Night of the Living Costumes

by NotaPonyPerson

Rating: mature
Tags: Death, Alternate Universe, Anthro, Drama, Gore, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Button Mash, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Sex, Tragedy, Horror, Profanity, Non-consensual, Rumble, Violence, Diamond Tiara
Length: 21218

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are in for one hell of a Nightmare Night when they approach a shady store for some killer costumes.

Nightmare Night.

The spookiest time of year where fillies and foals parade around the block in ghoulish disguises for sugary sweets. And this year, the Cutie Mark Crusaders have been invited to one of Diamond Tiara's expensive parties! The problem is, none of them have cool as hell costumes.

Luckily for them, they discover a new store run by the enigmatic Lilium Elderwood. When the Cutie Mark Crusaders get their hands on some of the most authentic-looking costumes in the market, this year is looking to be a night full of fun, fright, and fiendish delights!

A night they'll never forget

All characters are depicted as 18 or older

Warning: This story contains a sassy witch, with some sassy curses, some troubled times, hints of prostitution, a bit of sexual violence, lots of blood, murder most foul, and a sinister twist. If any of these are not your cup of tea, this is not a story for you.

Cover Art by yours truly~

Published 2020-10-31 23:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2020-10-31 23:00:00 UTC

a Tale of Three Friends

The trees rustled as multi-colored leaves feel the ground. The sunny weather had gotten colder, evident by the gentle breeze. Many foals and fillies chattered about all the candy they were going to gather. Once again, it was the season of festive costumes and spooky decore.

Tomorrow was Nightmare Night. And none were more excited than a popular group of mares fresh out of high school.

"AAAAAHH!" An orange pegasus mare screamed with delight. "I still can't believe you snagged us some invites to her party tomorrow!"

"Yeah, considering how high of an opinion her mother holds on us," a pale, swirled mane unicorn sarcastically quipped.

"C'mon, gals. Spoiled isn't dat bad of ah mare once ya git to know her," the southern earth pony defended. "She can be ah sweet ol' thang if ya git over her uhm... uuuhm-"

"Bitchiness?"

"Unwarranted self-worth?"

"Personality. Aah was goin' for personality."

"Oh, please, Apple Bloom. That stuck up cunt has the personality of a wet cardboard cutout!"

"Language, Scoots! Foals are runnin' 'bout!"

"Ah, c'mon. I'm only saying what's true."

"Besides, I'm pretty sure Diamond Tiara would have given her hell if her marefriend wasn't invited~" Sweetie teased her friend as she blushed faintly.

Yes, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were all eager about getting invitations to Diamond Tiara's exclusive Halloween parties. Cake, goodies, music, and the highest quality were expected and enjoyed for all who came in seasonal regalia. And ever since she started dating the young heiress, Apple Bloom would often share some of the 'fancy' life she tasted with her friends and family. Where Spoiled Rich only sees a dirty 'hillfilly,' Filthy Rich saw an honest, hard-working mare, not unlike her older sister. And to Diamond, the truest friend she needed during a harsh time with her mother's unnecessary cruelty.

Things weren't like how they were before. As the three mares grew older and focused on finding suitable careers, Apple Bloom began noticing a few notable differences between the crusaders. Sweetie Belle's newfound fame in the modeling scene made her a lot more 'showy,' whether it be in the limited clothes she wore or the suggestive gestures she gave while helping ponies in need. And unlike her elegant sister, Sweetie wasn't above skipping garments to get a little more attention with her bountiful bosom.

Scootaloo earned a different reputation. She had a simple job in mechanics and repair, but many rumors were flying around like wildfire. Always going out with different stallions and mares each night. And whenever students or friends asked if anything was true, their only response from the pegasus was a snide smirk.

As for Apple Bloom herself? She 'rolled in the hay' with a couple of folks, though nothing got serious until Diamond Tiara came into the picture. Ever since the two former school rivals became lovers, Sweetie and Scootaloo would demand details about any sexual encounter. 'How big a rack is she packin'?', 'Does she have dozens of diamond-encrusted sex toys to play with?'. But Granny taught her better than to go off sharing her private life. And contrary to the fame and media attention, Tiara felt the same.

What they got up to in bed was between herself and Diamond Tiara.

But tomorrow night, the Cutie Mark Crusaders had a mission. To make the most memorable and amazing Nightmare Night to celebrate the end of high school! There was only a slight problem with the plan, however.

"Okay, Girls. Real talk; what are we gonna do about costumes?" Scootaloo asked with hands on her hips. "Because I don't think I can do anything better than a jumpsuit and some cat ears."

"Yeah, no," Sweetie interjected. "Cheap fabric won't cut it this time. The last thing any of us need is Rich-Bitch calling our costumes 'tacky' or 'unrefined' for the rest of the night. If we're going to that party, we need to go in style!"

"Well, Aah'm sure Rarity could weave us some steller costumes if we ask nicely enough," Apple Bloom suggested before both girls collectively groaned. Sweetie Belle placed a hand on the earth mare's shoulder with a disdainful look on her face.

"Look, no offense to my sister or anything, but I'm sick of always backtracking to her when it comes to Nightmare Night outfits. And every time, it's something tamed or unflattering to my completion. This year, I wanna do something that shows off how cute and sexy I am~" she suggested, pumping up her breasts within her plum-colored blouse.

"Pft. Cute and sexy? Really?" Scootaloo scoffed. "Have you forgotten what Nightmare Night's all about? We're supposed to get scary! I want a costume that'll make ponies wet themselves when they see me. Something simple but effective! If I wanted to show off my body, I'd go naked."

"Oh, yeah. I'm sure all the stallions will be running away after seeing how flat you are," The unicorn snickered.

"Pft! Tits the size of my head ain't everything, sweetheart. I'll have you know that my ass is to die for~!" The pegasus snarked back, giving her well-toned butt a confident smack. Apple Bloom just rolled her eyes as the two began to compare butts and busts between each other. Over the years, Sweetie Belle had trouble finding the right bra to conceal her breasts because of how big they've gotten. Hell, half the clothes that did fit her looked small with how much space her chest took up. Many onlookers and perverts often claimed that she surpassed Rarity when it came to who had the best rack.

Scootaloo remained dedicated to staying fit and in shape, which did wonder for her wide hips and well-toned backside. She made skinny jeans work, sometimes even wearing low hanging shorts to give a hint of what thong she was rockin' in her trunk. As always, Apple Bloom was in the middle of her friends when it came to puberty, boasting supple boobs, and a hefty ass. Admittedly, she was much more bustier than her sister, though she did her best to remain modest about it with t-shirts and jean shorts.

She smiled sheepishly, recalling the few sleepovers the crusaders just gawked and flirted with each other over their bodies when they should have been studying. It was an unspoken rule that no matter how dirty they got with each other, they would remain the best of friends. However, that was a while ago. Since then, Apple Bloom has remained fiercely loyal with Diamond while leaving Sweetie and Scoots to argue over a popular debate since the modern era; Tits or ass?

As the crusaders walked down the intersection, Apple Bloom noticed something near the far end of the opposite street. Something she didn't remember seeing before. "That's new... Hey, gals? Look over there!"

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo ceased their arguing to follow their friend's gaze before finding an ancient-looking store decorated in festive colors and lights. It looked like a place long forsaken for centuries. Yet an 'OPEN' sign hung on a wire inside the door, with some of the lights glowing around the window.

"Aah don't remember seein' that store there." Apple Bloom pondered with narrowed eyes.

"Maybe it's a new store with an old aesthetic. Y'know, to make it look extra creepy on Nightmare Night?" Sweetie Belle suggested.

"Possible. Uh-Hey! I think I see a mummy outfit and a trench coat inside!"

The unicorn squinted her eyes to get a better look from their distance. "Hey, I think you're right! It might be a costume store. Ah, what luck! C'mon, let's check it out."

"Ah dunno, should we?" Apple Bloom dejected, a little suspicious. "Gals, Ah passed this here street a bunch of times, and Ah don't remember ever seein' a worn building be-for-wah."

"Oh, c'mon. It's old looking! You're not gonna pay attention to something that doesn't look flashy or new. You're only noticing it now because it's dressed for the occasion. Y'know, like we're supposed to be tomorrow night?"

"She has a point, AB Doll," Sweetie nodded. "We don't have a lot of time to try to figure out what costumes to make for the party."

"Yeah, where's your sense of adventure! You always use to rush into stuff if it meant finding your cutie mark," Scootaloo reminded.

The earth pony stared long and hard at the ancient-looking building before giving a begrudging sigh. "Yeah, maybe yer right, and Ah just never noticed it before. Couldn't hurt ta peek inside and see what's fer sale."

The crusaders nodded in agreement before crossing the street and running up along the other side of the road, intrigued and mystified by what could be behind the store doors.

Author's Note

𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕦𝕤 𝕓𝕖𝕘𝕚𝕟𝕤 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕥𝕨𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕒𝕝𝕖. ℂ𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕖 𝕨𝕙𝕠 𝕔𝕣𝕠𝕤𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕕𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕝𝕪 𝕧𝕒𝕝𝕖!

See you in an hour~

a Witch in Autumn Colors

The store was just as decrepit looking inside as it was outside. If not for the various candles, costumes, and clothing hanging on racks and hangers, Apple Bloom and friends would be right to assume no one had lived here for eons. "Wow, they defiantly went all out on makin' this place as disturbin' as possible," the earth mare complimented, her eyes enamored with the black and orange decore. But upon facing the window, she nearly jumped out of her skin at the sight of the hideous faces two pumpkins were making.

"Sweet Celestia!" she stammered, holding her chest to try and calm her startled heart. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle both looked as unnerved by the ghastly jack-o-lanterns. "You said it. Someone had a helluva time decorating," the young unicorn commented, poking at the fleshy layer of the pumpkin before quivering in disgust.

"Look at all these costumes, though!" Scootaloo exclaimed, lifting the sleeve of an astronaut's gear. "Some of these feel like they were taken off a movie set or something." The other two crusaders looked around to examine and admire the other articles of clothing. "The material of some of these dresses are astounding!" Sweetie Belle chirped in with glimmering eyes. "Fuck, if I had the bits, I'd buy them all~!"

"Aah wonder where da owner got the material ta craft them all from," Apple Bloom wondered, looking over the orange and black fabric of a witch's gown. Just as her hand was leaving the sleeve, a hand with long fingers slither out to grab her wrist. "AAAUHH!" She bellowed, tearing her hand free before falling onto the floor. The figure snickered before stepping off the podium, dusting off the sleeves to her dress. "Serves you right for snooping around, young mare! Didn't you see the sign? The store is closed until the morning."

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle ran to help their fallen friend up, glaring at the spooky storekeeper. "What do you mean 'closed'?!"

"Yeah! The sign says it's open!"

The slender unicorn blinked before scuffling off to the door before realizing that the sign, in fact, did say the store was open. "Huh... Could have sworn I flipped the sign over. Oh well," she shrugged before turning back to address her three customers. "I apologize for frightening you, younglings! Tis the season of nights, frights, and sugary delights~."

Now that the mare was in the lit part of the store, it was easy to mistake her for the mannequins hosting the costumes. Her fur was as dark as charcoal, with white highlighting her nose. The wide-brimmed hat matched her witchy attire, nearly covering her face in shadows as her tangerine eyes peered through. Her auburn mane was long enough to drape behind her like the curtains hanging over the place. The bottom of her dress and sleeves were decorated in red, orange, and yellow leaves. And it was only now that the trio noticed the long protruding horn from her head, a proud stature for any unicorn. "A-Are you da owner of this place?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Indeed I am," the mare nodded with a smile before offering her hand. "Lilium Elderwood, a pleasure to meet you."

"H-Hi," the earth mare smiled back, accepting the handshake. "Aah'm Apple Bloom, and these are mah friends. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle."

"Can I just say that I just love every costume and dress in this place!?" the younger unicorn praised while jumping on the balls of her feet.

"Yeah! Props for making the store look so old, yet modern," the orange Pegasus grinned. "Where'd you get those heinous-looking pumpkins?"

Lilium giggled as she held up one of the jack-o-lanterns. "Nightmare Night is my favorite holiday. And each year, I try to outdo myself in decorations and spookiness. As for these bad boys; Well, they were a little troublesome, but I think my carving work speaks for itself, no?"

"A-Aah'll say, madam! Those are some grievous expressions," Apple Boom laughed nervously, her stomach turning at the sight of each grueling pumpkinhead. The elder unicorn placed the decoration back before walking towards the other side. "So, I take it to you girls are looking for some high-quality costumes for Nightmare Night, aye?"

"Yes, Ma'am!"

"We need some really cool costumes for a party. And when we found this store, we couldn't help but notice all the wonderful clothing and masks hanging around!"

"Well, I think you came to the right place~" Lilium beamed as she struts to the reception desk. "Everything you see here was made either by designers I owed favors to or by myself. Each costume was made to be as close to the era of time it depicts as possible. Some of them even appeared in a few movies you may have seen! That samurai armor over to the left? Requested by the director of 'Shojin Showdown'~!"

Each mare collectively cooed in awe before Sweetie Belle stepped in with a frown. "Wait, if these were used for movies, doesn't that make these outfits pretty expensive?"

The storekeeper's grin spread wider while resting her chin into her hands. "I do pay a hefty amount, given the time and resources used to stitch these pieces together. But I do hold certain discounts for some items. Why don't you go look around, and we'll discuss the prices when you're ready?"

The crusaders nodded before all three went around to find and discover the costume that stood out to them. Each of them showed off each cloth that caught their fancy, commenting how good it would look on them. There were so many things to consider, from the mummy outfit's bandages to the erotic looking nurse dress. While Scootaloo and Sweetie were comparing potential outfits, Apple Bloom wandered away when her phone buzzed in her pocket. Pulling it up, her mouth curled up upon seeing a message sent from her marefriend;

DT<3:
'Can't wait to see you in costume!
Bet it'll be almost as perfect as mine~
xoxo'

Attached to the message was a selfie; edited to hide Diamond's grinning face while showing off what looked to be an Egyptian inspired dress. The cheeky mare was tugging away one half of the top cut, showing off some delicious cleavage. Heat rose in the apple mare's cheeks, making a quick reply before tucking her phone back into her pant pocket. Biting her lip, Apple Bloom looked over a couple more costumes hanging around. And while a few she felt comfortable wearing, none of them really spoke to her. Surely, there was one costume that would go along with Diamond Tiara's, right?

"Whooooooa! Now, these are some sweet ass costumes!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

"Yeah, Apple Bloom, come here!" Sweetie Belle called over. "Look at these outfits. They're... Agh! Holy Crap!"

Her head tilted up with curiosity before she rushed over to where her friends were. "What's all da ruckus, gals? What's got ya so giddy oveeeeee--Whoa!"

Before the crusaders were three novelty costumes, each in a glass case with a lamp overhead to highlight every detail.

The left case was a steely green bikini top with carvings and bumps similar to seashells. Underneath was a long, scaly skirt with a frilly fabric that resembled a fish's tail. Adding in the floral clip on the wig and you had one fantastic looking mermare costume.

The right case was a furious amount of dark brown fur attached to the chest, leg, and arm coverings. The most eye-catching piece was the wig, a mane of wild hair, ears, and furry sideburns to put over your face. Along with the gloves with claws and pants, and you would make one convincing werewolf.

And in the center case was a beautiful red dress. Its style appeared to be of an older era as if made from another world entirely. The dark accents added to the mystique elegance. If not for the collar wrapped around the mannequin, attaching bright silky drapes over the shoulders and along the arms, one could easily mistake it for a regular ballroom dress. And with the right make-up and contact lens, whoever wore it would pass for quite the regal vampire.

"Da attention to detail! Mah goodness," Apple Bloom said, astonished, tracing a finger over the glass case.

"I know, right? I don't think I've seen a better-looking mermare costume that isn't complicated to walk in," Sweetie chimed in, marveling over the scales and top, imagining how many head's she'd turn at the party.

"Yeah! I could save so much on a wolf mask by just wearing that wig! Then I could get fangs, fake blood, and-- Ohohoho! We've gotta get these costumes!"

The unicorn nodded in agreement. "Definitely getting these. Apple Bloom, just imagine how ravishing you'd look! Diamond Tiara won't be able to keep her hands off you dressed like a sexy vampire~."

Indeed, the earth mare could barely contain her excitement upon showing up at the mansion and seeing both the reactions of Diamond Tiara and her parents. If they were all about looking fancy, then she'd show 'em fancy.

"Y-Yeah, yer right! Um, Miss Elderwood? Aah think we've foun-"

"Absolutely NOT!"

The girls jumped at the witch's voice as she loomed over, a narrow glare fixated on her face. Sweetie Belle shook her head in disbelief. "W-Why not?!"

Without a word, Lilium pointed to the placks that were underneath the podium; each costume was sealed in; clearly stating 'NOT FOR SALE.' "These costumes are worth a fortune and took a long time for me to put together. There's a reason I've placed these in the back of the store. So that nosey customers don't gravel at my heels, begging me to sell them. I'm sorry, ladies, but I can't part with them."

"Aww, c'mon, that's not fair!" Scootaloo complained. "How can you keep these amazing costumes locked up?! They're supposed to be worn, aren't they?"

The tall mare huffed while crossing her arms over her bust. "This is my shop, and I'll run it how I want. Now you can continue to look around and find another costume to wear, or I'll happily kick you out! These costumes are not for sale. End of discussion!"

"B-But... Ugh," Apple Bloom groaned before looking to her friends with an equally disappointed expression. Lilium's expression softens as she let out a deep sigh. "You. Apple Bloom, was it? Come with me; I think I know a costume that'll look great on you." The earth mare held her head up before following the slender unicorn away while the rest of the crusaders gazed helplessly at the forbidden outfits.

Back in the main hallway, Lilium directed Apple Bloom to wait outside a curtain before stepping inside. "I know it was in here somewhere... Just give me a second! Agh!" She rose an eyebrow before looking over to a book on her desk. It was too large to be a regular book to read or write check-ins with. Was this part of her decorations? Because upon further inspection, there were many weird diagrams, circles, and words that didn't make sense.

"W-What kinda book is this?" She wondered quietly to herself.

"My, you girls are awfully nosey!" Lilium interrupted, poking her head out from the curtain. "Didn't your family teach you not to stick your nose where it doesn't belong?"

"A-Ahh! O-Oh, Aah'm sorry, ma'am! Aah didn't mean ta peak; it was just... out in da open like this, a-and Aah thought-"

The older mare laughed over Apple Bloom's bashfulness. "No worries, dear. Just try to avoid looking into stuff you know you shouldn't. And that is a prop, by the way. Call it my 'book of shadows'! WoOoOoOoOoo~" This made Apple Bloom ease up a bit, though there was this feeling that kept tugging at her heart. Like something about this place felt wrong.

"So uh, Are ya new ta town? Aah don't think Aah've seen ya or this store be-for-wah," Apple Bloom asked as the witch stepped out with an outfit draped over her arm. Her dark orange eyes were locked with hers, a curious glimmer in them.

"You could say that. This place was up for sale, and I figured folks here would appreciate a new costume store for the season," Lilium explained. "Only temporarily, of course. I have elsewhere to be at the end of the season, so I'm just renting this space. Now, tell me, what do you think of this~?" She pulled the fabric off her before showing off what she had in mind for the young earth pony. It was a witch's costume, not unlike her own, but blue in color and a lot more frilly in places. Once more, Apple Bloom was astonished by the fabric's design and texture, feeling it all over before pressing the dress up to her bust to get a good idea of how it would fit. "Garsh, It's... It's so beautiful!"

"I figured you might be the spiritual type," the elder unicorn grinned knowingly. "I sense a certain charm about you. That you are one for the supernatural and mysterious~."

"W-Well, I dunno about da supernatural. Aah mean Aah worked with Zecora 'bout potions, brews, and spirit talkin'. But that doesn't make me a supernaturalist... Does it?"

Lilium shrugged. "Who knows. I just think that dress will look spectacular on you for your party tomorrow night. If you wear this, I can guarantee your marefriend will adore you even more than she does now~!"

"Y-Ya really think Aah'll... Wait a sec. Aah never said anything 'bout a marefriend. How did ya know abo--"

"Hey, uh, Apple Bloom," Scootaloo's voice interrupted, drawing her attention away from the witch-wearing unicorn. She and Sweetie Belle were by the entrance of the store. "We're gonna be outside. There isn't anything else here that's catching my eye."

"Same here! Uh, Thank you for letting us browse your store, Miss Underwood! Have a good day!" Sweetie called for before both of them left the building. Apple Bloom gave a dishearted sigh. "Ohh, Aah should git goin' too. W-Would it be alright if Aah came back a Lil' earlier tomorrow?" she asked with big eyes as the witch chuckled.

"Of course. This costume will be right here waiting for you~" she winked before pulling out a hanger to drape the witch costume over. Smiling with appreciation, she practically skipped her way out of the store before turning back to wave goodbye to the store owner. Lilium waved back as she placed the hanger on a rack behind her desk. "Yes, I think she'd look just marvelous as a young witch," She commented to herself. Just as the tall unicorn was about to flip her 'OPEN' sign, something caught the corner of her eye. Her brows furrowed as she got a better look over to where the off-limits costumes were hung. And a deep sigh left her voice.

"They could have at least remembered to close the door..."

"H-Hey! Wait up, gals!" Apple Bloom called after, running up behind her friends on the other side of the street. "What's da hurry? We didn't really give Miss Elderwood's place a clean sweep fer costumes."

Both girls looked to one another before back at the flustered earth mare, sly grins spreading their faces. Sweetie Belle took out her purse, unclipping the tiny lock over it as her blue aura shimmered out from the velvet casing. "This comes in handy when I want to make big purchases~" she giggled, reaching inside to pull up the sleeve of that beautifully woven vampire costume. "Or the best Nightmare Night outfits on the market!"

Apple Bloom's eyes went wide with shock. Not over the sight of the alluring costume, but over her friend's action in having said costume. "Ya STOLE them?!"

"Hey, hey, hey!" Scootaloo shooshed her. "Keep it down. Don't want anyone listening in on us!"

"Gals, ya can't be takin' stuff that doesn't belong ta ya. Lilium sayd they weren't fer sale. This is wrong!"

"What's 'wrong' is for that stubborn ol' broad keeping these rich fabrics for herself. C'mon, Apple Bloom. If you had a way to make a million bits, would you not sell that like Manehatten corndogs?"

"A-Aah'm sure she had her reason," Apple Bloom tried to protest yet couldn't help agreeing that it was strange the store owner refused to offer them. "E-Even if she did offer them, they weren't gonna be cheap! Were you still plannin' on stealin' them even then?"

"Girl, relax," Sweetie Belle insisted, putting her purse away. "We're not stealing them. We're just going to 'borrow' these outfits for the party tomorrow. We'll put them back where they were after we're done with them."

"Ya really think Lilium will allow us back after ya 'borrowed' her work?"

"Ugh, Apple Bloom! Quit worrying over the consequences!" Scootaloo complained, playfully latching her arm around her friend's shoulder. "You used to encourage this kind of behavior if it meant getting our cutie marks."

"T-That's different," the apple mare argued. "We were tryin' ta find our life's purpose. This is just to show off at a party!"

"Exactly! Just for the party. It's not like we have a lot of time left to figure something out. Don't you want to impress Diamond Tiara and her parents with how incredible you'll look?"

"W-Well, yeah, it'd be nice. But--"

"The only but I wanna hear is how good your butt fits in that dress!" The orange pegasus encouraged, giving the earth mare's rump a hefty smack, making her yelp.

Apple Bloom looked between the encouraging faces of her fellow crusaders in dismay. She knew this was an awful idea and that they needed to return the stolen costumes, but by now, the witch would have figured out what happened and would most likely ban them from entering her store. So staring at Sweetie's purse that held that ravishing red and black dress, and the temptation of showing off to Diamond and her family still present, she didn't have much choice. With a weary sigh, she nodded her head.

"A-Alright. Aah might as well wear it since it's in our possession now. But just for tomorrow night, right?"

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle squeed excitedly before scooping Apple Bloom into a big hug. The middle mare let her lips form a smile as they ventured off home. But while her friends clamored on about what amazing fun awaited them, she couldn't shake off the growing guilt in the pit of her stomach. The earth mare looked back to the store, faintly seeing Lilium's figure in the window. And if she squinted her eyes enough, Apple Bloom could make out the seething glare on the storekeeper's face.

Author's Note

𝕋𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕗𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕤 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕚𝕟; 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕤𝕥𝕦𝕞𝕖𝕤 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕦𝕥. 𝕎𝕒𝕤 𝕚𝕥 𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕠𝕣 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕚𝕥 𝕨𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕘? 𝕀𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕪 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕠 𝕕𝕠𝕦𝕓𝕥?

See you in an hour~

a Change in Behavior

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~

a Party of Murder

"Well, if it isn't the riffraff! And here I was hoping you three would have realized how out of depth you'd be attending this party. Sadly, I was mistaken."

"Happy Nightmare Night to ya too, Mrs. Rich," Apple Bloom said, mustering all the politeness in her being towards Spoiled. Sweetie and Scootaloo didn't say anything but couldn't help giving dirty looks to the older mare clad in bandages, her mummy costume highlighting the plump curves her mature body had to offer.

The snooty mare snorted, leering down at the crusaders while taking in their costumes. "And what ludicrous costumes you have. A werewolf? Couldn't come up with anything original, aye? All that fur would be better spent on a nice coat instead of your body, dear."

The pegasus snarled, clutching her fists tightly to restrain the urge to punch the broad in the face.

"And you, have you no sense of modesty?" Spoiled said mockingly to Sweetie Belle. "You're lucky there aren't any children here, or I would have tossed you out until you came back in actual clothing."

"Oh, you're one to talk, you toilet paper-wearing bimbo," Sweetie muttered lowly while crossing her arms into her pillow chest.

Spoiled grinned smugly as her attention rested on the one her foolish daughter kept requesting for hangouts and sleepovers. Happiness in a relationship was not a factor when it came to success, and the last thing she wanted for Diamond was the idea that she needed someone else to be happy. And while Apple Bloom was one of the better relationships, her heritage and gender proved unfavorable for Riche's lineage and poverty.

And yet, as she turned to address and criticize her costume, Spoiled rose an eyebrow at the dress adorning the earth mare, who shyly looked away. Obviously, the first thing that came to mind was to laugh at her for trying to look aristocratic. But upon a further inspection, she wore the outfit very well. The blood-red velvet material complimented her yellow coat and even her bright red mane. And for the duchess's issues with the apple mare's appearance, manors were never one of them.

"I-Is everything alright, Ma'am?" Apple Bloom asked, flustered. She wasn't used to having those steely green eyes on her for longer than a few seconds.

"Uhm, no--Mhmm! No problem. You... Look adequate in this dress, actually. I may even go as far as to say elegant! Vampire, right?" Spoiled asked, to which the earth mare nodded while both Sweetie and Scootaloo looked back to one another in surprise. "Again, the idea has been done hundreds of times, but you do make for a very alluring figure, Apple Blossom. Perhaps if you dressed like that for more formal invitations, It would help me take your relationship with Diamond Tiara more seriously."

"Now, what in the world is this~!?"

As if on cue, the heiress to the Riches' estate came down the binding stairwell to greet the Cutie Mark Crusaders at the door. Much like her mother, she was dressed in an Egyptian theme costume, sporting the pharaohs' signature headdress to match her backless white dress. Gold collared the top to her neck, with matching braces around her forearms and belt. Diamond had the biggest grin on her face, much like she would back in the days she used to torment the crusaders over their lack of cutie marks.

"Is my mother handing out compliments at the door? To peasants!? Now that's a real treat~" she snickered, earning a seething leer from her mother as she took a step away from Apple Bloom. "Is it wrong for a lady to admire the limited quality of some of the minor folk? I figured I'd be generous tonight and share my word of wisdom to your friends, in good fortune to tonight's party," Spoiled insisted as if forgetting she ridiculed the costumes the other crusaders wore to the occasion.

"Pft! Like your whole 'class' act is fooling anyone, Mom," Diamond snorted before rushing past to give her marefriend a big hug. The stammered Apple Bloom returned it in earnest before she pulled away to get a better look at the dress. "Oh my gosh, Apple Bloom! That dress looks amazing on you! Where'd you get it?"

"O-Oh! Erm, just from a new costume store that opened recently," the flustered earth mare explained. "Lots of cool stuff!"

"I'll say, kiddo," the deep voice of Filthy Rich as he stepped into the frame. He was wearing an explorer's outfit to match his wife and daughter. "You guys all have some really nice costumes!"

"Thank you, Mr. Rich," the three mares said in unison.

"Alright, alright! Enough with the sentiment," Spoiled interrupted, turning back to Diamond Tiara. "Your father and I will be leaving now. You know the rules. Anything breaks inside; you make them pay for it. No drugs, mind the alcohol, and if I find out anyone went into our rooms to make woopie in my bed, I'm taking it out on your hind. Got it?" she said threateningly.

"Yes, mother," Diamond nodded, well adjusted to Spoiled's brash behavior.

"Good. I want everyone out before midnight."

"A-And have fun! That's the most important part," Filthy cut in to remove the tension. "Take care now!"

"Bye! Hope y'all have fun!" Apple Bloom said, waving as the pair made off down the lane. Diamond quickly ushered her friends inside before her mother got any second thoughts or adjustments. The two older ponies walked back before both let out a sigh.

"See? Being nice has its benefits," Filthy insisted with an arched brow and cocky grin.

"Being nice is not in my pedigree. You knew this well before you kept pestering me to marry you," Spoiled huffed.

"And with every rejection and scathing comment, you eventually softened up~."

"Oh, hush you. I only gave in because you cute you looked while humiliated."

The two smiled up at each other before resting their heads side to side, the guards closing the gates behind them.

"Apple Bloom and her family are good ponies. Give her a real chance, won't you?"

"Mmm, I suppose I could stop giving her a hard time. She did look rather ravishing in that red dress."

"And did you see the way our daughter swooned after her?"

"Heh. Like a helpless puppy~."

"Hahaha! No way, My mom actually addressed you by name?"

"Well, mah birth name anyway, but yah. Y'know Aah prefer 'Bloom' over 'Blossom.' Way too fancy fer me," Apple Bloom insisted while rubbing the back of her head sheepishly.

"Might wanna get used to it, because if I know my mother (which I do), she hardly wastes time remembering the names of commoners and servants. She must have tried really hard to remember your name. I'm almost proud of her!" Diamond giggled, escorting the three crusaders to the large living room where the party was taking place. Each mare gazed over the many mares and stallions present, bumpin' and groovin' to the beat of the music. The local disk jockey was in her own witch outfit while pumping out the haunting tunes. Probably the best part of the whole party, outside of the creative costumes everyone was wearing, was the spooky lights that flickered onto the ceiling. It would show Nightmare Night's traditional orange and black colors before occasionally shifting to a more eerie green and deep purple.

"Alright, ladies," Diamond Tiara shouted to them due to how loud everypony in the room was being. "Go wild!"

"HELL YEAH!" Scootaloo hollered before diving into the crowd to get down with the ponies dancing. She let out a howl that was answered with everyone around her howling back.

Sweetie, in turn, removed her jacket to show off her costume fully before swaying her way to dance along with the stallions eying her. Apple Bloom stared nervously before her marefriend took her hand to lead her into the crowd. With a reassuring smile, Apple Bloom grooved along to the rhythm. And while not the best dancer in the room, she did her best to sync her movements with Diamond Tiara, resulting in a couple of rump bumps and spinning around each other. Both mares eyed the other as the current track ended and played a much slower song.

The booming music and lights all around were getting a little disorienting. A pulsating sound filled her eardrums, and her vision blurred, causing the vampiress to tumble backward, knocking a few ponies aside. "Whoa there, are you alright?" Diamond shouted, bending down to help her up. Even with a shake of her head, the heiress took her off the dance floor, snapping at the DJ to change tunes. Thankfully, the lighting dimmed, and the music slowed down.

"Here, have some water," Diamond urged, giving her the glass. "Are you sure you're alright? That was quite the spill." The earth pony nodded after a couple of gulps.

"Ya, Aah'm fine. Musta got caught up in the lights is all," Apple Bloom insisted, smiling brightly. "Still, this is a ball, Diamond! Aah've never been to a party with so many ponies here. The music, the light, all these ponies in disguises! Aah wish you an Aah had started datin' sooner!" Diamond Tiara sighed happily before securing the vampiric mare into a close embrace, bringing their snouts together. "Good. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. And I'm glad you're here, Apple Bloom. Even if the party didn't happen, I would have spent my Nightmare Night with you. That's how much you mean to me."

"E-Even if Aah'm just a 'pretty-faced hillfilly'?" she asked with a sly raise of eyebrows.

The heiress scoffed. "Bitch, I'm the pharaoh of this whole fuckin' pyramid. And as pharaoh, I command you to stay by my side and serve me~."

"Hehe~! Well, ya forgot one thing, yer highness. I am a ravenous creature of the night! And I have a thirst for the blood of royalty."

"Ooooooh sounds scary," she teased. "Gonna come into my room at night and bite my pretty Lil' neck~?"

"Only if you invite me in first~" she added in with a wink.

"You know you're always welcome to my bedroom."

"Well, maybe we should think about headin' up there soon; so that I can show ya things no living mortal could," the earth mare purred, her eyes sporting a fiendish red glow as she whispered sweet promises into her ear. Diamond was lost in the excitement of their roleplaying to point out the strange detail in her marefriend's 'contacts.' So turn on, she couldn't control herself from taking a steamy kiss, earning a muffled moan from the vampiric apple mare. The two lovers swooned and held each other before slowly shuffling away from the partygoers, the music kicking up-tempo and beat.

Sweetie Belle blended right into the crowd. Despite how long her scaly mermaid skirt was, it didn't cause much trouble to dance around in. Hell, the changing lights made the texture glimmer off her curvy legs while she grooved her body up with many dancers next to her. And as she sensually slid down the back of her current partner, a voice caught her attention.

"Sweetie Belle! Hey, Sweetie Belle!"

The mermare ceased her actions when she saw Button Mash, her current boyfriend, cutting his way through the crowd. She shook her head with a snicker, figuring the young colt would go as his favorite class in Guardians of Lost World IV. It was the game he streamed the most online, and occasionally, if given enough bits, she'd pop up to play along or give his viewers some eye candy.

"Hey Babe~" She greeted the brown stallion, wrapping her arms over and bringing him close to place her peach flavored lips onto his cheek. "That's a sexy dwarf outfit you got there!"

"T-Thanks! It took me weeks to get the right fabric and cardboard to paint for the armor, sword, ax, and beard. But I think you're the clear winner for the best costume of the night award, Sweetie! Your mermare outfit rocks so many socks off~" he beamed brightly.

"Just the socks? And here, I was hoping I'd rock somebody's cock off~" she pouted playfully, securing her stallion close to her voluptuous body, her chest plush up against his cardboard breastplate.

"W-Whoa now, easy there! There's a lot of people here, and I don't think we-"

"Then, don't think. Just feel~" she said closer to her ear before pushing her lips upon his. Button was helpless to refuse his charming temptress and eagerly returned the steamy kiss, his hands making a beamline to grab her curvy ass, earning a moan from the unicorn. Pulling away from each other's mouth left a small string of saliva connecting their lips.

"G-Gosh, Sweetie, you're so... enchanting," Button murmured with heavy breath. His marefriend grinned mischievously before leaning back to whisper an enticing idea.

"Why don't we head towards the pool and have a bit of fun~? I don't think this flimsy top can handle my boobs for much longer. With so many stallions eying me, I can't help but feel valunerable~! But if you're not up to it, I could ask Featherwing over there and--"

"W-What!? No, no, no, I want to! I really want to!" Button Mash insisted, desperate to keep his marefriend from becoming 'adventurous.'

"Good boy~" Sweetie giggled, taking his hand and leading them out from the crowd of dancing freaks and goblins and through the kitchen. The backyard doors were wide open, showing off the large pool that shimmered the reflecting light of the pale moon above.

"O-Oh good," Button sighed with relief as he began to remove his fake armor, tossing the chest-piece and gauntlets to the side so he could better access the fabric underneath. "Looks like no one else is here. N-Not that I'm against you showing off for views; it's helped my live stream a bunch! Eheh.. heh... Sweetie?"

The unicorn mare said nothing. She stood motionless before the edge of the pool, watching the little waves dance in the moonlight. Her green eyes widen, a faint aura appearing around her pupils, gazing into the light refracting off the water. She felt a pull in her torso as if some invisible force called for her to jump in. To come back home where she belonged.

So she did.

Button Mash didn't really have time to finish removing his top before catching the sight of his busty marefriend dive into the pool. "S-Sweetie!?" he gasped, rushing over to where she once stood. It was too dark to see the bottom of the pool clearly. But soon, the top piece of her costume floated up to the surface. Just as he tried to reach for it, a new sound graced his ears.

Singing.

Unearthly, melodious singing that drew his attention to the farther side of the pool. Sweetie Belle was resting her elbows on the side, her eyes gleaming an eerie green glow while her voice let out pure euphoria. On her wet mane kept her breasts from being completely visible, matching the image of the creature she portrayed this evening. Button lost his own voice, trapped in the beautiful visage of his marefriend's beautiful face and smoldering eyes.

A slight curve graced her lips as she lifted her hand to beckon him forth with her finger, her hauntingly beautiful humming never skipping a beat. Compelled, Button Mash walked over to the deeper end of the pool; his eyes remained fixated with hers while she twisted her body around to better lay on her stomach. The skirt, despite being wet, kept the moonlit sheen highlighting her marvelous scales. It almost looked like it merged with Sweetie's wide hips from a certain angle.

The mermare continued to hum enchantingly to her lover, tugging at his pants while fluttering her eyes at him. Understanding her silent suggestion, the brown colt slowly pulled away at his pants to leave him in just boxer shorts, a hard bulge present. Sweetie Belle licked her lips before arching her back and pushing her chest forward, showing off how hard her nipples were, no thanks to the cold water and weather. Button Mash shivered, having only ever getting picks and teases of his marefriend's chest. This was the first time she was showing off her proud bust to him.

"A-Aren't you cold? The water must be freezing at least," he tried to question, but she only shook her head, urging him to sit down on the edge of the pool. Gulping, slide off the last piece of clothing, his healthy stallionhood standing stiff between his legs before dipping his legs into the water. Button sharply gasped, confirming his previous statement only to let out a louder noise upon feeling Sweetie Belle wrap her wet hands around his hard cock.

And whatever second thoughts he had about doing this was eased away with every long lick she gave to him. Her warm lips and tongue contrast her body's cold exterior, the mixing temperature pleasing his body in ways he didn't think existed. And the lewd smacking noises with each kiss only made his shaft erected further.

"A-Augh! A-Aw fuck, Sweetie! That feels good~!" he moaned, much to the unicorn's delight as her snout pressed into the base of his cock while working her tongue around his balls a little. Drips of pre-cum oozed from his flat tip, drawing the crusader to lick over and truly taste Button's flavor. She hummed thoughtfully, keep her eyes on his expression before spitting her saliva all over his cock, and stroking it all over his rigged pole.

"Such a big, strong stallion~" she sang huskily, unable to stop kissing his thick cock. "If I knew you were hiding this piece of scrumptious meat, I would have let you fuck me every time you wanted to stream! Show them how big and studly my Button Masher is~!"

"S-Shit, Sweetie Belle! I-I didn't know you had such a filthy mouth!" Button grunted, his cock painfully throbbing for the aquatic unicorn.

"Awww, maybe you should do something about it, babe. C'mon, fuck my throat~!" And with as wide a mouth she could make, Sweetie nearly inhaled every inch on Button's meatpole. The brown colt whinnied loudly, the sudden tightness and wet warmth enveloping his shaft urging his base instincts to come forth. His hips jerked in quick sprints to try and push more of himself into Sweetie's overstretched mouth while she slowly bobbed her head along his length.

"A-Ahhh! Augh! Oh, shit, that's it, babe! Suck on it just like that," Button snorted, gripping Sweetie's head of wet mane to help speed up her dick slurping. Muffled moans and slick 'gak's rewarded his ears, her eyes never once looking away while he stuffed her throat full of cock. "Fuck, you look so good like that. I-I don't think I'm gonna... A-Ahh~! Last!!"

This only made Sweetie suckle harder, determined to suck out his impending climax like a straw. To aid her in her thirst, Sweetie took a handful of her plump tit-flesh to wrap around the base of his cock, stroking him off in the valley of her cleavage. Spit and slobber leaked out to coat her pillowy mounds while the ecstasy proved too much for the gamer to take.

"I-I'm CUMMING! O-OHHHH SHIT! SHIT!" Button moaned to the night sky, pumping all that yummy, gooey seed down Sweetie Belle's gullet. His hands clutched hard to keep the mare's snout buried into his crotch, making her audibly swallow his load until the last drop. His grip tweaked, allowing Sweetie to slowly pop his wet cock out of her mouth. Both lovers were left panting heavily while the mermare gazed up, her mouth open to show no trace of his semen remained.

"S-Sweetie, Your eyes are... g-glowing!" Button panted.

Her head turned to look over her reflection, noting the emerald glow reflecting her pupils in the water. Apple Bloom's words echoed in her mind, reminding her that something was off with them ever since taking the costumes. But she planned for this night for so long. She had Button right where she wanted him, unable to express her feelings with her controlling sister always around. Always questioning her choices and actions. On how a proper mare should be. Her gaze returned to his, sporting a worried expression.

"S-Sweetie, are you okay? M-Maybe we should-"

"NO!" She yelped, reaching for his face and leaning up close. "This is my night! The one night, I get to dress up how I want with no judgment! No other eyes but the ones who want me! You want me, don't you? You love me, right?!"

"O-Of course I do, Sweetie!"

"Then let's keep going! Fuck me! Fuck me right here and now," She begged, pulling in for another hard kiss. Button Mash was unable to do much else but give what his marefriend wanted. Their tongue licked and wriggled within their mouths while grabbing hold of each other. He could feel her heavy breasts squish up to his, her hard nipples adding friction against his. But more importantly, he felt her need and desire for him. To provide for her as any good coltfriend should. And Button was here to give her night of her life.

Until she pulled him in.

The colt's eyes widened at the shock of feeling cold and wetness all around him. Small bubbles left his mouth and nose, rising to the surface while his body was dragged further down. His grip tightened to try and pull off of her, but Sweetie would not release him. Panic began to take in; Button thrashed about tor free himself before managing to unlock his lips with hers, the moon's light revealing the creature that stood in his marefriend's place. His confused and frightened expression met deep green slitted eyes. Scales now covered her entire body, with fins growing out from head, elbows, and sides. She no longer had a skirt around her legs, instead replaced with a full-on fishtail. Claws had grown from her nails while skin webbed between her fingers and thumb. And as her lips parted to let out a high pitched scream, thin needle-like teeth were bared.

Button Mash returned the scream, unable to hold back the terror as the liquid invaded his throat before the monstrous siren pulled him back for a clamped kiss. Her claws dug into his back, drawing red lines that oozed his warmth into the icy pool water. Whatever breath he tried to hold was sucked out, the mermare squeezing his body for more life to sustain her. The poor colt's body writhed and wriggled uselessly until Button went limp, his eyes glazed over. No more bubbles escaping the corner of his mouth.

It took a moment for Sweetie Belle to realize that her coltfriend stopped struggling, shaking him a couple of times before realization crept in. She quickly brought them back to the surface, gasping out, "BUTTON MASH!? Oh, fuck! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to... T-To..."

But no reply came forth. His mouth remained open, head to the side—no sign of life in his pale eyes. No amount of shaking able to undo the horrible deed she committed. The unicorn then looked to her cold, clammy hands, the scales now embedded into her body. Sweetie Belle panted hysterically, gripping at her mane as turmoil and dread sunk in. And all of it released into the air with an ear-piercing scream.

"NOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!"

"Damn, someone's getting into the Nightmare Night spirit! Woooo~!" Scootaloo laughed, the scream echoing louder than the music. But that didn't stop her from partying like the animal she dressed as. The pegasus got a few partners to groove along with, but no one brave to get frisky with the werewolf babe. Not that she cared; she wasn't going to waste her time with pussies.

Yet her eyes kept going back to one single colt in the room.

Dressed in his own vampiric get up, Rumble would shift his eyes away from Scootaloo the moment she looked back at him. He wasn't really dancing, either. Just standing against the entrance to the front hall. 'Well, if he's going to gawk at me all evening...' she growled inwardly, making her way to the colt before he had a chance to run away.

"Hey, Rumble!" Scootaloo said, grabbing at his arm to pull him right back to her. "Whatcha doing, standing here by yourself? Plenty of people to dance with~."

"U-Uhh hey, Scoots!" the young colt said nervously, yanking his arm free. "I-I didn't mean to stare! It's just.. w-well.."

Scootaloo held her hips, waiting for his excuse with narrowed eyes.

"W-What I'm trying to say is you're, uh, looking good! Really good, like, whoa! I almost couldn't recognize you with all the fur, claws, and teeth!"

"All the better to frighten you with, my dear~!" She snickered, getting into a pose with her hands clawed and her smile showing off the fangs. A low growl emanated passed her lips.

"I-I can see that," Rumble gulped, his cheeks glowing pink against his pale blue completion. "So I was wondering maybe the two of us could dance... b-by ourselves somewhere away from the crowd, I mean-- Ugh! I'm already making this awkward. Look, I know my brother, and you had a thing an--MHHPH!?"

"Outside. Now!" She muttered lowly before yanking the frightened colt through the front door of the mansion.

Rumble found his mouth muzzled, the she-wolf clasping her hand around his face while glaring daggers into the male pegasus. Scootaloo dragged him towards the garden maze at the side, flinging him over to the ground. The shivering colt gazed up at the animalistic pegasus, the moonlight highlighting her figure while keeping her face (save the glowing yellow eyes) in shadow, adding to her intimidation.

"S-Scootaloo?"

"Who the FUCK do you think you are, blabbing about Thunderlane and me!? It's because of that prick's selfishness that my family's been at my neck about how I've been making money," She yelled at him, scratching at her neck in irritation. "Ugh! Should have known you were watching us, you fucking pervert!"

"O-Oh, I'm sorry! I-I didn't know tha--"

"So what?! You think because I let your brother rail me, I'd give you the same courtesy? Just ask nicely, and I'll suck your dick for 25 bits?"

"N-No! Scootaloo, that's not why I was... I'm not my brother!" Rumble insisted, picking himself up. "I don't want sex. I want you!"

"What?!" she barked in confusion.

"I-I like you! I really like you, ever since the start of High School. You're incredible to me, Scootaloo! The way you play sports, help out your friends... I've wanted to ask you out for the longest time!"

The mare pegasus' glare began to soften, not expecting this kind of reaction. Not prepared for a confession of feelings.

"A-And when I saw you with my brother that night, the way you two... spoke with each other. I felt bad. You don't deserve to do that to yourself! You deserved better than that!"

"And you think you're better than him? That you're better for me? Tch," she chuckled, though her voice sounded more strained than angry as if trying to hold the feelings bubbling off inside.

"No, Scoot, that's not what I'm saying!" Rumble complained, placing his hands over her shoulders to try and shake some sense back into the furry pegasus. He would come to regret this action as he found himself slammed hard into the ground, added weight pressing ontop of him. The male pegasus groaned in steering pain while wearily looking up at Scootaloo, bitter tears streaming down her face.

"Let's get one thing straight, Rumble. This image you see of me? Being an awesome, carefree yet passionate pegasus? That's not me. I'm not awesome. In fact, I'm pretty much the worse given how low I've sunken," she berated, grinding her teeth together while her grip around the colt's neck tightened.

"Every time I call my family, I just see disappointment. Whenever I hang with Sweetie and Apple Bloom, I feel their resentment of me. And then you're coming along to tell me how much you like me?! What a fucking joke."

"S-Scootaloo, I-I'm not-- Kaagh!" he tried to reason with, but his voice only wheezed the words with how much force pressing around his windpipe.

"SHUT UP!!" She snarled at him, veins pulsating from her head and arms, saliva dripping down her sharp teeth. She looked absolutely feral. "This is my time! I'm the one in control! You wanna show me how much you like me? Then show me!!"

Rumble gasped as he felt her claws tear open his dress shirt, exposing his bare chest to the growling pegasus. Before he could get another word in, he felt lips smack hard onto his in a rough kiss, tongue licking at his lips for entrance. Irritated by his resistance, Scootaloo jabbed her sharp claws into his side, forcing his mouth open to slide her tongue down his throat. All his squirming only made her feel hotter, grinding her crotch into his. She grabbed his hand to place onto her chest, feeling one of her small mounds under the wad of fur. Rumble could even feel any hint of cloth underneath. What was the fur even attached to?

His answer remained ignored as her hand slid down his abdomen, claws dragging lines before stopping at the buckle of his pants. And with a firm yank, the orange pegasus pulled his trousers down to exposed his semi-hard cock. Scootaloo broke away with a pant, rubbing his squishy member between her fingers with a snicker.

"So you are turned on by all this! What a freak," she murmured, licking at her fingers before sliding them down to her crotch to rub into her visible pussy lips, groaning softly. Poor Rumble gazed at the liquid dripping between her legs. What kind of designer allowed a slit?!

"S-Scootaloo, please," He begged, trying to wrestle his way out of before gasping at how hot her puffy marehood was against the top of his shaft. "I-I didn't want it this way! Please, Don't do this! GRAUGH!" Her hand clutched over his shoulder so hard, Scootaloo's claws pierce right into his flesh. Blood oozed from the punctured holes, the grey pegasus crying out in agony.

"Quit your crying! No one really wants to lose it this way," Scootaloo scoffed with little regard for his pain. Far too absorbed with how badly she needed him inside him. And with a bit more rubbing and stroking, he would be hard enough to ride. "Life's a bitch, Rumble. And now, so am I!"

With little time to prepare him, Scootaloo slammed her hips down and shoved Rumble's stiff cock into her gushing cunt. The pegasi pair yowled, the male gripping at her hips to try and pry her off while her grip on his shoulder tightened. The she-wolf grounded herself around to make sure every inch was inside before she began shaking her hips up and down, rutting poor Rumble into the gravel. Her long tail wagged along for the ride while Scootaloo gasped and whimpered from how high she felt.

"Graaaugh~! Come on, fuck me!" She barked, her forehead resting on his while her eye pierced through him. "Give it to me, Rumble! Show me how much you fucking want me!"

But all the whimpering pegasus could do was cry, screaming for anyone to help him. Yet with how loud the music was inside, not one pony could hear or see the violence happening at the garden maze entrance. The beastly mare grew sick of his infernal whining. If he wanted something to cry about, she'd give it to him.

Scootoloo locked her jaws into the other side of his shoulder. The force of the bite ripping out a chunk of his flesh made the colt scream in anguish. He flailed about uselessly while the predator kept grounding her pussy onto his cock, his eyes widening at the horrible sight of the mare he once admired, swallowing the torn piece of himself. Panting hungrily, she leaned back down to lick at his fresh wound, moaning at the rising pleasure building in her loins, slamming against him harder.

"Mmm, fuck! You taste so good, Rumble. I-I can't stop! I won't stop! It's too good~! AAUGH!" She lurched, canine-like sounds coming out of her bloodied muzzle. And all sound died from him as she took a bite out of his throat. Scootaloo chewed out her toy as the final wave of ecstasy crashed.

"YES! Yes, yes, yes, YES! Fuck, give it to me! I'm cumming! I-I'm IM!" As her pussy spasmed and squirted femcum all over the mutilated colt, Scootaloo arched her body and head upward, releasing all her pent up aggression and lust into the night with a dreadful howl.

"AARRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooo~!!!"

Author's Note

𝔸 𝕤𝕚𝕣𝕖𝕟'𝕤 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕤𝕠𝕟𝕘, 𝕒 𝕨𝕠𝕝𝕗'𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕣𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕨𝕝. 𝕋𝕨𝕠 𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕤𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕤 𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕟 𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥'𝕤 𝕔𝕠𝕨𝕝

See you in an hour~

a Pleading Cry for Help

"Sounds like a lot of excitement is happening below," Diamond noted, swinging the door open to her bedroom. Apple Bloom nodded, hearing a harrowing scream from earlier and then a grueling howl. The later sound filled the earth pony with worry, remembering what creature Scoolatoo was dress as this year.

Like her fellow crusaders, she too wanted the night to go as planned. Yet she couldn't stop worrying over whether the costume they stole were somehow cursed by the witch who ran the shop or if it was just the racking guilt. And that vicious glare she gave to her when they left...

"So, are you gonna tell me what's wrong?" her marefriend's concerns spoke through the apple mare's troubling thoughts. Shaking it off, she looked back into the loving blue eyes of Diamond Tiara. "You've been acting weird since coming here."

"A-Aah'm fine, I swear," She reassured with a slight smile, but it wasn't enough to fool the heiress.

"You know you can tell me anything. And I know that look. That's the look you get when there's something naggin' at you in the back of your mind. Don't be stubborn, Apple Bloom. Spill it."

That made her frown reappear as a heavy sigh lifted from her chest and out her lips. Apple Bloom took a seat on the cloud-like comforters draped over Diamond's bed while the pharaoh dressed earth mare sat close to her, resting a hand over hers.

"... Remember when ya asked me where Aah got da dress?"

"Yeah, you said you got it from this spooky new store down the lane," Diamond confirmed.

"Well, ya see... We didn't exactly pay fer them."

"What do you mean?"

Apple Bloom would relay to her lover about the creepy store they found by the block about the mysterious shopkeeper who forbade anyone from using the costumes they each wore. And how they stole it with the hopes of returning them after the party. The pink mare's expression deepened with worry as she listened intently to the apple mare's confession.

"A-And now Aah feel like we're cursed or somethin'," Apple Bloom finished, sniffingly. "Aah didn't want to be a thief! Aah was beggin' them to give them back. But Aah... Aah also wanted to impress you and yer Ma and Pa! I-If Aah could come to an event fancy lookin', then maybe..."

"Oh, Apple Bloom..." Diamond Tiara sighed, pulling her friend into her arms to hug her head into her chest. "You didn't need to do that. I would have loved whatever costume you chose to wore."

"But what about yer-"

"My mom's a hard ass with everything. There's really no way to please her, and honestly, you shouldn't. I don't want you to try and impress my parents. I just want you!"

"F-Fuck, Diamond. Don't be sayin' stuff like that," She sadly laughed, her cheek resting into Diamond's warm hands as she whipped away each tear. "It makes me feel more ridiculous!"

"Mmm, you're right! How about I make you feel better~?" she offered, keeping their faces close before leaning in to place a gentle kiss onto the apple mare's lips. Heatedly, she returned a kiss of her own before what little space between them was gone. Apple Bloom laid down while cupping the pink mare to keep their mouths together. She couldn't get enough of this mare's love and support. To think that the earth mare once saw her as an opportunistic bully when they were younger. And now here she was, clad in vampiric clothes while this beautiful empress kissed and caressed her.

A low whimper came from Apple Bloom as those plump lips left hers to explore her jawline. She could feel Diamond's bust squish up into her own, her tender hands trailing her side to feel up her perky mounds. Pleasant gasps were rewarded for her efforts in sucking on her neck, imitating her costume's nature. "A-Ahh! Ohh, Diamond! A-Aaah~!"

The pharaoh snickered against her fur, her face lowering further down the valley of her breasts, placing longing kisses against her soft mounds while squeezing them. Diamond's hands slid behind to try and untie the back of Apple Bloom's costume, though it proved difficult. "Mnnng! How tightly did you do these knots? I can't get at them," the pink earth mare grumbled, unaware of the faint red glow in her marefriend's eyes before she was roughly pushed back.

"H-Hey!" Diamond gasped, staring bewilderedly at the stronger earth mare, heavily panting while gazing hypnotically at her. "T-Take it easy, babe. No need to rush!"

"Yeah... Y-Yer right," Apple Bloom groaned, unable to keep her eyes off that pretty neck. "A-Aah just want mah turn ta pleasure you~" Before the heiress could protest, the vampiric earth pony was placing sweet, wet kisses all over her cheeks and jawline. Her body quivered as she felt those sharp nails drag lazily along her smooth stomach before tugging the fabric apart to expose her perky tits. With her hard nipples exposed, Apple Bloom latched her mouth onto one while her hand dragged back down Diamond's body to sneak under her dress skirt. There, she would find her marefriend's moist marehood to rub and twitch her finger against, much to the pharaoh's delight. "W-Whooa, fuck! A-Ahhh, mmm~! Babe, keep going!" she encouraged, squeaking out moans as Apple Bloom tugged on her left breast, releasing her boob back in place with a wet 'pop.'

She could hear the loud pounding of Diamond's heartbeat with her head up against her chest. The sound was enticing, inviting. The vampiress resumed to kiss and suck on her collarbone, smacking her way back up to her throat. By now, her fingers were drenched in Diamond's fem juices while touching and stroking her insides. The rich heiress couldn't keep her hands off the earth mare, panting and crying out for more; head resting on her shoulder to whisper how much she needed her.

That's when she noticed it.

Diamond's eyes, cloudy from the euphoria Apple Bloom supplied, focused on the mirror on her desk. And upon looking closely, lust soon became dread as breathless gasps escaped. She could clearly see herself under the pale moonlight, clutching onto the red dress over the top.

She couldn't see Apple Bloom. There wasn't anyone wearing the dress in her reflection.

"H-Hey, babe?"

Apple Bloom wasn't listening. Lost in the warmth and feeling of her lover's flesh being so close. The rhythmic beating of her pulse quickening. Her scent was enticing.

"Babe, wait! Stop!"

A sudden chill ran up Diamond's spine upon feeling the earth mare's lips part, pressing her teeth against her jugular.

"BABE!!"

The pain was next to follow as she felt Apple Bloom sink her sharp fangs into her neck. She shouted loudly, pain coursing through her veins while gripping her shoulder's tightly to try and shove her off.

"N-NAAAUGH! A-Apple Bloom!? Get! Off!!"

Diamond smacked her across the head, forcing the vampiress to detach from her lover's throat and jumping back in alarm. Instinctively, Diamond Tiara cupped her hand over the bite mark, hissing hotly as blood dripped down her shoulder. She glared back at Apple Bloom, her eyes glowing brightly while she bared her bloodied teeth.

"My lover, why!?" The earth mark spoke, her southern accent replaced with an unfamiliar one. "You would deny me the joys and pleasure of your flesh? Is this not what you've wanted?!"

"T-The mirror, Apple Bloom!" Diamond demanded, quickly grabbing a box of tissues to try and stop the bleeding. But her finger pointed to her dresser. "L-Look in the mirror!!"

Hesitantly, the apple pony cast a glance towards the object before gasping in dismay. She couldn't see herself. Nothing in her reflection showed the mare with pricing red eyes or blood dribbling down her chin—only the red dress depicting her actions.

"N-No... No, it can't be true! I'm not... A-Aah didn't meant ta... Hoh no!!" Apple Bloom panicked, whipping Diamond's blood from her lip before trying to pull at her choker. But tug and try as she might, she only succeeded in making it cling tighter around her throat, making her gag with sharp breaths.

"I-It won't come off!!" She stammered, frantically pulling at her dress. Yet in only harmed Apple Bloom, squeezing down on her limbs and body with each tug. "D-Diamond HELP! AAH CAN'T GIT IT OFF!!"

"H-Hold on, Babe! J-Just try to calm down," Diamond Tiara insisted, getting up weakly to assist in untying those dastardly knots from behind. Though she couldn't do much with one hand covering up her wound.

"DIAMOND, GIT THIS THANG OFF OF ME!!"

"Gaugh! I'm trying! It won't come apart!"

"AAH WANT IT OFF! AAH WANT IT OFF!! AAAURGH!!"

Anguish surged through Apple Bloom's body, lunging forward, knocking Diamond Tiara away. The pharaoh lost her headdress upon landing against the wall with a thud. All the pink earth pony could do was stare helplessly as her lover wriggled unnaturally in an attempt to be free from the costume. Tears streamed down Apple Bloom's face as she stared back, eyes dilated and dark veins pulsating from her cheeks.

"D-Diamond... A-Aah can see yer heart beatin'," She sobbed, hands clutching over her head, shaking like a leaf. "It's beatin' so loudly. It's overwhelming! I-It hurts!"

"Apple Bloom," Diamond cried weakly, scrambling to get back to her feet as her lover walked closer to her.

"It hurts so much. This sensation in mah chest! Aah feel.. so hungry! So thirsty! B-Blood.. I need blood!!"

"Babe, don't! This isn't you! You're not a vampire! C'mon, Fight it!"

"Aah'm tryiiiiiiin'-Gaaaagh!" She hissed, slamming her body into the wall, whimpering in writhing agony. Her eyes locked with the fearful expression on her marefriend's face before a new sound came from below,

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUHH!"

The music came to a complete sound as more screaming was followed. Panic and dread filled the party downstairs before growling and howls erupted.

"APPLE BLOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!"

"Scootaloo!? Oh no, the others!!" Apple Bloom gasped, realization returning to clear her head from her thirst for blood. "Babe, s-stay here! Try ta patch yerself up, okay?"

"W-What?! No, wait, where are you--"

"Look what Aah nearly did to you! This is mah fault. This needs ah fixin'," The apple mare promised, kissing the scared pink mare one more time before rushing off. "Go patch yerself up. I love you!"

"Apple Bloom, WAIT!!" Diamond called after, sliding her form off the wall. But the apple mare had already left for downstairs, leaving her to fend for herself and pray that she would come back alright. Hissing, she carried her battered body towards the bathroom to clean herself up.

"I'm so fucking dead when Mom and Dad get home..."

The moment Apple Bloom got to the bottom of the stairs, disaster was there to greet her. Everypony and party-goer had scattered in a frenzy, shoving, and pushing each other to leave. And on top of the living room table was Scootaloo, hunch over while snarling and making swipes at escaping ponies. Blood dripped off her fur and muzzle, it's foul odor hanging in the air.

Apple Bloom covered her mouth in shock, the urge to vomit rising up her throat as she warily approached her friend. "S-Scootaloo, It's me!" She called forth, catching the she-wolf's attention. That vicious snarl softened at the sight of her fellow crusader, her heavy panting slowly before looking down to her hands and body. She looked back, the realization of what she did clear on her face.

"Apple Bloom, there's... blood on my... Oh Celestia, what have I DONE?!" She yelled, smashing her fists into the desk and throwing torn pillows at the window.

"Scootaloo, staph!" Apple Bloom demanded, rushing to grab ahold of her limbs and wrestle the furious wolf mare from causing any more damage. "Git a hold of yerself!"

"I CAN'T!!" She sobbed. "MY LIFE'S A MESS! I... I haven't been in control of myself for weeks! After months of feeling dead inside, I thought I could finally feel alive again, partying with you... Now, look at me! I'm a monster, Apple Bloom. I have someone's blood on my hands. I.. I killed someone! I ate them. It felt... so good!" She winced with disgust, the look on Rumble's face as she consumed him bit by bit. The fear and torment in his eyes burning into her soul. She clutched into her friend's hug, bawling loudly into her chest. Apple Bloom had to take deep breaths, needing to be strong despite the enthralling smell of blood off her.

"Aah know, Scoots. Aah lost control too," she whispered, mustering as much comfort she could without breaking into tears again. "A-Aah nearly bit off Diamond Tiara's neck. All this bloodshed is drivin' meh into a frenzy!"

"It's the costumes, isn't it," Scootaloo sniffled, lifting her head up to her friend. "You were right; we shouldn't have taken them."

"Now's not da time fer 'I told ya so.' Look, where is--?"

Both mares detected a sulking sound echoing from across the room. Slowly, the rose and followed it to the backyard, where Sweetie Belle remained curled up on the edge of the pool. Both either of them could form a word; they stopped upon spotting the wet corpse right next to her. Pale eyes stared off different directions, mouth gaped open. Apple Bloom hesitantly approached the hunched mermare before shaking her attention with a hand to her shoulder, shivering at how cold and clammy she felt. Sweetie paused to look up to her fellow crusaders before bellowing forth more sorrow.

"I... I feel so horrible. All the time, I wanted attention," Sweetie Belle explained with a hoarse voice. "All this makeup, dressing up like a slut... Starting my modeling career. I just wanted to stand up to my sister for always controlling me. And he," She snorted, rubbing snot off her nose. "He gave me everything. All the love and affection I wanted. And this is how I reward him!? By drowning him!!?"

"Sweetie, that wasn't you. The costume made ya-"

"YES, IT WAS!" She barked back. "I was the one who took the costumes! I stole them, pressured you to wear them. And when you tried to warn me, I bitched at you. All I've ever done this entire time was bitch. Bitch like the Lil' bitch that I fuckin' bitched a bihehitched, eheh.." her words dribbled off into constantly babbling as she pulled Apple Bloom to a tight hug. Scootaloo draped her arms over as the Cutie Mark Crusaders embraced each other's pain and misery.

The earth mare pulled away, looking between her two friends, a grim expression. "We have a lot to answer for this mess. But right now, we gotta find that store and git these costumes off!"

"I don't think we can call them costumes anymore, Apple Bloom," Sweetie lamented, lifting her lower body to show her scaly fishtail. "There's no slit to the skirt anymore; I-I don't have any legs!"

"They won't come off," Scootalo grown, clawing at her fur with painful yowls. "I-It's like it's all attached to my skin!"

"A-Aah know! Aah can't get outta mah git-up either," Apple Bloom nodded, tugging at the painfully tight choking around her neck. "But unless we go back to confront Miss Elderwood, we might be stuck like this!"

"But how are we suppose to get to the store like this?! I can't walk!"

Both mares turned to each other before looking back at the struggling mermare.

"We'll have ta carry ya."

Author's Note

𝔻𝕖𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕗𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕤 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕚𝕣 𝕔𝕣𝕚𝕞𝕖, 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕘 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕚𝕥 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖?

See you in the final hour~

a Fabric Made from Monsters

It was half an hour from midnight. Most houses had turned off the lights and put away all the lit jack-o-lanterns. Many fillies and foals had already wrapped up their trick or treating. The entire block of Ponyville was quiet, with only the wind rustling by.

Perhaps it was better no one else was out tonight, as the ravenous hunger between the Cutie Mark Crusaders grew more unbearable by the minute. Apple Bloom held up Sweetie by her arms while Scootaloo was carrying her long, wet tail over her shoulder, struggling to move quickly.

"Hungh! Holy shit, Sweetie! When's the last time you laid off the cake," the she-wolf commented with shallow breath.

"Don't be making fun of my weight," Sweetie scoffed, panting equally as hard while fidgeting about. "You try resisting sugary sweets when going on a non-fat diet!"

"I'm just saying! Your tail alone feels like it weighs a ton!"

"Gals, c'mon," Apple Bloom pleaded. "This is not the time! We have to find that storekeeper! S-Sweetie, ya gotta stop squirmin' so much. Aah can barely keep a tight grip!"

"I can't help it! It's so hard t-to breath," She coughed, each inhale of cold air piercing at her lungs. The slits across her neck kept expanding and closing, acting like gills. The effect wasn't lost as Scootaloo was struggling to keep it together. Her mind grew overwhelmed with all the scents and sounds assaulting her in every direction, constantly snarling. Apple Bloom wasn't fair either, the rhythmic beats of her friend's heart making her salivate. She caught herself licking over her fangs, trying to shake off the intense emotion before looking over to the right, gasping out in relief.

"L-Look! There it is!"

After what felt like hours, the Cutie Mark Crusaders made it back to the ominous-looking costume store. The windows shined with decorative lights, and the disturbing jack-o-lanterns held candles inside to light up their disfigured expressions. The sign held up in the door window read 'CLOSED,' but that didn't stop the earth mare from banging her fist against the wooden frame.

"Miss Elderwood!" She called for, struggling to keep a good grip over Sweetie as she wriggled about. "Miss Underwood, I know your in there!"

Only a moment after did the sound of stomping meet the continuous knocking as the storekeeper flung the door open, a wary look on her face. "Ugh! Who is even up this hour!? Can't you folks read!!? The sign clearly states--" But the unicorn cuts her words short upon realizing who her visitors were, and fury gave way through her tired expression. "Oh. It's you!"

"Look, Miss Elderwood. A-Aah know this is bad, and we're the last ponies you wanna speak with, bu--"

"You lot have some nerve showing your faces back here. Haven't you taken enough from me?" Lilium rudely interrupts. "It's bad enough I allowed three terrible fillies to steal my outfits right under my nose. Now you think you can crawl right back the moment things go wrong for you? When I'm trying to nap!? Go to hell!"

"N-No wait! Please!!" Apple Bloom begged, shoving her foot into the door before Lilium could shut it, barging right through to drop with writhing mermare onto the floor. Scootaloo fell after, snarling loudly while clawing at the floorboards.

"J-Just what do you think I am, a charity case?! How dare you barge into my store! GET OUT! NOW!!"

"NO!" Apple Bloom snapped back, clutching at the pain pulsing through her chest. "Not until ya tell us what's da deal with these here costumes! Aah've spent da whole day feelin' guilty over this thievery. Aah should have stopped them, returned these back. But Aah got caught up in the emotions and impressin' my marefriend a-and now.. now Aah'm just starving! Aah can barely think without wanting da taste of blood pourin' down my throat!" Her face stared hard at the storekeeper, her bright red eyes puffy and wet from shedding so many tears. "Aah'm beggin' yah, Miss Elderwood. Tell us what's goin' on!"

The tall, dark mare stood silent, glaring down at the three monsters, fighting their bodies over control of their unyielding appetite. A low sigh left her lips as she responded, "I pity you, Apple Bloom. Had you not gone along with your friend's foolish demands, I would have given you a dress to impress the mare of your heart," Lilium pointed to the blue witch's gown she showed her yesterday. "And while it's good that you see the error of your ways, it does not justify how filthy the deed you and your friends have committed. I should leave you like this, a fitting punishment for your monstrous behavior."

"Raagh! For fuck sakes!!" Scootaloo roared, standing on her bent legs while hot saliva spat from her mouth. "What more do we have to do to apologize?! You already cursed us to act like monsters, isn't that fucking enough!?"

"Ha! The only curse upon you is the one you placed on yourself. I only sewed the materials together."

"Then why," Sweetie Belle wheezed, coughing harshly. "Why did we turn into monsters!?"

"Because those 'costumes' were made from monsters!"

The storekeeper's declaration caused the whole room to freeze. Each one of the crusaders stared with astonished looks on their horrible faces. After the statement settled in, Apple Bloom spoke, "W-What!?"

"There was a reason I had those locked up, you idiots. They're not costumes, but remnants of the creature they originate from," Lilium explained, walking over to the casings the costumes once belonged to. The mannequins stripped bare. "The material I used came from some of the most legendary monsters in history. That scaly skirt and bra for the mermare outfit? Straight off the tail of Lorelei, known for drowning many boats and sailors with her enthralling voice and beauty."

Sweetie quivered, remember the sensation of seducing Button Mash to a watery grave in the pool.

"The werewolf hairs to make the wig and fur? Actual fur from Leto, one of the first ponies to be cursed with lycanthropy, who went on a rampage and slaughtered thousands out of spite."

Scootaloo seethed, recalling the horrid looks she got from Rumble as she tore into him.

"And this beautiful red ballroom dress? Right off the corpse of Countess Carmilla, the first known female vampire. Legend said she turned to vampirism in an attempt to court her lover at the time, but the mare rejected her out of fear for what she became."

Apple Bloom held her throat, trying to swallow down the pain she felt when Diamond stared at her in fear, the blood oozing from the bite mark on her neck. "B-But what for? Why would ya make outfits from monster hinds?!"

A small smile spread the black mare's muzzle as she loomed over the three mares. "Just like you lot, I love Nightmare Night. It is my favorite time in Autumn. And every year, I try to outdo myself with how spooky I can get. And what better way than to revive classic monsters from beyond the veil? Unfortunately, their souls remained tethered to the fabrics I weaved. And all who wore them became influenced to act out their endless thirst for life. That's why I had them locked away."

"How could you do such a thing?" Scootaloo interrupted. "W-What even are you?!"

"Just an old soul passing by," she confessed, tracing her hands along the many costumes sting hanging among the shelves and racks. "Every three months, when the summer ends, I come to bring the harvest to the land. To collect the spent energy from the trees and earth before the coming of winter. And to give the mortals festive costumes to celebrate the glory of fall."

"Ya mean to tell me your the essence of Autumn itself?"

Only a nod was her answer. And given their current predicament, it wasn't too hard not to believe her. "I spent so much thought and dedication into these outfits, I couldn't just destroy them," she continued, eyeing the crusaders with a heated glare. "So I thought it would be safe by keeping them sealed away, where no one could try them on again... But then you three came and stole the fabrics for yourself. And now, their life essence runs through your very soul, tethered until the bond is permanent."

"P-PERMANENT!?"

"You mean we'll be stuck like this forever?!"

"Oh, you won't be stuck. Eventually, your conscience will fade away as the monstrous side fully consumes your identity. When that clock strikes midnight, there won't be anything of you left."

"NOOO!" Sweetie Belle cried her scaly body twitching and thrashing about in desperation. "NOOOOOOHOHOHOOOH!!"

"This can't be happening! This isn't real! This can't be reeeaaAAAAAAOOOOOOOOO~!!" Scootaloo shouted, dropping to all fours and slamming her fists into the body. Both mares fought desperately to stop their fates, but the monstrous urge to harm and cause havoc grew stronger with each passing second. Apple Bloom watched helplessly as her friends writhed in unrelenting agony, backing up into the storekeeper whole placed her hands over the earth mare's shoulders.

"Sorry, dear, but that's karma for you," Lilium said dryly.

"N-No! No, please!" Apple Bloom cried out, turning around to reach up for the tall mare while hunger pains rushed through her cold body. Lilium's warmth and steady heartbeat were too much, the thirst for blood overtaking Apple Bloom's mind. "There has to be some other way! A-Aah'll do anything to make up! Aah'm sorry! Please, Aah don't wanna be a bloodsucker! A-Aah uuughh! Aah must.. have blood!!" The yellow mare's eyes went wide like saucers, pupils fiery red and mouth stretching unnaturally wide to show off her rows of jagged teeth and fangs. Just as she was lunging for her throat, Lilium's eyes glowed a bright white. The vampiress was immobilized, struggling to break free from the magical grip. Apple Bloom hissed and screamed as the magic started tugging at her collar, the red jewel fixated around it before it was ripped cleanly off. The monster stared in horror as Lilium lit up her palm with baleful fire incinerated the ruby crystal.

Harrowing screams and wails echoed out of the store as the costume itself lit up in flames, the dark fabric and tight cloth reduced to ash, much its originator did long ago. Apple Bloom's body dropped down unscathed, panting hysterically while wildly looking over her surroundings. Lilium leaned down to firmly shake the frightened mare.

"Easy, easy! It's okay, you're okay now," the elder mare comforts tenderly. "No more monsters."

"A-Aah'm... Aah'm alright," Apple Bloom repeated, her body relaxing into the storekeeper's grip. "B-But Aah thought--! Aah thought we were bein' punished."

"You appear to me more as a victim of circumstance," Lilium explained with a smile. "It would be unjust for someone with a big heart to suffer a cruel ending. Luckily, the only remnants of Carmilla were the ashes over her ruby pendant. A lot of time was lost in retrieving that beautiful dress, but... Perhaps it's time I put an end to this madness. So no one else gets hurt."

"T-Thank ya so much!" Apple Bloom sniffled, burying her head into Lilium's chest as the two embraced tightly. "T-Those dat mean yer gonna help Sweetie Belle and Scootalo?" Lilium frowned, leering at the writhing werewolf and mermare.

"It won't be easy," the storekeeper replied. "My magic could only free you because I genuinely wanted your safety. I'm still livid with your friends, and I don't feel like they deserve to be saved from their fates. But you do! And with enough magical presence, perhaps you can free them from the curse."

"Magical presence? Me? A-Aah'm just a simple earth mare," she stammered. "There ain't nothin' magical 'bout me. How could I even perform a spell?!"

Lilium pointed back to the chair, holding the blue outfit meant for Apple Bloom. "There's a similar enchantment I placed on that costume. Don't worry; it didn't belong to anyone before its creation. So you'll be in full control. But you must hurry! There are only fifteen minutes before the curse is complete."

Apple Bloom gazed between the witch's gown to her fellow crusaders, eyes glowing ominously and mouths gaping open with drool dripping down their lips. With little time to think or rationalize, the earth mare quickly rose to hold the sapphire fabrics up onto her bare chest. She turned to the storekeeper and nodded before lifting the skirt over her and tugging the dress over her body.

"Good. Now follow me."

Apple Bloom was unaware there was a backyard to the store. In all her times crossing that side of the path, she never found a small yard over the fences. But there before was a small garden, soil dark and mushy to step upon. Each row had a pumpkin growing in the patch while fallen littered the place. And at the very end was a scarecrow; sack, cloth, and sticks standing ominously over the garden. The pumpkin acting as its face was menacing-looking compared to the woeful expression the other jack-o-lanterns were carved with.

Lilium levitated the two snarling monsters with her magic and laid them below where the scarecrow stood. And outside of the whimpering and mewling, all was deathly silent. No living soul was up at this hour, outside of the crickets and birds, occasionally adding their voices to the ambiance.

"Here," Lilium instructed, placing a pair of scissors into the earth pony's hands. "Cut off a bit of hair from their manes. We'll need a physical piece of their souls for this to work."

Wasting no time to worry, Apple Bloom firmly held Scootaloo still to remove a good portion of mane from her head. The purple hair that still belonged to her. Whispering for her to hang on, she reached over to Sweetie for a piece of her mane. Lilium summoned a bowl, dark and rusted with age, to place a few ingredients of her own. First, she sprinkled dirt into the bowl before placing two seeds on top. Another layer of dirt was added to bury the seeds.

"Now place the hairs into the bowl. Then sprinkle the outer edges with salt. You must be the one to do it as they are your friends."

"Right," Apple Bloom followed along, gently dropping the mix colored mane hairs in the center before pouring the salt all around.

"Good. Now read the incantation. Read over and over while pouring your will and belief into each word. Only then will the magic activate," Lilium explained before handing her Book of Shadows to the apple mare. The very same book she had at her reception desk. Apple Bloom looked over the words and diagrams, tension rising as she tried to make sense. Time was ticking.

"A-And this ritual will recuse mah friends from becomin' one with da costumes?" she asked, uncertainly in her eyes.

"If done properly, the ritual should expel the curse from their spirits," the storekeeper confirmed, her eyes gesturing towards the moon nearly above their heads. This was her only chance to save her fellow crusaders. So clearing her throat, she began to sound out the passage slowly,

"Aelp ym reah to strips eht nopu llac I
Em to gnilaeh fo srewop eht nopu wotseb
thgir ecno saw tahw nruter, sluos eseht erotser
thgin eht to ti nruter, ssenkrad eht morf meht eerf!"

The autumn wind began to stir around them, blowing through the mare's flowing dresses. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo howled up to the moon, an eerie green aura glowing around them.

"Don't stop, Apple Bloom!" Lilium urged. "There's no more time! You must keep going, or your friends are lost!"

Desperation and fear rose within the earth mare, watching her friends slowly lose the curse of their monstrous costumes. Taking a deep breath, she cried out the night sky, pouring everything she had into the encantation,

"𝔸𝕖𝕝𝕡 𝕪𝕞 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕙 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕡𝕤 𝕖𝕙𝕥 𝕟𝕠𝕡𝕦 𝕝𝕝𝕒𝕔 𝕀
𝔼𝕞 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕟𝕚𝕝𝕒𝕖𝕙 𝕗𝕠 𝕤𝕣𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕡 𝕖𝕙𝕥 𝕟𝕠𝕡𝕦 𝕨𝕠𝕥𝕤𝕖𝕓
𝕥𝕙𝕘𝕚𝕣 𝕖𝕔𝕟𝕠 𝕤𝕒𝕨 𝕥𝕒𝕙𝕨 𝕟𝕣𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣, 𝕤𝕝𝕦𝕠𝕤 𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕙𝕥 𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕥𝕤𝕖𝕣
𝕥𝕙𝕘𝕚𝕟 𝕖𝕙𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕚 𝕟𝕣𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣, 𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕜𝕣𝕒𝕕 𝕖𝕙𝕥 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕗 𝕞𝕖𝕙𝕥 𝕖𝕖𝕣𝕗!"

As she chanted the phrase over and over, her body began to levitate, a luminous white aura swirling out from her body and pupils. Clouds formed over to book out the moon's rays as leaves whirled around her feet. The bowl lit up with a glowing flame before the fire rose. Falling back down, the purifying flame split in two to catch onto Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, both screaming out as their bodies erupted in warmth and light. Lilium kept a hold of her hat while watching the costumes disintegrate from the mare's bodies, the ancient souls of the monsters evaporating into the baleful fire.

All at once, the luminous blaze shimmered down before vanishing off the two crusaders, hazy steam swaying off their bare flesh. Apple Bloom felt the earth again as her magical aura depleted, leaving the yellow pony to nearly collapse to her feet. Dizziness and fatigue weighed over her head as she struggled to stay standing. But upon looking to the ground, relief and hope overcame how exhausted she felt.

"T-The costumes. They're gone!" She exclaimed, tears of joy leaking down her face. "A-Aah managed to pull it off?!"

"Indeed, you did," Lilium congratulated with a smile. "Well done, Apple Bloom! I haven't seen such a dazzling aura in a long time."

"Aah didn't know magic like that could even exist in me."

"Oh, it does, my dear. With enough practice, time, and dedication, you could harness some powerful spells to rival most unicorns~."

The thought didn't stay long as the two mares watched Scootaloo stir up, slowly rising from her hands and knees. Sweetie Belle doon followed.

"Ooouugh, Where... Where am I? Augh, my head hurts," the pegasus groaned before rubbing her arms together over her chest. "F-Fuck, it's freezing out here! What happened to my--"

"SCOOTALOO!" Apple Bloom cried out, almost jumping onto her friend with arms wrapped around her.

"W-Whoa, easy Apple Bloom. It's just me!" She stammered, returning the hug. "What are you wearing?! What happened to the--"

She couldn't get a proper question as she felt her friend openly sob into her shoulder. And looking around from her surroundings, the memories began to crawl back in, her purple eyes widening in shock.

"T-That's right. The costumes were... We were almost... Fuck!!" her voice cracked, tears of her own pouring from her eyes as she held Apple Bloom closer. Another pair of arms wrapped around as Sweetie Belle joined her friends in weeping out in relief.

"I'm so sorry, girls! This is all my fault. If I didn't take those stupid costumes, we wouldn't have--"

"Shhhhh, it's okay, Sweetie. It's over now," reassured Apple Bloom, lifting her head to meet the watery gaze of her fellow crusaders. "We're safe."

The Cutie Mark Crusaders laughed sadly to each other, the stress and hardship getting the better of them before they stood up to face the storekeeper. Lilium lifted the bowl up, all the ingredients for the ritual incinerated with only the dirt remaining. Satisfied, she narrowed her gaze back to the three mares. "You three caused quite the commotion tonight. Consider this a warning, should you let your monsters become a reality."

"Y-Yes, Ma'am," Sweetie Belle nodded with an apologetic tone. "We're sorry about the costumes."

"Won't happen ever again!" Scootaloo insisted. "T-Thank you for helping us out of that."

"Pft," she scoffed with a shake of her head. "Thank Apple Bloom. She's the one who saved you."

Both mares turned to the earth mare, looking away shyly with a slight smile. All three of them rejoiced in another hug while Lilium watched with a slight grin.

"You have a powerful friend there. It would be a shame to lose her~."

"We won't," both crusaders reassured the storekeeper before they all started walking down the patch of pumpkins towards the store. "C'mon, gals. Let's git you some clothes and go home! It's been a long night," Apple Bloom sighed.

"W-Wait, what about the party!" Sweetie exclaimed, realizing the damage they caused during their costumed catastrophe.

"Yeah! Diamond's probably having a panic attack over the bloody mess!"

"Shoot, yer right. Maybe we should drop by, just to explain ourselves."

"You think that--Akuh! anyone is gonna believe we--Kuh!Kuh! were wearing cursed costumes?"

"Diamond will. She knew somethin' was up with me when I tried drinkin' from her neck."

"O-Oh, that's Gaakuh! great! She'll Kuff!Ku-Kuff! vouch for us, hopefully!"

"Y-yea, uh. Are ya okay there, Scootaloo?"

"Yeah, I think something's just caught in my throat. Hold on--KUUGH!" the pegasus wheezed, halting her movement as the coughing grew rougher. Then, something small flew out from her mouth into her cupped hand. The crusaders leaned towards the pegasus to look closely.

"A-Are those... seeds?"

Suddenly, something cracked within Scootaloo's body, making her back arch. "G-Gaaahk! Aaugh kuff!" She coughed, more seeds spitting out of her lips. The pegasus clutched at her chest, gapping and sputtering spit, excruciating pain steaming from inside. And as her hacking grew worse, an orange liquid began to leak out the corner of her lips. "W-W-What's happening!? I-I feel like somethings.. coming out! GUGK! AAAUGH!!!"

"Scootaloo?!" Apple Bloom spoke in alarm, watching the pegasus fall to her knees, grasping her throat as seeds and leaves were vomited out.

A similar choking sound came from beside her as the apple mare turned to see Sweetie Belle struggling to breathe properly. She held her mouth and stomach, trying to keep the orange contents from spilling out before she was forced to open up and spit out more vegetation. "Apple Bl-KAUGH!!!" she cried, her eyes wide with growing dread as her hands started to contort and bend at painful angles. Her flesh was drying up like a raisin, her once pristine white coat slowly turning green and veiny.

The earth mare watched, her body trembling over the sight of her friends once again wriggling on the ground, their faces growing lumpy as brighter in color as growths swelled in their cheeks. A panic shriek came out from her before turning to see Lilium loom over the crusaders, an unsettling calm smile spreading her muzzle.

"You... What did ya do!?" she demanded, shouting fury at the storekeeper. "Ya said that by doin' the ritual, they could be saved!? What have ya done to them!?"

"This isn't my doing," chuckled Lilium. "You were the only one suited for the cleansing ritual. It wasn't your fault your friends were damned from the start."

"What!?"

"Oh, poor Apple Bloom. You asked ancient spirits to restore stained souls, and that simply doesn't work. A cleansing ritual is meant to ward off demonic entities and curses from innocent people. Not people who have committed horrendous crimes, like, oh, say.... Theft? And murder~?"

Apple Bloom didn't want to believe it, but she understood what the witch was saying bitterly. Unlike herself, who resisted with just a bite, her friends had taken the lives of others during their transformations. It only made sense as to why the ritual would fail her friends, but how on earth could she realize that this would be their consequence.

"Besides..." the slender mare continued, leaning closer to the whimpering earth mare with sunken eyes. "Did you really expect me to let them go unpunished?"

"N-No! No, no, no, STAHP!!" She yelled, backing away before tripping over a pumpkin. She scrambled to gain further distance from the tall storekeeper before locking eyes with a petrified face on a pumpkin. That's when she realized that all the pumpkins in this patch had faces. Each different in expressing their horror.

And soon, her fellow crusaders would join them.

"Aaaaaap-pple B-Blooooom..."

Her head snapped behind at the sound of her name from that croaking voice. "AaaaaAAAAAAAUUAH!!" She screamed, the lumbering forms of Sweetie and Scootaloo crawling towards her. Roots, vines, and leaves replaced their stretched out hands and limbs. Only hints of their fur and mane stuck out in places, most notably from the stems growing out from the top of their heads. And their faces only vaguely resembled who they once were with the pumpkin growth fully formed. Dark, misshapen sockets acted as their eyes and maws, orange juices oozing out.

"H-Heeeelp MeeeEeEee!!!" one creature croaked out.

"Saaaav-ve uuuuuuuuuus!" the other screeched.

"Sweetie Belle! Scootaloo!!" the earth mare wept, unable to avert her gaze from the decomposing forms of her friends. She barely recognized Lilium had moved around her to stand behind.

"Do not cry over them, Apple Bloom. Their fates were sealed the moment they stepped into my store. Compared to living in eternal hunger as monsters, this is a merciful end," she gently reassured before brandishing a hatchet from behind her skirt. "And I shall thank them in the great beyond for this bountiful harvest~!"

"NOO! YA CAINT! AAH WON--" But something coiled around her arm and legs to keep her from getting up. Roots had sprouted from the soil, tethering Apple Bloom to the earth as all the pumpkin heads twisted towards her, their anguish appearances lighting up with ghoulish green light. The earth mare futility struggled while the witch pulled on the stem of Sweetie Belle, slowly raising the arm wielding the cutting weapon. The creature screamed, its voice a cacophony of tones and pitches, all screaming for help. The earth mare's eyes shrunk with fear as Lilium leaned to the side of its head, staring back at the helpless mare.

"Hush, little one. This is all just a bad dream," she whispered maliciously before dropping her arm down towards the base of its neck.

**CRUNCH**

"NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"

Apple Bloom awoke with horror, panting frantically. Sweating bullets, the mare looked all over herself. Her racing heart slowly settled after looking over her arms and hands. No demonic cloth clinging to her skin. The earth mare released a huge sigh of relief, her body easing back into her bed.

"O-Oh mah gosh, dat felt so real!" she said to herself between parted breaths. "Than--Gugh! Thank goodness it was a dream..." Her hands rubbed at her forehead and eyes to wipe the sleep and dizziness away. The lingering visages she saw at the end. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle crying for help as their bodies contorted into roots and leaves, the grueling wicked smile the witch Lilium Elderwood wore while swinging down the hatchet. The horrible night of wearing that insidious dress, nearly killing Diamond Tiara.

But thankfully, that was behind Apple Bloom now. Turning to her window, the morning sun shined brightly into the room. Nightmare Night was over. The nightmare was over. When she got up from bed, put on her clothes, Apple Bloom was going to meet up with her friends, and tell them all about the wicked dream she had. Everything... was okay.

A buzzing noise caught her attention. Her eyes opened to look at the phone, which vibrated a few times. Reaching for the device, she opened it to find her marefriend calling her. As the earth mare answered, she noticed that she had apparently missed many calls from her.

"Howdy?" she asked with a yawn.

"Oh, thank Celestia, your up! Fuck, Apple Bloom, I was so worried about you! What happened last night?" Diamond's voice demanded, her tone course and full of fear.

"Last night, what are ya talkin' about?" Apple Bloom responded.

"You don't remember?! At the party, we were about to... To--A-And then you bit into my neck like you were a fucking vampire! Then there was screaming downstairs, and you went to find your friends!"

Apple Bloom's eyes slowly went wide like saucers.

"The place was a total massacre! Worse of all, I found dead bodies in the pool and garden."

It wasn't a dream.

"My parents got home and freaked out over the scene. They called the police to go find you."

It was real.

"And they did, in the backyard of some abandoned building."

It all happened.

"They would have arrested you if my dad and I didn't step in."

It wasn't a dream.

"Apple Bloom, you need to tell me what's going on! I know you didn't mean to hurt me, I-I forgive you. But please, tell me what happened!"

And that's when she saw it. Laying there plain as day.

On the chair by the window, a light blue dress was draped over the top. The very dress she wore the night before. And laying over the seat was a piece of paper with words written in it.

"A-Aah gotta go. Aah'll git back to ya later."

"No, Apple Bloom, DON-"

She ended the call before placing her phone back down and getting up from the bed. Apple Bloom ignored the buzzing going off, too entranced with the bright blue dress that laid before her, haunting her. With a shaking hand, she reached down to pick up the letter and read what it said,

𝒜𝓈 𝒶 𝓈𝒾𝑔𝓃 𝑜𝒻 𝑔𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓉𝓊𝒹𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝓅𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝑒 𝓁𝒶𝓈𝓉 𝓃𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉, 𝐼'𝓂 𝑔𝒾𝓋𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒹𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝑒.
𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓌𝑒𝒹 𝒶 𝓁𝑜𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓈𝑒, 𝒜𝓅𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝐵𝓁𝑜𝑜𝓂.
𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝒶𝓂𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓃'𝓉 𝒷𝑒 𝓈𝒶𝒾𝒹 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒻𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒹𝓈, 𝒽𝑜𝓌𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇.
𝐼 𝒽𝑜𝓅𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒩𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓂𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒩𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉.
𝐼 𝓁𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝓌𝒶𝓇𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝑒𝑒𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝑔𝒶𝒾𝓃 𝓃𝑒𝓍𝓉 𝓎𝑒𝒶𝓇~

𝐿. 𝐸𝓁𝒹𝑒𝓇𝓌𝑜𝑜𝒹

Apple Bloom crumpled the paper before rushing to her wardrobe to throw on some pants and a shirt. She almost didn't hear her sister call her as she ran through the door. Adrenaline pumped through her veins, panting erratically as she ran all the way down the block. Her mind was screaming, repeating over and over, 'It isn't real!'. When she arrived at the store, everything would be as it was.

All feelings of anguish and confusion faded as she finally got to the street. The building stood stand, but it no longer had any decorations adorning it. No costumes or masks peeking out from inside. No 'CLOSED' or 'OPEN' sign. Everything that celebrated Nightmare Night around the store had vanished. The colorful costumes and masks were gone. Yet the visions of that horrid night returned to Apple Bloom, who fell onto shaking knees before the building. Tears streamed down her face, yet not a sound or hint of emotions came out of her. All she could do was stare at the only things placed against the store window.

Two oddly-shaped jack-o-lanterns. Carved with gruesome-looking faces.

𝕿 𝖍 𝖊 𝕰 𝖓 𝖉

Author's Note

ℙ𝕖𝕣𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕕 𝕖𝕟𝕕. 𝕀𝕗 𝕠𝕟𝕝𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪'𝕕 𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕚𝕣 𝕕𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝕗𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕.

See you next year~