The Melody of Melancholy

Chapters

Lovely Little Locket
Sing Me A Song
Let The Music In

Lovely Little Locket

It was a brisk, autumn evening, the lights of Canterlot slowly popping into life as the sun began to set. A gentle breeze swept through the streets, swirling the rain drizzling from the murky clouds. Rarity, the familiar white unicorn with purple mane and an Element of Harmony, was out doing some nightly shopping. The myriad of bags hanging from her back clattered loudly while she struggled to unfold her umbrella. With a loud click, the umbrella popped open. The force of it knocked her back a few paces, her flank landing in a large puddle. With an exasperated sigh, she pushed herself back up.

"Stupid rain, stupid umbrella... now I'm all muddy. What could be worse?" Rarity whined, kicking the pavement angrily. The door to the store she was standing beside, creaked open eerily and an elderly stallion popped his head out.

"Are you alright, Miss? I saw you tumble and thought you might want to come in out of the rain. Perhaps you'll find something to buy while you dry off." He held the door open a little wider, gesturing inside.

Rarity smiled sweetly, "Oh, you're such a gentecolt, I would love to come in and clean off this muck." She carefully pushed past the frail stallion and into the store. The rush of warm, musty air hit her like a carriage. "Oooh, that's much nicer."

The elderly stallion quietly shut the door behind him, the bell above ringing shrilly. Rarity noticed his eyes had very big, wrinkly bags beneath them, as if he hadn't slept in years. With the light grey coat he had, it made him look like a miniature, trunk-less elephant. The eyes themselves were yellowed and bloodshot. The irises a harsh green, almost acidic looking. Not often one to judge outside appearances, Rarity felt a little uneasy about this pony but ignored her own warnings.

He stared back at her as she took in his appearance, noting her fancy mane and perfectly manicured hooves. Definitely not the type of mare he was used to seeing in this side of Canterlot. A high-class snob with money to spare in a dusty store like this, it was practically his lucky day. He looked over to his window display case and gave a devious little smile.

Rarity didn't notice his smile, her mind too focused on the fact that her flank had turned a disgusting dark brown. Excusing herself, she trotted into the bathroom to hopefully clean off the fast drying mud. Magically she pulled a lovely, silk handkerchief from one of her multiple bags and poured some water on it. Aggressively she began scrubbing at the caked brown muck currently obscuring her cutiemark.

While Rarity was preoccupied, the elderly shopkeeper wandered over to the display case and lifted out a shiny silver necklace. It shone with a magical quality, a locket in the shape of a musical note hung from the chain. It was encrusted with a dark onyx gemstone, that almost seemed to absorb all light around it. He blew away the layer of dust it had accumulated, making sure it would catch the mares eyes. It had been many a moon since it had been worn, but he knew this time, would be its last.

"Let's see this rich little mare handle this, about time don't you think?" He whispered to the gemstone, it twinkled ever so slightly as if it were replying. He carefully placed it at an angle, making sure the streetlight danced off it.

By the time Rarity returned from the bathroom, the shopkeeper had returned to his place behind the counter. His face was obscured by a large newspaper, his eyes peering over the top. She looked around the musty store, noting the dust bunnies sitting in the corner and the large cobwebs dangling from the roof. The smell of mothballs, mold and rotten cheese hung in the air. It was certainly no Carousel Boutique.

Rarity was just about to leave when the metallic sheen of the locket caught her eye. It was dazzling compared to the drabness of the shop around it, like the sun bursting through storm clouds. She trotted over to it and held it up to the light. As she watched it dance in front of her eyes, swaying back and forth in her hooves, something strange came over her. A compulsive desire to buy it. A burning need that seemed to pour through her every nerve. Without a second thought she grasped it firmly and wandered over to the shopkeeper.

He gleefully watched as she gently placed it on the counter. Rarity nodded toward it. "How much?" Her voice held a demanding tone.

He croaked out a throaty laugh, his voice like gravel, "Five hundred bits, give or take."

She threw down a huge bag full of coins. "I'll give you a thousand if you allow me to wear it immediately. I want it so much..." Her voice wavered, "Give it..."

"Alright, don't get your cutiemark in a twist." The shopkeeper blew the dust off the rusted over cash register. He snapped up the bag of gleaming bits and shoved the draw back in. He rubbed his hooves together, looking back up at his newest customer. "Hope you enjoy your purchase! And I'm afraid absolutely no refunds."

Rarity nodded, barely even aware of his words as she did the locket up around her neck. She felt a warm fuzzy feeling deep inside her stomach and knew she'd chosen well. The onyx note shone for a split second, momentarily blinding her.

"It does that from time to time. Now move along, I've got more vic- ahem -costumers yet to come." The shopkeeper shoved her out the door, eager to get rid of her. He clearly wanted nothing to do with her. "Don't come back!"

Now standing out in the middle of the sidewalk, right hoof firmly gripped around her new piece of jewelry, Rarity took a deep breath. "I need a latte," she muttered, suddenly thirsty.

Leaving the dirty little shop behind her, Rarity headed to her favorite little cafe by the train station. The cute young barista who she had always adored trotted up to her. "The usual, Mademoiselle Rarity?" He asked in his thick Prench accent.

She giggled and waved a hoof in his face, "Oh you, you know me all too well, darling! And yes, one creamy latté thank you very much."

He nodded slowly, his eyes slightly glazed over. "Of course, one latté coming up. For you it's on the house. No bits needed."

Rarity thanked him, thinking that he must've been smitten with her current appearance. She silently enjoyed her latté while ponies wandered past the window. She enjoyed watching the ponies come and go, wondering where it was they were off to. Taking one final sip, she placed a tip for the drink and headed out to leave. The barista trotted up to her, stamping a hoof down.

He pushed her out of the way and tore up the tip, "No, no pay. It's on the house!" He glared at her, his usually bright green eyes faded almost black.

"Oh, there's really no need. I'm quite willing to-" She started to protest.

He rudely cut her off and repeated, "I SAID you no, PAY!"

"Alright I won't, no need to be so rude! I thought you were sweet. I assure you I will not be back!" And with that she angrily stormed out, her bags banging against the door. "My word..."

The barista shook his head and looked at the other customers, they all gave him an odd look. He shrug his shoulders, unaware that anything had happened. His coworkers gave him a raised eyebrow but continued on making the numerous types of drinks. None were the wiser on his unusual outburst.

Outside, Rarity was red-faced and quite offended. She clutched the locket and waited for the train to arrive. Almost on cue the whistle echoed into the night, signalling the passengers to make their way in. Making sure all her shopping bags were in order, she stepped onto the furthest carriage. Ponyville was practically the final stop, a long ride was ahead. Pulling out a beautiful velvet blanket and one of her many romantic novels, she settled in for the journey.

It was almost midnight by the time the train finally rolled into Ponyville, the stars twinkling beside a crescent moon. Rarity was awoken by the train whistle, having dozed off some time ago. With a large yawn and a quick stretch, she got up off her seat. She carefully shut the book that was lying open close to the juicy end, folded up the blanket and stepped out into the chilly night air. The train driver gave her a friendly wave, to which she gave her signature smile.

She wrapped a scarf around her neck and headed into Ponyville. It was a very different sight at night, most of the houses sat dark and silent while the fireflies flew circles around the candlelit street lamps. It was a little spooky how empty it made it seem. Well, almost every building was dark, save the top room of Sugarcube Corner. A familiar pink face popped out of the upper window, mane in a tangled mess and a bright smile on her lips. "Hey Rarity! Stay there I'll be right down!" Pinkie Pie whispered in her still loud voice.

Rarity barely had any time to reply before her cheerful friend was standing right beside her. She gave a little start, unsure how she could move so fast. "How in Equestria do you DO that? Scared me half to death!"

Pinkie shrugged, "I just do I guess," She pulled open one of the bags and peered inside, "So, what did you get? Oooh, I bet it's something incredible and fashionable!"

Rarity pulled her friends face out of her shopping bag, "Oh simply a few supplies, a few new ensembles, a hat or three, some cupcakes for Sweetie Belle-" Rarity stopped to slap Pinkie's hoof away, "-not for you, a few gifts but that's a surprise, oh and this!" She held up the locket in the moonlight, "Found it in some run down antique store, of all places."

"It's so pretty, just like you!" Pinkie gave Rarity a hug and turned back to a loud noise coming from the Cake's kitchen. "Gotta go, babysitting! Sounds like Pound Cake is restless again!" She ran back inside, the angry cries of a baby coming through the kitchen window.

Rarity took it as her cue to leave, turning towards the single light shining down on her Boutique's door. Off in the distance, the many lights of The Castle of Friendship went out one by one. Twilight and her lessons were clearly done for the night. Quietly she pushed the key into the lock, making sure the door wouldn't creak. She gently pushed it open and stepped inside. One of her many fainting couches was currently occupied by her snoring sister, her mane drooping from the edge.

Rarity smiled and trotted over to Sweetie Belle. She very carefully encased her in a blue magic bubble and carried her upstairs to her room. She set her bags down while she lay her sister down on her bed and tucked her in. One of her eyes opened and then the other, "Rarity? Is that you?" She asked, her voice groggy.

"Yes, it's me, I only now got back from my day trip. I'm sorry I kept you waiting so long, darling!" Rarity stroked her sisters mane, "Well you've got to tell me about how your sleepover went. And guess what I bought? Your favorite cupcakes from Canterlot!"

Sweetie Belle rubbed her eyes and pushed the covers back. "The custard filled kind?"

"What do you think?" Rarity pulled a packet of cupcakes from her bag and placed them on the nightstand, "But don't go eating them all tonight. You wouldn't want to miss my pancakes, would you?"

Sweetie Belle shook her head and hugged her sister, "You're the best sister ever!"

"Oh you! We can talk more in the morning alright, Sweetie? For now you need to get some rest, got all that crusading to do after all. Nighty-night!" Rarity leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.

"Goodnight! By the way that locket is really pretty..." She replied, almost immediately falling back to sleep.

Rarity turned out the lamp, making sure the door was open enough to let the warm air in. She turned to the sleeping lump buried under the bed covers and blew her a kiss. With her sister all tucked in, Rarity finally felt tired from her long day. She took a look at the full bags sitting in the corner and shrugged, "I can do it tomorrow..."

With that she climbed into her own bed, settling down between the silk sheets. She held the locket up one last time and marveled at its almost perfect cut. Something about it seemed peculiar, as if some magical spell enchanted it. Rarity pushed the thought from her mind, putting on her sleeping mask. She fell into a deep trance, a beautiful voice lulling her to sleep. Her dreams were full of desires, wishes and a melodic singing voice she could not place.

Sing Me A Song

It was noon by the time Rarity awoke, downstairs she could hear her sister moaning about something. The smell of burnt pancakes crept into her nostrils to which she had to crack a smile. She glanced over at the clock on her wall and clapped her hooves to her face. "Twelve o'clock already? Oh dear, I'm going to be terribly late for Fluttershy's picnic! Alright, think Rarity, it's autumn, it's sunny... Ah yes, orange is in!"

Rarity jumped out of bed and hurriedly dove into her closet to search for this years fall dress. After loudly muttering to herself and spilling a large pile of clothes onto the floor, she finally found it. "Ah hah! I knew I had it! Now where's my hat..." She thought to herself for a second, "In... THIS bag!"

Sure enough, a large and very fancy hat was sitting on top of all the supplies for making more dresses. It was a very carefully thatched straw hat, the type you often see being worn at the beach or a park. A bright blue bow was wrapped around it. Rarity hastily pulled on the dress and made sure her mane wasn't obscured by the hat. She headed downstairs to see exactly how much mess her sister had made.

The kitchen looked like it had been hit by a batter-filled bomb, pancake mix was splattered over the cupboards, the stove and even parts of the roof. Standing in the middle of this kitchen catastrophe, a singed Sweetie Belle gave Rarity a sheepish smile. In her hooves she held a plate stacked high with multiple layers of fluffy, golden pancakes. Rarity stood there stunned, certain from the smell and the mess that they would've been tiny burnt discs. "Sorry about the mess but I didn't want to wake you. Pancake?" She asked, holding out the plate.

"I'm afraid I can't stay for long, I promised Fluttershy I'd be at her autumn picnic by eleven and I'm already an hour late. But I will take one of these delicious looking pancakes." Rarity grabbed the one at the top of the stack and bit into it. "Absolutely delicious!"

Sweetie Belle's smile faded and her eyes went dull. "You can have them all, if you'd like. You deserve it."

"Alright, but don't you want to have one too?" Rarity asked, her eyebrow raised.

"No. They're all yours. I already ate."

"Fair enough. Well, I'll be back later, ok? Have fun with the Crusaders, won't you?" Rarity headed out the kitchen door, eager to make her appearance no matter how fashionably late.

Sweetie Belle shook her head, her smile returning like it had never left her face. She looked at the stack of pancakes in front of her. She gave a shrug, figuring Rarity must've made them earlier. Without a second thought she dug in, enjoying the sweet taste of pancake batter and maple syrup.

Rarity on the other hoof had a determined look, hoping that her friends could forgive her for sleeping in. Through all of Ponyville she galloped, heading towards Fluttershy's cottage at the edge of the Everfree Forest. Even further beyond that was a beautiful green field where her friends sat, eagerly awaiting Rarity's appearance. The smell of wet grass and daisies filled the air around them.

Pinkie was of course the first to notice the familiar white figure of Rarity heading towards them. With her usually loud and overly cheerful hello echoing out towards her. Rarity waved back with a smile, nothing ever seemed to escape that one she thought to herself. Twilight sat beside her, looking rather haggard and irritable. As Rarity approached, she flew up to her and grabbed her shoulders.

"You're late! Why are you late? I thought maybe you forgot or even worse you'd become tardy!" Twilight stepped back a few paces. "Ok, maybe I overreacted just a teensy bit. Guess old habits die hard, huh?"

"Twilight, darling? Take a breath, all I did was sleep in. I did spend all day yesterday traipsing around Canterlot after all." Rarity placed her hoof over Twilight's. "Princesses shouldn't get so worried, you've got enough work to do."

Rainbow Dash and Applejack were busy playing a very aggressive game of catch, trying to make the other drop the ball first. Fluttershy watched eagerly, nibbling on a hay-filled sandwich. They stopped what they were doing when Twilight called them over, nudging Rarity with her shoulder. Rarity gave her an annoyed look and turned back to her friends.

"Sorry I'm late girls, I kind of slept in. Woke up with the clock pointed at twelve and rushed right over."

Rainbow Dash nodded towards her hat, "Yet somehow you still manage to dress up. Me? I'm straight out the door like a rocket!"

"Ah don't think any of us doubts that, Dash. You're not exactly one to slow down." Applejack said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Everypony else ignored this exchange and told Rarity that it's no big deal how late she is, so long as she shows up. Rarity took her place on the edge of the large blanket covering the damp grass. It was your typical woolen blanket with white and red chequered squares covering every inch, the only difference is that it looked homemade. Keeping it firmly in place was a large picnic basket with a white bunny snoozing away on it. The smell of warm bread and cheeses wafted through the slightly uncovered lid. It was certainly a picturesque little picnic.

Fluttershy carefully lifted her pet, Angel, off the basket and placed him beside her. She put a hoof inside and pulled out several cucumber sandwiches. "I know you love your cucumber sandwiches, Rarity. So I had to make some after I found a bunch of fresh cucumbers growing in my little vegetable garden. There's probably a tomato or two in one of them too."

Rarity took a few and placed them beside her. "Thank you, darling. I knew there was a reason I love your picnics."

Fluttershy shyly nodded, returning to nibbling her sandwich. Everything seemed so peaceful and simple, like nothing could possibly put a damper on this week. If only it could remain that way. Rarity talked about her shopping spree and all the cute new outfits she had bought, and the weird shopkeeper she had met in that dusty little store. Everypony was mesmerized by the locket as they stared into its dark onyx. Rarity failed to notice the way it seemed to draw them all in, like a miniature black hole.

Rarity tried to join the game of catch they had started earlier but was too afraid to get her clothes dirty. She instead settled for a round of checkers with Twilight, who never really fancied herself the sporty kind. After being bested five times in a row, Rarity conceded in defeat. Trying to beat Twilight in any game of strategy was like trying to stitch gold, nigh impossible.

"In another life you'd be a chess master, Twilight, I swear! Of course I doubt you'd have become Princess of Strategy. At least I hope not. Then your castle would be some boring old rook or something."

"Oh please! The amount of times Spike beat me in that game he plays with Bic Mac would say otherwise." Twilight folded up the checkerboard and placed it in her saddlebag. "I promise next time I'll bring some cards or something so you'll have a better chance to win."

A large breeze blew out of nowhere, knocking Rainbow Dash off course and into a nearby tree. With a loud crash, she struck several branches and fell onto the ground, dazed. All of them stopped what they were doing and ran over, checking that she was alright. While Rarity held her hoof out to pull her up, she thought she could hear a voice whispering in her ear. You should have made them play catch your way, not theirs. What makes them more important then you?

Rarity looked at Pinkie Pie, thinking maybe it was her playing a prank. Deep down she knew that's something she'd never say, yet couldn't help but look for a reason. 'Perhaps it was just the wind...' she thought, or at least hoped. Luckily Rainbow Dash was tougher then she looked, getting away with a few minor scrapes and a single purple bruise. Fluttershy fretted over each one, to which Dash replied with a stoic. "I'm fine, really."

Everypony decided it was probably time to pack up and head on home, lest Rainbow Dash get blown into another tree. Rarity said her goodbyes and helped Fluttershy pack everything away in her picnic basket. "Is there anything else I can help with before I go?"

Fluttershy turned to her with that same dull expression and shook her head slowly. "Not at all, Rarity. I wouldn't want to burden one of my best friends."

"Well if that's all, then I'll see you later, darling. Oh and thank you for the wonderful picnic, despite it being cut short by that strong autumn wind. Sometimes I wish the pegasus could let up on the weather but, I know, autumn is important." Rarity handed Fluttershy one of many gifts she had bought for her friends. "Hope you like it."

Fluttershy took the gift and held it under her wing. "Thank you, now I must return home to my animals.

"Are you ok, Fluttershy? You sound a little, what's the word... monotone." She asked, worried about her friend.

"Nothing to worry about, I am simply a little tired."

Still slightly worried, Rarity turned to leave. She looked back to see Fluttershy shake her head and fly off towards her cottage. She thought her behavior a little odd but put it down to her being very tired. On her way home, Rarity trotted smack bang into a familiar pony she noticed spent a lot of time in Ponyville and at many gatherings where music was playing. Octavia, she remembered was her name.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't notice you there, I was busy thinking abou-" Rarity was cut short by the grey mare, who grabbed her locket and pulled her close

"Sorry to be so informal but... where'd you get this locket?" Octavia asked, her eyes narrowed. The musical note that denoted her cutiemark shimmered.

"Errr... from some rundown little shop near the Canterlot train station. The shopkeeper seemed very eager to part with it. Plus, when I saw it I just knew I had to buy it. May I ask why you're so interested?" Rarity asked, feeling a little scared.

Octavia turned away quickly, her purples eyes trying their hardest not to catch the fashionista's. "No reason really, curiosity and all that..." She put a hoof over the black gemstone and whispered into Rarity's ear, "Be careful what you ask, it can lead to dark things."

Octavia let her go, making sure the locket was still. "It's really pretty, I used to have one just like it."

"You-" Rarity began, but Octavia had already left. She looked around and felt a cold chill as her words rang through her mind. 'Whatever could she mean?' She wondered. She didn't have much time to stand there mulling it over, for another strong gust of wind blew through town. One of the food carts set up on the side of the road collapsed, spilling oranges every which way. The orange seller threw her hooves up and bent over to pick them up.

"Would you like some help?" Rarity felt her words come out like the lyrics to a song, as if she was about to burst into a musical number. She tried again to speak normally but still it sounded like music. The seller gave her an odd look and ran inside her house. The strange whisper crept inside her ear again, Let the melody inside, I assure you it's a wonderful gift.

"Who said that?" Rarity asked the empty street. But no reply came.

Something seemed wrong, barely three in the afternoon and no young fillies or colts were running around laughing or flying kites. The wind had been a little strong, but not enough to keep ponies inside. Rarity kept on her way, eager to head inside and start work on her Nightmare Night clothing line. A strange series of things was a great creative motivator, at least for somepony like Rarity. Nothing more of interest happened until she was sitting at her sewing machine.

She was absent-mindedly stitching away at a lace hemline when she began whistling a tune. At first it was just that, a tune. Eventually it escalated into a full song and that's when things took an unusual turn. As Rarity continued to sing, birds from all over Ponyville flocked to her window. With each rising crescendo and passing lyric they each dropped a single feather into her dress-making room. Almost like they were giving her gifts for her music. By the time the song ended, a pile of multicolored feathers filled up her desk.

Rarity watched as every bird turned to fly back into the trees, now seemingly disinterested in her. Something magical was clearly happening, yet Rarity was yet to understand why. Did some new talent come to her in the night? Did she walk through a field of poison joke? She looked down at the locket hanging around her neck and thought she saw a pupil staring out. Rarity undid the clasp, throwing it across the room out of fear.

She slowly trotted back over to it, whatever she had seen was gone. Certain she was just scaring herself silly she fastened it back around her neck and returned to her stitching. A much gentler breeze seeped through the closed window, sending the feathers dancing in the vague shape of a pony. You've seen what we can accomplish, dear Rarity. All you have to do is sing. Sing me a song, sing me lullabies and sonnets, operas and upbeat pop songs, simply sing and your wishes will come true.

The breeze died away and a chill spread through her shoulder, it was that same whisper creeping into her thoughts, Sing for your hearts desire...

Let The Music In

A few hours passed, the words and the ghostly figure still playing on her thoughts. What in Equestria had such a power? And why exactly was it so willing to give her everything? Her thoughts were cut short by a sharp rap on her front door. Rarity made her way downstairs to greet whoever had come to visit. She slowly opened the door and gave a smile. Standing at the door was the postal service pony, his cap askew and what looked like a party invitation in his hooves. He handed it over, waiting politely while she read the invitation.

The handwriting was incredibly messy and had ink blotches all around. It was clearly written on bakery stationery, the numerous cupcakes, muffins and other pastries adorning the paper confirming her suspicions.

"Hi! If you've received this invitation, you're invited to the biggest, most stupendous, earliest Nightmare Night party ever! As one of Pinkie's many friends you'll surely have a ball, at a ball! Ha! Dress code is obviously spooky, costumes are absolutely necessary. Party begins at the spookiest time of six o'clock at night. Be there or you might get scared. Your party planning pal, Pinkie.

P.S. Don't be late

P.P.S. Unless you want to be fashionably late."

Rarity looked up from the invite, chuckling. The postal pony smiled awkwardly, wondering if he should be chuckling too. Rarity rummaged through the purse on the nearby coffee table and pulled out a small bag of bits. She handed it to the post pony, curtsying politely. "Thank you very much for delivering this at such a late hour."

"I appreciate the tip, you were actually my last stop for the evening. Enjoy your party!" He tipped his hat and headed on home.

Rarity shut the door behind her, wondering which of her many costumes to wear. Even though there were only a few more hours to prepare, one of Pinkie's esteemed parties wasn't something you wanted to miss. If it was anything like last time, Rarity knew for sure it would be a blast. Despite some concern over the words she was told earlier, she figured a party couldn't do any harm. Not like one belts into song midway through.

Her bedroom felt cold and eerily silent, the sewing machine still holding its last stitch. The nearby dustbin was full of the feathers that had littered the floor. Lifeless and unmoving though they were, Rarity couldn't help but shudder. She put on one of her favorite records and took a deep breath. The words calming her nerves, Rarity yanked open her closet door and looked at the many outfits hanging within. From ghosts, zombies and wereponies to vamponies, skeletons and every other manner of monster, she had so many different costumes to wear. Sifting through box after box, it didn't seem like she could find anything new.

A single costume fell off its hook and collapsed onto the floor, Rarity wandered over to pick it up. It looked unworn and new, it even had silver embroidery on what seemed to be its cape. She lifted the outfit into the air with her magic, admiring the delicate craftsmanship. There was only one problem. Rarity, for the life of her, couldn't remember making it. Almost like somepony else had made it without her even knowing. Shrugging, she tried to work out what monster it was meant to be.

It almost stumped her if it wasn't for the mask sitting beneath it. She picked it up and gently rapped it with her hoof. "An actual porcelain mask? I didn't think ponies still made these. It must be worth an absolute fortune!"

Rarity carefully put on the entire costume, making sure not to rip the clearly delicate stitching. The mask fit snugly over her cheek but left the rest of her face uncovered. "Oooh, Phantom of the Opera, a wonderful story, and an even more wonderful costume to go with it." She did a little twirl, the cape scraping against the floor. "Absolutely gorgeous..."

By the time she'd finished her makeup and making sure she wore her best perfume, it was already quarter to six. Despite only having half a face showing, the uncovered portion was caked in white with mascara drawn veins all around her neck. Rarity truly looked the part. She considered asking some nearby stallions for a carriage but instead settled for walking. Before turning to leave, she grabbed a large gift-wrapped box from under her bed. She carefully tucked it up inside the outfits coat pocket. Seemed as good a time as any to give Pinkie her gift.

Pinkie Pie pulled open the door before Rarity herself had even got close. The short trek from the boutique to Twilight's castle didn't exactly give her time to see her coming, but this was Pinkie after all. Unusual was her second middle name. "Hey Rarity! Nice to see you on time!"

"I overslept Pinkie, that's all. I'm not suddenly becoming some lazy mare who appears only when it suits her," Rarity huffed, clearly annoyed.

Pinkie grinned and pulled her inside. She turned back to her. "Relax, you're at a party now!"

Sure enough the main hall was full of ponies, most of them were from Ponyville, save Discord lurking in the back and Shining Armor having an animated conversation with his sister. Fluttershy fluttered over to them from where she was sitting. Her costume was that of a timberwolf, sticks and leaves poking out from the linen sack that served as the body. A pair of plastic, pointy teeth protruded from her lips.

"Awwwoooo! I'm a hungry little wolf!" Fluttershy held her hooves over her head and growled. "Well, am I scary enough?"

Rarity pretended to be startled, making a terrified face and stuttering slightly, "F-fluttershy? I thought you were a real timberwolf!"

"Oh I hope I didn't scare you too much..."

Pinkie wrapped a hoof around her neck, "Don't worry, Rarity's a big girl, she can look after herself!"

Fluttershy squeezed her head from Pinkie's grasp with a slight pop. "At least she doesn't throw a last minute party right after a busy picnic..."

Rarity covered her mouth as she snickered, having thought the very same when she read the invitation. Leaving the two of them to crack jokes at each other, Rarity headed over to the map table that was currently being used as a snack and drink table instead. Applejack was leaning against it, sipping on a large cup of cider. She was wearing a very simple but classic costume, the mummy. The one Nightmare Night outfit that requires absolutely no planning. She looked over at Rarity and nodded towards her fancy costume.

"How'd ya make that so quick, sugarcube? We only got the invites barely two hours ago! Then again, I wouldn't be surprised ta find ya have a dozen spares just for this reason." Applejack adjusted her hat. "Just like me and my spare hats."

"To tell you the truth, I didn't make it. Apparently someone left it hanging in my closet. Can you believe that?" Rarity held up the mask she was wearing. "And this is real porcelain, expensive to make these days."

Applejack gently took it from her hooves and turned it over. She pointed to two initials carved into it. "Ah don't know anypony by the initials, M.S. Must be some secret admirer of yours." She handed the mask back to Rarity and returned to sipping her drink.

Rarity carefully put it back over her face. "Well if it is, he better be charming. No lady wants their secret admirer to be some sort of creep." The cape snagged the side of the table and tripped her over, her face smacking loudly against the hard crystal floor.

Applejack helped her to her hooves. "You alright, sugarcube? That looked mighty painful."

Rarity could taste copper on her lips, wiping away a few specks of blood. "A split lip and a bruised ego, nothing major. Guess I am a little clumsy tonight."

"And 'ere I was about to ask if ya'd like some punch, on second thought maybe you should pass. Have some of Granny's cider instead." Applejack poured her a cup. "It'll at least wash away the taste of blood."

Rarity thanked her and took a long sip. The sweet taste of apples trickled down her throat. Sure enough it tasted as good as it always did, farm picked and juicier then anywhere else. Applejack chuckled, watching her expression change from pained to joy. That was usually how ponies reacted to the Apple family recipe.

The cider quickly emptied as Applejack and Rarity stood talking about their jobs and the weird autumn weather. Pinkie Pie hopped up onto a makeshift stage on the opposite corner of the hall, pulling a microphone out of seemingly nowhere. She nodded towards Twilight who proceeded to turn off all the lights. In the gloomy darkness a bright green image appeared where Pinkie had been standing. Apparently her costume was a glow-in-the-dark skeleton. Satisfied by the audiences reaction, a spotlight appeared on her face.

"Hi everypony! Thanks so much for coming to my early Nightmare Night party! Truth is, my family and I are going on holiday shortly so sadly the real Nightmare Night will be Pinkie-free. But that's ok, because tonight is going to be so much fun! There's gonna be games, cake, karaoke and apparently a stand-up routine by none other then Discord. Don't forget to have a spooktacular time!" Pinkie clapped her hooves together and the lights came back on with an eerie orange light.

Everypony gave her a round of applause and returned to their mingling. The discussion between Rarity and Applejack was cut short by a teleporting Discord who popped into existence between them. "Hello girls! How's my best-est couple doing?"

"Discord... we are not a couple. Nor will we ever be, so stop thinking otherwise. Besides, don't you have a new group of friends to pester?" Rarity gestured to Starlight and Trixie bobbing for apples over by the kitchen.

Discord looked over at them and stuck out his tongue. "Apple-bobbing is so last century. I should know, I watched them invent it. I also heard a rumor you met with an odd shopkeeper fellow and just had to ask for myself. I know of a few... unusual shops tucked away in good ole Canterlot."

Applejack raised an eyebrow, "What kinda shops exactly? All Rarity bought was some fancy-schmancy locket."

"A locket, you say?" Discord glanced at the jewel hanging from Rarity's neck, nodding slowly. "Very interesting..." Before either of them could ask what he meant by that, Discord had already teleported over to Twilight and began pestering her.

Applejack rolled her eyes and sighed. "Sometimes ah wonder why we ever let him out of that statue. Ah wouldn't worry about anything he says anyway, he's just tryin' to spook ya."

'Well he's doing a good job...' Rarity thought to herself. She asked Applejack if she could be excused and looked for the bathroom. After making sure nopony else was currently using it, she carefully removed the locket and put it in the sink. She poured some water over it and polished the jewel as much as she could. After scrubbing for several minutes, a large black glob of goo plopped into the sink. Rarity poked it with one of her hooves. It shivered slightly like it was cold.

A knock on the door made her look up. "I-I'm almost done here, hold on a second!" When she looked back the goo was gone. All that was left was the locket, dripping wet and looking completely normal. Rarity clipped it back around her neck and trotted out of the bathroom. A cross-legged Pinkie was bouncing beside the door, eager to go in.

"All yours, Pinkie!" She held the door open as the pink pony rushed past and into the single stall. Rarity let it shut behind her and returned to the party, where apparently the karaoke had started. Up on stage, Twilight was screaming the lyrics to some rock song which had to have been chosen by Rainbow Dash. Sure enough, Rainbow Dash was standing at the opposite end, singing the chorus.

Unfortunately for her, Twilight couldn't sing fast enough to catch up to the beat. Rainbow however was having no such problem. It went on far longer then such a song should, repeating the same few words again and again. Pinkie Pie came out of the bathroom and bounced up beside Rarity. "Hey you! How you liking the party so far?"

Rarity jumped up, turning to Pinkie with an embarrassed smile. "Darling, you scared the stuffing out of me. I was away with the fairies. Yes, yes, it's a wonderful party, as per usual." The gift-wrapped box Rarity had been carrying for awhile now, fell out onto the ground. It was flattened and awkwardly bent, probably from her earlier fall.

Pinkie picked it up and shook it but nothing rattled. Rarity nodded towards it. "That's for you, might've forgotten to give it to you earlier."

"It's a little squished, it wouldn't be broken would it?" Pinkie wondered, hoping for Rarity's sake it wasn't.

She shook her head and laughed, "Only if you hate eating a very flat cake."

Pinkie looked at her as if to say, who could ever hate cake. She opened up the box and bit into one of the pieces. A large dollop of cream, jam and sprinkles plopped onto the floor.

"It's also got a lot of filling..."

Pinkie licked it up off the floor much to Rarity's disgust and gobbled the rest down. When it came to dessert, Pinkie was like a four-legged piranha, devouring it all in a matter of minutes if not seconds. Pinkie let out a loud burp and licked her lips.

Rarity shook her head, annoyed at her manners. "At least I know you liked it."

"Hey, I've got an idea! Why don't YOU sing some karaoke, Rarity? I bet you've got an amazing singing voice!" Pinkie clapped her hooves together with excitement, hoping she'd say yes.

Rarity thought back to the figures words and started to tell her she wasn't interested but her words tumbled out into a yes, "I'd... love to, Pinkie! You don't even need to find me a song, I've already got one!"

Rarity felt the words escape her lips, yet she couldn't believe she was saying them. As if somepony else was guiding her words. She tried to keep herself from walking up onto the stage but her legs continued on, completely out of her control. It wasn't until the microphone was in her hooves and a hundred pairs of eyes were staring up at her, that she regained any control. By then it was already too late and the words to a song she'd never heard echoed through the hall.

"Fool you once, fool you twice, fool you three
times and your, heart is mine. Voice like an
angel, mane of silk, deep blue eyes pulling you
inside. Been generous, far too long, finally here to
take what's mine."

"I'm the beauty in your nightmares, the mare
of your dreams, to be with me is your one
true need. No need to fight, no need to scream
I'm just so sweet like strawberries and
cream."

"Fool you once, fool you twice, fool you three
times and your, heart is mine. Gaze like ice,
scent of a rose, words so soft whispering to
you. I'm in control, now you'll do as I say.
Trapped for so long, now I'm free to sing.
Generosity is a hell of a thing."

"Can you feel it, in your ears? Can you taste it,
on your lips? Can you smell it, so divine?
That's my seductive powers at work, poisoning
your mind, filling up your soul. Just a single
look, a single smile, we all want love and I
give it for free. "

"So feel my kiss, so cold and wet. Don't be going
anywhere darling, my plans just begun. One,
two, three, falling under my spell. Soon
Ponyville, will pay my dues, I've given my time,
now you better be kind."

Rarity felt her own voice returning as the song came to its end, wordless laughter echoed through her mind, each one like a needle through her brain. The locket was glowing a sickly purple, as were the eyes of everypony around her. They all seemed utterly enthralled by her, clapping their hooves in perfect harmony with each other. The only ones seemingly unaffected were the DJ currently bopping her head to some beat and Discord, with an uneasy look on his face. He looked around the room then up at Rarity, he gave her a pout and vanished.

Rarity was left stunned, unsure exactly what was happening. After several minutes the crowd returned back to being seemingly normal, waiting for her to start singing, completely unaware of the fact she had already sung. With a scared look on her face, Rarity threw the microphone away and ran out of the castle. Certain nopony was chasing after her she headed on home. The locket around her neck felt tight and slightly warm, as if it was excited.

Twilight burst through the door a little too late, calling out for the distraught Rarity. "Rarity! Come back! Tell us what happened!"

She burst through the front door of the Boutique, startling her sister who had just returned from Crusading. Sweetie Belle called up with a note of concern in her voice. Rarity ignored her, slamming the bedroom door behind her. She threw the costume onto the floor, looking at it like it was some evil creature.

What's with all the fuss? Now that we've sung together, all your dreams are about to become quite real. And that's only the beginning, believe me...

Rarity tried to tell the voice to go away but she suddenly felt all her energy evaporate. In a cold sweat she collapsed, completely unconscious. The only thing in her thoughts was a mysterious figure laughing from behind the cover of fog. That was the last thing she saw before the nightmares came.