It was the middle of the afternoon on Nightmare Night. At the Apple farm, Applejack and Big Mac were busy helping Sugar Belle finish with the candy apples and sweets they would hand out tonight. Up in her room, Apple Bloom still felt contempt over the neatly laid dress on her bed. Every part of her wanted to take it and rush back to the store and apologize profusely to Lilium. And yet, whenever she moved to try and pick up the dress, the urge to wear it only grew stronger. As if the fabric was calling her to cover herself in its embrace.

'Git a grip, gal,' Apple Bloom said to herself. 'Ya already told yerself you'd wear it tonight. No point in cryin' over the situation.' Mustering a deep breath, the earth mare started stripping out of her t-shirt and overalls.

Witch matching panties to keep her from being completely naked, she held the dress up to start untying the laces and slip her feet through the back. Apple Bloom shimmied her hips to help slide the long skirt over her waist before fixing the top cut to accommodate her hefty breasts. The top portion clung tightly to display a bit of her cleavage. "Ah, horseshoes! No way Aah can wear a bra in this thang. Mah nips are gonna be stone-cold walkin' out!" She muttered, tugging on the fabric before it flexed back to squish her boobs together. Still, it was a comfortable fit. Apple Bloom looked over herself in the mirror and nearly jumped from the reflection. She looked familiar yet different at the same time. The vampiric dress showed off more class and elegance in her appearance than it did just the boob window. And as she twirled around to see the skirt flow around her legs, her anxiety over stealing it washed away. With her back facing the mirror, she redid the laces as best she could, with the higher strings being more than what she could reach. She'd worry about that when it was time to go. All that remained now was the collar with the see-through fabric to drape over her arms and shoulders.

And once Apple Bloom slipped the rings connecting the cape to her middle fingers, she had the costume almost fully one. "O-Oh wow," the earth mare laughed in astonishment. "A-Ah can hardly recognize mahself!" She struck a couple of poses to get feel how well the costume fitted her. As she smoothed down the skirt, she found small bits of dust floating off her fingers. "Yeesh, how long has it been since this thang's been worn? Maybe Aah should wash it before Aah go..."

Little did she know, her room door wasn't fully closed. And a small stallion was carefully inching it open to sneak inside. Sweetsop was almost in the perfect position to jump out at her aunty with a goblin mask adorning his face. And as the unsuspecting mare turned to her right...

"RRUUAAARR!!" the colt bellowed, jumping up with his hands outward.

The grown mare yelped at her nephew's roar, making the foal laugh mischievously. Apple glared harshly at the trickster while baring her teeth. "How DARE you infiltrate my lair!!" She hissed at him, her voice sporting an unfamiliar accent. "Young colt, I have siphoned the life out of more miserable creatures than you. Leave now or face certain death!" Apple Bloom spread her arms wide out to mimic the form of a bat while her amber eyes glowed a more menacing red.

Sweetsop tumbled behind him, instantly removing his mask while staring up with fright. "A-Aah'm sorry, Auntie! I-It was just a prank; Aah swear! P-Please, don't hurt me," the shriveling colt pleaded. His reaction made the earth mare do a double-take, realizing how frightened her nephew was. She knelt and placed her arms around him and pulled the small purple colt into a hug.

"A-Aw gosh, Sweetie. Aah'm sorry, Aah... Aah don't know what came over me there!" she insisted. "S-Still, ya should've known better than ta sneak into mah room like that."

"A-Aah just wanted to spook ya was all. B-But Aah guess Aah was the one gettin' spooked."

"R-Really? Ya thought Aah was scary?" She asked in disbelief. All she did was say some harsh words and open up her arms.

"Y-Yeah, auntie," her nephew exclaimed. "Y-Ya looked like ya were about ta swoop down and gobble me up! A-And that voice ya did! How'd ya do the accent so fluently?"

Apple Bloom touched her lips, recalling the difference in tone when she spat at him before looking back at her reflection.

"Aah'm not so sure..."

"Thank you, come again, darling~" Rarity chimed at her latest customer walking off with their purchase. Life had been very busy at the Boutique, given the number of foals and fillies look for the best costume to wear on Nightmare Night. And with that new store down the district, she found competition in sales and fabric quality. But the seamstress was determined to offer as many costumes she could sow to all who needed.

Once the carousel was empty, an immediate frown replaced Rarity's cheerful smile. Ever since her sister came home, she's been either stuck in her room or the bathroom. It was concerning since she returned with excitement to match the younger ponies getting ready to trick-or-treat. Normally, she wouldn't just leave her post with the risk of losing customers. But family came first, and Rarity wanted to know what Sweetie was up to upstairs.

"Sweetie Belle, do you have a moment?" She called, walking up the staircase to the apartment above the store.

No response, but the bathroom door was open. She could hear melodic humming coming from inside.

'Singing? I knew she wanted to be a model, but I thought she gave up on a singing career,' she thought, puzzled. Stepping quietly so as not to disturb her, peered her head over the wooden frame to get a peek of what Sweetie was doing. Rarity's eyes went wide at the sight of her younger sister posing off in the mirror, singing a diddy to herself while showing off her body within what looked to be a bikini top and a scaly dress skirt. Once she felt satisfied, she brushed her swirly mane a couple of times to get the style right before placing the seashell clips in the right spot. With a satisfied grin, she leaned her back into the mirror while eying herself suggestively.

"S-Sweetie Belle!!" Rarity exclaimed, unable to hide her presence before stepping forth. "What in the world are you wearing?!"

Her sister's tone startled Sweetie as she jumped off the ledge of the sink. "Oh! Uh, I was trying on my costume for the party this evening. Don't I look cute~?" she asked, bouncing on the ball of her heels to make her gelatinous breasts jiggle about in the confines of her top.

"You look... something, alright," Rarity noted with disapproval. "Don't you think you're showing off just a bit too much skin, love?"

"Rarity, that's the point! I'm a mermare," the younger unicorn argued with hands to her hips. "They're alluring by nature. Compelling men and sailors with their beauty and singing."

"I-I'm aware of that! It's just; I find your actions and choices lately concerning. Ever since you started modeling, you've been getting a lot more 'flashier.' Low cut tops, shorter skirts, you even skipped wearing underwear a couple of times! Sweetie, there's more to modeling than just getting flirty with the camera or teasing a nip slip to the photographer!"

"Maybe for you back in the day, but things have changed, Rare," Sweetie huffed, pulling out her cellphone and showing her latest post in her social media app. "See all those likes and followers? People love it when you give them an eyeful~!"

"O-Okay, sure, but why do this need to apply to your Nightmare Night party?" Rarity questioned, her eyebrows furrowed. "You're going out with friends! Why do you need to dress provocatively? Who are you trying to impress? Are you planning to bring a couple of colts back home to fool around with? Because if that's the case, I'm locking the doors! I'm will not allow any sexual contact in my Boutique!"

"Look, you're not mom, Rarity! I'm nearly twenty; I can make my own decisions! It's not like I'm going naked," Sweetie Belle spat before pushing past her sister.

"You practically are," Rarity sighed with frustration. Something wasn't right with that girl; she knew it. She and Sweetie had their arguments, yes. But lately, it was like her obsession with clothing and getting as many ponies to look at her was consuming her. If she had known her dear sister would follow down this road, she'd never reach out to that agent in the first place! All the fashion designer could hope for was that her friends keep her safe this night. Dressed like that, who knows what kind of attention Sweetie Belle could attract.

"Can you at least put on a jacket?! It's gonna be freezing tonight!"

"UUUUUUUGH!"

"I'm just saying! That costume was designed for many things; the cold is not one of them!

"Okay, okay! You guys are not ready for this! You are gonna freak out!"

"Hehe, We're waiting with anticipation, hon!"

"Okay, here I come! ARROOOOOOOOOOOO~!" Scootaloo howled, sliding out from the other side of the room in style. On the table was her laptop, hosting a video call with her parents on the other end. Both of them jumped before laughing over their daughter's grand entrance.

"Absolute chilling, Scootaloo!" Mane Allgood praised.

"Quite the striking werewolf," Snap Shutter agreed with his wife.

"Damn right!" Scootaloo smirked. She dipped into some makeup to add to the bestial look, along with some yellow slit eye contact lens. "Aaaagh, I can hardly wait to go out tomorrow! People are gonna freak out when I hit the dance floor!"

Both parents chuckled nervously over their daughter's enthusiasm. "Well, do be careful with who you terrorize with. That costume really shows off your, uh... tone. And you don't want to give people the wrong impression."

"Pft. I'm an adult, dad. I know how to look after myself," she grumbled, rolling her eyes before taking a seat on the couch. "So how are things on your end? Found anything new and exciting? Lost fortune? Ancient totems?"

"No, nothing yet," her father sighed. "We were told that a temple to a hidden cult made centuries ago was hidden within this forest. It's been three days since setting up camp and no luck. But I'm sure it'll show itself when the time is ready!"

"Not like you haven't made discoveries before. I'm sure you'll find it eventually."

"Uhm, speaking of discoveries," Scootaloo's mother interrupted with a more serious frown on her muzzle. "Your aunt's sent us some... appalling pictures of you. Care to explain these, dear?" A couple of notifications went off before the orange pegasus let out a sharp gasp.

"What the-- Oh, for fuck sakes! I told him not to get anything with my face!"

"Scootaloo!"

"Where did you get these!?"

"Why would you showcase yourself like this?"

"Ugh, I knew I should have busted that fucker's camera,"

"Now, young lady!" Snap said with a firm tone. "We know your old enough to be responsible for your own decisions. But as your father, I have to voice my disapproval over your new... hobby."

"It's not a hobby, dad! It's just how I make a Lil' extra on the side."

"It's distasteful!" Mane complained. "No one wants to see you use your body like that!"

"Oh, you'd be surprised~."

"SCOOTALOO!!"

"Look, it's my body, and I'll use it how I damn well please! I'm fuck anyone and everyone I want if it means I get food on the table," She growled, baring her teeth at her parents threateningly.

"I-I don't understand what changed. You were never like this. What would Rainbow Dash say if sh--"

"Don't you fucking dare!" Scootaloo seethed. "Dash hasn't done shit for me since running the Wonderbolt Academy. I don't need her approval. Nor as fuck do I need yours! I've learned the hard way; if you want to make a living, you gotta take risks. So don't try to patronize me when you haven't spent more than a month is my mom and dad!"

The two ponies gazed sadly at each other before looking back at their furious daughter. "Scoots. W-We'll always be your mom and dad."

"And we'll always love you! We know we haven't been there for you, and we're deeply sorry. Maybe, we could-"

"What!? Just send more money and souvenirs from your adventures? More proof of how awesome a life you've been living while I work my ass off so that I don't lose my apartment?! I don't need your pity! Just... Just fuck off!" And with an angry snarl, she slammed the laptop shut before throwing it to the side. Scootaloo returned to her seat, hiding her face into her hands and letting her anger spill out into tears. The apartment room she lived in hadn't been cleaned in weeks. Left uncared for with dirty clothes and dishes left in disarray.

"I don't need them... I don't need anyone... I'm fine," she sniffled, trying to reassure herself before scratching into her arm. "Ugh! Why is this costume so itchy in places?!"

As night fell over the land of Equestria, everyone in Ponyville prepared for the coming storm of fillies and colts, dressed as ghouls, goblins, and gargoyles, to come to their doorsteps in demand for the sweetness of candy. And off by a couple of acres was the household of the Riches. Many teens and young adult ponies were making their way inside, showing their invitations to the security guards by the gate.

Apple Bloom waited patiently for her friends to arrive. She clutched her figure as the cool breeze blew behind her, causing her to shiver. Before she left, her sister voiced her concerns after hearing about her incident with Sweetsop, starting with where the vampire dress came from. Now, honesty was a big part of their family, and she knew Applejack would tell if she tried to lie. So she only said it was from a new store and that she was getting into character; she just took it too far with her nephew around. Thankfully, she never had to specify that she didn't exactly buy the costume.

But deep down, Apple Bloom knew something about being in this get-up made her feel more cautious about herself. Wearing the dress made her feel different, and she couldn't tell if it was a good or bad thing.

"Apple Bloom!"

At the sound of Sweetie's voice, the earth mare turned to see her and Scootaloo running up to her. Her feelings of dread were momentarily forgotten at the sight of her friends in their stolen costumes. Even with the jacket to keep Sweetie semi-protected from the cold, the mermaid outfit brought out the best of the Unicorn's beauty. And Scootaloo did a fantastic job with the added makeup and content to make it the werewolf fur was really growing out of her.

"W-Wowie. Ya girls really know how ta strut yer stuff," she complimented with a smile. "Like damn, Sweetie. Ya look like yer ready to call every local fisherman over!"

"That's the idea, AB doll~" she winked. "But look at you! I hardly see the farmgirl in that blood-red dress!"

"Ah shucks," Apple Bloom blushed before looking over to Scootaloo. "And Aah nearly jumped at the sight of ya, Scoots!"

"Yeah, thanks..." Scootaloo replied half-attentively, her arms crossed over her chest while gazing off the trail.

"Somethin' the matter?" the earth mare, offering a worried glance while the pegasus snorted, shaking her funk off.

"Nah, some stuff happened back at home. I'll tell you after the party," She insisted, hiding her mood with a smirk before the three of them began to walk their way down the lane.

"Are ya sure? 'Cause Aah've been feelin' funny lately..."

"Funny how?"

"Aah dunno. Just that in tryin' this thang on, Aah felt... strange."

"She's probably still feeling guilty over stealing the costumes," Sweetie said dismissively. "Get over it. We all said we would return them after Nightmare Night. And if Miss Underwood won't let us back because she's butthurt, then we'll keep them for ourselves!"

Apple Bloom glared at the unicorn. "How can ya say that knowin' ya took somethin' special from somepony else? What's gotten into ya, Sweetie Belle?!"

"Hey, we needed costumes to wear tonight, and I got us costumes! Your welcome!"

"Ya stole us these costumes!"

"Oh, will you quit being a nosey good getter for one day? Theif is not gonna kill you!" Sweetie snapped.

"My Granny didn't raise a thief! And Aah rather be a nosey good getter than a lyin', connivin' camera slut!"

"You ungrateful bitch!"

"Will you two shut the fuck up!?" Scootaloo hissed, getting in between the brewing catfight. "I came here to have the time of my fucking life! And the last thing I need is for you dumb asshats ruining the fun we're supposed to be having!"

All three Cutie Mark Crusaders glared daggers at each other, causing their eyes to glow an eerie aura before they backed away from each other, frightened at what they saw from each other.

"A-Aah wasn't da only one seein' thangs, right?" Apple Bloom asked.

"No, I saw it," Sweetie confirmed.

"O-Our eyes were... glowing!"

Each mare looked at each other, confused and nervous as the crowd of teenage mares and stallions passed them, a few comments towards each mare and their dazzling outfits.

"Sweet Celestia, that she-wolf looks lit!"

"The one in the vampire outfit is rockin' it!"

"That mermare looks so hot! I hope she's not cold~."

"Yeah, maybe I can warm her up!"

"Pft! In your dreams, maybe~."

The three friends only offered sheepish laughter in response before huddling close to converse in private.

"You said that wearing the vampire get-up made you feel strange. Strange how?" Scootaloo whispered.

"W-Well, Aah thought Aah was gettin' into character when mah nephew tried to scare me. Aah ended up makin' him cry instead. And ever since then, Aah haven't felt like... Like myself."

"So you're a little guilty over freaking your nephew out," stated Sweetie Belle. "So what?"

"A-Aah know it wasn't just that, Sweetie Belle," Apple Bloom insisted with pleading eyes. "Ya saw da way our eyes lit up when we got heated with each other. Ya can't tell me that's just a coincidence! Haven't either of ya felt somethin' was off since tryin' them on?"

"Can't say that I have," the unicorn said unconvincingly.

"A little more moody, but that's been the norm for me," Scootaloo nodded.

"Alright... Maybe Aah am just a Lil' superstitious, but if either of ya starts feelin' weird or doing abnormal things, just... promise me we'll head back to that store and try to return the costumes to Miss Elderwood? Please?"

The unicorn and pegasus looked to each other than back at their anxious friend before nodding silently. With a heavy sigh, Apple Bloom pulled her friends into a big hug. "Thanks, Gals. Aah'm sorry for what Aah called ya, Sweetie. It wasn't right of me."

"I-It's okay; I get it. If I knew you were gonna get this worked up over it, I wouldn't have stolen the costumes." Sweetie Belle acknowledged, hugging Apple Bloom tightly as the pair smiled at each other.

"C'mon, Girls! Tonight's Nightmare Night! Spirits are supposed to rise from the grave; not die down! Let's get in there and bust some ass!" Scootaloo encouraged, with the other crusaders nodding with renewed vigor as they resumed the long walk towards the festively lit mansion.

The clouds started to drift over the horizon, revealing the pale light of the full moon hidden within.

Author's Note

𝕎𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕔𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟, 𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕪𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕤 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕒 𝕓𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕝𝕚𝕗𝕖. 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕙𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕤𝕒𝕗𝕖𝕥𝕪 𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 ℕ𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕖 ℕ𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥

See you in an hour~