Trick-or-Fright!

by Rixizu

Rating: everyone
Tags: Trixie, Horror, Adventure, Derpy Hooves, Alternate Universe, Apple Bloom, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Comedy, Dinky Hooves, Fluttershy
Length: 10695

Lunaverse story. Dinky goes Trick-or-Treating with her friends, but everything is turned upside down when a genuine monster joins them, and it's hungy...

It's Nightmare Night, the perfect night full of games, candy, and frights. To get as many treats as she can, she goes Trick-or-Treating with her friends Apple Bloom and Alula. It's tons of fun and Dinky even makes a new friend named Morning Glory. But it isn't all fun and games. During Nightmare Night, spooky things come out to play, and worse, they're hungry.

A Lunaverse side-story. Knowledge of the Lunaverse isn't necessary to enjoy this story.

Thanks to Talon and Thorn for prereading this story.

Cover art:
Background by 90 sigma.
Apple Bloom by vectorshy (modified)
Dinky from the episode Luna Eclipsed.

Published 2020-11-21 15:30:00 UTC
Last updated 2020-11-21 15:30:00 UTC

Chapter 1

“Momma!” Dinky pouted as her mother dabbed her cheeks with a tissue. Jam had splattered against Dinky’s face from breakfast, and Ditzy refused to allow her daughter to leave for school with a messy face.

“Just a moment.” Ditzy smiled, rubbing away the remainder of the apple jam.

“Okay, okay. Sheesh.” Dinky rolled her eyes but allowed her mother to proceed.

“I’m your mom, Muffin,” Ditzy said, amused at her daughter’s embarrassment, “you won’t be this little forever. Why not allow me this small indulgence?”

“Okay fine.” While Dinky loved her momma a great deal, she could be overbearing sometimes.

“Have fun at school, dear.” Ditzy reentered her room and started putting on her mailpony uniform. That was how she paid the bills for her family of two.

“Don’t forget your school bag, Muffin!” Ditzy yelled from her room and the filly realized that she had almost forgotten it. How did her momma know that without seeing her? Weird mom magic, she guessed.

“Thanks, later!”

“Hiya, Dinks!” Apple Bloom said, trotting up to her.

“Hey, Apple,” Dinky replied, “get that history essay done?”

The farmer scowled. “I guess. How a filly’s supposed to fill three pages, I’ll never know.” Miss Cheerilee had asked them to write a report on Locksmith, some old philosopher from centuries ago.

“Right.” Dinky laughed in understanding and sympathy. Thank Luna, her momma gave her that thesaurus for her birthday last year. It provided her with plenty of super long words to help fill up space!

“Dinky!” More of her friends gathered along the journey, and they chattered amongst themselves as they walked to school. It wasn’t about anything too exciting, but Dinky didn’t mind.

“Oh, look at that, Dinky!” Alula said, pointing towards Dinky’s momma.

“What?” Dinky blinked. What was the filly talking about? Her momma was only chatting with Big Mac, Bloom’s brother.

“They sure are chummy, aren’t they?” Alula replied, nudging her in the ribs with an elbow. “Makes you wonder.”

“Wonder what?”

“If you’ll be Apple Bloom’s sister soon.” Alula fluttered in the air with delight. She was one of those rare ponies with both wings and a horn, an Uniasus, or something like that.

“What?” Apple Bloom’s eyes widened in astonishment. “That ain’t going to happen. They’re just friends.”

“Yeah.” Dinky thought she’d know if her mother had a special somepony.

“Really?” Alula’s voice dripped with doubt and sarcasm. “Except, I see them talking with each other an awful bunch.”

“Whatever.” Dinky rolled her eyes, letting the Uniasus have her delusions. Still, Big Mac was a good pony. She had a real father, but the situation with him was complicated for reasons Dinky rather not get into. Long story short, he had his own family which left Dinky in a strange position. She loved her pop a great deal, but her relationship with her half-family was awkward. Sometimes she worried they might actually hate her. Her half-sister Sparkler could be cold sometimes. Again, the situation was so awkward, she rather not get into it. Still, they at least gave her extra Hearth Warming gifts every year.

“You got rocks in your head if you believe that.” Apple Bloom said with certainty.

“Whatever to you too!” Alula stuck her tongue out.

“Anyway, Dinks.” Apple Bloom said, changing the conversation’s direction. “Got an idea whatcha gonna be for Nightmare Night this weekend?”

Unlike her friends, Dinky never put that much thought into her Nightmare Night costume. In fact, she usually almost forgot about it until the last minute. She loved Nightmare Night, but the dressing up didn’t interest her. The games and candy were what Dinky enjoyed the most about the spooky holiday.

“Well, momma’s planning something special, but I’ll probably just throw on one of my old costumes.” Dinky shuddered at the thought of her mother’s Nightmare Night costumes.

Her mother loved getting creative with her getups. It usually involved grabbing whatever she could find around the house and transforming it into some slapdash costume. Dinky turned red thinking about it, recalling the time her momma made her dress as a makeshift dragon. Vampire teeth had been the fangs, cardboard for the wings and horns, and a green-colored paper bag for the scales. Dinky had insisted on real costumes since. It wasn’t cute; it just looked stupid in her opinion. This disappointed her momma, but she relented.

“I’m going as a bride of Frankenpony!” Apple Bloom declared. “Got a cool wig and everything!”

“I’m going as a hobo!” Alula said, and the other two fillies stared at her in astonishment.

“That’s, er, interesting.” Dinky forced a smile.

“Come on, Alula, why ain’t you going as a princess or something?” Apple Bloom asked. “It’d suit ya!”

Alula snorted, running a hoof through her mane. “Like I’m doing the obvious. Besides, princesses are so tacky.”

For some reason, the Uniasus always hated princess stuff, and Dinky couldn’t quite figure out why. Was it because she hated being treated as somepony special? She could imagine being born a Uniasus caused some interesting challenges. They chatted some more as they made their way to class, and Dinky put silly costumes out of her mind for more important matters.

-—

The days dragged by slowly as Nightmare Night approached, but the day finally came. Her entire class buzzed with excited energy. The fillies and colts chatted amongst themselves, eager to get dressed and get out trick-or-treating. As usual, their teacher gave her two bits before they left for the day.

“Now class, remember to stay together in groups and never go out alone.” Miss Cheerilee said, with the gravest air possible. “It’s dangerous to walk out alone at night. Also, never accept anything unless it’s prepackaged. The treat might contain sharp razor blades. You’d never realize it until it’s too late!” She mimicked an injured tongue for emphasis.

Razor blades? Dinky shuttered, wondering what type of monster would do that to innocent foals.

“Stick together and you should be fine! Class dismissed.”

The town bustled with activity as Dinky walked back home. Ponies were putting their final touches on various game stands or decorations. Already, spooky décor covered the town, and most ponies were already in costume. From the sun’s direction, it wouldn’t be long until night, then true horrors could begin. She promised to meet her friends at Sugercube Corner once she got her costume on.

“Momma, you seriously can’t be going out in that!” Dinky ducked her head in embarrassment as they walked through Ponyville’s festivities. It had already gone dark and eerie candlelight lit the streets.

“Really?” Ditzy replied. “I think it’s pretty creative, stylish, and happening if you ask me.”

Happening? Dear Luna, please tell me she didn’t just say that.

On her mother’s behind was a giant old lampshade painted black with a marker and with an hourglass painted red. Dangling from the lampshade were six paper strings which gave the crude appearance of legs. Around her front hooves were paper bags with claws drawn on them, and she had vampire teeth in her mouth to give the appearance of fangs. It made her speech slurred and hard to understand. Dinky had to focus all her attention to hear what she was saying. The costume gave her the appearance of the famed Spider-pony of legend, half pony, half spider.

“I think it's pretty scary! After all, Nightmare Night is when the monsters come out to play! It is a little hard to walk in though.” More than once her mother almost tripped over her own hooves.

“Sure.” Dinky remained unconvinced, but couldn’t fault her momma for wanting to be creative. They trotted towards Sugarcube Corner and soon caught sight of Trixie and her momma’s other friends.

“Nice costume.” The magician had traded her trademark cape and hat for a different set of cape and hat. Trixie wore a neat black tuxedo complete with a top hat and a bowtie. Wrapped around her neck was a cape with a red lining inside. On her face, she wore a mustache that twirled upward. Trixie had come to Nightmare Night as a stage magician.

“Uh…” Dinky replied, lost for words.

“Interesting costume?” Ditzy studied her friend before dawning comprehension struck her. “You’re going as somepony famous, right? Your grandfather?”

This conclusion delighted Trixie, who kicked her hooves high into the air. “Yes, I’m going as the Great and Magnificent Quartermoon. The greatest magician who’s ever lived!”

This reply astonished Dinky but earned a grin from her momma, enchanted by Trixie’s antics. Soon her mother’s other friends arrived so they could attend an adult party doing boring adult stuff.

“Don’t eat too much candy tonight, okay.” Her momma entered lecturing mode. “I don’t want you getting sick. And keep together with your friends.”

“Okay, momma,” Dinky replied automatically. Didn’t she just receive the same lecture from Miss Cheerilee a few hours ago? It’s like adults assumed foals were deaf or something. The teacher wore a witch costume with even a fake crooked nose covering muzzle, much to Dinky’s amusement.

“Have fun with your friends, muffin!” Ditzy waved before joining her friends in Sugarcube Corner.

“So where first?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I say we go to Matilda’s house,” Alula suggested. The Uniasus wore a sailor costume with a much too large hat that fell down her face constantly. “She always has the best candy!”

Dinky considered this with grave consideration, before nodding her approval. Her mom liked going over to the donkey’s house for pinochle, and Dinky adored her, considering her almost an aunt. Matilda always had treats ready whenever the filly visited.

“Thanks, Miss Sassaflash!” The three fillies cried in unison as they departed the pegasus’s house. They were happy with the bounty of treats they’d received so far. One house they visited had given them homemade Rice Krispie balls with colorful Nightmare Night themed sprinkles within. Their buckets were already almost half full after visiting only a hoofful of houses. This would be a bountiful night.

“We should hit Fluttershy’s house next,” Dinky said after a moment’s consideration, “I realize it’s a little far, but I think she’d appreciate the company.”

The poor pegasus hated scary stuff. Dinky imagined her trembling in a corner, despite the festivities being all for silly fun. Nothing scary actually happened on Nightmare Night. Her two friends agreed. On the way, something caught Dinky’s eye. An unfamiliar pegasus filly dressed as a pirate was wandering around by her lonesome, looking at the various decorations with keen interest. Miss Cheerilee’s warning about not traveling around alone struck her, and Dinky trotted over to the newcomer.

“Hey, are you new to town?” Dinky asked.

“Oh yes, nice town you have here.” The filly replied. Her fur was light blue and the mane covering her head blazed a fiery orange color. She gazed around in amazement like she hadn’t expected to find Ponyville here.

“Are your parents around?” Apple Bloom asked. “Or are you here by yourself?”

The new filly sighed. “Yes, none of my other friends were interested in coming this year. I’m Morning Glory.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Dinky Doo!” Dinky beamed. She always liked meeting new ponies. Her other friends introduced themselves. “Since you’re all alone, how about you come with us? We’re trick-or-treating.”

Morning Glory nodded with enthusiasm, glad that some Ponyvillians were greeting her with such warmness and hospitality. A realization struck her, dampening her mood.

“Oh, but I don’t have a bucket for candy.”

Dinky searched around and found a nearby store. She rushed inside and returned with a paper bag in her mouth. “Here, this should work just fine.”

“Thank you so much.” Much to Dinky’s surprise, Morning Glory took the simple paper bag with reverence.

Dinky looked at her new friend’s empty bag and hated how empty it looked. Without preamble, she emptied a portion of her candy into it. “There, much better.”

“I guess I’ll give some too!” Apple Bloom also gave some of her candy.

Alula only snorted. “Sorry, but I’m keeping mine for myself. It’s my candy, and I can do whatever I want with it.”

“Sure, whatever.” Dinky rolled her eyes. They had loads of candy, so why be so selfish?

“You’re a real sweetheart, Dinky.” Morning Glory said with a smile. “Well, shall we get going?”

Despite promising to hit Fluttershy’s cottage next, they knocked on every other house they came across. Soon Dinky's reservoir of candy had more than doubled, making up for anything she’d lost before. They chatted on the way. Morning Glory was a curious pony, eager to learn everything about them. She provided little about herself, but Dinky didn’t mind and gave several details about her life with her mom. Dinky spoke with pride about how brave and smart her mother was, which impressed her new friend a great deal.

“You know, I never noticed how creepy this part of Ponyville gets at night.” Apple Bloom shuttered, giving their surroundings a nervous look. Somehow, despite the glowing street lamps, Ponyville’s outskirts appeared darker than it should be.

“It isn’t surprising.” Morning Glory said. “It’s Nightmare Night and we’re approaching the edge of the Everfree Forest.”

“What do you mean?” The mention of the infamous forest put Dinky on edge.

“Nightmare Night is when the barrier between reality and the supernatural world is at its weakest.” Morning Glory said, sounding like Miss Cheerilee giving a lecture to students. “All sorts of nastiest sneak into the world for fun. It’s why ponies dress in costumes. Then the baddies can’t tell who’s a monster and who’s a pony. That and the monsters also like dressing in costumes.”

“Monsters.” Apple Bloom stuttered in fright.

“Come on, monsters don’t exist.” Alula stopped herself, considering her next words after everypony gave her strange looks. “Okay, they do exist, but not those types. You’re all being silly.”

“Sure.” Dinky shook her head, unconvinced, but let the matter drop. They were only a few steps from Fluttershy’s house. Despite Alula’s confident reassurance, she increased her pace to catch up with her friends and to arrive at the nature-loving pegasus’ cottage quicker.

Unlike the other houses in Ponyville, Fluttershy’s house sported no decorations. As usual, it had more birdhouses than the eye could count and she detected more after her last visit. Yet, Dinky saw no birds flapping about. Were they hiding in their houses or something? She sensed a distinct lack of any activity and the silence put everypony on edge.

They walked over the bridge that traveled over the small stream running through Fluttershy’s property when a rustling sound caught their attention. They froze, and Dinky’s imagination ran wild. Morning Glory’s words of monsters ran through her head. They tensed as the rustling increased its ferocity. They turned as one as a large figure burst from a nearby collection of trees, trees that led right into the Everfree Forest.

The figure was massive, with green scaly skin that contained a hideous amount of warts. The creature’s stink struck Dinky even from this distance, making her recoil in disgust. It smelled like decay and something else indeterminate. Its nose shot out like a spear, far extending long past its head. Long stringy hair covered its head which matted against its skull. Worse were its teeth. They appeared sharp and ragged, easily capable of tearing a pony in two. The creature was also dressed like a giant white rabbit and fake ears extended from its head tilted at an awkward angle. The white bunny outfit was too small for its body and its seams had tore in several areas exposing warty skin.

The creature’s small beady black eyes stared at them before brightening, and its massive fangs extended into a wide smile. “How do you do, fellow ponies. Are you going out trick-or-treating? Mind if I join you?” it asked politely.

Chapter 2

Dinky instinctively tried to take a step backward but found she couldn’t, she was frozen with fright, unsure what she should do next. Somehow, they were being confronted by an actual, real-life monster. The stench of its breath made her reel, twisting her stomach into knots. Her friends weren’t doing much better, trembling uncontrollably. The creature twisted its head at an odd angle, studying them, its tiny beady eyes unreadable. Yet, Dinky detected something from the monster that chilled her soul. Hunger. She realized this creature was assessing if it wanted filly flambé and Dinky was on the menu!

Oh no, what should I say? They were in deep trouble, and Dinky was lost for words, too frightened to speak. Before she could respond, her new friend, Morning Glory, stepped forward with unearthly calm and spoke.

“We’d love to have you trick-or-treat with us.” Morning Glory’s face was warm and inviting, showing an unbelievable level of confidence. “Isn’t that right, girls?”

What?! Is she insane? We need to run! Get some adults! Something!

Yet, as Dinky gazed upon the monster, an awful truth struck her. The creature had powerful legs with more muscles than she’d ever seen. If they ran, it would chase them down and eat them. She might escape, she was a good runner, but Dinky refused to abandon her friends to whatever this creature was. Dinky tried calming her racing heart, attempting to make sense of the situation.

Hold on, why hasn’t the creature attacked us yet? We’re easy pickings! Morning Glory’s words returned to her in a flash. Ponies wore costumes on Nightmare Night so the monsters couldn’t tell ponies from the monsters. Dinky dismissed this as nonsense. They were obviously ponies. You’d have to be blind not to notice that.

Yet, it’s hungry but didn’t attack us on sight. Dinky reconsidered her previous assessment, looking at the monster with its ridiculous and obvious costume. It continued to study them, but had Dinky detected a hint of uncertainty? When the monster introduced itself, it called itself a pony like it expected them to believe such a bald-faced lie. It all seemed impossible, yet…

Dinky stepped forward, considering herself insane for even attempting this, but her friends were counting on her. Somehow, she controlled the tremor in her voice. “Hello, fellow pony. We would love to have you accompany us. There’s plenty of candy for everyone!” She prayed desperately to Princess Luna, hoping beyond hope this might work.

Much to Dinky’s astonishment, the creature nodded. “This house looks like it might contain plenty of candy. Shall we go, fellow pony?”

The creature stomped its enormous hooves towards Fluttershy’s house. Dinky’s friends gave her a frightened, questioning look, all except Morning Glory, who beamed with a pleased nod.

“What the heck was that?” Alula whispered as they reluctantly followed the monster.

“It doesn’t know we aren’t monsters,” Dinky replied, “As Morning Glory said, these costumes hide our true identity!” Her new friend nodded in agreement.

“That’s insane!” Alula said. “It’s obvious we’re ponies.”

Unlike Alula, Apple Bloom considered this. “Ya saying this creature’s too dim to realize we’re actually ponies?” Dinky nodded. Alula wanted to argue, but the monster interrupted their argument.

“Are you coming? Candy awaits!”

“Yes, coming!” Dinky replied, somehow her voice didn’t waver. The rest of her party gave reluctant nods and followed the oblivious creature.

“Dinky’s right.” Morning Glory said. “As long as it doesn’t know we aren’t monsters underneath, we’re fine.”

“Okay, fine, whatever.” Alula relented. “But we’re getting the adults as soon as possible.”

“What is that thing, anyway?” Dinky asked.

“I got it!” Apple Bloom slammed her hooves together. “It’s gotta be a troll. Don’t the stories say they’re blunter than a bag of hammers?”

“I think you’re right, Bloom.” Morning Glory replied after a moment’s consideration. “Never met one of those before.” The rest of the fillies gave reluctant nods, and her new friend’s calm impressed Dinky. What a cool pony.

Her mind raced, attempting to recall what she remembered about trolls. Something about them living in mountains and hating sunlight. Every story said they were dimwitted, however, and the heroes always won by outwitting them. A knot formed in her stomach when she remembered trolls were pony-eaters. They were walking on thin ice.

They trotted up to Fluttershy’s house, and Dinky realized that Flutters wasn’t expecting an actual monster at her front door. If the skittish pony yelled in fright it might ruin everything. No, if they played it cool, everything would be fine. She hoped.

“Trick-or-treat.” Dinky’s voice sounded frayed to her, but she’d somehow gotten the words out.

Behind the door, somepony yelped in surprise. Something crashed to the ground and they heard something fragile break. Moments later, a reluctant yellow pegasus opened the door. She brightened after catching sight of Dinky. While the shy mare feared unfamiliar ponies, she loved foals. Fluttershy doted on Dinky whenever she visited with her momma. Heck, thinking about it, most adults doted on her. She wondered why.

“Oh, hello, Dinky. I live so far from everypony so I wasn’t expecting any trick-or-treaters, but I’ll be glad to give you all some candy! What nice costumes you have.” She beamed at Dinky’s friends. Somehow Fluttershy still hadn’t noticed the hulking troll at her doorstep and rummaged around in a nearby drawer.

Dinky studied the troll, wondering how it might react to the skittish pegasus, and froze. The monster was staring at Fluttershy hungrily, and a knot formed in Dinky’s stomach when she realized why. Fluttershy wasn’t wearing a costume! She was exposing to everypony that she was a pony. A timid, weak morsel for any monster to munch on.

Dinky’s mind panicked, realizing her mother’s friend was about to become troll food, and they were helpless to do anything about it. While Fluttershy was an adult, the mare couldn’t defeat a troll! How long until the creature realized the three fillies among it weren’t monsters in disguise either? The troll still hadn’t attacked, but Dinky doubted they had long.

“Here you go, a candy bar for each of you!” Fluttershy dropped a full-size Snickers into each of their bags. “Sorry, I don’t have real trick-or-treat candy, but that should suffice, right?” The adult mare gave them each a nervous glance, worried her guests might berate her at any moment for this grievous fopaux.

“T-Thanks.” The four fillies trembled. Each of her friends must have realized what Dinky did.

“Thank you.” The troll licked its lips, eying Fluttershy.

“That’s a nice costume you have there. It’s, uh, cute!” Fluttershy said after finally seeing the troll and its flimsy bunny costume. First, she seemed terrified, ready to jump out of her skin but corrected herself, gaining some courage. It seemed the mare decided the creature before her couldn’t be a real monster and was only a pony in a costume. It didn’t stop the slight tremor in her legs though.

“I’m gonna bop it on the nose, then we’ll make a run for it.” Apple Bloom whispered. “It’ll chase me and forget all about Fluttershy. If we spread out, it’ll never catch us. Then we can get an adult to help us.”

“What! That’s crazy!” Alula replied in protest.

“Pure insanity!” Dinky echoed.

Instead of looking at the earth pony filly like she was a mad mare, Morning Glory looked upon Apple Bloom with admiration. “That’s quite brave of you. I like your plan.”

“No, we aren’t doing that!” Dinky harshly whispered.

“No, it’s the only way, Dinks!” Apple Bloom glared. She trembled, but her resolve remained strong.

“Uh, what are you girls whispering about?” Fluttershy said after taking her gaze away from the pony in the strange bunny costume.

“Nothing!” Dinky replied automatically.

Looking desperately through the cottage's open door she searched the cottage for something, anything, so her friend Bloom wouldn’t get herself killed. A weapon, anything to help them against their monstrous friend. The animal-loving pegasus dealt with many dangerous animals. She must have some sort of protective weapons to help deal with them, right? Her heart raced as she spotted nothing useful. Unless a broom could slay a troll. A looming dread crept through her. Dinky’s eyes blinked when she spotted bags of blood on a counter.

“Blood bags?”

“Oh, those,” Fluttershy replied, head pointing towards the bags in question, “those are for my vampire bat friends. It comes from volunteers amongst my animal friends. I give them little cookies so the poor dears have something to regain their energy after the donation.”

“Okay,” Dinky replied, not sure how to reply to that strange news. A flash of insight struck Dinky and a hopeful smile grew on her face. “I get it, very clever Fluttershy. Donations for your vampire bat friends.” The last sentence held a twinge of skepticism in it. Everyone looked at her strangely, even the troll.

“What a good way to hide your thirst!” Dinky whispered, but so loud everypony overheard her.

“Thirst?” Fluttershy blinked, not sure what the heck the filly was talking about. While it left everypony else confused, Dinky caught a hint of uncertainty in the troll’s eyes.

“Brilliant idea going around without a costume.” Dinky continued in her too-loud whisper. “What a good way to draw unsuspecting ponies to you!”

Alula caught on to Dinky’s plan. “Right, so you can take them to your special shack out back!”

“Right! How genius of you!” Apple Bloom added.

Fluttershy remained completely confused, but the troll was nervous now, shifting from hoof to hoof. After all, why would anypony not wear a Nightmare Night costume unless it was to lure unsuspecting ponies?

“I don’t even have a shack,” Fluttershy said in protest, but Dinky blocked her next words with a hoof.

“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with us!” Morning Glory gave the older mare a conspiratorial wink.

“We better get going!” The troll said a little too quickly. “Places to go, more houses to visit!” The monster took an about-face turn and hurried away from Fluttershy’s cottage.

The four fillies sighed in relief before following. “Bye Miss Fluttershy!”

“Right…” Fluttershy closed her door, completely confused by the entire conversation. If Dinky survived the night, their next meeting would be an awkward one. But heck, Fluttershy was safe and Dinky was glad something had gone right.

“Quick thinking, Dinky!” Morning Glory looked upon Dinky with open admiration.

“Yeah, you rock!” Apple Bloom said, but her face scrunched in consternation. “What now, though? We can’t risk that there monster running into another pony without a costume!”

“Uh.” Dinky hadn’t thought that far ahead, too absorbed in congratulating herself for her brilliance. “I guess we’ll just lead it towards town?”

“I don’t know bout that Dinks.” Apple Bloom replied. “Won’t that just cause a panic and get ponies hurt? What if it goes on a rampage?”

Well, darn it. She hadn’t considered that. Adults were capable, but they were dealing with a troll. Many ponies might get hurt before stopping it. Ponies crammed Ponyville’s town square and streets, creating many potential targets for the troll’s hunger. Dinky noted everypony was looking upon her to come up with a solution.

Why me? I’m just a filly! I can’t handle this! But from the desperate expression on her friends, they looked to her for leadership. Despite how terrified Dinky was, she refused to let her friends down. She’d solve this problem somehow.

“Right.” Dinky sighed but remained resolute. If her momma could defeat Corona, anything was possible! The troll was lumbering towards town and they were only a few blocks away from the town square. This portion of the street was empty of ponies, thank Luna! Inspiration struck her as she saw Twist’s house. They’d visited it before, and the filly’s sister Bon-Bon had answered the door. Bons was a smart, capable pony. She’d know how to stop an evil troll!

“Those houses look really nice!” Dinky pointed voice a little too loud. “We should go knock on their doors!”

“I like that one!” The troll pointed towards the house next to Twist’s house. Dinky winced but nodded. This home contained a wide assortment of Nightmare Night ornaments. Far more than was necessary, but it caught the eye. They only had to hope the adult at the house wouldn’t freak out and startle or enrage their monstrous trick-or-treater.

“Trick-or-treat!” Dinky’s voice sounded frayed to her ears, but she somehow got the words out.

“Hello, little ones.” The pony at the door said. He looked over the foals visiting his door, enjoying their costumes. Dinky recognized the stallion as the pony that ran the Quills and Sofas store. He wore a construction pony costume with a yellow hard hat. He froze when he came to the troll who beamed his predatory smile with too many teeth.

“Ditzy, is that you?” The Quill and Sofas pony asked, much to Dinky’s astonishment. “Banging costume! I like the costume within the costume! Very creative!” He dumped a hooful of candy into each of their bags. Thank Luna the troll remained too preoccupied with the candy to care about the stallion’s mistake.

“Right, you know my mom always has the most interesting costumes!” Dinky’s laugh sounded fake to her ears, but the oblivious Quills and Sofas pony didn’t notice.

“She is trying to win the best costume this year!” Alula added.

“Stay safe out there, foals.” The stallion closed the door behind him.

“Next house!” The troll pointed towards Twist’s house and lumbered towards it. Thank Luna! This living nightmare was almost over. Dinky almost tasted her fear and anxiety.

As they walked, a groan caught their attention. Trixie walked down the street with a bandage pressed against her temple. Trickles of blood dripped from the head wound, not serious looking, but still painful. The magician winced as she dabbed against it. Much to Dinky’s horror, she discovered that the mare wasn’t wearing her costume, not even the mustache.

Trixie groaned again in pain. “Who knew Pin the Tail on the Pony was so dangerous?” She muttered to herself, not noticing Dinky and her friends, or the hulking monstrous troll who eyed Trixie with hungry eyes.

“Lucky day, my friends!” The troll whispered and its grin widened when they saw Trixie enter a dark alleyway that led towards her house. “We will eat well tonight!” Somehow, it believed Dinky and her friends were also monsters. Dinky’s ruse was more convincing than she’d thought.

“Are you sure?” Dinky forced a smile, her mind raced desperately to devise some solution to this disaster.

The troll snorted as Trixie made her way into the alley. “It’s like it wants to get horribly murdered. Come, before it escapes!”

Dinky’s eyes widened as the troll increased its stride, moving much faster than she’d expected from a creature of its bulk and size. The monster had been holding back its capabilities until now, and she realized just how dangerous the troll really was. It would be on Trixie in moments.

Again, Dinky’s friends looked to her for guidance, leaving her flailing around in the dark. Miss Trixie was going to die, and Dinky was helpless to save her. The older mare was already deep into the alley, and it was doubtful she’d hear Dinky’s warnings if she cried out. Worse, what if the troll turned around and attacked them instead? Nearby Dinky spotted a discarded piece of wood leftover from a Nightmare Night construction project. Apple Bloom’s old plan back at Fluttershy’s house flashed into her mind.

“Get running, now,” Dinky ordered, grabbing the piece of wood.

“What’re you saying?!” Apple Bloom wore a worried expression on her face.

“Now!” Dinky shouted, pointing in a random direction. “Go! Get help!”

Her friends gave her a terrified glance, knowing how badly things could go once Dinky hit the preverbal hornet’s nest, but they had no choice and spread out. The troll had a hoof at the alley’s entrance, slinking in slowly to not startle its prey before it sprung.

“Hey, freakazoid!” Dinky yelled and hurled the piece of wood towards the monster. Unfortunately, her weak limbs didn’t hurl it far enough to whack the troll in the head like intended, and it clattered to the ground several hooves away instead.

So much for my cool, heroic moment. But it caught the creature’s attention, who stared at her in surprise.

“Leave Miss Trixie alone! You, uh…” Dinky’s mind raced for a good insult. “Dunderhead!”

The troll’s expression twisted, becoming some ugly and horrible. Its sight froze Dinky in place, overcome with terror. “You tricked me, horrible, nasty pony!”

With powerful strides, the monster reversed, heading towards its new prey. It moved with surprising grace, every stride purposeful and silent. It extended its nasty teeth, ready to gobble up the foolish Dinky in one bite. The rest of her friends had spread out, keeping their distance, and watching helplessly as the monster attacked their friend. She’d ordered them to get help, but their fear for Dinky’s safety stayed their hooves. Dinky screamed, eyes wide, helpless to stop the coming charge, too terrified to move. In a few moments, she’d be troll food.

Chapter 3

“Don’t worry Dinky, I’m coming!”

Dinky’s screams intensified as the troll's vicious fangs clamped towards her and she closed her eyes, hoping the end wouldn’t be too painful. Much to her astonishment, the pain didn’t come. Instead, she found herself pulled upwards. Was the monster planning to gobble her up whole instead? She peeked and to her astonishment and found herself high into the air, Morning Glory held her using both hooves floating over the troll, straining to hold Dinky’s weight.

“Come back here.” The troll snarled, its claws reaching upwards to grab the two airborne fillies.

“Ya leave her alone!” Apple Bloom dashed forward and unleashed an applebuck kick right into the troll’s chest. The creature staggered but didn’t seem too harmed and glared at the offending filly, who backed away in fright. She’d expected to do more damage than that.

Before it could pounce on the helpless Apple Bloom, Alula screamed and jumped on the monster’s back. She pulled at the troll’s ears with her teeth and poked its eyes with her hooves. It growled and swung its head around violently. The Uniasus shrieked in surprise as the monster tossed her aside, crashing hard into the ground.

Dear Luna, we can’t stop it! It’s too strong. She searched for something, anything to aid them, but to no avail. Except for some Nightmare Night decorations and a plank of wood, she found nothing useful. And Dinky doubted an apology would fix anything. Her heart froze with terror as she realized the creature was going to tear her friend’s limb from limb and she was helpless to do anything. They all were.

“What the hay is going on here?” An angry voice said. Everypony turned to find Trixie glaring at the troll. “I don’t know who you are buster, but you better leave those fillies alone, now!” The magician had dropped her bandage and entered an aggressive stance. Dinky’s heart raced with excitement. Somehow she’d heard their screams and rushed to their aid. If anypony could save them, it was Trixie!

Trixie gasped in surprise when the troll turned to face her. Its mouth widened into a predatory smile and its beady eye lighting with excitement.

“What the heck?” Trixie exclaimed, surprised to face a genuine monster. Her knees wobbled as the creature stalked forward. It had forgotten about the fillies, instead of focusing on the bigger threat. The four fillies fled behind a nearby trash can, poking their heads out to watch the confrontation.

“You think she’ll be okay?” Alula whispered.

“Ah don’t know.” Apple Bloom whispered back. “My sis says Trixie’s a lazy good-for-nothing nincompoop.”

“Well, she’s not.” Dinky snapped back. “She’s the greatest hero in Equestria!” Heck, she bet the mare could defeat Corona right now if the alicorn landed before them. Trixie was just that great!

Next to my momma. Dinky amended silently.

“Is she that amazing? I can’t wait to see what happens next!” Morning Glory pulled the Snickers bar Fluttershy had given her out of her candy bag and started nibbling on it.

She’s 100 percent got this. The troll doesn’t stand a chance! Trixie studied under Princess Luna. Her magic is so powerful I bet she could make the troll’s head explode with her mind if she wanted to! No, on second thought, that’s gross. I hope she doesn’t do that. But I’m sure she has some trick up her cape!

“You have no idea who you’re messing with!” Trixie proclaimed. “I am the Great and Powerful Trixie! If you don’t want your butt kicked, I’d run back to wherever you came from!”

Yeah, that’s the Trixie I know! She’s so cool!

The troll only snorted and snapped its jaws forward. Trixie made a high-pitched scream, then turned and fled with the troll chasing after her. Despite Trixie’s head start, the mare wasn’t a runner, and the monster caught her in moments with powerful leaps. A grin of triumph grew on its face as it extended its fangs, ready to tear the magician to pieces. Dinky covered her face, unable to watch the carnage.

“What the?” The troll’s fangs faded through Trixie and groaned in pain as its face smashed hard into the ground, propelled by its own powerful legs. It spent several moments dazed on the ground.

“What?” Morning Glory asked, perplexed by the sudden disappearance of Trixie.

“It must be one of her illusions!” Alula declared, pumping up a hoof in triumph and glad to see the troll on the receiving end of pain for once.

“Impressive.” Morning Glory replied, amazed. “That illusion was flawless. I didn’t even see her cast it.”

“And now she’s turning yellow and running away!” Apple Bloom pointing towards a fleeing Trixie who appeared from nowhere. The air had shimmered before she reappeared.

“I’m sure it's all part of a cunning plan!” Dinky declared, automatically defending her idol.

“Come back, pony!” The troll shouted before giving chase.

Trixie made a high-pitched scream and ran into her house, slamming the door behind her. The troll followed and the wood cracked from the impact as it smashed its beefy hoof into the door, but it held for the moment. Dinky stared. Did Trixie just run into her house to hide? What about her head exploding powers? A troll was still on the loose!

“Pokey, please tell me we have something that can fight off a troll!” Trixie shouted from inside.

“What?” Pokey replied with his usual upper-class sophisticated voice. “What is this? Another one of Rainbow Dash’s stupid pranks? A troll? Really?”

Both adults screamed as the troll thrust a hoof through a nearby window. The door had been too sturdy, so it chose an easier path inside instead. Grass cracked under hoof as it slipped inside.

“This is a disaster!” Dinky said. “Now the troll will hurt Mr. Pokey too!”

“Well, if Trixie’s going to be yellow, then we gotta do something!” Apple Bloom declared. The other fillies stared at the farmer filly like she was crazy.

“What?” Apple Bloom replied defensively. “Somepony gotta do something! Trixie’s useless!”

“No! We need to find an adult!” Alula argued.

“What the heck is happening? Is this one of Rainbow Dash’s pranks?” A familiar voice said. They turned to find Bon-Bon trotting up behind them, a confused expression on her face. Her costume was the phantom of the opera with a black cloak, and a mask that covered half her face.

“Bons!” Dinky cried, tears in her eyes, and hugged the familiar cream-colored earth pony tight. “Thank Luna you’re here!”

“Your illusions won’t save you pony!” The troll yelled inside Trixie’s house. “I’m going to gobble you up!”

“Holy Luna almighty!” Bon-Bon exclaimed. “What the heck is that?!”

“A real troll is attacking Trixie!” Alula said.

The adult mare’s eyes widened, and she backed away in fright. “A troll? Those are real? Did Trixie’s magic mess up again? Did she summon it from the nether realm?” She referred to the time Trixie accidentally turned her marefriend into this weird naked bear creature, and Bons had remained suspicious of Trixie’s magical activities ever since.

“No, it summoned itself from the Outlands.” Morning Glory said calmly. “It’s Nightmare Night, so the barrier between realms is weaker than usual.”

Bons blinked, confused. “What?”

“It doesn’t matter, do something!” Alula said.

More screams came from Trixie’s house, heightening everypony’s anxiety. “What am I supposed to do about this?” Bon-Bon asked, nervously eying her marefriend’s friend’s house.

“I don’t know, you’re an adult!” Alula shot back. “It’s your job to deal with this sort of thing! What else are you good for?!”

“I’m just a candy maker!” Bons argued back and, much to Dinky’s dread realized the mare won’t be much use against a troll. Her faith in adults was greatly weakened that day.

“What about Trixie? She’s in danger!” Apple Bloom said. Bons grimaced and shook her head, unsure of what to do.

“Can you at least tell us something about trolls?” Dinky said, frustrated. Trixie was counting on them, and they were screwing up badly.

“Well, I guess the sun turns them to stone,” Bons replied, “but that’s just a story, and daylight is hours away.”

“Oh right!” Dinky replied. “I think I remember reading something about that.” Bloom nodded in agreement.

More crashing sounds came from Trixie’s house. No horrible death screams yet, thank Luna.

Bons’ resolve hardened, giving the fillies a stern look. “Go somewhere and hide. I’ll get some help. It shouldn’t take long.” Without another word, she ran deep into Ponyville.

“That’s something, I guess,” Alula said after a moment of silence.

“That’s it? Our part is over?” Morning Glory asked, sounding disappointed the excitement had ended.

“I guess?” Apple Bloom replied, unsure.

We can’t just leave her. It frustrated Dinky she couldn’t do anything else to help. She didn’t like leaving anypony in danger. But what could any of them do? Bon-Bon was getting the police and other tough types. The troll’s weakness was sunlight, but that was useless. A nearby clock told them it wasn’t even 10 yet.

Wait, sunlight! A brilliant, wonderful idea sparked in her mind.

“I have an idea!” Dinky declared, and the other gave her curious looks. “What if we make it daytime?!”

“You’ve lost me,” Alula replied.

“Yeah Dinks, I’m lost too.” Apple Bloom added.

Morning Glory, on the other hoof, pondered the idea. “What, like asking Princess Luna to put the sun over Ponyville?”

“Exactly!” Dinky replied.

Apple Bloom’s eyes widened. “Doesn’t Trixie have a magic hat that allows her to chat with the Princess?”

Morning Glory gave the filly a curious glance. “Trixie’s the princess’s student,” Dinky said, answering the unasked question.

“Uh, isn’t her hat in the death house?” Alula pointed toward Trixie’s house with a shaky hoof.

“We haven't got a choice,” Dinky replied, “Trixie’s counting on us!”

“This is a great idea, Dinks!” Apple Bloom beamed.

“Yeah, but can’t it still hide in Trixie’s house from the sun?” Alula asked.

“True, but then it’s trapped there.” Morning Glory said after further consideration.

“And it has windows!” Dinky added. “We’ve got a plan!”

While Alula remained reluctant, everypony else agreed with Dinky’s plan. Besides, Bons would probably take too long to get help, anyway. They hurried towards Trixie’s house, choosing to enter the back door first. Dinky had argued the front was too dangerous. Her heart thumped hard in her chest as the door creaked when she pushed it open, and Dinky expected instant death to fall upon them as soon as they entered. Except for a kitchen, nopony was in sight, and they entered.

Dinky sighed in relief that stage one of Operation Sunshine had been a success. They jumped as they heard crashing, then something smashing to pieces. She wondered if anything would remain of Trixie’s house once this adventure finished. Thankfully, Dinky knew where Trixie’s room was. She winced, catching sight of claw marks carved into the walls, and debris was littered everywhere.

“I’ll see if I can find anything useful.” Morning Glory tore open Trixie’s cabinets.

“It’s better than nothing.” Dinky joined the search.

Alula screamed as she stepped into something wet on the tiled floor. “Dear Luna, I think I’ve stepped in blood!” She recoiled away, hiding behind Dinky.

“Oh no! Poor Trixie!” Dinky didn’t see the mare anywhere but imagined the mare limping through her house with her guts torn open, spilling blood everywhere. Dinky almost passed out from horror.

Unbothered by Alula’s proclamation, Apple Bloom lowered down and sniffed the stain. “Come on guys, this ain’t blood, it’s booze!”

Dinky and Alula blinked. “Huh?”

“I know what blood smells like and this ain’t it!” Apple Bloom pointed towards a broken bottle nearby. “And there’s the bottle right there!”

The bottle had been leaking some dark liquid towards where Alula had been standing. There were more smashed bottles further along the corridor. Had Trixie used them as a weapon against the troll?

“Oh right.”Dinky blushed. She supposed growing up on a farm made her an expert on such things.

I need to calm down; else I scare myself to death before we even meet the troll.

“Ha! This might be useful!” Morning Glory produced a frying pan. Despite her size, she held the instrument with ease.

“Hey, I think we might use this as body armor!” Apple Bloom picked up a small pot, putting it over her head.

Alula rolled her eyes. “I suppose it’s better than nothing.”

The fillies quickly equipped themselves with whatever pot, pan, and kitchenware they could find. Dinky wore a strainer over her chest as armor. While she wasn’t sure it would provide her much protection, it made her feel better. They jumped as something below crashed.

“Ha! Take that ruffian!” It sounded like Pokey and it was coming from the basement.

“Nice going!” Trixie said. “We’ve got it! You aren’t going anywhere.”

The sound of wood being splintered echoed through the house. The troll had torn through whatever the adults had used to trap it.

Trixie sighed. “Or not, nevermind.”

“We have to hurry!” The pots and pans they used and armor clanged as they ran towards Trixie’s room. Dinky knew the layout of her house after many visits. She’d always enjoyed exploring the old house. It had belonged to an important duke once who had served as the last Night Court representative. The mare was lucky to own it.

Trixie’s room was messy, but it wasn’t because of a troll attack. The mare was naturally not very tidy. Trixie had random things scattered everywhere. Dinky meant random in the literal sense, too. She didn’t know why the mare owned several bags of rubber bands. Or a polo stick. Or a bicycle pump. Dinky couldn’t make sense of any of the items. Were they for magic tricks?

Dinky tore open Trixie’s closet, searching for their objective. Her pot hat fell over her eyes and she used a hoof to support it. She hooted in triumph as she found Trixie’s hat.

“Perfect!” Dinky said. “Now let’s get that letter written.” Alula had already found a quill and paper amongst Trixie’s random junk and presented it to Dinky.

Dear Princess Luna, this is Dinky! This might sound strange, but we need you to raise the sun over Ponyville early. A troll is attacking Ponyville, and sunlight might defeat it. Or, I don’t know, bring an army of something. Anyway, please help!

Your friend,

Dinky Doo.

P.S. No, this isn’t another one of Rainbow Dash’s pranks. We’re sorry about last time. It was wrong of Rainbow to trick you so she could sunbathe before work.

Dinky nodded her approval and folded the letter in half. With a dramatic flair, she threw the piece of paper into the hat. Moments passed, but nothing happened. She removed the letter and threw it back inside. Again, nothing happened.

“Is it broken?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Maybe it requires a few magic words?” Morning Glory suggested after a moment of consideration.

“That makes sense,” Dinky replied. It was a magic hat.

“Hocus Pocus!” Dinky threw in the letter, but nothing happened.

“Abracadabra! “

“Vanisheo!”

“Teleporteo!”

“Dang it, nothing’s working!” Dinky threw the hat onto the ground in frustration.

“I guess we’ll just have to ask Trixie?” Alula asked.

“Fine,” Dinky said, defeated. She’d hoped to avoid another encounter with the troll, but they had little choice. At least they had weapons and protection now.

Every step made Dinky wince as they ran towards Trixie’s basement. The clanging of their makeshift armaments was hurting her ears. When they arrived at the door leading towards downstairs, they found it torn off its hinges. It had ended up implanted into Trixie’s washing machine and water was leaking onto the carpet. They gulped as they approached the stairs and crept downstairs.

The scene that greeted them wasn’t what they had expected. The room was a disaster as expected, with books thrown around everywhere. Almost nothing remained of Trixie’s desk, shattered to pieces. What Dinky hadn’t expected was Trixie standing on the struggling troll holding a long string of torn-up curtains in her magic. Pokey grimaced as he forced the troll down using his magic, using a heavy piece of wood as a weight to hold it down onto the ground. The stallion was dressed like a zombie with green paint over his fur and face and a tattered suit.

“Just a little more. Stay still stupid thing!” The troll’s legs flailed, trying to stop Trixie’s attempt to restrain its hooves.

“Good, I can’t hold it forever.” Pokey’s voice strained with the effort. He blinked as he saw four heavily armed fillies coming down the stairs.

“Girls, you shouldn’t be down here! It’s too dangerous!” Pokey exclaimed, which caused a momentary lapse in his magical struggle.

The troll used this gap to break free of Pokey’s restraints and throw Trixie off. Dinky grimaced as Trixie smacked into a nearby bookshelf that cracked on impact.

Oh no, we’ve ruined everything! Had they just doomed all of Ponyville? Trixie had trouble rising back to her hooves and moved with obvious pain. It left her an easy target for the troll’s grinning fangs and the creature was moments away from pouncing on the helpless mare. Dinky stood on the stairs, frozen and unsure and helpless to do anything.

A battle cry erupted through the basement and the Brave and Mighty Apple Bloom rushed down the stairs, frying pan in her mouth. The cooking instrument smacked against the troll’s head but didn’t even cause the monster to flinch. It grunted in annoyance and gave the poor earth pony filly a back hoof strike that knocked her unconscious. The frying plan fell from the filly’s mouth and clattered against a piece of broken wood. The loud clang made the troll flinch.

“We’re doomed!” Dinky exclaimed. “I’ve killed us all!” Her good intentions had killed everypony, and she sank down, driving into complete despair. She didn’t bother hiding her tears. She deserved getting torn apart by a troll.

“Dear Luna, I’ve got it!” Alula exclaimed, and the Uniasus tore Dinky’s makeshift weapon from her hooves.

“You’ve got an idea?” Morning Glory asked.

“Huh?” Dinky said through blurry, tear-filled eyes and grimaced in pain as Alula slammed the two pieces of kitchenware together, creating a loud clanging noise.

Dinky wasn’t the only one affected by the loud noise and the troll grabbed its ears howling in pain. The Uniasus clanged them together harder and approached the troll, who retreated from the distasteful noise.

Huh? Oh, right! It has big ears, its hearing must be super sensitive! The Uniasus was so smart!

“Hurry, send the letter!” Alula shouted over the clanging.

“Right!” Dinky whipped her eyes of tears and ran towards Trixie, who finally rose back to her hooves.

“Letter, send!” Dinky pushed Trixie’s hat into the older mare’s hooves.

“Huh?” Trixie blinked in confusion before nodding in understanding. Her horn lit with a magical aura and she muttered some gibberish under her breath. The letter vanished from sight moments later.

“Hateful ponies!” The trolls sent an awkward swing towards Alula, but blocking its ears and attacking at the same time was awkward and the Uniasus dodged away.

“One problem,” Trixie said, observing the troll’s newly found weakness with keen eyes. She levitated Dinky’s pot helmet and Apple Bloom’s frying pan towards her. “Those letters go to Luna’s desk. It’s impossible to say if she’ll even notice it until morning. I really need to fix it so they go directly to her sometime.”

“Oh.” Dinky sank, disappointed and despondent.

“Nevermind,” Trixie replied, “we can make do. Pokey!”

“Already on it!” Pokey screamed at the top of his lungs while hammering a letter knife with a random piece of metal together, adding to the audio chaos. Morning Glory soon joined it and the troll really hated this new development, driven into crippling pain.

Instead of attacking, the troll decided these ponies weren’t worth it anymore and it fled from Trixie’s basement. After checking if Apple Bloom was okay, they gave chase driving the monster from the house.

“Let’s drive it into the Everfree!” Trixie shouted. “Let the timberwolves eat it or something.”

The three fillies nodded and clanged their pots and pans even louder. Thankfully, their racket had destroyed the troll’s will to fight, fleeing in search of more quiet prey. They chased after it, giving it no chance to attack anypony else.

“I hate you, you stupid ponies! Hate you!” The troll exclaimed.

“Um, what’s this racket about? Could you please stop, you’re scaring the birds? Um, if that’s okay with you, I mean.” A soft voice yelled over the clamor and Dinky’s eyes widened as the troll stalked forward toward the voice, right towards a frozen Fluttershy.

“Stop that noise now, or I’ll gobble this one up!” The troll said, and Fluttershy screamed in terror as the monster grabbed her around the throat. Seeing no other choice, they did as the troll demanded.

“You won’t get away with this!” Trixie growled.

“You lied to me, ponies!” The troll’s voice was low and dangerous. “Make you regret it! After gobbling this pony’s head off, I’m coming for the rest of you! Maybe not today, but soon enough!”

Fluttershy! No! The mare broke into terrified sobs, realizing an actual monster was about to kill her. They watched helplessly, knowing causing a racket wouldn’t save the animal-loving mare. The monster opened its fangs wide, ready to strike, only to freeze in terror as a red line formed in the horizon, expanding into yellow sunlight.

“Impossible!” The troll shrieked. “Daylight is hours away!” It forgot all about Fluttershy and dropped her, turning to flee towards the darkness of the Everfree Forest. Unfortunately for the monster, it couldn’t outrun light and the rays struck its body in moments. It screamed in fear as its body petrified and its face froze in terror as it solidified.

“Thank Luna!” Dinky sobbed in relief, never so happy to see the sun in her life.

“Thank Luna indeed. She must have gotten your letter.” Trixie walked over to the troll statue and pushed it over with a hoof. It crashed to the ground with a satisfying crunch.

Pokey jabbed at the statue with a hoof. “How did you know the sun would turn it to stone?”

“Thank Bon-Bon,” Dinky replied. “She told us about it.”

“Thank goodness that’s over with,” Trixie replied, “I’ll make sure this thing never bothers anypony again. I have some letters to write. Princess Luna can handle the rest. Pokey, guard this thing while I’m gone.”

“Why me?!” Pokey said, his voice high pitched and whiny.

“Because you’re a brave stallion,” Trixie said, smirking. “Come, we need to get you fillies back to your parents. You’ve had a scary ordeal.”

“Um, I guess I’ll just go back to my house if that’s okay with everypony?” Fluttershy said and Trixie waved a vague hoof indicating that was okay.

“Thank you everypony for saving me.” Fluttershy bowed before slamming her front door behind her.

“I’m never going outside on Nightmare Night again!” Fluttershy muttered under her breath.

As they trotted back towards town, Dinky slowed her steps, ears flatting. Despite her relief, she still felt horrible for almost getting everypony killed.

“What is it, squirt?” Trixie asked, noticing Dinky’s mood.

“I messed up,” Dinky replied, “I should have let you handle the troll.”

“Yes, you should have,” Trixie replied, “you’re only a filly. Scary things like that troll are too dangerous. Still, I’m proud of the four of you.”

“Really?” Alula replied. She also expected a scolding.

“I am.” Trixie nodded. “You did something super brave, and you saved my life. Just don’t do that again, please. The brave thing, not the saving my life thing,” she clarified.

Alula and Dinky nodded. Still, they both feared the reckoning once their parents learned about this. Morning Glory, however, only looked bored at Trixie’s speech. Was this only a game to her?

“Let’s hope Apple Bloom is up when…” Trixie’s words broke off when they entered Ponyville proper and found themselves face to face with a mob of angry-looking ponies. They held pitchforks and torches and everything. Bon-Bon was in front leading them.

“Where’s the troll?” Bons demanded. “It must be a monster of true evil if it can raise the sun!” Ponies nodded their agreement, wearing terrified and angry faces because the sun wasn’t in its proper place.

“We already dealt with it.” Trixie waved a vague hoof.

“What?” Bon-Bon blinked.

“Yep, it was no match for my awesomeness,” Trixie replied. The mob sagged disappointed. One pony threw their pitchfork on the ground in frustration.

“Why do you have an angry mob, Bon-Bon?” Dinky asked.

“Well, that’s what you do when monsters attack.” The candy-making mare replied.

“Bon-Bon!” A familiar cyan mare ran into the square and gave her marefriend a fierce hug. “Thank Luna you’re safe! When I heard you were fighting some monster, I got so worried!” She wore a fancy white dress, with frills so large a pony could almost trip over them.

“It’s nothing.” Bons rubbed the back of her neck, embarrassed. “Just doing my job as a Ponyvillian.”

“You’re so brave, Bon-Bon!” Lyra exclaimed with pride.

Trixie facehoofed. “Never mind about me, the one actually in danger.”

“Oh, I’m glad to see you safe too, Trixie,” Lyra said a bit bashful. While annoyed, Trixie didn’t reply.

“Sorry everypony, but it seems the crisis is over with,” Bons said towards the crowd.

While annoyed and frustrated, they dispersed as instructed. They gave the sun a nervous glance, worried it might be a bad omen. One pony even angrily shook their hoof at it.

What was that about? The sun just saved their lives! Ugh, whatever. Dinky was relieved the crisis was done with.

“There you guys are!” A voice said from above, and Dinky froze in terror.

“Trixie, are you behind the sun rising?” Ditzy Doo asked. “It’s kinda ruined Nightmare Night. I was walking through the haunted maze with Carrot Top when it suddenly turned day! Is everything okay? What happened?”

Trixie sighed, knowing more tedious explanations were to come. “Long story short, a troll attacked and I turned it to day so we could turn it to stone and capture it. Pokey’s standing guard right now.”

Ditzy blinked. “Really?”

“Yeah, momma. It’s right over there.” Dinky pointed in the troll’s direction. While she didn’t exactly like Trixie taking credit for her idea, it was the simplest explanation.

“Yes, and I think you should take these fillies home. They’ve had a long day.” Trixie said. “I’ll give you the details later.” Thank Luna Trixie hadn’t spilled the beans about what happened, but Dinky knew a reckoning would come soon enough.

“Yes, please! Home sounds great!” Dinky didn’t care if it was cutting her Nightmare Night short. She wanted to get to her bed and snuggle under her safe covers.

“Yes, thank Luna!” Alula said.

“Sure thing.” Ditzy sounded worried but nodded. She blinked when she caught sight of Morning Glory. “Sorry, I don’t think I’ve met you before. Are you visiting in town? Where are your parents staying?”

“Around.” Morning Glory waved a vague hoof. “Don’t worry about me. Can I follow while you go home?”

“Sure.” Dinky’s momma was still worried but seemed confident they’d find the filly’s family.

“When are you leaving Ponyville? Not soon I hope.” Dinky asked. She prayed, despite being super grounded, her momma would allow her to hang out with Morning Glory for a few hours until the filly left.

“Yeah, have you been to Sugarcube Corner?” Alula asked. “We deserve a cupcake after everything.”

Morning Glory opened her mouth and paused. She gave a nearby clock a nervous glance. “I’m not really sure. I might be stuck here forever.”

“What?” Dinky blinked.

“The sun, it’s ruined everything!” Morning Glory said in sudden realization. It didn’t help Dinky’s understanding of the situation whatsoever. “The balance relies completely on the solar bodies!”

“Nope, not understanding a single word,” Alula said.

“I’m stuck here!” Morning Glory paced. Somehow, dealing with a troll hadn’t rattled her, but this did. “Lowering the sun won’t fix this!”

“Um, talk to Princess Luna?” Dinky suggested. In the distance, she detected a black dot that looked like a skycart. No doubt the princess was coming in person to deal with the troll.

“That simple-minded fool wouldn’t understand.” Morning Glory snorted. “The queen is going to kill me!”

Morning Glory sure is getting uppity all of a sudden. And Queen?

“Is everything fine?” Ditzy asked, noting Morning Glory’s distress.

“No, it isn’t, pony.” Morning Glory replied. “Everything is ruined!”

Ditzy blinked. “Huh.”

“She’s upset, don’t mind her,” Dinky said, rushing to her new friend’s defense.

“Trapped in the mortal world for a year. Maybe even longer!” Morning Glory sagged. “I’m so doomed.”

“You’re not making any sense,” Alula lost her patience, “what are you talking about?”

Before Morning Glory could reply, a familiar filly walked up to them. “Hiya! Glad to see ya’ll are safe. Operation Sunshine worked!”

“Are you okay Bloom?” Dinky asked, rushing up to the farmer pony.

“Just a hit to the old noggin, no big deal.” Apple Bloom puffed her chest out in pride. “What’s wrong with Morning Glory? She ain’t looking too happy.”

“We aren’t really sure,” Dinky whispered.

“Why didn’t I listen to Forget-Me-Not? I’m such an idiot.” Morning Glory lamented. “They’ll never let me live this down!”

“Look, um, whatever’s happening, just know that if you need a place to stay until your parents get here, you’re always welcome at our house.” Dinky’s momma put a comforting hoof on the distressed filly.

“Really? That's really generous of you, pony!” Morning Glory replied, looking hopeful.

“Always,” Ditzy confirmed with a smile.

“You’re always welcome!” Dinky added.

“You have my eternal gratitude!” Morning Glory brightened, taken out of whatever funk she’d been in. “In repayment, I’ll make sure your daughter gets the best husband I can find! Your descendants will be numerous, prosperous, and happy!”

“… Right,” Ditzy replied, confused and lost for words.

Is she right in the head?

“Come ponies, I am sleepy and need rest.” Morning Glory said. “Lead the way!”

After another moment of confusion, Dinky’s momma shook her head. She decided it was only a filly being silly and nothing to worry about. She led them through town, leading towards Alula’s home first.

What's with Morning Glory? The filly regained her spirit and seemed happy again, enjoying the sights of Ponyville now that it was daylight. And the way she talked, it was just like the troll. Talking about herself like she was something else.

Like she isn’t really a pony or something. A pit of dread formed in her stomach when a thought occurred to her. During Nightmare Night, the supernatural crossed over into the real world. Like ponies, they wore costumes to disguise their true nature. What if one creature’s disguise wasn’t as obvious as the troll’s? Not every supernatural creature had fangs and claws. Dear Luna, had she just invited a monster to live inside her house?