Halloween Party 2020

Chapters

Chapter 1: Before the Night
Chapter 2: the Night Rises
Chapter 3: in the Mouth of the Cemetery
Chapter 4: One more bout
Chapter 5: Break of Dawn

Chapter 1: Before the Night

It was 2 weeks before Nightmare Night, and all of the ponies in the small town of Ponyville were getting ready for the annual celebration. It was always a staple in the local community for there to be some fun and games around the town. However, there was always the… unique event. Whenever the main six weren’t busy doing some kind of chaos, there tended to be some… unusual events. Last year there were reports of some kind of haunted hotel that gave out invitations. A few ponies went to investigate, but there was no sign of the building.

In spite of the concerns, the local ponies did their best to make this year better than the last, hosting the party outside the edge of town where they tend to set up concerts. There were promises of fun, games, and no haunted mansions.

Rarity was always busy at this time, trying to manage all of the costumes before Nightmare Night. It was busy, and sometimes draining, but it did set her up with plenty of bits for Hearths Warming, and then some.

As she was finishing a dress that to any normal pony would be a bloodied dress, she turned her head to the sound of the little bell on top of her door ringing.

“Welcome to Rarity’s Carousel Boutique, where everything is Shick and Magnifique.” She said in her ladylike voice before pausing to see a large half dragon in front of her. “Um… Do you need a costume… or do you need this one tailored?”

The large halfbreed chuckled a little at the misunderstanding. “Forgive my appearance, I would like to get a custom-made costume for Nightmare Night.” The Big half dragon asked her in his booming, yet calm voice.

“Umm.. y.. yes.” Rarity nervously said. “Let me take your measurements, if you don’t mind.” She told him. before pointing to her small platform which she usually used for measuring and modeling.

“Ok, thanks.” He said before going to where the white unicorn was pointing. “The name is Kirouac by the way.” He let her know, wanting to help her relax around him.

“I.. I see.” Rarity replied before getting out her measuring-tape. “Well, this will be one of my most unique designs so far. So.. what costume did you have in mind?” She asked the big “stallion”.

“Oh, just the greatest hero in the world, All-Might.!” Kirouac said in glee.

“Oh..” Ririty blushed. “I have heard of him.” She admitted as she thought about those comics that Spike has been talking about. This hero was a symbol of justice, like a lot of other comics. To her the one thing that made him stand out was the hero’s inability to hold his powerful form. Either way, it was simpler than other designs he could have asked for.. “I just need to measure you and I can easily make it for you.”

“Really!?” Kirouac asked. “Thanks!” He told her before wrapping his claws around her body

“It’s nothing, darling.” She said, blushing while finishing the last measurement around her waist. “I’ll have it done by next week.” She let him know.

“Ok, thanks again.” He asked before getting off of the stage, and walking out of the door, his back pony legs kicking up some dust. “I love how helpful and welcoming ponies are here. It makes me feel rather at home.”

“Oh? You are from out of town?” Rarity asked, trying to ignore how obvious that question was.

“You can say that.” Kirouac said with a small grin. “I heard about the incident last year, and thought that I may help ponies feel more comfortable this time around. After all, what can go wrong when a big hero shows up to help you?”

“Fair enough.” Rarity said as she admittedly saw how a big handsome hero could bring a mare to her knees. She had to make a mental note to later see about dating this “pony”. Well, if he was available.

As Rarity was thinking of that big strong blue half dragon, she didn’t notice that there was a familiar three-tailed fox walking in her shop.

Kohaku walked through the doors of the Carousel Boutique. thoughts of his favorite holiday Nightmare Night swam through his head. The one time of the year the barriers between the planes of the living and dead would fall apart at one special spot. Finding that spot was like a treasure hunt. And this year, like last, he received a letter with a hint as to where it was. All he needed now was a costume, and he had a special one in mind. the hero to his favorite manga.

Rarity had been kind enough to sew one together last year free of charge but he doubted she would do so two years in a row. Thankfully his new mom had given him some bits to pay for it. As he entered the showroom, he heard the standard greeting.

“Welcome to Rarity’s Carousel Boutique, where everything is sleek, shick and magnifique. How may I help you… OH Kohaku dear. How are you today?”

“Konichiwa miss Rarity,” Kohaku said with a smile. “I’m doing well. how are you?”

“Oh as well as can be, Business is just booming like usual. Sweetie Belle is upstairs your welcome to go up.”

“Thanks I’ll head up in a bit. but I wanted to ask if you would make my costume again this year for Nightmare Night. I can pay too” He smiled holding out a small bag of bits.

“You sweet boy, I would adore making your costume this year, but I’m so swamped with all the new requests.” Rarity walked over and placed her hoof on the boy’s shoulder. “I just don't have the time this year. I’m so sorry. I just received half a dozen orders this day alone.”

Looking defeated, Kohaku sighed deeply. “Okay. I understand.”

“I really am sorry darling, why don’t you go up and see Sweetie Belle, I’m sure she can cheer you up. She should be in her room, you just make sure that door stays open.” Rarity told him with a smirk. laughing a bit internally at seeing the boy blush a bit.

“Thanks miss Rarity.” Kohaku said and dashed upstairs.

Once in the living area he sniffed the air and caught the sweet scent of sugar cookies. A low deep purr escaped his lips as he faded his body till he was invisible. walking about till he came to a partially open door. Moving in, Kohaku found his target. The sweet smelling teenage girl who he loved deeply. Lowering his invisible body to the ground he stalked closer and closer to the bed. He was about to pounce when he heard her voice.

“Kohaku if you even think about pouncing, you can forget about making out with me for a week,” Sweetie Belle said without so much as lifting her head up. Her silver quill scribbled along a book as she wrote every day.

Shedding his illusion, Kohaku stood up on all fours. “How did you know?”

Sweetie Belle closed her book, she turned and smiled at her beloved fox. “Because I smell petrichor. And it hasn’t rained in days so only you could be producing it.” Sweetie Belle gave a little chuckle as she watched his face scrunch up while he grumbled. Patting the bed next to her she invited him up.

Kohaku wasted no time as he leaped up onto the bed and nuzzled close to his fillyfriend. his forelimbs wrapped around her barrel, holding her close. his forehead nuzzled up against hers. “Gomen, I had to try ya know.”

“Yes I know,” She said slightly rolling her eyes, Kohaku, her wild hunter.

“Sense I didn’t pounce you, think I could have my…” Kohaku was so swiftly interrupted by a set of sweet candy flavored lips up against his own. As well as a pair of soft forelegs around his shoulders. Closing his eyes he sank into her kiss, his tongue ever so lovingly pressed up against hers. two of his tails puffing up, he always got excited by her kisses.

“So I take it you’re here for Rarity to make you a costume? What are you going as this year? Another manga character no doubt.” Sweetie Belle asked, after breaking the kiss, saw those puffy tails and giggled. She loved him, but Sweetie Belle couldn't see the appeal of reading those books. It did warm her heart to know that Kohaku and Spike had found something to bond over given that they couldn’t stand each other.

“Yup, I was hoping to go as Naruto this year.” He said with a slightly sadder voice. “Only I might not, Rarity has so many orders she can’t sew my costume this year.”

“Well she does get busy this time of year.” Sweetie Belle gave a soft pout seeing that slightly defeated face of his. She hated to see his deep liquid amber eyes shaded over. “How about I sew it together, Rarity’s been giving me lessons on the weekend so I can help her when she gets swamped. I can certainly follow a pattern and work a sewing machine.”

“Really? You’d do that for me?” Kohaku’s face lit up as he smiled ear to ear.

With a swift kiss to his nose and a roll of her eyes, Sweetie Belle just chuckled and shook her head. “Of course, you’re my special some-creature afterall. let's go downstairs and we’ll get your costume. and please don't stare at my flank this time.”

Sweetie Belle pushed herself away and trotted over to the door, her tail swishing back and forth.

“I can’t make that promise.” Kohaku smirked as he leaped off the bed and followed his girl downstairs. his eyes focused on that shapely flank of hers.

Pearl looked around the shop nervously. It was her first time here, and even though she had heard nothing but good things about Carousel Boutique, it was still a tad overwhelming to be in one of the most famous shops in Ponyville.

Rarity smiled, doing her best to put the filly at ease. She might not have known her as well as some, but she still rather liked the filly. If nothing else, Pearl was much more controlled and easy going than many her age were. “Hello Pearl. Are you here for help with your costume?”

Pearl nodded, looking worried for a moment. “Am I too late?”

Rarity shook her head, her own smile growing. “Of course not, darling. And seeing as this is your first Nightmare Night since moving to Ponyville, I am more than happy to help. Do you have something in mind?”

Pearl nodded, quickly pulling a sheet of paper out of her saddlebags before letting Rarity take it with her own magic. “I’m not an artist. But I think I got it.”

Rarity didn’t respond for a moment, taken aback by what the drawing was of. She knew of course that Pearl had a fascination with and love of dragons. But she hadn’t expected it to go this far. “I must say that considering how few have ever actually seen her, this is a rather good attempt at Tiamat.”

Pearl’s smile grew a bit as she blushed. “Is it too much? I asked Spike and even Princess Twilight. They said you would know better than they would.”

Rarity hummed thoughtfully as she looked at the drawing more closely. “Well, I would not say it’s impossible. Depending on how complex others ask for, this might be my most challenging costume this year. But I have always been one for a challenge. This shall be no different.”

Pearl giggled. That was a weight off of her shoulders. “I know this might be asking for too much. But can I help? I don’t know why. I just want to. It wouldn’t feel right.”

Rarity blinked in surprise, but her smile returned quickly. “Of course, darling. Let it never be said that Rarity Belle never turned down the chance to let a young one learn a thing or two of the craft. I can’t say when I will be able to start. But you most certainly can help when I do come to it.”

“Thank you. I…” Before Pearl could finish her sentence, she heard a door open up behind her as a young grey mare with large shades walked into the room. Rarity visibly cringed at the sight of her messy dark yellow mane and tail, but clearly recognized her.

“Hi Rarity. Is it ready?” The little filly said as she walked in, using her walking stick to find her way to the counter.

“Of course, and I made sure that there were no eye holes as you wished.” Rarity said as she handed a bag to the child.

The kid smiled brightly as she felt inside the bag and pulled out a mask that had devil horns on it, along with two Ds. She felt it a moment before holding it towards Pearl. “How does it look?” She asked her fellow filly.

“Oh… it looks lovely..” Pearl said with a nervous smile.

“Thanks.” She said happily as she started walking towards the door. “I would recommend that you put your mane in a bun on Nightmare Night. It would get in the way of that costume you talked to Rarity about. Also, the charcoal and mint shampoo tends to lead to frizzy hair from what I’ve heard. I’d ask Rarity on recommended brands for you to switch to.”

Pearl watched her go, trying to make sense of all that. “Well that was weird.”

Rarity gave a soft sigh as she turned to Pearl. “That’s Mind Sight. She is a blind filly who somehow keeps ponies guessing if she is blind. Twilight tells me that it’s because of her trained hearing and senses. If you ask her how she knows, she will make it sound obvious.”

Pearl rolled her eyes. “Twilight was right. Everypony in this town is crazy!”

“I held that opinion for a long time, but I learned something that helped me deal with it.” Rarity said as she got out her checklist. “Insanity is relative.”

Pearl looked at her mane. She rather liked the style. It had taken her a long time to get it like this. “Do I need to find a new shampoo? I actually like how my mane is.”

“Mind is a very to the fact pony. She always says that it involves how she learned to adapt to her blindness. Twilight says that she takes everything as a challenge, especially when she meets new ponies. Maybe she was just getting some insight on you?” Rarity suggested. “She likes doing these, and I am quoting her on this, parlor tricks.”

Pearl gave her a look. “What the hay is that supposed to mean?”

“Telling when you change manestyle, what type of soap you use, what you eat, all kinds of stuff that makes some ponies ask how blind she is.” Rarity explained before petting her shoulder. “But don’t worry about it. Let’s focus on that costume.”

Pearl nodded, more than happy to change the subject. Though she was impressed that anypony, blind or not, could be that insightful, Especially about somepony she had just met.

“NO NO NO NO NO!!!” Light screamed out as he was boxing up some toys that he was giving to some of the ponies who were running some games in town. “I am not going to any more of those parties!!!” Light said firmly as he stamped his hoof on the ground. “And that is that!”

FlashTruth frowned as he was trying to reason with his best friend. “Come on. Nightmare Night is a fun time.”

“We were in a haunted mansion! I ran for my life! Rarity bit my head off for tearing that suit! I’m tired of having the stuffing scared out of me! Tonight, I’ll take a page out of Fluttershy's book. I am going to stay home, read a book, and go to bed early!” Light said as he finished stacking the boxes by the door. “And you can do nothing to convince me otherwise.”

“I’ll be with you all the time.” Flash instead. “With The Most Versatile Magic User Of All Time.” He said in a booming voice. “The Prince of Toy-Land has nothing to fear while his Merlin is next to you.” He said before petting Light’s back.

“Like last year?” Light asked, not looking comforted by this.

“That was different.” Flash inisted. “I had to take care of my two daughters first.” He explained. “But this year they are staying with the C.M.C., so you’ll have me all for yourself.” He said before hugging his friend.

“Look, you are my best friend and all, but we have a bad history with parties on this day.” Light warned him with a small shudder.

“So..?” Flash asked. “You have a bad history with magic.” He pointed out. “Does that mean you should stop ever trying to get better, and not have fun with the wanders that this can bring you?”

“So what’s keeping this invite to a party from becoming another horror story?” Light asked as he crossed his hooves.

“It’s in Ponyville Park.” Flash said. “You know, a place you have been before.” He pointed out. “It will be a big public party that will have plenty of kids and people you know. Come on. You’ll love it.”

Light bit his lip as he tried to decide if he should really take this risk. “I don’t know…”

Flash leaned to Light’s ear and whispered softly. “I’ll let you pick what we go as.” Flash offered as he knew that Light liked to choose something that is comfortable with.

Light gave a long sigh as he finally relented. “Fine, but no haunted mazes or haunted houses, and if things go south, I’m outta there.” Light said firmly.

Flash nodded before lowering his head. “and I’ll leave with you..” He promised.

Light took a deep breath as he tried to think of how to keep this fun instead of fearful. “Okay, how about we go as Shaggy and Scooby Doo? It’ll be a fun costume design and something that the kids might like.”

“ohr key Shaggy!” Flash said, trying to do his best Scooby Doo voice. “Hiii hiii hiiii…”

Light looked a little embarrassed as he raised a hoof. “Actually, may I be Scooby? I already have a tail prop that I have been working on for… a play I was writing.”

“Zoinks, Light Heartdoo, it’s like.. totally ok with me, body.” Flash said acting like he was a hippy like Shaggy.

“The accent needs a little work, but now I feel like this is going to be fun.” Light said with a light chuckle as he playfully shoved Flash. “Come on. Let’s see if I can pull together a costume for us before the week is out.”

“Ok, but first, I’m very hungry for a Super Shaggy Sandwich.” Flash said. “I just need ketchup, mustard, cheese, lettuce, marshmallow and fudge” He told Light. “As for you, maybe we should stop and see Flutter for some Scooby Snacks.”

Light grinned as he followed Flash into the kitchen. “Thanks, but I may eat your sandwich for an appetizer. After all, we can’t have you putting on too much weight.”

“If you do that, you’ll sleep in the doghouse, Light Heartdoo!” Flash said before looking at himself. He was skinny enough to play Shaggy, just as long no pony tried to lift his Crystal body up.

“Ront Ret on it Raggy.” Light said with a Scooby accent before the two boys laughed, ready to try to have a good time on a Nightmare Night for once.

“What do you mean, take the night off on Nightmare Night?!?” Book Knight asked angrily as he was staring down the mare who took a firm stance against his more physical approach on crime, Twilight Sparkle. “This night is the time when criminals come out and take advantage of the exposed and ignorant. I need to be out there protecting the people!”

“Book, last year you attacked three clowns.” Twilight told him. “You kept claiming that they were connected to Jester, your little arch nemesis.” Twilight scolded him as she was drinking a cup of tea.

“They were panting devices around the town, and because of that, we still have no leads on the haunted hotel incident! I’ll admit that I messed up there, but who will be there when this haunted building comes back? Who will keep the public safe?” Book asked as he leaned over the table that Twilight had set up in the library.

“That’s why I called an old friend of the princesses to be here tonight.” Twilight said with a smirk.

Book raised an eyebrow at this, not liking the sound of this. “What? Some half beat guard who has never been in a fight in their lives?”

Twilight looked at Book. “He could easily take you down.” She told him with a smirk.

Book grinned back as he leaned closer to her. “Compared to me, I bet he couldn’t whip cream.” Book said with a cold tone in his voice. “Show me this cupcake that you brought to a real man’s war.”

“Oh, K.!” Twilight called out.

Book waited impatiently, starting to crack his knuckles, reddy to take this smuck down. The both started to hear some booming steps as a Large Blue, monster like pony walked to Book, towering over him. Book’s horn barely reached the chin of the “pony” that Twilight asked to be there for Nightmare night.

“Where did you get him, the circus?” Book asked as he stared at this large halfbreed.

“Hello.” The blue large thing greated. “I’m Kirouac.”

“You are the one Twilight called to spite me?” Book asked as he stared at the large beast.

“Yes.” Kirouac was before flecking his large dragon arm, showing off his muscles.

“You do know that I am under the direct authority of Luna, and Twilight can’t order me to take a night off, right?” Book asked, wondering if this thing was all muscle and no brains.

“yes.” Kirouac said. “But by cord 3, section B5, paragraph 4 , any Princess can veto any ruling made by the current ruler of Equestria, in the Town or City that they may have taken reserdent in, if they deem the situation necessary.” He said with a smirk.

“Except paragraph 5 states that matters of security and military must have a majority ruling amongst the princesses or the specified unit’s superior officer/s. To put it simply, I am under Luna’s orders, and I am much too effective for Celestia to put me aside. Now If Twilight wants to go soft and have thugs run ramped, she and her friends can go on a holiday, but I am not leaving my post just because she picked some giant thug to try and drag me out. So do me a favor, and go back to where you came from. You don’t know half of what I do for a living.” Book explained coldly as he stared at the giant pony.

“Well, I can overrule them.” Twilight said with a proud grin. “You forget that my babysitter is princess Cadence.”

“That’s a tie. You need a majority, and there are only four princesses.” Book reminded the purple alicorn. “And just because my little brother has wings and a horn, doesn’t mean that he’s royalty. So, you don’t have the votes.” Book said smugly as he crossed his hooves.

“We can either have him, or Flurry!” Twilight pointed out as she finished her tea, almost smugly.

Book’s eyes widened as he realized what Twilight was doing. “She doesn’t know whether she wants to be a princess or a dinosaur yet. You can’t count those two and just say that you win. Did you even tell Luna and Celestia about your hair brained scheme or Mr Blown Out Muscles over here?” Book asked as he pointed at Kirouac.

“Yes.” Twilight said.

“And..?” Book asked

“We are having a new debate about your position.” Twilight pointed out.

Book scowled at the princess as his eyes started to glow green. “This is all about my night shift job, isn’t it? What are you planning to do with me now? Try to expose me again? Discharge me? Maybe toss me in a cell with your other failures?” Book asked her as he almost felt tempted to go violent.

“I’m just trying to keep the peace and have the town come together.” Twilight replied.

“And wait for the next Chrysalis and Tirek to come along? To let mob bosses rule free? You don’t want to admit that you need ponies like me in order to keep your peaceful little world turning!” Book barked as he slammed his hoof on her desk.

“We can solve this bad comeback.” Kirouac suggested.

“You’re not even relevant. If you faced half of the things I did, you’d be crying for your mother.” Book mocked the larger pony. “Twilight would be running for her mentor.”

Kirouac looked over his big size, claws, wings and Celestia size horn on his head. “A), my mom has passed away from old age, so please don’t say anything bad about her, and B) I live in the between the everfree forest and Dragons lands.” He pointed out.

“Well, I apologise for the mother quip, but I can see the Everfree part. All go and no show. You rely on muscles, but you have no brains.” Book said before turning to Twilight. “I will be taking my complaints over your head, but just barely so you can feel it.” He said sternly before turning to Kirouac. “Now step aside. That’s an order from a Lieutenant.”

“Book.” Twilight said in exasperation. “I’m only doing this to help you.”

“Forget it. You want your perfect world without the work being put into it.” Book said as he tried to brush past Kirouac.

“Boy, I don’t think we need to shake our groove things in front of a lady, do you?” Kirouac asked as he clenched a claw right in front of him.

“If your waist is a groove thing, Galloping Gulch is a ditch.” Book said as he placed a hoof on Kirouac’s chest. “Now move, Ovur Compunsat.”

“Mister Book, I’m starting to feel like you are being disrespectful.” Kirouc told him while blocking his way.

“Now you are learning, now move!” Book said as he tried to push past him.

Kirouac shoved Book back as he pointed to Twilight. “I suggest you apologise.”

“No.” Book said. “And I don’t need a hired freak to tell me what to do.” He finished with a punch to Kirouac’s chest.

When Books hoof made contact with Kirouac’s chest, he didn’t move, he doesn’t seem to be phased by this. Book stared in shock before trying to hit the joint of his knees, but to no avail.

“Mister Book, please stop before you hurt yourself.” Kirouac said in an exasperated voice. “My dragon skin is too strong for you to do any damage.”

“You’re big… but I fought bigger.” Book said as he tried to hit Kirouac’s head to no avail. “I swear that no dragon is that tough.”

“I’m a dragon with a unicorn horn, so…” Kirouac pointed out before Book jumped up and kicked his horn, actually making his head hurt as he realized that he pointed out his one weak spot.

“I can do this all day big boy.” Book said angrily as he tried once more to hit Kirouac.

Kirouac just slapped Book away, making him fly into a wall. Book grunted as he bounced off of the bookshelf and landed on the floor with a thud. “Take a break on that night, Book.” Kirouac said firmly as he brushed himself off. “I can fight and deal with everything.”

Book was breathing heavily as he rubbed his chin, feeling infuriated and betrayed as he turned to Twilight. “You want me gone? Fine! I’m letting Luna know about this, so let him know about the list of things he has to do for these two whole weeks, just so you understand what it means to be the one man security force for the town..” Book said as he got on his hooves, looking slightly disoriented. “But if you tell him my secret, then I doubt that Flurry is going to bail you out of the mess you are making.” Book said as his horn gave a dark glow before he walked into the shadows of the bookshelves.

Kirouac was shocked to see no trace of Book as soon as he walked into the shadows. He turned to Twilight as he took a deep breath to keep calm. “So, are you actually discharging him?”

“No.. but I want him to take a break for at least a night. Him blowing up and saying two weeks was a good thing.” Twilight explained.

“And what’s with the stuff he insists on being secret? Is there something I don’t know?” Kirouac asked as he sat down next to her.

“That.. you would have to be a princess, or at the least an Alicorn.” Twilight told him with a smirk.

“I am afraid of what that pony will do. He seems to be a pessimist.” Kirouac pointed out.

“Don’t worry about that.” Twilight insisted. “All you just have to do is scare off any misdeeds.”

“That’s it? I’d think having two weeks of a lieutenant’s job would be tougher than that.” Kirouac said, looking confused about how simple she made that sound.

“It’s a small town, and you’re..” Twilight looked Kirouac over. “You’re a big guy!” She pointed out.

“I’m not a formal guard. Are you sure that I don’t need to do any paperwork?” Kirouac asked nervously.

“I don’t mind having to do that part.” Twilight insisted.

“Yeah, but it sounds like there is more to it than I’m hearing.” Kirouac said as he stretched out his arms. “Oh well, let’s get started.”

“Ok, follow me” Twilight insisted.

Kirouac nodded as they went off to try to do Book’s job.

Chapter 2: the Night Rises

As The School bell rang, telling all of the little Fillies and Colts, that class was over and their Nightmare Night had begun. Miss Cheerilee closed her planner and looked out about her class.

“Well that’s the day. and sense it’s Nightmare Night, I have a treat for you.” Miss Cheerilee smiled. “No Homework or test this week.”

Kohaku cheered and whooped about along with his other classmates. He hated going to school, he never understood why his mama would make him go. He would have been glad to have been homeschooled like he was with his old family. But the advantage was that he got to spend more time with his girlfriend. He just had to keep his eyes on the teacher rather than her.

“Okay my little ponies, you all have a great time tonight. and please be safe,” Miss Cheerilee said in her pleasant voice. “And Kohaku, please use the door. No wait!!”

Kohaku just smirked and leaped out the window, grabbing the flag pole and swinging himself over to the jungle gym.

“That boy is going to give me a heart attack one day.” Cheerilee moaned, rubbing her hooves on either side of her temples.

Pearl only sighed in exasperation as she watched Kohaku jump out the window. “Boys,” she grumbled as she and the rest of the class left the normal way. She was as excited for Nightmare Night as any filly or colt her age would be of course.

Come to think of it, she might’ve been even more excited than normal. This would be her first holiday since moving to Ponyville a few months earlier.

And not only that, as she zoomed home to drop off her things before making a beeline for Carousel Boutique, she even had an invitation to a special party being held for a select few outside the small town.

How often did you get one of those? Not very, and with mom and dad out for the evening, Pearl could take all the time she wanted at the party. The thought made her giggle as flew toward the Boutique

Outside Kohaku hung upside down from the top bar of the jungle gym by his three tails. swinging back and forth as he watched the others dash out readying for a day of trick or treating.

“Hey Kohaku, you want to join us this year?” Rumble asked as his friends came up to the fox. Like them, Kohaku always was a bit of a troublemaker. “Or are you joining the CMC’s on their candy run.”

“Actually I have an invite to a special party.” Kohaku flipped himself about and with a backward somersault landed in front of the little gang. Kohaku didn’t mind them, he just didn’t care for their kind of pranking.

“Oh like that so-called Haunted Hotel you went to last year?” Rumble smirked. “Funny how nobody could ever find it again.”

“Oh it was there. And it was a blast. But no, this year it's in a graveyard.” Kohaku grinned wide. “And unlike you, my adventures don’t involve being dragged home to my big brother by the town guards. You could at least be a little more inventive with your pranks. I mean egging houses that don’t give you enough candy. oh please. I’ve seen more imagination in Miss Cheerilee’s end of week tests.” With a snap of his paw fingers a bright green flare of foxfire erupted in front of Rumble’s eyes.

“Now if you excuse me, I have to see my girl and pick up my costume. How's your girl… Oh right, you don’t have one. laters.” Kohaku said laughing

Walking about through the town he watched everypony getting themselves ready for the night. New games being set up all over. He watched as his ‘neechan Applejack set up the apple bob and apple toss games. Judging the size of it he thought she expected a large turnout. Giving her a wave, he zipped about toward the Carousel. A smirk crossed his lips as he saw a familiar red headed pegasus land in front of his destination.

“Hey Pearl!” Kohaku shouted out as he walked forward. “Wouldn’t have guessed to see you here. Most ponies have their costume already.”

“Yeah well mine’s taking a little longer,” Pearl said rather stiffly, quirking her eyes at the boy. “So what brings you here.”

“Oh don’t be that way. I’m not going to cause trouble or anything.” Kohaku reared back a little and held up his two front paws peacefully. “I’m just here picking up my costume. Sweetie Belle said it would be ready today. And i’m kinda invited to dinner too.” a light chuckle escaped his lips as he sat down and put his two front paws on the ground in front of him. “This will be your first holiday since moving here. Am I right?”

Kohaku smiled as Pearl simply nodded. “Well you're in for a treat, Ponyville has the best holidays in all of Equestria. I still remember my first holiday here, Hearth’s Warming. I hope you enjoy it, as for myself. after I’m suited up and fully fed, I’ll be off to a special holiday party.”

With a swift snap of his fingers, a small flicker of emerald foxfire erupted upward producing an identical invite that pearl had on her. “I got one of these last year. it was wild, a full Haunted Hotel. This year it’s at a graveyard. I wonder if I’ll see some zombies.”

“Wait? You got one of those too!” Pearl leaped up and ran up and snatched it from his paw. Great, I was hoping to get away from his antics tonight. Pearl thought as she observed Kohaku chuckle as he sat down on the ground. Examining it over it was indeed Identical to hers. The only difference was that his had a series of puzzles on it. “what’s the deal with all the puzzles on this thing. Mine just has a map.”

“Not sure, my last year's invite had the same thing.” Kohaku said, taking it back and putting it into his vest pocket. “I don’t mind, I enjoy puzzles and other such things.”

Pearl nodded slowly. She had often seen him working on puzzles during recess at school. It was the one time he wasn’t overly annoying others with his antics. “Do you think others from our school get these?”

“Nope, I doubt they would. I’m not sure what makes us so special.” Stretching out like a cat he scratched a bit at his neck with his front left paw.

“You said you were getting your costume, what are you going as?” Pearl watched him a bit. seeing those black claws for a brief moment made the fur on the back of her neck stand up. “What does Sweetie Belle see in you?” she said under her breath. She thought the pair was as odd as you could get. A poor wild child with a girl from a rich family

“Well, just to name a few things.” Kohaku smirked as he looked at Pearl. a chuckle crossed his lips as her eyes widened. “I have large, soft and dexterous paws that are perfect for massages. Three very long and plush tails and a soft furred body that can keep her warmer then any down comforter. not to mention a very skilled tongue just ment for…” he would have continued but pearls hoof pushed against his mouth.

“Oh for the love of Celestia stop. I didn’t need to know all that!” Pearl cried out while shivering from the thought. “How did you hear me anyway.”

Pushing away her hoof he grinned “Fox ears,” said as he wiggled his ears back and forth. “And I was just going to say Kissing.”

Groaning, she moved toward the boutique. “I know… let just get our costumes and get going.”

“Alright. lead the way my dear.” Kohaku just made a small bow and jestrued to the door. “Mama always said it’s polight for the lady to go first. Come to think of it, Sweetie Belle always says the same thing.”

As much as Pearl wanted to see her costume in all its glory, she was also polite enough to knock first.

“Come in.” The lovely voice of Rarity replied. Pearl was quick to push the door open and rush inside with Kohaku slowly following behind her. In her excitement though, she made sure to wipe her hooves first.

As he walked in, Kohaku’s paws ignited in thick emerald flames which vanished as they touched the showroom floors. He knew what a stickler Rarity was for cleanliness and wasn’t about to get on her bad side by leaving so much as a speck of dust on his paws.

Rarity smiled as she watched the pair. “Thank you, darling. I just wish another Pegasus,” Rainbow Dash, she grumbled just loud enough that Pearl heard her. “Or a certain apple farmer I know, was nice enough to do that.”

Pearl couldn’t help but roll her eyes. She might not have known Rainbow as well as Scootaloo did. But some of her habits were rather well known around Ponyville. She often wondered if Kohaku took lessons from Rainbow Dash on how to be so annoying.

Rarity turned her head and looked at Kohaku who was sitting by the door with a smile on his face. She never could tell what was behind those liquid amber eyes but she did know what her sister saw in him. “Sweetie Belle isn’t here just yet Kohaku, But your costume is upstairs in her room.”

Faster than he could move Rarity blocked his path and looked down at him. “You’ll see it later, she wants you to model it for her.” A raise of her hoof quickly silenced the boy before he spoke. “And yes I did check it over, it’s not quite my quality, but passable I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Now go upstairs and wash up, dinner is in an hour. Sweetie Belle made something special for you.”

“What?” Rarity couldn’t help but suppress a giggle at watching Kohaku cringe a bit. “Sweetie Belle made something for me? Sweetie Belle, a kitchen and food prep… no good can come from that.”

“Don’t worry, I was guiding her every step of the way. She didn’t want to mess it up.” Rarity placed a hoof on the boy’s shoulders as he let out a sigh of relief. “I’m perfectly sure it’s edible, although neither of us will dare try it. She said it’s your favorite snack.”

Gasping loudly, Kohaku’s eyes went wide while licking his lips. “She made me honey roasted crickets?! OH wow I can’t wait to dig into them.” Before Rarity could answer, Kohaku had leaped upward and bounced off the mare’s back with all the skill of a feline and the lightness of a feather before heading upstairs.

“So?” Pearl asked, almost hopping in place once Rarity had finished with Kohaku.

Rarity rolled her eyes as she went to get the costume. “Yes, Pearl, it’s ready. I admit that, for all I know of this, I probably wouldn’t have gotten this far without your help.”

Pearl blushed at the praise. She was no expert on any of this, not by a long shot. But she liked to think she knew something.

While Rarity had done most of the work on the costume, Pearl had been more than happy to help when and where she could. She had been able to spot several mistakes that Rarity, by herself, might have missed.

Far from being upset, Rarity had been more than happy to take the pointers and criticism. “Nopony ever went far in this business without taking some,” is how the unicorn had explained at one point.

Rarity returned a moment later, cradling Pearl’s costume in her magic. “I must admit, Pearl. I asked Princess Celestia and Princess Luna for their input as well.”

Pearl was confused. “I mean, I don’t have anything against them, but why?”

Rarity shook her head. “To be fair, they are two of the few ponies who have actually met Tiamat face to face. Or face to faces, as it were. They were actually really impressed with how accurate you had her pictured. Down to things that even they hadn’t noticed before.”

Pearl puffed out her chest in pride at that. That made her feel ten feet tall. Her excitement rose even more as she watched Rarity unfurl her costume with her magic. It looked even better than she had hoped.

Rarity smiled as she saw the filly’s wide eye look. “Now if you don’t mind, Pearl. We can do your final fitting. I know we just did this a few days ago. But it never hurts to do it again just to be sure. And this will be your first time fully wearing it. Now we’ll know if anything needs to be adjusted.”

Pearl still found it all a bit odd, but did as she was told, as rarity unfolded the costume so Pearl could slip into it.

Carefully, so as not to rip or tear anything, Pearl slipped her hooves into the costume’s feet, First the front, and then the back. Pulling her wings close, Pearl relaxed as much as possible as Rarity closed the opening behind her, sealing her into her costume.

With a little effort, Pearl worked her head up into the neck of the red head, and with a little help, she was able to push her face out of the hole designed for it. Wiggling, she was able to unfurl her wings, the appendages slipping comfortable into the customer's own wings.

Turning around trying to get a good look at herself, Pearl almost tripped over her own tail. How dragons did this, she’d never know. The other heads of the costume bounced around as she did a full circle.

Rarity’s smile grew as she watched. “So? How does it feel? Not too tight or anything?”

Pearl shook her head as she spread her wings. “It feels great. Almost like a second skin.”

Rarity nodded as she took a much closer look at the costume. Everything seemed to be in order. And maybe it was just a trick of the light, but the costume almost looked alive now that Pearl was wearing it.

Rarity smiled as she stepped away. “If you’re happy with it, Pearl. Then I am more than happy to officially give it to you.” Her brows rose as a thought occurred to her. “What do you plan to do tonight? I hear that there’s something special going on that only a few select are going to?”

Pearl nodded. “Yeah. I got an invite to that. No idea why I would though. Mom and dad are out for the night, so I’m on my own. So I’m planning to get as much candy as I can, and then go to whatever this special thing is.” Her smile grew even wider as something came to mind. “I really wanna show this to Princess Twilight and Spike, I hope they like it.”

Rarity chuckled as she helped Pearl out of the costume before leading the filly toward the door.

“Hey Pearl, it looked good on you.” Kohaku said from the stairway, tossing a paw full of crickets into his mouth. “See you at the party.”

Pearl smiled as she looked back at Kohaku, trying not to look sick at what he was eating. “Thanks. I’ll see you there,” and was gone.

Maybe it was just too much work recently. But Rarity swore that Pearl’s costume was glaring at her as she disappeared.

Moving next to Rarity he looked up at her worried face. “you saw it too huh? it sent shivers down my spine.” Before he could hear Rarity reply Kohaku turned around and walked back upstairs, his fear and dislike of dragons was very well known throughout ponyville.

Twilight was looking over the balcony of her castle. It was Nightmare Night once again, one of her favorite holidays, and Princess Celestia had traded over to Princess Luna for the night a little while earlier.

From this high up, Twilight could already see some foals out and about, hoping to get the best pick of the candy. A gift the princess was more than happy to hand out.

And was it too much to ask for that nothing strange or bad happened tonight? As much as she might roll her eyes and try to put up with him, Twilight also knew that Book Knight had a point about what could go wrong tonight.

Not that she would ever tell him that of course. She would never hear the end of it. Twilight also trusted Kirouac to keep him out of too much trouble.

But if the alicorn was being really honest with herself, there was one pony she really wanted to see tonight and her costume.

While she wouldn’t call herself and Pearl the best of friends, the two were friends for sure. The filly’s love of reading was a match for Twilight’s own, and with how much Pearl loved dragons, she and Spike got along great.

It had been Spike who had really been the catalyst for the filly’s costume choice. As he had said to the two of them, all dragons instinctively knew that face.

“I was raised by ponies. But I’d know the Mother of All Dragons blindfolded. It’s in my blood. I couldn’t resist it even if I wanted to,” is how he’d said it to them.

It was also Spike that had really been the one to convince Pearl that Rarity would be ideal to help make the costume. He was right, as it turned out.

Rarity had already said the costume was perfect and fit Pearl to a T. But there had been something else too. Something that had Twilight worried.

“I swore that the costume’s heads were glaring at me as she left this afternoon,” Rarity had said.

Twilight had shaken her head. “You’ve been working on all of them for a while. Maybe you were just seeing things? Or maybe it was a lack of sleep?”

Rarity had shaken her head. “Twilight. Kohaku said he saw the same thing. One is dumb luck or I’m seeing things. Two is not either of those.”

Twilight could not argue that. Maybe it was nothing. But something told her that it wouldn’t be that easy. It never was, especially if Kohaku had seen the same thing. She knew his fear and dislike of all dragons better than anypony. He would never joke about something like that.

Shaking her head, Twilight pushed the thought aside. She would look into it later, but right now, it was time to stop staying up here and go down and enjoy the fun.

And even as she turned away from the balcony’s edge, she spotted a rather distinctive costumed pony make her way to the castle’s front door. Perfect timing, she thought with a giggle, as she teleported down to the front lobby to greet the filly.

“Hello, my faithful student.” Twilight said with a giggle. One that Pearl was happy to share.

The filly still wasn’t sure how it had happened. Friendship wasn’t a problem for her, and Pegasus magic was something that Pearl knew by instinct. While she may not have been Twilight’s student in the same sense as Starlight Glimmer, Pearl was more than happy to be one.

Pearl still didn’t know what she would do with her life (heck, she didn’t even have her cutie mark yet), but Twilight was more than happy to help teach her and help her learn as much as she wanted to. Their shared love of reading more than helped.

Pearl did a quick circle. “So? how do I look?”

Twilight chuckled. “It looks wonderful, Pearl. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say I was talking with the real deal.”

Pearl’s eyes iit up as she grinned, before looking around. “Where’s Spike? I wanted to show him too.”

Twilight shook her head. “He’s around town somewhere, helping Starlight. This is her first Nightmare Night in Ponyville after all.”

Pearl poked the ground with a hoof. “Darn. Maybe I’ll see him before I head for that party I got the invite to.”

Twilight frowned slightly. “Pearl, listen. I won’t stop you from going to it. But promise me you’ll be safe?”

Pearl rolled her eyes. “Twilight.”

The princess shook her head as she placed a hoof on the filly’s shoulder. “No buts, Pearl. I promised your parents I would look out for you when I made you my student. Even if I can’t go like you, I don’t want to have to tell them something happened to you.”

The two locked eyes for a moment, before Pearl sighed. For all she grumbled, she trusted Twilight to know what she was talking about, and she trusted her to not let anything happen to her. “Fine. I promise I won’t do anything dumb or dangerous.”

Twilight pulled her into a hug, which was rather hard with Pearl’s costume. “That’s all I ask for. And I expect lots of candy too,” she giggled before shooing her on. “Now go on! Don’t spend all night with little old me. Go have fun, and I’ll see you later.”

Pearl giggled as she rejoined the festivities. “You don’t have to tell me twice,’ she shouted back before she was lost in the crowd.

Twilight rubbed her eyes, trying to hold onto what she had seen But that couldn’t be right. One of the costume’s heads had turned around and looked directly at her before Peal was out of sight.

Kohaku had spent the remainder of the daylight hours at the Carousel Boutique with his girlfriend. Fitting himself and modeling his costume for her. He even enjoyed a dinner prepared by Rarity, but once the sun had fully set, Kohaku felt himself grow more alive then he ever had and left for the party.

The full moon was like a mother to him, it’s brilliant silver made his amber markings shimmer brightly. Running about he yelped out in joy under it’s glow. He took many advantages to playfully play a prank or two on younger colts and fillies. nothing too serious, just giving them a fright by changing rubber spiders and snakes into real ones.

“Come back here you villain!” Kohaku lifted his head and smirked. In front of him had to be the ugliest alicorn he had ever seen dressed up as All-Might dashing toward him at full gallop. “You won’t escape for I AM HERE!!!”

The young Naruto dressed fox grinned from ear to ear. lowering his body slightly, he dashed forward to meet this opponent head on.

Just as he was in hoof range of All-Might, Kohaku leaped up. pushed all four paws against this ‘hero’s head and backward summersaulted. While he flipped in the air he crossed his front paws in the shape of a cross and yelled out “Shadowclone Jutsu!!”

What landed in front of the Kirouac All-Might was not one, but three identical Naruto Kohaku’s.

“You want us, come get us Hero!” they all said in unison and dashed off in different directions, laughing.

The gigantic blue half dragon gave chase after one of the trio, taking a lucky guess as to which was the real one. Even after a lengthy chase, he couldn’t catch him due to how worn out he was..

After escaping All-Might, Kohaku dashed toward the end of town. Taking out his invitation, which was tucked next to his cardboard kunai knives and throwing stars. Leaning up against an old oak he went over it again and again trying to work out the clues to lead him to his new Nightmare Night adventure.

Kirouac was breathing heavily as he sat down, trying to rest for a minute. “How the heck does Book do this?”

“Not as easy as it looks, is it?” Kirouac turned around to see Book sitting behind him, looking well rested. “You have to be on call 24/7, keep track of an entire town, handle all kinds of petty complaints, and all of the paperwork tossed on top of that makes for a wonderful time.”

“Don’t worry about that one, he’s harmless. He likes to play pranks on unsuspecting ponies and dares us to catch him. I’ll speak to his mother later, but I doubt anything will come of it. It’s Nightmare Night, the one night of the year she gives him free reign.”

“I see that you are having fun.” Kirouac said while looking at Book with a sense of discouragement.

“I let the mayor know what Twilight did, had all of my stationary forwarded to her, went to Canterlot for a week, learning that she can’t discharge me without a good reason, and could only enforce the break. So I spent this last week working on a new passion project of mine. I wish I had more time, I would have been able to put more little accessories on my costume.” Book said as he held up a cup of coffee. “How about you? How are you handling this?”

“Oh… and what is your “evil” plan?” Kirouac asked, like Book was the hero Slayer.

“Watch you burn?” Book asked with a chuckle before sitting up. “Actually, I am finding some intel that may help us understand last year, and I figure somebody has to be there.”

“well..” Kirouac got up and started to flex. “As The Number One Hero, I Shell, Stop There Evil Dudes And Bring Peace Back To PonyVille!” He said like he was All-Might.

Book rolled his eyes at the sight of him doing this. “Good point. I’ll go too. Now listen very carefully as I try to explain this.”

Kirouac nodded. “Yes!”

“Some ponies are talking about a party in a cemetery west of town. Now, I will admit that I have heard and even participated in a party in a place like that, but I wanted to be able to know what I was looking at when the party happens, and who in this town would be intrigued by such an idea. Guess what I found?” Book asked as he leaned back in his seat.

“What… their decorations are not up to code?” Kirouac asked. “They have candy with peanuts in them?”

“Nothing. No party organizer, no reason why ponies would go there instead of the one in town, and no cemetery.” Book explained with a large grin. “Now, I don’t know what happened last year, but maybe this can tell us what’s going on, and maybe we can stop it.”

Kirouac raised an eyebrow to this. “What do you have in mind?”

“Here’s my idea. Reporting this now would cause mass panic, speculation, and will get us both in trouble since I am not supposed to be working, and you weren’t supposed to ask me for any help. So, why don’t we learn what’s going on in there first hoof? If there is somepony running this, we take them down. If it’s an artifact, we secure it or destroy it. Either way, it can give answers that we need desperately.” Book offered, looking very serious about being there.

“What about Twilight?” Kirouac asked. “And… what she asks for a check up on you?”

Book chuckled. “I didn’t lie two weeks ago when I said that I was going to work on my costume. If she asks, I have plans to go to a party. If something happens, it’s my duty to respond to an incident that needs my immediate response. Celestia made that clear the last few times the guards were caught with their pants down. Now, are you in or out?” Book asked as he looked at Kirouac with a confident smile, like he knew that he was holding the better hand.

Kirouac knew that Book wouldn’t let this go, so at the least he could keep an eye on him. “Ok, let’s do this.”

“Good. You go in with the crowd, and I will be watching from a distance.” Book explained as he got up. “We both must play to our strengths after all.”

“Yes, cause I’m a master at blending in.” Kirouac said before walking ahead of Book.

“You let me worry about being stealthy.”

“What do you…” Kirouac was shocked when he turned around to see no trace of Book. Only a map on the table he was at that pointed to where the party was.

Kirouac sniffed the air before taking the map and walking off.

“Like, Zoinks Light HeartDoo.” Flash said while talking like Shaggy. “There like.. so much candy here!” He said as they were walking down the streets in their new costume.

Light Heart chuckled as he held up his box of homemade Scooby snacks. “Ro re ran rave rese ror rater?” He asked, doing his best Scooby impression.

“I don’t know.. if you save them, they may be taken by the two little monsters that sleep in the room next to mine.” Flash said before gulping and acting like he was scared.

“Ront rorry! I’ll eat rem ry re end of re right.” Light promised him, occasionally pausing to think of how to phrase his words.

“Well, save some for me.” Flash said as they were trying to decide what candy to bring to the party. “I know they are for our costume, but I want to try out these snacks you made.”

“Alright, but out of character, how do we get to the party again?” Light asked, wondering how to get to this place outside of town.

“Um… we just go outside of town… away from the everfree of course… and it will… be obvious.” Flash said, realizing that he didn’t remember to ask for directions.

“Fair enough.” Light said as he bought a bag of chocolate for the party. “As long as you know where we are going.”

“Yes.. don’t worry, I know they way.” Flash said before walking ahead. “I just hope I don’t need to keep you on a leash.” He said before laughing.

“Funny.” Light said as he followed after Flash.

Flash started to walk ahead hoping to find somepony that was going and knew the way. He glanced up to see some strange orange green thing near the trees. “What the…?”

A small fire burned in Kohaku’s paws, in it he watched as the paper burned and swirled about.

“I should have known it would be there,” Kohaku said to himself. Having worked out the clue to the location of the Halloween party. “Silly of me to not think of it first. But why use that old burned out lot and not a real cemetery? Oh well I guess I’ll find out when I get there.” Once his fire burned out he dashed outward running at full speed toward the Everfree Forest.

While running at full speed he amused himself by performing acrobatic maneuvers. working to get himself in character for the party. Half way there found himself dashing toward somepony walking an equally large canine.

Skidding to a full stop he tripped over his own tail and landed directly in front of the pair. Shaking his head he looked up and gulped loudly. slowly pushing his way backwards muttering aloud as he found himself face to face with the dog of the group.

“good doggie, good doggie… just my luck, I ran into a dog twice my size.” his whole body trembling as he felt a cold sweat down his spine as he stared up at Light. I think next time I’ll spend Nightmare Night under oneechan’s bed. She always does have a cozy hiding spot there this day.

“Don’t worry, he wouldn’t bite you.” ShaggyTruth said. “That is.. if you show him the way to the party!” He asked before Laughing.

“Rah, I’m Rot a Rad Rog.” Light-do said with a wag of his tail

“Do you know that way?” ShaggyTruth said. “My brother!”

Nodding slowly Kohaku sat down and took several deep breaths. turning his eyes to the shaggy looking pony that was leading the dog. “Okay, I’ll take your word for it. so I take it you’re both heading there too. I only just worked out the clues on the invitation. they were rather tricky but thankfully not too difficult.” lifting one of his three tails he pointed in the opposite direction the pair were walking in. “well if you're going, you were going in the wrong direction. the party is actually that way. toward the everfree forest in an abandoned lot made up to look like a cemetery.”

“So.. we didn’t know the way!?” ShaggyTruth said before laughing.

“If you were headed the opposite way, then no” Kohaku chuckled as he pulled out his invite. “Didn’t you solve the puzzle on your invite? once you do it tells you the location.”

ShaggyTruth looked at Kohaku’s invitation. “No, ours just said ‘Go to the fake Cemetery!’.” He explained.

Sitting down, Kohaku stretched out a little. “Oh, that does seem a little generic though.” Shrugging he put his invite back in his kunai pouch and looked up at the pair. “But that might have been intentional for adults who knows.”

“I suppose so.” ShaggyTruth said.

Sighing softly Kohaku took the lead and started off toward the forest. “Well follow me, I’d hate for you two might get lost if you go on your own.” He didn’t wait for the pair to answer and just kept moving forward. Smirking a little as he heard the sounds of their hooves behind him.

Kirouac was walking towards his destination, but was stopped by the strangest of sites. “Now what do you have here?” He asked the little pegasus. “I didn’t know that Tiamat had a daughter. Especially a little cute one.”

Pearl blushed. “Hey.. I’m not cute, I’m toff, Raww!!” She said, trying to look as intimidating as she could

“Oh no..” Kirouac said, acting like he was scared by shaking in place. “Please, Dragon Queen Tiamat, forgive my defiance of our dragon nature and my father’s as well.” He said before bowing to her.

Pearl laughed. “So who, and what, are you supposed to be?”

“ohh” Kirouac gets on his back hoofs. “I Am, All-Might! The Greatest Hero Ever!” He said in a booming voice while posing.

“So are you a dragon or a pony? And also how do you make your claws move like that?” Pearl asked.

“I am actually both.” Kirouac explained.

Pearl gave him a flat look. “I don’t believe you.”

Kirouac smirked before getting back on his back hoofs, unfurling his wings and then breathing some fire out into the air, toward the sky.

Pearl seemed to get it then. “You’re a half dragon? I didn’t even think a pony and dragon could do that. I thought they were just a myth.”

“Well you know.” Kirouac placed one of his claws on her shoulder. “When a mommy pony and a daddy dragon love each other very much…” He started to say.

Pearl rolled her eyes. “I already got the birds and the bees speech big guy.”

“Good, because I don’t want to have to go on,” Kirouac said with relief

Pearl sighed. “Maybe I should’ve just stayed with Twilight. Less crazy ponies with her.”

“Oh you know the princess!?” Kirouac asked. “Let me guess.. Pearl?” He asked her.

She nodded proudly, standing at her full height. Which wasn’t much as it turned out. “The one and only. I don’t know if you could call me her personal student or not. Not like Starlight is. But she took me under her wing not long after I moved to Ponyville. And I haven’t regretted it since.”

“Yes, and by the way she’s been talking about you and how much you like dragons, You might even have a crush on her #1 Assistant?”

Pearl tried not to gag at the thought. “Me? Have a crush on Spike? I like him and we’re great friends. But I am way too young to be thinking about mushy stuff like that.”

“Yes, yes, but I can give you some pointers about half-dragon kids when you two finally get married.” Kirouac offered before laughing.

Pearl rolled her eyes. “Keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better. Why are you out here anyway? Are you going to the same party I am?”

“I would hope so.” Kirouac said. “If not… why are you here, and should I take you home?”

Pearl shook her head. “I’m going to whatever this special party is all about. Why I was invited, I don’t know. And I can take care of myself. Growing up on the docks of Fillydelphia, you either learned to fend for yourself. Or you were toast.”

“mhmhm..” Kirouac nodded before a scary sound was heard from the darkness.

Pearl gulped, and dropped her tough girl facade, showing the filly underneath.

“How about we go to the party together, so we can protect each other.” Kirouac suggested.

Pearl nodded. “Good idea.”

“How about you stay on my back.” Kirouac asked her before his horn started to glow and levertated her onto his back. “You can call me your steed!” He said before taking off in the direction where the invitation said the party was at.

It might have just been the wind. But Kirouac swore that one of Pearl’s heads hissed at him at one point.

“Raggy? Where are we?” Light asked as they were nervously following the young boy who was leading him.

“Zoinks, like we are in a forest Light HeartDoo!” ShaggyTruth said.

“You all are really dedicated to these roles, aren’t you?” Kohaku said while sounding a little annoyed.

“Like.. what’s the point of putting the costum on if you aren’t going to play around with it?” ShaggyTruth asked.

“Yeah, it takes away the fun if you realize that I am a teddy bear alicorn.” Light said as he pointed out his horn and wings.

Kohaku paused and looked Light Heart over. “Oh.. umm… sorry.” He said before bowing his head down to Light slightly.

Light rolled his eyes as he used his magic to lift the kid up. “Not royalty. Just a toymaker.”

Kohaku paused and looked around before asking. “Wait… how does that work? I thought all the Alicorns around here were Royalty.”

“Do you really think that being an alicorn is an instant promotion to a crown? There are peace negotiations, mountains of paperwork, having to be everywhere at once, and I don’t fit any of that criteria.” Light explained with a sigh. “I’m happy being down here on the ground floor. It’s a lot less pressure.”

“No, I know all that. Father used to take me out to the Alicorn Isles all the time when I was younger. I just didn’t think there were anymore around outside of the usurpers of Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi, not to mention Ponyville’s own purple princess” Kohaku said softly.

“There are more ponies like me outside of Ponyville?” Light asked in confusion. “Well… I guess knowing that I’m not an endangered species is a good thing.

“Heh, you want to talk about endangered animals, I’m the only one of my kind in all of Equestria.”

“Oh… I’m so sorry.” Flash said sympathetically, having adopted two orphans of his own.

“But still, there has to be some kind of promotion to this.” Flash said with a sense of confusion.

“There is more to being an alicorn than being a king.” Light said as he thought about the Shrek analogy. “We essentially have layers. We are picked at a specific time and place… and if I know why the heck I was giving a pair of wings, I’d tell you.” Light said as he remembered that he still had no understanding about this.

“Wait wait wait, you became an alicorn?” The young fox stopped in shock. his eyes wide. “How is that possible, Alicorns are born not created. At least that’s how i remember it”

“Tell that to Twilight’s birth certificate.” Light said with a sense of shock. “Where are you from anyways?”

“The Everfree Forest. My clan rules these lands for over thirty thousand years. Then I get put to sleep by my sisters, I wake up and everything is all topsy turvy.” Kohaku slumped to the ground. “Father would have a field day with all this kind of stuff.”

“T… thirty thousand… this sounds like a Twilight thing.” Light said as he rubbed his forehead. “She’s better with… alicorn level stuff.”

Nodding softly, he gave a quick stretch “Well at least if she’s to go by anything, I know Alicorn’s aren’t much more powerful now then they were back then. So once I get my ninth tail, in a few hundred years. I won’t have much to worry about in terms of magical competition.”

Light looked shocked and embarrassed at this seemingly young kitzune saying things that made him look like the child. “Well… you won’t find a magical challenge from me. namely since I was always bad at it.”

“I could tell that just by looking at you, you don’t seem all that strong.” He said, giving Light a playful push with his paw. “So, you're a toy maker huh? Do you like doing that?”

“I’m good at it, find it a fun job, even though I don’t make much. I just keep down to earth.” Light admitted with a small smile.

“He’s also struggled at magic since birth and is afraid of heights. Yet he was blessed with wings.” Flash said kiddingly as he petted Light’s back, knowing that Light has long admitted these things.

“Wow, that’s odd. But who am I to judge? I was cloudstriding with my father before I could walk, and I always did like to rough house with the Pegasus’s in Cloudsdale. those boys were fun.” Looking across the dark landscape he saw their destination. “not too far now. about another ten minutes and we’ll be there.”

“Yeah… so how many ways are there to become an alicorn?” Flash asked, secretly wishing that he can join Light and be one.

“If I knew, I would tell you.” Light said bluntly.

“Well, Zoinks, if I ever ascend, they would only need to give me that earth-pony stroth and a pair of wings.” Flash said before lifting his front hoof up, making his crystal horse-shoe glow, and levertating Kohaku.

Kohaku blinked a little as he was lifted up. “Okay that’s a bit impressive. Never seen an earth pony do that kind of magic before. How are you doing this?”

“I’m not an earth-pony, I’m a crystal-pony, and I use my crystal horse-shoe to do magic like the unicorns.” Flash explained.

“And for a moment I thought artifact use was dead.” Kohaku asked before turning to Light. “Can you do anything impressive?”

Light blushed, knowing that Flash was far superior in the skills of magic compared to him. Then again, many kids could be considered better than the teddy bear alicorn. “Well… I brought a stuffed animal to life once. Does that count?”

“Wow!” Kohaku said. “You can give life to inanimate objects!?” He asked.

“Um… kinda?” Light said, not admitting that he had no clue how he does it, and can't control how he does it.

Flash laugh. “Beware, He will bring his army of plushies down upon you, little fox!” He said in a spooky voice, before laughing evilly.

Kohaku smirked and chuckled. “oh really?” Twirling his tails a bit, spheres of emerald fire erupted from them. whistling in a soft spooky tone, the sound emanating from his voice caused the grass to sprout up into thin spears that poked at feet of Light. “Would those plushies prefer death by fire or grass? Take your pick?” The young fox grinded up at the adult.

Light was starting to shiver and getting more and more scared, his wings clamping down onto his side. “And ponies ask why I don’t go out on nightmare night.” Light muttered to himself softly.

“Please don’t scare my friend.” Flash warned the fox.

With a chuckle he tossed the sphere of flame into Flash’s face. The foxfire was no hotter than a splash of shower water. and with a second long whistle his grass spears thrusted up and didn’t so much as break fur. “Oh please, I’m a trickster, not a killer. Grass can’t be made into steel so the tensile strength is still the same, and my fire doesn’t get any hotter then what you just felt.”

“ha ha..” Flash laughed in an annoyed smile before looking around, finding a little mouse, and beckoning it to him. “hey.. Kohaku, can you please close your eyes for a second.” He asked nicely.

Taking a quick look at what Flash was doing he nodded and closed his eyes. He felt a light tugging on his body and took a quick guess at what was trying to be done. A devilish thought crossed his mind and let his power slowly flow outward. Taking a deep breath he felt himself getting lighter and lighter. A not long while he felt as if he was being held upside down and heard a few squeeks next to him.

Opening his eyes he saw that he was now no larger than the mouse, and was behind held upside down by Flash. Turning his head Kohaku smiled, “Hey Mickey. how’s the wife?”

Listening to the mouse squeak a bit he chuckled. “Pregnant again huh? well that happens. you be sure to bring her along to Fluttershy’s, I’m sure it’ll be a healthy litter.” Looking up at Flash he chuckled. “I have to say, this is rather impressive. I’ve never transmuted into a mouse before.

Flash looked at Kohaku. “I… I turned you into a mouse… no no, you were supposed to be swapped with the mouse.” Looking on at the young fox he saw him conversing pleasantly with the mouse floating beside him. “You’re taking this well!?” His mind was reeling at what had just happened. His spell was supposed to swipe their souls around, not change him into a mouse.

Swinging himself back and forth slowly he just crossed his front legs “Eh. I’m a minor shapeshifter, of course the only things I can turn into at the moment is plant life. Of course I was a parakeet once, but that was only for a few moments.. so the chance to be some other mammal is rather interesting.” Kohaku just smiled watching the older pony work himself up into a slight panic.

“well I hope you know how to change back.” Flash asked him as he paced back and forth. “because I don’t I’m still trying to figure out where I went wrong.” He told him with worry in his voice.

Laughing out loud, Kohaku taped Flash’s shoulder from the opposite side as the naruto dressed moused vanished in front of the unicorn. “don’t worry, I can change back easily.. or rather cancel out my illusions.” Reaching out he gave the mouse a quick high five. “Thanks for helping out Mickie.” He watched the mouse nod and scurry back toward the forest.

Flash fell down breathing heavily. “A… fiuuu…” He said while panting. “You did that? I thought.. oh boy. Kid, I have to admit, your good. you had me fooled.” a lighthearted chuckle escaped his lips.

“I felt your magic working on me, but nothing was happening. I didn’t want you to feel disappointed. Of course Mickie helped a little, he told me what you were doing.” resting a paw on Flash’s shoulder he smiled. “So, shall we get going to the party, the night’s waning fast and I’m eager to have some real fun.”

“Umm..” Flash said, trying to hide the slide anger he had to the joke that was planned on him. “Let’s go!” He said before running off, starting to see the Cemetery.

Chapter 3: in the Mouth of the Cemetery

Eventually, the young boy led the two men to the large cemetery. There was a large wall around it, which was strange for a place set up for a mere marty. A thick mist inside the cemetery was leaking through the metal gates. The group didn’t know what to make of it.

“Well, this is some party, but where is the DJ?” The group turned to see Kirouac and Pearl walking towards them.

“This must be the place?” Flash said. “Say Light.. where did our little friend go off too?”

“Raggy, I’m rot reeling rood about this race.” Light said as he was trying to hide his actual nervousness. “Raby he rent out for ice ream?”

“Light! Get in here!” Flash said as he tried to drag Light in, now also worrying about their missing friend.

Pearl rolled her eyes as she looked at it. “Please. This is hardly what I call scary. I’ve seen pimples scarier than this.” As she looked around the young pegasus watched as the ground began to fog up and the area around everypony got darker until she couldn't see more than an inch in front of her face. “Okay… this is a little better.” Her voice trembled a bit. “Kirouac? Are you there?”

“Yeah I’m here… Where are you?” The dragon said as he stumbled about walking nose first into the gate. “OUCH! I can’t see anything in this darkness.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth he noticed that his dragon’s night vision was completely gone. This shouldn’t be possible, how could I be completely blind right now.

“get out!!!” a screeching whisper echoed through the night. Causing everpony to turn toward the location of the voice. In the darkness they saw three emerald flames floating in mid air. The spheres of flame started to slowly circle around and around but soon got faster. the Flames soon started to form a shape of a decrepit and zombified Nightmare Moon.

The Nightmare Moon Zombie slowly sauntered back and forth as it moved forward toward Pearl. Whispering to her slowly. Ignoring the large blue dragon who literally flew right through it.

“I… want… you... I… must… feed…” The zombie’s mouth opened revealing a green smoke that slowly seeped out and toward the young filly.

“Zoinks! Let’s get out of here Scoob!” Flash yelled as both him and Light climbed up a dead tree frantically.

Pearl was frozen in place. Internally she pleaded for her legs or wings to move. to let her escape this vision that was coming for her. Looking about she couldn’t see anything but this nightmare. Not her dragon guide, or any other pony who had shown up. closing her eyes tight she tried to shut it all out.

“It’s not real. It’s not real.” She whispered over and over again. as she took in a long deep breath she felt a soft cold breath against her back and a single word whispered into her ear.

“Boo!” Kohaku said as softly as possible into his friend’s ear.

That was all that it took. Pearl let out a screeching scream that could shatter glass and leapt nearly twenty feet into the air. She was certain that she made a sonic rainboom at how fast she had moved. once in the air she saw that the darkness blew away faster then it had been created. Looking down she cursed out loud as right where she was standing only moments before. Was an all too familiar annoyance, rolling on the ground laughing. “KOHAKU!!!!”

Kohaku rolled on the ground laughing so hard that tears fell out of his eyes. his front legs clutching his chest. as his thrill came down he watched as Pearl flew down and landed almost on top of him.

“Darnit Kohaku, how could you do that. that was just… just…” Pearl stuttered trying to find the words to use.

“What? You insinuate that you wanted something scary. I just thought I’d oblige my friend.” He smirked and took a few slow breaths looking up at her.

Humphing loudly Pearl just stamped her hoof. “You nearly gave me a heart attack.” Looking up she watched as Kirouac gave Pearl a wink as he quietly moved up behind the fox. “So one good turn deserves another.” she had the unique pleasure to see his smirk turn to confusion. as she knew what was coming and he didn’t.

Flash groaned as he turned to the kids. “Come on guys. Let’s not go scaring each other and just have fun. Right Light? Light?”

The crystal pony turned to see his best friend clinging to the gate. “Um… I’ll stay here?” Light asked with a nervous grin.

Kirouac took a long deep breath and planted his claws into the ground. arching his head up he roared as hard and as loudly as he could.

Kohaku knew that roar. It was a roar that all his species knew by heart and instinct. This was the roar of a dragon, large and powerful. Leaping to his feet he looked about and saw the large yellow reptilian eyes. the spread wings and the front claws. his eyes went wide as he froze in place.

“I am the great dragon King.” Kirouac said in his bellowing voice. “and you dare to scare my wife!?” He asked the cowering fox.

Pearl smirked to herself, seeing the ponyville trickster scared so much. it did give her a thrill, maybe this is what he felt. If so she understood why he did it. it was fun. Perhaps she would find ways to prank him again in the future. “Thanks Kirouac. I’ll take it from here.” She chuckled watching him bow.

Walking along the side of the fox she leaned in “So. how do you like it Kohaku hmm?”

When he didn’t answer her smile vanished and looked a little closer. His eyes were wide and focused on one thing, the dragon Kirouac. While looking into those eyes she saw something she wasn’t prepared for, true terror.

“Um… are you okay?” She reached out and touched his shoulder. she watched as he flinched and looked about wildly. His mouth moved rapidly. she couldn’t catch everything he said but she did hear one phrase.

“please… not like them… i’m too young… not like them.” tears rolling down his face as all Kohaku could see was fire and darkness. Pushing his body up against the fence he pushed out his paws trying to keep the dragons away

And then Pearl remembered something she had read not too long ago. Eastern dragons and kitsunes were natural rivals, both trying to be the symbol of the east, and eastern dragons were the only ones capable of destroying a kitsune’s soul.

That was a good reason in and of itself, though Pearl doubted Kirouac would ever do that. But that wasn’t the real reason she feared Kohaku was acting like this. She wondered what could have happened to him that caused this. She had seen reactions to PTSD before. or at least read about it and surmised he was going through that now. Dropping her ears she reached out with a wing when something stopped her

“Good riddance then. That twerp deserves it for all he’s done to us,” an acid filled voice in Pearl’s ears whispered.

She blinked. Where had that come from?

“Let him wallow in his fear and despair.” said a second much colder voice

“B.. But he’s my friend.” She whispered to herself. her small body trembling.

“Why have we had to put up with him for so long? Let’s enjoy it,” another venomous voice in her other ear said.

And Pearl found herself agreeing with them. Why should she feel sorry for Kohaku? Didn’t he deserve it after all he had done to her.

“The Mother of All Dragons does not let his past insults go. If the little welp lets this shake him up, then he is a weak fool,” a fourth voice said in a sibilant whisper.

Pearl smiled in a way that would have horrified normal ponies as leaned in and whispered in Kohaku’s ear. “Maybe this will finally teach you, you little fox welp.” and with a swift swish of her front claw, kicked Kohaku through the gates and deep into the graveyard she gave a light chuckle as he slammed into the marble statue in the center.

“Hey. let’s just relax a little and calm down…” Kirouac suddenly stopped in place as he started to cough. At first it was rather soft and subtle, but it slowly started to become a bit more violent as he needed to sit down, suddenly feeling weak.

Flash started to look nervous at the scene that was unfolding as he looked up to Light. “Um, I suddenly remembered a dentist appointment in town.”

Light’s eyes perked up as he jumped into Flash’s hooves. “Reah! Me too!” He said as he started to wag his tail.

“Well, you all look like you have a lot to go through. We’ll send Book Knight your way and bid you adieu. Say hi to the wife and kids and..”

“You two wait right here!” Kirouac ordered the two ponies who were trying to walk away as he slowly got back up and walked towards the filly. “Now, you don’t go hitting other kids, no matter what they do, do you understand?”

Pearl looked at him, but there was none of the filly Kirouac had seen before there. “Stay out of this, you half breed mongrel. This is none of your business.”

“This little piece of fox trash has had this coming for a long time. I will not be denied this now,” a voice like thunder joined in with Pearl’s own rage filled voice. What worried everyone was that this voice came from the blue head of Pearl’s costume as she walked toward the stunned kitsune, her grin turning more and more evil by the second.

“Are you sure we shouldn’t…” Flash’s thoughts were interrupted as Light started frantically poking his shoulder. “Yes LightHeartDOO, I mean, Lighcooby-Doo.. Scooby-Doo. what?” Flash couldn’t say the name of his friend any more.

Light pointed to a shadow in the distance that had demon horns, and was walking into the cemetery. “Remon!!!” Light cried out as he looked extremely scared.

“AAAA!!!” Flash said, his mane getting straight up, lifting his hat that he had still been wearing, before both him and Light ran deeper into the Cemetery.

Kirouac and Pearl turned to see Mind Sight, fully dressed as Daredevil, walking towards them with her walking stick and a bucket for candy. “Trick or treat!”

“Um… I don’t have any candy right now, and we are dealing with a little problem.” Kirouac said as Pearl was shifting her focus.

Mind huffed a little as she adjusted her mask. “Fine. Frankly I think this is a lousy place for a party.” Mind said as she walked further into the cemetery. “Also, I smell something steaming off of you. May want to handle that..”

Pearl shook her head. “That filly is weird.”

Kohaku groaned loudly as he pushed himself up. his head was literally ringing. Swatting away all the fish swimming around it, Kohaku stood up and fell to the side. “Okay, she can hit rather hard. so hard my equilibrium is off.” Standing up on his hind paws he gripped the statue with one paw and looked about him. “Okay doesn’t look like anything’s broken, that's good. But somethings definaty off.”

Thrusting out one paw he tried to call on his foxfire but nothing showed. curiouser and curiouser my powers… oh please no..” placing his free paw on a vine he whistled loudly but nothing had happened. “no magic… oh sweet cheese and crackers. dropping his paw down to his hips he gasped. looking down and behind him the young boy whimpered. where there were once three tails, was now only one.

“oh no no no! My tails. what happened to my tails!” Spinning around frantically he patted his tailbone but still only found one tail.

“This is not good. not good at all.” he said watching his friend stroll toward him. his ears flattened at seeing just how evil that smile was becoming. “Oh pearl....”

Pearl sneered as four of her heads darted forward till they were eye to eye with Kohaku. “Don’t try to “Oh Pearl” me, Kohaku. You brought this on yourself,” the White head said in a voice that was Pearl’s own voice, but far more cold and ruthless than the Pegasus had ever been.

Nodding softy, the paw that was searching for his tails rested on his kunai pouch. his eyes lightly darting down he gripped the statue a bit harder. “Your right, I did. and I'm sorry Pearl. So what are you waiting for? just end it already.” closing his eyes he perked an ear up.

The Black head laughed. “Oh no. You’d like that wouldn’t you? No. I’m going to enjoy this.”

Letting go of the statue Kohaku dropped to all fours and started walking forward toward Pearl. his eyes opened again and rested on Pearls central head. “So what are you waiting for? an invitation. My magic is gone, my tails are missing. and i’m as wobbly as a newborn.”

Kohaku groaned a bit. his heart pounded harder than it had with the half dragon’s roar. his body trembling noticeably on the outside no matter how tough his talk was. “But i’m not going to run, that’s not who I am. Believe it!”

Pearl chuckled. “Good. You were never that smart anyway. I can kill you five different ways,” she lifted a claw and poked his chest. “I can rip your heart out and feed it to Fluttershy’s animals. Or I can break your bones. Take your pick.”

“Or you can stand down before getting hurt.” A dark voice called out from the shadows. “I’d hate to add arresting a power hungry child to my record.”

Kohaku closed his eyes and took a long deep breath. “I’m sorry Pearl, I hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive for this one day.”

The Blue head turned and looked right where Book Knight was hiding. “Oh, look. The town idiot showed up.”

“I’m no idiot, and you are not sane right now.” Book called out. “Leave this place now while you have a chance, or I will make you leave.” He said coldly and darkly, without any sense of fear

This was the one moment Kohaku had waited for. if his years of hunting had taught him anything. all i took was a split second to go from hunter, to prey. Grabbing a hold of Pearl’s claw he twisted his body upward. Slamming both his hind paws into the central head, Kohaku gripped a real steel kunai from his pouch and flung it at the blue and black heads while slamming a fist into the white head.

Pearl roared out in rage as she stumbled backward from Kohaku’s physical assault on her heads. the two heads on either side of her central one dodged the Kunai easily. Swiping out she missed Kohaku by a hair’s length and stamping her claws in a childish frustration at temporarily losing her prey.

“not too smart. I’m top of the class pearl, and I grew up in the Everfree Forest. and no dragon can outfox a fox.” Leaping out he looked at the others. “Guys, RUN! those heads are real. and I’m willing to bet so are her breath weapons!”

“No chance kid! I am vengeance! I am the night! I am Batman!” Book said uncontrollably as he threw a batarang at the beast.

Landing on the ground Kohaku slid himself next to the others. He couldn’t fight this dragon. not like he was now anyway.

Pearl rolled all of her eyes as it bounced harmlessly off of her. “You really don’t know much about dragons do you? If a dragon can swim in lava with no trouble, what good is whatever you have? I’m only after that runt of a fox. Don’t stick your noses in where they don’t belong.”

“Zoinks, what’s wrong?” Flash tried to ask. coming around behind his new friends

“Well for a start Pearl is becoming a rather powerful dragon.” Kohaku said, noticing that his friend had grown twice her size. What was worse was that Pearl’s actual face was becoming more and more impossible to distinguish from the costume around her. It almost looked like she was being absorbed into it. “And to make matters worse. My magic is gone, like, all of it.” Looking at Pearl Kohaku painted a bit heavier.

“Zoinks!? like your magic!?” Flash said, his voice getting more and more Shaggy-like. He tilted his head to the side, looked down at his hoof before lifting it up and pointed to a rock. but nothing happened. “ZOINKS! Your right, like my magic.. is.. is… GONE!” He said before jumping into Light’s arms.

“Raggy! Look!” Light turned to where his wings were supposed to be, only to find them fuzed to his body.

“Zoinks, your wing and horn are gone!” Flash said. “And Zoinks, I can’t stop saying Zoinks.”

“Ru Ro!” Light said as he realized that he couldn’t leave the accent.

Both Flash and Light were now shaking in each other’s arms.

Pearl too felt her magic had vanished. But if there was one thing she had over the others, it was that dragons didn’t need magic. Their bodies were a weapon in and of themselves.

“And what will you do after me Pearl. All I've done is play harmless pranks. I’m no monster Pearl. But right now, you are.” Biting down on his lower lip he dropped his front half. Damn… that why am I like this right now. dragons left and right. I’m living my worst nightmare. if I had my powers this would be over now. That sells it. Next year I'm going to spend it under Fluttershy neesan’s bed with her.

Pearl tapped her chin. “You know? I don’t know what I'm going to do after you. Maybe I am a monster. But right now, I don’t really care. You could say I’m really getting into character.”

Kirouac shook his head. “That is not just any dragon she is becoming. Somehow, Pearl is becoming Tiamat, the Mother of Dragons herself. Take all you know about dragons. Now dial all of that up to 12. But she is normally not like this.”

The Green head sneered. “And what would a half breed mongrel know? I do as I please, and none can tell me otherwise.”

Pearl’s White head smiled. “And unlike you lot, I don’t need magic. Like I said, stay out of this, and you’ll live longer.”

The Black head nodded. “But please. Do feel free to stick your noses in. All this fun is making me hungry. And I’m a growing girl. I need to eat.”

All of Pearl’s heads giggled, even as she grew another foot.

“Say! Before you handle us, shouldn’t you handle the giant muffin monster behind you? Flash asked nervously as he pointed behind the mare.

The Green and Blue heads turned around to look. Pearl just gave him a flat look. “Really? That might work better if I only had one head.”

“It makes blinding you better.” Book said as a couple of smoke pellets hit her eyes before motioning to the others. “Run for it! Split up!”

Pearl coughed as she inhaled some of the smoke, while her other heads were blinded for the moment. “Oh that does it! I’ve told Twilight letting you run around like you do is a mistake. I might be doing her a favor.”

“SHE TOLD YOU MY SECRET?!?” Book yelled angrily as he threw another batarang at her, his mind being so enraged that he forgot about being the dark knight for a moment. “I’m telling Luna about this!!!”

Pearl looked around, but still couldn’t see him, even as the batarang bounced harmlessly off her chest. “I figured it out myself. Twilight knows I won’t tell ponies about it, so she never said anything about it.”

“Trust me when I say that I will be yelling at her once I break apart this cemetery mess, and then you are going to answer to me!” Book yelled before hearing Flash and Light scream out.

“GHOSTS!!!”

Sure enough, the two ponies turned to see that this mysterious cemetery was indeed haunted by some kinds of spirits, and they weren’t the only ponies trapped in this place. From a spy, to a samurai, to even a Twilight plushie of some kind. These ponies were running all over the place, looking scared and confused out of their minds.

“P… please… Don’t fear…” Kirouac collapsed to the ground as his body shrunk down to the size of a skinny and frail version of himself. He looked at his “claws” i horer seeing only normal, but yet scrawny hoofs, he looked onto his back finding no wings, he taped his forehead seeing that there was no horn.

Pearl looked at him with what could only be described as disgust. “You are a disgrace. Not only to pony kind. But dragons as well. How far they have fallen.”

But the voice wasn’t Pearl’s own voice. No one could say whose voice it was. Something though told Kirouac he should know who it was.

“Hey guys, keep running!” Book yelled as he threw a few more smoke pellets at her. “It’s not like I’m gonna beat her myself!”

Pearl blinked, seemingly coming back to reality. “You’re not even beating me as it is. Maybe that thousand years on the moon made her senile, if Luna thinks you’re good for anything.”

“I’m not breaking my back over you!” Book said as he started to make some distance from her. “It’s called strategy, the long game. I’ll show you how to play later.”

The Blue head rolled her eyes. “You can’t even be Batman right if you never shut up.”

“Not unless I throw my voice. Trust me, no one in this town knows Batman like me.” Book said as he made his way through the mist, trying to avoid the ghosts as much as possible.

“And no one is a bigger bookworm in this town than Twilight. Last I saw, she hasn’t brought every single issue here,” the Green head replied

“She doesn’t know me! She doesn’t know the meaning of the cause! If she knew who I was, she’d support Book’s cause. That’s why I am Batman. So no kid watches his parents get killed by some punk with a gun!” Book called out, now forgetting his pony side.

Flash looked at Light in concern. “Zoinks!, like I think your brother lost it, Scooby!”

Pearl growled, but didn’t say anything for a moment. “And what do you know of that? I’ve seen the worst Equestria has to offer. My dad broke his back for years to get where he did, so did mom. They saw ponies get killed to move up the chain. I saw too many of my friends killed for every stupid reason you can think of. That’s why we moved to Ponyville.”

Kohaku remained silent as he slipped away. his ears were focused on one individual, pearl. listening carefully to what she was saying

“Um… Why ron’t we rust ray a rame of reckers?” Light asked as he was starting to get panicky.

“Like, I said I !” Flash said before noticing that he was the only one that could understand Light now. “Checkers are a lot more fun than ghosts and dragons!”

“Pearl, what are you talking about?” Kirouac asked her walking trying to walk in his under-powered state.

Pearl looked at him, all of her heads not bothering to try and stop him. “I know Equestria isn’t the paradise ponies say it is. But I believe in what Twilight and her friends stand for. Everything they fight for. I would stand with them every day of the week if I have to. His way isn’t going to solve anything.”

“Like friendship caught kidnappers or murderers? If you knew who I was then you’d know the evil that lies in the darkness, the evil that Kirouac has long been ignorant against, that most ponies are ignorant against. Tell me, has Cryssalist been reformed? Terik? Cozy Glow? Flim and Flam. They have dealt with the monsters who fight in the light while I fight the criminals who fight in the darkness. I dedicated my life to protecting my people, and Twilight was fine until I became inspired to do more. Now, where is Twilight to fight you? To save us from you. She isn’t here. She has no clue what’s going on here. I do, and I fight. She fights for friendship. I fight for justice.” Book said coldly as Light spoke up again.

“Raby we ran ralk about this rater?” He offered with a rather timid tone.

Pearl shook all of her heads. “Friendship never dies. Even when they’re gone, what Twilight and the girls do will live on. You? I don’t see anypony lining up to join you. And I don’t need her. Not for this. In case you forgot, I still haven’t finished off that miserable fox, and then I’m going after you.”

“Then you are foolish. Come on! Attacking a defenseless child? A man with a crippling condition? Two cowards? Or the pony who is smart enough to beat you without them?” Book asked boastfully as he threw one more battarange at one of her heads, letting her see him. “Why don’t you focus on the real problems for once?”

“Because I’m only big enough to eat one of you at the moment. Wait your turn,” the Black head replied, licking her lips.

“And let the pony holds the knowledge of the smartest hero in the world? Come on. This mind has beaten superman. What makes you think that this league is better than me?”

The rest of the group felt like if Book could have beat her, he would have done it by now. The only thing that they could reason was that he was trying to protect the others by putting the focus on him. Kirouac was trying to step in, but he was stopped as he spat out blood.

“If you could beat me, then you would’ve by now. Name one thing that’s beaten the Dragon Queen. Those three aren’t even worth the time.“

“Um… where is the fox anyways?” Flash asked as he realized that he broke away from the group.

“Ru Ro.” Light said again as he realized that Book succeeded in one thing. Dragging the hunter from its prey.

Pearl roared in anger, stamping her feet in a childish display of annoyance. “Oh that really tears it now! No more miss nice Tiamat!”

“Yeah, now go handle the ghosts that you attracted while we take the opportunity to get out of here.” Book said before bolting.

“like, Zoinks, let’s unmask those ghouls.” Flash said before running in place with Light, before they both burst out in great speed.

Pearl watched them go with an annoyed sigh. “Oh sure. It’s my fault these things showed up. Blame the five headed dragon why don’t ya?”

“Hey everything was fine before you became evil.” Kirouac said while panting.

The Green head leaned down and glared at him. “I was done putting up with all of that from him! Maybe if he hadn’t pulled that prank earlier, this wouldn’t have happened.”

“We need to learn to forgive.” Kirouac said while leaning on a tombstone.

Pearl shook her head as she looked at him fully. “I tried that. I put up with it for months. Forgiveness only goes so far. Just ask some of Equestria’s biggest threats. They had their chances, and didn’t stop.”

“And you want to end up like them?” Kirouac asked while panning.

That stopped Pearl in her tracks, her mind wavering as her heads suddenly looked uncertain. Did she want to end up like them? She wasn’t like that.

“Am I?” the White head asked.

“Why am I even this angry? I’ve never been this mad at Kohaku before. No matter how annoying he got,” the Blue head asked.

“I’m not like them. I’ve never been like them,” the Green head said.

The Black head held her head in a claw. “This isn’t right. I’m not like this. Not for something like this. He doesn’t deserve it.”

“Pearl?” Kirouac asked while lifting his head up. “Is that you?”

Pearl looked at him, and for the first time in a while, the filly she was shown in her eyes. She clutched all of her heads, each one wincing at something only they felt. “I won’t do it. I won’t be that. I won’t be that weak.”

Kirouac slowly and softly walked to her. “Shh.. it’s ok.” He told her like she was a wild animal

The White head turned to look at him. “There’s a crystal in here that’s driving me mad. Destroying it will fix this.”

Kirouac nodded. “ok, what else?” He asked her softly.

“It should return everyone's magic. But I have no idea what’s causing the rest of this,” the Red head said, gesturing to the spirits around them.

“I wish I knew as well.” Kirouac said while looking at his pony hoof. “What can I do to help?” He asked her.

“Just get me to the crystal. I can smash it myself. You’re in no shape to be helping anyone,” the Green head replied. “I don’t know much about that manga, but I know All Might isn’t supposed to look like that if he intends to help.”

“Hey..” Kirouac frowned. “But.. ok.” He said while trying to put her on his back.

Kohaku sighed deeply as he pushed his back against the mausoleum. He kept himself hidden from view as he listened to everything Pearl had said. He did cause her a lot of grief, something he really didn’t intend. making a mental note to make things up to her later. Kohaku watched as Kirouac and Pearl moved on. With Book, Flash and Light gone it was just the three of them there.

She was changing into a mother dragon, Kirouac was being rather heroic and Book. hey even he read those comics and thought the guard pulled off a rather impressive batman. yet here he was, powerless. all he had was his athletics and some now, real, weapons. putting his head down he shut his eyes shaking his head back and forth.

Like Pearl he too had heard the crystal’s whispers as well. But he always heard whispers from the dark. Ever since that horrible day. He just put it off as a bad nightmare once again.

“Well, if they’re going after that Crystal, I'm joining them. I don’t abandon my friends. Believe it,” He said and then shook his head. “Okay, I’ll have to stop saying that eventually. it can get annoying.” With silent paws he walked in the shadows slightly behind Pearl and Kirouac, keeping himself hidden just in case those dragon heads were still out for his blood.

Chapter 4: One more bout

“Dragons who want to eat us! Ghosts who want to haunt us! And a cemetery which we can’t escape from! I now know why you hate Nightmare Night!” Flash cried out as they were racing around the cemetery. “What am I missing?”

“Re remon!” Light exclaimed as he turned the corner.

After running around for a while, Flash and Light crashed into a gigantic pillar.
“Like, Zoinks! What is that?” Flash asked while looking at the big crystal.

“Um… riant ring rop?” Light suggested with a nervous giggle.

“If that’s a ring pop, then I don’t want to see what sucks on that thing.” Flash quipped as he looked at the large gemstone. “Why would something this big be in a cemetery?”

“Because it’s the whole reason for this mess in the first place,” Pearl said as she and Kirouac joined them.

Both boys froze in place as they heard the voice of the giant dragon behind them. “Scoob, please tell me that voice was a figment of my imagination.” Flash begged as he feared to turn around.

“Um. Ru uh.” Light said as he shook his head.

“I was afraid you were going to say that.” Flash admitted as he turned around to see Pearl, looking like she was ready to tear somepony apart. “Zoinks, like what are you going to do?” ShaggyTruth asked while shaking in Light’s arms.

Pearl flexed her claws. “I’m getting rid of that damn crystal is what I’m going to do. Just get out of the way. I’m cooled off from earlier, but I’m still peeved.”

Before anyone could say anything, Pearl started beating and smashing the crystal with all the strength she could muster. It should have been easy. Dragons could eat these easily.

But the crystal didn’t even budge. It wasn’t even cracking. Pearl wasn’t about to risk trying to eat it, and as much as she hated to admit it, she had no idea of how to use her breath weapons. Some Tiamat she was supposed to be.

Kohaku watched carefully as Pearl/Tiamat was slamming her claw into the crystal face over and over. Groaning loudly he reached down into his pouch and pulled out a single kunai knife. Holding it aloft he waited for the right moment. Once her leg was poised upward for one final frustrating blow he threw his knife at the same moment her own claw moved downward. Naruto’s aim was true enough as it hit a crystal’s weakest point, the edge.

With a smile on his lips he watched as her claw struck the back edge of the Kunai, driving it into the crystal as easily as a knife would be driven into bread.

As the crystal crack spread out like spider webs Kohaku looked out at Pearl and Kirouac and all his fear struck him full force once again. Naruto’s courage vanished as quickly as the crystal’s light. gripping the ground he collapsed onto the ground and started to whimper.

Pear watched in surprise as the crystal finally shattered into thousands of tiny pieces. She also saw the kunai fall away, which clued her in on what had happened. she could have kicked herself for not thinking to strike at the edge rather then the face. Gems always were weaker at the edges and points.

Unnoticed, a tiny sliver of the crystal flew down Pearl’s throat as she breathed in. Small enough that she never even noticed she had swallowed it. turning around she saw Kohaku half kneeling in the dirt, his arm stretched out.

I was right, he did help me. Pearl thought to herself as she smiled at him. her smile vanished as she saw his fear again. She couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for him. two dragons standing in front of him. She was still a little peeved at what he had done to her earlier, but she couldn’t really be mad after his help.

“So.. like, what’s going on now?” ShaggyTruth asked.

“I don’t know yet.” Book said as he jumped down next to them and started examining the ruins of the gemstone. “It appeared to be arcanic in nature, it’s main purpose is to use the psychic-creative energy from our costumes and transfer it into our own bodies in its weakest forms. Most likely it was hoping that we’d end up chasing our own tails or that enough ponies would pick villains that we’d tear each other apart.”

“Um… How do you row rat?” Light asked in confusion.

“No clue.” Book admitted. “Maybe the energetic feedback from the gem has allowed our character’s more powerful traits out. Batman’s intelligence…”

“Or…” Kirouac got a little excited as he started to focus on his own body until it shifted into his regular form. A large smile took his face as he felt empowered by this new energy. “Now I am ready for a real fight!”

“Yay! Now we can eat ten sandwiches at once. Now what?” Flash asked as he and Light felt extremely underpowered compared to the others.

Pearl’s ears fell. She had a dragon’s strength and ability to fly. But what good would those be here? Every head of her costume was still very much alive and were now giving her concerned looks.

She had no bucking idea of how to use her breath weapons. There wasn’t exactly an instruction manual for this, and she couldn’t ask the Dragon Queen herself about it.

Kohaku whimpered a little as he fell to the ground on his back, bringing his three tails up he clutched them tight and closed his eyes tight. blinking he opened his eyes and looked down. Three tails, they were back.

“Don’t you ever leave me again!” Kohaku said loudly, clutching his tails and rolling side to side with a tearful smile.

Everypony turned their head, or heads as the case may be, and watched as Kohaku just clutched at his three tails like a child who had found a misplaced keepsake.

Flash looked down at his hoofs, then at a rock and tried to levertate it, only to fail. “For Celestia’s sake…” He muttered as he turned to Light Heart and looked at his forehead & back for a horn & wings.

Light looked irritated that his wings and horn were still gone. “Oh, rome on!!!”

“Then it’s just our character’s abilities.” Book mused as he looked around. “That can’t be all to this place.”

“What do you mean?” Kirouac asked as he was flexing a bit.

“No traps? No consequence for breaking this thing? Why do I feel like there is something we are missing?” Book asked as he started to look antsy.

“Maybe we got an idiot who didn’t think it would happen that did all of this?” The Black headl asked, trying to sound more confident than she felt.

“No. The hotel tried to trap people last year. Somebody with magic like this would adapt, as we have seen.” Book pointed out.

“Are we sure it’s not just Discord screwing with ponies? This sounds like something he’d do,” the White head asked.

“Impossible. He asked me for this mastermind’s autograph, and he would have paraded it to everybody.” Book explained. “There have to be other powers at play.”

“And this definitely doesn’t seem like Discord’s style.”

“Well can you at least stop looking at me like I’m doing it? I just got the short end of the stick. I probably wouldn’t have done anything except for that stupid prank,” the Green head said, giving Kohaku a venomous look.

“I think he’s looking at all of us suspiciously.” Kirouac admitted. “It may be a character trait, or natural. I can’t tell.”

Pearl rolled all of her eyes. “He’s got that part of Batman right, as well as being smart. Now if he can only work on not being a flank hole to everyone all the time,”’ the Blue head said.

“Rood Ruck Rith Rat.” Light said as he rolled his eyes. “He’s only Rotten worse.”

Pearl snickered, the effect somewhat weird seeing as what she was wearing.

“HAHAHAHAHA! So, Batman can’t win a popularity contest?” Book’s back tensed up as he heard this new voice.

“If that voice was female, I’d think I’d have a better time.” Book admitted as he turned around.

Blinking lightly Kohaku pushed himself up and looked at the dead tree. shaking his head a little the young fox sat on his rump. “What’s with the creepy looking scarecrow.”

Pearl knew enough about Batman to recognize the figure. “Alright. Whose bright idea was it to invite the psychopath?”

“Zoinks, not me.” Flash said before thinking about something.

Pearl tapped her chin as a thought came to her. “Where did he even come from? I thought we were the only ones in here?”

“Is the beating of our light HEART the only sound?” ShaggyTruth said before laughing.

Pearl didn’t get it as all her heads shared a confused look. “What?”

“I think we’re alone now.. the beating of our light HEART the only sound.” Flash started to sing.

Pearl sighed. “Great. Just great. Now we’re spontaneously doing a musical number. Pinkie warned me this happens a lot in Ponyville.”

“Well if he is going to sing, at least he could do it in tune.” Kohaku flattened his ears slightly.

Pearl wondered if it was too late to bury her heads in the sand and wait till Princess Celestia raised the sun in the morning. This was getting too weird for her.

“Guys, I should warn you that nothing I have faced is as dangerous as this human. These criminals are a lot less squeamish about killing.” Book said as he got into a fighting stance.

As the group was looking around frantically, a cloaked pony with syringes coming out of his hooves jumped out at them, seeming to be fixated on the group. “Why, you are big, but the mighty always fall fast to fear.

Pearl tried to look tough, but it only worked so much. “You don’t scare me. Princess Twilight on re-organising day? Now that’s scary.”

Scarecrow laughed at the young filly. “You don’t know the meaning of fear, but I will show you.” He said as he raised a hoof towards her before being struck by a batterange.

“Watch out for his fear gas! It brings out your worst fears!” Book exclaimed as he tried to figure out how to handle this foe as the dark knight.

Flash walked between them, punching him in the face, wanting to see if he had Ultimate Shaggy's power.

“Raggy!” Light screamed as he quickly tackled Flash out of the way, seeing that he wasn’t going to have an effect on the batman villain.

A loud child’s scream echoed over the entire graveyard. Kohaku trembled as he saw the shadow’s around the tree spring to life. nine tendrils spearing out trying to stab at the young kitsune. He watched in horror as the Shadows took the form of a massive nine tailed kitsune with glowing amber eyes.

“It can’t be… no you're not real. Go away!”

“Come to me Kohaku… you know this is who you are!” the shadow fox roared as the young boy pushed himself away. “What you were always meant to be.”

“No… No never.. I’ll never be that again.” Kohaku cried out.

“Come and we’ll drink the souls of all who are in this place. the dragons will never hurt you, Not like they did your grandparents…” The shadow fox laughed malevolently. “I know you can still hear their screaming at night.”

Kohaku thrust his paws out yelling as hard as he could. Trying desperately to call on his foxfire which wouldn’t answer his calls. His three tails making all the proper symbols as he spoke the words over and over again.

“Rin, Hyo, Toh, Sha, Kai, Jin, Retsu, Zai, Zen!”

“Forget it, you don't have it in you anymore. Join with me. and we’ll show that five headed pretender what true power is.” The shadow fox opened his mouth, it’s gleaming black teeth glistening in the moonlight as it pointed at Pearl.

“NO!, I’ll never hurt Pearl! She’s my friend! I don't ever want to hurt anyone ever again!” Kohaku cried as his tears streamed down his face.

“Kohaku! Snap out of it! We need you!” The hazy voice of Pearl called out as the group was trying to adjust to this new situation.

“And what would you know of helping? Maybe to help yourself at the most. Sister,” a voice behind Pearl said. Something in it made her blood run cold, and for the first time, the other heads of the costume looked worried and scared, as she spun around.

Behind her was the largest dragon she had ever seen. His platinum scales stood out even in the night. His eyes though blazed with a fury that made the filly shrink back in fear.

Her other heads though seemed to know who the other drake was, for their own shock was so evident that it was overriding Pearl’s own. “You. You’re not real,” the White head said, in a voice that was not Pearl’s own.

The other drake smiled. “I’m real enough to end this charade of yours, Tiamat. You say you’re different here, that you’re not like other worlds. Yet you have shown you have not changed a bit.”

Pearl shivered in fright. She had no idea of what the other dragon was talking about, and she didn’t think she wanted to know. “But I don’t want to do that anymore.”

He chuckled as he leaned in snout to snout. “If you had changed like you claim you have, you would never have considered doing so in the first place. This world will be better off without you.”

Pearl tried to back away, to make her legs move or her wings to take her to safety. But she couldn’t move. Her whole body was frozen in fear. And it wasn’t just herself that saying this.

Her other heads were all but begging her to run, to flee this thing that wanted her dead, She couldn’t fight this. Pearl could try, and she would be ripped to shreds.

Kohaku closed his eyes and whimpered. He felt the shadow’s claws wrap around his small body. Trembling he clutched at his own chest as the tears fell down his face.

“Shhh hush now quiet now.” a soft loving voice whispered in his ear as he was rocked back and forth. “shhh it can’t hurt you anymore.” he couldn’t hear anything now but the sound of her soothing voice and the warm embrace of her fore legs holding him close.

The small fox put his paws on his new mom’s fluff he sniffled as she smiled down at him. “really?”

Buttercup nodded slowly softly caressing his hair with her hoof. “yes.”

“But what if it comes back? what if I…” a yellow feather to his mouth silenced the ten year old boy. he looked to the side to see his adopted big sister Fluttershy next to his mom

“Then you won’t be alone, you’ll have your friends and family by your side. you won't ever have to face it alone again.”

“Even if we aren't there, we’ll always be with you.” A loving voice thundered around him. He could feel her dark storm clouds like a loving embrace. Looking up the young ten year old saw the face of his eldest sister, her dark grey fur and multicolored lightning shaded eyes smiling at him. “Your family is always with you, remember what we always taught you about our power.” Behind her three other vixens smiled at him.

“It's from the love of our family, our friends. and is always strongest when using it for others.”

Panting heavily, Kohaku opened his eyes and looked past the shadow. There he saw Pearl cowering before the largest dragon he had ever laid his eyes on. It’s head reared back as it took a long deep breath. “no…” He whispered to himself as he pushed himself.

The shadows around him swirled about, the large fox laughed loudly but Kohaku couldn't hear it. Pushing himself upward, Kohaku tossed his jacked up against it’s head before leaped off the shadows head and dashed hard toward Pearl.

Pearl shut her eyes tight as she heard the dragon inhale. She knew what was coming. Desperately she tried to get her legs to move but they still wouldn't answer her call. All she could do was fall to her belly and pray that something would make this nightmare end. Seconds passed like hours as she waited for the flames to erupt around her.

“oh wow… you may want to watch this.” The blue head said with a small hint of awe.

Pearl blinked as she opened her eyes and looked up. Standing in front of her was Kohaku. He had discarded his jacket and she could see his bright markings. all of which were glowing bright amber. her eyes widened as she saw that Bahamut was breathing it’s deadly breath down on the two of them.

“what the…” was all she could say. around the two of them was a dome of emerald flames keeping the death at bay.

“Nobody Hurts My FRIENDS!!” Kohaku yelled out at Bahamut. as he yelled his flames intensified, almost pushing the breath weapon back. “I’ll never let a dragon take something from me ever again!”

Behind her she saw the shadow fox laughing as it strolled closer. one of it’s nine tails whipping off Kohaku’s jacket from it’s head “Neat little trick, but it won’t save you, or her. I’ll have you again boy… and then together we’ll devour them all.”

Pearl growled as she turned to face the shadow creature. “You’re one to talk. As annoying and as much of a pain in the flank Kohaku is, he wouldn’t do any of that,” Pearl hissed.

“You think you know him? you don’t know the darkness in his heart. I’ll have him again, even if I have to go through you.”

“It’s five against one. Try and see how it turns out for you,” the other heads said, wrapping themselves around Pearl’s own Red head so they could all glare at the shadow.

The Shadow Fox roared louder with its laughter. “You against me? your strength is all you have. Fine, I don’t even need the boy to take you out.”

Kohaku groaned louder as his foxfire shield pushed back the inferno. looking back he placed a tail on Pearl’s shoulder.

“Pearl. I’m really sorry for causing you grief. I promise I’ll explain why I pick on you so much later. but you have to destroy that thing, My power is useless against it.”

“I’ll see what I can do, but I can’t even use my breath weapons.” Pearl looked back with her white and blue heads as she slammed her claws against the massive fox in front of her.

“You have them, just feel inside of you for your secondary lungs. Each head has one, filled with a magical essence. breath in normally and then exhale from them.”

“I’ll try.” Pearl bit down on her lips and turned the two heads back to her target.

“Admirable that you are teaching the girl about dragons when you despise us so much.” Bahamut said as he canceled his breath attack. “I admire your bravery, but if you're going to defend my dark sister, then I shall have to destroy you as well little fox.”

“You can try.”

“And just how do you propose to stop me, your fire can only protect you for so long.”

“You're right, but I have more than one trick up my sleeves as it were.” Kohaku said in unison with two other Kohaku’s now moving up on either side of Bahamut.

“What is this.. Illusion.” The massive dragon asked as he shifted his gaze to the other two Kohaku’s, Both of which sat down and held their paws out as the main Kohaku did the same.

“Oh no this is real, very real indeed.” Each Kohau grinned before yelling out in unison. “Rin, Hyo, Toh, Sha, Kai, Jin, Retsu, Zai, Zen.” As he spoke and made the appropriate seals with his tails. Nine Pillars of vines erupted from the ground and wrapped around the massive dragon, pulling it to the ground. completely immobilize it.

“What is this? You think this tiny prison can contain my power?” Bahamut roared as the trio of Kohaku’s leaped up onto it’s chest.

“No. Not forever, but it doesn’t need to.” Kohaku sighed out as the other two vanished like dust in the wind. “What ever created you, can’t hold it forever. I realized something important when I saw you attacking Pearl. I’m not Naruto. and she’s not Tiamat. My demon came from me, her’s came from the costume. and neither is as powerful as the real thing.”

Sighing Kohaku walked up closer and looked Bahamut in the eyes. “Submit, you have been defeated and you can leave with your honor intact.”

“You will take responsibility should Tiamat arise from her and destroy your world?”

“No, I’ll see to it that never happens.” Hearing those words Bahamut grind and sighed, nodding it’s large head before vanishing into the dust.

As the large dragon vanished Kohaku collapsed onto the ground panting heavily. the weight of his words and promise were heavy. Turning his head he watched the others fighting their battles. Turning his head back he watched Pearl.

Pearl tried to feel what Kohaku had mentioned. She soon did feel her secondary lungs. How she hadn’t felt them earlier was beyond her. “Oh. Twilight is going to give me an earful if she hears about this,” she grumbled to herself. “She’s told me to always feel for everything before I do something.”

“You were not born with them. It is no surprise you didn’t feel them sooner,” the green head said as she smiled at her.

Pearl blinked. That was not her voice, and as her other heads turned to smile at her, she felt there was someone else there with her. But it was just them. “What’s going on? Who are you?”

The blue head giggled. “Is this really the time to worry about that?” She asked.

The white head nodded. “When this is over, it will be made clear.”

The black head nodded as he looked back at the shadow fox. “And I have a sudden hunger for fox meat. This will have to do.”

They chuckled at the idea before turning back to the fox before then. With no idea if this would even work, Pearl breathed in with her regular mouth.

Her black head breathed out a haze of corrosive acid, while her white head breathed out what looked like a haze of cold, while the green head breathed a noxious haze of some kind of gas, while the blue head shot out a bolt of lightning.

Pearl felt all of them as if she was breathing in and out normally. The Red head though, where her own head was, breathed out a wall of flames, and even Pearl herself added her own as she was able to breath fire from her own mouth.

The shadow, nowhere near as powerful as the real Kohaku, never stood a chance against all five breath weapons. And even if Pearl’s wasn’t as powerful as what Tiamat herself could do, it was enough to vaporize the shadow, blowing it away as if it was nothing but a horrible dream.

Pearl cut off her breath weapons as soon as the shadow was destroyed, panting a little, but her grin was big enough that it might have made Pinkie Pie herself jealous. “I wonder if that’s how Spike feels when he does that,” she chuckled.

“I think it is. it’s how I feel when I use my foxfire.” Kohaku chuckled as he looked up at his friend. “I knew you could do it.”

“Now about that promise.” Pearl walked up and looked down at Kohaku, all five heads glaring at him.

“Later, we have to get out of here.” Kohaku put a paw on her large shoulder and pulled himself up onto her back. much to the annoyance of the all five heads.

“Comfy?” Pearl asked, grumbling a little. She couldn’t quite be that mad, she saw how weak and wobbly he was. “And just how are we going to do that, the entrance is sealed shut.”

“Not really, just moved.” Kohaku sighed. “I saw it the second my shadow was vanquished. Whatever is keeping us here, is using some next level illusion spells. It probably didn’t count on my kind’s ability to create and see through illusions.”

Pearl tilted all five heads questionably. “So where is the exit.”

Reaching up Kohaku pointed to a solid stone wall. “Right there. just run in that direction as fast as you can.”

“Wait what about the others. we can help them too. can’t we?”

“Pearl, I’m as weak as a newborn right now and your breath weapons are spent.” Kohaku half growled “besides, they are adults. They can handle this themselves. We’re the only two children here. They would want us to be safe. now get going.”

“As annoying as the welp is, he is right. Your strength is all you have at the moment. And that will only do so much now,” the black head said.

“And don’t get used to this. The Dragon Queen is not being used as someone else's ride,” the blue and green heads said, turning around and pointedly glaring at Kohaku.

“Don’t worry, I’m not enjoying this. besides if I’m right, the second we leave this place you’ll return to your normal size.”

Pearl nodded before turning around and galloped at full speed toward the stone wall. As it got closer a pain of fear struck her. “Are you sure this is it?”

“Yes, just close your eyes and trust me for once will you.” Kohaku groaned.

Shaking her head she had only a split second to decide. Closing her eyes she put on as much speed as she could. After a few seconds, when she should have found herself splat against a solid stone wall. she was tripping over her own tail sending her and kohaku rolling into a nearby tree.

“See.. I told you it would work” Kohaku said as he laid there, upside down against the tree. his voice having regained its strength as he looked at a now normal sized Pearl. Who was half tangled in her costume.

Ten feet away was the entrance to the graveyard, still bearing the hole that she had kicked Kohaku through earlier that night. Pushing herself up Pearl straightened her heads which had now gone limp.

“Okay now about that promise.” She said in a huff. “Why do you always torment me so much!”

With a smile and chuckle he looked up at her. “Oh I thought that would have been obvious by now. It’s because you're my friend. I always tease and play tricks on those I care for. you should have seen the pranks I’ve pulled on Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.”

“What about Sweetie Belle? I never see you prank her.”

“There’s a reason for that, one if I tried she always stops me. Her nose is quite attuned to my scent, and knows when i’m up to something. I never could get anything over on her. Amateresu bless me I love that girl. And there’s another reason I don’t.” He chuckled “if I even tried. she’d withhold certain things I like. kisses, massages. and brushing my three tails.”

Pearl gagged. “If that’s what it’s like to be in love, I’ll stay single.”

Laughing loudly, Kohaku pushed himself down from the tree and laid out on his stomach. “I can’t say that’s what it’s always like. She and I are just a little more amorous then other kids our age. and it’s not like that’s all we do, we just enjoy being with each other. like the best of friends. so give yourself a few years. who knows your mind might change.”

Pearl scoffed and sat back against the tree crossing her front legs against her chest. “I doubt it. so does this mean you're still going to pull those annoying pranks on me.”

“Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly.” Was his response. “Don’t worry, at least you know I only do it because I care about ya as a friend. Besides you really have to loosen up a little. I know you like playing the tough girl. what having grown up on those mean streets and all. But I grew up in there.” Kohaku pointed at the Everfree Forest with his tails.

“Having tough skin is nice and all, but having fun at our age. that’s where it’s all about.”

Pearl rolled her eyes. “Twilight says that all the time. But she was a shut in nerd for years, so what does she know? You’re still a pain in the flank.”

Nodding softy he crossed his front legs and laid his head down. “yeah, but I’m one that won’t ever go away. and as for Twilight, she knows a lot. I think she understands that she wasted her childhood. and doesn’t want you to waist yours.”

“Besides, knowing and understanding how fragile and short pony life is compared to my own. I don’t want you to waste it either.”

Pearl couldn’t argue that, but like Tartarus she would ever tell him that. She would never hear the end of it. She’d never hear the end of tonight and how he’d helped her, as it was.

“Oh relax, I’m not going to brag about it, that’s not who I am. You think I want others to know how I flinched at my own shadow.” Raising his paw he quickly silenced what she was about to say. “No, I can’t read minds, But I can guess what you're thinking. I’ve been thinking the same thing.”

Closing his eyes he yawned and rested his head down on his front legs. his tails curling up at his side. “I’m going to catch a quick nap. could you wake me when the others finally escape. it might be better if we all head back to Ponyville together.” without so much as waiting for her response, Kohaku fell asleep.

Pearl just rolled her eyes and tried to make herself comfortable. But she still had a lot of questions.

Namely, why her costume had acted like it did near the end. That hadn’t been her talking at several points. And there was still that feeling that something else had been there beside her during the whole night.

She looked at the costume’s heads, now lifeless and limp, nothing more than just part of her costume.

It couldn’t be who she thought it could have been. Could it?

…

...

Nah. That was just silly. Too much candy and excitement for one night. And Pearl was more than happy to call it a night.

While the fox and dragon loving pegasus were running out of the Cemetery, Kirouac was fighting an army of Scooby Doo villains. From Charlie The Knight Doctor to the Space Cave-CreeperCaptain. From Redbeard Cutler to Mr. Hyde the Phantom Snow Clown. . Kirouac fighted most of them off, picking tombstones with one claw and chacking at their bodies, opening his wings to make a tornado, blasting them with magic, and trying to finish them with his fire-breath.) He started to pant as he wondered how long this form would hold out. “How.. many are there?” He asked.

“Like Zoinks, I don’t know.” Flash said before putting on a disguise to hide from All-for-One, and the HeroKiller.

“Like I’m doing better on quantity?” Book asked as he was trying to face the joker, two face, and scarecrow.

“Um… Ran we Ro Home Now?” Light asked as he was hiding behind a tombstone.

“We can’t!” Kirouac said. “We have to fight on, with a smile on our face, to keep hope on!” He said getting overwhelmed by All-Might’s moontra.

“Justice needs to be done! We still don’t know the cause of this madness!” Book called out as the others couldn’t tell if this was Batman’s stubbornness or Book’s.

“And together we can be Justice!” Flash said before finishing the last touch of his Shaggy’s disguise, a mop head to go along with the makeshift mask and cape. He started walking to the bad guys, and somehow managed to not only trick them but confuse them that the other M.H.A. villing was him.

Light was just feeling like he was powerless right now. He didn’t have powers or skills like the others, and even with some of his own sanity back, he was still terrified of the fight going on around him.

Flash walked to his best friend, still in his disguise and sat next to him. “Light! What’s wrong?”

“I want to ro home!” Light cried, whimpering as he was still shivering in fear. “We shouldn’t be Righting in ris Reepy Race.”

“I know, and understand.” Flash said while petting his friend's head. “But this time, we now have something better than old plane unicorn magic.” Flash told him. “Cartoon Logic!”

“Rut Ris isn’t what you Romised! We were supposed Ro have fun. Ris is rust like Rast year!” Light said as he looked like he was going to cry. “I’m Rired of Reing Rared for my life.”

Flash petted Light’s winged back. “I know, and when you get out of here we are both going straight back to your place and not coming out until sunrise.” He promised his best friend.

“Rut why ran’t we reave now?” Light asked as he tried to wipe away his tears.

Flash giggled. “Well… we go play dress up!” Flash said with a smile while turning his head to watch All-for-One fighting the HeroKiller.

“Hey Book! I don’t think we can keep this up all night!” Kirouac cried out as he was starting to feel like he was reaching his limit.

“I know.. we just need to find a way to…” Book was about to say before seeing Flash and Light wearing bedsheets. Both were doing pretty lousy impressions of ghosts, but it was now clear that they were trying to escape. Book’s attention then went to the other innocent people we were frantically trying to fight their own enemies to various results. Book knew what he wanted was justice, but he had to be a guardian first. “Kirouac, change of plans! We need to get everybody out of here now!”

“Yes but…” Kirouac looked around not seeing Pearl nor Kohaku. “Excluding the bad-guys, I think we are the only last ones left.” He said with a bit of resentment.

“The blind girl? the spy? The plushie? Look, we’re supposed to be heroes, but we need to remember the priorities! We protect the innocent first then find justice. If you are hope then you will use what’s left of your powers to get the others out while I provide a smokescreen.” Book explained as he kicked the gun away from the Joker’s hands. “Kirouac… I wanted to beat this thing, but… I think we’re at a stalemate.”

“Personally I call that poor writing and refuse to bring about a solid conclusion on where the Joker came from and how he keeps single-handedly beating the best of them all.” Flash said while going around with Light and tapping villains on the shoulder. “Hey, Joker says that your momma wears combat boots.” He said while Light was nodding eagerly.

The villains were starting to look enraged as they were starting to fight each other. As several people were starting to leave, Light yelped as he saw a somewhat familiar face. “Remon!”

“Hey, I may be a lawyer, but I’m not a bad pony.” Mind said as a small joke, going with her character’s background. “You know, this is a lousy party. Everybody’s running around and screaming, and I haven’t been able to get a bit of candy.” She said as she held up her candy bucket, looking clueless about the ghosts around her.”

Flash just looked at her. “Mind… what do you see around you?” He asked her

“Oh, I forgot the eye holes in my mask. Now how am I supposed to see?” Mind asked with a dryly sarcastic tone.

Flash rolled his eyes. “I mean what do you think is going around you?” He clarified.

“Well, there is some stuff going on over there that is hazy.” Mind said as she pointed to where the fight was. “And there are some crazy party props, but it’s mainly ponies running and screaming due to some dumb props.” Mind said as she walked straight through a ghost. “Also, I think it’s rather drafty around here.” She added with a small shiver.

“Um… Mind… we are you in a real Cemetery, fighting real monsters that are dressed up as Mostly Scooby Doo villains, some Batman ones, 2 M.H.A., but mostly Scooby Doo ones.” Flash slowly said.

“Are you sure that this isn’t the real party?” Mind asked innocently as she was trying to figure this place out. “That explains why a few guys tried grabbing me. At least I don’t need to worry about explaining why I hit them to Book.”

Kirouac had overheard that. “Hey! no pony disrespect social distancing!” He said before throwing a big rock at one of the monsters that was trying to sneak up on Mind.

“Well, that was a waste of a night.” She said with a disheartened sigh. “I’m outta here.”

“First we need to find a way out of here!” Flash said before realizing that Book and him were the only two that couldn’t just fly out. “ok, Book and I have to find a way.”

“I’m busy! Have Light do it!” Book called out as he was trying to keep the focus away from the others.

Flash turned to his friend. “Light, could you carry your brother over the wall?” He asked. “While Kirouac carries me!?”

“Hu? Um… I Rave a Rore wing.” Light tried to lie, not liking the idea of flying up and becoming a sitting duck.

“If you want I’ll ask Kirouac to carry both your brother and me.” Flash said before turning around and seeing All-For-One right in front of him. “Then again…” He whimpered as he realized that he just blew his disguise.

“So, you are the one causing discord in the ranks?” The mighty villain asked as he picked Flash up with one hand.

Flash whimpered as he cried out. “SCOOBY DOO!!! WHERE ARE YOU?!?”

As Flash closed his eyes in fear, hearing a loud shockwave as a strong gust of wind rushed past his body. Flash whimpered as he started to fear that his daughters were going to be orphaned. As he weakly opened his eyes, he saw Light standing in front of him, his costume now tore to shreds. However, Light’s body was now a size that could compare to Luna’s. His mane and tail were glowing along with his eyes, as he was holding back the fist of this villain.

“Nopony… hurts my friends!” Light said in a voice that didn’t sound like his own as he swiped at the hand that was holding Flash, knocking the crystal pony to the ground. “Now, you wanted to kill my friend? I’ll return the favor!” Light sneered as he landed a solid punch to the titan of a man, sending him flying across the cemetery.

Book and Kirouac both stopped and froze in shock as they saw Light’s outburst, and the damage it caused to the battlefield. “Sweet mother of Celestia, Twilight was right.” Book muttered softly under his breath.

“What do you mean?” Kirouac asked curiously. “And how does he throw punches as hard as my character?”

“We’re getting out of here… now!” Book said as a glimmer of fear entered his eyes.

“What do you…” Before Kirouac can ask about Light’s power burst, they heard gunshots as the Joker fired a few shots at Light, who was now a clear threat.

Light barely seemed fazed as he turned to the other villains in rage. “So, you all wanted to hurt him too?!? Fine!!! I’LL TAKE YOU ALL ON!!!” Light screamed as he lunged at the villains, showing no form of restraint as he was tearing the cemetery apart in an unholy rage.

“It’s called bystanders getting injured, and we’re going to be the casualties!” Book said as he instantly started running for Mind. “Run for it!” Book called out as he shot a grappling hook towards the wall.

Kirouac quickly ran to the dazed Flash and picked him up, taking a large leap as they flew out of the cemetery, watching as shockwaves of rubble rippled through the cemetery.

As Book looked back at the rubble, he caught a glimpse of a pony wearing a plague mask. He seemed eerily silent while holding some kind of lantern that was releasing a white mist. He stared at Book for a minute, seeming disappointed in some way as he watched the dark knight retreat.

He couldn’t say how, but Book had a feeling that this disappointment didn’t come from the retreat, but something about Book himself.

As Book started to think about trying to focus an assault on the pony, the mysterious stranger simply closed the lantern, causing this mysterious place to disappear, leaving a cold dark mist in its place.

“Is everybody alright?” Book asked as he looked at the others, trying to assess the fallout.

“We are, but what happened to Light?” Kirouac asked as he was trying to figure out what happened.

“I think he scared our host off.” Book admitted as Mind as brushing herself off while walking towards the other kids.

“Book, he did a superhero punch. Scooby Doo doesn’t do that.” Flash said as he was trying to catch his breath after that harrowing ordeal.

“Light does… or did once.” Book said as he took off his mask. “There was a time when my brother went into the Everfree forest to try and find a missing filly. I’m leaving out a lot of details surrounding it, but when we found him and the filly, the filly had a few claw marks on her. Light was unscratched.” He explained before he turned to the others. “They were both lying in the middle of acres of shattered trees and craters.”

“Wow… that sounds like an interesting case.” Mind said, looking interested by this for some weird reason.

“Light was completely drained of energy and magic. It took him a while to recover. There was adrenaline in his blood test results, so there was a theory that Twilight made about him.” Book said as he sat down, looking frustrated by this. “She thought that since Light is a young alicorn, this may be a form of adrenaline rush. Since Light doesn’t deal with as many stressful situations as her, he releases larger bursts, granting him a power boost for a short amount of time.”

“So.. like All-Might when pushing over 100%?” Kirouac asked.

“Something like that. It’s just not something I’ve seen in person.” Book admitted with a gulp.

“Well, I had better go check on the others.” Kirouac said as he started to fly off.

“Wait! What about Light?” Flash asked, fearing that he may have been taken away with the cemetery.

“He’s over there.” Mind said as she pointed to the thick cloud of mist.

The group watched as Light was staggering out of the mist, now normal sized once more, and looking extremely tired as he fell onto his knees. “You know… next year… I’m gonna go outta town…” Light muttered softly as he started to pass out.

“Next year, how about you’re Tintin and I’ll be Snowy!?” Flash offered as he caught his best friend with his magic.

Book and Kirouac quickly ran to the unconscious alicorn and started to check him. “Passed out, just like last time.” Book said as he could see that Light was alright.

“Book, did you see it in person last time?” Kirouac asked as he wondered how such a nervous alicorn could do something like this.

“I only heard of the aftermath. Long story.” Book briefly skilled the details as he looked once more at the now clear field. “Kirouac, find the other kids. Flash and I will take Light to a hospital.” He ordered as he motioned Flash to help

“Well, so much for my night.” Mind said with a small frown. “I ended up in the wrong party and didn’t get a bite of candy.”

Flash looked at the kid in pity before reaching into his bag to grab the bag of candy that he and Light bought ahead of time for the party. He didn’t even bother opening the large bag before placing it in her bucket. “Here you go. Don’t eat it all in one place.”

“Thanks.” Mind said happily before hugging Flash’s neck.

Flash winced at his neck being touched, but he tried to not let it show.

“Alright. Let’s drag my little brother out of here.” Book said as he started to move Light’s body away from the mess that they left behind. “Luna’s going to love this story.”

From outside the Cemetery, Pearl too had seen the plague doctor. Something told her that this wouldn’t be the last she would see of him.

Moaning a little, Kohaku rolled over to his otherside mumbling something about fish before nomming on one of his own tails.

Pearl sighed as she lay back against the tree. “I’ll never understand what Sweetie sees in him.”

“Love, we can’t understand it, nor can we control it’s unstoppable force.” Kirouac said with a small chuckle as he landed next to her.

Pearl rolled her eyes. “I already told Kohaku this. But if that’s what love is like, I’m staying single.”

“Oh.. poor Spike, I get why he would have to date Kohaku’s fillyfriend’s older sister.” Kirouac said as a joke.

Pearl rolled her eyes. “I’m too tired to have a comeback for that.”

“Do you want me to take you home?” Kirouac asked while Flash was getting off his back.

Pearl shook her head as she stood and stretched for all it was worth. “I can get myself home. But I don’t know the way back to Ponyville from here.”

Kirouac smiled. “Get on my back!” He said while opening up his Big (lever/bat) wing, that was covered with feathers.

Pearl grumbled, but was too sore to say no to a free ride, and so got on his back. “I swear that if you tell anyone about this.”

“You’ll deny it?” He asked with a wink.

Pearl just puffed out her cheeks in what could only be described as an adorable pout, but didn’t respond for a moment. “No. I’m telling Princess Twilight about this. I’ve got too many questions about what happened to me.”

“Ok, queen of the dragons.” Kirouac said before kneeling and bowing to Pearl. “Let the Kingly half dragon handle the rest from here.”

Pearl smirked a little but nodded her head a little. reaching out she shook Kohaku’s shoulder. “Hey, wake up. I’m leaving.”

Kohaku yawned and lifted his head. Looking about he noticed Kirouac. “Choosing the dragon knight over the princeling fox. eh, can’t blame ya.” he chuckled out and playfully nudged her with one of his tails. “Well sense your guardian has shown up. and it seems nopony else has found the way out. I’ll take my leave as well.” Looking up at the moon he smiled.

“Hmmm just after midnight,” Rolling his head a bit, Kohaku sat upright. “Tell the princess I said hi. and I’ll see you in school.” Strolling past Pearl, Kohaku stopped and Kirouac and looked up at him.

“I’m not entirely sure of what unholy union you were spawned from.” Reaching up kohaku slugged the half dragon’s shoulder lightly. “But you're not half bad. You fight almost as well as All-Might himself. It also seems like I found another manga fanatic. just like Spike. You know I can’t stand him either. However, we do have a group manga club every other weekend. You're welcome to tag along if you like.” Kohaku didn’t wait for his reply but walked on waving his tail.

“Pearl? could I talk to you for a moment.” Kohaku moved away out of earshot of Kirouac.

“Ah, sure.. one second” she said looking up at her new friend and walked over to Kohaku. “What do you want?”

“About what you heard, what my demon said.”

“You mean about your grandparents? Yeah. I heard it.” She said with a sigh.

“Do you mind keeping it to yourself? Only my mom, Fluttershy, Sweetie Belle, and Twilight know about it.” kicking the dirt with his paw he turned his gaze away. “if you want to discuss it with them that’s fine. just… please. don’t say anything to anyone else, well at least our school mates.”

Pearl wasn’t sure why Kohakus insisted on keeping it a secret, but let it never be said she was one to spill someone else's secrets. “Fine. I won’t tell anyone. I am pretty good at keeping a secret.”

Nodding he gave her a quick hug and smile as he stretched out again “Thanks. I just. I don't want to soil anypony’s ideas about dragons. I know how tenuous some of their relations are. if they knew that dragons slaughtered a peaceful people because of fear and racial hatred.” Shaking his head wildly, Kohaku slapped either side of his face with his tails. “Well the nights waning fast and I’m ready for bed. Night.” Kohaku started a brisk run toward Ponyville’s outskirts and was gone altogether once he entered the Everfree Forest border.

Pearl sighed as she watched him vanish. He was still a pain in the flank, but after all of this? She could put up with his constant immaturity better than she used to.

She would never tell Kohaku that of course. Oh no. He’d just use it as more ammunition against her. And something inside of her said that his pranking might be a little less now that she understood him better. Sniffing the air a bit she shook her head a little and looked around wondering if it had rained while they were inside the graveyard. She didn’t think so with the dry ground.

what is making that odd yet sweet smell. I’ve only ever smelled it after a rainstorm. She thought while walking back to Kirouac. Stopping dead in her path she looked back remembering something he said about how Sweetie Belle knew he was around. His scent, petrichor, the smell of dust after rain. A smile crossed her lips she could use this information but also wondered if he purposely left it for her, or if it was a random occurrence. Even when being helpful he’s still a pain. Ahhh how does Sweetie Belle put up with this. this is going to drive me crazy for hours trying to figure that out.

“You’re ok?” Kirouac asked her. “Oh, and by the way, you can tell your friend that both of my parents are married to each other, and it was a happy loving marriage. The best (80-90) years of my dad’s life.”

Leaning in he gave Pearl a little wink. “And don’t worry, I won’t spill the beans on our little friend. At least now I understand his attitude toward us dragons.”

Pearl nodded. What else could she say? No matter how bad Kohaku had been, knowing what she did now, it made more sense. To some degree anyway.

As for what he had promised to the dragon that had almost killed her? Pearl didn’t think he could actually do it, though she didn’t doubt Kohaku would try.

He was too stubborn.

Chapter 5: Break of Dawn

Kohaku slowly walked up his big sister's walkway leading up to the cabin. Looking about he didn’t find anything out of the ordinary. He could have simply gone home to Sweet Apple Acres, but he needed the comfort only one pony could give him right now.

Good, no damage or anything out of place. I guess the punks decided to leave her home alone. I’m in no mood to rough them up this year. Kohaku closed the door behind him as he walked in. Pulling off his costume he tossed it in his room there and put on his night kimono.

Walking into Fluttershy’s room, Kohaku slowly pushed his way past the other animals that surrounded the bed before crawling under it into her little ‘cave’.

Fluttershy lifted her head up and looked down as she felt someone push his way under her wing. A pleasant smile crossed her lips as she folded her wing tighter about her adopted little brother. kissing his forehead she rested her head next to his.

“Did you have a good night?”

“Scary dragons and shadows.” Kohaku sighed softly.

Fluttershy nodded as she nuzzled her head against his. “I understand sweetie, you get some rest. I’ll protect you. Did you have any fun tonight?”

“Well, I made a new manga friend. and got closer to a friend from school. I don’t think she’ll see me as much of a pest anymore.”

“Pearl?” Fluttershy giggled as she watched him nod his head. As if she even had to guess. He talked about her almost as much as Sweetie Belle and the other CMC’s. “Well I’m glad, now get some rest sweetie.” Closing her eyes she fell asleep snuggling Kohaku close as the other animals kept their vigil against Nightmare Night.

Mom and dad were still out by the time Kirouac dropped Pearl off at home. Which was fine with her as she made her way to her room.

With some difficulty, she was able to get herself out of her costume, but not before setting her bag of candy down next to her bed.

Placing the costume on her bedside table, Pearl looked it over, trying to see if anything had changed since earlier that night. But nothing looked different.

She giggled as she hopped into bed, too tired to even try and read something. “Maybe it was just for one night. But that was worth it. Seriously, how many ponies can say they did what I did?”

She shook her head as she looked out her window. “I don't know how it happened, or why me. But I’ll take being the Chromatic Dragon, even if only for a little while, every time. Even if it was a one time thing.”

She giggled. For a time, Pearl just watched the world outside her window. She had a great view toward the Everfree Forest and then Canterlot in the distance, occasionally snacking on some candy.

Eventually though, her tiredness and soreness caught up with her, and Pearl slid under the covers, turning her light off as did.

“Is it too much to ask for nice dreams tonight, Princess Luna?” She asked with a yawn before closing her eyes, and was soon snoring with a contented smile on her face.

Unnoticed, the eyes on the five heads of her costume glowed faintly for a moment before fading away.

The next morning, Pearl woke with a groan. “That’s the last time I have candy before bed,” she grumbled as she sat up and stretched. Outside, it was a beautiful fall morning. Ponies were already beginning to clean up the mess from last night.

Pearl took a moment to enjoy the view, before her eyes widened in shock. “Oh sweet Celestia, I’m late! MIss Cheerilee is gonna have my hide for this!”

In her panic, Pearl fell out of her bed in a heap, tangled in her blanket as she tried to free herself. “That’s the last time I spend a night in a haunted graveyard. Next year, I’m staying with Twilight,” she grumbled as she pulled herself free and tried to get all of her things together, not sure of how she would explain this to the school teacher.

A knock on her door finally slowed her down a little. “Pearl. Are you up?” Her mother asked.

Pearl glared at the door as she pulled her saddlebags onto her shoulders. “Mom. Why didn’t you tell me I slept in? I’m late for school, I’m in so much trouble for this.”

Her mother smiled as she pushed open her daughter’s door. Like Pearl, Cirrus Storm was also a Pegasus. Her white coat stood out next to her lavender mane. “You’re not going to school today, honey.”

Pearl gave her mom a confused look. “Why not? I’m not sick. Unless school’s canceled and I didn’t know about it.”

Cirrus shook her head, her smile growing. “School isn’t canceled, Pearl. It’s a Saturday. I warned you about eating too much candy before bed.”

That stopped Pearl dead in her tracks, suddenly remembering what day of the week it was. “Oh… right. ” She replied sheepishly.

Cirrus’s smile dropped after a moment though. “You’re not going to school next week, either. Princess Twilight has pulled you out for the entire week. Maybe even longer.”

Pearl’s eyes widened in shock. Her mentor never did that. Let alone for that long. Twilight was upset when she was home sick as it was. “Why?” She asked.

Her mother shook her head. “She didn’t say. But something must have happened because she seemed jumpy at something.” She pointed at Pearl’s costume. “She also said to bring that with you.”

Now Pearl was really confused, as she looked at it. But her eyes widened as she saw something attached to the black head. “Mom. Did you leave a note on it?” She asked, pointing at it.

Cirrus shook her head, just now seeing the note herself. “No. Your father and I checked on you last night when we got home. You were sound asleep. It wasn’t there then. And nopony’s been up here since.”

Pearl didn’t like the sound of that. But as her mother left, Pearl decided to see what the note said. Careful not to tear the costume, she pulled the note off and let it rest on her table.

Her eyes widened in shock and surprise at what it said. Twilight definitely needed to hear about this.

Flash had fallen asleep on a chair next to his best friend’s hospital-bed. They said that he’d be okay, but burnt out on magic and energy. It would take a while for Light to wake up, but Flash refused to leave him. He awoke like a shot as he heard Light groan awake.

“Uhhh… what kind of party did I go through?” Light asked himself softly before seeing he was in a hospital bed. “Oh… one of those…”

“Light!” Flash said with joy in his voice. “You’re up!” He pointed out before walking to the side of the bed to hug him.

“Hey… glad to see that the party is over.” Light said with a soft chuckle. “but next time, we’re going out of town.

Flash nodded. “Yes, yes, of course.” He told him before looking him in the eyes. “So..” Flash asked. “Being surrounded by monsters, and your guardian form doesn’t get activated, but when I, a crystal-pony with unbreakable bones, is about to get hurt, that’s why the true hero that was inside of you comes out to save the day!?” He asked before laughing with his friend.

“Um… what hero was that?” Light asked, sounding a little confused before remembering the last time Flash told him that something like this happened, which Book didn’t even know about. “I… I went guardian again?” Light asked, looking disheartened that he still couldn’t remember what happens when he goes into this form.

“Yes.. and it was… it was something.” Flash said as his excitement faded a little. “You took on some heavy hitters.”

Light groaned a little as he sat up. “That’s three. Three times I have woken up after blacking out and finding out that I was found in a wreckage.”

“A, yes.. I remember that.” Flash said while thinking about it. “Fast wouldn’t stop calling you Bruce Banner for a week.”

Light nodded with a soft sigh, trying to clear his head. “I guess it’s funny, seeing the power I have and knowing that I don’t know how to make it work without… completely losing my cool.” Light said as he rubbed his eyes. “How can I be so cowardly and yet so dangerous?”

Flash chuckled a bit. “Maybe it should have been you who was Shaggy, and I would have said “BAD”, to save on time.”

“In character, it would have just made me fearless. Also, Scooby can’t pronounce that word.” Light reminded him before he started to chuckle. “Maybe Book should have offered us Scooby snacks?”

“Oh, we would have cleared that place in half the time.” Flash quipped as both boys started to laugh, relaxing a little after the stressful night they had been through.

Light sighed a little as he started to calm down. “So, is everybody okay?”

“Well, Kohaku had to deal with being trapped with.. 1.5 to 5.5 dragons.” Flash explained. “But.. I think he’ll be ok.”

“That's good, but did anybody get… physically hurt?” Light asked again, afraid that somebody else got caught in the fight.

“You’re the only one that was sent to the hospital.” Flash explain. “The only reason that I’m here was because I was too worried about you.”

“Is that why you’re not a nurse?” Light asked kiddingly, earning another laugh.

Flash crossed his arm before looking down to the side. “I…”

“Hey, it’s alright. I was just worried about what I may have done.” Light said as he weakly stood up. “So, may we agree on something?”

“Worried about what?” Flash asked. “and what does that have to do with my failed medical exam?”

“Oh… sorry. That was supposed to be a joke. I forgot about the failed test.” Light said as a look of regret came over him.

“It’s ok.” Flash said. “Personal success didn't follow me to my adulthood.”

“Dude, you are a teacher and make a lot more than me. I think you’re successful.” Light said as he petted Flash’s back.

“Yes but..” Flash petted Light’s winged back as well. “Money isn’t everything.” He said before looking out, through the window at the morning sky. “And also, I’m just a school-aide.”

“With two daughters, a nice house, and more marefriends than I can shake a stick at.” Light tried to assure him. “That, and we have each other. I say you’re living pretty well.”

“Ya… it’s true.” Flash said before looking a little upset. “Just wish that All could have the same opportunities as us, and not be limited by their race nor their income.”

Light could tell that Flash was getting overly emotional, so he decided to get Flash’s mind off of it. “Okay, I have most of my energy back. We’re going to pick up your kids and go get some ice cream.” Light said as he got out of bed.

“Ok.. hope that they had fun at the C.M.C.’s party.” Flash said before helping his friend out. He always liked the fact that Light could cheer him up and get his mind off of things he couldn’t control. As they started to walk out of the room, Flash had an idea about his marefriends/ “Oh and Light, you can have one or two of them if you want. I’m only going out with 2 of them.”

“Sorry, but I’m not ready for dating yet.” Light admitted before patting Flash’s back. “But thanks.”

“Oh come on.” Flash said. “One of them is your Boss, and the other is your magic teacher.” He pointed out, trying to have his brest friend, and 2 of his female-friends to find love.

“Dude, I’m not a lady’s man like you.” Light said with a chuckle. “That, and any girl who wants me just wants to date me for my wings and horn.”

“They don’t.” Flash pointed out.

“They barely know me.” Light added. “Mareian just had more money in her pockets than me for the store, and wanted me to work with her.”

“That’s something that you have in common, you two work together.” Flash pointed out. “Also didn’t she write your name on the lease as well?” He asked. “Aren’t you two co-owners?”

“That’s beside the point.” Light said before having a thought. “Actually, let’s go visit our kitsune friend before we grab your kids.”

“Ok..” Flash said while thinking of something. “Let’s.”

“And that is my complete report.” Book finished as he and Kirouac were standing in her throne room.

Twilight did not seem pleased by the results of Book’s report. “So, you disobeyed my orders to not go on patrol…”

“Wrong. I was going to a party and ended up in a creepy cemetery.” Book explained with a stone faced look. “I had the right to step in and protect those innocent ponies.”

“And your brother…”

“Was out of control. The second Flash got picked up, he lost it.” Kirouac explained. “However, after he passed out we got him to a hospital, and if past records are true, he should be fine.”

“Hm… maybe this power is like a mother bear instinct?” Twilight mused thoughtfully, wondering how he was able to do this devastating feat. However, her focus was still on Book. “However, my pupil warned me that you may try something like this, Book. Now, do I need to report you for going behind my back?” Twilight asked him sternly.

“From what I heard you are four days behind on paperwork, and that’s with an extra man, but I can wait a week for your reaction.” Book said with a small smile. “However, I did my job, which is protecting ponies, and they were in quite a bit of danger this time around.”

“Twilight, Ah need to talk to ya. and Ah won't take no fer an answer.” A cream colored mare wearing a stetson hat barged into the throne room.

Wonderful, Twilight sighed out and smiled at the mare. “I take it this is about Kohaku’s injuries, am I right Buttercup? Well if you please be patient, I will handle this in time.” Turning her head back to Book. The princess just shook her head.

“Do you care to field this one Book? Since you were there I’m sure you can answer her well enough.”

Buttercup took a deep breath and stared down the guard.

“I can’t tell you everything that happened, but I know he spent most of the time fighting your pupil.” Book pointed out. “Me and Kirouac were doing what we could, but you forget that me and Kirouac were trying to handle your pupil, and then tons of villains. Frankly, injuries were inevitable. I’ve got the cuts and bruises to prove it. However, Kirouac and I did our best to handle the situation and we had no casualties. Isn’t that right?” Book asked as he turned to the half-breed.

Kirouac gave a soft sigh as he looked at the princess. “Was he perfect? No. Was I perfect? No. We both did our best at the time with what knowledge and resources we have. As much as I don’t fully approve of Book’s methods, he helped save lives that night. Possibly even Kohaku’s.” He said, clearly begrudgingly.

Buttercup sighed deeply as she took off her hat. “Ah’m sorry, ah don’t mean to come across like that. Now ah’m sure you did your best Book. Hell Kohaku usually has a lot of nice things to say about you. But he’s my son, After what happened a year ago in that hotel. Then to hear about what happened in the graveyard last night.” Buttercup sat down and put her hat on the ground. “Ah’m scared about what might happen to him. What if he becomes… that again.”

Twilight smiled at her friend's mom. “I’m sure you don’t have to worry about that.”

“Ah know, but it ain't easy. From what he told Fluttershy, that shadow did appear again.” Buttercup looked at Book. “Do you know how that happened? Kohaku wasn’t at all too talkative about how it showed up. or how he got rid of it. which makes me think he didn’t. so did you?” her eyes trailed over to Kirouac “or was it you?”

“I was unaware of any shadow figure.” Book admitted, in spite of him sometimes being described as such at nights.

“Don’t look at me. He and Pearl were the first to escape while we were holding the line.” Kirouac admitted.

Twilight nodded a little and looked up. “Then I think my pupil will have the answer to your question Buttercup. You're free to wait around for her if you like.”

“Ah think ah will.” The farm mare picked up her hat and put it back on her head before standing up and moving off to the side. “Kohaku’s always talkin’ ‘bout her. Nothin’ but good things of course. Although he does think she’s a might uptight and needs to relax and enjoy herself.”

“I tell her the same thing. Excuse us, I'll be right back.” Twilight told Book and Kirouac before following Buttercup. “So, what is he up to right now?”

“Oh he and Mac are taking down all the games and decorations around the farm.” Buttercup stopped in front of a stained glass window. it was one made in her honor for the heroics she showed that day. Taking up almost all the window was a black nine tailed fox. In the center was her clutching a small three tailed fox. the both of them surrounded by a heart. “Ah’m just going to wait here. let me know when your student arrives will ya.”

Nodding slowly Twilight went back into full princess mode as she returned to both Book and Kirouac.

“So, I’m guessing that I can go back to work?” Book asked the princess with a small smile.

“I… I never said that!” Twilight exclaimed.

“No, but Luna sent me some mail.” Book explained as he pulled out a letter. “Dear Book, we have had a long and tedious talk about your position here. Twilight has given many thoughts about you taking an extended break, along with relieving you of your duties. However, in spite of the impressive nature of the substitute she has brought, it’s become clear that they struggle with protocall and the paper load that you carry.”

Kirouac’s eyes widened at this assessment. “Hey! I patrolled the streets…”

“But not in the proper manner. You don’t follow the route, you have social chats longer than permitted, five min limit before needing to press on. Not to mention you let yourself get outsmarted by a twelve year old boy. You also haven’t listed any reasons for going off course on your reports. That’s why you don’t let Twilight file them for you. Also, there is a technicality about you.”

“And what is that?” Kirouac asked as he crossed his claws.

“You’re not a licenced guard.” Book explained as he held up the letter. “Although if you want to be one, I’ll write a letter of recommendation for you. Frankly, you are ten times as competent as normal guards.” Book said before turning to Twilight. “Shall I continue?”

Twilight’s rage started to turn into embarrassment. “I… umm…”

“That’s a yes.” Book said as he kept reading. “You and Twilight have always shown the ability to handle great workloads. However, after seeing her work these last two weeks, and after hearing about last night…”

“You told her?!?” Twilight asked in dismay.

“I report directly to her. It’s protocol.” Book admitted bluntly as he kept reading. “...It’s clear that neither one of you are capable of handling both loads. It’s also apparent that due to said events, we still have need for your night duties. Kirouac is strong, yet lacks the training needed. I’d like your report on him, as Celestia agreed that he is a capable person and has a charming personality. My sister shall be in contact with Twilight concerning this, but I will now kindly ask that you continue your duties.” Book explained as he set the latter aside. “So, here we are again. You need me, no matter how much you like to pretend otherwise.”

Twilight looked streamed at this, but still tried to put up a defence. “W… well… Kirouac could have…”

“Twilight… I’m sorry, but I was in a powerless position last night against your pupil. Book was able to buy time for Kohaku to escape. Also… I realized what it was like to fight against killers, let alone not kill them.” Kirouac said begrudgingly as he looked at Book. “He’s a good guard, and a skilled hero. Even though I don’t approve of his methods, he knows how to save lives.”

Twilight didn’t look extremely happy about Kirouac’s report, but she was quickly interrupted as Spike ran into the room. “Sorry Twilight, but the princess sent this to you.” Spike said as he handed her the scroll.

“Another one?” She asked before recognizing Celestia’s symbol on it. “Oh… this must be the one Celestia was talking about.” She said as she opened it up and read it.

‘To my dear student, Twilight Sparkle.

I have been thinking long and hard about your complaints about Book, namely your disapproval of methods. I know a lot of this stems from what you stand for and your upbringing, but I have yet to find a good reason to release Book from his duties. I know of his arrogance and cold attitude, and I do ponder where it stems from. However, as a mare who has seen wars and crimes that I pray you’ll never see, I do see the need of somepony who can draw the line where you can’t.

I know that you will argue with me about the voting process, so I decided to conduct that vote formally three days ago. Luna and I voted against, and you have voted for many times. Cadence also voted for it provided that Book gets proper compensation and any assistance he needs. Light Heart repeated that he’s not royalty and asked why I barged in on him. I gave no answer. As for my final inquiry, Flurry said “Bubbles”.

The final vote is two for, two against, one refusal on a technicality, and one bubbles. The vote didn’t pass.

Forgive me if you found that to be cheeky of me, but consider it payback for being behind on Book’s paperwork. I know that you have carried immense workloads before, but currently, you can’t handle yours and Book’s at the same time, even with Kirouac’s help.

I know that Book is a difficult pony to work with, but I have seen you turn enemies into allies, lonely into friends, and broken into whole. If you believe so strongly in friendship, then why are you refusing to try to work with a pony who was once your friend?

I hope that the events of last night will show you where Book’s loyalty lies, and that he understands where I drew the line for him. No killing, only high level crimes, and to protect first, fight second. He’s no saint, but we will continue to let him do his work as a guard, and a hero. However, we will work on finding a way to ease his workload.

Also, I hope that you give Kirouac my most sincere thanks for doing his best, and that I would gladly like to see him gain proper guard training, and possibly officer training if he is interested in guardwork.

I hope we may continue these talks on friendlier terms soon.

Sincerely

Princess Celestia.’

Twilight stared at the letter in disbelief, realizing that her plan to get rid of this vigilante didn’t work anywhere close to where she was hoping. She gave a soft sigh as she looked at Book and Kirouac. “You two are dismissed. Kirouac, if you wish to get formal training, feel free to talk to me later, or ask Book about it. I was legally required to say the last part.”

Book nodded before bowing, which always irked Twilight, even though this was rare for him. “Thank you Twilight, and I hope you remember that my job is to serve the people and my princesses, in spite of you not trusting me.”

Kirouac bowed as the two men walked out of the room. As the two of them left, Spike clutched his stomach for a moment before belching up another letter. He looked rather surprised as it materialized. “Huh. Princess Celestia usually doesn’t send two letters.”

Twilight took the letter with her magic, also confused. She hadn’t been expecting another letter today. But as she unrolled it and began to read, her eyes widened in surprise and disbelief.

“What’s it about?” Buttercup asked.

Twilight shook her head as she finished it and rolled it up once more. “It’s about Pearl.” She stood up and ignited her horn. “I’m sorry to run like this. But I will be right back,” she said before disappearing in a flash of teleportation.

Buttercup just nodded and watched the princess disappear. Walking over to her daughter’s throne the mare smiled as she ran a hoof over it and sat down on the cushion “Ah can see why she likes this seat so much. very cozy.”

Ten minutes later, Twilight returned, an unhappy look on her face as she returned to her throne with a sigh. “I hate doing that,” she grumbled.

“Things arn’t goin’ to well ah take it.” Buttercup lifted the rim of her hat, having lowered it over her eyes earlier. “Well ah won’t bother ya about it. You have enough on your mind without me picking it.” Getting up from the throne Buttercup walked over to Twilight. “Ah still would like to talk to yer student, though. Just send her to Sweet Apple Acres when she’s able.”

Walking toward the door she looked over her shoulder. “Thanks fer hearing me out earlier. And ah’m sorry for barging in like that.”

“It’s okay Buttercup, you're always welcome here. Particularly around this time of year. I know it can’t be easy on you.” Twilight smiled pleasantly.

Buttercup sighed and nodded. How long had it been? Twelve years now, closer to Thirteen really. Closing her eyes she took a deep calming breath. “Yeah, Ah miss Bright Mac somethin’ fierce. Had Granny not broken her hip forcing me to stay, Ah would have been caught up in that rock slide along with him. But Ah try not to dwell too much on the past.”

“Well, give your boy my best regards. and I have a few new books I’m sure he’d love to read.”

“Ah’ll do just that, once ah clean up whatever mess mah two boys have gotten into” Buttercup chuckled as she opened the Castle doors and almost walked over a small filly. “Oh Ah’m sorry little one, wasn’t watchin’ where I was goin’.” she said ruffling Pearl’s hair before walking out and started to gallop toward her home.

Pearl nodded, but didn’t say anything as she entered the castle. She wondered what Kohaku’s mother was doing at the palace this time of day. She froze up a little afraid that it might have had something to do with how Kohaku ended up looking like he did, or that she nearly killed him.

As they walked down the hallway, Book looked at Kirouac curiously. “So, why did you stand up for me?”

“Why wouldn't I?” Kirouac asked. “You're a… somewhat nice pony. You just need to find a way to manage what is in you.”

“What do you mean by that?” Book asked curiously.

“I.. I see a bit of little me in you.” Kirouac admitted. “When I was young I wanted to be the line in the sand and be able to take on the worst the world threw at me. Of course, I wasn’t as broody, but I see that dedication in you”

Book raised his eyebrow at this as he felt rather sceptical about this. “What changed?”

“They started to make stories about fire-breathing monsters that were worse than what I was fighting.” Kirouac explained.

“Better than a shadowy demon.” Book explained as a dry quip.

“Do they think that you cook them before feasting?” Kirouac asked.

“No, but they think that the glow my eyes gives off when I’m fighting is hellfire, in spite of it being green.” Book admitted. “So what did you do?”

“I decided to rebrand myself.” Kirouac explained. “Show them that I wasn’t the bad monster that they thought I was.”

“And you think that I need to go through that change?” Book asked as he didn’t seem to like the idea.

“Well.. go ask Luna if they have nightmares about you, or what you are fighting.” Kirouac asked.

“Kirouac, I know that the Shadow Knight isn’t some bright and shiny hero. Admittedly, I based him off of Batman in some ways. However, there are people, criminals who need something to fear.” Book tried to explain.

“But what when it’s the foals that fear you?” Kirouac asked.

“Does it look like I do kids parties?” Book asked like this suggestion is nonsensical.

“But what if a kid sees you and can’t go back to sleep because of the fear you give them.” Kirouac asked. “If you can scare grown adults, why should kids be any different.”

“You still don’t understand why I do what I do.” Book said defensively as he started to walk off.

“Some pony that you know got hurt, or dead and you blame your-self because you think you could have stopped it?” Kirouac asked.

“That’s why I work alone!” Book barked as he turned to the half breed. “I put on the mask so I could protect my people. So we don’t have people like Batman or Spiderman or other heroes born in tragedy! That’s why I had to put on darkness and fear, because no one else will without that birth by blood.” Book explained firmly. “Do you think that criminals are just going to stop if law and order quits? No. I became a hero so that someone else doesn’t have to be. That’s why Twilight hated me the second I put on the mask. She doesn’t understand that some evil needs a response, and friendship isn’t always it.”

“Ok.. but don’t forget about the most important part of life.” Kirouac told Book before he could leave.

“And what is that?” Book asked as he neared the door.

“Friends and Family.” Kirouac said as Book paused before him.

Book seemed hesitant as he reached for the door. “I… I know that my family is a key element to me being able to put on the mask, but friendship is something I don’t have anymore. I know having family alone is dangerous, but friendship… is something I lost before I put on the mask, and I can’t get it back.” Book explained before turning to Kirouac. “I do respect you, and admittedly, you are better than me. I know that, but we both need to exist in order for the world to keep turning. I just hope that my life won’t be in vain in my mission to keep the peace.”

Pearl pushed open the door, having heard the whole thing. “Then if you want your ideals to live on after your death, don’t try to force ponies to stand with you. Give them a reason to stand with you. Batman never demanded anyone stand with him. And yet so many do.”

Book sighed as he looked at the child. “I’m not forcing you to stand with me. I stand alone. People like me aren’t around anymore, and I am not an agreeable person. Just remember this, the people who often stood by batman got broken, one way or the other.” Book said soberly as he started to walk off.

Pearl watched him go. “Broken, but they didn’t quit. Not the ones who believed in the ideal he fought for.”

“And do you see any believers? My biggest one is my arch nemesis.” Book pointed out.

“Then why keep fighting?” Kirouac asked curiously.

Book paused for a moment as a soft glow came over his eyes. “One, I believe in it, and two… I love my job.” He admitted with a small grin. “You’d have to know me better to understand why.”

Kirouac smiled. “Then let me!” He asked.

“Really?” Book asked with a raised eyebrow. “What about the whole nightmare thing?”

“Together we managed to save both you little brother, and his friends.” Kirouac pointed out.

“But we have two different ideas of how things should work.” Book added. “I also don’t work well with others.”

Kirouac grabbed Book’s hoofs with a large grin. “If you say yes, we can convince Twilight to get off of you.” He offered.

Book looked sceptical as he stared at Kirouac. “Why? And what's the catch?”

“You and I have to be partners.” Kirouac asked.

“You have something planned.” Book said, not believing that Kirouac would just hop on board with this.

“Maybe!” Kirouac asked with a blush.

Pearl rolled her eyes as strolled past the pair. “You two enjoy your new bromance. I’m in enough trouble as it is. Don’t wanna keep the princess waiting.”

“We aren't in love!” Kirouac called out at her. “And I already have a lover/wife!”

Pearl turned and gave Kirouac a flat look. “Yeah? Who?”

“Derpy!” Kirouac called out. “Derpy Hooves!”

Pearl wasn’t convinced. “I’ll have to ask her about that. Don’t remember seeing you two together before.”

“How many dragons do you see allowed to walk around ponyville.” Kirouac asked. “she goes to my place!” He pointed out.

Pearl waived a wing dismissively as she turned back to the throne room door. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll believe it if Derpy says the same thing. Unless you made her swear not to talk about it.”

“You’ll have to ask her specifically.” Kirouac asked. “She doesn't think that anypony would believe her that she is with a half dragon.”

Pearl nodded. “Oh I will. But after I get chewed out for nearly ripping you guys to pieces last night. I’ll be lucky to still be her student after what I did.”

“Oh, talk away. I’m married to my job, and I think after my performance with Twilight, you’ll have a better time with her.” Book explained with a grin as he simply walked away. “And Kirouac, I’ll think about it, but the next time we train, I will kick your flank.”

Pearl giggled. “Now that’s something I’d like to watch.”

“a pony besting a dragon?” Kirouac asked Pearl.