All Day, Everyday.

Nightmare Night Bonus!

Amelia grinned down at Pooch, her eyes gleaming with excitement under the dim light of the early Nightmare Night sky. “You ready, boy?” she asked, voice bubbling with enthusiasm. Pooch with a slightly shabby white sheet draped over him with two crudely cut eye holes, barked in affirmation. Though his costume was a last-minute ghost, the gleaming green orbs of his eyes gave the simple sheet an oddly eerie effect, perfect for the spooky occasion. He didn’t seem to mind the costume—or maybe he hadn’t even noticed he was wearing one. Hard to tell with Pooch.

Amelia herself had pulled out all the stops to recreate the iconic look of Jason Voorhees from ‘Friday the 13th’ movie. Her outfit was as close to a weathered, damaged work shirt as she could manage, a light gray fabric with two worn-down breast pockets. Paired with gray work pants held up by a black belt with a simple buckle, Amelia looked every bit the part of a classic slasher. She’d even managed to scuff up some black work boots, worn just right for the creepy vibe. The centerpiece of the costume, though, was the mask—a labor of necessity, since she’d found out the hard way that hockey didn’t even exist in Equestria. She had hand-crafted it herself, carving it from a plain mask and then painstakingly painting it. The final touch: flicks of red paint splattered across the whole outfit to give it that grim, blood-spattered effect.

With a quick glance in the mirror, Amelia took a deep breath, smirking at her reflection. It wasn’t perfect, but it was good enough to scare the stripes off a zebra—or, in this case, the shades off Vinyl.

Fluttershy was… well, to put it bluntly, an absolute scaredy-cat. The moment Amelia had mentioned Nightmare Night, Fluttershy had frozen up as though she’d just been told every tree in Ponyville was filled with carnivorous bats. Her eyes had gone wide, practically bugging out, her mouth forming a tiny “o” of horror, and Amelia could’ve sworn she was about to topple over like a fainting goat. From that moment on, Fluttershy seemed to have turned into a master of hide-and-seek. She’d practically vanished off the face of Equestria.

On the rare chance Amelia did spot her, Fluttershy was darting from one bush to the next, creeping along walls like some kind of bright yellow spy, eyes darting around as if Nightmare Moon herself were on her tail. She’d jump at her own shadow, squeak at the rustling of leaves, and practically fly out of her fur if anypony so much as sneezed nearby. Amelia hated to laugh… but come on, it was impossible not to. Fluttershy wasn’t just scared; she was on high alert, as though Nightmare Night was a military-grade operation. Maybe… just maybe a target to scare.

Suddenly, a sharp knock echoed from downstairs, jolting Amelia out of her thoughts. She headed to the door, her mind already imagining the stash of candy she’d probably have to give out to a line of hungry foals. But as she opened the door, she saw… absolutely nothing. Just the empty, eerie stillness of the night. She frowned, leaning forward and peering around, confused.

Then, from right beside the doorframe, a wrapped-up figure leapt out with a loud, “RAHHHH!” It was Apple Bloom, bandaged head to feet like some ancient pony mummy. Amelia let out a shriek, stumbling back in fright, her heartbeat racing as she clutched her chest. But just as she started to regain her composure, she saw Apple Bloom’s eyes widen in equal terror as she took in Amelia’s Jason Voorhees costume, the painted “blood.” the custom mask, the whole creepy ensemble.

“Sweet Celestia!” Apple Bloom squeaked, nearly tripping over her own bandages as she stumbled backward. “What kinda monster are you supposed to be?”

“Me? What about you?” Amelia laughed, her own fear melting into amusement as she looked at the bandages practically unraveling off Apple Bloom. “I thought you were some ancient mummy come back to haunt my candy stash!”

They both dissolved into laughter, Amelia clutching her mask and Apple Bloom adjusting her bandages. The two exchanged grins, both having scared the daylights out of each other. It was Nightmare Night after all—if you couldn’t scare the pants off each other, what was the point?

Then Rainbow Dash strolled out of the kitchen, casually munching on a bar of chocolate. “What’s with all the squealing out here?” she asked, eyeing the two with a curious, raised brow. But as her gaze shifted from Amelia’s slasher costume to Apple Bloom’s unraveling mummy wrap, realisation dawned on her, and she let out an amused, “Oooooh.” She shot Amelia a grin. “Nice costume! I mean, I have no clue what you are, but it’s spooky!”

Apple Bloom turned to Rainbow Dash, her eyes sparkling. “So, are ya comin’ to Nightmare Night with us?”

“Of course!” Rainbow answered, leaning back with a cocky smirk. Amelia raised a brow.

“And… where’s your costume, then?” Amelia asked, eyeing Rainbow with suspicion.

Rainbow’s smirk grew wider. “I don’t need a costume. I’m every defender’s nightmare.” she said with a dramatic flair, tapping her chest with a fist, fully convinced of her brilliance.

Apple Bloom’s face fell into an unimpressed stare, while Amelia let out a groan, palming her forehead. “Rainbow, seriously, your ego needs to take a holiday.” she muttered, shaking her head.

Rainbow just laughed, tossing her candy wrapper into the trash with a practiced flick. “What can I say? When you’re this awesome, every day is a Nightmare Night for the competition.”

Amelia rolled her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself. “Right. Well, if you’re done terrifying the candy bowl, maybe you can help us get ready? We’ve got one night to pull off the ultimate scare.”

Rainbow’s eyes gleamed with a playful glint. “Oh, I’m so in. Just tell me who we’re spooking, and I’ll bring my A-game.”

Apple Bloom hopped in excitement, her mummy wrappings loosening with each bounce. “Ah reckon Big Mac and Granny could use a good scare! They think they’re too tough for this kinda thing.”

Amelia grinned, already picturing Big Mac’s reaction. “Perfect. And if Fluttershy’s around, I say we give her a little surprise too. I’ve never see anypony as jumpy as her on Nightmare Night.”

Rainbow held up a hand. “Whoa, whoa. Let’s not go too far with Flutters. The last time she got spooked, she ended up bolting so fast we lost track of her for hours!”

Apple Bloom giggled. “She hid in the chicken coop all night. We didn’t find her until the rooster crowed at dawn.”

Amelia laughed, shaking her head. “Alright, alright, we’ll go easy on her. But for everypony else—no mercy.”

With the plan set, Rainbow gave a quick rundown of who would target whom, strategising with the precision she usually reserved for hoofball tactics. Apple Bloom got Applejack, Granny Smith and Big Mac, Rainbow claimed Pinkie Pie (who was infamous for never getting scared, but Rainbow wanted the challenge), and Amelia planned to take on scaring Vinyl.

As they headed out into the crisp night, costumes adjusted, and laughs shared, Amelia felt a familiar thrill buzzing in her chest. It might be a far cry from Halloween on Earth, but Nightmare Night in Equestria had its own magic—one that she, Rainbow, and Apple Bloom were about to make unforgettable.

Amelia, Pooch, Rainbow Dash, and Apple Bloom crouched in the shadows outside the Apple family farmhouse, a mischievous glint in their eyes. They had planned the perfect Nightmare Night scare, and Applejack, Big Mac, and Granny Smith had no idea what was coming. Amelia took the lead, with Rainbow Dash and Apple Bloom following close behind, each one stifling giggles.

“Alright.” Amelia whispered, adjusting her hockey mask. “Remember, once we’re inside, we split up. I’ll handle the lights, Apple Bloom, you creep up on Big Mac, and Rainbow, you’ve got Applejack.”

Rainbow grinned, rubbing her hands together. “This is gonna be awesome.”

Amelia slipped quietly to the circuit box at the side of the house, glancing back to see Apple Bloom and Rainbow Dash giving her a thumbs-up. With a sly grin, she flicked the main switch, plunging the entire farmhouse into darkness.

Inside the Apple family farmhouse, the atmosphere was tense, each room draped in an unnerving silence after Amelia, Rainbow Dash, and Apple Bloom had plunged the house into darkness. Shadows seemed to stretch across the walls, the wind outside picked up, causing tree branches to scratch against the windows. Each member of the Apple family felt an unsettling chill creep up their spine, but none of them knew the cause… yet.

In her bedroom, Granny Smith squinted through the darkness, a faint flickering candle her only source of light. The house had never felt so quiet, so still. As she shifted on her bed, she thought she heard a soft, almost imperceptible whisper.

“Graaaannnny…”

She stiffened, her hands clutching her quilt as she glanced around. “Big Mac? Applejack? That you?” she called, her voice quavering.

The candle suddenly flickered, almost going out. Then, from the shadows, a faint, ghostly figure emerged, wrapped in tattered bandages. It was Apple Bloom, disguised as a mummy, but Granny didn’t see her granddaughter—she saw an ancient spectre of Nightmare Night lore, come to life.

“Graaaannnyyy…” the figure groaned, raising her arms as she inched closer, her voice low and ghastly.

Granny Smith’s eyes went wide with horror as she stumbled back onto her bed, her heart pounding as she let out a piercing scream, sending Apple Bloom scurrying out with stifled laughter.

Down the hall, in the kitchen, Applejack was alone, her hands fumbling for a flashlight. She couldn’t shake the feeling that somepony—or something—was watching her. Every little noise made her jolt, her heart racing as she tried to steady her breathing. The scratching of the branches against the window seemed louder now, almost like claws scraping to get inside.

Suddenly, a faint sound—like a disembodied whisper—drifted down the hall.

“Aaaaapplejack…”

Her grip on the flashlight tightened as she turned slowly, her face drained of colour. “Who’s there? I ain’t in the mood for tricks!” she called out, forcing her voice to sound steady.

But then, out of the darkness, a shadow flickered against the wall, growing larger, closer. Her flashlight flickered, casting strange, elongated shapes on the walls. And just as she was about to call out again, Rainbow Dash appeared in front of her, face half-hidden in shadow, a haunting smile stretched across her face, her eyes wide and intense.

“I’m the ghost of every match you’ve lost against the Gunners…” Rainbow whispered, her voice low and chilling.

Applejack’s heart jumped as she stumbled backward, tripping over the edge of a rug. She fell, letting out a terrified yelp as Rainbow’s face came just inches from hers, maintaining that eerie, almost otherworldly grin. For a moment, it looked as though Rainbow was floating above her, and she could swear she felt a cold breeze sweep through the room.

Meanwhile, Big Mac sat alone in the living room, his sturdy frame now feeling insignificant in the face of the darkness that filled the house. His eyes darted around, catching strange reflections and the occasional flicker of moonlight streaming in through the window.

Then, he heard it—a slow, dragging sound, like something heavy being pulled across the floor. His muscles tensed as he peered into the hallway, just in time to see a figure creeping towards him. Amelia had an old metal rake in hand, dragging it along the floor to create the unnerving sound that echoed through the room. Her mask caught the faint glow of the moon, casting her in an eerie, almost surreal light. Two glowing, green eyes of a beast stood by the masked figures, a low growl coming from it.

Big Mac’s face paled as he backed away, but Amelia kept coming, her footsteps slow and measured, her silhouette towering over him, the “blade” of the rake glinting as if it was ready to strike.

“Big Mac…” she whispered in a haunting, gravelly tone. She raised the rake, holding it above her like a scythe.

Big Mac tried to keep his composure, but his mind was racing. He had heard stories about Nightmare Night spectres, about curses that befell those who dared to celebrate recklessly. And as he stared at Amelia’s looming shadow, a part of him truly believed he was facing one of those legends.

A scream tore from Big Mac’s lips as he bolted toward the kitchen, where he nearly collided with Applejack. The two of them huddled together, breathing heavily, and as Granny shuffled out of her room, looking equally rattled, they exchanged panicked glances.

Just then, the lights flickered back on, revealing Apple Bloom, Amelia, Pooch and Rainbow Dash in the doorway, barely containing their laughter as they took in the sight of the terrified Apple family.

Applejack let out an exasperated sigh, realising she’d been had. “Why, you little rascals! You near scared me out of my skin!”

Granny, though still clutching her chest, couldn’t help but let out a wry chuckle. “Well, I’ll be… y’all got me good.”

Big Mac just shook his head, his face flushed. “Ain’t never seen a Nightmare Night scare like that.” he muttered, clearly shaken.

As Amelia, Apple Bloom, and Rainbow Dash high-fived each other, they couldn’t stop laughing, triumphant in their prank. The Apple family members may have regained their composure, but that eerie, lingering thrill of Nightmare Night would stay with them long after the laughter faded.

The four pranksters strolled through the quiet apple orchard, their laughter echoing softly in the crisp night air. Amelia, however, felt an unshakable chill creeping up her spine. She slowed her pace, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the tree line, feeling as if she were being watched. Her gaze settled on a shadowy figure standing still beside a distant apple tree, a dark silhouette barely visible against the shadows of the orchard.

The figure seemed to be holding a pointed object—something long and slender that glinted faintly in the moonlight. Amelia’s heart skipped a beat. She and the figure locked eyes, or at least it felt like they did, a wordless exchange that sent a prickling sensation across her skin. The figure didn’t move, standing in eerie silence.

“Aurora?” Apple Bloom’s voice broke through the stillness, snapping her out of the trance. “You alright?”

Amelia blinked, tearing her gaze away from the distant figure, and looked back to where it had been. Nothing. The tree stood alone, bathed in the pale light, but the figure was gone—vanished as if it had never been there. She swallowed, shaking her head as if to clear the foggy feeling that lingered.

“Yeah… yeah, everything’s fine.” Amelia muttered, forcing a casual smile as she fell back in step with her friends, keeping her tone light despite the unease simmering in her chest. “Let’s go get our next victim.”

She shrugged it off, telling herself it was just her mind playing tricks, but as they moved deeper into the orchard, she couldn’t help but cast one last glance back into the shadows, wondering if the figure had been real… or if it was still out there, watching.

Vinyl Scratch strutted down the cobbled path, dressed as a DJ zombie complete with torn clothing, neon headphones, and splashes of glow-in-the-dark paint that made her “blood” look radioactive. She looked far too excited for somepony her age to be going door-to-door trick-or-treating, but she wore it with pride, her confidence as unshakable as ever. Beside her, Octavia trailed along reluctantly, rolling her eyes at her friend’s antics, her vampire cape swishing in the cool night breeze. Vinyl had begged her to come out, and Octavia, against her better judgment, had finally caved, begrudgingly putting on a pair of fangs and a flimsy black cape.

Vinyl grinned, elbowing Octavia playfully. “Hey, Tavi, I gotta say, you’re absolutely killing it in that outfit. You look fang-tastic.”

Octavia sighed, shooting her an unamused glare. “You’re insufferable, you know that? I still don’t understand why you insist on acting like a foal tonight.”

“Oh, come on, lighten up! It’s Nightmare Night, Tavi. We’re supposed to be out here causing mischief, asking for candy, maybe giving a little scare.” Vinyl threw her arms out in an exaggerated zombie pose, moaning, “Braaaains… especially classy, refined ones…” she teased, inching closer to Octavia, who took a step back, unamused.

“You’re pushing it, Vinyl. This is already ridiculous enough.” Octavia adjusted her cape, crossing her arms. “I agreed to one night of this, but don’t get any ideas.”

“Aw, come on, Tavi, you’re secretly loving this. I know it.” Vinyl winked, leaning a little too close. “Besides, you’re rockin’ that vampire look. Maybe after the candy, we can find a dark corner where you can bite me, eh?”

Octavia groaned, flicking her cape as she turned to the next house, deliberately ignoring Vinyl’s exaggerated wink. “Let’s just get this over with.”

Suddenly, the echo of a loud, piercing scream ripped through the stillness of the night, stopping Octavia and Vinyl dead in their tracks. The sound had come from a nearby alleyway, sharp and unmistakably familiar. Amelia’s voice. Their faces drained of colour as they exchanged a glance, both feeling the same mix of urgency and dread.

Without a second thought, they dashed toward the alley, Octavia taking the lead with Vinyl close behind. Shadows loomed and flickered as they approached, the dim streetlight barely reaching the narrow passage where Amelia lay sprawled on the ground, motionless. Her mask was gone, her eyes closed, and a dark red pool surrounded her head. Octavia gasped, taking a step back as her mind filled with horror. The strong, metallic scent was absent, but the sight of the thick, red liquid was enough to make her stomach churn.

“Oh… oh no…” Vinyl stammered, her hand instinctively reaching for Octavia’s shoulder, seeking some semblance of reassurance.

Before they could process the scene, two eerie green orbs appeared from deeper within the shadows of the alley, blinking with a ghostly glow. Pooch’s eyes locked onto them, gleaming with an unnatural brightness that sent a shiver down their spines. He let out a low, guttural growl, the sound echoing ominously off the alley walls. Vinyl’s fingers tightened around Octavia’s arm.

“We… we need to get out of here.” Octavia whispered, her voice barely audible, already backing up.

“Y-yeah, no arguments there.” Vinyl replied, her bravado shattered as the eerie green eyes seemed to bore into her soul.

They turned, ready to make a run for it, but froze in their tracks as a mummified Apple Bloom materialized in their path, her shadow stretching toward them under the dim glow of the streetlight. Her face was hidden behind layers of tattered white bandages, her eyes barely visible, watching them intently with an unsettling stillness. Beside her, the faint outline of a figure hovered just outside the alley’s reach, wings unfurled—a pegasus silhouetted against the dim light. Rainbow Dash.

“What’s the rush?” Rainbow’s voice came low and taunting, a mischievous glint hidden behind the silhouette as she took a menacing step forward.

Octavia’s pulse quickened, her eyes darting between the green-eyed figure of Pooch, the mummified Apple Bloom blocking the exit, and the shadowed Rainbow Dash edging closer. They were surrounded.

“We don’t… we don’t want any trouble.” Octavia stammered, trying to keep her voice steady, pulling Vinyl closer.

“Oh, trouble? We were just trying to make your Nightmare Night… memorable.” Rainbow’s voice drawled, her tone dripping with an unsettling playfulness.

Apple Bloom tilted her head, the slight creak of her bandages the only sound as she took a step closer. “Yeah, don’t you two like a good scare?”

Vinyl tried to play it cool, though her hands were visibly trembling. “H-Hey, uh, nice costumes, everypony… heh… really convincing.” she stammered, taking a half-step back.

Pooch let out another low growl from the shadows, his eyes narrowing as he shifted forward, closer to the two ponies. The light finally revealed his ghostly costume, ragged but sinister in the dark. Vinyl clutched Octavia’s arm tighter.

With a final glance, Octavia’s eyes locked onto Vinyl’s, the silent agreement passing between them that this was the time to run. As they bolted toward the only open stretch of the alley, Rainbow Dash and Apple Bloom burst into laughter, their eerie facades breaking as they struggled to catch their breath, hooting at the sight of the two older ponies practically tripping over each other in terror.

Amelia, still on the ground, let out a small chuckle herself as she sat up, wiping the tomato sauce off her face. “I’d say that was a pretty good scream from Vinyl.”

Rainbow grinned, giving Amelia a fist bump. “Best scare of the night, hands down.”

As Vinyl and Octavia’s panicked steps faded down the street, the group exchanged grins, ready to continue their night of Nightmare Night tricks.

As Amelia gathered herself after the successful scare, she felt it again—a prickling sensation creeping up her spine, like cold fingers running along her back. Her eyes instinctively drifted toward the mouth of the alleyway, and there, just beyond the edge of the light, stood the figure.

This time, she could see it more clearly, and the sight chilled her to the core. The figure wore a pitch-black coverall and heavy boots, blending into the shadows save for his face—a ghastly pale visage, as though drained of all life, framed by strands of dark, slicked-back hair. Shadows obscured his eyes, leaving his expression blank and unreadable, like a mask hiding whatever lay beneath. In his hand, he clutched a large kitchen knife, its blade glinting with dark stains that told a haunting story of their own.

Amelia blinked, swallowing as she forced herself to look away, gathering the courage to point it out to the others. “Rainbow, Apple Bloom… do you see that?” she whispered, her voice tight, gesturing toward where the figure had stood.

The two turned, their playful grins fading as they scanned the alley entrance. But the figure was gone. Just… gone. Rainbow squinted, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Uh… see what, Aurora?”

Amelia hesitated, feeling her heart pound. “There was somepony there.” she insisted, her eyes darting back to the alley’s edge. “He was just standing there, staring at us. With… with a knife.”

Apple Bloom exchanged a concerned look with Rainbow, raising an eyebrow. “Are you sure? Maybe it was just one of them Nightmare Night spooks?”

“No.” Amelia murmured, her eyes still fixed on the shadows beyond the alley, “I’m sure… he looked… real.”

Rainbow chuckled uneasily, trying to brush it off. “Probably just somepony getting into the Nightmare Night spirit. Let’s not get all jumpy, alright?”

But as they turned back to plan their next prank, Amelia couldn’t shake the feeling. She could still picture the figure’s hollow, ghostly face in her mind, lurking just out of sight, watching… waiting. But what bothered her the most was that she saw that figure somewhere before, but couldn't figure out where.

The three friends sat cozily outside the bar, a pleasant evening breeze drifting by as they enjoyed their drinks. Pinkie Pie, delightfully clad in her chicken costume, sipped her apple cider with a grin, her eyes twinkling with excitement. Rarity, looking perfectly refined in an elegant ensemble of deep blues and silvers, swirled her glass of wine thoughtfully, while Twilight, poised and polished in her tailored black suit, held a flute of champagne with a faintly amused smile.

Rarity leaned over, her gaze fixed on Pinkie. “So, darling, how’s life treating you after retiring from hoofball?” She gave Pinkie an affectionate smile. “I’m sure it’s been quite the adjustment.”

Pinkie grinned, her eyes sparkling as she took a long sip of her cider. “Oh, it’s been amazing, Rarity! I get to throw parties all the time now without worrying about practice or game schedules. Plus, I can finally give my poor hands a rest!” She waggled her hands dramatically. “No more bruises or aches!”

Twilight, who had been listening quietly, leaned forward. “That is excellent news, Pinkie. Physical health maintenance is an essential component to post-career well-being. Transitioning out of such a physically demanding sport requires—”

Rarity raised an eyebrow, cutting Twilight off with an amused grin. “Twilight, darling, we’re just having a friendly chat. No need for the business-like tone.”

Twilight blinked, her formal expression softening as she took a sip of champagne. “Ah, yes, of course.” she murmured, an apologetic smile crossing her face. “Force of habit, I suppose.”

Pinkie giggled, waving her cider in the air. “Oh, Twilight, we love you, business-speak and all!”

Twilight chuckled, a bit more relaxed now. “Alright, alright. But I have to say, Pinkie, it’s nice to see you embracing this next chapter with such enthusiasm. Not everypony handles retirement with your… energy.”

Rarity nodded, taking a small sip of her wine. “Indeed, darling. I know a few ponies who seem rather lost without hoofball in their lives.”

Pinkie shrugged, fluffing up the feathers on her costume. “Well, I just see it as more time for fun! Life’s short, right?”

Twilight raised her glass. “To more time for fun. And to friends.”

They clinked their glasses together, laughter filling the air. For a moment, it didn’t matter if they were hoofball legends, managers, or former players; they were just friends, savouring a night together.

Applejack strolled up to their table, a smirk on her face and a glint of mischief in her eye. Dressed in her usual cowgirl attire but with a little extra flair—a fake sheriff’s badge, a toy lasso, and a plastic star tucked into her hat—she looked every bit the part for Nightmare Night. She tipped her hat to them as she pulled out a chair next to Twilight.

“Evenin’, y’all.” she greeted warmly, settling down. “Hope yer havin’ a good time, ‘cause I just thought I’d give ya a heads-up: Aurora, Rainbow, and my little sis are out there causing quite the ruckus. They’re scarin’ the hay outta anypony they can find!”

Pinkie’s eyes lit up as she clapped her hands together. “Oh my gosh, they’re going full Nightmare Night mode, huh? I love it!”

Twilight sighed but smiled, already picturing the chaos. “I suppose that means we should be on guard, then. Knowing Rainbow, they’ll be trying to outdo each other in scare tactics.”

Rarity chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Well, I do hope they stay clear of me. I’m not sure how I’d handle any sudden frights tonight, especially while wearing silk.” She adjusted her stylish scarf with a slight flick of her hand.

Applejack leaned back, a grin stretching across her face. “Considerin’ Rainbow’s got a competitive streak, I wouldn’t count on it, Rare. And Pinkie, I’m sure they’ll be lookin’ to target you most of all. You’ve got that chicken costume, practically beggin’ for a good ol’ scare.”

Pinkie clucked proudly, puffing out her chest. “Let ‘em try! I’ll just scare them right back with my own ‘chicken powers’!” She waggled her costume wings with a playful squawk.

Twilight rolled her eyes fondly. “You know, Applejack, maybe you should have reined them in a little before they started terrorising half the town.”

Applejack shrugged, unbothered. “Aw, let ‘em have their fun, Twi. Nightmare Night’s only once a year, after all. ‘Sides, as long as no one gets hurt, a little fright’s good for the soul.”

Rarity took a delicate sip of her wine and smirked. “Let’s just hope they don’t ruin my mane in the process.”

Applejack laughed. “Duly noted, Rarity. I’ll warn ‘em to keep their ghostly hands off that perfectly styled mane of yours.”

They all chuckled, each imagining just how far the three little terrors would go with their pranks. The conversation shifted, dipping into stories of past Nightmare Nights, friendly jabs about costumes, and playful speculation on who would get the biggest scare tonight. But Applejack kept glancing over her shoulder every so often, half-expecting her sister and the others to try something on them at any moment—unaware of the mischief that was creeping closer.

Meanwhile, hidden just around the corner, Amelia, Rainbow Dash, and Apple Bloom huddled together in the shadows, their faces lit up with excitement. Amelia, still fully in her Jason Voorhees outfit, adjusted her hockey mask and whispered, “Alright, here’s the plan. We’ll start by messing with the lights, then hit them with a classic sneak attack. Rainbow, you got that fog spell ready?”

Rainbow, who had managed to snag a small smoke bomb for added effect, grinned mischievously. “Oh, you know it. And Apple Bloom, you’re sure Granny gave you permission to be out this late?”

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, dismissing the question with a wave of her hand. “Ain’t no time fer worries. Let’s do this!”

With quiet, practiced moves, the trio crept along the perimeter of the bar, ducking low to avoid detection. Rainbow silently flew up and found the breaker box on the side of the building. She grinned, taking a deep breath before yanking the lever to cut the power.

Inside the bar, the room plunged into darkness, a collective gasp and murmur of confusion rippling through the crowd.

“Oh dear, not this again.” Rarity muttered, instinctively clutching her scarf a little tighter. “Every year, it’s somepony’s idea of a joke.”

Twilight, who had been reaching for her glass, frowned and straightened in her seat, her eyes narrowing. “It’s probably just a temporary outage… or some pranksters trying to scare everypony.”

Applejack snickered softly. “I got a sneakin’ suspicion who them pranksters might be.”

But before any of them could say another word, a dense fog began to seep through the open doorway and windows, snaking along the floor in thick tendrils that curled around their feet and wrapped around chair legs. The fog crept higher and higher, and the air felt colder. It wasn’t just a fog spell—Rainbow had added a chilling enchantment to it.

Pinkie, her eyes wide with excitement, whispered, “Ooooh, spooky!”

Just then, Amelia emerged from the fog, her silhouette towering in the doorway, her hockey mask gleaming in the moonlight as she held a prop machete in her hand. She didn’t say a word, just stood there, radiating an eerie silence as her head slowly tilted, studying them.

Apple Bloom, disguised as a mummy, slithered through the fog on her stomach, barely making a sound as she made her way under the table. Rarity, unknowingly resting her feet near Apple Bloom’s hiding spot, stiffened as the fog crept up her legs. She was about to dismiss it as another prank when Apple Bloom’s bandaged hand darted out, giving her a gentle tap.

Rarity shrieked, jerking her legs up in alarm and spilling her wine as she scrambled back from the table. “What on Equestria was that?!”

Just as she was catching her breath, a low, menacing growl echoed through the room. Out from the fog crawled Rainbow Dash, her normally vibrant blue coat and rainbow mane hidden beneath thick, dark makeup that transformed her into a terrifying zombie. Her head rolled loosely to the side, eyes blank, mouth parted as if ready to take a bite.

Pinkie squeaked in delight, but the others weren’t quite so enthused.

“Consarn it, Rainbow, ya near gave me a heart attack!” Applejack said, though there was laughter in her voice as she clutched her chest, pretending to regain her composure.

But the horror didn’t end there. Behind them, Amelia’s shadow loomed closer and closer, her slow, deliberate footsteps echoing through the bar as she approached the table. She raised her prop machete, and in a gravelly, chilling voice whispered, “Trick or treat.”

Rarity practically fainted on the spot, her hand dramatically over her forehead as she leaned back, fully immersed in the scene. Twilight, though startled, raised her head high, trying to keep her composure as she glanced between Amelia’s masked face and the machete, her analytical mind racing.

“A convincing display.” Twilight managed, though her voice shook slightly. “You’ve certainly… outdone yourselves.”

Amelia took another menacing step forward, tilting her head to look directly at Twilight, her silence more unnerving than any growl or shout could have been. And just as she took another step, Apple Bloom crawled out from under the table with a small, blood-curdling scream, wrapping her “mummy” hands around Applejack’s leg.

“YEE-HAW!” Applejack yelped, kicking up in surprise, nearly throwing her chair backward. “Alright, alright! I admit it—ya got me good!”

Amelia, Rainbow, and Apple Bloom all burst into laughter, their menacing façade melting away as they high-fived each other in celebration.

Pinkie, who’d been giggling the whole time, popped out of her seat, clapping her wings excitedly. “You three should be Nightmare Night pros! That was the best scare EVER!”

Twilight sighed, though a small smile tugged at her lips as she adjusted her blazer. “You all certainly know how to make an impression.”

Applejack chuckled, her cheeks flushed. “Rainbow, you’re a bad influence on my sis, you know that?”

Rarity huffed, carefully readjusting her scarf with a look of exasperation. “Honestly, darlings, a little warning next time might be appreciated. I nearly spilled my entire glass!”

“Aw, come on, Rarity!” Rainbow grinned, nudging her with an elbow. “What’s Nightmare Night without a few heart-pounding scares?”

The three pranksters, proud of their night’s work, winked at each other and, with a final bow to their friends, headed off into the night, ready to seek out their next victims.

Nightmare Night had been a thrill for Amelia. She revelled in scaring ponies throughout Ponyville, her laughter echoing as Lyra and Bon Bon jumped out of their seats at the café, spilling tea everywhere. Thunderlane and Noteworthy had both shouted loud enough to turn heads as she crept up behind them at the town square. The carnival atmosphere of Nightmare Night only heightened her excitement as she and Rainbow played games and tried their hand at bobbing for apples. Scaring Scootaloo, though—that was the cherry on top. Watching her wings fluff out in terror and hearing her squeal was immensely satisfying.

But as the night wore on, an unsettling feeling began to gnaw at Amelia. She couldn’t shake the sensation of being watched, eyes on her that lingered long after each laugh faded into the night. She kept glancing over her shoulder, catching only shadows under street-lamps or the rustle of leaves in the breeze. Still, the sense of something—or someone—following her wouldn’t leave.

Rainbow eventually called it a night, clapping Amelia on the back and flying off with a last, “See ya at the cottage!” That left Amelia with Apple Bloom, who enthusiastically dragged her to every house they could find for one last round of candy. As they finally parted ways, Apple Bloom gave her one of those hugs Amelia could feel in her bones—a crushing, affectionate squeeze that made her wonder if Apple Bloom knew her own strength. Amelia gave a half-hearted laugh and watched her go, Pooch by her side.

Now alone, Amelia made her way down the path back to Fluttershy’s cottage, taking the shortcut through the woods. The shadows loomed deeper here, the air colder, and even Pooch’s cheerful ghost costume looked eerie in the dim light. Amelia’s nerves prickled, and that same sense of being watched crept back, stronger this time. She kept glancing around, her pace quickening as bushes rustled and tree branches swayed ominously in the breeze.

Her grip tightened around the bag of candy, her heart pounding faster. She turned back once, twice—nothing there. But on the third time, as she turned forward again, a gasp escaped her lips.

There, only five meters away, stood the figure.

It was no trick of her imagination this time. The shadowy figure loomed under the canopy, cloaked in a dark coverall, his posture unnaturally still, his face eerily pale and blank. Shadows obscured his eyes, giving him an unreadable, almost inhuman look. His mane slicked back, and his right hand clutched a blood-stained kitchen knife that glinted in the moonlight. There was no mistaking it now, he was real.

Amelia froze, her breath catching in her throat. She couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. It was as though the very essence of fear had taken form and materialised before her. The figure just stared at her, an immovable pillar of malice and silence, exuding an aura that chilled Amelia to her core. It was like looking into the eyes of something beyond evil, something that was not only unfeeling but relished in it.

Pooch let out a low, warning growl, his green eyes glowing faintly in the darkness beside her. But even his protective stance didn’t ease Amelia’s terror. She knew this was no ordinary Nightmare Night prank

The figure took a step forward, its movements cold, mechanical, as if it were some unstoppable force. The blade in its grasp rose, gleaming under the moonlight, ready to descend. Amelia instinctively took a step back, mirroring the figure, but fear tangled her feet, and she stumbled, crashing to the ground. Heart pounding, she looked up, her eyes wide with horror, at the pale, unchanging mask staring down at her.

Just as the blade seemed poised to strike, a sudden, fierce snarl broke the silence. Pooch lunged, his teeth sinking into the figure’s ankle, yanking with all his might. The figure staggered, letting out a muffled cry, trying desperately to shake Pooch off. But even as it struggled, its mask remained eerily blank, lips sealed shut in an expressionless stare. It was a mask.

A realisation struck Amelia as she listened to the muffled yelps—the voice was feminine. A mare? Her eyes darted over the familiar outfit: the coveralls, the stark white mask, the unmistakable kitchen knife. It wasn’t just any disguise. It was a pony version of Michael Myers. A horror character from my world

It clicked.

“Redsica?!?!” Amelia’s voice broke the tension, disbelief flooding her tone as she gawked at the figure who, despite the revelation, continued wrestling with the determined Pooch.

The figure froze, then let out a resigned sigh as she slowly peeled off the mask, revealing Redsica’s face, a sheepish grin barely breaking through her faux-menacing persona.

Amelia scrambled to her feet, still shaken and thoroughly fed up, as Redsica tried to brush the dirt off her costume. “You—” Amelia started, pointing an accusing hand at her older sister, her voice rising in frustration. “You came all the way from Canterlot just to scare the living daylights out of me?! You’ve been watching me all night, haven’t you? Creeping around like some freaky nightmare!”

Redsica just shrugged, the infamous mask dangling loosely from her hand as she smirked. “Come on, Amelia, it was just a bit of fun.” she replied casually, attempting to wave off Amelia’s anger. “You should’ve seen the look on your face! I mean, priceless!”

“Fun?!” Amelia echoed, her tone dripping with irritation. “You call stalking me through dark alleys, lurking in the woods, and waving a knife around fun? I almost had a heart attack!”

Redsica chuckled, unfazed. “Oh, come on, it’s Nightmare Night! Isn’t the whole point to get a little spooked?” She leaned down, rubbing Pooch’s head. “Besides, I knew you’d figure it out eventually. You’re too sharp not to.”

Amelia folded her arms, still fuming. “Yeah, well, maybe next time send a postcard instead of following me around like a slasher villain!” She huffed, shooting a glare at her sister, though her anger began to soften, her lips twitching into an unwilling smirk.

Redsica only shrugged, feigning innocence. “What can I say? I commit to the bit.” She grinned, giving Amelia a playful nudge. “Besides, I missed my little sis. This was just my… unique way of showing it.”

As they strolled back to the cottage under the starlit sky, Redsica continued to tease Amelia about her reactions throughout the night, their laughter echoing softly in the cool air. Despite the earlier fright, Amelia found herself enjoying the absurdity of it all, her fear now just another part of a memorable Nightmare Night.

“So, admit it.” Redsica nudged her sister with a chuckle, “you’re going to be talking about this Nightmare Night for years.”

Amelia rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “Only about how my big sister is officially the queen of pranks. But watch out, next year, I’m coming for you.”

As they reached Fluttershy’s cottage, the comforting glow of the porch light spilling into the night, Amelia found herself looking forward to next Nightmare Night—if only to see how her sister would try to outdo herself. They shared a brief, genuine hug, Redsica squeezing her tight in that big-sister/brother way she always had.

“Happy Nightmare Night, Amelia.” Redsica whispered, ruffling her mane one last time.

“Happy Nightmare Night, sis.” Amelia chuckled, stepping up to the door as she waved, watching her sister fade back into the shadows, just as mysteriously as she’d arrived.

And with that, Nightmare Night for Amelia came to a close, leaving behind a trail of candy wrappers, shared laughter, and just enough spooky memories to last until next year.