G5 Adventures in Spooky Buddies

Aurelia, the fateful dragon friend of Pipsqueak, stayed behind to boldly attack the Howlloween Hound so that way all her friends could get away and find Pipsqueak’s body.

Pipsqueak felt like the worst friend in the world for doing this, but there was no other choice if they wanted to get out of there safely.

Now, we must go to the Mane 6 and the Buddies’ kids, who were currently having a terrifying time of their own.

XXXXXXXX

The ponies with the kids on their backs arrived at the lawn in front of town hall, the ponies’ legs aching. They've never ran such a long distance before with such heavy things on their backs.

However, they skidded to a stop when they heard groaning. They turned around and saw Mr. Carroll walking towards them. The kids jumped off the ponies’ backs, who promptly collapsed to the ground in exhaustion.

“Mr. Carroll!” Billy called out, relieved. This was the kind of situation adults should handle, not twelve year olds, and Billy was more than happy to pass on the responsibility. “Maybe you can help us.”

Suddenly, Mr. Carroll yelled in an emotionless voice. “Give me staff!”

“That's not normal,” Pipp pointed out, “even for Mr. Carroll!”

“That dude's eyes are creepy!” Pete exclaimed, just as Mr. Carroll tripped and fell to the ground. “He's under a mind control spell!” Misty realized. “The same kind Opaline put on my mom!”

“We have to get to that party! Sheriff Dan's in there!” Alice told the others. “Good idea!” Sunny cried. “Run!”

The group ran toward Town Hall as fast as their hooves and feet could talk them, and they immediately burst through the doors of Town Hall, music blaring and lights flashing, making it a full out bash. The “Monster Mash” was sung by a man on stage in a creepy costume and joined by two backup singers.

The whole spooky scenery made Pipp momentarily forget they were running from an evil warlock and his henchman, and pull out her phone, snapping pics. “Oooh! Love the atmosphere! Totally spooky!” Pipp exclaimed, dancing to the music. “I didn't know you guys played the 'Pony Mash' over here.”

“Pipp!” Zipp scolded, grabbing Pipp's hoof, making her stop. “We have bigger things to worry about right now.”

Pipp chuckled nervously, snapping back into the game. “Sorry.”

They started to chase the rest of the group, having fallen behind a bit, when they skidded to a stop, seeing the group awkwardly standing in front of a woman Zipp recognized.

Billy’s mother. “Billy! Billy, come on! Dance with your mom. Whoo!” she exclaimed while dancing to the music. “Whoo!”

“I like her style,” Izzy whispered to Bartleby. “Mom, I really don't have time right now.” Billy explained, trying to hurry while the ponies kept an eye on the entrance for Mr. Carroll and Warwick. “See, there's a monster chasing us and--”

“Of course there is, dear. It's Halloween!” Billy's mom interrupted. That was when the ponies noticed Mr. Carroll coming in through the entrance. “There he is!” Zipp cried. “RUN!!”

The kids turned around to see Mr. Carroll coming through. They gasped as the twelve of them pushed through the crowd, hoping to find Sheriff Dan as soon as possible. “Billy, sweetheart,” Billy’s mother cried out, “where are you going?”

XXXXXXXX

Warwick had followed Mr. Carroll to Town Hall, impressed by the magic it took to get it to be…well like how it was, though it wasn't what Warwick would call…tasteful. The music pounded in his head, making him cringe, and the amount of “monsters" there was overwhelming. “This must be that young warlock's lair!” Warwick then thought to himself. “It's swarming with all those creatures. This warlock is more powerful than I thought.”

He then hurried to Town Hall, wanting to get his hands on that scepter as soon as possible. As he approached it, a group of terrifying creatures cut him off, making him yelp, startled. “Hand over the candy!” one of them demanded, holding a pitchfork threateningly. “Stay back, demon!” Warwick countered, refusing to be scared off by this… this thing. He could handle a few strays. “You'll not trick or treat me!”

Warwick grabbed the demon by one of its black horns, pulling on it, when it suddenly… popped off?

That was when Warwick immediately realized that something was off. “Wait a minute…”

That's when he pulled on the demon's face, revealing a young boy, probably about 12 or 13, underneath. “You’re no demon!”

Anger welled up inside of Warwick, causing his blood to boil. He couldn't believe this! Was he… was he just tricked by a… a child?

He turned to another one in the group, pulling off their mask. “And you… you're no goblin!”

This was preposterous. He turned to another creature, pulling back its red eye mask to reveal yet another child. “What kind of trickery is this?! These are just kids in disguises!” he cried before barging through the crowd of kids. “Out of my way!”

“Let’s get out of here!!” the kids shouted before running for the hills.

XXXXXXXX

At the same time, the Buddies, the Pippsqueaks, Zelda and Pipsqueak ventured through the town to find Pipsqueak’s body before Mudbud spotted Deputy Sniffer sleeping nearby. “Dudes! Sniffer! He'll know what to do about that nasty Hound!”

The group immediately rushed to Deputy Sniffer, and Seashell desperately shook him to try and wake him. “Deputy Sniffer! Wake up, wake up! We need your help!”

Deputy Sniffer was startled awake, stammering out the first thing that came to his head. “Huh! T-Trick or treat, smell my paws.”

“Yo, dawg! It's a straight up 9-1-1!” B-Dawg exclaimed out of fright. “B-Buddies, Pippsqueaks, you startled me there. What's the problem? Did someone steal Budderball's candy bag?” Deputy Sniffer asked with a small smile. “No. This is more serious than trick-or-treating,” Zelda responded seriously to this remark. “Oh, well, hi there, Zelda,” Deputy Sniffer greeted with surprise. “Deputy Sniffer, we have a HUGE problem,” Glory frowned. “The Howlloween Hound has been released!”

“I sense we have a few hours before the entire town is doomed and soon, after that, the whole world!” Zelda explained to the bloodhound in a rush. However, Deputy Sniffer could smell a prank a mile away, and he wasn't about to fall for this one. Though, he had to commend them for their effort. “You're quite the trickster, Zelda,” Deputy Sniffer said to the group with a small smile. “My great grandpappy, Tracker, used to tell me that old wives’ tale when I was just a pup. Scared the bejesus outta me.”

“We're telling you, Deputy Sniffer, the Howlloween Hound isn't just some old mares’ tale. He's real!” Seashell exclaimed, wondering just how many legends were real in this world. That's when Pipsqueak floated into view, and even he had to admit it, Deputy Sniffer was impressed. “Wow… great ghost costume.”

“It's not a costume, Deputy Sniffer,” Peach Fizz said as she shook her head. “He's a ghost.”

“See? I can float through walls,” Pipsqueak went to the sheriff's door and floated right through it to show him. Deputy Sniffer paled at the sight, his blood going cold as Pipsqueak came back through. But to be honest, three talking magical fillies was a crazier sight to see. “Whoa-ho-ho! Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle.”

Pipsqueak smiled at the old bloodhound, happy to know that the deputy was convinced of his existence. “My name is Pipsqueak. I knew your great grandpappy, Deputy Tracker. We could really use your help.”

That was when B-Dawg saw something approaching them. He couldn't tell what it was, but he had the feeling that he didn't want to find out. “Yo, dawgs. Something's comin’ our way!”

But as it turns out, when the others all turned to look at what B-Dawg saw, it was just Aurelia limping into view from the shadows of the trees. “Aurelia! Thank goodness you're okay!” Rosebud said in relief as the Pippsqueaks rushed over to help her. “You ARE okay, aren't you?” Seashell asked worriedly. “I’m alive,” Aurelia sighed, “if that’s what you mean.”

Pipsqueak rushed over, wishing he could hug her, but he settled for worried questions instead. “Aurelia, are you hurt? What happened? I was so worried about you! I'm sorry I left, I should've stayed behind! Where's the Howlloween Hound? How did you get back here?”

“Pipsqueak, Pipsqueak, calm down,” Aurelia said calmly. “Firstly, my leg is a little sore, but I can still move around all right. Secondly, it was better if you didn’t stay behind. Third… I’m not sure where the Hound is at the moment, and lastly… I followed your scents back here, just to ensure you all were safe.”

“Oh! Deputy Sniffer, this is Aurelia!” Seashell introduced. “Aurelia, this is Deputy Sniffer.”

“Yeah. Because of her, we had enough time to get away to come here,” Buddha told the bloodhound. “Without her, I'm not sure we would've beat the Howlloween Hound without getting caught.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Aurelia,” Deputy Sniffer said politely. “Likewise, deputy,” Aurelia tipped her head. “We thank you for everything, and with your help, the Howlloween Hound might be defeated for good.”

Truthfully, Aurelia was a little more injured than she let on, but she didn't want to worry Pipsqueak anymore than she already had. And Pipsqueak was a priority. She didn't want anyone else fussing over her if it meant interfering with the mission of getting Pipsqueak back to his body.

Suddenly, Deputy Sniffer glanced behind them to see a large hound approaching. “Uh… would this hound happen to be large and brown with green eyes?”

“Oh no!” Seashell shrieked. “He found us!”

“The long paw of the law will handle this intruder,” Deputy Sniffer said confidently. “You guys go.”

“Thank you, deputy,” Aurelia said, tipping her head. “This means more than you’ll ever know.”

“Hurry!” Zelda urged. “We have to get to the cemetary!”

The group then ran off, Aurelia flying in the air so her injured leg wouldn't slow them down. At that moment, Deputy Sniffer stood up to face the Hound and buy the others some time. “Stop! In the name of the law!”

The Hound approached Deputy Tracker, not the least bit worried about being stopped. “Time to meet your fate.”

“You’re under arrest!” Deputy Sniffer barked. But suddenly, the Howlloween Hound let out a howl, emitting smoke from his mouth and surprising Deputy Sniffer entirely. “What in tarnation do you…?”

But Deputy Sniffer was cut off as he was suddenly turned to stone. That left the Hound to go and find the others on his own.

XXXXXXXX

Back inside Town Hall, the Mane 6 and Sparky managed to keep the Buddies’ kids out of Mr. Carroll’s sight for a while…

…but that didn’t keep him out of the sight of Mrs. Carroll, who was at the party for her husband to participate in the costume contest. “Oh, there you are, Frank!” she said as soon as she saw him, not realizing her husband was being mind-controlled to find the ponies and kids. “You didn't tell me you left early for the party! C'mon, the contest is starting and you're a shoo in!”

Mrs. Carroll dragged her husband toward the stage, where the costume contest was supposed to occur. At the same time, Warwick entered the building and stalked around for the Buddies’ kids and the ponies, when he suddenly got thrown into a dance with Billy’s mom. “Oh, I love your costume! You're a wizard, right?” said Billy’s mom. “You’re a wizard, right?”

“I am a warlock, madam,” Warwick said, unsure of why he was doing this, “and I'm not wearing a costume! Now unhand me, you crazy kitty cat!”

At that moment, the music ended, causing the crowd to cheer as Sheriff Dan came onstage in an old-timey sheriff's outfit for his costume. “OK, all right. OK, all right,” he said as all the finalists for the costume contest made their way onto the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen, please, a round of applause for the finalists for most original costume. Okay, you've all got your numbers...”

When the Mane 6 and the kids heard Sheriff Dan announce the start of the contest on stage, they rushed there, knowing there wasn't a moment to lose, oblivious to the fact that Mr. Carroll was headed there himself.

Billy ran on stage, the others stopping at the front of the crowd. Sunny went on stage with Billy, acting like a bodyguard, in case Warwick or Mr. Carroll tried anything. “Sheriff! Sheriff! I've really gotta talk to you!” Billy called as he and Sunny joined the Sheriff on stage. “It's really really important.”

“INCREDIBLY important!” Sunny whispered in agreement. “In a jiffy, you two. I just have to announce the winner, all right?” Sheriff Dan brushed off, before turning back to the crowd, despite Billy's protests. “Ladies and gentlemen…”

As Sheriff Dan started to announce the winner, Zipp noticed Mr. Carroll standing on stage in the line-up, holding a sign that had the number five on it, which caused her to gasp. It didn't seem like Mr. Carroll noticed them yet, which meant they had the advantage. “Sunny!”

“Drum roll, please,” Sheriff Dan requested the band. “Sunny!” Zipp called a little louder, though it was still a whisper, and it was still as effective as Billy was in his attempt to get the sheriff's attention. “The winner is… Frank Carroll!” Sheriff Dan announced as a spotlight fell upon him. “Franken-Dude!”

While Mrs. Carroll screamed in excitement, Billy and Sunny tensed upon hearing Mr. Carroll's name, both of them taking a cautious step back. Warwick, who had entered the building to track Mr. Carroll's progress, had pushed himself to the front of the crowd to get the perfect view of the stage.

He groaned in frustration when he saw Mr. Carroll accepting an award completely oblivious to the young warlock, his target, who was not even fifteen feet away from him. “Useless monster!” he muttered. “Must I do everything myself?”

It was then Mr. Carroll noticed his target: the staff. The Frankendude zombie walked towards the two of them, his arms out. Sunny stepped in front of Billy but was knocked out of the way by Mr. Carroll, falling to the floor.

That’s when Mrs. Carroll pulled out her camera for a celebratory photo. “Say cheese!”

The picture was taken a second later, blinding Mr. Carroll and causing him to be disoriented. He stumbled to the edge of the stage, tripping over his own feet and tumbling off the stage and right on top of Warwick, who was approaching the stage to get the staff himself.

This caused the ponies to gasp and Mrs. Carroll to scream in fright. “Heavens to Betsy!” Sheriff Dan announced as the crowd gasped at the fallen pair. Billy stared down at Mr. Carroll with wide eyes for a moment before turning back to Sheriff Dan. “Somebody had a bit too much spooky punch.”

Sunny was already up on her hooves and next to Billy, giving him a nod, before staring down at Mr. Carroll, as a sign that she'd keep an eye on him as Billy talked to the sheriff. She didn't see the warlock yet, since Mr. Carroll's body blocked him from view.

Billy tapped Sheriff Dan's shoulder, and he leaned down to Billy, who quickly whispered in his ear, “You know that story about the warlock? Hypothetically speaking, could Warwick return to Fernfield, even if it was, like, 75 years ago?”

Sheriff Dan thought for a moment before answering. “Billy, it's Halloween! All the scariest monsters return this time of‐-”

“Billy! Look out!” Sunny exclaimed, interrupting the sheriff, pointing a hoof towards Warwick, who had gotten free from Mr. Carroll's body, thanks to the help of Mrs. Carroll and others, and was now hurrying to the stage.

But before Billy could react, Warwick was already on him, wrestling with him for the staff. “Give the staff to me, boy!” Warwick demanded as the two of them struggled. “It belongs to me, Warwick! The greatest warlock of all time!”

“I've gotta return that to Sheriff Dan!” Billy exclaimed, trying to get out of Warwick's grasp. Sunny looked around, racking her brain for something that could save her friend, without hurting Billy. Or anybody else. She thought about levitating Billy out of the way, but she could end up levitating Warwick by accident too, giving him the advantage. She may have been the alicorn, but she wasn't confident with her magic enough to use it to help Billy without hurting him.

Plus, she had to be careful when it came to that staff. It was clear that the staff was unstable, if the accidental sparks from earlier were any indication, and one wrong wave could hurt somebody.

That was when an idea struck her.

When she looked back up at the struggling pair, she saw that Warwick had the staff, but still wouldn't let go of Billy. “What have you done with my book?!”

“Now, sir!” Sheriff Dan called, distracting Warwick. “That my friend is a party foul! Unhand that boy! Enough monkey business!”

“Billy!” Sunny cried. “Duck!”

Once Billy did this, this gave Sunny the opportunity to grab the staff with her magic. Warwick, prioritizing the staff, let go of Billy so he could grab onto it with both hands. Billy didn't stick around so Warwick could grab him again.

He jumped off the stage and, upon seeing this, Misty knew it was the right time to leave. “Come on, guys! Hurry!”

The others quickly followed Billy out of the building and through the crowd. They all ran to the exit when Hitch skidded to a stop, noticing Sunny was still on stage, wrestling Warwick for the staff with her magic. She never intended to win the staff over, if he wanted it that badly he could keep it, but she wanted to keep him distracted enough for her friends to escape. “Hitch!” Misty called, noticing Hitch had stopped and skidded to a stop herself. “Come on!”

Hitch hesitated before turning to Misty and giving her the baby dragon that was riding on his back. “Take Sparky and get out of here! I'm not leaving Sunny!”

Knowing there was nothing she could say to talk Hitch out of it, she gripped Sparky with her magic, put him on her back, and ran out of Town Hall.

As Hitch and Misty talked with each other, Sunny and Warwick struggled for the staff. Suddenly, the staff jerked and a wayward beam erupted from it, right into Sheriff Dan. Both of them froze and looked down at Sheriff Dan, but instead of a man in an old-timey cop costume, there was a monkey in an old-timey cop costume. “What in tarnation?” he asked, both of them clearly understanding the monkey. “Oops,” Sunny muttered, her ears flattening and her face blushing in embarrassment. “That was NOT supposed to happen!”

“SUNNY!!!”

That sounded like Hitch! Sunny turned to see Hitch in the middle of the crowd. She glanced at Warwick and Sheriff Monkey before flying off towards the exit, Hitch trailing close behind. “You're under arrest!” Sheriff Dan announced, much like Deputy Sniffer did. “For insulting an officer of the law!”

Unlike Deputy Sniffer, Sheriff Dan had more luck when he attacked Warwick, climbing atop him and smacking him on the forehead. The audience, believing this all to be part of the show, laughed and hooted at the pair, pulling out their phones to record the interaction. Sheriff Dan then climbed off of Warwick when he realized this was going nowhere and ran off stage and towards the exit.

“Great trick!” Billy’s mother said with a smile. “Just fabulous!”

As the audience applauded, Warwick got caught up in the moment. “Thank you! It's good to be loved!”

He hiccuped, quickly becoming the laughingstock of the audience. He sneered before dropping his staff and jumping on top of it. “But it's better to be feared!” Warwick cackled before flying out of Town Hall in pursuit of the young boy and pony. “Wow!” Mrs. Carroll said, amazed with the feat. “That was amazing!”

The audience didn't think anything of it, thinking it was all a trick and applauding. When Warwick was out of sight, they continued their festivities, dancing to the music as though there was no tomorrow.

XXXXXXX

Billy ran through the exit of Town Hall to see his friends waiting for him outside. He skidded to a stop, glancing behind him, his body full of panic. “Dude! Did you get the staff to Sheriff Dan?” Pete asked, causing Billy to shake his head. “I don't know, dawg! Last time I saw it, Sunny was wrestling Warwick for it!”

“And where are they?” Misty asked, stepping forward, Sparky still on her back. That was when Sunny and Hitch burst through the doors of Town Hall, both of them out of breath. Misty and Zipp hurried over to them, making sure they were okay. Once Hitch caught his breath, Misty gave Sparky back to him, softly setting him on his back with her magic.

That was when Billy noticed neither of them had the staff. “Yo dawgs, where's the staff? Is it with Sheriff Dan?”

“Well…” Sunny hesitated, “...sort of.”

“Uh…what do you mean by sort of?” Zipp asked, narrowing her eyes at the pair. “Does he or does he not have it?”

“Uh…” Sunny trailed off, biting her lower lip, not sure how to answer that particular question. How could she tell them that she and Warwick accidentally turned Sheriff Dan into Sheriff Monkey?

Suddenly, the door to Town Hall opened, and a monkey came wandering out, chittering. “Hey,” Bartleby said, pointing down at it. “Is that a… a monkey?”

“And why is he dressed like Sheriff Dan?” Pipp asked, looking down at it, twisting her lips. “That IS Sheriff Dan!” Hitch blurt out to his friends, not able to take the secret any longer.

The kids and ponies looked at each other confused, but before any of them could ask anything, Sheriff Dan spoke. “Run, kids! He's coming!”

And with that, Sheriff Dan ran off before the kids and ponies began to run themselves. “But wait a sec!” Izzy cried out to her friends. “Where’s Warwick?”

As though summoned, Warwick came down from above behind them, cackling evilly. “There you are!”

They skidded to a stop, not sure where to go next. Sunny jumped in front of them, flaring her wings, glaring at Warwick, ready for round two. “Does that answer your question?” Zipp asked sarcastically, skidding to a stop with the rest of them to face Warwick, flaring her own wings, and scraping her hoof on the ground. “Uh-huh!” Izzy nodded fearfully, but stood with her friends to protect the kids. “Now, where is that book?” Warwick asked as he flew towards them. “Or do you all wanna be turned into monkeys, too? The first time may have been an accident, but I can sure as heck do it again.”

“No, really, Mister, we don't know where the book is!” Billy pleaded, not even knowing what book he was talking about, let alone where it was. “Wrong answer, boy!” Warwick said. “You better stop while you can, Warwick!” Sunny snarled. “We are the protectors of Equestria, and you’re not going to hurt our friends as long as we’re around!”

“Then I suppose I’ll have to get rid of you pests first, alicorn!”

As Warwick started to cast a spell, a man approached behind him, a shovel in hand. Sunny, recognizing this man, barely spared him a glance before looking at Warwick, not wanting to give him away. As the man lifted his shovel, Sunny held Warwick still with a levitation spell, giving the man the perfect opportunity to hit Warwick on the back of the head with the shovel, causing Warwick to drop to the ground.

The man glanced down at Warwick before looking at the kids and ponies. “Hurry!” he said, stepping over Warwick's body. “Come with me!”

He hurried past the group, but when they made no move to follow him, he turned back towards them. “Before it's too late! Come on!”

The kids and ponies looked at each other, before shrugging and following the old man. It wasn't like they were abundant in options and Warwick was already groaning. They followed the old man to a black car, all of them piling into the vehicle just as Warwick was starting to come to.

The old man got into the driver's side, turning on the car, and driving away just as Warwick stood up. Warwick watched them drive away with a glare, beside himself that they got away again. “They won’t get far…” he promised with a vengeful look, internally promising himself that he was willing to do anything just to get his hands on that book.