“Alright, Frost and Pineapple, you two are in charge while I’m away,” Beacon Fire said, adjusting her dress.

“At the policepony’s masquerade ball, dancing with Cold Case,” Frost Glide said smugly.

Beacon blushed. “That’s beside the point,” she replied. “The princesses granted me time off tonight and I’m using it—granted, Cadance might have had some sway on it, but who knows.”

“Oh probably,” Pineapple replied with a chuckle. “Don’t worry, Bea: we’ll hold down the fort for ya. You just have a good time, alright?”

“And don’t get too hammered that you have to spend the night over,” Frost said with a not-so subtle wink and a nudge.

Beacon smiled and rolled her eyes. “You two are as bad as Shining and Cadance,” she said. “Happy Nightmare Night.” With a wave she stepped out of the barracks.

“Happy Nightmare Night!” Pineapple called back, before turning to Frost. “Think it’ll be an easy night?”

“Nightmare Night? The one night of the year where people are all dressed up, pulling tricks or looking for treats?” Frost asked with a laugh. “Bea got off easy.”

“I can’t believe you talked me into this,” Olivine Facet grumbled, tugging at her costume. It was supposed to be an alien, but she found the bobbing antennae and grey suit a little too much.

“Why? You look great!” Snare Trapped grinned. She herself was fitted in a regal gown and a fake tiara befitting a princess.

“No, you look great,” Olive said, face flushed. “I look ridiculous!”

“Well, you wanted something scientific, I tried finding the most scientific thing they had,” Trap said, blushing herself. “It was either this or the wind-up robot.”

“Whatever,” Olive huffed. “Are Pile and Creek going to be joining us?”

“You bet! Creek said she was excited to try Nightmare Night,” Trap replied as the two of them walked downstairs to the front door. As they opened it, their jaws both dropped.

“Hello there,” Princess Twilight Sparkle replied, waving.

“Huh? Wha—?” Olive spluttered.

“Pile! That’s cheating!”

Creek Shine walked over, dressed in a devilish onesie and horns. She nudged “Twilight,” who burst into green flames, revealing Pile, similarly-dressed like Creek. He sheepishly smiled at his two friends.

“Yeah, Pile. It’s about dressing up in a costume, not disguising yourself,” Trap said.

“Those sound like the same thing,” Pile pointed out.

“Whatever,” Olive huffed. “Can we please get to trick-or-treating so this ridiculous costume is at least somewhat useful?”

“Right!” Creek proclaimed. “On to candy!”

“Will Rune and Dust be joining us?” Trap asked as they set off from the repair shop.

“They’re around somewhere,” Creek replied. “They decided to go as Cerberus—no idea how they’re even moving in that thing.”

“Well, at least I don’t feel so bad about my costume now,” Olive said with a snicker, imagining the three-headed dog as a costume.

“I don’t think this is a good idea, Pepper,” Cherry Blanche said, dressed like a masked batpony.

“Why not? It’s Nightmare Night!” Ghost Pepper replied, dressed in glowing paint that resembled bones.

“He’s still a skeleton!” Cherry hissed.

“I’m right here you know.”

Iron Bones gave a hoarse grunt as he lumbered up to them, the armor keeping him alive rattling with each step.

“I think it makes a right nice costume,” Pepper said. “No one will know.”

“Right,” Iron said, tapping his chin. “How’s it go again? Nightmare Night, what a fright, give me something sweet to bite.”

“There, ya got it,” Pepper said, smiling proudly.

“But Pepper, he’s a skeleton,” Cherry insisted. “He can’t even eat anything.”

“Well, more for us then,” Pepper said, patting Iron Bones on the shoulder.

The force knocked his head from his body, causing it to bounce along the ground. “Watch it!” he grunted.

Nearby, a few trick-or-treating ponies screamed and fled at the sight. Pepper sighed, walking over and picking up his head.

“Well, at least you’re plenty scary enough,” she said with a shrug.

Author's Note

Iron Bones: Male, Skeleton pony

About: In life, Iron Bones was known as "Iron Hide." He was the best friend and guard to a merchant pony. When she passed away, he was buried alongside her in her tomb. Many years later, Ghost Pepper and Cherry Blanche would put the Bone Armor, a cursed artifact, on his bones, reanimating him. As long as he wears it, he walks the earth again.

Appearances: None so far.

Fun Fact: Cold Case belongs to PonyJosiah13, and is shipped with Beacon Fire in the Ponyville Noire series and is planned to be shipped with her in Shadows Over Equestria: Ignis Reignited. Mentioned with his permission.

And that's all folks! I hope you've enjoyed reading. Here's to more OCs in the future.

-yours truly,
The Legendary Bill Cipher, Equestria Enthusiast