G5 Adventures in Spooky Buddies

The Buddies and Pippsqueaks were currently on their way to see someone named Zelda, who Buddha was sure could help them with their problem, unaware that not only Pipsqueak and Aurelia were following them, but the Howlloween Hound was following them as well.

And at the same time, the Mane 6, Sparky Sparkeroni and the Buddies’ kids had just got away from a creepy old man who tried to get the staff from Billy, and the Mane 6 couldn’t help but feel that Misty’s gut feelings about the staff were correct.

XXXXXXXX

At the same time, Warwick continued to roam the streets in search of his spell book. “I must find out who's responsible for this infestation,” he said as he eyed all the costumed people roaming the streets. “No one beats Warwick the Warlock at his own game.”

That was when Warwick caught sight of a house, filled with evil decorations. But it wasn't the decorations that caught his attention. It was the fact that all the “monsters” seemed to flock towards it, as though they were drawn there. “Perhaps the evil sorcerer lives there?” Warwick thought to himself. He approached the house, hiding himself behind one of the decorations. “All the ghouls and goblins are flocking to his door.”

As he cackled, the decoration he was hiding behind echoed him, startling him.

Quickly, he approached the door, finding a creepy looking door knocker. Wanting to find out this evil sorcerer's secret and perhaps make a deal with him, Warwick grabbed the handle of the door knocker and began using it to knock, when it suddenly screeched before cackling evilly. Warwick screamed, jumping back, wondering what kind of evil sorcery this was.

Suddenly, the door opened, revealing a man with a face that looked to be made of clay, horrid blonde hair, and a weird get up that was unfamiliar to Warwick. Whatever it was, it scared the pants off him and Warwick screamed for dear life, still on edge from the magical door knocker.

Mr. Carroll blinked, a little more than confused. “Dude, little bit, uh, old for trick-or-treating?”

“No!” Warwick snapped. He didn't know what trick or treating was and he didn't care. He just wanted out of this… this insane asylum the world had become and go back to when the world made some sense. “Now, give me what's rightfully mine!”

Mr. Carroll thought for a moment before answering, not sure if he was completely understanding this weirdo, but if what he thought was right, then he was being a little more than rude. “Okay, I think that would entail a trick or treat on your part.”

And of course, Warwick had absolutely no idea what Mr. Carroll was talking about. Suddenly, both Warwick and Mr. Carroll heard a hooting sound in the distance, and without even taking his eyes off Mr. Carroll, put his arm out and an owl landed atop it.

Mr. Carroll had to admit he was impressed, but that was before the bird talked. “Master, I have good news.”

Mr. Carroll's eyes widened in shock. Well, first talking ponies and now a talking owl. Now he's seen it all. “Okay, that's… wow. Ventriloquism. That's impressive. I mean, not as impressive as the magical, colorful, talking ponies from earlier, but still awesome.”

“Magical?” Warwick asked, wondering if there was more than one major source of magic in these parts, causing Mr. Carroll to nod. “I know. Crazy, right? Well, anyway, bro, you just got yourself a treat. Nice.”

Mr. Carroll then gave Warwick a chocolate bar, and then Warwick grabbed it, taking a bite into it, wrapper and all. Mr. Carroll had no idea who this guy was, but he certainly earned the award for weirdest dude of all time.

Once the door was closed again, this gave Warwick and Hoot a chance to talk more in private. “Now, Hoot, tell me the good news. Have you found my staff?”

“Yes,” Hoot replied promptly. “A young warlock has it. And he's accompanied by six magical talking ponies.”

Warwick sneered at the sound of this. “I leave for 75 measly years, and they find someone new to replace me. Where's the respect? And what is it with these talking ponies? Who are they?”

Hoot simply shrugged in response, as lost as his master was.

XXXXXXXX

The Buddies and Pippsqueaks ran as fast as their little legs could carry them, hoping to outrun the Howlloween Hound and the dragon. Or…what they thought to be a dragon.

The Pippsqueaks had met dragons before, including Dragon Lord Spike, but they were good.

But any dragon that hung out with the Howlloween Hound as company just screamed bad news.

The eight of them came to a stop, panting heavily. They glanced behind them to make sure it was safe to stop, but the street was empty. “I think we lost them,” Rosebud said, panting heavily.

“Oh, thank goodness…” Peach Fizz whimpered out of relief. “My hooves are getting tired!”

“Why is that ghost dude after us?” Mudbud asked, his voice a panic. “Maybe he wants to drink our blood!” B-Dawg cried in horror, but this caused Seashell to glance at him strangely. “That’s more of a vampire thing, B-Dawg.”

“M-maybe he wants to… eat our brains!” B-Dawg tried to come up with a better answer. “That's zombies, dude,” Mudbud informed. B-Dawg grumbled a bit. It wasn't like he had every monster's traits down flat. “Maybe he wants to devour everything he sees!”

“That’s Budderball,” Rosebud shot Budderball a smirk, much to his bewilderment. “I don’t wanna point hooves here,” Glory said, “but I think the best reason he’s after us is probably because B-Dawg released him from the mirror!”

“Oh, sure, dawg! Blame me!” B-Dawg shot the pegasus a look. “It's you guys teasing me and calling me scaredy-cat that made me do it.”

“It’s true,” Buddha admitted truthfully. “We have to take personal responsibility for our own actions.”

“Come on, guys, we can still fix this,” Seashell said. “All we gotta do is find this Zelda character and get her to help us solve this whole ghost deal before it ends badly.”

That’s when all eight of them began to move down the road once again.

XXXXXXXX

“He's got all kinds of terrifying creatures following him.” Warwick said as he and Hoot watched Billy, his friends and the Mane Six continue their trick or treating festivities. “How will we get to him?”

“Those are just his friends, Master.” Hoot informed helpfully. “Friends?” Warwick repeated, not sure if he was more curious and repulsed. “With ponies and creatures of the underworld?”

“No,” Hoot answered, “they’re…”

“Silence!” Warwick barked, shutting the owl up instantly. “I need to focus.”

Hoot sighed dejectedly. Warick wanted a smart owl, but had no interest in what he had to say. As always. “Come on, everypony!” Izzy cheered as she and Billy led the group down the street. “Let’s go to that house over there!”

“Whoa, slow down, Iz!” Pipp panted as she and the others followed after them. “I love my fairy costume, but it can make you sweat a little after a while!”

Suddenly, Izzy and Billy skidded to a stop. “Well, I didn't mean you had to stop completely,” Pipp clarified with a bit of surprise. “You there! Young warlock,” Warwick cried to the group, causing them to turn to him. Then, after eyeing them for a moment, Warwick chuckled lightly, turning to Billy to ask him a question. “Do you know who I am?”

Zipp thought he looked a little familiar, but she couldn't put her hoof on it... and from the looks on her friends' and sister's faces, none of them knew who he was either. “Uh… I don’t think so,” Billy responded with the shake of his head. “But, seriously, sir, whoever you are, let me tell you this,” Pipp said as she flew over and lifted Warwick’s robes for her to inspect. “Your fashion sense… ugh. It could use a little bit of work. If you ever need some fashion advice, look me up!”

The warlock looked at the pink flying pony, clearly offended. “You dare insult me?! I am Warwick the Warlock!” Warwick declared as Sam whistled and made the cuckoo sign to his friends. “The evilest warlock known to man! And... to ponies, apparently.”

Suddenly, Warick hiccupped, making the whole group laugh... well, all except Zipp and Misty. Zipp couldn't help the feeling that this guy looked vaguely familiar, and she wanted to know why, while Misty got seriously bad vibes from whoever this man was. The same kind of bad vibes she got from the staff Billy had with him.

Suddenly, Warwick yelled in frustration, making them all flinch and back up. “I will make all of you ghouls my slaves!”

“Uh…” Billy looked at his friends, chuckling nervously. “This guy's clearly gone round the bend,” Hitch whispered to the others. “We should handle this situation with caution. He's clearly not in his right mind and that could make him dangerous.”

“Now… give me that staff!” Warwick yelled, making Misty even more worried. Again with the staff. What was so important about it? “Here,” Billy held it out for him. “Take it, mister.”

No school project was worth all this worry and torment.

As Billy began handing the staff to Warwick, sparks flew out of it and suddenly, a ball of sparks erupted, mimicking a magical blast, causing Warwick to fly backwards into an open coffin with a scream.

They all looked at the scepter with shocked wide eyes. “Oh. So that's what Misty meant about bad vibes,” Izzy muttered in complete and utter shock. “That was awesome.” Sam said with a small smile. “Uh… Billy?” Misty looked at Billy with wide eyes. “How did you just do that?”

“Dawg, I have no idea!” Billy exclaimed as something came to mind, causing him to reach down into his bag. “But I'm pretty sure that guy was who he says he is.”

“And who's that? This Warwick with the bad style?” Pipp asked, raising an eyebrow. “Pipp, this is serious! Remember the story about the Howlloween Hound?” Zipp said seriously as Billy brought out the picture of Warwick from the file Sheriff Dan gave them. “Well, that Warwick guy was a part of that legend! Check this out!”

When the others glanced at the photo Billy brought out of the bag, they realized Zipp and Billy were both right, causing Pete to suddenly be filled with dread. “That dude really is the warlock!”

“Oh no!” Izzy and Bartleby, said in unison, completely terrified. “But how is that possible?!” Hitch asked in shock as he cradled Sparky. “That all happened 75 years ago!”

“Uh, guys? Maybe we should figure that out later.” Sam said with a shaky voice, pointing in the direction Warwick was pushed back in. “Look!”

When they all looked, they found that Sam was right-- Warwick was opening the coffin that had closed on him when he landed inside of it, disoriented and out of breath. “I can’t believe I’m saying this,” Pipp said with worry, “but I think all my followers would agree that this is an opportune time to RUN!!!”

“Go go GO!!” Zipp cried out in agreement, and the group ran off, trying to be out of sight of the warlock before he got his bearings. After the group of eleven had left, Hoot fluttered over to his master and perched nearby out of concern. “Are you okay, master?”

“I… clearly underestimated… that warlock.” Warwick replied, looking worse for wear. But now, he had to come up with another way to get his staff back.

XXXXXXXX

“Guys, hurry!”

“Run!”

“Come on, let’s go!”

The Buddies’ kids and the Mane 6, with Sparky on Hitch's back, continued to sprint down the street as fast as they could, trying to get away from Warwick, until they eventually reached a grassy area nearby and causing them to stop and catch their breath. “What was with that guy?” Sam asked as he gasped for breath. “Yo, I have no idea, but he wanted this thing pretty badly,” Billy said, looking at the apparently magical staff he was holding. “Don’t you guys remember the story Mrs. Carroll told us on the field trip today?” Zipp asked, clearly worried. “Warwick is exceedingly more powerful when he has that staff, and he must be trying to use it to take over Fernfield!”

“But what is he doing out of the mirror?” Izzy asked. “That IS where Ms. Carroll said that he and the Howlloween Hound disappeared to, right?”

“I don’t know, but for right now, that doesn’t matter,” Misty said. “The one thing on my mind right now is what we should do next-- Warwick is as terrifying and evil as Opaline and Allura combined! And that’s really saying something!”

“First on our plans,” said Zipp, “is that we need to protect the kids. Since Billy has the staff, he could be in a lot of danger!”

“You're right, Zipp,” Sunny agreed. “We need to do whatever possible to keep Billy and Warwick separated from each other. There's no telling what he'd do to get that staff back.”

“Guys, we need to think,” Hitch said. “Is there any place we could take the staff to keep you safe from Warwick?”

“You tell me, Sheriff,” Izzy said, leaning into Hitch with a knowing smile. And after a moment of thinking, Alice let out a gasp. “Of course. Sheriff Dan! Izzy, you're a genius!”

“That’s a great idea!” Pipp said after realizing what Alice was thinking. “Sheriff Dan had the staff to begin with, so if we give it back to him, he would be able to protect it a lot better than we could!”

“But it’ll take forever to get there on foot!” Sam pointed out. “Actually… I have an idea for that,” Sunny said. “Zipp, you take the lead and show us the way to Town Hall. Sam, hop on my back. Izzy, take Pete. Misty, you stick with Billy. Pipp with Alice and Hitch with Bartleby. We can get you there a lot faster if we do the running!”

Sunny's friends nodded with determined smiles before the kids got on their backs. Just then, Pete seemed to remember something with a startled gasp. “The Buddies!”

“And the Pippsqueaks!” Hitch cried out in realization. “We completely forgot about them wandering the streets!”

“The Pippsqueaks and the Buddies are together, and as long as they stay together, they should be fine!” Zipp said. “Now, let’s go! He could catch up at any second!”

“Zipp's right. And as long as Warwick's on our tail, the Buddies and Pippsqueaks are safe,” Pipp agreed before they all ran off, not realizing how far from the truth that statement truly was.

XXXXXXXX

At the same time, Warwick returned to the Carrolls’ house and knocked on the magical doorknocker, letting Mr. Carroll once again come to the door.

Once seeing it was Warwick, Mr. Carroll rolled his eyes. This guy wasn't giving up, was he? “Yeah, again, great bit before, but, uh, it's kinda one piece of candy per trick.”

“Look, I need your help, monster,” Warwick said without preamble, confusing Mr. Carroll. “You're big and you're scary, the perfect henchman for this job.”

Okay, Mr. Carroll couldn't decide if this dude was really starting to freak him out or frustrate him.

At that moment, Mr. Carroll was about to say something when Warwick threw some sort of clear liquid at him. “Slavius mineus!”

“What the…” Mr. Carroll muttered when suddenly, his mind began to haze over, as though a thick fog had just set in. Suddenly, Mr. Carroll wasn't in control of his body as he stood there, waiting for a command. “Now,” said Warwick slowly, “you will do exactly as I tell you. I want you to find a young warlock whose staff has a shiny blue crystal. I want you to seize it.”

“Yes, master,” Mr. Carroll said emotionlessly, as though he truly was a zombie Frankenstein. “And eliminate him,” the warlock finished with a sinister smile. “Yes, Master,” Mr. Carroll muttered obediently before walking down the steps, without looking where he was going, and stepped on a pumpkin decoration, smashing it.

Though he continued as though nothing happened, undeterred, the pumpkin around his foot, causing Warwick to cringe. “I probably should have used somebody smarter for this job,” Warwick muttered to his loyal companion, as though already exhausted.

XXXXXXXX

The Buddies and Pippsqueaks walked with determination, refusing to slow down and give the Howlloween Hound and his pet dragon a chance to catch up. Finally, they arrived in front of a small building with a sign that said, Fernfield Shop of Curiosities. Buddha stopped, turning to it, the rest of them following suit, ready to get this crazy nightmare over with before the kids and Mane 6 found out. “I believe this is the place.”

Buddha was first to approach the shop and go into it, with the others following through the doggy door. They all entered a dark room with mystical looking items filling shelves. There was a red light in the corner, adding a mysterious factor to the whole room. In the center was a small round table that held a single crystal ball. Apart from the Buddies and Pippsqueaks, it seemed like nobody or pony else was here. “Hello?” Peach Fizz called out. “Is anypony home?”

“I don't think anybody's here,” B-Dawg guessed after a moment of silence when nobody answered. B-Dawg then walked up to the small table, putting his two front paws atop it, looking closer into the empty crystal ball. “Yo, check out this crystal ball, dawgs.”

“Hey, I've something similar back in Bridlewood,” Peach Fizzed piped in. “They belong to psychics, right?”

Buddha nodded to this statement. “It's like a giant gumball,” Budderball added. Suddenly, the bottom of a dog's face appeared inside of it, startling B-Dawg. “Welcome.”

“Y-You guys?” Seashell gulped. “The gumball is talking to us.”

Suddenly, a Chinese Crested dog appeared from behind the crystal ball. “I am Zelda.”

“AHH!!” the Pippsqueaks and B-Dawg shrieked. “I am all knowing and all seeing. I specialize in the mystic and otherworldly. I also do doggy weddings and doggy bar mitzvahs,” Zelda added, before continuing her monologue. “Now, I sense you puppies and fillies are in danger.”

“Only if we end up at your groomer,” B-Dawg joked. “B-Dawg!” Glory scolded, glaring at the rude puppy. “That was mean. You're almost as bad as Zipp was earlier when she was laughing at your bunny costume!”

“Yeah, how did that make you feel?” Peach Fizz added, making B-Dawg lower his head nervously. “I apologize for my brother,” Buddha apologized, before jumping in. “We need your help because this ghost and dragon has been chasing us.”

Zelda seemed to understand the situation. “Well, this is Halloween, the only night spirits are free to roam. We must make contact with this ghost of yours.”

“Are you sure bringing the Howlloween Hound here purposefully is a good idea? That sounds a little dangerous, don't you think?” Seashell asked, her two friends nodding in agreement.

But Zelda continued as though Seashell didn't speak, seeming to get excited. “Oh, I have a ouija board. It can be used to contact the other side.”

XXXXXXXX

Outside the shop, Pipsqueak in his ghost costume, and Aurelia, who was still cloaked in invisibility, arrived at the small shop, carefully looking through its window to see the Buddies, Pippsqueaks, and a new dog sitting around a small table inside.

Aurelia sighed in relief. Finally, they found them. The two of them were starting to grow worried that the Howlloween Hound had gotten to them first. “I'm going in,” Pipsqueak whispered to Aurelia. “Wait, hold on--” Aurelia started, but Pipsqueak was already floating through the wall, his ghost costume falling to the ground behind him.

Aurelia groaned before glancing around, softly opening the door to the shop and sliding in, still cloaked in disguise, just in time to see the dogs and the Pippsqueaks gasp in shock and fear. “I don't think you're gonna need your Luigi board,” Glory said with a shaky voice. “There's the ghost!”

Seashell had noticed the door opening and closing and though she couldn't see it, she knew exactly who that was, even before Aurelia uncloaked herself. “And its pet dragon!”

But Zelda was still stuck on the ghost part. “Oh, a ghost!” she exclaimed before passing out. “That dudette is down for the count,” Mudball announced. “Please,” Aurelia begged, now uncloaked. “We’re not going to hurt you.”

B-Dawg groaned in fear. “That's what ghosts and dragons always say before they eat you.”

“Ghosts don’t eat,” Pipsqueak informed. “There’s no way for us to.”

“And, no offense, but the thought of eating you guys doesn't sound very appetizing,” Aurelia added. “I think the only one who'd be offended would be Budderball,” Glory joked. “I actually don't mind. If it keeps me from being eaten, I'm a-okay with that,” Budderball said before he turned to the ghost. “But you not being able to eat… that's the saddest thing I ever heard.”

“We’re a friendly ghost and dragon,” Pipsqueak assured. “I promise.”

As if on cue, Zelda woke up, looking as though she was simply taking a nap. “Oh, my, what a horrible dream.”

“I know I look strange,” Pipsqueak started, approaching them cautiously, as though approaching a wounded animal. “But I was once a pup, just like you. My name is Pipsqueak.”

“And I'm Aurelia,” the dragon added. “Hey, you guys are from the story,” Buddha said with realization. “Yes. I've been like this ever since that night,” Pipsqueak confirmed, glad that the Buddies and Pippsqueaks finally stopped to listen and hear them out. “The Hound stole my brothers’ and sisters’ souls.”

“And I stayed behind with him, so he wouldn't be alone, since he couldn't leave the manor,” Aurelia added. “The spell must've been interrupted that night,” Zelda deduced, putting the pieces together. “Your soul was left in limbo. Halfway in the world of the living, and halfway in the world of the dead.”

XXXXXXXX

Outside, Zelda was about to be greeted by another visitor, one who was much darker and much more dangerous than the first ones. The Howlloween Hound wasn't far behind, sniffing their scent to track the five puppies and three fillies.

XXXXXXXX

“We're sorry we scared you guys at the manor,” Pipsqueak apologized. “We were just trying to stop you from releasing the Hound,” Aurelia finished before hanging her head. “Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful.”

“Yeah. We're sorry too, Pipsqueak and Aurelia,” Rosebud responded. “I'm Rosebud, and these are my brothers, B-Dawg, Mudbud, Buddha, and Budderball.”

“And I'm Seashell!” Seashell exclaimed, taking over introductions. “And these are my best friends, Peach Fizz and Glory!”

“Also known as the Pippsqueaks!” Peach Fizz finished. “Nice to meet you. The Hound and Warwick are free. And they're still trying to finish their spell.” Pipsqueak explained with fear, making his voice slightly tremble. “But they need five puppies of the same blood to do it. They're after you guys,” Aurelia continued, before turning to the Pippsqueaks. “But that doesn't mean the three of you are safe either. The Hound can and will consume any other souls that get in his way, just to get himself more powerful.”

“We must stop them from completing the spell.” Zelda stated, much to everyone's agreement. She turned to Pipsqueak. “And Pipsqueak, now that you and Aurelia have left the manor, if you do not return to your body before sunrise, you will be lost forever!”

Aurelia gasped, her heart stopping at the thought of losing her best friend forever. If she knew that was a possibility, she never would've let him leave the manor. She would've just gone after the pups and fillies on her own if it meant keeping Pipsqueak safe.

Luckily, Zelda had an idea. “We must find the body you once inhabited. We shall ask the spirits through my crystal ball.”

XXXXXXXX

As the seven dogs, three fillies, and single dragon gathered around the crystal ball to do just that, the Howlloween Hound found the shop where they were taking cover. He approached the window, much like Pipsqueak and Aurelia did, looking through it to find his delicious targets.

XXXXXXXX

“Oh, beautiful and wise one,” Zelda chanted to the crystal ball in front of her. “We ask for your help on this night of Halloween. Please show us this young pup's body. Does it still exist on the earthly plane?”

Pipsqueak gasped as, after Zelda chanted her incantation, the stone statue of his body appeared inside the crystal ball, hope blooming inside of him. “That's me! I turned to stone the night it all happened.”

“Ah, snap!” B-Dawg groaned. “The cemetery? I mean, is it really necessary to go there, dawgs?”

“Yes. I'll do anything to save my best friend,” Aurelia quickly answered, meaning every word of it. Peach Fizz sighed, shaking her head. “Of all the places in Fernfield it could've been, it just had to be the cemetery, didn't it?”

“Can this night get any more scary?” Seashell exclaimed, dropping her head on the table. But, as soon as Seashell said this, the doggy door opened and through it came a huge brown dog, bigger than any dog they've seen before, with striking green eyes. The other two Pippsqueaks and Buddies gasped in fear at this. “Hello, puppies and company,” the Hound said ominously. “Oh, no!” Aurelia cried. “It’s the Howlloween Hound!”

“Come out, come out, and I'll have your souls for dinner,” the Howlloween Hound taunted. He tried to come in, but he barely budged. “Oh no. I'm stuck!”

“The back door! Quickly!” Zelda exclaimed. Aurelia stepped between the group and the Hound, flaring her huge wings. “You guys go ahead. I'll catch up.”

“What are you doing?” Budderball asked, watching the dragon with wide eyes as Aurelia explained her plan. “I'm gonna try to slow him down and buy you guys some time. Get to Pipsqueak's body, before the sun rises.”

“Aurelia, you just gained my biggest respect. You the ultimate dawg, dawg,” B-Dawg said, touched by her act of bravery. “Yeah. We owe you our lives, dudette,” Mudbud agreed. Aurelia quickly turned to the Buddies and Pippsqueaks with a pleading look. “You can pay me back by keeping Pipsqueak safe and making sure he gets back into his body before the sun rises. Don't let me lose my best friend forever.”

“We will return Pipsqueak to his body if it's the last thing we do. You have our word, Aurelia,” Buddha promised. “Yeah! You’re one of us now, and we stick together!” Seashell agreed confidently. “Let’s go, guys!”

And so, the group rushed toward the back door after Zelda… but however, Pipsqueak stayed behind. “Aurelia, don't do this. He's too powerful.”

“Go, Pipsqueak. Get your body back. Don't worry about me. I'll be alright,” Aurelia stated firmly. With a brief hesitation, Pipsqueak followed the group of dogs and ponies, feeling like the worst friend in the world for leaving Aurelia behind.

Aurelia smiled bitterly at the Hound, one that promised revenge and malice. “I'm no longer the weak baby dragon I was when we last saw each other, Hound. I've grown up now, and I would be pretty stupid if I let you hurt anymore of my friends.”

And so, the two leapt at each other to attack as the Buddies, the Pippsqueaks and all their new friends quickly made a successful escape.