Applejack's Halloweenby JMChaptersAre y' Comin' to the Party Tommorow?Helping OutPrepThe October PartyHalloween Wrap UpAre y' Comin' to the Party Tommorow?High in the sky the sun beamed strong, on the orange-reds and yellows of a changing throng, of a million small pallets, of a million small leaves, as they danced in the gusts of a light fall breeze. An ocean of colors in shimmering rills, breaking like waves on the constant hills, leading all the way to cloudy frills, drifting past on the distant horizon. It was beautiful –perfect in a way– and it smelled wonderful - like autumn… But in spite of everything, it was all so provincial! Stan reclined on an upper bench of the outdoor stadium. Ever since he’d arrived at Sleepy Hollow he’d had his hands full trying to fit in, or ‘assimilate seamlessly’ as some might say. (He rolled his eyes.) But now that things had settled down a little that nagging feeling was back. That nagging feeling that the city was where he belonged. The city… New York… Home. “Bright lights, big city… that’s where I want to go…” he lightly sang to himself. He sighed. “Somethin’ wrong?” Stan sat up. Applejack stood a few rows down, looking a bit nervous. “No, I just got a lot on my mind.” “Like what?” He was reluctant to say ‘homesick.’ “Just worried about that report due in history class.” “Yeah, heh-heh. Mr. Gleason doesn’t put up with no nonsense, that’s fer sure.” “What are you doing up here?” “Oh-uh- I was just gonna, uh- did y’ hear we’re all throwin’ a party?” “Hey!” Applebloom raced up the steps. “So are y’ comin’ to the party tomorrow?” “Party? You mean the ‘Bash’ all those posters around school were talking about?” “A-yep! Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell helped me make ‘em. We’re gonna clean out the barn n’ have a dance, n’ tell scary stories, n’ there’ll be food and contests! Y’ comin’?” “Contests?” “A dance contest,” Applejack answered, “n’ maybe a scary story competition.” “No bobbing for apples?” Applebloom gasped. “That’s good thinkin’! We’re apple farmers, right?” “I was joking.” Applebloom gave Stan a forceful look, half-pout-half-glare. “You comin’ or not?” she asked. Stan sighed again. “Sure, why not?” “You don’t sound too excited about it.” Applejack raised an eyebrow. “What’s’a matter?” “Will Pinkie be there?” “Aw, you and Pinkie Pie need t’ get over each other.” “Yeah, yeah… I never really liked parties anyway.” “Don’t like parties?” Applebloom echoed back. “Why not?” Too many people. “It’s a long story.” “But this is a Halloweeeen party!” she continued. “And I’ll tell you what! Tell the door man you’re my boyfriend and you don’t have to pay any cover.” “What?” “Applebloom!” Applejack fumed. Applebloom smiled. “Oh I get it… it’s ‘that’ kind of party.” Applejack shook her head and took a step forward, “What she meant to say is… that since you…. since yer such a good friend and all-“ “Aw- I don’t need any special treatment, I can pay. My uncle’s rich, remember?” “Well that’s… mighty big of yuh!” “No it’s not! Tell ‘em you’re my boyfriend and ah’ll pay the cover out of my own allowance.” “Apple BLOOM!” “I’m NOT going to tell anybody that I’m dating a 6 year old.” “Ah’m THIRTEEN-AN-A-HALF!” Stan smiled. “Yeah, well you don’t look a day over seven.” Applebloom clenched her fists and pouted for real. “You have your costumes picked out yet?” he asked. “Yeah. Ah’m going as a vampire!” Stan looked at Applejack. “…Cowgirl.” He raised an eyebrow, then bursts out laughing. “Yeah, Shaddup.” “Applejack, you can’t be a cowgirl; you’re a cowgirl every day.” “No, I’m a farmer – there’s a difference!” “Same difference! And besides, I’M going as a cowgirl, so now YOU have to be something different.” Applebloom’s jaw dropped. “Really?” “No~ not really,” Stan scolded. Applejack smirked, Applebloom smiled. “Aw, come on, cowgirl’s too obvious. At least smear some fake blood on your clothes and say you got mauled by a cow or something. Applejack’s gaze glossed over, but Applebloom quickly changed the subject: “What are you goin’ as?” “…that’s a good question.” Later, just as lunch was about to end, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy stood conversing in the hall. As Stan passed by he couldn’t help but reel back and ask: “Hey, are you guys going to the party?” “Obviously,” Rainbow Dash said. Fluttershy nodded. Rarity flicked some hair behind her, “Of course.” “You’re going?” Stan asked Rarity, with a hint of incredulousness. “And why wouldn’t I?” “I don’t know, you just seem like the… ‘I wouldn’t be caught dead at a barn dance,’ type. “I am totally egalitarian, thank you very much! And even if I weren’t, this is Applejack’s ‘barn dance’. …so I’ll make an exception.” “Who’s gonna win the dance off?” Stan asked. Rainbow Dash smirked; “Me, obviously.” “Heh! This is going to be easier than I thought!” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “Stan, are you a dancer?” Rarity asked. “I can… when I wanna. Do you dance?” “Of course I dance. All sorts, in fact. Waltzes, Ballroom, Salsa.” “Salsa?! Rarity, he’s talking about ‘real’ dancing, break dancing, not-” “Don’t be ridiculous, darling, salsa and waltzes and ballroom are ‘real’ dances; ‘break’ dancing is the-” Rarity stopped as Fluttershy mumbled something. All eyes turned to her. Her eyes went wide and she blushed, turning her gaze to the floor. They blinked for a moment of awkward silence before Rainbow Dash shot Stan a mean glance. “Well I guess we’re just going to have to settle this on the dance floor then.” Stan smiled back. “Enjoy losing.” “Oh you will.” Random CHS Student #23 spoke up from just behind Rarity. “Hey everybody Stan thinks he’s a dancer!” A small group of eavesdroppers snickered. “I see - it’s the conspiracy again!” Random CHS Student #05 (or #05) nodded his head. “Yeah, yeah.” “You losers going to the party?” “No,” #23 said. “Are you?” “Yes! It figures you’re not; this party is cool people only!” “How can you tell who’s cool and who’s not?” #85 asked. “We’ll be taking roll call. Once at seven, once at eight.” “Oh, so everyone that shows up is cool?” #23 asked. “People that aren’t cool already know it, so they won’t bother trying. It’s like their motto or something. Anybody that shows up can’t be that un-cool.” “Well I guess I’ll see you there.” “Me too!” #5 added. “Spread the word!” Stan called out. A warning bell rang and the crowd broke up. “Hey Rainbow Dash, where are you going? Algebra’s this way! “I’m going to the bathroom, creep!” “How was I supposed to know?” Stan turned to leave, but Fluttershy was still standing there, timidly waving goodbye. “Uh… see-yuh, Fluttershy.” She smiled and played with her hair as she started down the hall. Stan gave her backside a look of consternation before finally leaving for class. Helping OutSometime after school let out Applejack and Applebloom stood by their garage while Big Mac carried boxes from the open bay to somewhere behind the house. The girls looked out towards the forest, some distance beyond the orchard. “Y’think he’ll show up tomorrow? It is Halloween.” “I hope not, Applebloom. Some spook-a-boo scarin’ off the guests is about the last thing we need.” “Boo!” “Ahhh!” they shrieked. “Did I scare you? “Stan!” Applejack shouted. “What? Hey, what were you guys just talking about?” Applebloom opened her mouth to speak, but Applejack cut her off. “Nothing. What’re you doin’ here Stan?” “I came to help out.” “Thanks, but we don’t need help.” .“Yes we do,” Applebloom corrected. “No, er… I mean, that’s nice of y’ t’ offer, but-” Applebloom stood in front of Applejack. “What she means to say is; ‘thank you.’ Now Pinkie Pie and Granny are bakin’ goodies in the house, so y’ can help out there, or y’ can help Big Mac clear out the garage.” “What are you two doing?” “Yard work.” He looked between his options. “I think I’ll help Big Mac with the heavy lifting,” he said, lifting an arm and rubbing his bicep. “And Applebloom; I just ‘love’ a woman that doesn’t let pride get in the way of good business decisions.” Applejack frowned while Applebloom smiled and Stan headed over to the garage. “Hey Big Mac.” “Eeeyup.” “Need some help?” Big Mac raised an eyebrow, then clean-lifted a heavy looking chest with an ‘oof!’ “I meant ‘want’ some help? Heh. I’ll just follow your lead.” Stan lifted a box and followed Big Mac around to a supply shed near the orchard. The two of them busied themselves emptying the garage while the girls cleaned up outside. Some of the boxes were a little heavy, but moving small loads in fall weather is a breeze. Before they knew it the garage was almost empty, and the only boxes left were the older looking ones in the very back. Stan stacked several on top of each other and started to pick them up all at once but the handle on the lowest broke, sending the boxes tumbling and spilling their contents everywhere. “Aaah!” he shouted. “Aaah!” Big Mac shouted back, startled. “S-sorry, the handle broke.” Big Mac glared at Stan as he started cleaning up. Then he noticed something. One of the boxes contained old photo albums, and the one lying just at his feet was from twenty years ago. He picked it up. He hummed, then opened it. Wedding pictures. Stan was busy repacking things, but Big Mac grunted. “Leave it. I’ll finish up, you go help inside.” Stan looked at the mess and the boxes that were left. Things weren’t that bad, but he hated to leave a job undone. “Aw, come on-” “Nnnope!” Big Mac’s tone was clear: It wasn’t up for discussion. “Okay… sorry…” Big Mac turned back to the album. He seemed absorbed by it. Inside the kitchen countertops were cluttered with cakes, popcorn balls, candied apples, and all sorts of other delicious Halloween themed confections. In a corner Granny sat napping in a rocking chair while Pinkie Pie busied herself, putting the finishing touches on a four-layered cake that had been frosted to look like a jack-o-lantern. “But how do we put a candle inside?” “Ack!” Granny sat up. “What? What?” “It’s nothing, I’m fine Grandma.” Granny settled back in her chair. “Alright then young… un… zzz.” Pinkie Pie made snake eyes at Stan. “What are you doing here?” “I’m here to help out. “I don’t need help. Go away.” “If I’m not going to help you make something, then I’m just going to have to make something myself. I think I’ll start with a cake. Where’s the laundry detergent?” “Laundy det- Uh, fine! The cake in the oven is almost done baking, so we need to get started on the next one anyway. “This one looks really good.” “Shut up.” He rolled his eyes. Pinkie Pie flipped an open cookbook to another page. “Here. Gather and measure these ingredients and put them on the table. Most of the stuff is already out except for whatever has to stay in the fridge.” “Okay.” Stan started measuring ingredients while Pinkie Pie arranged the pan, bowl and mixing spoon. Together they made the batter and divided it between a pair of baking pans, then Pinkie took out the finished cake, and put the new baking pans in the hot oven. Stan looked at the steaming fresh cake, the smell alone, added to the smell of the other treats, the newly baking cake and the sugar in the air, was simply heavenly. “So now do we frost it?” “No,” Pinkie scowled. “It has to cool down first. But here, this should be ready to frost. She grabbed two more baking pans filled with cake. With adept skill, Pinkie coaxed the cakes out of the pans, and they arranged a layer cake, then frosted the top to look like a spooky abandoned castle in the middle of some woods with an ominous crescent moon above it. Stan mostly helped with the simpler tasks, like frosting the sides and handing Pinkie things as she worked, but when they finished Pinkie smiled. “Huh! I guess that was a little faster.” “How many cakes are you going to make today?” “Just one more - then it’s on to cupcakes and cookies.” “Oh man, that sounds so good.” Pinkie blushed, lightly. “Shut up~. And I can take it from here, go see if Big Mac needs help in the garage. It needs to be empty and clean before we can start decorating.” “Okay.” After he left, Pinkie looked at the finished cake and smiled. Dismayingly the garage was exactly as he had left it, only now Big Mac was staring in a daze at a half dozen photo albums splayed all over a work table. “Big Mac!” Big Mac’s glassy eyes turned to Stan. “What are you doing? We need to get this place empty and cleaned so we can decorate for the party.” Big Mac turned back to the mess and the remaining boxes and looked surprised to see them. “Okay, breaks over, let’s go.” “Right, right,” Big Mac muttered. He started closing photo albums and putting them in the broken box. They quickly cleaned up the mess and resumed moving boxes (though Big Mac took the first box back to his room rather than to the supply shed). By the time they finished the last load, Applejack and Applebloom were waiting for them. “We’re through in the yard, need any help in here?” Applejack asked. “Yup!” Big Mac said, grabbing a broom from the corner and tossing it to her. Applebloom frowned. “You guys should’a been done already.” Stan cleared his throat. “There was an altercation.” Cleaning the empty garage with four people on hand was about as easy as it sounded. When they were almost through, Applebloom ran to get Pinkie, who brought out a huge box of Halloween decorations. “Oof!” Pinkie said, dropping the box on the work table. She started pulling out the bric-a-brac. “Where did you get so much Halloween stuff?” Stan asked. “Eh~! You collect it over the years,” she said, pulling out a papier-mâché skull and blowing a puff of dust off it. “Here, pull the work table over the oil stain.” After moving the table they pulled out the decorations and arranged them on the table and floor, Pinkie gazed at all of them, then sized up the garage and house. She closed her eyes tight and put a finger to her head. Suddenly her finger pointed up and her eyes popped open. “I got it! That goes there. And that goes there! And these go over here. And this goes here. And that-” In a flurry of activity they started moving things around, guided by Pinkie’s direction. Some of the decisions seemed a little sketchy at first, but once the bigger things were in place, and they started adding garnish and polishing the details, it all started to come together. Perhaps an hour and a half later the sun had set, and the farmhouse and garage were looking grim. Applejack, Applebloom and Stan stood besides Pinkie Pie on the street as she directed Big Mac in adjusting the final light. “A little more to the left!” Big Mac turned the light fixture so the house was bathed in a garish upturned red light. With the decorations all set up, fall trees as a backdrop, and now the lighting in place, the homestead looked positively haunted! “That’s it! We’re finished!” They cheered. Big Mac ambled over and he and Applejack and Applebloom all gave Pinkie a big hug, while Stan looked on, clapping. Big Mac looked up then grabbed his shirt, “Get over here.” As Stan joined the hug, he wanted to let out a sarcastic ‘d’awww’ but when he opened his mouth nothing came out. After the hug they all backed up, and Pinkie clapped her hands. “Good job everyone! Everything should be all ready for tomorrow now.” Stan lightly punched Pinkie’s shoulder. “Pinkie Pie, you’re awesome! Look at the house - you should seriously go pro.” “Uh-huh!” Applejack agreed. Applebloom grabbed her shirt, “Yeah!” “Eeeeeyup!” Pinkie, at first, looked very flattered, blushing and turning her gaze to the ground, her eyes darting up to peek at Stan once or twice. Then she turned even more red as she frowned and her eyebrows furrowed. “Y-yeah? So what? Lots of people are good at putting up spider webs and stuffed cats and- and setting up lights and stuff. Maybe you should just... Erugh!” Pinkie stormed off to the house, as Applejack, Applebloom and Big Mac looked dumbstruck. Stan sighed. “I guess that’s my cue to scoot. See yuh tomorrow.” Applejack shot him a confused glance. “What?” “Aren’t y’gonna stay fer grub?” Applebloom asked. “You guys are eating right now?” “Eeyup.” “Soon,” Applejack said. “Stick around. Y’ helped so much today, the least we kin do is feed yuh.” “Naw, I got homework to do. Tell Pinkie I wasn’t kidding about… how nice everything looked… or whatever. Yeah - see yuh tomorrow!” “See-yup!” Big Mac grunted. “Bye bye…” Applebloom said. Stan started walking back… But before he made it two blocks he heard Applejack call out behind him: “Stan! Wait!” He stopped under a lamppost and turned to see Applejack jogging up. Some distance away Big Mac ushered a resisting Applebloom back in the house. “T… Thanks for helpin’, p-partne- uh- friend. Sorry I tried to drive y’ off earlier, it’s just… I wasn’t expectin’ y’, n’ I thought… I thought y’ might be makin’ fun of us or somethin’.” “Applejack, I wouldn’t-” “I know. Oh, and just so y’ know, y-you don’t have to pay cover tomorrow, that’s fer sure.” “I’m NOT telling people Applebloom’s my girlfriend.” “No, I-” “I’m joking. And don’t be silly, I’m paying a cover. My uncle is rich.” “Y-yeah, but… after everything y’did n’all-” “Oh brother, it was nothing, I barely helped at all… See you tomorrow, AJ. I just hope I’ll recognize you in that cowgirl costume!” Stan laughed as he started jogging off, into the dark, leaving Applejack staring after him. Just before he disappeared from view she absent mindedly lifted a finger to her lips. PrepWhen Stan got back to his apartment building an expected note was pinned to the front message board. He marched down to the ‘janitor’s closest’ and knocked. After a pause, the slot where the words ‘janitor’s closet’ were printed slid open, and a pair of eyes looked out. The slot slammed shut, and the door opened. Inside what looked like a janitor’s closet Rick, a barrel shaped man wearing a suit and tie, nodded approvingly. Stan entered. He closed the door, locked it, then grabbed a coat-hook holding a dirty looking cloth and twisted it. The side wall gave way to a broad dark room, as large as one of the apartments. In fact it was almost as if it were a converted apartment and not really a janitor’s closet at all. The windows were boarded up. Another man, Ash, waved from a desk, where a wall of computer screens monitored different parts of town; while a third man, Jason, sat behind a lone computer station the corner. He waved, but stayed focused on whatever he was reading. “I’ve actually been waiting for you. And that reminds me” –he pushed a button on some gadget hidden beneath his suit forearm and called into his wrist- “Bon-bon, get down here.” He pulled Stan back in the closet and twisted the hook back. The secret door slid shut. “Didn’t she see the note?” “She probably came in the back way and forgot to check.” Ten or fifteen seconds later Bon-bon appeared behind the transparent janitor sign. She knocked, then adjusted her head, tilting it upright, trying to look formal. “I didn’t know you could see through the sign,” Stan said. Rick opened the slot and glared at Bon-bon, then closed the slot and opened the door. “Come in.” On seeing Stan she gave him a quizzical look, and entered. Rick closed the door (which automatically locked), twisted the hook and the three of them entered the away-command center. He walked to a box over in the kitchenette. “Bon-bon.” “Yes sir?” “I presume you’re going to the Halloween party tomorrow?” “Yes.” “Do you already have a costume picked out?” “Yes.” “Good, lucky for both of you the outfits I ordered arrived just yesterday. Here.” He handed her a female ninja costume.” “But I already picked my costume, I was going to go as an owl~.” “I know. Lynette looked over your costume. Trust me I’m doing you a favor.” Bon-bon looked hurt, but she nodded. “Yes sir.” “What about me?” “Right there,” he held up a formal suit. “That’s a suit.” “It’s a James Bond costume. And your new formal wear.” “You can’t be serious, I can’t go as James Bond, they’ll-” “‘Hide in plain view’ Dinman! They’ll never suspect you if you make a joke out of it; keep ‘em guessing. And besides, both of these outfits are real.” “Real?” Bon-bon asked, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah, put ‘em on.” Bon-bon and Stan looked between each other. “Bon-bon can use the bathroom, Stan can use the kitchenette.” “Don’t worry, Stannie,” Ash cooed, “we won’t look.” Jason chuckled. “Don’t call me that!” The men laughed. “I think it’s cute.” Bon-bon said, on her way to the bathroom. Stan shook his head. A few minutes later the two had finished changing. It was no surprise the outfits fit, the organization had all their measurements, but how on earth did they make them so easy to move around in? Stan almost felt like he could go to the gym in it. “You look good,” Bon-bon said. “You look angry,” Stan replied. Stan looked fairly conventional, a little slicked back hair and he’d be James Bond for sure, but Bon-Bon’s outfit looked tricky. It covered everything but her eyes, and the black fabric had many gray and dark gray areas and threads, almost like night camouflage. “Take the mask off,” Rick said, “and maybe wear too much make up. You’re supposed to be a naive teenager. And you. Get into the role, make a joke of it.” “Whatever. Where’s my gun?” Stan asked. “Right here,” the man said, pulling out a PPK and shooting him in the stomach. “OW!” Bon-bon covered her mouth, while the men all laughed. “What - was - that!” Stan heaved, clutching his abdomen. “It’s bulletproof!” Jason called out. Stan looked down, the bullet had barely left a mark in his vest. “And that was at point blank,” he muttered to himself. “Yep. Mind your head. Headshots in espionage are uncommon, but still. It’s also fireproof and easy to clean.” “Design for maintenance,” Ash said. “What’s the catch?” Stan asked, trying to stand up straight again. “Money,” Jason said, typing something in his computer. “Lots of it,” Ash said, nodding his head. “Here,” Rick held out the PPK, “this is the safety, and this,”–he indicated a carefully hidden switch engraved in the bottom–“is the deception trigger. If it’s off…” He flipped the switch and pulled the (normal) trigger. A small flame came out the front. “Then it’s a tacky lighter, but even if you think the deception switch is on, don’t point it at anybody when you pull the trigger. Your principal is already aware of your new arm, if you get in any trouble go straight to the top and you’ll be fine.” He handed him the gun, then pulled another, smaller, gun from a pocket and held it towards Bon-bon. “Safety. Deception trigger. It’s smaller so it’ll be easier for you to hide in your purse or something. Even as a gun shaped lighter, you shouldn’t show it to anybody.” She nodded and accepted the weapon, stowing it away. “A box of bullets is already in each of your rooms,” Jason said. “Contact us in the unlikely scenario you need more.” Rick smiled at them. “All right, two new arms for our two best infiltrators.” Stan was still rubbing his stomach. “But did you have a shoot me?” “Sure did!” “It’s tradition,” Jason said. “Get your first set of bulletproof clothes and try it out. It teaches you things, like bulletproof doesn’t mean invulnerable. You can trust your suit, but don’t ‘over-trust’ it, because if you do get shot it’s still gonna slow you down.” Stan nodded. “Is her suit bulletproof?” Bon-bon went wide-eyed. Rick nodded. “Then why doesn’t she get shot?” The adults looked between each other. “What d you think Bon-bon, you feel like getting shot today?” Jason asked. Bon-bon flushed with indignation. “No. But if it’s tradition I can take a bullet as good as he can!” Rick chuckled and pulled another, much larger, gun out of his suit-coat. “You sure about this?” he said, pointing it at her abdomen. Her eyes shrank. “I-I meant with Stan’s gun. Or mine.” The men laughed. “Tell her,” Jason said. “Actually that costume is too expensive, and I don’t want to damage it unless necessary.” “But isn’t it just-” she started. “Did you activate the bracer when you put it on?” “Yes, but I don’t know how this one works.” “Just active stealth mode and back up against the wall.” Bon-bon nodded, then rubbed her index finger up and down her left forearm until a screen appeared through the cloth, similar to a cell phone OS. It took her a moment to find ‘stealth’ (especially with the cloth in the way) but when she did she activated it, closed the OS and backed up against the wall. “Woah!” Stan blurted, as the outfit began to match the color of the wall behind her. It wasn’t an exact match, and she wasn’t anywhere near invisible, but even as close as they were she appeared more as a collection of smudgy shadows or stains on the wall rather than as a person. Rick pushed a button on his own wrist, and the effect stopped. “It a color changing outfit that comes in extremely useful for hiding out or sneaking around, something you might want to brush up on over the next few days.” Bon-bon nodded. “Do I get one?” “No. You’re too important to us as a front man, we’re not going to have you risk your cover by having you sneaking around people’s backyards in ninja garb.” Stan nodded. “Oh, and Bon-bon? I love this suit, I wish I could wear it everywhere, everyday.” “I love this suit and I wish I could wear it everywhere, all the time,” Bon-bon recited. “I found it on e-bay and couldn’t let it go.” “No. I already had an outfit picked out with Lyra, if I say I bought it myself then it’ll hurt her feelings.” Rick hummed. “Yeah, but we’re already doing the,”–he made quotations with his fingers–“‘rich uncle’ act with Stan.” “Her ‘aunt’ it supposed to be in show business,” Ash mentioned. Rick snapped his fingers, “That’s right. Your aunt was given this costume, but it’s too small for her, so she gave it to you, and now you have to wear it or you’ll hurt her feelings.” “Right. Okay. Something like that,” Bon-bon said, with a hint of regret in her tone. “Good! Now go get your homework done, both of you. And remember, it’s better to have and not need than to need and not have.” ”Assimilate seamlessly!” Jason called after them as Rick showed them out. Out in the hall, Bon-bon still seemed upset. Stan patted her on the shoulder. “Remember the mission.” “Remember the mission,” Bon-bon said sarcastically, as she shook free and started towards her room. Stan watched her pace away. What was her problem? The October PartyThe next day the weather was perfect for an October party. Clean, cold fall air blew gently through the orchard with a healthy smattering of colored leaves on both trees and the ground. Add a few jack-o-lanterns and macabre decorations on the houses, and there was no mistaking it: Halloween was here. By the time Stan arrived, fashionably fifteen minutes late, there was already a line to get in wrapped around a small ‘spooky’ barricade encircling the house. As Stan made it to the gate he was greeted by Applebloom wearing all black and some cheap vampire teeth. “Applebloom?” “Stan!” “Oh no, you’ve been turned into a vampire! When did that happen?!” She smiled. “Yesterday, after you left. What’re you supposed to be, James Bond?” “Guilty!” “You look good.” “Thanks. Here. Don’t tell Applejack I paid cover.” “I’m not takin’ yer money.” “Take it.” “No.” “Take it!” “No!” Stan folded up the bills and slid them into Applebloom’s mouth. Her eyes went wide. He kept the bills in her mouth with one finger as he spoke: “Take the money, and I’m not taking no for an answer. Oh, and come find me when you get off door duty, if we’re going to change you back into a human we have to do it before Halloween is over.” Applebloom nodded as Stan took his hand back and wandered into the fray. Inside the crowd was still thin. Music was playing and a few groups were quietly chatting, but things were just warming up. First things first; he thought to himself, and he headed over to the refreshment stand for some Halloween punch. “Stan!” Gypsy Rainbow Dash and vampire Fluttershy approached, Rainbow Dash with a drink of her own. Fluttershy mumbled something, but Dash didn’t even notice. “What are YOU supposed to be?” “James Bond” “Ha! Where’s your gun?” “Right here,” he said, pulling out the ‘lighter’ and pointing it upwards as he pulled the trigger. A small flame came out of the tip. Rainbow Dash laughed. “You actually bought one of those things?” “What are you supposed to be - a bar wench? “I’m a gypsy!” “Oh, I see it now~,” Stan said. “Yeah, shut up, you know you love it.” Random Student #43, dressed as a football player, grabbed small plastic pumpkin and called out, “Hey Rainbow Dash! Go long!” Rainbow Dash took one look at someone starting to throw something and handed her drink to Fluttershy, “Oh, take this! Be right back!” Rainbow Dash’s sudden departure left Fluttershy and Stan standing in a suddenly awkward silence. Fluttershy turned her gaze downward and frowned. Stan coughed into his hand: “That’s a nice costume. Applebloom’s a vampire too. Later on you two’ll have to have a big fight to see who’s queen vampire.” Fluttershy snorted. “I’m serious. That would be so awesome. We’ll post it on Youtube after.” She started mumbling something. “Uh- the music’s too loud, you have to speak up.” “I said Applebloom’d probably win,” Fluttershy whispered. “Don’t be ridiculous, you’re like six inches taller than her.” She shook her head, but was smiling. “Well maybe you can be vampire friends or something.” Gypsy Rainbow Dash and a dozen other Halloween clichés were starting an impromptu game of football (or pumpkin-ball, as it were) on the lawn. They watched for a few seconds. “So -uh- Where’d you get your costume?” “Rarity. We were at her boutique for four hours yesterday.” “That was nice of her. I got mine from a friend, er– from my rich uncle. Do you think I make a good James Bond?” Fluttershy nodded, taking a sip of Rainbow Dash’s punch. That was probably an accident, but Stan wasn’t about to say anything. “Hey Fluttershy, do you mind when I call you Fluttershy?” She looked surprised. “I mean I know it’s what everyone calls you, but I hate being presumptuous, and I don’t have any problem calling you Faw-” She shook her head and touched his arm. “I like it when my friends call me Fluttershy.” “Really?” She nodded. “So I’m your friend?” She nods again. “Aw, thanks! Here. To friendship!” They clinked plastic cups and took a sip. Fluttershy smiled and played with her hair. Considering this had been their longest conversation on record, he had no idea what her requirement for ‘friend’ was, but it was nice to know he fit the bill. More and more people were streaming in. “Hey where is everybody?” Stan asked. “I think Applejack and Pinkie Pie are inside.” “Wanna go see how they’re doing?” Fluttershy shook her head and pointed further in the garage. Twilight and Sunset were standing in a corner talking to Ninja Bon-bon and Greek ‘Goddess’ Lyra. Twilight made a fairly convincing mad scientist, while Sunset came as a ‘fifties girl’, except her ‘poodle’ skirt had a small unicorn on it. A very small unicorn. “Oh, let’s go say hi.” They headed over. “Happy Halloween! Fluttershy mumbled ‘hello’. “Oh, hi Fluttershy and… uh…” Stan smiled. ‘Why can’t she ever remember my name’? “Stan.” Twilight snapped her fingers. “Right, Stan.” Fluttershy mumbled something. “Thanks, you too,” Twilight said. “Who else is here?” Fluttershy mumbled for several seconds. “But where’s Rarity?” Fluttershy shrugged. “I asked her last night and she said she was coming,” Lyra said. “I had to rush over to her shop last minute and buy a new costume because somebody changed the plan.” “I said I was sorry,” Bon-bon objected. “She probably wants to make a grand entrance or something,” Sunset said. “That’s like - her ‘thing’. What are you supposed to be, a businessman?” “James Bond.” Sunset furrowed her brows. “James Bond. That was the… the…” When she recalled what James Bond was she burst out laughing. “Isn’t that little ‘on the nose’?” Bon-bon cringed. “Oh please, are you still on about that spy business? If anyone here is a spy, it’s you.” “Me?” Stan continued, but as he continued his tone made it sound more and more like a joke: “Yeah. I’ve seen you writing in that little book of yours. What are you writing about, huh? Political reports? Invasion plans? I wouldn’t be surprised if the people in talking-horse-land knew more about our water supply and power grid than we do.” Twilight frowned, but the other girls looked amused at his fantastic accusations. Sunset shook her head, “Don’t be ridiculous.” “I’m close aren’t I?” Twilight gestured toward Stan: “I don’t think the ‘people’ in ‘talking-horse-land’ are planning on invading any time soon.” “Maybe that’s what they want us to think. Heh! Maybe this is all part of somebody’s plan, and she singled me out ‘cause I’m wise to her tricks - I’m on to her game.” “Hey Stanimal!” Rainbow Dash called out, “get over here, we’re losing!” “Ah- duty calls, ladies,” he said, setting his drink on a nearby table. “And Sunset…” They made eye contact and he held up two fingers between his eyes and hers, waving his hand back and forth, then pointed at her – the universal ‘I’m watching you’ sign. He hurried out. “Do you really think he’s a spy?” Bon-bon asked. “I’m pretty sure.” Fluttershy frowned. “I don’t think he’s a spy. He’s too nice.” Twilight agreed: “Yeah, he’s too much of an idiot.” “If he’s a spy,” Lyra added, “then I’m a famous anthropologist.” Sunset smirked “Maybe in another world.” Bon-bon craned her neck to see Stan through the growing crowd, “If he was a spy who do you think he’d be working for?” “The government?” Twilight suggested. Bon-bon smiled. “It would be cool if he was…” A few minutes later Applejack entered the garage carrying a large platter filled with frosted cookies. “Here y’ go… every… one…” she trailed off as two dozen people immediately gathered round to help themselves. She pulled her gaze from the rapidly depleting platter to the long line of people still waiting to get in. “A-heh. There’re a… a few more people than we were expectin’.” “You can thank Stan for that,” #5 said from behind her. She turned his way as he took bite out of a frosted witch’s-head. “Whaddya mean?” “He went around school all day yesterday telling people to come.” “Yeah,” #124 added, “and he said anybody that didn’t come was probably a loser.” “It worked I guess. The only reason I’m here is so I don’t get burned on Monday,” #5 said. “But the cookies are a plus. Nobody said there’d be cookies.” “Glad y’ like ‘em. But y’ weren’t gonna come?” “No, I was supposed to stay home and hand out candy for my Mom. But when I told her the whole school was going to a party, and I had to go too, she let me off the hook.” “I was actually going to go trick or treating,” #203 said, with a cookie in each hand, “but I wanted to see the dance contest.” “Heh,” Applejack muttered, “Guess it’s a good thing ah invited him then. Have y’ seen him?” “He’s playing football out front. Right there.” “Thanks,” she said, walking in his way. Out on the lawn the teams were lining up for another go. Rainbow Dash was waiting for the hike, when Applejack interrupted: “Hey, hold up a secon- Big Mac!” Big Mac was heading up the other team. He looked up and grinned sheepishly. “Yer supposed to be watchin’ things.” “I am, I’m just… I’m watchin’ ‘em from here is all.” “Stan, I need to talk to you.” “No way!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “Applejack, we’re in the middle of a game!” “How can yuh play in that dress?” “Stop yappin’, yer on our team, make room!” Rainbow shouted. “No, she’s on our side!” Big Mac shouted. “There’s no time fer football, we got a party to-” she objected. “I’m heeerrrrreeee!” Rarity called out from the entrance. She was wearing a lavish Marie Antoinette costume, covered in ribbons and bows, and was holding her hands up elegantly, as if waiting for rapturous applause. All eyes were definitely on her for pause. Then Lemon Zest in a Super-girl costume ran up behind her. “Dudes!” Indego Zap came up on her other side in a drag racing suit. “Football? I’m in!” “Hey it’s the Crystal Prep kids,” Sunset said, emerging from the garage with Twilight and Fluttershy in tow. Lawyer Sour-Sweet, Black Bodysuit Sunny Flare (maybe she was a time traveler?) and Sugar Coat wearing a buckskin dress and eagle feather in her hair, all waived hello. “Hope we didn’t steal your thunder,” Sugar Coat muttered to Rarity. “I’m so glad you could all make it,” Twilight said. “Yeah, that’s great,” Rainbow started. “Indigo, you’re on-” “OUR SIDE,” Big Mac interrupted. “Hey!” All the girls had already started chatting, except for Lemon and Indigo who were marching into the pumpkin-ball kerfuffle. “I need to talk to you.” While the two ‘team leaders’ argued over who went on which team, Stan let Applejack pull him aside. “What is it?” “People ‘re sayin’ that yuh were sayin’ things around school.” “Yeah?” “And you said that anyone that didn’t come t’ the party was a loser.” “Well its true, isn’t it?” Applejack’s look of dismay evolved into a smirk. Stan looked at the line of people to get in. “And it worked, didn’t it? You wanted a lot of people to come, didn’t you?” “Well… yeah but-” “There, see. Your party’s a success, and all you had to do was believe in yourself. And me. But believing in me is the easy part. Cookies!” Stan hurried away to help himself to some dwindling refreshments, while Applejack watched him suspiciously. She didn’t like rumors, lies or liars; but knowing Stan, it had probably been a big joke. “Applejack, come’ere!” Rainbow Dash called out. “You’re on our team!” The Halloween Themed teams lined up for another round. “Hut! Hut! Hike!” In the ensuing melee both sides fought valiantly, but Indigo’s speed and Big Mac’s strength proved irresistible. They stopped when it was time for the dance competition, by ironically by the time it was ready to start half the contending dancers had thoroughly wearied themselves out. “This is it!” Rainbow Dash said, heaving for breath on the ‘dance floor’, an empty area in the middle of the garage. The sun had set and the party was pretty much in full swing now. A few stragglers kept showing up at the front gate, now manned by Big Mac, but by most accounts there were enough people there already. A large crowd thronged the garage and driveway waiting to see the competition. Sunset, Octavia, and DJ Pon3 sat at the judges table; the latter most had a laptop in front of her, which was connected to a small sound system she had just set up. “Where’s Applejack?” Sunset asked. “She went to get more food,” Ballerina Pinkie said, stretching out. “Where’s Rarity?” “Back here, darling.” Sunset and Octavia reeled around to see Rarity sitting on the floor next to Fluttershy. “Aren’t you going to dance?” “Oh no, I couldn’t”-she yawned-“I stayed up all night finishing this dress, I wouldn’t dream of dancing right now, but good luck.” “Uh- thanks.” Sunset turned back, and looked over the contestants. That was three of her crew out, but she guessed they could still win this. As long as Stan didn’t have some dirty trick up his sleeves, that was. She gave him a cold look. His back was turned to her, but #13 (AKA Muffins or Derpy, in a McDonalds server ‘costume’) tapped his shoulder and pointed in her direction. He raised his eyebrows when he saw her. “What?” She looked away. “Are we ready to start?” DJ Pon3 nodded. Sunset grabbed a microphone attached to the laptop. “Okay, hi everyone, and welcome to the Applejack Crackerjack Never-Slack Dance Competition! Is everybody having a good time?” The crowd cheered. “Good! This contest will have three rounds; round one will consist of us playing music of different types and all the dancers have to ‘prove they can grove.’ Any dancers that aren’t grooving with the music will be voted off! The second round will have two parts; a cooperation round where we’ll play some music and you have to cooperate with each other as you dance, and for the second half I will do a dance and then the remaining dancers will have to repeat it as closely as they can. The third round will be a showdown between whoever’s left, to music chosen by the judges. The winner will receive this delicious Halloween cake frosted to look like a jack-o-lantern. Does everybody understand?” The contestants murmured affirmative. “Good, then let’s~ start!” The first song was, predictably, the Monster Mash. At first things were a little hard to manage, a lot of people wanted that cake, and the dance floor was so crowded it was hard to move around, but it was still fun to see so many people dancing. After a minute or so Octavia’s voice came over the speaker: “Okay, Wolfman, you’re out. Yes you, go. The Wolfman slacked his shoulders and slunk away. Sunset’s voice came next, “You in the sheriff costume. Out!” The sheriff snapped his fingers and strut off the floor. Next came Pon3’s voice, “You in the red witch outfit. Do that again. Aaawsomeee!” “You’re only allowed to use the microphone to tell people they’re out!” Octavia could be heard, remonstrating her. “Why?” Sunset grabbed the microphone, “Little Bo Peep, go find your sheep.” A girl wearing a Little Bo Peep outfit looked her way. She nodded and the girl left. Sunset eyed Stan. All things considered he was doing pretty good, but there’d be plenty of time too- Just that instant #13 tried to pirouette but ended up stumbling in Stan’s direction. Down she went, dragging Stan with her. “Out!” she shouted! “Both of you!” Stan jumped up, and looked her way, jaw dropped. Each of the judges shook their heads. He clenched his fists and turned to glare at #13, who smiled and shrugged innocently. With a sigh he helped her up so they could leave the dance floor. Sunset smiled at the back of them–that was easier than she thought it’d be. ‘Thanks Derpy!’ Soon, the song faded away and the next one started up: Masquerade, from the Phantom of the Opera. There were several quizzical looks, but everyone kept dancing. The movement aspect of this dance were very different from the mash, and while most of the contestants caught on quickly, the few that didn’t, or hesitated, soon found themselves with the rest of the spectators. One such contestant was a certain mad scientist. “You in the lab coat, you’re out,” Pon3 shouted. Twilight gave the judges a sad look, then headed towards Fluttershy and Rarity. Several more students were subsequently dejected, until the music changed again, this time to Night on Bald Mountain. As it started up several of the dancers just stopped and raised their arms; like ‘what’? “If you can’t take the heat, get off the dance floor,” Pon3 called out over the sound system. A few snorted and left, but the majority tried to roll with it. There was a lot more room on the dance floor now and several dancers were starting to get creative. Pinkie, in her ballet costume (and perhaps with a little forewarning) was doing surprisingly well, but not as good as Rainbow Dash, who seemed at surprisingly at ease dancing to classical music. “Hey Bumble Bee?! Buzz off!” “You’re out, Freddy!” More and more people were eliminated. By the time the music cut out there were only a dozen left. “All right,” Sunset’s voice came over the speakers, “that’s it for the first round, let’s hear it for the winners!” Everyone clapped. The Beetlejuice theme started, and Octavia grabbed the mic. “Round two will feature everyone dancing cooperatively for the half the song. Once the halfway point is reached Ms. Shimmer will rise and everyone who wants to make it to round three will follow her movements exactly. Now begin!” The next round was a bit tricky (what did cooperative dance even mean?), but everyone who made it this far was a fairly competent dancer and they started improvising. Several of the new dance moves were quite entertaining, but some weren’t entertaining enough. “Nice try Supergirl, better luck next year.” Lemon Zest sighed, and headed to where the other Crystal Prep students were gathered on the sidelines. “Gypsy!” Octavia shouted. “You’re out!” Rainbow Dash turned to glare at the judges. “What!?” “Out!” She scowled and shook her fist, then slumped to the sidelines, thoroughly worn out. Suddenly the music slowed, and Sunset walked around the judge’s table. All eyes were on her. The 50’s costume was perfect for dancing, and as the music resumed she started moving and clapping her hands. The few remaining competitors mimicked her closely – but the moves got more complicated as she went on. Sunset was actually a lot better dancer than any of them thought, and before they knew it the audience was all clapping along. It was intense. One of the dancers faltered. “Racer girl, you’re out!” Indigo Zap clenched her fist, then wiped the sweat of her brow and strode away. That was draining! Before the music stopped a fairy and a man in a shark suit also got booted. The music stopped and the four remaining dancers, including Sunset, took a bow. The crowd clapped. “Thank you, now everybody hang tight while DJ picks a song for each of the three finalists,” Octavia said, hammering away at her laptop. The final contestants; Devil-Girl Scootaloo, Ballerina Pinkie, and Ninja Bon-Bon, all took a breath. “When did Scooter get here?” Stan wondered aloud. “Her and Sweetie Bell got here just before the dance.,” #13 said. “I think they were out trick-or-treating.” “Oh.” Octavia continued: “Ol’right, contestants? The final round will be a dance-off. We will play a song and the contestants must make up a dance, and when they’re through the audience will decide who wins and thereby gets the jack-o-cake. Are – you – ready?” The crowd cheered. The three looked between each other, then back to the judges. “First up,” Sunset shouted, “Pinkie!” An instrumental version of ‘This is Halloween’ started playing, and Pinkie started dancing. Her moves were a combination of several styles, some more traditional others more modern, and parts of it could have been a little more graceful, but overall it was very esthetic. Midway through she took a breath and did a back flip, which earned several ooohs and aaahs from the audience. Eventually the music stopped and she bowed with much applause. “Next up,” Pon3 shouted, “Bon-Bon!” Ninja Rap started playing. Bon-Bon put her hands on her hips and frowned. “Go!” She shook her head and went with it. Her dance was almost entirely modern, and pretty good all things considered – Bon-Bon could jam and Ninja Rap is a surprisingly ‘dance-able’ song. Before the song technically finished the music faded, and she took her bow, amidst more applause. “All right,” Octavia shouted, “Who’s ready for Scooter?” The crowd cheered again as ‘the Devil Went Down to Georgia’ started booming. She shook her head round and started bouncing on the balls of her feet. Her dance was more modern than not, and several parts of the song she pantomimed quite effectively, at one point swinging her tail when she was playing the devil part. Soon the music faded and she too took a bow to the audience clapping and cheering. Pon3 stood up: “Okay, let’s hear it for… Pinkie!” The audience boomed for the most popular girl at school. Octavia stood up: “How about… Bon-Bon!” Everyone hollered for her surprising ninja performance. Sunset stood up: “And last but not least…” Pinkie walked over and nudged Bon-Bon, but she was already nodding. Scootaloo as the final performer was standing in front of them, and they both turned to the audience on either side and waived their hands upwards. “Scooter!” The crowd went wild, with even Pinkie and Bon-Bon joining in. Scootaloo looked beside herself with joy, as she turned around to see a sea of smiling faces clapping. “You did it, you won!” Everyone rushed forward, Renaissance Sweetie Bell, and Applebloom at the front of the throng. Eventually she was ushered to the judges table where she was handed her the cake, which she held over her head, triumphantly. The audience cheered and cheered as she made her way out of the garage to go put her cake in the house for safe keeping, and even the sorest of losers felt better knowing they probably weren’t going to win anyway. About half an hour later things had calmed down, and the scary story contest was underway. About one third of the crowd that had attended the dance competition was seated on the floor and listening to #13 tell a story about ‘the headless horse’ taking revenge on the mafia, while a number of people milled about outside. Almost half of the party had already left, most them to get some trick-or-treating done or because they had some other engagement. Twilight, Sunset, Rainbow and the Crystal Prep students all left for a much larger all-night part in New York City. They’d offered to take everyone with them, but Applejack and Pinkie had to stay with the party, and Rarity had fallen asleep on Fluttershy’s lap, so they were all tied up. Stan might have weaseled his way into going, but Lyra and Bon-Bon were already going with, so he stayed. On the good side things were winding down fast, so hopefully he wouldn’t be here all night. 13 finished her story, and a few people laughed and rolled their eyes. She frowned. It wasn’t supposed to be funny… Applebloom got up next. She started telling a story about the monster that lived in the woods near there. Stan felt himself slowly nodding off as she spoke. It had been a long day and that football game had taken a lot out of him. He head tilted to his knees. So sleepy… Suddenly the lights went out. His head snapped to attention. A loud roar came from the window, where a ‘giant ape’ was banging on the window. “You can’t be serious,” he said to himself, as pandemonium broke out in the garage. The ‘giant ape’ ran for the trees, while the students screamed and shouted and took for the lamp-lit streets. Stan and Pinkie did what they could to make sure no one got trampled in the chaos. Out on the street the hysteria had died down –slightly– but many of the party goers were not content to assume that was the end of it: “What WAS that thing?” #43 shouted. “It was the Bigfoot!” #16 assured. 74 pointed to the far end the orchard, “It ran into the woods!” “I saw where it went!” #140 bellowed. “Now hold up,” Applejack tried to call out from the crowd, but they were in a frenzy. “We can catch it!” #4 cheered, raising a pitchfork. 23 raised a torch. “Get your torches!” “Say your prayers!” #55 shouted. “Kill the beast!” everyone chorused. “Now everyone calm down!” People turned to see Stan standing on hay bail. “It’s Halloween and small children -and the POLICE- are out in droves, so we’re not gonna go on no Bigfoot hunt… TONIGHT! But stay posted and maybe we have something organized in a week or so!” “It’s the apples; that’s what it is!” #43 hollered. “Yeah!” #161 agreed. “We should set apple-traps – all around town!” Several people nodded. “We’ll all be rich!” someone shouted from the back. “Bah!” Stan continued. “The monster’s gone now; let’s all get back to the party!” He made a good point, and though a lot of people split, many came back. The music started up and people started chatting again. They partied late into the night and by the time the last guest left it was almost one o’clock… Halloween Wrap UpApplebloom and Pinky were busy counting the money while Applejack, Big Mac and Stan cleaned up. A stiff wind was blowing in a storm so they hurried to clean up as much as they could. Applebloom walked to the edge of the garage and called out: “We’re through!” The five of them gathered round to hear the night’s tally. Applebloom cleared her throat: “Well, like Pinkie was sayin’, it takes money to make money, and we had a lot more people show up than we were countin’ on so we had to spend more on food. In total we spent two hundred dollars on decorations and the stereo, and three hundred fifty dollars on food.” Applejack and Big Mac (Big Mac especially) looked very anxious at hearing that. “BUT we had somethin’ like two or three hundred people show up, and our total money made was two thousand twenty-four dollars! Applejack blinked. “W-What?” “Uhhh-huh?” Big Mac echoed. Pinkie rocked back and forth on her feet excitedly. “I TOLD you it would work!” “So that’s, like, fifteen hundred dollars?” Applejack sputtered. “It might not ‘save the farm’,” Pinkie continued, “but at least you’ll be better off for winter.” “What about Pinkie Pie?” Stan objected. Pinkie stopped rocking, and all eyes turned his way. “What d’ y’ mean?” Applejack asked. “Pinkie Pie helped a lot; she should get a cut.” “Oh, no, I-“ Big Mac sniffed. “How much?” “I’d say fifty.” Big Mac opened his mouth to say something, but Applebloom spoke first. “And how much do you want? “Heh! I don’t need yer money. But I might take that story-telling cake you swindled everyone out of, though.” Applejack frowned. “Hey, wadda you mean ‘swindled’?” “Oh, come on. You think I can’t tell Big Mac wearing an ape mask from a giant simian?” “What? Big Mac would never-” Applejack turned to look at her compatriots. Big Mac (and Pinkie and Applebloom) guiltily avoid Applejack’s glare. “Ahem- in ANY case, it’s late. You can worry about money tomorrow, right now we should all finish cleaning up.” “Yeah!” Applebloom cheered. “Not this one,” Applejack said. “It’s time for you t’ go t’ bed.” “What?! Aw, I can help clean up!” Applejack jerked her head toward the house. ”Git!” “Awww!” she moaned. “See you, Applebloom!” Pinkie called. “See y’all!” Applebloom headed to the house with the money box while the others looked between each other. Applejack looked at the mess around them: “We better get at it.” “I’ll go get started in the kitchen,” Pinkie said, stretching as she walked out the open bay. “I’ll finish up outside; you two start in here,” Big Mac said. He gave Applejack a look as he left. Applejack and Stan were left staring at each other. Applejack gulped. Stan smiled, congenially, then grabbed a broom from the corner and started sweeping the debris into a pile. After watching Stan sweep for several seconds Applejack took a breath and walked up to him. “P-p-partner?” “Huh?” “Stan, stop.” Stan blinked several times then stopped sweeping. “Ah really do want to thank you for everythin’ y’ did today. Spreadin’ that rumor around school, and helpin’ out and callin’ off that huntin’ party. Y’know as far as Applebloom and Big Mac and… and me ‘r concerned yer pretty much a member of the family around here.” Applejack stepped closer. Stan edged back. “Oh brother, I-” “Now don’t interrupt. Things have been hard ever since… well, almost forever, for the us here, and that two thousand dollars is pennies from heaven. I reckon we might even be able to buy food next month.” As Applejack stepped even closer, Stan edged further away until he bumped into something. He took a look; his back was literally to the wall. He turned back. “W-where’ve you been getting food?” “Well… We’ve sort of been borrowin’… from the school.” Stan’s pupils narrowed, and his grip tightened on the broom handle. He didn’t want to know that. Applejack looked ashamed. “It’s just the food they ‘re gonna throw out is all. A lot of people turn a blind eye when they hear how hard up we are. But you… you don’t seem to let it get to y’ or nothin’. You don’t mind that… that we’re so poor?” Applejack was very close now, almost leaning on hm. She looked up and blinked. “Of course not. Until my uncle found me I used to be even poorer than you are now.” “I don’t think that’s possible.” The muscles in his jaw unintentionally tightened. “I’ll have to tell you about it sometime.” “But we need help. Big Mac thinks he kin turn the farm around with some labor, but we can’t afford no labor. Do you think y’-” Applejack put her hands, in nervous little fists, on his chest, and her glance turned downward. Then she looked up again, hopeful. “Do y’ think y’ could help out around the farm? Not a lot, just a little; and we couldn’t pay y’ just yet, but maybe… just maybe there’d be… something else you’d take…?” She paused, slightly, as they gazed into each eyes; then Applejack’s eyes narrowed as she moved in for the kill. Big Mac strode in through the side door: “Outside’s don- oh!” His eyes went wide as they turned his way. Stan straightened up and Applejack backed off, scrunching her shoulders and blushing horribly. “Big Mac!” Stan said. “Huh?” “Uh- Applejack was just telling me, uh, h-how you needed some help! Around the farm! Is that true?” Big Mac and Applejack looked at each other. One sad look and a slight nod from Applejack said it all. Big Mac, ever proud, tried to hold his chin up, bravely, but he ended up bowing his head, and nodding. “Well why didn’t you just say so? I can’t help out a lot, but I can put in a few hours here and there. Don’t worry big guy we’ll turn this place around.” Big Mac looked up. Applejack smiled. “Y’… Y’ think so?” “I know so!” “Well, tarnation!” he boomed. “I wish I’d’ve asked sooner-” There was a low grunt at the window. They turned to look. In the window was… The Thing! Now for just an instant Stan thought Big Mac was playing tricks again, but somehow he knew that couldn’t be. Firstly, Big Mac was standing right there. Secondly, the window frame was at least six feet tall, maybe seven, and that thing, that… CREATURE, was clearly bending down just to peek inside. A giant hand pressed against the window pane. “AAAAAAAHHHHH!” they shouted, bolting out of the garage and tearing for the house. Stan got there first and held open the door as he waved them inside. “Go! Go! Go!” As soon as they were inside he slammed the door and they ran to the side windows to peek out through the blinds. Pinkie Pie with a dish rag and Applebloom with a toothbrush in her mouth appeared. “What’s going on?” Pinkie asked. “It’s outside,” Applejack said. “HE is!” “Bigfoot!” Applebloom shouted, racing to the window. Pinkie’s eyes went wide as she followed. They searched for several seconds, but he was nowhere to be seen. Applejack heaved a sigh of relief. “He’s gone.” “Whew-wee!” Big Mac called out. “That was a close one!” “I figure we’re done cleanin’ up outside ‘til mornin’. Big Mac, give Pinkie and Stan a ride home in the truck.” Big Mac grunted and went to get the keys. “I can help out a bit more,” Pinkie said. “Aw, you’ve helped enough for one day. We’ll finish up around here.” “Did y’ get a picture?” Applebloom asked. “Sure didn’t.” “You don’t think he’s been eating your apples, do you?” Stan asked. “All the time.” “And he’s really loud too,” Applebloom eagerly added. “Late at night, when the window’s open, y’ can hear a snackin’ and a munchin’ out in the orchard. I feel like shoutin’ out: Eat quietly! And chew with yer mouth closed. Ain’t Bigfoot got no manners!” “Fascinating,” Stan said. “Wait, so you- you really saw him?” Pinkie asked Stan. “Boy howdy,” Stan confirmed. “Now ‘re y’ gonna believe us?” Applebloom asked Pinkie. Pinkie furrowed her brow, and peeked through the blinds again. Big Mac appeared at the door. “All right, y’ ready?” “Kin I come?” “You’ve got school in the morning, and ah’m gonna to go finish up in the kitchen. Hurry back, and be safe.” Big Mac nodded. Pinkie gave Applebloom and Applejack a hug - and Stan a mean look. “I’ll see you both tomorrow.” “Thanks fer helpin’ out ‘cuz.” “Yeah, thanks Pinkie,” Applebloom said, as she resumed brushing her teeth. “Yeah, thanks Pinkie,” Stan echoed, as they walked out to the hall. “Shut up.” They made their way to the front door and slowly opened it. “Coasts clear,” Stan said. He held the door open for Big Mac and Pinkie, but Applejack called from the hall before he followed: “Stan?” He looked back. “Just… think about what we talked about. Okay?” He made a sly look. “Don’t worry, I will.” She smiled as he waved goodbye, closing the door and hurrying after the other two. In the truck Big Mac was driving, Stan rode shotgun and Pinkie sat between then, nervously wringing her hands and clearing her throat. They sat like that for a quarter mile before Stan spoke up: “How many apples does he eat?” “Can’t really tell, he eats ‘em whole. But a lot, that’s for sure.” “But you really did see him this time? Not just hear him?” “We saw ‘im Pinkie Pie.” “What did he look like?” “Well… like Bigfoot, I guess.” “He looked like an ape,” Stan said, “like you’d see at a zoo; but he was taller, way taller, and thin. He looked like an eight and a half foot tall lanky ape.” “And the feller had huge hands.” “Really?” Pinkie gasped. “Yep. Put ‘em up on the window and everything. Freaked us the (heck) out.” “Wow.” “That was definitely a close one,” Stan said, as Big Mac pulled over. Stan’s small apartment building, which was a twenty minute walk from the homestead, made for a two minute drive in the middle of the night, and was on the way to the Delphina farm, so he was up first. He opened the door and hopped out. “Bye Big Mac, bye Pinkie.” “Eeeyup!” Pinkie inclined her nose, and looked slightly away with a small feminine grunt. Stan sized her up, then lifted his hand. In a flash he pinched Pinkie on the outer thigh. She recoiled: “Ack!” “I said goodbye Pinkie.” “Okay, goodbye, whatever,” she said, stifling a smile. Stan closed the door as a chuckling Big Mac drove off. As soon as he was gone Stan pulled out his phone and made a call. Someone answered. “Tell me you got Bigfoot on camera.” Later that morning, Applejack sat at a small desk in her room, writing in her diary. She sighed. She wanted to write down everything that happened so she’d never forget. She sighed again as she closed the diary, then turned off her light and threw herself on the bed. She looked out the window at the night sky then rolled on her side and hugged her pillow. With all that money in the lockbox it felt like a great weight was off her shoulders. She could finally rest easy - for a while. But as she drifted off to sleep she tried to remember everything that happened, and just hoped she’d never forget. Never forget…. END
Are y' Comin' to the Party Tommorow?High in the sky the sun beamed strong, on the orange-reds and yellows of a changing throng, of a million small pallets, of a million small leaves, as they danced in the gusts of a light fall breeze. An ocean of colors in shimmering rills, breaking like waves on the constant hills, leading all the way to cloudy frills, drifting past on the distant horizon. It was beautiful –perfect in a way– and it smelled wonderful - like autumn… But in spite of everything, it was all so provincial! Stan reclined on an upper bench of the outdoor stadium. Ever since he’d arrived at Sleepy Hollow he’d had his hands full trying to fit in, or ‘assimilate seamlessly’ as some might say. (He rolled his eyes.) But now that things had settled down a little that nagging feeling was back. That nagging feeling that the city was where he belonged. The city… New York… Home. “Bright lights, big city… that’s where I want to go…” he lightly sang to himself. He sighed. “Somethin’ wrong?” Stan sat up. Applejack stood a few rows down, looking a bit nervous. “No, I just got a lot on my mind.” “Like what?” He was reluctant to say ‘homesick.’ “Just worried about that report due in history class.” “Yeah, heh-heh. Mr. Gleason doesn’t put up with no nonsense, that’s fer sure.” “What are you doing up here?” “Oh-uh- I was just gonna, uh- did y’ hear we’re all throwin’ a party?” “Hey!” Applebloom raced up the steps. “So are y’ comin’ to the party tomorrow?” “Party? You mean the ‘Bash’ all those posters around school were talking about?” “A-yep! Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell helped me make ‘em. We’re gonna clean out the barn n’ have a dance, n’ tell scary stories, n’ there’ll be food and contests! Y’ comin’?” “Contests?” “A dance contest,” Applejack answered, “n’ maybe a scary story competition.” “No bobbing for apples?” Applebloom gasped. “That’s good thinkin’! We’re apple farmers, right?” “I was joking.” Applebloom gave Stan a forceful look, half-pout-half-glare. “You comin’ or not?” she asked. Stan sighed again. “Sure, why not?” “You don’t sound too excited about it.” Applejack raised an eyebrow. “What’s’a matter?” “Will Pinkie be there?” “Aw, you and Pinkie Pie need t’ get over each other.” “Yeah, yeah… I never really liked parties anyway.” “Don’t like parties?” Applebloom echoed back. “Why not?” Too many people. “It’s a long story.” “But this is a Halloweeeen party!” she continued. “And I’ll tell you what! Tell the door man you’re my boyfriend and you don’t have to pay any cover.” “What?” “Applebloom!” Applejack fumed. Applebloom smiled. “Oh I get it… it’s ‘that’ kind of party.” Applejack shook her head and took a step forward, “What she meant to say is… that since you…. since yer such a good friend and all-“ “Aw- I don’t need any special treatment, I can pay. My uncle’s rich, remember?” “Well that’s… mighty big of yuh!” “No it’s not! Tell ‘em you’re my boyfriend and ah’ll pay the cover out of my own allowance.” “Apple BLOOM!” “I’m NOT going to tell anybody that I’m dating a 6 year old.” “Ah’m THIRTEEN-AN-A-HALF!” Stan smiled. “Yeah, well you don’t look a day over seven.” Applebloom clenched her fists and pouted for real. “You have your costumes picked out yet?” he asked. “Yeah. Ah’m going as a vampire!” Stan looked at Applejack. “…Cowgirl.” He raised an eyebrow, then bursts out laughing. “Yeah, Shaddup.” “Applejack, you can’t be a cowgirl; you’re a cowgirl every day.” “No, I’m a farmer – there’s a difference!” “Same difference! And besides, I’M going as a cowgirl, so now YOU have to be something different.” Applebloom’s jaw dropped. “Really?” “No~ not really,” Stan scolded. Applejack smirked, Applebloom smiled. “Aw, come on, cowgirl’s too obvious. At least smear some fake blood on your clothes and say you got mauled by a cow or something. Applejack’s gaze glossed over, but Applebloom quickly changed the subject: “What are you goin’ as?” “…that’s a good question.” Later, just as lunch was about to end, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy stood conversing in the hall. As Stan passed by he couldn’t help but reel back and ask: “Hey, are you guys going to the party?” “Obviously,” Rainbow Dash said. Fluttershy nodded. Rarity flicked some hair behind her, “Of course.” “You’re going?” Stan asked Rarity, with a hint of incredulousness. “And why wouldn’t I?” “I don’t know, you just seem like the… ‘I wouldn’t be caught dead at a barn dance,’ type. “I am totally egalitarian, thank you very much! And even if I weren’t, this is Applejack’s ‘barn dance’. …so I’ll make an exception.” “Who’s gonna win the dance off?” Stan asked. Rainbow Dash smirked; “Me, obviously.” “Heh! This is going to be easier than I thought!” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “Stan, are you a dancer?” Rarity asked. “I can… when I wanna. Do you dance?” “Of course I dance. All sorts, in fact. Waltzes, Ballroom, Salsa.” “Salsa?! Rarity, he’s talking about ‘real’ dancing, break dancing, not-” “Don’t be ridiculous, darling, salsa and waltzes and ballroom are ‘real’ dances; ‘break’ dancing is the-” Rarity stopped as Fluttershy mumbled something. All eyes turned to her. Her eyes went wide and she blushed, turning her gaze to the floor. They blinked for a moment of awkward silence before Rainbow Dash shot Stan a mean glance. “Well I guess we’re just going to have to settle this on the dance floor then.” Stan smiled back. “Enjoy losing.” “Oh you will.” Random CHS Student #23 spoke up from just behind Rarity. “Hey everybody Stan thinks he’s a dancer!” A small group of eavesdroppers snickered. “I see - it’s the conspiracy again!” Random CHS Student #05 (or #05) nodded his head. “Yeah, yeah.” “You losers going to the party?” “No,” #23 said. “Are you?” “Yes! It figures you’re not; this party is cool people only!” “How can you tell who’s cool and who’s not?” #85 asked. “We’ll be taking roll call. Once at seven, once at eight.” “Oh, so everyone that shows up is cool?” #23 asked. “People that aren’t cool already know it, so they won’t bother trying. It’s like their motto or something. Anybody that shows up can’t be that un-cool.” “Well I guess I’ll see you there.” “Me too!” #5 added. “Spread the word!” Stan called out. A warning bell rang and the crowd broke up. “Hey Rainbow Dash, where are you going? Algebra’s this way! “I’m going to the bathroom, creep!” “How was I supposed to know?” Stan turned to leave, but Fluttershy was still standing there, timidly waving goodbye. “Uh… see-yuh, Fluttershy.” She smiled and played with her hair as she started down the hall. Stan gave her backside a look of consternation before finally leaving for class.
Helping OutSometime after school let out Applejack and Applebloom stood by their garage while Big Mac carried boxes from the open bay to somewhere behind the house. The girls looked out towards the forest, some distance beyond the orchard. “Y’think he’ll show up tomorrow? It is Halloween.” “I hope not, Applebloom. Some spook-a-boo scarin’ off the guests is about the last thing we need.” “Boo!” “Ahhh!” they shrieked. “Did I scare you? “Stan!” Applejack shouted. “What? Hey, what were you guys just talking about?” Applebloom opened her mouth to speak, but Applejack cut her off. “Nothing. What’re you doin’ here Stan?” “I came to help out.” “Thanks, but we don’t need help.” .“Yes we do,” Applebloom corrected. “No, er… I mean, that’s nice of y’ t’ offer, but-” Applebloom stood in front of Applejack. “What she means to say is; ‘thank you.’ Now Pinkie Pie and Granny are bakin’ goodies in the house, so y’ can help out there, or y’ can help Big Mac clear out the garage.” “What are you two doing?” “Yard work.” He looked between his options. “I think I’ll help Big Mac with the heavy lifting,” he said, lifting an arm and rubbing his bicep. “And Applebloom; I just ‘love’ a woman that doesn’t let pride get in the way of good business decisions.” Applejack frowned while Applebloom smiled and Stan headed over to the garage. “Hey Big Mac.” “Eeeyup.” “Need some help?” Big Mac raised an eyebrow, then clean-lifted a heavy looking chest with an ‘oof!’ “I meant ‘want’ some help? Heh. I’ll just follow your lead.” Stan lifted a box and followed Big Mac around to a supply shed near the orchard. The two of them busied themselves emptying the garage while the girls cleaned up outside. Some of the boxes were a little heavy, but moving small loads in fall weather is a breeze. Before they knew it the garage was almost empty, and the only boxes left were the older looking ones in the very back. Stan stacked several on top of each other and started to pick them up all at once but the handle on the lowest broke, sending the boxes tumbling and spilling their contents everywhere. “Aaah!” he shouted. “Aaah!” Big Mac shouted back, startled. “S-sorry, the handle broke.” Big Mac glared at Stan as he started cleaning up. Then he noticed something. One of the boxes contained old photo albums, and the one lying just at his feet was from twenty years ago. He picked it up. He hummed, then opened it. Wedding pictures. Stan was busy repacking things, but Big Mac grunted. “Leave it. I’ll finish up, you go help inside.” Stan looked at the mess and the boxes that were left. Things weren’t that bad, but he hated to leave a job undone. “Aw, come on-” “Nnnope!” Big Mac’s tone was clear: It wasn’t up for discussion. “Okay… sorry…” Big Mac turned back to the album. He seemed absorbed by it. Inside the kitchen countertops were cluttered with cakes, popcorn balls, candied apples, and all sorts of other delicious Halloween themed confections. In a corner Granny sat napping in a rocking chair while Pinkie Pie busied herself, putting the finishing touches on a four-layered cake that had been frosted to look like a jack-o-lantern. “But how do we put a candle inside?” “Ack!” Granny sat up. “What? What?” “It’s nothing, I’m fine Grandma.” Granny settled back in her chair. “Alright then young… un… zzz.” Pinkie Pie made snake eyes at Stan. “What are you doing here?” “I’m here to help out. “I don’t need help. Go away.” “If I’m not going to help you make something, then I’m just going to have to make something myself. I think I’ll start with a cake. Where’s the laundry detergent?” “Laundy det- Uh, fine! The cake in the oven is almost done baking, so we need to get started on the next one anyway. “This one looks really good.” “Shut up.” He rolled his eyes. Pinkie Pie flipped an open cookbook to another page. “Here. Gather and measure these ingredients and put them on the table. Most of the stuff is already out except for whatever has to stay in the fridge.” “Okay.” Stan started measuring ingredients while Pinkie Pie arranged the pan, bowl and mixing spoon. Together they made the batter and divided it between a pair of baking pans, then Pinkie took out the finished cake, and put the new baking pans in the hot oven. Stan looked at the steaming fresh cake, the smell alone, added to the smell of the other treats, the newly baking cake and the sugar in the air, was simply heavenly. “So now do we frost it?” “No,” Pinkie scowled. “It has to cool down first. But here, this should be ready to frost. She grabbed two more baking pans filled with cake. With adept skill, Pinkie coaxed the cakes out of the pans, and they arranged a layer cake, then frosted the top to look like a spooky abandoned castle in the middle of some woods with an ominous crescent moon above it. Stan mostly helped with the simpler tasks, like frosting the sides and handing Pinkie things as she worked, but when they finished Pinkie smiled. “Huh! I guess that was a little faster.” “How many cakes are you going to make today?” “Just one more - then it’s on to cupcakes and cookies.” “Oh man, that sounds so good.” Pinkie blushed, lightly. “Shut up~. And I can take it from here, go see if Big Mac needs help in the garage. It needs to be empty and clean before we can start decorating.” “Okay.” After he left, Pinkie looked at the finished cake and smiled. Dismayingly the garage was exactly as he had left it, only now Big Mac was staring in a daze at a half dozen photo albums splayed all over a work table. “Big Mac!” Big Mac’s glassy eyes turned to Stan. “What are you doing? We need to get this place empty and cleaned so we can decorate for the party.” Big Mac turned back to the mess and the remaining boxes and looked surprised to see them. “Okay, breaks over, let’s go.” “Right, right,” Big Mac muttered. He started closing photo albums and putting them in the broken box. They quickly cleaned up the mess and resumed moving boxes (though Big Mac took the first box back to his room rather than to the supply shed). By the time they finished the last load, Applejack and Applebloom were waiting for them. “We’re through in the yard, need any help in here?” Applejack asked. “Yup!” Big Mac said, grabbing a broom from the corner and tossing it to her. Applebloom frowned. “You guys should’a been done already.” Stan cleared his throat. “There was an altercation.” Cleaning the empty garage with four people on hand was about as easy as it sounded. When they were almost through, Applebloom ran to get Pinkie, who brought out a huge box of Halloween decorations. “Oof!” Pinkie said, dropping the box on the work table. She started pulling out the bric-a-brac. “Where did you get so much Halloween stuff?” Stan asked. “Eh~! You collect it over the years,” she said, pulling out a papier-mâché skull and blowing a puff of dust off it. “Here, pull the work table over the oil stain.” After moving the table they pulled out the decorations and arranged them on the table and floor, Pinkie gazed at all of them, then sized up the garage and house. She closed her eyes tight and put a finger to her head. Suddenly her finger pointed up and her eyes popped open. “I got it! That goes there. And that goes there! And these go over here. And this goes here. And that-” In a flurry of activity they started moving things around, guided by Pinkie’s direction. Some of the decisions seemed a little sketchy at first, but once the bigger things were in place, and they started adding garnish and polishing the details, it all started to come together. Perhaps an hour and a half later the sun had set, and the farmhouse and garage were looking grim. Applejack, Applebloom and Stan stood besides Pinkie Pie on the street as she directed Big Mac in adjusting the final light. “A little more to the left!” Big Mac turned the light fixture so the house was bathed in a garish upturned red light. With the decorations all set up, fall trees as a backdrop, and now the lighting in place, the homestead looked positively haunted! “That’s it! We’re finished!” They cheered. Big Mac ambled over and he and Applejack and Applebloom all gave Pinkie a big hug, while Stan looked on, clapping. Big Mac looked up then grabbed his shirt, “Get over here.” As Stan joined the hug, he wanted to let out a sarcastic ‘d’awww’ but when he opened his mouth nothing came out. After the hug they all backed up, and Pinkie clapped her hands. “Good job everyone! Everything should be all ready for tomorrow now.” Stan lightly punched Pinkie’s shoulder. “Pinkie Pie, you’re awesome! Look at the house - you should seriously go pro.” “Uh-huh!” Applejack agreed. Applebloom grabbed her shirt, “Yeah!” “Eeeeeyup!” Pinkie, at first, looked very flattered, blushing and turning her gaze to the ground, her eyes darting up to peek at Stan once or twice. Then she turned even more red as she frowned and her eyebrows furrowed. “Y-yeah? So what? Lots of people are good at putting up spider webs and stuffed cats and- and setting up lights and stuff. Maybe you should just... Erugh!” Pinkie stormed off to the house, as Applejack, Applebloom and Big Mac looked dumbstruck. Stan sighed. “I guess that’s my cue to scoot. See yuh tomorrow.” Applejack shot him a confused glance. “What?” “Aren’t y’gonna stay fer grub?” Applebloom asked. “You guys are eating right now?” “Eeyup.” “Soon,” Applejack said. “Stick around. Y’ helped so much today, the least we kin do is feed yuh.” “Naw, I got homework to do. Tell Pinkie I wasn’t kidding about… how nice everything looked… or whatever. Yeah - see yuh tomorrow!” “See-yup!” Big Mac grunted. “Bye bye…” Applebloom said. Stan started walking back… But before he made it two blocks he heard Applejack call out behind him: “Stan! Wait!” He stopped under a lamppost and turned to see Applejack jogging up. Some distance away Big Mac ushered a resisting Applebloom back in the house. “T… Thanks for helpin’, p-partne- uh- friend. Sorry I tried to drive y’ off earlier, it’s just… I wasn’t expectin’ y’, n’ I thought… I thought y’ might be makin’ fun of us or somethin’.” “Applejack, I wouldn’t-” “I know. Oh, and just so y’ know, y-you don’t have to pay cover tomorrow, that’s fer sure.” “I’m NOT telling people Applebloom’s my girlfriend.” “No, I-” “I’m joking. And don’t be silly, I’m paying a cover. My uncle is rich.” “Y-yeah, but… after everything y’did n’all-” “Oh brother, it was nothing, I barely helped at all… See you tomorrow, AJ. I just hope I’ll recognize you in that cowgirl costume!” Stan laughed as he started jogging off, into the dark, leaving Applejack staring after him. Just before he disappeared from view she absent mindedly lifted a finger to her lips.
PrepWhen Stan got back to his apartment building an expected note was pinned to the front message board. He marched down to the ‘janitor’s closest’ and knocked. After a pause, the slot where the words ‘janitor’s closet’ were printed slid open, and a pair of eyes looked out. The slot slammed shut, and the door opened. Inside what looked like a janitor’s closet Rick, a barrel shaped man wearing a suit and tie, nodded approvingly. Stan entered. He closed the door, locked it, then grabbed a coat-hook holding a dirty looking cloth and twisted it. The side wall gave way to a broad dark room, as large as one of the apartments. In fact it was almost as if it were a converted apartment and not really a janitor’s closet at all. The windows were boarded up. Another man, Ash, waved from a desk, where a wall of computer screens monitored different parts of town; while a third man, Jason, sat behind a lone computer station the corner. He waved, but stayed focused on whatever he was reading. “I’ve actually been waiting for you. And that reminds me” –he pushed a button on some gadget hidden beneath his suit forearm and called into his wrist- “Bon-bon, get down here.” He pulled Stan back in the closet and twisted the hook back. The secret door slid shut. “Didn’t she see the note?” “She probably came in the back way and forgot to check.” Ten or fifteen seconds later Bon-bon appeared behind the transparent janitor sign. She knocked, then adjusted her head, tilting it upright, trying to look formal. “I didn’t know you could see through the sign,” Stan said. Rick opened the slot and glared at Bon-bon, then closed the slot and opened the door. “Come in.” On seeing Stan she gave him a quizzical look, and entered. Rick closed the door (which automatically locked), twisted the hook and the three of them entered the away-command center. He walked to a box over in the kitchenette. “Bon-bon.” “Yes sir?” “I presume you’re going to the Halloween party tomorrow?” “Yes.” “Do you already have a costume picked out?” “Yes.” “Good, lucky for both of you the outfits I ordered arrived just yesterday. Here.” He handed her a female ninja costume.” “But I already picked my costume, I was going to go as an owl~.” “I know. Lynette looked over your costume. Trust me I’m doing you a favor.” Bon-bon looked hurt, but she nodded. “Yes sir.” “What about me?” “Right there,” he held up a formal suit. “That’s a suit.” “It’s a James Bond costume. And your new formal wear.” “You can’t be serious, I can’t go as James Bond, they’ll-” “‘Hide in plain view’ Dinman! They’ll never suspect you if you make a joke out of it; keep ‘em guessing. And besides, both of these outfits are real.” “Real?” Bon-bon asked, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah, put ‘em on.” Bon-bon and Stan looked between each other. “Bon-bon can use the bathroom, Stan can use the kitchenette.” “Don’t worry, Stannie,” Ash cooed, “we won’t look.” Jason chuckled. “Don’t call me that!” The men laughed. “I think it’s cute.” Bon-bon said, on her way to the bathroom. Stan shook his head. A few minutes later the two had finished changing. It was no surprise the outfits fit, the organization had all their measurements, but how on earth did they make them so easy to move around in? Stan almost felt like he could go to the gym in it. “You look good,” Bon-bon said. “You look angry,” Stan replied. Stan looked fairly conventional, a little slicked back hair and he’d be James Bond for sure, but Bon-Bon’s outfit looked tricky. It covered everything but her eyes, and the black fabric had many gray and dark gray areas and threads, almost like night camouflage. “Take the mask off,” Rick said, “and maybe wear too much make up. You’re supposed to be a naive teenager. And you. Get into the role, make a joke of it.” “Whatever. Where’s my gun?” Stan asked. “Right here,” the man said, pulling out a PPK and shooting him in the stomach. “OW!” Bon-bon covered her mouth, while the men all laughed. “What - was - that!” Stan heaved, clutching his abdomen. “It’s bulletproof!” Jason called out. Stan looked down, the bullet had barely left a mark in his vest. “And that was at point blank,” he muttered to himself. “Yep. Mind your head. Headshots in espionage are uncommon, but still. It’s also fireproof and easy to clean.” “Design for maintenance,” Ash said. “What’s the catch?” Stan asked, trying to stand up straight again. “Money,” Jason said, typing something in his computer. “Lots of it,” Ash said, nodding his head. “Here,” Rick held out the PPK, “this is the safety, and this,”–he indicated a carefully hidden switch engraved in the bottom–“is the deception trigger. If it’s off…” He flipped the switch and pulled the (normal) trigger. A small flame came out the front. “Then it’s a tacky lighter, but even if you think the deception switch is on, don’t point it at anybody when you pull the trigger. Your principal is already aware of your new arm, if you get in any trouble go straight to the top and you’ll be fine.” He handed him the gun, then pulled another, smaller, gun from a pocket and held it towards Bon-bon. “Safety. Deception trigger. It’s smaller so it’ll be easier for you to hide in your purse or something. Even as a gun shaped lighter, you shouldn’t show it to anybody.” She nodded and accepted the weapon, stowing it away. “A box of bullets is already in each of your rooms,” Jason said. “Contact us in the unlikely scenario you need more.” Rick smiled at them. “All right, two new arms for our two best infiltrators.” Stan was still rubbing his stomach. “But did you have a shoot me?” “Sure did!” “It’s tradition,” Jason said. “Get your first set of bulletproof clothes and try it out. It teaches you things, like bulletproof doesn’t mean invulnerable. You can trust your suit, but don’t ‘over-trust’ it, because if you do get shot it’s still gonna slow you down.” Stan nodded. “Is her suit bulletproof?” Bon-bon went wide-eyed. Rick nodded. “Then why doesn’t she get shot?” The adults looked between each other. “What d you think Bon-bon, you feel like getting shot today?” Jason asked. Bon-bon flushed with indignation. “No. But if it’s tradition I can take a bullet as good as he can!” Rick chuckled and pulled another, much larger, gun out of his suit-coat. “You sure about this?” he said, pointing it at her abdomen. Her eyes shrank. “I-I meant with Stan’s gun. Or mine.” The men laughed. “Tell her,” Jason said. “Actually that costume is too expensive, and I don’t want to damage it unless necessary.” “But isn’t it just-” she started. “Did you activate the bracer when you put it on?” “Yes, but I don’t know how this one works.” “Just active stealth mode and back up against the wall.” Bon-bon nodded, then rubbed her index finger up and down her left forearm until a screen appeared through the cloth, similar to a cell phone OS. It took her a moment to find ‘stealth’ (especially with the cloth in the way) but when she did she activated it, closed the OS and backed up against the wall. “Woah!” Stan blurted, as the outfit began to match the color of the wall behind her. It wasn’t an exact match, and she wasn’t anywhere near invisible, but even as close as they were she appeared more as a collection of smudgy shadows or stains on the wall rather than as a person. Rick pushed a button on his own wrist, and the effect stopped. “It a color changing outfit that comes in extremely useful for hiding out or sneaking around, something you might want to brush up on over the next few days.” Bon-bon nodded. “Do I get one?” “No. You’re too important to us as a front man, we’re not going to have you risk your cover by having you sneaking around people’s backyards in ninja garb.” Stan nodded. “Oh, and Bon-bon? I love this suit, I wish I could wear it everywhere, everyday.” “I love this suit and I wish I could wear it everywhere, all the time,” Bon-bon recited. “I found it on e-bay and couldn’t let it go.” “No. I already had an outfit picked out with Lyra, if I say I bought it myself then it’ll hurt her feelings.” Rick hummed. “Yeah, but we’re already doing the,”–he made quotations with his fingers–“‘rich uncle’ act with Stan.” “Her ‘aunt’ it supposed to be in show business,” Ash mentioned. Rick snapped his fingers, “That’s right. Your aunt was given this costume, but it’s too small for her, so she gave it to you, and now you have to wear it or you’ll hurt her feelings.” “Right. Okay. Something like that,” Bon-bon said, with a hint of regret in her tone. “Good! Now go get your homework done, both of you. And remember, it’s better to have and not need than to need and not have.” ”Assimilate seamlessly!” Jason called after them as Rick showed them out. Out in the hall, Bon-bon still seemed upset. Stan patted her on the shoulder. “Remember the mission.” “Remember the mission,” Bon-bon said sarcastically, as she shook free and started towards her room. Stan watched her pace away. What was her problem?
The October PartyThe next day the weather was perfect for an October party. Clean, cold fall air blew gently through the orchard with a healthy smattering of colored leaves on both trees and the ground. Add a few jack-o-lanterns and macabre decorations on the houses, and there was no mistaking it: Halloween was here. By the time Stan arrived, fashionably fifteen minutes late, there was already a line to get in wrapped around a small ‘spooky’ barricade encircling the house. As Stan made it to the gate he was greeted by Applebloom wearing all black and some cheap vampire teeth. “Applebloom?” “Stan!” “Oh no, you’ve been turned into a vampire! When did that happen?!” She smiled. “Yesterday, after you left. What’re you supposed to be, James Bond?” “Guilty!” “You look good.” “Thanks. Here. Don’t tell Applejack I paid cover.” “I’m not takin’ yer money.” “Take it.” “No.” “Take it!” “No!” Stan folded up the bills and slid them into Applebloom’s mouth. Her eyes went wide. He kept the bills in her mouth with one finger as he spoke: “Take the money, and I’m not taking no for an answer. Oh, and come find me when you get off door duty, if we’re going to change you back into a human we have to do it before Halloween is over.” Applebloom nodded as Stan took his hand back and wandered into the fray. Inside the crowd was still thin. Music was playing and a few groups were quietly chatting, but things were just warming up. First things first; he thought to himself, and he headed over to the refreshment stand for some Halloween punch. “Stan!” Gypsy Rainbow Dash and vampire Fluttershy approached, Rainbow Dash with a drink of her own. Fluttershy mumbled something, but Dash didn’t even notice. “What are YOU supposed to be?” “James Bond” “Ha! Where’s your gun?” “Right here,” he said, pulling out the ‘lighter’ and pointing it upwards as he pulled the trigger. A small flame came out of the tip. Rainbow Dash laughed. “You actually bought one of those things?” “What are you supposed to be - a bar wench? “I’m a gypsy!” “Oh, I see it now~,” Stan said. “Yeah, shut up, you know you love it.” Random Student #43, dressed as a football player, grabbed small plastic pumpkin and called out, “Hey Rainbow Dash! Go long!” Rainbow Dash took one look at someone starting to throw something and handed her drink to Fluttershy, “Oh, take this! Be right back!” Rainbow Dash’s sudden departure left Fluttershy and Stan standing in a suddenly awkward silence. Fluttershy turned her gaze downward and frowned. Stan coughed into his hand: “That’s a nice costume. Applebloom’s a vampire too. Later on you two’ll have to have a big fight to see who’s queen vampire.” Fluttershy snorted. “I’m serious. That would be so awesome. We’ll post it on Youtube after.” She started mumbling something. “Uh- the music’s too loud, you have to speak up.” “I said Applebloom’d probably win,” Fluttershy whispered. “Don’t be ridiculous, you’re like six inches taller than her.” She shook her head, but was smiling. “Well maybe you can be vampire friends or something.” Gypsy Rainbow Dash and a dozen other Halloween clichés were starting an impromptu game of football (or pumpkin-ball, as it were) on the lawn. They watched for a few seconds. “So -uh- Where’d you get your costume?” “Rarity. We were at her boutique for four hours yesterday.” “That was nice of her. I got mine from a friend, er– from my rich uncle. Do you think I make a good James Bond?” Fluttershy nodded, taking a sip of Rainbow Dash’s punch. That was probably an accident, but Stan wasn’t about to say anything. “Hey Fluttershy, do you mind when I call you Fluttershy?” She looked surprised. “I mean I know it’s what everyone calls you, but I hate being presumptuous, and I don’t have any problem calling you Faw-” She shook her head and touched his arm. “I like it when my friends call me Fluttershy.” “Really?” She nodded. “So I’m your friend?” She nods again. “Aw, thanks! Here. To friendship!” They clinked plastic cups and took a sip. Fluttershy smiled and played with her hair. Considering this had been their longest conversation on record, he had no idea what her requirement for ‘friend’ was, but it was nice to know he fit the bill. More and more people were streaming in. “Hey where is everybody?” Stan asked. “I think Applejack and Pinkie Pie are inside.” “Wanna go see how they’re doing?” Fluttershy shook her head and pointed further in the garage. Twilight and Sunset were standing in a corner talking to Ninja Bon-bon and Greek ‘Goddess’ Lyra. Twilight made a fairly convincing mad scientist, while Sunset came as a ‘fifties girl’, except her ‘poodle’ skirt had a small unicorn on it. A very small unicorn. “Oh, let’s go say hi.” They headed over. “Happy Halloween! Fluttershy mumbled ‘hello’. “Oh, hi Fluttershy and… uh…” Stan smiled. ‘Why can’t she ever remember my name’? “Stan.” Twilight snapped her fingers. “Right, Stan.” Fluttershy mumbled something. “Thanks, you too,” Twilight said. “Who else is here?” Fluttershy mumbled for several seconds. “But where’s Rarity?” Fluttershy shrugged. “I asked her last night and she said she was coming,” Lyra said. “I had to rush over to her shop last minute and buy a new costume because somebody changed the plan.” “I said I was sorry,” Bon-bon objected. “She probably wants to make a grand entrance or something,” Sunset said. “That’s like - her ‘thing’. What are you supposed to be, a businessman?” “James Bond.” Sunset furrowed her brows. “James Bond. That was the… the…” When she recalled what James Bond was she burst out laughing. “Isn’t that little ‘on the nose’?” Bon-bon cringed. “Oh please, are you still on about that spy business? If anyone here is a spy, it’s you.” “Me?” Stan continued, but as he continued his tone made it sound more and more like a joke: “Yeah. I’ve seen you writing in that little book of yours. What are you writing about, huh? Political reports? Invasion plans? I wouldn’t be surprised if the people in talking-horse-land knew more about our water supply and power grid than we do.” Twilight frowned, but the other girls looked amused at his fantastic accusations. Sunset shook her head, “Don’t be ridiculous.” “I’m close aren’t I?” Twilight gestured toward Stan: “I don’t think the ‘people’ in ‘talking-horse-land’ are planning on invading any time soon.” “Maybe that’s what they want us to think. Heh! Maybe this is all part of somebody’s plan, and she singled me out ‘cause I’m wise to her tricks - I’m on to her game.” “Hey Stanimal!” Rainbow Dash called out, “get over here, we’re losing!” “Ah- duty calls, ladies,” he said, setting his drink on a nearby table. “And Sunset…” They made eye contact and he held up two fingers between his eyes and hers, waving his hand back and forth, then pointed at her – the universal ‘I’m watching you’ sign. He hurried out. “Do you really think he’s a spy?” Bon-bon asked. “I’m pretty sure.” Fluttershy frowned. “I don’t think he’s a spy. He’s too nice.” Twilight agreed: “Yeah, he’s too much of an idiot.” “If he’s a spy,” Lyra added, “then I’m a famous anthropologist.” Sunset smirked “Maybe in another world.” Bon-bon craned her neck to see Stan through the growing crowd, “If he was a spy who do you think he’d be working for?” “The government?” Twilight suggested. Bon-bon smiled. “It would be cool if he was…” A few minutes later Applejack entered the garage carrying a large platter filled with frosted cookies. “Here y’ go… every… one…” she trailed off as two dozen people immediately gathered round to help themselves. She pulled her gaze from the rapidly depleting platter to the long line of people still waiting to get in. “A-heh. There’re a… a few more people than we were expectin’.” “You can thank Stan for that,” #5 said from behind her. She turned his way as he took bite out of a frosted witch’s-head. “Whaddya mean?” “He went around school all day yesterday telling people to come.” “Yeah,” #124 added, “and he said anybody that didn’t come was probably a loser.” “It worked I guess. The only reason I’m here is so I don’t get burned on Monday,” #5 said. “But the cookies are a plus. Nobody said there’d be cookies.” “Glad y’ like ‘em. But y’ weren’t gonna come?” “No, I was supposed to stay home and hand out candy for my Mom. But when I told her the whole school was going to a party, and I had to go too, she let me off the hook.” “I was actually going to go trick or treating,” #203 said, with a cookie in each hand, “but I wanted to see the dance contest.” “Heh,” Applejack muttered, “Guess it’s a good thing ah invited him then. Have y’ seen him?” “He’s playing football out front. Right there.” “Thanks,” she said, walking in his way. Out on the lawn the teams were lining up for another go. Rainbow Dash was waiting for the hike, when Applejack interrupted: “Hey, hold up a secon- Big Mac!” Big Mac was heading up the other team. He looked up and grinned sheepishly. “Yer supposed to be watchin’ things.” “I am, I’m just… I’m watchin’ ‘em from here is all.” “Stan, I need to talk to you.” “No way!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “Applejack, we’re in the middle of a game!” “How can yuh play in that dress?” “Stop yappin’, yer on our team, make room!” Rainbow shouted. “No, she’s on our side!” Big Mac shouted. “There’s no time fer football, we got a party to-” she objected. “I’m heeerrrrreeee!” Rarity called out from the entrance. She was wearing a lavish Marie Antoinette costume, covered in ribbons and bows, and was holding her hands up elegantly, as if waiting for rapturous applause. All eyes were definitely on her for pause. Then Lemon Zest in a Super-girl costume ran up behind her. “Dudes!” Indego Zap came up on her other side in a drag racing suit. “Football? I’m in!” “Hey it’s the Crystal Prep kids,” Sunset said, emerging from the garage with Twilight and Fluttershy in tow. Lawyer Sour-Sweet, Black Bodysuit Sunny Flare (maybe she was a time traveler?) and Sugar Coat wearing a buckskin dress and eagle feather in her hair, all waived hello. “Hope we didn’t steal your thunder,” Sugar Coat muttered to Rarity. “I’m so glad you could all make it,” Twilight said. “Yeah, that’s great,” Rainbow started. “Indigo, you’re on-” “OUR SIDE,” Big Mac interrupted. “Hey!” All the girls had already started chatting, except for Lemon and Indigo who were marching into the pumpkin-ball kerfuffle. “I need to talk to you.” While the two ‘team leaders’ argued over who went on which team, Stan let Applejack pull him aside. “What is it?” “People ‘re sayin’ that yuh were sayin’ things around school.” “Yeah?” “And you said that anyone that didn’t come t’ the party was a loser.” “Well its true, isn’t it?” Applejack’s look of dismay evolved into a smirk. Stan looked at the line of people to get in. “And it worked, didn’t it? You wanted a lot of people to come, didn’t you?” “Well… yeah but-” “There, see. Your party’s a success, and all you had to do was believe in yourself. And me. But believing in me is the easy part. Cookies!” Stan hurried away to help himself to some dwindling refreshments, while Applejack watched him suspiciously. She didn’t like rumors, lies or liars; but knowing Stan, it had probably been a big joke. “Applejack, come’ere!” Rainbow Dash called out. “You’re on our team!” The Halloween Themed teams lined up for another round. “Hut! Hut! Hike!” In the ensuing melee both sides fought valiantly, but Indigo’s speed and Big Mac’s strength proved irresistible. They stopped when it was time for the dance competition, by ironically by the time it was ready to start half the contending dancers had thoroughly wearied themselves out. “This is it!” Rainbow Dash said, heaving for breath on the ‘dance floor’, an empty area in the middle of the garage. The sun had set and the party was pretty much in full swing now. A few stragglers kept showing up at the front gate, now manned by Big Mac, but by most accounts there were enough people there already. A large crowd thronged the garage and driveway waiting to see the competition. Sunset, Octavia, and DJ Pon3 sat at the judges table; the latter most had a laptop in front of her, which was connected to a small sound system she had just set up. “Where’s Applejack?” Sunset asked. “She went to get more food,” Ballerina Pinkie said, stretching out. “Where’s Rarity?” “Back here, darling.” Sunset and Octavia reeled around to see Rarity sitting on the floor next to Fluttershy. “Aren’t you going to dance?” “Oh no, I couldn’t”-she yawned-“I stayed up all night finishing this dress, I wouldn’t dream of dancing right now, but good luck.” “Uh- thanks.” Sunset turned back, and looked over the contestants. That was three of her crew out, but she guessed they could still win this. As long as Stan didn’t have some dirty trick up his sleeves, that was. She gave him a cold look. His back was turned to her, but #13 (AKA Muffins or Derpy, in a McDonalds server ‘costume’) tapped his shoulder and pointed in her direction. He raised his eyebrows when he saw her. “What?” She looked away. “Are we ready to start?” DJ Pon3 nodded. Sunset grabbed a microphone attached to the laptop. “Okay, hi everyone, and welcome to the Applejack Crackerjack Never-Slack Dance Competition! Is everybody having a good time?” The crowd cheered. “Good! This contest will have three rounds; round one will consist of us playing music of different types and all the dancers have to ‘prove they can grove.’ Any dancers that aren’t grooving with the music will be voted off! The second round will have two parts; a cooperation round where we’ll play some music and you have to cooperate with each other as you dance, and for the second half I will do a dance and then the remaining dancers will have to repeat it as closely as they can. The third round will be a showdown between whoever’s left, to music chosen by the judges. The winner will receive this delicious Halloween cake frosted to look like a jack-o-lantern. Does everybody understand?” The contestants murmured affirmative. “Good, then let’s~ start!” The first song was, predictably, the Monster Mash. At first things were a little hard to manage, a lot of people wanted that cake, and the dance floor was so crowded it was hard to move around, but it was still fun to see so many people dancing. After a minute or so Octavia’s voice came over the speaker: “Okay, Wolfman, you’re out. Yes you, go. The Wolfman slacked his shoulders and slunk away. Sunset’s voice came next, “You in the sheriff costume. Out!” The sheriff snapped his fingers and strut off the floor. Next came Pon3’s voice, “You in the red witch outfit. Do that again. Aaawsomeee!” “You’re only allowed to use the microphone to tell people they’re out!” Octavia could be heard, remonstrating her. “Why?” Sunset grabbed the microphone, “Little Bo Peep, go find your sheep.” A girl wearing a Little Bo Peep outfit looked her way. She nodded and the girl left. Sunset eyed Stan. All things considered he was doing pretty good, but there’d be plenty of time too- Just that instant #13 tried to pirouette but ended up stumbling in Stan’s direction. Down she went, dragging Stan with her. “Out!” she shouted! “Both of you!” Stan jumped up, and looked her way, jaw dropped. Each of the judges shook their heads. He clenched his fists and turned to glare at #13, who smiled and shrugged innocently. With a sigh he helped her up so they could leave the dance floor. Sunset smiled at the back of them–that was easier than she thought it’d be. ‘Thanks Derpy!’ Soon, the song faded away and the next one started up: Masquerade, from the Phantom of the Opera. There were several quizzical looks, but everyone kept dancing. The movement aspect of this dance were very different from the mash, and while most of the contestants caught on quickly, the few that didn’t, or hesitated, soon found themselves with the rest of the spectators. One such contestant was a certain mad scientist. “You in the lab coat, you’re out,” Pon3 shouted. Twilight gave the judges a sad look, then headed towards Fluttershy and Rarity. Several more students were subsequently dejected, until the music changed again, this time to Night on Bald Mountain. As it started up several of the dancers just stopped and raised their arms; like ‘what’? “If you can’t take the heat, get off the dance floor,” Pon3 called out over the sound system. A few snorted and left, but the majority tried to roll with it. There was a lot more room on the dance floor now and several dancers were starting to get creative. Pinkie, in her ballet costume (and perhaps with a little forewarning) was doing surprisingly well, but not as good as Rainbow Dash, who seemed at surprisingly at ease dancing to classical music. “Hey Bumble Bee?! Buzz off!” “You’re out, Freddy!” More and more people were eliminated. By the time the music cut out there were only a dozen left. “All right,” Sunset’s voice came over the speakers, “that’s it for the first round, let’s hear it for the winners!” Everyone clapped. The Beetlejuice theme started, and Octavia grabbed the mic. “Round two will feature everyone dancing cooperatively for the half the song. Once the halfway point is reached Ms. Shimmer will rise and everyone who wants to make it to round three will follow her movements exactly. Now begin!” The next round was a bit tricky (what did cooperative dance even mean?), but everyone who made it this far was a fairly competent dancer and they started improvising. Several of the new dance moves were quite entertaining, but some weren’t entertaining enough. “Nice try Supergirl, better luck next year.” Lemon Zest sighed, and headed to where the other Crystal Prep students were gathered on the sidelines. “Gypsy!” Octavia shouted. “You’re out!” Rainbow Dash turned to glare at the judges. “What!?” “Out!” She scowled and shook her fist, then slumped to the sidelines, thoroughly worn out. Suddenly the music slowed, and Sunset walked around the judge’s table. All eyes were on her. The 50’s costume was perfect for dancing, and as the music resumed she started moving and clapping her hands. The few remaining competitors mimicked her closely – but the moves got more complicated as she went on. Sunset was actually a lot better dancer than any of them thought, and before they knew it the audience was all clapping along. It was intense. One of the dancers faltered. “Racer girl, you’re out!” Indigo Zap clenched her fist, then wiped the sweat of her brow and strode away. That was draining! Before the music stopped a fairy and a man in a shark suit also got booted. The music stopped and the four remaining dancers, including Sunset, took a bow. The crowd clapped. “Thank you, now everybody hang tight while DJ picks a song for each of the three finalists,” Octavia said, hammering away at her laptop. The final contestants; Devil-Girl Scootaloo, Ballerina Pinkie, and Ninja Bon-Bon, all took a breath. “When did Scooter get here?” Stan wondered aloud. “Her and Sweetie Bell got here just before the dance.,” #13 said. “I think they were out trick-or-treating.” “Oh.” Octavia continued: “Ol’right, contestants? The final round will be a dance-off. We will play a song and the contestants must make up a dance, and when they’re through the audience will decide who wins and thereby gets the jack-o-cake. Are – you – ready?” The crowd cheered. The three looked between each other, then back to the judges. “First up,” Sunset shouted, “Pinkie!” An instrumental version of ‘This is Halloween’ started playing, and Pinkie started dancing. Her moves were a combination of several styles, some more traditional others more modern, and parts of it could have been a little more graceful, but overall it was very esthetic. Midway through she took a breath and did a back flip, which earned several ooohs and aaahs from the audience. Eventually the music stopped and she bowed with much applause. “Next up,” Pon3 shouted, “Bon-Bon!” Ninja Rap started playing. Bon-Bon put her hands on her hips and frowned. “Go!” She shook her head and went with it. Her dance was almost entirely modern, and pretty good all things considered – Bon-Bon could jam and Ninja Rap is a surprisingly ‘dance-able’ song. Before the song technically finished the music faded, and she took her bow, amidst more applause. “All right,” Octavia shouted, “Who’s ready for Scooter?” The crowd cheered again as ‘the Devil Went Down to Georgia’ started booming. She shook her head round and started bouncing on the balls of her feet. Her dance was more modern than not, and several parts of the song she pantomimed quite effectively, at one point swinging her tail when she was playing the devil part. Soon the music faded and she too took a bow to the audience clapping and cheering. Pon3 stood up: “Okay, let’s hear it for… Pinkie!” The audience boomed for the most popular girl at school. Octavia stood up: “How about… Bon-Bon!” Everyone hollered for her surprising ninja performance. Sunset stood up: “And last but not least…” Pinkie walked over and nudged Bon-Bon, but she was already nodding. Scootaloo as the final performer was standing in front of them, and they both turned to the audience on either side and waived their hands upwards. “Scooter!” The crowd went wild, with even Pinkie and Bon-Bon joining in. Scootaloo looked beside herself with joy, as she turned around to see a sea of smiling faces clapping. “You did it, you won!” Everyone rushed forward, Renaissance Sweetie Bell, and Applebloom at the front of the throng. Eventually she was ushered to the judges table where she was handed her the cake, which she held over her head, triumphantly. The audience cheered and cheered as she made her way out of the garage to go put her cake in the house for safe keeping, and even the sorest of losers felt better knowing they probably weren’t going to win anyway. About half an hour later things had calmed down, and the scary story contest was underway. About one third of the crowd that had attended the dance competition was seated on the floor and listening to #13 tell a story about ‘the headless horse’ taking revenge on the mafia, while a number of people milled about outside. Almost half of the party had already left, most them to get some trick-or-treating done or because they had some other engagement. Twilight, Sunset, Rainbow and the Crystal Prep students all left for a much larger all-night part in New York City. They’d offered to take everyone with them, but Applejack and Pinkie had to stay with the party, and Rarity had fallen asleep on Fluttershy’s lap, so they were all tied up. Stan might have weaseled his way into going, but Lyra and Bon-Bon were already going with, so he stayed. On the good side things were winding down fast, so hopefully he wouldn’t be here all night. 13 finished her story, and a few people laughed and rolled their eyes. She frowned. It wasn’t supposed to be funny… Applebloom got up next. She started telling a story about the monster that lived in the woods near there. Stan felt himself slowly nodding off as she spoke. It had been a long day and that football game had taken a lot out of him. He head tilted to his knees. So sleepy… Suddenly the lights went out. His head snapped to attention. A loud roar came from the window, where a ‘giant ape’ was banging on the window. “You can’t be serious,” he said to himself, as pandemonium broke out in the garage. The ‘giant ape’ ran for the trees, while the students screamed and shouted and took for the lamp-lit streets. Stan and Pinkie did what they could to make sure no one got trampled in the chaos. Out on the street the hysteria had died down –slightly– but many of the party goers were not content to assume that was the end of it: “What WAS that thing?” #43 shouted. “It was the Bigfoot!” #16 assured. 74 pointed to the far end the orchard, “It ran into the woods!” “I saw where it went!” #140 bellowed. “Now hold up,” Applejack tried to call out from the crowd, but they were in a frenzy. “We can catch it!” #4 cheered, raising a pitchfork. 23 raised a torch. “Get your torches!” “Say your prayers!” #55 shouted. “Kill the beast!” everyone chorused. “Now everyone calm down!” People turned to see Stan standing on hay bail. “It’s Halloween and small children -and the POLICE- are out in droves, so we’re not gonna go on no Bigfoot hunt… TONIGHT! But stay posted and maybe we have something organized in a week or so!” “It’s the apples; that’s what it is!” #43 hollered. “Yeah!” #161 agreed. “We should set apple-traps – all around town!” Several people nodded. “We’ll all be rich!” someone shouted from the back. “Bah!” Stan continued. “The monster’s gone now; let’s all get back to the party!” He made a good point, and though a lot of people split, many came back. The music started up and people started chatting again. They partied late into the night and by the time the last guest left it was almost one o’clock…
Halloween Wrap UpApplebloom and Pinky were busy counting the money while Applejack, Big Mac and Stan cleaned up. A stiff wind was blowing in a storm so they hurried to clean up as much as they could. Applebloom walked to the edge of the garage and called out: “We’re through!” The five of them gathered round to hear the night’s tally. Applebloom cleared her throat: “Well, like Pinkie was sayin’, it takes money to make money, and we had a lot more people show up than we were countin’ on so we had to spend more on food. In total we spent two hundred dollars on decorations and the stereo, and three hundred fifty dollars on food.” Applejack and Big Mac (Big Mac especially) looked very anxious at hearing that. “BUT we had somethin’ like two or three hundred people show up, and our total money made was two thousand twenty-four dollars! Applejack blinked. “W-What?” “Uhhh-huh?” Big Mac echoed. Pinkie rocked back and forth on her feet excitedly. “I TOLD you it would work!” “So that’s, like, fifteen hundred dollars?” Applejack sputtered. “It might not ‘save the farm’,” Pinkie continued, “but at least you’ll be better off for winter.” “What about Pinkie Pie?” Stan objected. Pinkie stopped rocking, and all eyes turned his way. “What d’ y’ mean?” Applejack asked. “Pinkie Pie helped a lot; she should get a cut.” “Oh, no, I-“ Big Mac sniffed. “How much?” “I’d say fifty.” Big Mac opened his mouth to say something, but Applebloom spoke first. “And how much do you want? “Heh! I don’t need yer money. But I might take that story-telling cake you swindled everyone out of, though.” Applejack frowned. “Hey, wadda you mean ‘swindled’?” “Oh, come on. You think I can’t tell Big Mac wearing an ape mask from a giant simian?” “What? Big Mac would never-” Applejack turned to look at her compatriots. Big Mac (and Pinkie and Applebloom) guiltily avoid Applejack’s glare. “Ahem- in ANY case, it’s late. You can worry about money tomorrow, right now we should all finish cleaning up.” “Yeah!” Applebloom cheered. “Not this one,” Applejack said. “It’s time for you t’ go t’ bed.” “What?! Aw, I can help clean up!” Applejack jerked her head toward the house. ”Git!” “Awww!” she moaned. “See you, Applebloom!” Pinkie called. “See y’all!” Applebloom headed to the house with the money box while the others looked between each other. Applejack looked at the mess around them: “We better get at it.” “I’ll go get started in the kitchen,” Pinkie said, stretching as she walked out the open bay. “I’ll finish up outside; you two start in here,” Big Mac said. He gave Applejack a look as he left. Applejack and Stan were left staring at each other. Applejack gulped. Stan smiled, congenially, then grabbed a broom from the corner and started sweeping the debris into a pile. After watching Stan sweep for several seconds Applejack took a breath and walked up to him. “P-p-partner?” “Huh?” “Stan, stop.” Stan blinked several times then stopped sweeping. “Ah really do want to thank you for everythin’ y’ did today. Spreadin’ that rumor around school, and helpin’ out and callin’ off that huntin’ party. Y’know as far as Applebloom and Big Mac and… and me ‘r concerned yer pretty much a member of the family around here.” Applejack stepped closer. Stan edged back. “Oh brother, I-” “Now don’t interrupt. Things have been hard ever since… well, almost forever, for the us here, and that two thousand dollars is pennies from heaven. I reckon we might even be able to buy food next month.” As Applejack stepped even closer, Stan edged further away until he bumped into something. He took a look; his back was literally to the wall. He turned back. “W-where’ve you been getting food?” “Well… We’ve sort of been borrowin’… from the school.” Stan’s pupils narrowed, and his grip tightened on the broom handle. He didn’t want to know that. Applejack looked ashamed. “It’s just the food they ‘re gonna throw out is all. A lot of people turn a blind eye when they hear how hard up we are. But you… you don’t seem to let it get to y’ or nothin’. You don’t mind that… that we’re so poor?” Applejack was very close now, almost leaning on hm. She looked up and blinked. “Of course not. Until my uncle found me I used to be even poorer than you are now.” “I don’t think that’s possible.” The muscles in his jaw unintentionally tightened. “I’ll have to tell you about it sometime.” “But we need help. Big Mac thinks he kin turn the farm around with some labor, but we can’t afford no labor. Do you think y’-” Applejack put her hands, in nervous little fists, on his chest, and her glance turned downward. Then she looked up again, hopeful. “Do y’ think y’ could help out around the farm? Not a lot, just a little; and we couldn’t pay y’ just yet, but maybe… just maybe there’d be… something else you’d take…?” She paused, slightly, as they gazed into each eyes; then Applejack’s eyes narrowed as she moved in for the kill. Big Mac strode in through the side door: “Outside’s don- oh!” His eyes went wide as they turned his way. Stan straightened up and Applejack backed off, scrunching her shoulders and blushing horribly. “Big Mac!” Stan said. “Huh?” “Uh- Applejack was just telling me, uh, h-how you needed some help! Around the farm! Is that true?” Big Mac and Applejack looked at each other. One sad look and a slight nod from Applejack said it all. Big Mac, ever proud, tried to hold his chin up, bravely, but he ended up bowing his head, and nodding. “Well why didn’t you just say so? I can’t help out a lot, but I can put in a few hours here and there. Don’t worry big guy we’ll turn this place around.” Big Mac looked up. Applejack smiled. “Y’… Y’ think so?” “I know so!” “Well, tarnation!” he boomed. “I wish I’d’ve asked sooner-” There was a low grunt at the window. They turned to look. In the window was… The Thing! Now for just an instant Stan thought Big Mac was playing tricks again, but somehow he knew that couldn’t be. Firstly, Big Mac was standing right there. Secondly, the window frame was at least six feet tall, maybe seven, and that thing, that… CREATURE, was clearly bending down just to peek inside. A giant hand pressed against the window pane. “AAAAAAAHHHHH!” they shouted, bolting out of the garage and tearing for the house. Stan got there first and held open the door as he waved them inside. “Go! Go! Go!” As soon as they were inside he slammed the door and they ran to the side windows to peek out through the blinds. Pinkie Pie with a dish rag and Applebloom with a toothbrush in her mouth appeared. “What’s going on?” Pinkie asked. “It’s outside,” Applejack said. “HE is!” “Bigfoot!” Applebloom shouted, racing to the window. Pinkie’s eyes went wide as she followed. They searched for several seconds, but he was nowhere to be seen. Applejack heaved a sigh of relief. “He’s gone.” “Whew-wee!” Big Mac called out. “That was a close one!” “I figure we’re done cleanin’ up outside ‘til mornin’. Big Mac, give Pinkie and Stan a ride home in the truck.” Big Mac grunted and went to get the keys. “I can help out a bit more,” Pinkie said. “Aw, you’ve helped enough for one day. We’ll finish up around here.” “Did y’ get a picture?” Applebloom asked. “Sure didn’t.” “You don’t think he’s been eating your apples, do you?” Stan asked. “All the time.” “And he’s really loud too,” Applebloom eagerly added. “Late at night, when the window’s open, y’ can hear a snackin’ and a munchin’ out in the orchard. I feel like shoutin’ out: Eat quietly! And chew with yer mouth closed. Ain’t Bigfoot got no manners!” “Fascinating,” Stan said. “Wait, so you- you really saw him?” Pinkie asked Stan. “Boy howdy,” Stan confirmed. “Now ‘re y’ gonna believe us?” Applebloom asked Pinkie. Pinkie furrowed her brow, and peeked through the blinds again. Big Mac appeared at the door. “All right, y’ ready?” “Kin I come?” “You’ve got school in the morning, and ah’m gonna to go finish up in the kitchen. Hurry back, and be safe.” Big Mac nodded. Pinkie gave Applebloom and Applejack a hug - and Stan a mean look. “I’ll see you both tomorrow.” “Thanks fer helpin’ out ‘cuz.” “Yeah, thanks Pinkie,” Applebloom said, as she resumed brushing her teeth. “Yeah, thanks Pinkie,” Stan echoed, as they walked out to the hall. “Shut up.” They made their way to the front door and slowly opened it. “Coasts clear,” Stan said. He held the door open for Big Mac and Pinkie, but Applejack called from the hall before he followed: “Stan?” He looked back. “Just… think about what we talked about. Okay?” He made a sly look. “Don’t worry, I will.” She smiled as he waved goodbye, closing the door and hurrying after the other two. In the truck Big Mac was driving, Stan rode shotgun and Pinkie sat between then, nervously wringing her hands and clearing her throat. They sat like that for a quarter mile before Stan spoke up: “How many apples does he eat?” “Can’t really tell, he eats ‘em whole. But a lot, that’s for sure.” “But you really did see him this time? Not just hear him?” “We saw ‘im Pinkie Pie.” “What did he look like?” “Well… like Bigfoot, I guess.” “He looked like an ape,” Stan said, “like you’d see at a zoo; but he was taller, way taller, and thin. He looked like an eight and a half foot tall lanky ape.” “And the feller had huge hands.” “Really?” Pinkie gasped. “Yep. Put ‘em up on the window and everything. Freaked us the (heck) out.” “Wow.” “That was definitely a close one,” Stan said, as Big Mac pulled over. Stan’s small apartment building, which was a twenty minute walk from the homestead, made for a two minute drive in the middle of the night, and was on the way to the Delphina farm, so he was up first. He opened the door and hopped out. “Bye Big Mac, bye Pinkie.” “Eeeyup!” Pinkie inclined her nose, and looked slightly away with a small feminine grunt. Stan sized her up, then lifted his hand. In a flash he pinched Pinkie on the outer thigh. She recoiled: “Ack!” “I said goodbye Pinkie.” “Okay, goodbye, whatever,” she said, stifling a smile. Stan closed the door as a chuckling Big Mac drove off. As soon as he was gone Stan pulled out his phone and made a call. Someone answered. “Tell me you got Bigfoot on camera.” Later that morning, Applejack sat at a small desk in her room, writing in her diary. She sighed. She wanted to write down everything that happened so she’d never forget. She sighed again as she closed the diary, then turned off her light and threw herself on the bed. She looked out the window at the night sky then rolled on her side and hugged her pillow. With all that money in the lockbox it felt like a great weight was off her shoulders. She could finally rest easy - for a while. But as she drifted off to sleep she tried to remember everything that happened, and just hoped she’d never forget. Never forget…. END
