“What the hell it that?” Rumble asked under a wavering whisper.

“I-it’s just….” Thunderlane was shaking violently, his body about to collapse. “It’s just some dumb kids or something, just some kids. That’s it.”

“Thunder, kids don’t go into the Everfree at dark to sit around and play carnival music.”

“But… but it can’t be, it’s just a myth, a fucking urban legend. This can’t be-“Thunderlane’s panic was cut short as Rumble gave him a slap to the face.

“Dude, calm down,” he said, staring into the older stallion’s eyes, lacking color and flowing with fear. “Do you know what this means? We may have just found the fucking Everfree Amusement Park! When the town finds out, we’ll be damn near famous!”

Thunderlane still looked unsure, his legs wouldn’t stop quaking. “Rumble, I don’t know if you understand. Why would an abandon amusement park be playing music in the dead of night? There’s probably some… thugs or something in there for all we know.”

Rumble was ready to protest, but the question did dawn him. Why would music be playing in the dead of night? He finally reached a conclusion and spoke his argument. “Ok, let’s just… check it out; see if anypony is actually there. But if we leave now, we may never get this chance again.”

Thunderlane took a moment before replying, but finally gave a slight nod. He never thought they would actually find anything out here. He just wanted to scare his little brother, not venture into something as surreal as this.

The two began their trek further into the darkness, following the faint music. The wretched sound grew louder and louder the further they walked, churning their insides with terror, their minds exploding with tension. The music didn’t only get louder, but more distorted as well. Speeding up and slowing down, playing in reverse, never stopping, never ceasing. The horrid sound of a dead clown’s jack in the box.

After what felt like centuries, the two believed the source of the music was only a few feet ahead, but they then saw something else. Through the thick shrubbery of dead bushes, a bright purple light shown through the creases in the fauna. This was it. Hesitantly, Rumble parted the undergrowth with his hooves, revealing what looked like a large wooden sign. The sign was lined in purple lights, glowing through the darkness.

It read in big red letters: “EVERFREE AMUSEMENT PARK! COME FOR THE FUN, RIDES, AND FOOD! YOU’LL NEVER WANT TO LEAVE! ENTRANCE FIVE YARDS AHEAD!”

Rumble overlooked the sign, his trembling brother standing behind him. “This… isn’t right,” Thunderlane finally stated, breaking the silence. “Why would a random sign be sitting in the middle of nowhere, and how are the lights still glowing after so much time, and how-“

“Dear Celestia, will you shut up for two seconds!?” Rumble snapped. “I don’t care where the stupid sign came from, it says the park is right up ahead. So stop whining and let’s go.” Before Thunderlane could reply, his brother had already darted off in the direction of the music. The older pegusus couldn’t help but notice Rumble’s sudden lack of fear. His head had become overwhelmed with thoughts of what may come of this, the fame, the attention; maybe it was just the pure curiosity that drove him to unlock the secrets of this place. He wasn’t enough aware of the dangers that lurk ahead.

As Thunderlane struggled to catch up with him, he couldn’t stop repeating the words of the sign in his head.

“YOU’LL NEVER WANT TO LEAVE!”

Author's Note

I have decided from hear on out that the chapters will be much shorter. I tend to wright much better in smaller amounts of time, and this helps add to the tension/suspense. This also means I can release chapters a whole lot faster for your enjoyment :)

Happy reading!