It was a beautiful day in Equestria.

The sun was up, birds singing, a fresh breeze in the air.

Day, me say day-o
Daylight come and me wan' go home

Someone was clearly in agreement with it as, down the road, pulling from a dark purple gothic-looking wagon, was a young mare with pale grey (almost white) fur, midnight black tail and mane (this one styled in a tall, gravity defying bun held by a purple ribbon) and black eyes with purple mascara over then.

Her cutie mark resembled an old oil lamp with bat wings

Day, me say day, me say day, me say day
Daylight come and me wan' go home

At the end of her song she reached the top of a hill looking down at a town.

"finally Ponyville" she called with a smile "home of princess Twilight, and princess Luna favorite spot for Nightmare night" she said excited "this was a great idea, just before the celebration this will be perfect time and spot to sell costumes" she said in happy tone "dont you think?" she turned to her side.

Where a white bunny was eating a carrot.

The animal turned confused at her...was she talking to him?

"I know i cant wait to start" she said as she continue her way sining

Day-o, day-o
Daylight come and me wan' go home

The bunny just give her a "weirdo" look; not noticing its carrot turning black and white stripped

And when he wanted to take another bite

ROOOOOAAAAAA!!!!

It suddenly roared opening like a maw filled with fangs

Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!

The bunny leaped in fear before fleeing as the carrot returned to normal

"Hehehehehe" and an evil chuckled was heard as a shadow followed the retreating mare.

(Carousel boutique)

Rarity was humming happily as she opened a curtain letting the sun in.

Opening the window she took a deep breath

"Umm yes...I can smell it, Nightmare night approaches, which mean times for carousel boutique´s horror fashion special to start!!!" she called in decisive/excited tone as she turned into her workshop to see dozens of mannequins dressed in beautiful costumes "ohh i can already seeing it...ponies rushing in to get the last fashion for Nightmare night" she said dusting off a princess costume "showing off to their friends and love ones" she played with the tail of a mer-pony costume "which in turn will rush in to get their own" she giggled tip-toeing around a classic vampire outfit "ohhhh the workload will be huge..but as a proud designer i will sacrifice myself to see ponies enjoying and showcasing my work to the masses!!" she declared in dramatic tone as she used her magic to set a crown on a mannequin with a queen outfit "hehehe sometimes being the only boutique in town can be both exhausting but so gratifying" she giggled as she moved to the door "but before attending the crowds of ponies i will need my morning tea"

With that the white unicorn descended the stairs towards the kitchen.

"Left...i said Left..." hearing the voice of her sister as she walked through the living room.

"Morning Sweetie Belle" she greeted.

"Morning Rarity" Sweetie´s head greeted from the floor.

The unicorn reached the kitchen, a teapot already set on the counter, she served on a cup, added some honey and lemon, took a deep sip.

Her eyes open wide

PFFFF

and spitted all the tea; rushing back to the living room.

"come on...YOUR left" Sweetie´s head called as her body (dressed in a dark uniform suit-like costume) walked and stumbled ON ITS OWN against the center table. "Oh come on! its not that hard!!" she huffed before noticing her sister "Hey Rarity could you help me here?"

Rarity´s eye twitched.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

And her scream was heard from outside the building

(Cue theme song)

(Ponyville market)

"So Fluttershy...Nightmare Night is coming soon" said Twilight as she walked side by side the yellow pegasus "I suppose you will be bunkering down on your house again?"

"Oh yes...well...Im getting there" answered Fluttershy "there is still time but...well..it seems this year will be more frightening...if Angel is already like this" she turned her head showing her bunny grasping at her head with all his strength while trembling with a frightened look in his face "he has been like this since yesterday for some reason"

"That's...." Twilight frown looking to the rabbit having never seen Fluttershy pet behave like this "A bit concerning..." She admitted rubbing her chin with her hoof "he almost looks like he's seen a ghost or something." She observed with a slight joking tone.

"I hope not...nor that someone had scare him as a prank" Fluttershy added with some heat (for her) in her tone.

No one messed with her animals after all.

"For now i want to get some fresh carrots for him and spend a calm quiet day without anything surprising him..."

"TWILIGHT!!!"

"Ahhhhhhh!!!!"

The bunny cried in shock as he fell off Fluttershy falling stiff as a board on the ground as Rarity rushed to the duo.

"COME QUICK...SWEETIE..MAGIC...HELP!!!!" the white unicorn didnt lose time grabbing the Alicorn in her magical aura before rushing back from where she came from with Twilight behind.

"Woah woah!!! Rarity!!!" she protested by the sudden kidnap.

Fluttershy remained there, blinking finding herself alone.

"I..umm...see you...later?" she said really confused not really knowing what to do outside picking up her bunny "ummm yeah..." so confuse she was at the situation, that she didnt noticed a stopwatch suddenly appearing behind her...until she turned around "umm?" and began following it with her eyes

(Carousel boutique)

"What in Equestria?" Twilight said in shock as she was rushed into the boutique...and saw Sweetie Belle

"Oh hey Twilight" greeted the filly, still dressed in the suit...with her head held in one hoof...as she walked to them.

"I...ah...you..." Twilight found herself stammering at the sight she had seen a lot of things since first moving to Ponyville, but this had to be one of the more shocking...not to mention morbid sights she had ever seen but she managed to shake off her shock before giving Sweetie Belle a worried look "Sweetie! What in Celestia's name happen to you!?"

The head blinked

"what do you mean?" she asked.

"what do...SWEETIE BELLE...YOUR HEAD!!!!" yelled stressed Rarity.

Blink

Blink

"Ohhhhh! you mean my new costume?" she asked making a spin "isnt it great?" she asked passing her head to her other hoof.

"Costume?!"The older two mares exclaimed exchanging confused looks.

"How in the holy name of fashion is...THIS!" Rarity pointed at Sweetie Belle "A costume?!"

Blink

Blink

"Wait...YOU BOUGHT A COSTUME..OUTSIDE THE BOUTIQUE?!!!" yelled Rarity feeling betrayed

Her own sister..brought somepony´else clothes!!!

"Rarity!" scowled Twilight feeling there was more important questions to do "Sweetie Belle where you get the costume?"

"oh from the new boutique that just opened close to the market" answered the filly walking and picking up a bag "here...see?"

The bag had a sign that Twilight read.

"ENCHANTED COSTUME: HEADLESS-HORSE...This product has the beetle seal of approval at being only sell at the Scary Boutique" and indeed there was a green seal of an...ugly beetle giving...thumbs up?

"Hmm...enchanted costumes?" Twilight muttered out with a speculative look before turning her head to Sweetie Belle her horn lighting up as she prepared to exam her and this costume...while Rarity on the other hand...

"This..this...this is an outrage!"

Was suddenly finding herself focused on more important matters than her sisters disembodied state as she glared at the bag.

"How dare someone just open up a rival boutique in my home, but also have the nerve to use my own sister against me!" She exclaimed out with a dramatic huff.

Sweetie Blinked while Twilight rolled her eyes.

"Well NOT on my watch!!"

And before the two could protest both were grabbed by Rarity´s telekinetic hold and dragged.

"we are going there RIGHT NOW and give them a piece of my mind!!"

"wait Rarity!!! wait a moment!!!" Twilight protested...only to be ignore as they rushed through town again.

They passed a mail pony who looked at them confused before opening a mailbox

Grrrrr

From where a red clawed, black and white monster hand emerged grabbing the letters causing the pony to scream in fright and ran away.

(Not long after)

After finally get Rarity to put them down, the trio of mares reached their destination.

"here it is" said Sweetie still head in hoof as she pointed to the store.

Well it was actually a big circus tent..colored a dark purple and giving a "haunted house" vibe on it thanks to the bat and spider decorations on it.

In the front was a sign that red "SCARY BOUTIQUE: Nightmare night costumes and decorations"

Letters in purple..but with bug drawings on it.

"Well...they certainly stick to the theme i'll give them that much." Rarity muttered out with a huff wearing a heavy scowl "But if they think they can scare about the competition from their own home no less ohohoho.." Rarity gave a dark glare, "they have another thing coming!" She said with what could be called a snarl as Sweetie and Twilight looked over at her in concern.

"Uh...maybe you should calm down before you do something you'll regret Rarity." Twilight said nervously.

"the only thing Im regretting is not getting this...wanna-be costume out my sister and thats ending now" she called pulling Sweetie and entering "I want to make a refund!!"

Twilight followed quickly.

Inside was actually well illuminated with rows and rows of costumes and decorations in their own isle. mannequins were dressed in costumes, really scary costumes of monsters of different types and looks.

Fake spider webs, bats and the like hanged from the ceiling while jack-o-lanterns lights decorated the walls.

Walls that had painted classic horror settings like houses, forests and graveyards on them.

"Hmm have to say whoever owns this place really went all out with the decorations..." Twilight muttered out with an appreciative hum.

"Thank you..Im really proud of it" a young voice called making Twilight turn to see a young pale coated Earth pony mare "and..let me say is an honor having you on my store your highness" the girl bowed to her.

"Oh uh...please no bowing.." Twilight said with a sheepish chuckle and grin honestly not used to that kinda treatment even now, "I might be a princess.." Her wings flared out for emphasis for a moment, "but really i'm just like any other pony.." she said with a chuckle before blinking and arching a brow, "And do you work here?" she inquired with the mare raising her head shaking it.

"Owns it actually.." the young male said with a soft smile with Twilight arching a brow at seeing a pony her age already operating her own business like this.

"Im Lydia..nice to meet you" she introduced herself "Owner and designer of Scary Boutique"

"And i'm Twilight Sparkle though you ah already knew that.." Twilight said with a embarrassed giggle before smiling at Lydia, "it's a pleasure to meet you Lydia..." she added looking around the boutique "you've certainly got yourself an impressive store here."

"Thanks" smiled the mare "you dont know how excited i was about opening..and i even had a couple of costumers already"

"Ah yes...i've actually seen your work..." Twilight stated with a slight frown "And I was wondering if I could ask you about your.." she started to say before being cut off.

"So you're the hooligan who thinks she can open up in my own back yard and sell her rival merchandise to my sister!"

By an angry Rarity stomping forward.

Lydia blinked

"Ehhhh..what?"

"Rarity!" scoffed Twilight using her magic to stop her friend from moving "sorry about that..its just..well we have questions about the..costume you sell this one" she said signaling Sweetie Belle to approach

"Hey miss!" she greeted.

"oh hello little one..is the costume working for you?" asked Lydia with a smile.

"Yeah it's really great! My friends are going to be so jealous!" Sweetie told her with a eager smile and even a happy hop.

"yes..well...sorry we are wondering" Twilight tried agin.

"HOW WE GET THAT THING OFF HER!!!" Rarity roared in anger.

Lydia blinked.

"Im sorry...didnt you read the instructions?" she asked making the trio blink.

"Instructions?" asked Twilight.

"yes all the costumes come with an instruction sheet for its use" explained the pale pony "it must be on the bag"

At that Twilight frowned levitating out the bag only for Rarity to quickly rip it out of her grasp with a slight frantic look to her eyes.

And low and behold..there was a sheet on the bottom.

HEADLESS-HORSE COSTUME INSTRUCTIONS.

STEP ONE: to activate the magic just put on the costume remembering to button up and put on all the accesories.

STEP TWO: for realism only gave your head a little pull.

TO TAKE OFF COSTUME:

STEP ONE: put your head back in place.

STEP TWO: unbutton the costume and retire.

"Hmm simple enough instructions for some very impressive magic.." Twilight observed reading over Rarity shoulder.

"Hehe thank you, really tried my best." Lydia said with a proud smile.

However Rarity wasnt interested; in hurry she used her magic to put her sister´s head back in place, then unbutton the neck of the costume...and take the whole thing off in one go.

"RARITY!!" cried Sweetie Belle using her tail to cover herself

However Rarity ignored her sister while levitating the outfit over to Lydia.

"Here! And we'll be taking a refund thank you very much!" she added with a huff.

"Oh? there was any issue with it?" she asked confused "I could offer you another costume in exchange"

"The issue.." Rarity said between gritting teeth "is my little sister buying merchandise from the competition!"

"Hey! i liked that costume and i bought it with my money!" protested Sweetie Belle.

"And yet you knew perfectly well that you have Equestria finest seamstress as your older sister who would have made you a costume for free." Rarity said shooting her sister a look.

"Huff yeah but..you do always the same costumes each year...I want to try something new and excited" scoffed the filly.

At this Rarity let out an offended gasp.

"My costumes are exciting!" She exclaimed in offense and actually a little bit of genuinely hurt leaking out at the statement from her own sister no less!

"ehhh" Lydia didnt know how to take this.

"Dont worry...Rarity is just...a bit overprotective thats all" said Twilight levitating the costume into the bag and saddle it on "we will keep the costume...and i like to say Im quite curious about them..you made them yourself?"

Lydia smiled at that.

"Indeed I seamed and created all my costumes and decorations" she said with pride as she walked towards a mother/filly duo checking a costume "although I didnt casted the spells but did make sure they do exactly what they suppose to do" she added as the filly put on a dark Butterfly costume (wings included) "basically they let you turn you physically into what they represent" Lydia grabbed a hairband with antennas "but for it to work you must have ALL the costume on" she put it on the filly and immediately the wings began flapping and the filly began flying much to her delight "for it to stop only take one part off and you return to normal" she gave the bag to the mother who smiled and passed her some coins for the costume before leaving with the filly flying behind her "all the costumes are tested and have instructions for each of them"

"Impressive this is some incredible level of enchantments." Twilight said with a grin and a nod, "I know some graduates from Celestia´s school for gifted unicorns who wouldn't be able to pull this off." She noted to the young earth pony.

"Hehehe thanks" smiled Lydia "i will make sure to pass the compliment" she said "if want to try something we have adult size costumes for all pony-kinds" she said with a wink.

Twilight actually began thinking about it.

"Forget it!!" exclaimed Rarity pulling the princess away "No friend of mine will buy anything from..." she stopped as she bumped into something...white and Sticky? "Aggg!!"

"Oh sorry Rarity" said...Fluttershy?!!!

Yes it was the shy pegasus...only now she looked a bit pale...and was covered in some white...cloth? no wait...were those SPIDERWEBS?!!

"How is treating you the spiderweb costume miss Shy?" asked Lydia.

"hehehe I wasnt sure..but i think I like it..and the company is quite charming" she said as some red spiders began crawling on her.

Same red spiders Rarity saw were on her mane.

"Grlrt....flutter.... Fluttershy...." Rarity stutter out turning pale.

"Fluttershy? what you doing here?" asked Twilight in confusion.

"oh well..after you and Rarity left well...I found this shop and..I dont know..got curious" said the pegasus "and Miss Lydia have been so kind and well...I felt bad to not try at least one of the costumes she makes"

Rarity eye was twitching for more then reason the sight of Fluttershy and the fact the competition was trying to use both her friends and family against her!

"But you hate Nightmare night!!" called the unicorn in disbelief "I have been dying to get you on a costume yet every year you simply hide away!!!"

And really she had so what made this upstarts work so special?!

"I mean...i still do..and i will ummm" Fluttershy looked away "but ummm...this costume...is quite comfy"

"and my costumes aren't!?" Rarity exclaimed out, "Also how in the name of common decency do spiders crawling all over you equate to comfortableness!"

"well...they...tickle...in a good way..." Fluttershy looked away.

Rarity simply shot her a look of disbelief while Twilight was questioning Lydia a bit more.

"So you're new to Ponyville?" Twilight question with a arched brow her mind going to her party loving friend and wondering if Lydia had a welcome to ponyville party heading her way.

"Indeed" said Lydia "just arrived yesterday...had to find a nice spot and set the store" she explained "just opened today" she said proudly.

"And you already seem to be doing good with your business." Twilight noted seeing quite a few happy customers browsing the wares.

"yeah..is a bit slow but being so close to Nightmare Night i trust soon will have the place full" said Lydia with a smile "does help my...associate probably went out to promote the store"

"Associate?" Twilight inquired with an arched brow.

"Just s close friend who helped make this possible" Lydia said with a giggle.

"its he the one making the spells?" wondered Twilight

"Indeed" said Lydia "I make the clothes he spells it..couldnt have done this without him" she added with a grateful smile "He always is there to support me when i need it"

"That sounds wonderful, Always good to see friends helping each other." The princess of friendship said with a genuine wide smile before giving off an eager look, "and if he's the one behind these enchantments I would love to meet him!"

"Oh!" suddenly Lydia stiffed "umm I...maybe? think he is out now..and well..." she scratched her head nervously "he is...well..a bit chaotic when meeting someone"

"Hehe dont worry I'm used to dealing with chaotic personalities..." Twilight said back with a snort "if you dont believe me just ask pinkie pie or Discord"

"hehehe if say so...i will comment him once he gets back" Lydia said "and..returning to costumes I think i have something here that might be of your liking"

Rarity had enough

"Sorry but she already had a designer with a costume ready for her!" called the unicorn quickly using her magic to drag Twilight and Sweetie belle away and out the store.

Lydia blinked at this...that was...unexpected.

"Ummm...goodbye" said Fluttershy as her friends walked away from her for the second time that day "ummm..." she turned to Lydia "do you have something for bunnies...or birds...or animal in general?" she asked.

Blinking Lydia decided to simply archive that for later.

"Sure we have an entire section for pets" she said with a smile "want me to show you?"

"ohh yes please! I'm sure so many of my animal friends will look adorable dress up!" Fluttershy said with a clap of her hooves.

Lydia smiled and guided Fluttershy to that section of the store

Author's Note

Happy Halloween and Nightmare night to all bronies, pegasisters and fans of horror/comedy cartoons of the 90´s