Cozy Glow Meets the Boogeymareby PanHead 537ChaptersChapter I: The Legend of The BoogymareChapter II: Time to PlayChapter III: I Am Your NightmareEpilogueChapter I: The Legend of The Boogymare*BAM!* The metal door slammed shut. "How does it feel to be behind bars, you little brat?" said the royal guard. "Not fun, is it? You'll REALLY enjoy it when we take you to Tartarus tomorrow." Cozy Glow rolled her eyes at the guard. A few hours ago, the students at Princess Twilight's School of Friendship had foiled her plans to suck the magic out of Equestria. She narrowed her eyes at the guard. "Listen to me, you big lunk. Everypony in Equestria is blind. Friendship isn't magic! It's power! If Princess Twilight's stupid students had stayed out of my way, I would have been the ruler!" she shouted. "EQUESTRIA WOULD'VE BEEN MINE!!! YOU HEAR ME?! MIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE!!!" *BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!* "That's enough out of you already!!!" the guard yelled, banging his spear on the bars. "Somepony needs to teach you how to behave!" He glanced out the window of one of the cells. "Might as well get some rest, little brat. You've got a big day tomorrow." And with that, he walked out of the dungeon, closing, and locking the door behind him. Cozy looked at a clock on the wall. It read 11:45 PM. She walked over and jumped onto the cell bunk, punching the pillow a few times. "Stupid Princess Twilight," she grumbled. "Stupid students! Friendship is power! If I ever get out of Tartarus, I'll make you all wish that you were never born!!! I WILL get even! And all of Equestria will BOW BEFORE ME, THE EMPRESS OF FRIENDSHIP!!!" "HEY!!! Shut up over there!!!" Cozy looked up. In the cell across from her, stood a disheveled brown unicorn mare with an orange mane. Her eyes were bloodshot and her lips were tightly pursed, blatantly showing frustration. "Is it too much to ask just to get a good night's sleep around here?!" "Who cares?" Cozy answered, rolling her eyes again. "I'm gonna be in Tartarus tomorrow anyway." "I CARE, YOU STUPID FILLY!!!" the mare shouted, pounding her hooves on her cell door. "Do you even know what it's like being stuck in here EVERY! SINGLE! DAY?! Guards constantly patrolling up and down the hallways, banging those spears on your cell every time you get a meal, or when morning comes! Seriously! Just for once, I want peace and quiet!" Cozy shrunk back against her cell wall, a bit petrified. Never once had anypony spoken to her like that. The mare sat back down on her cell bunk. "What's a filly like you doing here anyway?" "Trying to suck all the magic out of Equestria," Cozy answered, her heart rate returning to normal. "What are you here for?" "Nothing that anypony your age would understand," said the mare. "Misbehaving. That's all I'll tell you." "Whatever." Cozy rolled over in her bunk. "You know," the mare said, a little smirk crossing her face. "Trying to seize control of Equestria is pretty naughty for a filly like you." "Golly. You don't say," Cozy said sarcastically. "At least in Tartarus, I won't have to see Princess Twilight, her friends, or her students again. And for that matter, I won't have to see you, either." "Well, since you've been naughty, I'd be scared if I were you," said the mare, chuckling. Cozy rolled back over on her bunk and turned to face her fellow inmate. "Really?" she asked, smirking. "Why?" The mare smiled wickedly. "Has anypony ever told you about the legend of the Boogeymare?" Cozy raised an eyebrow in confusion. "No," she answered. "Why?" "Well," said the mare, "I'll tell you why. The legend tells of a young mare who lived many years ago. As a filly, she never got a cutie mark, no matter how hard she tried. As a result, everypony would pick on her, mostly fillies and colts. Every day after school, she would lock herself in her bedroom with the shades drawn and the lights off. The only thing she could do was cry. Even as she grew up, when she went outside, everypony would laugh at her constantly. Her parents would tell her things like 'You'll never amount to anything,' 'You're not special enough to get a cutie mark,' and 'Nopony will ever want to be your friend.' Ultimately, her depression and stress became so bad, it eventually killed her. Whether it was a heart attack or stroke, nopony knows. Why? Because the body was never found. The night of her death, a young colt told his parents about seeing a terrifying, spider-like creature crawling out of his closet. In the moonlight, he could see it was a mare with elongated clawed limbs, white eyes, and razor-sharp teeth. He told the creature to go away, and it did just so, crawling back into his closet. After he ran to tell his parents what he saw, he went back to his room, turned off his bedside lamp and went to sleep knowing he was safe... or so he thought. The next morning, his parents found him dead in his room. It was a truly terrible sight. His eyes were open and had rolled back into his head, an expression of true terror on his face. His limbs were ripped clean off, his chest was ripped open, his insides were stripped clean, and there was blood everywhere. Above his bed, there was a message scratched into the wall. It read: 'You've been very naughty. Now, here's your punishment. -The Boogeymare'. And ever since that day, a naughty filly or colt is killed every now and then." All Cozy Glow could do was stare. She went her entire life without ever getting a cutie mark? She was taunted every day by other fillies and colts AND her own parents? She died from severe depression on top of tremendous stress? "Do you know w- what this mare's n- name was?" "I don't know," said the unicorn. "I've heard many rumors about what ponies think her name was, though. But, nopony knows for sure." "But- but how do you know about this?" Cozy asked, her voice shaking a bit. "Have you s- seen her?" "Oh yes," said the mare. "When I was a filly, I was VERY naughty. My brother would always try to scare me with stories about her. I thought he was just being stupid. But one night, I saw her creeping into my room." The brown mare shuddered. "It's an image that I'll never get out of my mind," she said. "Those white, soulless eyes. That sadistic smile with those hideous fangs. Those horrifying claws on her front hooves. Makes my skin crawl even to this day." "When did she stop coming for you?" Cozy asked. "When I was a teenager," the mare answered. "She only kills naughty fillies and colts. But, as you can see, I'm still here. Why? Because I figured out her weakness." Cozy slid off her bunk and moved towards her cell door. "Tell me what it is," she said. "Flashlights. She's terrified of bright lights. Hence why she's never seen during the day. Here." The mare lifted up her pillow, revealing a flashlight. Channeling her magic, she teleported it onto Cozy's bunk. She looked back at her inmate. "It's nearly midnight. Legend says that's usually when she comes out to play," the mare said, chuckling quietly to herself. "Besides, her second favorite place to hide in a foal's bedroom is a closet." "Well, w- what's the first?" Cozy asked, voice still shaking lightly. "Under a bed." Cozy stared at her fellow inmate for a moment, then without warning, began laughing. "Do you really think I'm that dumb to fall for an old pony's tale like that? I'm just a filly, but I'm smarter than I look. If the Boogeymare is even real and you've actually seen her, where's your proof?" "Well, I-" the mare began. "Oh, wait," Cozy cut her off. "You DON'T have proof! I don't believe any of those old legends. They're nothing but nonsense. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna turn in." She hopped back onto her cell bunk and laid down. "Like I said, I'll be in Tartarus tomorrow. Why should I waste my time listening to old pony's tales? On the plus side for me, I won't have to see you ever again." The dungeon door opened and another guard entered. "Alright, you two. Lights out." He quickly extinguished the candles lining the walls of the dungeon, closing, and locking the door as he left. About frickin' time. The mare thought to herself as she laid down in her cell bunk, her back facing towards Cozy Glow. Ha. Boogeymare. Cozy thought. Why even bother trying to scare me? Everypony knows legends like the Windigos and stuff like that aren't true. Ponies just make those stories up to scare one another. "Boogeymare, Boogeymare. Come and play," she uttered quietly. Silence met her ears. She smirked. "Fool," she said, glancing at the mare in the other cell. She quickly shifted herself to find a comfortable position, and slowly drifted off to sleep. As she did, she thought she could almost hear something scratching on the walls. Author's Note Uh oh. Sounds like the Boogeymare isn't so fake after all... Or is she? Find out in the next chapter! Chapter II: Time to PlayCozy Glow stirred. Yawning loudly, she stretched out her legs and rubbed her eyes. "Oh, great," she grumbled sleepily, slowly sitting up. "It's morning already. REALLY looking forward to going to Tar- huh?" Her eyes shot open immediately. Instead of a dirty dungeon cell, what met her eyes was a foal's bedroom. She rubbed them once more to refresh her vision. Nothing changed. She blinked rapidly. Still, the bedroom remained the same. Looking down, she noticed she was in a proper bed, not a cell bunk. Taking inventory of the rest of the room, she saw a dresser, atop which was a nightlight shaped like a star and a cassette tape radio. A row of cubbyholes lined the right wall with toys placed neatly in each one, and a little bedside table sat to the left of the bed with a lamp sitting on it. At the back of the room was a closet, its doors completely closed. The bedroom door stood off to one side, a light from the hallway shining through. Next to the bed, a window ever so slightly cracked open revealed the outside world: pitch black save for a few lights from neighboring houses. About 30 feet from the window was a streetlamp, its light glowing softly. On the opposite side of the bed sat an air vent, a low, quiet whistle emitting from the grates. "Where am I?" Cozy said quietly to herself. "What's happening?" A bit scared, she pulled the blanket closer to her. Looking toward the cubbyholes, she noticed a clock hanging on the bare spot on the wall above the vent. "It's not even midnight yet? W- what the heck is going on h- here? Did I really not sleep very-" *CLICK* Cozy froze. She slowly turned to look at the dresser. It looked the same, but something was wrong. A tiny green light on the radio was slowly blinking. Trembling, she pulled the blanket even closer. What's going on here? she thought. Radios don't turn on by themselves. *CLICK* This time, she could hear the cassette motors slowly turning. The tape began to play. "If- if anypony h- hears this tape, Celestia forbid you- you stay h- here," came the voice of a filly, her voice trembling severely. "I- I- I have to make this quick. She's probably watching me, and you as well if you're unfortunate e- enough to b- be playing this tape at night. Every time I tell somepony that- that the Boogeymare is real, they laugh at me and say I'm j- just a scaredy filly. *sniff* And- and- and if you try to tell somepony, t- they won't believe you, either. And if you don't behave, she'll get you. There's a flashlight in the drawer of the nightstand. That's... all she's afraid of. Also, stay as quiet as possible. This- this won't stop her from finding you, but it helps you know when... she's nearby. I've- I've seen her try to get in from the window, the air vent, the bedroom door, the closet, and most often, f- from underneath the bed. Again, stay quiet. You'll hear her moving. But, she's very s- smart. She will not come from the same place twice in a row and- and may try t- to move quieter each time she tries to- to get in." *SCRAAAAAAATCH!* "Oh no. No no no! She's coming! O- one last thing. The- the flashlight batteries will run out v- v- very quickly, so- so use it wisely. If- if it dies completely, there's a box full of spares under the bed. I- I don't remember how much ch- charge each color battery g- g- gives. I- I think r- red ones give the least amount of charge, green ones give a bit more, and blue ones give a ton. But, if you have to- to look under there, she- she might be there. Again, if you hear her, flash the light at her and she'll go away. And- and- and don't try to l- leave the room. She'll follow you no matter what. Just don't let her-" You've been veeeeeeeeerrrrrry naughty. "No! No! NO!!! NO!!! LET GO OF ME!!! PLEASE!!! DON'T KILL ME, PLEASE!!! SOMEPONY, HELP!!! NO!!! NO!!! NO!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH-!!!!!!" *static* *CLICK* The tape ended and the green light went dark. Cozy Glow felt a massive chill down her spine. She slowly reached over and slid the top drawer on the nightstand open. Sure enough, her eyes met a flashlight. She quickly picked it up and flicked the switch. Good. It works. she thought. She quickly slipped her head down to look under the bed. She noticed a large cardboard box labeled "Batteries." *CREEEEEEEEAAAAAAAK!* Cozy shot back up. What met her eyes was the silhouette of a thin, elongated hoof pushing open the bedroom door slowly. Soon after, she saw a head peeking into the room. Quickly turning on the light, she saw the hideous face of the Boogeymare: razor sharp teeth, lifeless white eyes, and a horrendous smile. Upon seeing the flashlight, it hissed, quickly closing the door as it retreated. Cozy froze with fear. That crazy unicorn was right! She is real! she thought. She looked back at the clock. It read 12:08. "Sh- she said the Boogeymare would... go away... by morning." Cozy whispered to herself. "Dear Celestia, help me." She scanned her surroundings again. Looking back at the dresser, she saw something else in front of the radio. It looked like a battery, but it had five green lights on it. She noticed that the top light was slightly dimmer than the others. *SCRAAAAAAAATCH!* She whipped around to the right to find the vent cover being pushed open, a clawed hoof reaching through. She quickly turned on the flashlight. Once again, the creature hissed and retreated, closing the vent cover behind it. Glancing back at the battery-shaped object on the dresser, the top light was almost completely out. If that's a meter, is that how much power I have in this flashlight? Cozy thought. These batteries are terrible. *THUD! THUD!* Cozy jumped. She looked towards the cubbyholes. A yellow ball had fallen out of one and onto the floor. She narrowed her eyes at it. Stupid ball. You scared the cutie mark out of me. *CREEEAK!* Quickly turning on the flashlight, she saw the Boogeymare slowly creeping out of the bedroom closet. She directed the light right into the creature's eyes. *HISS!* The Boogeymare once again retreated back into the closet, closing the door behind itself. Cozy narrowed her eyes again. "Okay. Now I'm getting mad," she whispered. "How much longer do I have to keep this up?" She checked the clock again. 12:30. She glanced at the meter on the dresser. The top and second lights were completely out. The third was half lit, half not. I think I can hold out for a while longer. she thought. You can do this, Cozy. You can do this. *CREEEE-EEEEE-EAAAAA-AAAAK!* This time, the sound came from the window. Again, the hideous face of the Boogeymare met her eyes. Cozy turned on the flashlight, once again, directing it into the eyes of her pursuer. *HISS!* *BANG!* "For Celestia's sake!" she yelled. "Can't you take a hint?!" Checking the battery meter again, the top four lights were completely out. The bottom light was lit, but it was almost out. Scanning her surroundings one last time, she leaned over- *SCRATCH!* She whipped to the right. A clawed hoof was slowly crawling up the bed. What Cozy heard next almost made her fall off the bed. I'm huuuunnnnngryyyyyyy... Cozy shoved the flashlight down the side of the bed as fast as she could, almost grazing the creature's arm. Just in time. *HISS!* Sweet Celestia, that was WAY too close! Cozy thought. She checked the clock. 1:00. She flicked the flashlight switch. Nothing. She tried again. Again, nothing. She tried yet again. Still nothing. Glancing up at the meter, all five lights were completely out. Oh no. she thought. I need a battery. She quickly looked under the bed. Staring at the cardboard box, she noticed there was a hole in the bottom. She reached her hoof down but couldn't reach the bottom. "Come on! I need a battery NOW!" She reached up and began tapping the top of the box with her hoof, hoping that something would come out. Nothing. Getting increasingly frustrated, she gave the box a hard hit. This time, a green battery fell out of the hole in the box and rolled towards her. She quickly grabbed it and sat up on the bed again. Inserting the battery into the flashlight, she noticed the bottom two lights on the battery meter had come back on. *SCRAAAAAAAAAAATCH!* "No no no no no!" She quickly turned the flashlight on and shined it at the vent. *HISS!* Seriously? she scolded herself in thought. Don't lose focus! Yet again, she checked the clock. 1:10. Suddenly, a little chime began to play softly. Cozy shot her gaze to the cubbyholes and noticed a Jack-in-the-Box sitting on the floor in front of them. The little crank on the side was slowly turning as though someone was touching it. Finally, the little clown popped out of the top of the box as the chimes of the soft tune faded away. She shuddered. That was unpleasant. she thought. *CREEEEEEAAAAAAK!* The bedroom door began to open again. Cozy turned the flashlight on again, but nothing happened. She quickly tried it again. Still nothing. The bottom two lights on the meter were still on. What?! I just used it! Why isn't it working?! she thought. Looking up again, the bedroom door was completely open. However, the Boogeymare was nowhere to be seen. Cozy began shaking the flashlight as hard as she could. "Come on! Work!" she yelled. Checking the door again, she once again saw the white, lifeless eyes of the Boogeymare, who was now creeping slowly into the room, staring right at her. Cozy tried the light yet again. Still nothing! No! No! No no no no no no! Don't do this to me! Work, please! She was on the brink of tears. I'm ssssssssssssssssoooooooooooo huuuuuuunnnnnnngrrrrrryyyyyyy... growled the Boogeymare, nearing closer to the bed. Cozy smacked the flashlight one more time. This time, the light erupted out like a beam of sunlight into the eyes of the creature. *HISS!* The Boogeymare shielded her eyes and bolted out of the room, faster than ever. Cozy quickly rubbed her eyes. "What do you want with me?" she cried. "Just leave me alone!" Closing her eyes, she began to take a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself down. "Calm down, Cozy Glow. Just calm down. She'll be gone by sunrise," she whispered. "Just stay focused." She glanced at the clock again. 1:29. She checked the meter on the dresser. Only the bottom light remained. "Okay. Gotta be careful. The battery's almost dead," Cozy said quietly. "I can do this. I can do this. I can do this. I can-" *BZZZZZZZZZZZT!* *CLICK* Cozy Glow jumped. She glanced at the nightstand, only to find that the little lamp had turned off. She reached over and pressed the button on the bottom. Nothing. She pressed it rapidly. The light still would not come back on. She angrily pounded a hoof into the pillow. Great. Now I'm down one light. she thought. But, how did it go out? I didn't even touch it. *SCRATCH! SCRATCH! SCRAAAAAAAAAATCH!* She froze. Slowly turning around, she saw the Boogeymare clinging to the wall above the bed, scratching it relentlessly. Peering down, her eyes fell upon the pink filly. I'm hungry for yooooooouuuuuuu... she growled. Cozy shined the light right in the creature's eyes again. Aah! Keep that away from me! she bellowed, leaping off the wall and running out the bedroom door. Cozy checked the battery meter. It was out. She quickly checked the clock. Since the bedside lamp was out, she could barely make out the time. 1:59. Time for another battery. she thought, ducking under the bed. I didn't even hear the door creaking that time! Reaching her hoof down, she hit the cardboard box a few times. Nothing came out. She gave it a good whack. A blue battery rolled out of the hole in the box. Quickly sitting up and inserting the battery into the flashlight, she noticed that all the lights on the meter were lit up again. This oughta keep that monster at bay. Cozy thought. Out of curiosity, she shined the light on the wall behind her where the Boogeymare had been. She had carved something into the wall. "You are next." it read. She shuddered again. "How far gone was this mare when she was alive?" she asked, even though she knew no one would answer her. I'm coming for you... Once again, the creature was slowly reaching up from the side of the bed. Cozy bent over the side and thrust the flashlight right into the Boogeymare's face. "Take that, you ugly freak!" she yelled. *HISS!* Cozy sat back up again and checked the clock. 2:17. She smiled triumphantly. "Only a few more hours until sunrise," she said. "I've got this in the bag." *CLICK* She looked up. The nightlight on the dresser had gone dark. She face-hoofed. "Why me?" *CREEEE-EEEEE-EAAAAA-AAAAK!* The sound came from the window again. Cozy readied her flashlight. She quickly checked the meter. The top light was much dimmer than the rest. Come on, you ugly piece of garbage. she thought, smirking. Take your best shot. You can't win, you little brat! "Oh yeah? Eat this!" Cozy yelled, turning the light on. Nothing happened. "No, come on! Work!" she shouted, shaking the flashlight as hard as she could. Ha ha ha! I always claim my prey! the Boogeymare growled, crawling through the open window, only to get blinded yet again by Cozy's flashlight. *HISS!* *BANG!* "You're just like Princess Twilight: a pathetic weakling." said Cozy, smirking with triumph. She checked the clock again. 2:40. She grinned widely. "Twilight's friends and her students may have bested me, but you won't!" she yelled at the top of her lungs, not expecting a reply. Checking the meter again, she saw that the top light was out and the second was barely on. She then looked back at the window, then, narrowing her eyes, slowly turned to the other side, checking every possible entrance carefully. Nothing. *THUD!* Cozy nearly fell off the bed. Checking the cubbyholes, she noticed that a little toy train had fallen onto the floor, landing next to the yellow ball. She face-hoofed again. Who keeps knocking everything off these stupid shelves? she thought. *CLICK* "Lucky me," she growled. "The light in the hallway is out. I can barely see ANYTHING NOW!!" *CREEEEEEEAAAAAAK! Oh no. The closet! Turning the light on, her eyes once again fell upon the face of her pursuer, who was right in front of the bed. *HISS!* Yet again, the Boogeymare darted back towards the closet, slamming the door behind her louder than ever. Cozy glanced at the clock. 3:11. She checked the battery meter. Only the bottom light was fully lit. She smiled. "Yes. Just a few more hours until sunrise," she said. "You hear that, Boogeymare?! I'm gonna make it to sunrise! You're nothing!" Oh, am I? Cozy whipped around. The Boogeymare was standing right next to the bed, her razor-sharp teeth peering through her twisted smile, once again only to be blinded by the flashlight. Hissing loudly, she ducked back under the bed. Cozy smirked again. "Yes," she said in a mocking tone. "You are." She checked the meter. The bottom light was almost out. She checked the clock. 3:20. "I'm gonna take a risk," she said. "Time for another battery." Slowly looking under the bed, she reached down and tapped the cardboard box. Nothing came out. She hit it a little harder. Still nothing. She narrowed her eyes. Really getting ticked off right now. she thought. She gave the box the hardest whack she could muster. Finally, a red battery rolled out of the little hole. She picked it up and put it into the flashlight. Checking the meter again, the bottom light and a tiny bit of the light above it had come back on. "That barely did anything," she grumbled. "But I think I can manage for now." *BZZZZZZZZZZT!* Cozy darted her gaze towards the window. The streetlamp was out. She slammed her hooves into the bed in frustration. "Perfect. Just perfect," she growled. "Now I can't see ANYTHING!!!" She clicked the flashlight on quickly to check the clock. 3:30. Quickly turning the light off, she checked the meter. The bottom light was half on, half off. She shivered. Come on. Why can't time move faster? she thought. *SCRAAAAAATCH!* "Oh no, you don't!" Cozy shouted, shoving the flashlight down the side of the bed, jamming it up against the Boogeymare's face. *HISS!* "Told you. You have nothing on me," Cozy said, grinning from ear to ear. She looked back at the battery meter. Once again, all five lights were out. She checked the clock, barely able to make out the time in the darkness of the room. 3:35. "Okay. Time to get yet another battery," she said, slowly shifting to check under the bed. But just as she was about to lean over the side, she felt something grab hold of her leg. Freezing stiff, she slowly turned to look behind her. And what met her gaze was a horrifying sight. Peek-a-boooooooo... groaned the Boogeymare. She yanked hard on Cozy's leg, throwing her onto the floor, and sending her flashlight across the room. Slowly, she walked over to the pink filly, towering over her. Well, well, well. she hissed. It seems you've hit a little ssssssssssssnag. "W- w- what do- do you w- want with m- m- m- me?" Cozy uttered, shivering in terror. What do I... waaaaaaaaannnnnt? the Boogeymare growled, inching her face closer to the little filly. Why, you're my dinner, little brat. Thrusting her head down, she bit down hard on Cozy's wing, slowly dragging her under the bed. "No! NO!!! NO!!! LET ME GO!!!" she screamed, flailing her legs helplessly. "HELP!!! SOMEPONY!!! HELP!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!" Author's Note To be concluded... Chapter III: I Am Your NightmareCozy Glow jolted awake, her chest heaving up and down with her rapid breathing. Glancing around, she noticed she was not in the bedroom, but back in the dungeon cell. Her heart rate returning to normal, she sat up slowly. "It- it was just a dream," she whispered quietly. "Sweet Celestia, that was the worst nightmare I've ever had!" She turned to check the clock on the wall. It read 2:00. Laying back down, she began chuckling quietly to herself and turned to face the cell of the brown unicorn mare, who was laying on her bunk, her chest rising and falling with each breath. See? I told you those old pony's tales weren't real. she thought. I've said this before. Ponies will always, ALWAYS make these stories up just to scare one ano- *SCRAAAAAAAAATCH!* Cozy froze. She looked around, trying to trace the noise. What was that? she thought, her heart rate climbing again. *SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH!* She quickly sat up, glancing around wildly. She pulled the cover close. "No. It's not real. It's not real," she whispered. "It's just my imagination." Reaching under her pillow, she grabbed the flashlight her fellow inmate had given her a few hours prior and turned it on. She thoroughly ran the light up and down the walls of the dungeon to check for anything in the dark. Nothing. Turning the light off, she began to lay back down on the bunk. *SCRAAAAATCH! SCRAAAAAATCH! SCRAAAAAAAAAATCH* Cozy shot back up. Quickly turning the flashlight on again, she shone it on the back wall of her cell. There was nothing. Looking closer, she noticed there were a few deep scratches in the wall. Coooooooooooooozzzzzzzyyyyyy Gloooooooooooooow... a voice growled. Cozy froze dead. Slowly turning around, she saw that something was clearly wrong. Her cell door was open! Slipping off her cell bunk, and on shaky hooves, she walked toward the open door. Turning her light on, she inspected both corridors of the dungeon. There was nothing. "It's in your head." she said, walking back into the cell. "It's not real. It's not real." You've been veeeeeeerrrrrry naughty. Cozy whipped around. This time she quickly shined the flashlight on... once again, nothing. She turned the light off again. "Alright. I know one of those guards is trying to scare me," she said quietly, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Come on. You think you can scare me?" She grinned. "Why, Miss Boogeymare! What big eyes you have! And what big teeth you have! I'm so scared of you!" she said, now laughing out loud. Why, thank you, my little ponyyyyyyyy. Cozy stopped laughing. She slowly turned around again. Naaaaaaaaauuuuuuuughtyyyyyyyyyy... growled the Boogeymare. She lunged forward, tackling Cozy Glow to the ground. "Ha! I know your weakness! Take this!" Cozy shouted, shining the flashlight into the Boogeymare's eyes, only to fail. The creature grabbed the flashlight out her grip and crushed it under her hoof. Gripping Cozy by her throat, she smiled. At lasssssssssst. You're mine. the Boogeymare hissed, showing her fangs. Thisssssssss issssss going to be fffffffun. "Please," Cozy cried, struggling in the creature's grip. "Leave me alone! I- I'm sorry. Wake up, Cozy Glow! WAKE UP!!! WAKE UP!!!!" Ha ha ha! Wake up, you sssssssay? You are not assssssssleeeeep, little brat. Thisssssss isssssss the real world. And it'ssssssss asssssssss real asssssssss I am. Cozy was now openly crying. "Why? W- why d- do- do you kill bad f- fillies and c- c- colts? W- what have they done t- t- to you?!" Without warning, the Boogeymare thrust her clawed hooves into Cozy's side. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!" What have they done to me? WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO MEEEEEEE?!?!?!?!?!? screeched the Boogeymare. You rotten little creaturesssssssssss took everythhhhhhing from me!!! Your kind kicked me when I wasssss down!!! Insssssssssulted me for never getting a cutie mark! Told me I wasssss trash! But now. Now, I have my revenge! "I'm s- s- sorry," Cozy cried, her torso now leaking blood. "I- I- I promise to never be a bad f- filly again! Please, spare me!" Sssssspare somepony like you? Ha ha ha! NEVER. *SQUELCH!* *RRRRRRRIP!* "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!" Oh, dear. said the Boogeymare, smiling wider than before. It sssssssssssseems you've lossssssssssst your wings. Cozy looked at her sides. Her wings had been ripped clean off, and the area where they once were was gushing blood. You know, cackled the Booeymare, taking a bite out of one of the severed wings. Every time I've killed sssssssssssomepony, I've alwayssssssss ripped off their limbsssss, and gutted their insssssssidessss. But, you. You're the naughtiessssssst filly I've ever come acrosssssss. I'm gonna do a little bit... mooooorreeeee. She grabbed hold of all four of Cozy's legs and pulled on each one relentlessly. *SQUELCH!* *RRRRRIP!!!* *CRRRRRAAAAAAAAAACK!!!* *SQUELCH!!!* "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!" Oh, dear me. groaned the Boogeymare. However will you walk without any legs? Cozy was now profusely gushing blood from every part of her body. At least, what was still left of it. Still smiling that hideous smile, the creature raised her claws and thrust them right into the filly's eyes. Tightening her grip, she yanked both eyes out like they were flowers separating from a stem. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!" How unfortunate. You ssssssssseem to have gone blind, my dear. said the Boogeymare, licking the ends of the severed eye muscles. And now, she said, grabbing hold of the filly's neck. Before I feassssssssst on your entrails, don't lose your head! Cozy could hear the sickening sounds of flesh, bone, and muscle separating from one another as the Boogeymare began to pull on her neck like there was no tomorrow. And it would be the last sound she'd ever hear. *SQUELCH!* *RRRRRIP!!!* *CRRRRRAAAAAAAAAACK!!!* *SQUELCH!!!* *CRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAK!!!* "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH-!!!!!!!!!!!!!" *SNAP!* My, my, my. Sssssssssuch a tragic end for you, my little pony. You shhhhouldn't have been ssssso naughtyyyyyyy. said the Boogeymare, taking a big bite out of the filly's severed head. You know, my dear, you tassssssssste divine. And now, time for the main coursssssssse. *SQUELCH!!!* *RRRRRIP!!!* *CRRRRRAAAAAAAAAACK!!!* Ripping open Cozy's lifeless chest cavity, the creature smiled in delight. Glancing at the clock, it read 2:10. There'sssss plenty of time before sssssssunrisssssse. Now, where do I sssssssssstart? she cackled. "We came as fast as we could, Princess Celestia," Twilight Sparkle said, looking up at her former teacher. "What's going on?" "It's about Cozy Glow," Celestia answered, her voice a bit shaky. "Last night, we had her put in one of the dungeon cells, planning to take her straight to Tartarus the next morning." "So?" said Rainbow Dash. "What's the big emergency?" "Rainbow Dash!" Twilight shot the blue Pegasus a glare. "This morning when one of the guards went to wake her up, she was dead," Princess Luna answered. The Mane 6 gasped in surprise. "D- d- d- d- dead?!" Fluttershy stuttered, hiding behind her mane. "WHAT?!?!" Pinkie Pie yelled. "How?!" Applejack asked. "Come see for yourselves," Celestia answered, getting up from her throne. When they reached the dungeon, their eyes fell upon a gruesome sight. In front of one cell were the remnants of the pink filly that Twilight's students had stopped the day before. Her head, wings, and limbs had been ripped clean off. Her chest was ripped open, not one single internal organ remained. Rarity quickly fainted. Suppressing the urge to vomit, Twilight stepped forward. She noticed there was something on the wall of the cell. "What's this?" "'You've been very naughty. Now, here's your punishment. -The Boogeymare'." she read. "Is- is t- that written in b- b- b- blood?" Fluttershy whimpered. "Unfortunately, yes," Celestia answered. "Why would somepony do this?" Twilight asked, a chill running down her spine. "She did horrible things," Dash began. "but she didn't deserve this!" "I wish I could say that you're dreaming." The Mane 6 and the princesses turned to face the brown unicorn mare in the opposite cell. Twilight took a few steps closer. "And who are you?" Pinkie Pie asked, raising an eyebrow. "None of your business, that's who," the unicorn shot back, glaring at the pink pony. "What do you know of this?" Applejack asked. "Nothing," the unicorn answered. "When I woke up this morning, I found this little filly like this. Well, what's left of her, anyways." "Come on, girls," Twilight said, turning to face her friends. "Let's go back to the throne room." Everyone slowly made their way to the exit. Twilight was the last one out. She looked back at the remnants of the pink filly and tears began to form in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Cozy. I wish I could've taught you more." Author's Note Well, that was a rather gruesome end for Cozy Glow. Epilogue to follow. Epilogue*BANG! BANG!* "Hey! You in there!" the guard shouted. "Lights out soon!" "ALRIGHT!!!" shouted the brown unicorn mare, pounding a hoof on the cell bunk. "I heard you the first hundred times!" "Don't get an attitude with me!" the guard replied. "I want your lights out in 20 minutes, do you understand me?" "Whatever," said the mare, rolling her eyes. "I'll take that as a 'yes'." The guard quickly walked out and locked the dungeon door behind him. The brown unicorn slid off her cell bunk and trotted over to the little mirror hanging on the other wall. Levitating a brush, she began to run it through her mane, attempting to get every knot out. Once finished, she set the brush down and turned her gaze over to the cell across from hers. The cell where Cozy Glow had been murdered the day before. "You know, Cozy Glow," she said quietly to herself. "I've heard multiple stories about somepony trying to take over Equestria, but a filly? I actually feel bad for you." The mare turned back to the mirror. A pair of soulless white eyes stared back at her. As she smiled, a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth looked back as well. You really did tasssssssssste divine. In fact, you tasted better than any other filly or colt I've eaten in my daysssssssss. She glanced at the clock on the wall. It read 12:00 AM. The midnight hour isssssssss here. And I'm hungryyyyyyyyyyyy. The Boogeymare turned once again to the mirror and slowly scratched it with her claws. It'sssssssssssssssssssss time to plaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy. THE END Author's Note I hope you all enjoyed this story. I put a lot of effort into it, and I really hope it paid off. C U in the next story! Peace out!
Chapter I: The Legend of The Boogymare*BAM!* The metal door slammed shut. "How does it feel to be behind bars, you little brat?" said the royal guard. "Not fun, is it? You'll REALLY enjoy it when we take you to Tartarus tomorrow." Cozy Glow rolled her eyes at the guard. A few hours ago, the students at Princess Twilight's School of Friendship had foiled her plans to suck the magic out of Equestria. She narrowed her eyes at the guard. "Listen to me, you big lunk. Everypony in Equestria is blind. Friendship isn't magic! It's power! If Princess Twilight's stupid students had stayed out of my way, I would have been the ruler!" she shouted. "EQUESTRIA WOULD'VE BEEN MINE!!! YOU HEAR ME?! MIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE!!!" *BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!* "That's enough out of you already!!!" the guard yelled, banging his spear on the bars. "Somepony needs to teach you how to behave!" He glanced out the window of one of the cells. "Might as well get some rest, little brat. You've got a big day tomorrow." And with that, he walked out of the dungeon, closing, and locking the door behind him. Cozy looked at a clock on the wall. It read 11:45 PM. She walked over and jumped onto the cell bunk, punching the pillow a few times. "Stupid Princess Twilight," she grumbled. "Stupid students! Friendship is power! If I ever get out of Tartarus, I'll make you all wish that you were never born!!! I WILL get even! And all of Equestria will BOW BEFORE ME, THE EMPRESS OF FRIENDSHIP!!!" "HEY!!! Shut up over there!!!" Cozy looked up. In the cell across from her, stood a disheveled brown unicorn mare with an orange mane. Her eyes were bloodshot and her lips were tightly pursed, blatantly showing frustration. "Is it too much to ask just to get a good night's sleep around here?!" "Who cares?" Cozy answered, rolling her eyes again. "I'm gonna be in Tartarus tomorrow anyway." "I CARE, YOU STUPID FILLY!!!" the mare shouted, pounding her hooves on her cell door. "Do you even know what it's like being stuck in here EVERY! SINGLE! DAY?! Guards constantly patrolling up and down the hallways, banging those spears on your cell every time you get a meal, or when morning comes! Seriously! Just for once, I want peace and quiet!" Cozy shrunk back against her cell wall, a bit petrified. Never once had anypony spoken to her like that. The mare sat back down on her cell bunk. "What's a filly like you doing here anyway?" "Trying to suck all the magic out of Equestria," Cozy answered, her heart rate returning to normal. "What are you here for?" "Nothing that anypony your age would understand," said the mare. "Misbehaving. That's all I'll tell you." "Whatever." Cozy rolled over in her bunk. "You know," the mare said, a little smirk crossing her face. "Trying to seize control of Equestria is pretty naughty for a filly like you." "Golly. You don't say," Cozy said sarcastically. "At least in Tartarus, I won't have to see Princess Twilight, her friends, or her students again. And for that matter, I won't have to see you, either." "Well, since you've been naughty, I'd be scared if I were you," said the mare, chuckling. Cozy rolled back over on her bunk and turned to face her fellow inmate. "Really?" she asked, smirking. "Why?" The mare smiled wickedly. "Has anypony ever told you about the legend of the Boogeymare?" Cozy raised an eyebrow in confusion. "No," she answered. "Why?" "Well," said the mare, "I'll tell you why. The legend tells of a young mare who lived many years ago. As a filly, she never got a cutie mark, no matter how hard she tried. As a result, everypony would pick on her, mostly fillies and colts. Every day after school, she would lock herself in her bedroom with the shades drawn and the lights off. The only thing she could do was cry. Even as she grew up, when she went outside, everypony would laugh at her constantly. Her parents would tell her things like 'You'll never amount to anything,' 'You're not special enough to get a cutie mark,' and 'Nopony will ever want to be your friend.' Ultimately, her depression and stress became so bad, it eventually killed her. Whether it was a heart attack or stroke, nopony knows. Why? Because the body was never found. The night of her death, a young colt told his parents about seeing a terrifying, spider-like creature crawling out of his closet. In the moonlight, he could see it was a mare with elongated clawed limbs, white eyes, and razor-sharp teeth. He told the creature to go away, and it did just so, crawling back into his closet. After he ran to tell his parents what he saw, he went back to his room, turned off his bedside lamp and went to sleep knowing he was safe... or so he thought. The next morning, his parents found him dead in his room. It was a truly terrible sight. His eyes were open and had rolled back into his head, an expression of true terror on his face. His limbs were ripped clean off, his chest was ripped open, his insides were stripped clean, and there was blood everywhere. Above his bed, there was a message scratched into the wall. It read: 'You've been very naughty. Now, here's your punishment. -The Boogeymare'. And ever since that day, a naughty filly or colt is killed every now and then." All Cozy Glow could do was stare. She went her entire life without ever getting a cutie mark? She was taunted every day by other fillies and colts AND her own parents? She died from severe depression on top of tremendous stress? "Do you know w- what this mare's n- name was?" "I don't know," said the unicorn. "I've heard many rumors about what ponies think her name was, though. But, nopony knows for sure." "But- but how do you know about this?" Cozy asked, her voice shaking a bit. "Have you s- seen her?" "Oh yes," said the mare. "When I was a filly, I was VERY naughty. My brother would always try to scare me with stories about her. I thought he was just being stupid. But one night, I saw her creeping into my room." The brown mare shuddered. "It's an image that I'll never get out of my mind," she said. "Those white, soulless eyes. That sadistic smile with those hideous fangs. Those horrifying claws on her front hooves. Makes my skin crawl even to this day." "When did she stop coming for you?" Cozy asked. "When I was a teenager," the mare answered. "She only kills naughty fillies and colts. But, as you can see, I'm still here. Why? Because I figured out her weakness." Cozy slid off her bunk and moved towards her cell door. "Tell me what it is," she said. "Flashlights. She's terrified of bright lights. Hence why she's never seen during the day. Here." The mare lifted up her pillow, revealing a flashlight. Channeling her magic, she teleported it onto Cozy's bunk. She looked back at her inmate. "It's nearly midnight. Legend says that's usually when she comes out to play," the mare said, chuckling quietly to herself. "Besides, her second favorite place to hide in a foal's bedroom is a closet." "Well, w- what's the first?" Cozy asked, voice still shaking lightly. "Under a bed." Cozy stared at her fellow inmate for a moment, then without warning, began laughing. "Do you really think I'm that dumb to fall for an old pony's tale like that? I'm just a filly, but I'm smarter than I look. If the Boogeymare is even real and you've actually seen her, where's your proof?" "Well, I-" the mare began. "Oh, wait," Cozy cut her off. "You DON'T have proof! I don't believe any of those old legends. They're nothing but nonsense. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna turn in." She hopped back onto her cell bunk and laid down. "Like I said, I'll be in Tartarus tomorrow. Why should I waste my time listening to old pony's tales? On the plus side for me, I won't have to see you ever again." The dungeon door opened and another guard entered. "Alright, you two. Lights out." He quickly extinguished the candles lining the walls of the dungeon, closing, and locking the door as he left. About frickin' time. The mare thought to herself as she laid down in her cell bunk, her back facing towards Cozy Glow. Ha. Boogeymare. Cozy thought. Why even bother trying to scare me? Everypony knows legends like the Windigos and stuff like that aren't true. Ponies just make those stories up to scare one another. "Boogeymare, Boogeymare. Come and play," she uttered quietly. Silence met her ears. She smirked. "Fool," she said, glancing at the mare in the other cell. She quickly shifted herself to find a comfortable position, and slowly drifted off to sleep. As she did, she thought she could almost hear something scratching on the walls. Author's Note Uh oh. Sounds like the Boogeymare isn't so fake after all... Or is she? Find out in the next chapter!
Chapter II: Time to PlayCozy Glow stirred. Yawning loudly, she stretched out her legs and rubbed her eyes. "Oh, great," she grumbled sleepily, slowly sitting up. "It's morning already. REALLY looking forward to going to Tar- huh?" Her eyes shot open immediately. Instead of a dirty dungeon cell, what met her eyes was a foal's bedroom. She rubbed them once more to refresh her vision. Nothing changed. She blinked rapidly. Still, the bedroom remained the same. Looking down, she noticed she was in a proper bed, not a cell bunk. Taking inventory of the rest of the room, she saw a dresser, atop which was a nightlight shaped like a star and a cassette tape radio. A row of cubbyholes lined the right wall with toys placed neatly in each one, and a little bedside table sat to the left of the bed with a lamp sitting on it. At the back of the room was a closet, its doors completely closed. The bedroom door stood off to one side, a light from the hallway shining through. Next to the bed, a window ever so slightly cracked open revealed the outside world: pitch black save for a few lights from neighboring houses. About 30 feet from the window was a streetlamp, its light glowing softly. On the opposite side of the bed sat an air vent, a low, quiet whistle emitting from the grates. "Where am I?" Cozy said quietly to herself. "What's happening?" A bit scared, she pulled the blanket closer to her. Looking toward the cubbyholes, she noticed a clock hanging on the bare spot on the wall above the vent. "It's not even midnight yet? W- what the heck is going on h- here? Did I really not sleep very-" *CLICK* Cozy froze. She slowly turned to look at the dresser. It looked the same, but something was wrong. A tiny green light on the radio was slowly blinking. Trembling, she pulled the blanket even closer. What's going on here? she thought. Radios don't turn on by themselves. *CLICK* This time, she could hear the cassette motors slowly turning. The tape began to play. "If- if anypony h- hears this tape, Celestia forbid you- you stay h- here," came the voice of a filly, her voice trembling severely. "I- I- I have to make this quick. She's probably watching me, and you as well if you're unfortunate e- enough to b- be playing this tape at night. Every time I tell somepony that- that the Boogeymare is real, they laugh at me and say I'm j- just a scaredy filly. *sniff* And- and- and if you try to tell somepony, t- they won't believe you, either. And if you don't behave, she'll get you. There's a flashlight in the drawer of the nightstand. That's... all she's afraid of. Also, stay as quiet as possible. This- this won't stop her from finding you, but it helps you know when... she's nearby. I've- I've seen her try to get in from the window, the air vent, the bedroom door, the closet, and most often, f- from underneath the bed. Again, stay quiet. You'll hear her moving. But, she's very s- smart. She will not come from the same place twice in a row and- and may try t- to move quieter each time she tries to- to get in." *SCRAAAAAAATCH!* "Oh no. No no no! She's coming! O- one last thing. The- the flashlight batteries will run out v- v- very quickly, so- so use it wisely. If- if it dies completely, there's a box full of spares under the bed. I- I don't remember how much ch- charge each color battery g- g- gives. I- I think r- red ones give the least amount of charge, green ones give a bit more, and blue ones give a ton. But, if you have to- to look under there, she- she might be there. Again, if you hear her, flash the light at her and she'll go away. And- and- and don't try to l- leave the room. She'll follow you no matter what. Just don't let her-" You've been veeeeeeeeerrrrrry naughty. "No! No! NO!!! NO!!! LET GO OF ME!!! PLEASE!!! DON'T KILL ME, PLEASE!!! SOMEPONY, HELP!!! NO!!! NO!!! NO!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH-!!!!!!" *static* *CLICK* The tape ended and the green light went dark. Cozy Glow felt a massive chill down her spine. She slowly reached over and slid the top drawer on the nightstand open. Sure enough, her eyes met a flashlight. She quickly picked it up and flicked the switch. Good. It works. she thought. She quickly slipped her head down to look under the bed. She noticed a large cardboard box labeled "Batteries." *CREEEEEEEEAAAAAAAK!* Cozy shot back up. What met her eyes was the silhouette of a thin, elongated hoof pushing open the bedroom door slowly. Soon after, she saw a head peeking into the room. Quickly turning on the light, she saw the hideous face of the Boogeymare: razor sharp teeth, lifeless white eyes, and a horrendous smile. Upon seeing the flashlight, it hissed, quickly closing the door as it retreated. Cozy froze with fear. That crazy unicorn was right! She is real! she thought. She looked back at the clock. It read 12:08. "Sh- she said the Boogeymare would... go away... by morning." Cozy whispered to herself. "Dear Celestia, help me." She scanned her surroundings again. Looking back at the dresser, she saw something else in front of the radio. It looked like a battery, but it had five green lights on it. She noticed that the top light was slightly dimmer than the others. *SCRAAAAAAAATCH!* She whipped around to the right to find the vent cover being pushed open, a clawed hoof reaching through. She quickly turned on the flashlight. Once again, the creature hissed and retreated, closing the vent cover behind it. Glancing back at the battery-shaped object on the dresser, the top light was almost completely out. If that's a meter, is that how much power I have in this flashlight? Cozy thought. These batteries are terrible. *THUD! THUD!* Cozy jumped. She looked towards the cubbyholes. A yellow ball had fallen out of one and onto the floor. She narrowed her eyes at it. Stupid ball. You scared the cutie mark out of me. *CREEEAK!* Quickly turning on the flashlight, she saw the Boogeymare slowly creeping out of the bedroom closet. She directed the light right into the creature's eyes. *HISS!* The Boogeymare once again retreated back into the closet, closing the door behind itself. Cozy narrowed her eyes again. "Okay. Now I'm getting mad," she whispered. "How much longer do I have to keep this up?" She checked the clock again. 12:30. She glanced at the meter on the dresser. The top and second lights were completely out. The third was half lit, half not. I think I can hold out for a while longer. she thought. You can do this, Cozy. You can do this. *CREEEE-EEEEE-EAAAAA-AAAAK!* This time, the sound came from the window. Again, the hideous face of the Boogeymare met her eyes. Cozy turned on the flashlight, once again, directing it into the eyes of her pursuer. *HISS!* *BANG!* "For Celestia's sake!" she yelled. "Can't you take a hint?!" Checking the battery meter again, the top four lights were completely out. The bottom light was lit, but it was almost out. Scanning her surroundings one last time, she leaned over- *SCRATCH!* She whipped to the right. A clawed hoof was slowly crawling up the bed. What Cozy heard next almost made her fall off the bed. I'm huuuunnnnngryyyyyyy... Cozy shoved the flashlight down the side of the bed as fast as she could, almost grazing the creature's arm. Just in time. *HISS!* Sweet Celestia, that was WAY too close! Cozy thought. She checked the clock. 1:00. She flicked the flashlight switch. Nothing. She tried again. Again, nothing. She tried yet again. Still nothing. Glancing up at the meter, all five lights were completely out. Oh no. she thought. I need a battery. She quickly looked under the bed. Staring at the cardboard box, she noticed there was a hole in the bottom. She reached her hoof down but couldn't reach the bottom. "Come on! I need a battery NOW!" She reached up and began tapping the top of the box with her hoof, hoping that something would come out. Nothing. Getting increasingly frustrated, she gave the box a hard hit. This time, a green battery fell out of the hole in the box and rolled towards her. She quickly grabbed it and sat up on the bed again. Inserting the battery into the flashlight, she noticed the bottom two lights on the battery meter had come back on. *SCRAAAAAAAAAAATCH!* "No no no no no!" She quickly turned the flashlight on and shined it at the vent. *HISS!* Seriously? she scolded herself in thought. Don't lose focus! Yet again, she checked the clock. 1:10. Suddenly, a little chime began to play softly. Cozy shot her gaze to the cubbyholes and noticed a Jack-in-the-Box sitting on the floor in front of them. The little crank on the side was slowly turning as though someone was touching it. Finally, the little clown popped out of the top of the box as the chimes of the soft tune faded away. She shuddered. That was unpleasant. she thought. *CREEEEEEAAAAAAK!* The bedroom door began to open again. Cozy turned the flashlight on again, but nothing happened. She quickly tried it again. Still nothing. The bottom two lights on the meter were still on. What?! I just used it! Why isn't it working?! she thought. Looking up again, the bedroom door was completely open. However, the Boogeymare was nowhere to be seen. Cozy began shaking the flashlight as hard as she could. "Come on! Work!" she yelled. Checking the door again, she once again saw the white, lifeless eyes of the Boogeymare, who was now creeping slowly into the room, staring right at her. Cozy tried the light yet again. Still nothing! No! No! No no no no no no! Don't do this to me! Work, please! She was on the brink of tears. I'm ssssssssssssssssoooooooooooo huuuuuuunnnnnnngrrrrrryyyyyyy... growled the Boogeymare, nearing closer to the bed. Cozy smacked the flashlight one more time. This time, the light erupted out like a beam of sunlight into the eyes of the creature. *HISS!* The Boogeymare shielded her eyes and bolted out of the room, faster than ever. Cozy quickly rubbed her eyes. "What do you want with me?" she cried. "Just leave me alone!" Closing her eyes, she began to take a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself down. "Calm down, Cozy Glow. Just calm down. She'll be gone by sunrise," she whispered. "Just stay focused." She glanced at the clock again. 1:29. She checked the meter on the dresser. Only the bottom light remained. "Okay. Gotta be careful. The battery's almost dead," Cozy said quietly. "I can do this. I can do this. I can do this. I can-" *BZZZZZZZZZZZT!* *CLICK* Cozy Glow jumped. She glanced at the nightstand, only to find that the little lamp had turned off. She reached over and pressed the button on the bottom. Nothing. She pressed it rapidly. The light still would not come back on. She angrily pounded a hoof into the pillow. Great. Now I'm down one light. she thought. But, how did it go out? I didn't even touch it. *SCRATCH! SCRATCH! SCRAAAAAAAAAATCH!* She froze. Slowly turning around, she saw the Boogeymare clinging to the wall above the bed, scratching it relentlessly. Peering down, her eyes fell upon the pink filly. I'm hungry for yooooooouuuuuuu... she growled. Cozy shined the light right in the creature's eyes again. Aah! Keep that away from me! she bellowed, leaping off the wall and running out the bedroom door. Cozy checked the battery meter. It was out. She quickly checked the clock. Since the bedside lamp was out, she could barely make out the time. 1:59. Time for another battery. she thought, ducking under the bed. I didn't even hear the door creaking that time! Reaching her hoof down, she hit the cardboard box a few times. Nothing came out. She gave it a good whack. A blue battery rolled out of the hole in the box. Quickly sitting up and inserting the battery into the flashlight, she noticed that all the lights on the meter were lit up again. This oughta keep that monster at bay. Cozy thought. Out of curiosity, she shined the light on the wall behind her where the Boogeymare had been. She had carved something into the wall. "You are next." it read. She shuddered again. "How far gone was this mare when she was alive?" she asked, even though she knew no one would answer her. I'm coming for you... Once again, the creature was slowly reaching up from the side of the bed. Cozy bent over the side and thrust the flashlight right into the Boogeymare's face. "Take that, you ugly freak!" she yelled. *HISS!* Cozy sat back up again and checked the clock. 2:17. She smiled triumphantly. "Only a few more hours until sunrise," she said. "I've got this in the bag." *CLICK* She looked up. The nightlight on the dresser had gone dark. She face-hoofed. "Why me?" *CREEEE-EEEEE-EAAAAA-AAAAK!* The sound came from the window again. Cozy readied her flashlight. She quickly checked the meter. The top light was much dimmer than the rest. Come on, you ugly piece of garbage. she thought, smirking. Take your best shot. You can't win, you little brat! "Oh yeah? Eat this!" Cozy yelled, turning the light on. Nothing happened. "No, come on! Work!" she shouted, shaking the flashlight as hard as she could. Ha ha ha! I always claim my prey! the Boogeymare growled, crawling through the open window, only to get blinded yet again by Cozy's flashlight. *HISS!* *BANG!* "You're just like Princess Twilight: a pathetic weakling." said Cozy, smirking with triumph. She checked the clock again. 2:40. She grinned widely. "Twilight's friends and her students may have bested me, but you won't!" she yelled at the top of her lungs, not expecting a reply. Checking the meter again, she saw that the top light was out and the second was barely on. She then looked back at the window, then, narrowing her eyes, slowly turned to the other side, checking every possible entrance carefully. Nothing. *THUD!* Cozy nearly fell off the bed. Checking the cubbyholes, she noticed that a little toy train had fallen onto the floor, landing next to the yellow ball. She face-hoofed again. Who keeps knocking everything off these stupid shelves? she thought. *CLICK* "Lucky me," she growled. "The light in the hallway is out. I can barely see ANYTHING NOW!!" *CREEEEEEEAAAAAAK! Oh no. The closet! Turning the light on, her eyes once again fell upon the face of her pursuer, who was right in front of the bed. *HISS!* Yet again, the Boogeymare darted back towards the closet, slamming the door behind her louder than ever. Cozy glanced at the clock. 3:11. She checked the battery meter. Only the bottom light was fully lit. She smiled. "Yes. Just a few more hours until sunrise," she said. "You hear that, Boogeymare?! I'm gonna make it to sunrise! You're nothing!" Oh, am I? Cozy whipped around. The Boogeymare was standing right next to the bed, her razor-sharp teeth peering through her twisted smile, once again only to be blinded by the flashlight. Hissing loudly, she ducked back under the bed. Cozy smirked again. "Yes," she said in a mocking tone. "You are." She checked the meter. The bottom light was almost out. She checked the clock. 3:20. "I'm gonna take a risk," she said. "Time for another battery." Slowly looking under the bed, she reached down and tapped the cardboard box. Nothing came out. She hit it a little harder. Still nothing. She narrowed her eyes. Really getting ticked off right now. she thought. She gave the box the hardest whack she could muster. Finally, a red battery rolled out of the little hole. She picked it up and put it into the flashlight. Checking the meter again, the bottom light and a tiny bit of the light above it had come back on. "That barely did anything," she grumbled. "But I think I can manage for now." *BZZZZZZZZZZT!* Cozy darted her gaze towards the window. The streetlamp was out. She slammed her hooves into the bed in frustration. "Perfect. Just perfect," she growled. "Now I can't see ANYTHING!!!" She clicked the flashlight on quickly to check the clock. 3:30. Quickly turning the light off, she checked the meter. The bottom light was half on, half off. She shivered. Come on. Why can't time move faster? she thought. *SCRAAAAAATCH!* "Oh no, you don't!" Cozy shouted, shoving the flashlight down the side of the bed, jamming it up against the Boogeymare's face. *HISS!* "Told you. You have nothing on me," Cozy said, grinning from ear to ear. She looked back at the battery meter. Once again, all five lights were out. She checked the clock, barely able to make out the time in the darkness of the room. 3:35. "Okay. Time to get yet another battery," she said, slowly shifting to check under the bed. But just as she was about to lean over the side, she felt something grab hold of her leg. Freezing stiff, she slowly turned to look behind her. And what met her gaze was a horrifying sight. Peek-a-boooooooo... groaned the Boogeymare. She yanked hard on Cozy's leg, throwing her onto the floor, and sending her flashlight across the room. Slowly, she walked over to the pink filly, towering over her. Well, well, well. she hissed. It seems you've hit a little ssssssssssssnag. "W- w- what do- do you w- want with m- m- m- me?" Cozy uttered, shivering in terror. What do I... waaaaaaaaannnnnt? the Boogeymare growled, inching her face closer to the little filly. Why, you're my dinner, little brat. Thrusting her head down, she bit down hard on Cozy's wing, slowly dragging her under the bed. "No! NO!!! NO!!! LET ME GO!!!" she screamed, flailing her legs helplessly. "HELP!!! SOMEPONY!!! HELP!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!" Author's Note To be concluded...
Chapter III: I Am Your NightmareCozy Glow jolted awake, her chest heaving up and down with her rapid breathing. Glancing around, she noticed she was not in the bedroom, but back in the dungeon cell. Her heart rate returning to normal, she sat up slowly. "It- it was just a dream," she whispered quietly. "Sweet Celestia, that was the worst nightmare I've ever had!" She turned to check the clock on the wall. It read 2:00. Laying back down, she began chuckling quietly to herself and turned to face the cell of the brown unicorn mare, who was laying on her bunk, her chest rising and falling with each breath. See? I told you those old pony's tales weren't real. she thought. I've said this before. Ponies will always, ALWAYS make these stories up just to scare one ano- *SCRAAAAAAAAATCH!* Cozy froze. She looked around, trying to trace the noise. What was that? she thought, her heart rate climbing again. *SCRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH!* She quickly sat up, glancing around wildly. She pulled the cover close. "No. It's not real. It's not real," she whispered. "It's just my imagination." Reaching under her pillow, she grabbed the flashlight her fellow inmate had given her a few hours prior and turned it on. She thoroughly ran the light up and down the walls of the dungeon to check for anything in the dark. Nothing. Turning the light off, she began to lay back down on the bunk. *SCRAAAAATCH! SCRAAAAAATCH! SCRAAAAAAAAAATCH* Cozy shot back up. Quickly turning the flashlight on again, she shone it on the back wall of her cell. There was nothing. Looking closer, she noticed there were a few deep scratches in the wall. Coooooooooooooozzzzzzzyyyyyy Gloooooooooooooow... a voice growled. Cozy froze dead. Slowly turning around, she saw that something was clearly wrong. Her cell door was open! Slipping off her cell bunk, and on shaky hooves, she walked toward the open door. Turning her light on, she inspected both corridors of the dungeon. There was nothing. "It's in your head." she said, walking back into the cell. "It's not real. It's not real." You've been veeeeeeerrrrrry naughty. Cozy whipped around. This time she quickly shined the flashlight on... once again, nothing. She turned the light off again. "Alright. I know one of those guards is trying to scare me," she said quietly, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Come on. You think you can scare me?" She grinned. "Why, Miss Boogeymare! What big eyes you have! And what big teeth you have! I'm so scared of you!" she said, now laughing out loud. Why, thank you, my little ponyyyyyyyy. Cozy stopped laughing. She slowly turned around again. Naaaaaaaaauuuuuuuughtyyyyyyyyyy... growled the Boogeymare. She lunged forward, tackling Cozy Glow to the ground. "Ha! I know your weakness! Take this!" Cozy shouted, shining the flashlight into the Boogeymare's eyes, only to fail. The creature grabbed the flashlight out her grip and crushed it under her hoof. Gripping Cozy by her throat, she smiled. At lasssssssssst. You're mine. the Boogeymare hissed, showing her fangs. Thisssssssss issssss going to be fffffffun. "Please," Cozy cried, struggling in the creature's grip. "Leave me alone! I- I'm sorry. Wake up, Cozy Glow! WAKE UP!!! WAKE UP!!!!" Ha ha ha! Wake up, you sssssssay? You are not assssssssleeeeep, little brat. Thisssssss isssssss the real world. And it'ssssssss asssssssss real asssssssss I am. Cozy was now openly crying. "Why? W- why d- do- do you kill bad f- fillies and c- c- colts? W- what have they done t- t- to you?!" Without warning, the Boogeymare thrust her clawed hooves into Cozy's side. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!" What have they done to me? WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO MEEEEEEE?!?!?!?!?!? screeched the Boogeymare. You rotten little creaturesssssssssss took everythhhhhhing from me!!! Your kind kicked me when I wasssss down!!! Insssssssssulted me for never getting a cutie mark! Told me I wasssss trash! But now. Now, I have my revenge! "I'm s- s- sorry," Cozy cried, her torso now leaking blood. "I- I- I promise to never be a bad f- filly again! Please, spare me!" Sssssspare somepony like you? Ha ha ha! NEVER. *SQUELCH!* *RRRRRRRIP!* "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!" Oh, dear. said the Boogeymare, smiling wider than before. It sssssssssssseems you've lossssssssssst your wings. Cozy looked at her sides. Her wings had been ripped clean off, and the area where they once were was gushing blood. You know, cackled the Booeymare, taking a bite out of one of the severed wings. Every time I've killed sssssssssssomepony, I've alwayssssssss ripped off their limbsssss, and gutted their insssssssidessss. But, you. You're the naughtiessssssst filly I've ever come acrosssssss. I'm gonna do a little bit... mooooorreeeee. She grabbed hold of all four of Cozy's legs and pulled on each one relentlessly. *SQUELCH!* *RRRRRIP!!!* *CRRRRRAAAAAAAAAACK!!!* *SQUELCH!!!* "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!" Oh, dear me. groaned the Boogeymare. However will you walk without any legs? Cozy was now profusely gushing blood from every part of her body. At least, what was still left of it. Still smiling that hideous smile, the creature raised her claws and thrust them right into the filly's eyes. Tightening her grip, she yanked both eyes out like they were flowers separating from a stem. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!" How unfortunate. You ssssssssseem to have gone blind, my dear. said the Boogeymare, licking the ends of the severed eye muscles. And now, she said, grabbing hold of the filly's neck. Before I feassssssssst on your entrails, don't lose your head! Cozy could hear the sickening sounds of flesh, bone, and muscle separating from one another as the Boogeymare began to pull on her neck like there was no tomorrow. And it would be the last sound she'd ever hear. *SQUELCH!* *RRRRRIP!!!* *CRRRRRAAAAAAAAAACK!!!* *SQUELCH!!!* *CRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAK!!!* "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH-!!!!!!!!!!!!!" *SNAP!* My, my, my. Sssssssssuch a tragic end for you, my little pony. You shhhhouldn't have been ssssso naughtyyyyyyy. said the Boogeymare, taking a big bite out of the filly's severed head. You know, my dear, you tassssssssste divine. And now, time for the main coursssssssse. *SQUELCH!!!* *RRRRRIP!!!* *CRRRRRAAAAAAAAAACK!!!* Ripping open Cozy's lifeless chest cavity, the creature smiled in delight. Glancing at the clock, it read 2:10. There'sssss plenty of time before sssssssunrisssssse. Now, where do I sssssssssstart? she cackled. "We came as fast as we could, Princess Celestia," Twilight Sparkle said, looking up at her former teacher. "What's going on?" "It's about Cozy Glow," Celestia answered, her voice a bit shaky. "Last night, we had her put in one of the dungeon cells, planning to take her straight to Tartarus the next morning." "So?" said Rainbow Dash. "What's the big emergency?" "Rainbow Dash!" Twilight shot the blue Pegasus a glare. "This morning when one of the guards went to wake her up, she was dead," Princess Luna answered. The Mane 6 gasped in surprise. "D- d- d- d- dead?!" Fluttershy stuttered, hiding behind her mane. "WHAT?!?!" Pinkie Pie yelled. "How?!" Applejack asked. "Come see for yourselves," Celestia answered, getting up from her throne. When they reached the dungeon, their eyes fell upon a gruesome sight. In front of one cell were the remnants of the pink filly that Twilight's students had stopped the day before. Her head, wings, and limbs had been ripped clean off. Her chest was ripped open, not one single internal organ remained. Rarity quickly fainted. Suppressing the urge to vomit, Twilight stepped forward. She noticed there was something on the wall of the cell. "What's this?" "'You've been very naughty. Now, here's your punishment. -The Boogeymare'." she read. "Is- is t- that written in b- b- b- blood?" Fluttershy whimpered. "Unfortunately, yes," Celestia answered. "Why would somepony do this?" Twilight asked, a chill running down her spine. "She did horrible things," Dash began. "but she didn't deserve this!" "I wish I could say that you're dreaming." The Mane 6 and the princesses turned to face the brown unicorn mare in the opposite cell. Twilight took a few steps closer. "And who are you?" Pinkie Pie asked, raising an eyebrow. "None of your business, that's who," the unicorn shot back, glaring at the pink pony. "What do you know of this?" Applejack asked. "Nothing," the unicorn answered. "When I woke up this morning, I found this little filly like this. Well, what's left of her, anyways." "Come on, girls," Twilight said, turning to face her friends. "Let's go back to the throne room." Everyone slowly made their way to the exit. Twilight was the last one out. She looked back at the remnants of the pink filly and tears began to form in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Cozy. I wish I could've taught you more." Author's Note Well, that was a rather gruesome end for Cozy Glow. Epilogue to follow.
Epilogue*BANG! BANG!* "Hey! You in there!" the guard shouted. "Lights out soon!" "ALRIGHT!!!" shouted the brown unicorn mare, pounding a hoof on the cell bunk. "I heard you the first hundred times!" "Don't get an attitude with me!" the guard replied. "I want your lights out in 20 minutes, do you understand me?" "Whatever," said the mare, rolling her eyes. "I'll take that as a 'yes'." The guard quickly walked out and locked the dungeon door behind him. The brown unicorn slid off her cell bunk and trotted over to the little mirror hanging on the other wall. Levitating a brush, she began to run it through her mane, attempting to get every knot out. Once finished, she set the brush down and turned her gaze over to the cell across from hers. The cell where Cozy Glow had been murdered the day before. "You know, Cozy Glow," she said quietly to herself. "I've heard multiple stories about somepony trying to take over Equestria, but a filly? I actually feel bad for you." The mare turned back to the mirror. A pair of soulless white eyes stared back at her. As she smiled, a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth looked back as well. You really did tasssssssssste divine. In fact, you tasted better than any other filly or colt I've eaten in my daysssssssss. She glanced at the clock on the wall. It read 12:00 AM. The midnight hour isssssssss here. And I'm hungryyyyyyyyyyyy. The Boogeymare turned once again to the mirror and slowly scratched it with her claws. It'sssssssssssssssssssss time to plaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy. THE END Author's Note I hope you all enjoyed this story. I put a lot of effort into it, and I really hope it paid off. C U in the next story! Peace out!
