The Carnival of the Damned

The telltale pitter-pattering of raindrops resounded upon the roof of the Okikoffee Cafe as the small ghostly owner watched from a nearby window. She let out a long sigh as the rain cascaded down the glass, placing her head between her hooves to watch the storm's progression. Ever now and again something on the street outside would catch her eye, and she'd quickly jump up for a better view. Still, the result of each was the same and she would let out a little whimper before returning to her spot.

It had seemed ages to her since Ryn had waved cheerfully before exiting the small coffee shop to journey to Miss Zecora's hut deep in the Everfree forest, and the festivities for Nightmare Night were scheduled to begin promptly at sundown the next day. Okiku's gaze turned slowly from the water stained window to glance over the cafe's interior. She had decorated excessively, paper jack-o-lanterns, streamers and glowing lights strung over nearly every surface. No expanse had been spared this treatment, as she excitedly busied herself to aid in time's passing. There had been no sign of her friend since that time, not even a letter or message from word of mouth and the young filly was beginning to worry.

A small bell above the door chimed to indicate the arrival of a patron and the little ghost looked up expectantly as she always did. Her blue eyes sparkled as she gazed onward, dulling back to sadness as a pale pink pegasus entered in the place of Ryn. Still, her sorrow was short lived as she smiled and floated over to the customer. The pony shook off the excess water, purple mane dripping.

"Oh! Selathiel! Welcome to the Okikoffee Cafe!" Okiku smiled and gave a small curtsey as she hovered near. "What brings you out here so late, and in this weather no less? Meep! You must be frozen solid!" She hurriedly brought over a small dish towel in an attempt to aid the other. The pony chuckled, smiling back at the young ghost.

"Aw, that's okay, Miss Okiku. I came to see if you are all set for Nightmare Night tomorrow. Though...," He paused, surveying the small shop and it's decor. "by the looks of it, I don't need much answer." The ghost giggled in turn, nodding her head twice.

"Meep! Yep yep! We are all set here! I've decorated the cafe, carved the jack-o-lanterns, got my costume all set, baked the goodies and stocked bags of candy for all the trick-or-treaters too!" She counted off her list on her hooves. "What about you? Are you ready?"

"You bet!" The pegasus beamed. "I'm going to be an accountant...of souls!" He laughed evilly as a bit of lightning flashed from the window. The small ghost bolted under a nearby table, peeking out in embarrassment for her action.

"Meep! Heh..that sounds scary!" She floated back out to settle behind the counter as the other continued.

"Ah, not really. I just wanted to make it interesting. I'll have to head back soon, but could I possibly get a cup of hot cocoa to go? It's getting chilly out there."

"Sure thing! One cocoa coming up!" She scurried to prepare the hot drink as Selathiel took another good look around the small cafe. All the tables and chairs were empty. "Huh, looks like a slow evening. I guess everypony is either getting finished preparing or not wanting to venture out in this downpour. What about Ryn? He's probably upstairs, huh?"

The ghost set the warm cocoa down on the table, carefully adding a few marshmallows with a sad sigh. "No, he went out to find Miss Rose. I guess she went on a trip or something without telling him. He said something about a caravan, but he was mumbling so much I couldn't tell. Ryn-Ryn promised though. He promised to be back with Rose in time for Nightmare Night." She nodded. "I-I just hope they get here soon. Trick or treating will be no fun alone."

Selathiel looked at the filly in concern before pulling her into a soft hug and smiling. "Well, I'm sure Ryn will keep his promise, but just in case, you can always go trick or treat with me, okay?" The ghost sniffled and looked up.

"R-Really?"

"Of course!" He chuckled, taking a sip of the cocoa. "What could be better than trick-or-treating with a real ghost pony? We'll get tons of candy for certain."

Okiku smiled, giggling at the thought. "Yay! Thank you so much, Sel!"

"Anytime. Now then," He set a few bits down onto the counter, picking up the cocoa as he did so. "I'll need to be heading out. It's getting late and I need to finish carving my jack-o-lantern too. Have a good night, Miss Okiku. Oh! Thank you for the cocoa too!" He waved, exiting the cafe and taking to the stormy skies as Okiku watched and waved.

It was only as the last traces of her friend disappeared beyond the clouds that she allowed the smile to slip from her features to be replaced by a lonely sadness once again. She turned her gaze to the floor in though, pondering for several moments before shaking away the thoughts of negativity.

"Nono, Oki! Ryn-Ryn will keep his promise, I'm sure of it. He'll be here before Nightmare Night, we just have to be patient." She gave a nod of determination, wiping down the counter tops. "It's about time to close up shop anyway. Nopony else will come in during this storm, and we need plenty of sleep for trick-or-treating tomorrow."

She turned away from the counter to close up the pastry display case as the chiming bell announced another arrival.

"I'm sorry, but we are closed now. Please come again tomor-MEEP!"

She turned around to see a handful of dark unicorns enter the cafe. They seemed far too preoccupied to notice her, each wandering the expanse of the small shop, looking under tables, and examining the floors and chair. One in the center seemed to direct the group, barking out orders from beneath a red beret.

"E-Excuse me, sir..." She spoke up timidly from her spot, not daring to venture any closer to the unfamiliar ponies. "W-We are closed right now, so you might want to come back..." The leading unicorn turned to the ghost, blinking at the small apparition as he spoke.

"Odd. We are clearly in the realm of normal ponies, yet you are not normal by any means. Tell me, specter, what is this place?"

"T-this is my shop... the Okikoffee Cafe, sir. M-May I help you..."

The unicorn approached the counter, standing tall as he looked down the bridge of his snout at the small ghost. "We are the Royal Guards of Rosencroix here on official business. My name is Luferius, Captain to the Lord Ancient Blood." A pony next to him unfurled a small scroll for her examination. The parchment was yellowed, but bore a crimson seal near the bottom. "Do you know what that means?" He glowered down at the ghost as she held up a small cookie as a shield.

"F-Free biscotti?"

Luferius sighed, continuing as Okiku nibbled nervously on the treat. "We have tracked the prints of a gypsy caravan to the forest outskirts of this town and are looking for information regarding their current location. They are members of a carnival troupe on the run from the land Aelor. Have you seen any ponies that could fit such a description?" She shook her head and he continued. "I thought not. Their scent is in the forest but nowhere in this area. However..." He leaned down to sniff at the ghost, who cringed and shut her eyes tight in response. The guard pulled back, raising an eyebrow. "We are also searching for a certain pegasus in this town, and his scent is all over this building. Are you familiar with one known as 'Ryn Kuromaru'?"

"Meep?! Mister Ryn-Ryn?! Where is he? Is he okay? He's not hurt is he?" She flailed her small hooves in a panic.

This reaction surprised the guard, who turned to converse with the others. "So, he is not here?"

"W-Well no. He went on a journey, though he also talked about a caravan. See, he said a gypsy took our friend Rose with him, and they went shopping, or something like that."

Luferius pondered this information, nodding now and again. "I see. They are still in Aelor then." With a single gesture, the guards saluted as the captain addressed them. "There is nothing here. We return to Rosencroix. Now!"

In single file, the unicorns returned to the downpour outside, Luferius trailing after as Okiku watched. At the entrance, he paused to turn back and address the small shopkeeper.

"A word of warning, little one. Kuromaru is a dangerous entity and wanted within our kingdom. It would be wise to remove yourself from his company." With a tip of his beret, he left.

A flash of lightning blinded the small ghost as she raced to the window but by the time it cleared, they were gone. Already she could feel her face growing even more pale as she scanned the skies with a small prayer.

"R...Ryn-Ryn...be safe..."