy did look faintly like a ghost. He was painted in a white, glow in the dark paint and because timber wolves don't have eyes, Oak had blinding yellow light bulbs in his eye sockets. "Are you sure you aren't missing a party?" Zecora asked. "We weren't invited to one." Apple Bloom informed. "What if the vandals don't come tonight?" Button Mash said. Sweetie Bell smiled. "Of course they'll come back. It's Nightmare Night! They won't be able to resist trying to scare Zecora. Now, what props did you bring Buttons?" The colt dug around in his backpack. "A CD with creepy sound effects and a CD player. We'll put up the speakers in a branch of a tree, and I'll us a wireless remote to switch it on." Scootalo held out a jar full of red sludge. Sweetie Bell and Apple Bloom made a face. "What is that Scoots?" they questioned. "Red Sludge. It's Pinkie Pie's own recipe. We'll dab it around the trees. Just wait till they put their hooves in this." "Cool. Ah brought some cobweb spray that we can also put on the trees. And of course ah have Pumpkin too." Apple Bloom replied. Looking over at her back. "Get ready Pumpkin. Tonight's your big night." The filly waited for the kitten to meow, however there was no response. Apple Bloom gently picked up the kitten and held him close to her face. Pumpkin's nose was tucked beneath his tail. "Is he alright?" Sweetie Bell asked, leaning forward. Apple Bloom scratched the kitten's chin. "Hey, little fella! What's up?" The kitten sat up slowly in the filly's hooves and yawned. Then Pumpkin yowled softly. It was the saddest thing Apple Bloom ever heard. She soon realized for the first time that the kitten must be feeling lonely, with no other creatures to play with and no home except Fluttershy's cottage. "He needs a home. That way he won't feel so alone." Zecora said. "Ah know Zecora. But trying to find Pumpkin a home is harder than ah thought." Apple Bloom replied unhappily. I just hope he's not too sad ta meow tonight. The filly thought sadly. Placing Pumpkin back onto her back. Setting up the props was harder than Apple Bloom thought. Now they were aware of every sound out in the forest. However this time it wasn't because they were afraid of monsters. If Silver Spoon's gang came too early, the whole thing could be ruined. However they were in luck. After Button Mash hid the last of the speakers, Zecora stood at her doorway. With a small smile upon her lips. "Thank you fillies." Scootalo beamed. "Hay Zecora, want ta help us scare them?" Zecora gulped. "I'm sorry. However I will stay in my home where it's not so chilly." and with that, she shut the door behind her. "Okay team. Get into position." Apple Bloom ordered. Button Mash, Scootalo, Sweetie Bell, and Apple Bloom hid behind some bushes and began to wait. The minutes ticked away, and Apple Bloom felt a twinge of doubt. What if their victims never come? What if Pumpkin didn't meow? She stroked the kitten and bit her lip. Anxiously staring into the darkness. Thump, thump, thump. It was the sound of hooves pounding into the ground. Apple Bloom and her friends tensed up as they heard voices. "The witch might be expecting us. So be very quiet OK?" Peering around the bush, Apple Bloom watched as Spot, Orange Blossom, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon crept along the dirt path. Diamond Tiara held up her hoof and the gang stopped. "Here's the plan, Orange'll dig up some of the witch's plants. Spot, that witch's woodpile needs rearrangement. And Silver Spoon," Diamond threw a can of spray paint to the grey filly. "Use the whole can." Then she picked up some rocks. "Leave the windows to me. Apple Bloom looked at Button Mash and nodded her head. The colt smiled and pressed a button on a remote. "Hehehe." The sound of a psychotic killer's laugh began to fill the night. Spot and Orange Blossom turned around. Fear flooded their eyes. "GRRRRR!!!" Oak let out a fierce growl from Scootalo's lap. "Timber Wolves!" Silver Spoon stopped dead in her tracks. "In October? I...it's j..j..just the wind." Diamond Tiara said. The sound of a ghost moaning made them jump. "I'm out!" Orange Blossom galloped into a line of sticky cobweb spray. She let out a blood curling scream and tried to pull the cobwebs from her orange coat. Apple Bloom raised her hoof. It was the signal! The group of rotten fillies screamed in terror as four things and a small glowing ghost rushed out of the bushes and galloped towards them. Then the cat pulled something off it's back and held it in the air. From all the commotion, Pumpkin gave the loudest meow in his young life.
ElevenSpot and Orange Blossom hightailed out of the Everfree forest, screaming their heads off. Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara slammed into each other, falling into a puddle of red gunk, and fell flat onto their faces. Screaming, Diamond Tiara scrambled to her hooves as fast as she could and galloped out of the forest. However, Silver Spoon was frozen to the spot. Staring in horror at a rustling bush in front of her. Putting Pumpkin on her head, Apple Bloom skidded to a stop. A rustling bush? That wasn't one of their tricks. Scootalo, Sweetie Bell, and Button Mash ran to Apple Bloom's side. They all stared at the bush in alarm. What was in there? Silver Spoon looked at them, her eyes wide. She didn't seem shocked to see that the five creatures turned out to be the CMC and Button Mash. However, the grey filly did gulp as Oak started to sniff her. Oblivious to the moving bush. The bush shook like a living thing. Apple Bloom's throat was dry. So far everything was a great laugh. But it was Nightmare Night. And this was impossible! It wasn't even windy and all the animals that lived here were either sleeping, or went somewhere else for the upcoming winter. The country filly felt Pumpkin extending his claws. Ready to attack anything that came out of the bush. "W..What's i..in there?" Button Mash whispered, clutching onto Sweetie Bell's arm. "A..ah d..don't know." Apple Bloom stuttered. The small branches at the bottom of the bush parted, and a long snout appeared. There was another rustle, and it was followed by a set of shoulders. Brock, the badger, emerged from the bush and let out what appeared to be a sigh as Oak started to nip at his ears playfully. "It's Brock!" Scootalo laughed with relief. "It's just Brock." Pumpkin jumped off of Apple Bloom's head and ran up to the badger. Brock growled a grumpy warning and began to waddle away towards Zecora's house. With Oak following behind happily. "Was that a badger just now?" Silver Spoon asked in amazement. Sweetie Bell nodded. "Awesome!" the grey filly exclaimed. They all stared at one another, realizing how odd the situation was. There was an embarrassing silence, and Apple Bloom was confused. Silver Spoon is the enemy. She thought. Isn't she?" "Nice prank." Silver complemented. "How did you blank..I mean guys make all those scary noises?" She sounded genuinely curious. "Sound effects." Button Mash replied proudly. "It was great. Spot almost wet himself." Suddenly, the fillies were all laughing at the thought of Spot wetting his ninja costume. "I always knew ya were alright Spoons." Apple Bloom helped the grey filly up. Suddenly, Sweetie Bell shivered. "Hay, lets go back inside. It's getting pretty cold out here." Silver Spoon took two steps backwards. "With that witch!" "Ya have ta face Zecora someday." Apple Bloom pointed out. "But she'll turn me into a toad!" Silver Spoon insisted. "Don't be so dumb. Zecora's just a wise zebra who lives in the Everfree." Scootalo said. Apple Bloom punched her friend lightly on the shoulder. "About time ya figured that out Scoots." The orange pegasus shrugged. "I knew all along. I was just teasing you." The front door opened, and a stripe of light flooded the yard. Zecora was leaning by the door with Oak and Brock. Her front hooves folded and her witchy shadow sprawled on the forest floor. "You caught one of the visitors, I see. Now should we throw her in the sea?" Zecora said icily. Apple Bloom watched Silver Spoon's reaction. At first, the grey filly was too scared to say anything. Then, she lowered her head. "I..I'm sorry." Silver replied. Zecora stared at the filly in silence for a minute or three. Silver Spoon looked up slowly and shivered. "Are you cold?" the zebra questioned. Silver Spoon nodded slowly. The CMC and Button Mash ushered Silver Spoon into the house. After her eyes adjusted, the grey filly looked around the room uncertainly. "Sit down." Zecora commanded. "You've had a well deserved scare filly." Button Mash gasped. "Zecora! You didn't rhyme!" The zebra poured some milk into the pot, over the fire, and began to stir in some chocolate and vanilla. "I do not always rhyme. But I will in time." Soon they were all sipping the warm hot chocolate. Apple Bloom stroked Pumpkin, who was fast asleep on her lap. His little tongue sticking out. She looked at Silver Spoon who was petting a wet Oak. "So...do ya have a pet of yer own?" Apple Bloom asked. Silver Spoon's eyes lit up. "Do I!" she said right away. "What is it?" Scootalo questioned. Suddenly, Silver Spoon started to talk. She explained that her dad got a German Shepherd puppy name Hunter. It was for the whole family, to help them adjust to moving to Ponyville. "We always wanted a dog in Manehatten, but our apartment didn't allow animals." Silver Spoon told them about how scared she'd been about leaving all her friends and how she wasn't sure if she'd ever find new ones. "Diamond Tiara and her gang were better than no friends." Silver explained, sounding apologetic. Apple Bloom leaned forward. "Do ya still think Diamond Tiara is a friend?" she asked. Silver Spoon looked down at Oak. "She's not a friend. I don't know what I saw in her in the first place. I really made a mess of things, haven't I?" Zecora nodded. "You certainly have. But I forgive you lad." Silver Spoon beamed. Apple Bloom felt Pumpkin's claws digging into her legs. He'd woken up again. The filly smiled and then scooped up the little kitten and kissed him on the forehead. "Ya did ah good job out there. Ah am sure that your meow was the best ah have ever heard." Silver Spoon's eyes widened. "I thought Button Mash said that you guys used sound effects!" she exclaimed. "We also used Pumpkin and Oak." Scootalo informed. Grinning as Pumpkin began to sharpen his claws on Apple Bloom's fake cat tail. "He's really cute." Silver Spoon said, tickling Pumpkin's head. "Ah don't suppose ya want him?" Apple Bloom asked hopefully. Silver shook her head sadly. "Sorry. But Hunter doesn't like cats." The country filly sighed. "Guess your gonna go ta Fluttershy's." Scootalo smiled sadly at her friend. "At least you tried." Suddenly, Brock waddled over by Sweetie Bell. Pumpkin took notice of the badger, jumped out of Apple Bloom's lap, and walked towards Brock. The badger growled. He was use to tolerating Oak, however Pumpkin just flat out annoyed him. So Brock lashed out at the kitten. Pumpkin jumped out of the way landed in Zecora' arms. "Brock!" Zecora scolded. The badger cowered to the ground. Suddenly, Apple Bloom noticed two things. First, there was a kind of rightness to see the kitten in Zecora's arms, tonight of all nights. And second, with how much energy Pumpkin and Oak share, they were also meant to be. "Zecora?" Apple Bloom said hesitantly. "Ah know ya don't like cats and everything, but Pumpkin's got Burmese in him so he acts a lot like a dog, and..." She shook her head at the words she was about to say. "What ah am trying ta say is, well, Pumpkin really likes ya, and ah think ya will be just perfect together." Zecora took a long, hard look at the jet black kitten in her arms. Pumpkin wriggled, put out his tiny pink tongue, and started to lick the zebra's hoof. Zecora laughed for the first time Apple Bloom had met her. Then she nodded slowly. "I think perhaps you were right about this kitten Apple Bloom. I'll keep him in my home. Were he can play with Oak, Brock, and be able to roam." Apple Bloom jumped up and hugged Zecora tightly. "Thank You!" the filly shouted happily. "Hay, look at the time!" Scootalo exclaimed suddenly. "It's five to eight! We need to go trick-or-treating now!" The fillies jumped out of their chairs. "See ya Zecora!" they hollered. The zebra smiled as the group of fillies galloped out the door and into the cold night.
TwelveRainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Discord sat on the curb gloomy. "I still can't believe the mayor shut us down! That was the best haunted house I..I mean we've ever made!" Rainbow exclaimed. "She said that it was too scary." Pinkie sighed. "Now what do we do?" Discord asked. Suddenly, they heard hoofsteps and looked up to see Scootalo, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell, Button Mash, and Silver Spoon walked their way. Each dragging a sack full of candy. "Is that Silver Spoon?" the pegasus questioned. "It is!" Discord exclaimed "Why is she with them?" Pinkie said. Once the fillies arrived, Rainbow gave Scootalo a friendly noogie and raised an eyebrow at the silver filly. "Don't worry. She's cool." Scootalo informed. Apple Bloom nodded. Handing a very eager Pinkie Pie some candy. "So, why are you all outside?" Sweetie Bell questioned. "That mayor shut us down, because she said that our haunted house was too scary." Discord said flatly. Button Mash popped a caramel into his mouth. "That sucks." he replied. Silver Spoon nodded. Suddenly an idea popped into her mind. "What if we brought the haunted house to her?" she said. The ponies looked at her in confusion. "How the hay are we gonna do that?" Rainbow asked. "Remember what you did last year with Luna?" Silver replied. A smile formed on the three pranksters faces. "I'll get my sound effect." Button Mash volunteered. "And I'll get Twilight." Pinkie Pie replied. Author's Note Hope you enjoyed! This is a parody of the book, Kitten in the Candy Corn by Ben M. Baglio. Check him out!
