Equestria Girls Trick or Treat Tales

Equestria Girls: Trick or Treat Tales #5 - Blood Moon Bedlam

The city of Canterlot had always taken Halloween seriously, but there was one event that outshone them all—the annual Blood Moon Ball. Hosted every October 31st at City Hall, it was an elegant, spooky masquerade that gathered guests from all over. City Hall transformed into a gothic dreamland, complete with chandeliers dripping in cobwebs, walls lined with dark roses, and moonlight streaming through stained glass windows that cast eerie red hues over the hall.

Rarity was practically giddy as she and Applejack approached the entrance, both dressed in costumes they’d worked on for weeks. Rarity wore an intricate Victorian vampire ensemble—a gown of midnight black with a high lace collar, red velvet accents, and a jeweled necklace that sparkled like drops of blood. Her mask was delicate and elaborate, embroidered with intricate silver designs.

Applejack, on the other hand, had chosen a more rustic, yet striking outfit—a cowgirl with a dark twist. She wore her signature hat but added dark feathers and fringe, with a long leather coat and lace gloves that gave her an edgy look. Her mask was simpler, but it suited her perfectly, blending a touch of elegance with her trademark charm.

“Now, darling, remember,” Rarity began, giving Applejack a mischievous look, “we are here to have fun, to dance, and to embrace the glamorous side of Halloween. No mention of hay bales, no boots on the furniture, and definitely no talk of the farm.”

Applejack chuckled, adjusting her hat. “Alright, sugarcube. I reckon I can behave myself, at least for one night. But if they’re servin’ those fancy hors d’oeuvres, don’t be surprised if I sneak a few extra.”

The two girls laughed, stepping through the grand doors and into the lavishly decorated ballroom. Inside, the place was breathtaking. Guests milled about in gorgeous costumes—vampires, phantoms, mythical creatures—each mask more elaborate than the last. The air was filled with the sound of haunting music, as a string quartet played a waltz that echoed through the hall.

Rarity’s eyes sparkled as she took it all in. “Oh, Applejack, isn’t it simply magical?”

Applejack nodded, though her focus was more on the food tables that lined the far end of the room, each stacked with delicate pastries, tiny sandwiches, and bubbling glasses of punch.

“Sure is, Rarity. Magical and mighty fancy.” She offered her arm with a grin. “Shall we?”

They spent the next hour enjoying the festivities, mingling with the other guests, and taking turns on the dance floor. Rarity was in her element, gracefully gliding in and out of conversations with ease, while Applejack did her best to keep up, even if she felt a bit out of place.

The ball was in full swing when suddenly, a gust of cold wind swept through the hall. The chandeliers flickered, and a low murmur spread through the crowd as the front doors burst open. Standing in the doorway was a figure cloaked in shadows, his face obscured by a red-and-black mask, with piercing eyes that seemed to glow in the dim light.

Rarity gasped softly, feeling a shiver run down her spine. Applejack narrowed her eyes, instinctively moving a little closer to her friend.

The figure stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate. As he reached the center of the ballroom, he raised his arms, his voice echoing throughout the hall.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he announced with a sly grin, “forgive the intrusion. I am Red Jack, and I’m here to… liven up the festivities.”

With a snap of his fingers, a group of masked figures dressed in red-and-black outfits poured into the room, each wearing a wicked grin. They called themselves the Jack Squad, notorious pranksters who had gained a reputation for causing mischief around Canterlot every Halloween. But this year, it seemed they had planned something far grander.

One of the Jack Squad members—a tall, lean girl with wild pink hair and a toothy grin—tossed handfuls of red confetti into the air, which exploded into glittering sparks that dazzled and disoriented the guests. Another member, a lanky boy dressed as a skeleton, began rearranging the tables, turning them into barricades and pathways that led toward the center of the room, creating a chaotic maze.

Rarity, appalled by the scene unfolding around her, turned to Applejack. “This is outrageous! We simply cannot let these hooligans ruin the ball!”

Applejack clenched her fists, her eyes narrowing. “I couldn’t agree more. I say we show ol’ Red Jack he picked the wrong night for his pranks.”

But before they could act, Red Jack raised a hand, motioning for silence. “Now, now, folks. Don’t be alarmed! We’re just here to have a little fun. Let’s call it… a game.” His eyes gleamed with mischief. “The Blood Moon has special powers, after all, and tonight, we’ll see who’s got the courage to face the unknown!”

With that, the lights dimmed, casting the ballroom in shadows. The only light came from the blood-red moon shining through the windows, giving everything a surreal, ominous glow.

Rarity and Applejack exchanged a glance, their resolve strengthening. “I’ll take the left side,” Applejack said, her voice steady. “You cover the right. Let’s clear this place out.”

As they moved through the chaos, Rarity used her quick thinking and grace to weave between the Jack Squad members, disarming their pranks and distracting them with her words. She spun her way through, using her charm to confuse and delay them, drawing their attention just long enough for Applejack to sneak up from behind.

Applejack, meanwhile, tackled things in her own straightforward way. She used her strength to tip over tables, clearing paths for the other guests to escape. She grabbed a curtain rope and swung across the room, landing with a graceful thud and cutting off one of Red Jack’s followers who had been about to set up another trap.

Red Jack watched their efforts with a bemused expression, his grin growing wider. “Impressive, ladies,” he called out. “But you’ll have to do better than that if you want to keep up with me.”

With a wave of his hand, he summoned more of his crew, who quickly surrounded Rarity and Applejack. The two friends stood back-to-back, eyeing the circle of grinning faces around them.

“You don’t scare us, Red Jack,” Applejack said, her voice low and steady. “Now call off your crew, or we’ll make you.”

Red Jack laughed, a deep, sinister sound. “Oh, I like your spirit, cowgirl. But you’re outnumbered.”

Just then, a voice echoed from the shadows. “She may be outnumbered, but she’s not alone!”

To their surprise, the remaining guests, emboldened by Rarity and Applejack’s bravery, began to step forward, forming a line behind them. Dressed in their costumes, they looked like an army of mythical creatures, vampires, and ghouls, ready to stand up to Red Jack and his Jack Squad.

Red Jack hesitated, glancing around as the guests closed in. Applejack seized the moment, lunging forward and grabbing hold of Red Jack’s mask. With one swift motion, she pulled it off, revealing a young man with a freckled face and fiery red hair that looked more mischievous than menacing.

The room fell silent as everyone stared at him, and for a moment, Red Jack’s confidence faltered.

“Well, would you look at that,” Applejack said, smirking. “All bark and no bite.”

Rarity crossed her arms, giving Red Jack a disapproving look. “I think it’s time you and your little friends made an exit. Halloween is a time for fun, not ruining everyone else’s night.”

Red Jack’s cheeks flushed, but he managed a defiant grin. “Alright, alright, no need to get so serious. We were just having a bit of fun.” He gave a theatrical bow, motioning for his Jack Squad to follow. “Come on, team. Looks like the party’s over.”

The Jack Squad shuffled out, casting a few sheepish glances back at the crowd. The guests watched them go, and as the doors closed, a cheer went up. Rarity and Applejack exchanged a triumphant smile, glad to have restored the peace.

With the troublemakers gone, the ballroom staff quickly reset the tables, and the string quartet resumed their haunting waltz. The guests returned to dancing, and the atmosphere returned to its elegant, magical feel.

Applejack offered her hand to Rarity, her grin playful. “How about one last dance, partner? You’ve more than earned it.”

Rarity took her hand, giving a slight curtsy. “Why, Applejack, I thought you’d never ask.”

As they danced across the ballroom floor, the blood-red moon shone through the windows, illuminating them with a warm glow. The chaos of the night was behind them, and the Blood Moon Ball continued, a night of beauty, mystery, and just a touch of danger—one they would remember for years to come.