Gobbled

***Part 1: Fading Light***

Pipsqueak looked into the mirror, and his reflection looked right back. He looked up and down his own form. To his great disappointment, the plastic armor pieces of his Royal Guard costume fit very loosely. Every attempt to tighten the straps ended in failure. Pip was simply too small for the costume. Grumbling under his breath, Pip put on the helmet, which fell over his eyes.

"Oh, don't you just look wonderful." Said a soft voice from behind him.

Pipsqeak spun around and raised the helmet. His mother was standing at the door. Around her hoof was a bag for him to collect candy.

"It's too big for me, mom..." Pip pointed out sadly. "Everypony is going to notice..."

"You look fine, Pip." She said with a sweet smile as she offered him the bag. "Now, get going, and join your friends. They are waiting for you."

Pip immediately thought of the flowers. His heart leaped joyfully in his chest. Without a moment to lose, Pip tossed the oversized helmet back onto his head and dashed past his mother.

"Have fun, sweetie!" She called as Pip made it to the front door.

Sure enough, the Crusaders were there, all dressed up and ready for Nightmare Night.

"Hey!" Pip greeted them with a huge grin. "Did you find them? Did you find the Nightlock flowers?"

Then, he noticed their grim faces. Pip's heart sank into his stomach.

"You... You didn't find them, did you?" He asked.

Sweetie Belle shook her head.

"No, Pip. I'm really sorry. We looked everywhere for them." Said Sweetie Belle in a soft voice.

Tears grew in Pipsqueak's eyes as he looked up at the last rays of light shooting across the darkening sky.

"Don't give up, Pip." Apple Bloom said comfortingly. "You can still talk to Princess Luna without flowers. Why don't you try winning her over with some candy? I've heard she has a really sweet tooth."

"Yeah!" Scootaloo added. "Or, you could ask her to dance! There's going to be a rockin' dance floor in the town hall

Pip shook his head slowly as he readjusted his bag that was hanging around his neck.

"No... I'll just... I'll just go... Thank you, anyway..."

Feeling more depressed than ever, Pip began his journey into the chaotic fray of ponies in costumes. The Crusaders watched on until he dissapeared into the night.

***Part 2: Liquid Courage***

Pipsqueak wandered the fair grounds with a disheartened look on his face. He was glad the oversized, costume helmet covered his face, so no pony could see. With no candy in his bag and a growling stomach, Pip made his way to a refreshments booth. Pip regretted his decision when he saw who was running the booth, but it was too late to turn around.

"Aww shucks..." Applejack said. "Apple Bloom wasn't kiddin' none when she said ya' were upset... Can I get ya' anythin', Pip?"

Pip hesitated to answer. He feared Applejack would pry, but his thirst gave in.

"Could... I have some punch, please?" He asked softly.

"Sure thing, buddy." Applejack said with a warm smile.

When Applejack had turned around to fill a glass, Pip saw somepony sit next to him out of the corner of his eye.

"May I have the same, please? I am quite parched." The mare next to Pip asked.

Applejack looked back at the stand to see who it was. Then, she smiled and nodded her head.

"Sure thing, Miss Luna."

Pip's heart skipped a beat as he looked to his left. It was Princess Luna. She was here! She was sitting next to him! Pipsqueak starred up at her in awe. The princess noticed his stare, and she looked back at him.

"Good evening, little one." Luna said with a kind smile. "I hope you are enjoying my night?"

Utterly speechless, Pip nodded his head. He failed to notice Applejack placing the glass of punch in front of him. Luna eyed his drink with a ravenous interest.

"Sorry, Miss Luna. I'll have yours ready in just a minute." Applejack said as she turned back around.

Thinking quickly, Pip slid the glass towards the princess.

"H...Here, Princess Luna. You can take this one. I'll wait."

With eyes widened, Luna looked back and forth between Pip and the glass he offered her.

"Are you sure?" She asked him with a dry crack in her voice.

"Of course!" Pipsqueak said eagerly.

With a huge smile, Luna accepted the drink and gulped it down.

"Ahh..." She moaned as she set the glass back on the stand. "That was... very kind of you. What is thy name?"

"I... I am Pip...Pipsqueak..." He responded with a nervous stutter.

Princess Luna beamed.

"Ah, yes... I do remember you... The little pirate, if I do recall... My, how you have grown since I last laid my eyes on you..." Luna said sweetly.

Pip felt his his cheeks getting hotter by the second.

"I... Y...Yeah. That... was me..." Pip managed to say.

"Am I still... thy favorite princess?" Luna asked with a chuckle.

Pipsqueak's night had done a compete turn-around. He was so excited, he didn't notice Applejack place the second glass on the stand. Pip's eyes were fixed on the beautiful princess next to him.

"Y...Yes..." Said Pip.

Luna chuckled sweetly.

"You have answered well..." She said through her laughter. "Why don't we attend these festivities together? Perhaps you could show me around. I did not get much of a tour during my visit, last Nightmare Night."

Again, Pipsqueak was left speechless. How could he refuse? Pip eagerly nodded his head. Without even touching the punch, Pip got to his hooves and followed Princess Luna into the crowd.

***TO BE CONTINUED***